My Dream

"Hmm~~~..."

Early in the morning, Nina made a sound of embarrassment.

She was in the sparsely populated study room, looking at the many

textbooks and reference books spread out on the desk.

"Guian, Nina."

"Ah, Milly-senpai."

A goblin who was three years older than her passed by and spoke to her.

Mililia, who allowed Nina to call her by her pet name, was a member of the

"Seventh Team" of [Badelban]. Unlike the "Third Team", which is known

as the worst team in history, it is a high-ranking group in the field of combat

skills.

And she, a true elite, takes good care of her half-elf in every aspect.

"It's so rare. Nina, the top student, would sit at the desk and be embarrassed.

Could it be that she doesn't understand something?"

"Ah, no. I was just trying to make notes for Lapi-kun."

"Rapi? That new student?"

Mililia was surprised, and then Nina said "Yes!" with a smile on her face.

"Lapi-kun is amazing! He obviously has no knowledge at all, but he has

been working hard to keep up with the progress of the course! He can still

keep up with the pace of my study... This is the first time I have met such a

person!"

"This, this is really incredible..."

Nina understands very well that her learning method is "win by quantity".

That was a "number" that would make even the students of the "school

district" who successfully enrolled - those with the "will to learn" cry out.

In a sense, it was a fatal "number". So far, no student has been able to keep

up with Nina's learning workload, and some even commented on her as "not

very efficient."

Under this situation, the new student (Lappie)'s even somewhat stupid

attitude of desperately trying to keep up with her surprised Nina, which was

also new and very touching.

Rather, he sometimes even went to bed later than Nina, got up earlier, and

completed more "quantities" than Nina. Mililia knew very well how much

Nina studied, so when she heard this, she couldn't help but twitch her

cheeks, and seemed to have raised her evaluation of Lapi.

"So now I want to cheer for Lapi-kun. I hope he can keep up with the

course content as much as possible, so I thought of making notes for him

like this..."

She organized the key points like this and made preview and review notes

not once or twice.

Not to boast, but Nina could feel that thanks to the notes she prepared, Lapi

managed to stay within the course progress.

In the beginning, it was because Leon asked me to take care of him.

But now that she knew who he was, she felt good about him, so she took

the initiative to accompany him.

(To say that we are like ordinary friends, there is something wrong...)

Two gears meshed together, or so it should be said.

Anyway, Nina and Lapi get along quite well.

(Besides... I always feel that he is a bit similar to his father.)

Although his eyes were obscured by his long bangs, his shy smile and

eagerness to help others were exactly the same as Nina's beloved father.

Although it was not because of this, Nina, who is kind-hearted and caring,

gradually began to spontaneously want to cheer for Lapi.

"What do you think of Lapi-kun, Milly-senpai?"

"This is really hard to answer. After all, I haven't had much communication

with him, and he has only been in the 'school district' for less than ten

days."

"That's right! It's only been so long! But he has already united the "Third

Team"! Is this the "Third Team"!? It's because I haven't been able to

integrate everyone, and I almost ended up alone in the toilet The worst team

ever for crying out loud!"

"N-Nina...have you exposed a little too much?"

Iglin would probably never admit it, but now Lapi is the spiritual pillar of

the "Third Team".

Known as the Labyrinth Man, he displays amazing judgment in that

underground labyrinth. Even Nina, the squad leader, couldn't help but take

his opinion as a reference.

He would never step forward and would stay on the sidelines most of the

time, but once Nina and the others encountered a problem, he would

definitely contribute his wisdom. Thanks to this, among the many teams,

the "Third Team" has now earned enough credits to rank quite high.

Lapi Fleming.

He was truly an incredible character.

Introverted and easily shy and nervous, unable to refuse other people's

requests.

But he works hard, is gentle to others, and has firm beliefs.

Nina herself knew very well that when she was describing Lapi, her green

jade eyes must be shining.

Mililia looked at Nina like this and suddenly laughed "haha".

"It seems that Nina is very obsessed with that rabbit classmate."

"...I always feel like there's something in my senior sister's words?"

"It's your illusion♪"

After school that day, something happened that proved Nina's assessment to

be true.

"Hey~Combat Techniques Department! Please give me some advice!"

After Leon informed various matters, everyone in the Combat Technology

Department was about to prepare for special training.

Two boys (humans) from the "Blacksmithing Department" ran into the

classroom with a sword.

"We went to [Gobnu Familia] to have a clan experience, but the result was

'failed'! No matter what we do, we can't pass!"

"There's no way I can join the group if this keeps up! It was the same the

last time I came back to Hong Kong, and I failed to get selected many

times~!"

The burly teenagers put their weapons on the table and almost screamed for

help from Nina and the others.

The students in the combat skills department gathered in a circle curiously

and began the daily routine of the "school district", which was to give each

other opinions.

"It looks like a very decent 'organ weapon'..."

"Well, why don't you say this weapon is very good? I want to use it."

"Hmph, I can make a better weapon than this."

"Are you bothering Eglin? Shut up, you stupid and weird dwarf!"

In the classroom, which suddenly became noisy, Iglin snorted, picked up his

sword, and revealed the "Magic (Light) Blade", and then someone said

"Eh!?" in surprise. It's Lapi.

"W-what is this sword...?"

"It's just a 'mechanism weapon'... Ah, by the way. Is this your first time

seeing Lapi-kun? I'm the only one in the 'Third Team' using a weapon with

a 'mechanism' attached, and I'm not in the dungeon either." Used it."

"This is an invention of the 'School District' that was born from the two

disciplines of alchemy and blacksmithing. After absorbing the user's

'magic', it can greatly increase the range and power."

Beside Nina, Iglin waved his sword briskly and explained.

The weapon generates a magic light blade about 3C thick, wrapping the

sword body as if wearing an armor of light. The power also adds a weight

corresponding to the infused magic power to its own basic power.

The "mechanism" he saw for the first time made Lapi dumbfounded.

"Orario's weapons that are not equipped with "mechanisms" are widely

circulated. They are definitely valuable! They are also very effective against

monsters in dungeons!"

"But, I just can't get recognition... Mr. Gobnuu doesn't talk much and

doesn't tell us anything."

Hearing the sighs of the students from the Blacksmithing Department, the

Combat Techniques Department also gave some opinions, but none of them

thought that "this is it" was the answer. Just when they were troubled,

"Rapi, do you have anything to say?"

"Eh!?"

"Your mouth is always moving. Just say something! You are my guardian

beast, so be confident!"

Next to Lapi who was hesitant to speak, the little human Chris proudly

announced this for some reason.

All the eyes in the classroom were focused, and the young man couldn't

help but feel a little timid, but in the end, he cautiously said: "Well, that

means...this 'mechanism' is probably very easy to break, right...?"

"Huh? Hey freshman, I can't just let this go."

"The strength has also been approved by the teachers. There are still 0

broken "mechanisms" in the special training this year, right?"

After the blacksmithing students retorted indignantly, he timidly said "Oh,

no, that's not what I meant...!" and then managed to collect his thoughts and

choose his words.

"This 'mechanism' is probably a 'magic stone product' such as a 'magic tool'

added to the structure of the weapon, right...?"

"Ah, that's right. Compared with ordinary weapons, the structure is

completely different."

"Then, in order to maintain this structure, the 'durability' will be reduced...

This idea should be correct, right?"

"...If you mean compared with ordinary weapons, that's true. But, is the

difference only a tiny bit?"

"Yeah, I think so too. Even so... but probably, even this slight difference

will be scary in the dungeon."

Unknowingly, the blacksmithing students showed serious expressions, and

Lapi faced them and spoke clearly.

"I've heard this saying... In a maze (dungeon), a broken weapon is the same

as losing half of your body."

"...!!"

"Even if you carry several weapons to explore, the number is limited...

Orario's adventurers will definitely feel that 'weapons that can fight for a

long time' are more precious."

Orario's blacksmiths are all very capable, and the performance of their

weapons, including their durability, are exceptionally good.

Based on this premise, "Sacrificing durability for the sake of incorporating

a mechanism" would be fatal in the labyrinth city. This is what Lapi meant.

The "School District's" "organ weapon" assembly technology is indeed of a

high level and can withstand the test of actual combat.

But in the dungeon, "the slightest difference" will become a watershed and

will definitely lead to someone's death.

Among the students who shared the feeling of surprise, Nina, whose eyes

widened, also noticed this fact.

"Magicians and other people who don't engage in close combat (fighting)

very much should be very suitable for the structure of "mechanism"... But

because it is "easier to damage than ordinary weapons", no matter how

powerful the weapon is, adventurers It should be difficult to hold in your

hand...hmm."

Like a "person involved" who often hears the true thoughts of adventurers,

Lapi summed it up carefully in front of the stunned students.

"...Really? What Orario's adventurers value is not 'instant combat power',

but endurance... 'the power to continue fighting'. After all, in a dungeon,

continuous fighting is a matter of course!"

"Indeed, if you drill into a very deep floor, such as during an 'expedition',

you won't be able to carry out perfect preparations. 'Mechanism weapons'

require more careful adjustment (maintenance) than ordinary weapons..."

"Even if we forcefully bring a blacksmith with us, it will be difficult to do

anything without special equipment."

"At least it's difficult to use it as a main weapon! In other words, not only

the performance of the weapon must be considered, but also the user's

consideration, right?"

Not long after, the students seemed to feel at home again and started a lively

discussion again.

Especially the two people from the blacksmithing department said, "Thank

you! I feel like I see some hope!" and kept patting Lapi's shoulders with his

eyes turning white.

Through the teenager's input, the entire classroom gained a new perspective

and was surrounded by rational excitement.

"...Rapi-kun. It will be better if you become more confident in the future

and express your opinions boldly!"

"Eh...N-Nina?"

"Mr. Leon also said that, right? It's important to express your opinions!

Thanks to Lapi-kun, we have become a little smarter again! This is

amazing!"

This scene made Nina very happy, she came to Lapi and said to him.

The same goes for everyone in the "Third Team".

"If you make a mistake, we will definitely correct you. So don't be afraid of

being wrong!"

"Well, we are, 'School District'..."

"Great, Lapi, you are indeed my guardian beast! You will become smarter

and smarter from now on!"

Iglin, Reki, and Chris also said the same thing, and the boy who was

stunned at first also said "Yeah, yeah!" and nodded happily.

(Lapijun is really incredible...)

Nina left the classroom and was about to change into the combat uniform

used for the special internship. She smiled as she was still excited.

Normally he acts like a younger brother who needs to be taken care of, but

occasionally he shows up as a reliable older brother.

This is the charm of Lapi.

Therefore, Nina can't live without him more and more.

Nowadays, she will subconsciously look for him. Once she finds him, her

face will light up and she will immediately run to his side.

(I don't even know whether I am Lapijun's older sister or younger sister.)

She examined her actions and smiled wryly.

(…Obviously I can't even talk to my real sister.)

Then, he will also laugh at himself.

After she left the teaching building with a dull expression, she happened to

meet her friends passing by.

"Nina~! Going for an internship?"

"Ah... um. Betty, are you going to study?"

"Yeah~! Try your best for the exam one last time~!"

It was a girl from a dog-man, a tanuki, and a cow-woman that Lapi had also

seen.

As the "real" exam was approaching, they held textbooks on their chests

and looked exhausted to the naked eye.

At this moment, they glanced at each other, made up their minds and asked:

"Nina. Why don't you take the guild exam with us?"

"..."

"You worked so hard before, it would be a waste if you didn't go. How

about coming back to teach the subject?"

"...But, I only got a C rating in the guild's mock test..."

"My grades are even worse~! And five years ago, there was also a Z-rated

"Float's Miracle" who was admitted to the guild. Nina will be fine!"

Friends of the dog man, the cow woman, and the tanuki man said one after

another.

Nina lowered her eyes, forced a smile, and said apologetically:

"...I'm sorry, everyone. I've given up. And now I'm in the Combat

Techniques Department... Let's talk about it later."

After that she walked away.

Bearing the lonely eyes of her friends behind her, Nina turned into the

nearest intersection.

In the deserted alley, she leaned against the wall, desperately resisting the

"feelings" entrenched in her heart.

"...Lappi-kun must have thought of a way out..."

The softly spoken words fell to the ground alone.

As a junior student who is more junior than himself, he already has a "goal"

or a "dream".

This fact made her feel helplessly empty and miserable.

"..."

She raised her head and looked at the blue sky, which was so deep that she

seemed to be immersed in it.

But the beautiful sky was unwilling to give Nina any answer.

After returning to the "School District" from [Hestia Familia], it can be said

that [Team 3] and I had a very smooth day.

Thanks to experiencing the hard work and sense of accomplishment in the

dungeon, everyone became more active. They practiced how to cooperate in

the "school zone", and successfully conquered the dungeon during the

internship. Now they can safely reach the 14th floor. . Another thing that

Teacher Leon asked me about before, that is, Nina's problem, I haven't been

able to understand in depth, but now I have decided to devote my energy to

the "squad" first, and I am working hard with Iglin and the others.

So, it was the tenth day after the start of life in the "school district" and the

early morning of the seventh day after the start of "special internship".

"We must reach the 15th floor today!"

The enthusiasm of the "Third Team" is burning, and they want to go to the

deepest floor of the dungeon designated by the "School District".

No one objected to Eglin's call. Today's "School District" is undergoing a

thorough overhaul in a huge shipyard. We gathered in front of the main

entrance early in the morning, nodded to each other, and then took steps

towards Orario.

As usual, he passed through the southwest gate of the city and went to the

guild headquarters to complete the internship procedures.

Nina did not enter the guild headquarters, but stayed outside in the vestibule

waiting for us. Now we will not go into details. It's the same today. We're

waiting for her to tell us one day, and at the same time we're completing the

internship procedures at the window. Miss Eina was also found. She was

looking for someone among the "school district" students visiting the hall,

but she could not speak to her now. I apologized in my mind and walked

towards the guild's large bulletin board.

"Any useful information?"

"No, most of them are commissioned by adventurers."

Iglin asked, leaning against the backpack I was carrying.

Lapi Fleming is now regarded as a supporter and labyrinth house in the

"Third Team" - "a useful think tank although he cannot fight". To put it

more handsomely, he is a counselor like Lily. Of course, I in no way

consider myself to be on the same level as Lily.

In short, they seemed to have accepted that I was a labyrinth nerd who was

serious about collecting information, so even though I was in a hurry to go

to the dungeon, they still gave me time to browse the bulletin board.

"...Huh?"

Collecting intelligence cannot be limited to the destination of exploration,

but must collect intelligence from at least three levels above and below.

This was the daily homework Lily set for herself. At this time, I also

followed her example as a supporter of the "Third Team", and then I saw

some information and tilted my head.

"What's wrong?"

"No, I'm just concerned about the information about the 'Lone King of the

Labyrinth'..."

The floor master of the "middle floor" is "Goliath". The information about

the floor master who was born about two weeks apart makes me feel that

something is wrong. The bulletin board said that the next birth would be "in

two days", but...

(The war game is over. I remember the last banquet was held fourteen days

ago...)

After that, Mr. Porus and the others went back to the 18th floor.

Due to the geographical factors of the safe floor, most of the "Goliaths"

were hunted down by the residents of the Labyrinth Inn Street. Mr. Porus

and the others should have dealt with it this time. During the "Faction War",

almost all the [Familiar] came to the ground to wait, so the 'Goliath' born on

the 17th floor must have been left there for a while.

Therefore, the last time the floor master was defeated was Mr. Porus

fourteen days ago, so the information that says "Goliath was defeated

twelve days ago" is very strange.

If the floor master next appears "one day later", considering the interval

between births, it may be an error.

But the number "two days later" is an excellent limit that will make people

who explore the "middle level" careless.

"The floor master appeared on the 18th floor. Why do you want to read its

information? Our destination is the 15th floor? We can never go to that kind

of place again."

"Well, even so..."

Just in case - my words did not reach Iglin's ears, he had already left my

back. The backs of my companions gradually faded away, and I looked at

the large bulletin board again.

(I have also heard that even if the residents of the Labyrinth Inn Street

defeated "Goliath", they would find it troublesome to contact the ground,

leading to biased intelligence...) I thought that "Goliath" was still on the

18th floor, but when I went to attack it, I found out that the residents of the

Labyrinth Hotel Street had been defeated three days ago. There seemed to

be many such things (deviations). Maybe this time is just a "deviation" - or

my thoughts are no exception.

What's more, there seems to be a job like a "liaison officer" who collects

rewards from the guild, travels between the 18th floor and the surface, and

reports the correct date of the "Goliath" crusade...

(Maybe I made a mistake...just write down this "feeling of disobedience".)

"ha!"

A group of males sneered as the orc students left the bulletin board.

They are the humans and beasts who serve as "liaisons" this time.

They were also the senior adventurers who had a conflict with the students

of the "school district" one day and were disrupted by the first-level

adventurer (Bell Crowne). They had nowhere to vent their inner anger.

"Listen to that horrible roar for me and scare the shit out of you."

The adventurers looked down at the "good boys" wearing red and white

battle uniforms walking back and forth in the hall, and laughed.

"Ooooooooooooooooo!

"Nina, there's a "Cerber Hound" at the fork in the road!"

"Reki, Chris, please! Don't let them breathe!"

"Understood." "Leave it to me—!"

I, who was carefully searching for enemies behind Nina, issued a warning,

and the "Third Team" dispersed smoothly.

The black fairy Reki kept kicking towards the wall or ceiling and jumping

around. While disrupting, she launched a strong attack on the black dog

group approaching from three directions. After inducing the enemy to

reveal their flaws, the little human Chris was almost close to him. The

enemy was approaching from the ground, and the two-handed sword that

was nearly as long as his height flashed past.

The sound of cutting all the monsters in two was heard. Almost at the same

time, Iglin, who stayed in the main battlefield passage, also launched an

attack with the support of Nina's magic sword.

"Oh

laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

aaaaaaaaaaaaaa once,"

"Gah!" ?

Swinging the sledgehammer, all three "Crystal Mantises" with crystal

bodies were shattered.

The roar of Iglin, who had changed into "Warrior Mode", still echoed in the

"Cave Maze". At this time, the battle was safely over.

"Okay! It's easy to get to the 15th floor!"

"Pack the loot. Hurry."

"Rapi-kun, I'm here to help recover the 'demon stone'."

"Thanks, Nina."

Iglin raised the sledgehammer high with a proud look on his face. Reki and

Chris, who were complaining at the side, quickly collected the "dropped

items". Nina inserted the dagger-shaped "Magic Sword" back into her waist.

, came and helped me take out the "magic stone" from the monster. The

post-war handling was also watertight.

This "Third Team" that once relied solely on their own strength to charge

forward was truly remarkable.

After reaching the 15th floor, I had this feeling.

They easily broke through the enemies in the "middle level" known as the

"first line of death" and were able to go deeper.

Although they have not yet encountered a large monster like the

"Minotaur", the group combat level of "Team 3" is gradually improving,

and now I no longer need to intervene.

It feels like today we will be faster and dive deeper into the dungeon than

any other "team".

"I feel like I can do anything now! If this continues, can I go directly to the

18th floor?"

"Are you going? You are alone."

"Thanks to me and everyone, two more 'credits' are enough! Where is the

Minotaur!"

Everyone's hand feels good too. Having the confidence to not be careless

and having high morale is definitely an ideal state. The current "Third

Team" may be said to be unrivaled in the "Cave Maze".

"..."

"Rapi-kun? What's wrong?"

but.

Other aspects that had nothing to do with the team's status gave me a

"catch-in-the-throat" feeling.

(Today's dungeon feels different from usual...or it has a "nasty feeling"...)

To say what it is specifically, I can only answer that it is something. This

makes me very anxious.

I looked back and forth, peeping around, even Nina was confused about

this, and then——

"Hey!"

"Whoa!? You scared me to death!"

The monster's high-pitched cry echoed around.

It was a large group of "evil bats" born from the ceiling that scared Chris to

jump.

"——————"

The "Third Team" was relieved to find out that it was the bat monster they

had fought on the "upper level", but the biggest "alarm bell" sounded in my

mind.

then.

"Chiaaaaaah! !

"Chi-chi-chi-chi!

"Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Like a tone-deaf chorus, violent "dissonance" was heard throughout the

entire floor.

"W-what!?"

"'Evil bats', strange sound waves (screams), so many...!"

"Is it a mass birth!?"

Hearing countless overlapping monster screams, Nina and Reki covered

their ears, and Iglin looked around.

The main attack method of the bat monster "Evil Bat" is "strange sound

waves" that hinder the opponent's movement.

This unmistakable cry announced that at this moment, groups of dozens or

hundreds of bats were being "massively born" in the underground city.

(The true face of the "sense of disobedience" is that not a single "evil bat"

has been seen.)

I found the answer.

In the "Cave Maze", it can be said that there must be "bats" lurking in the

dark, but I have never seen them today!

(--Oops!!)

The revelation of the sense of violation directly triggered a "sense of crisis"

that was too late.

There was a sound of rock exploding in every direction and everywhere.

The birth of a monster that breaks through the rock.

The dungeon did not breed and release an astonishing number of "evil bats"

from the "wall" but from the "ceiling", and the result was - the 15th floor

collapsed as if it had lost its balance.

"Varied!?"

"Uh, uh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh! ?"

Above us, swarms of bats were born, and the hole-ridden ceiling fell off.

What's about to happen is an avalanche of vicious rocks! !

"!!"

All the nerves of a first-level adventurer and all the abilities of Level 5

screamed.

I pushed away Reki and Iglin who were stunned on the spot, hugged the

bodies of Nina and Chris respectively with both hands, and jumped out of

the impact of the collapse with all my strength.

The entire "Cave Maze" was surrounded by terrifying vibrations, with roars

comparable to thunder falling, and terrifying screams emanating from the

underground city.

"Lady Hestia—!?"

I always feel that the central square is a bit noisy.

Just when Hestia, who was working at the potato ball vendor, felt a little

noisy, Lily ran over in a panic.

"It seems that the "middle level" of the dungeon has collapsed! The impact

has been large, and the students in the "school district" seem to have been

affected too...!"

"Collapse!?"

Hestia shouted loudly, forgetting that she was still working, and Lily

responded with a trembling voice: "Right now, the [Ganesha Familia] and

[Loki Familia], as well as the 'School District' side, are working hard to

remove the rock formations... but it is said that the situation is not

optimistic."

"Where's Bell-kun!? Where is that child now!?"

As if confirming the goddess's unpleasant premonition, the family members

showed a painful expression.

"Just now, Lyu-sama went to the guild to inquire about the news... He said

that the "Third Team" to which Mr. Bell belongs is also conducting special

training on the 15th floor..."

She turned her head sharply and stared at the skyscrapers rising into the sky

and the direction of the underground city below.

The number of "favors" has not decreased. Bell didn't take any chances.

However, Hestia's pupils couldn't help but sway, and an uncontrollable

impulse came over her, causing her to speak: "You were in trouble on the

15th floor, why are you here again, Bell-kun...!"

What also hit me was a strong "sense of déjà vu."

"No! It's blocked here too!"

The anxious voice of Iglin, who was holding a sledgehammer in one hand,

echoed around.

A hill of dirt and sand stood in front of us, completely blocking the road.

Seeing that even the dwarves known as "Earth People" were helpless, Nina,

Reki and Chris lost all color on their faces.

The current location is on the 15th floor of the dungeon.

The "Third Team" finally escaped the deadly rain of rocks without losing a

single member, but at the cost of being exposed to another kind of suffering.

In other words, the return route was cut off due to large-scale landslides.

(This roundabout route is useless...)

On the "middle" floor map I bought from the guild, I drew a red

We, or rather all students in the "school district" use the regular routes on

the floor when returning, and now all routes are blocked. All the paths that

branched out like thin blood vessels were completely destroyed. All the

roads from the 15th floor back to the 14th floor were blocked.

There are also areas where the entire terrain has changed due to collapsed

rock pans, making it very dangerous to even stay there to observe the

situation.

(Probably, there is no escape route back to the ground...)

At least that's the current situation.

It can be said that as long as the adventurers on the ground carrying special

equipment do not remove the rock pan, the method of returning it will be

hopelessly slim. Although I have become a first-level adventurer, it is not

difficult to imagine that even if I use brute force to release a charged cannon

and destroy the rock plate, the impact will cause a secondary disaster and

worsen the situation.

Without professional knowledge and only destruction, I cannot break this

dilemma.

There happened to be teachers from the "school district" on the 15th floor,

and they happened to be able to join us.

Placing hope on this kind of "trying luck" should be the most unwise

method.

(Maybe besides us, there are other people trapped too. I'm worried, and I

want to help if I can, but... Nina and the others are very tired, and running

around with them in this situation... I can't do it. arrive.) If we do this,

"Team 3" will use all its strength first.

If we want to search for the victims who don't know where they are, we

must at least send Nina and the others to a "safe zone" first.

"Rapi, is there no other route!?"

"...There is another very thin road in the southwest, but it is not usable here,

and it is probably blocked there. Walking through it will also consume your

energy, so I don't recommend going there to confirm the situation..."

"why is it like this..."

Even if the result was to take away the hope of Nina and the others, I still

answered Iglin's question honestly.

I chose to share what's happening right now.

There is no way out. Trapped on all sides. Isolated.

(I'm so unwilling...and I'm really sorry for them.)

If only I could have noticed the dissonance of the "evil bat" earlier.

If they could have sensed the signs of the "abnormal situation", Nina and

the others would not have suffered like this.

Sure enough, I was far from qualified.

If it were Miss Aisi, Miss Liu, Mr. Finn or Master, they would be able to

detect the dangerous aura as quickly as possible and guide the team to

safety. I felt painfully that even though he had become a first-level

adventurer, Bell Crane was still an inexperienced "novice".

Must be more cautious. Must be more diligent. The nerves must be ground

sharper. To protect yourself and your companions.

I deeply regretted and reflected in my heart, and then switched my thinking,

just then.

Among the team dominated by dull silence, Reki spoke:

"Squad leader (Nina)...what should I do?"

"Eh...?"

"The policy has been decided."

What is the goal of the team?

Reki pointedly and even cruelly made a request to the captain who managed

the army.

Nina held her breath, unable to answer.

"...If you think about it carefully, there are two ways. Stay on the regular

route and wait for rescue on the ground..."

"Or what Lapi said, put your hope on the line and find another route. As for

me, well, I think it's better to wait for rescue! I'm not just saying that

because I hate taking action and then feel desperate, huh!"

Eglin and Chris prompted her with the options available. Chris also opened

up about his inner thoughts.

Nina looked over at me with her breath and lips quivering.

"Rapi-kun... How much water, food... and props are there...?"

"...If everyone uses them separately, the food should not last half a day. As

for props, four recovery potions, three mental recovery potions, and two

advanced recovery potions..."

In order for everyone to see, I poured out all the contents of my backpack

and placed them on the ground.

The spare weapons include two short swords, which can be used by Reki or

Chris.

Eglin and the others also displayed the props they had prepared.

Immediately confirming everyone's equipment, Nina's judgment of the

situation was correct. He is worthy of being an honors student and can be

given full marks. Because of this, it felt like he was strangling himself.

Confirming possession of items is equivalent to turning lifespan into a

number.

If you lose your cool, you will always be played by cold numbers. I've had

this experience too.

As for my current feeling, "The situation is much better than it was then",

probably because I have experienced "deep" death row.

I pushed aside the unhelpful reference to the status quo, put the prop back in

my backpack, and peered at Nina.

Sweating is severe. Breathing becomes shallower. It's definitely stressful.

Her companions all looked over, and she had to make a major decision that

would affect the fate of the team.

Seeing this figure, I—even though I knew it was out of place, I saw in her

the shadow of her "former self" from six months ago.

(Did Lily feel the same way at that time...)

My companion (Welf) was injured, and I was very confused. I kept moving

blindly and sweating a lot.

In that desperate situation, the supporter who was supposed to be weaker

than anyone else was calmer than anyone else.

Lily is not here now.

So this time, it was my turn to help Nina and the others after being helped

by Lily.

"Calm down first."

I followed Lily's words at that time.

Everyone came back to their senses, shook their shoulders, and all looked at

me. I walked to Nina first.

"Nina, can you take a breath?"

"Eh...?"

"Try taking a deep breath and exhaling it slowly? Hiss-ha-his-ha-...like

this?"

I took an exaggerated deep breath, said with a smile, then thought for a

moment, and then held Nina's little finger.

This is the magic spell that Ms. Liu used on me when I was in the "deep

state".

Her hands shook for a moment, then relaxed.

Nina's eyes met mine, entangled tightly, and she quietly inhaled and

exhaled, again and again, to stabilize her breathing.

I also approached Iglin and stretched out my hand. He said, "I don't need

it!" and waved away my hand with an expression as if he was about to stick

out his tongue at any time. Reki also hid her hands behind her waist and

said "skip".

Chris said, "I want it!" and stretched out his hands, so I said, "Okay, okay,"

and took them.

Although the atmosphere became a little strange, it was much better than

before. Everyone relaxed.

"As for the team's policy, besides the two just now, there should be one

more."

After I said this, Nina and the others gradually showed surprised

expressions.

There was no smell of monsters around. There will be an attack if you don't

need to be prepared for the time being.

So I didn't worry, I still thought about Lily's words and made that

suggestion.

"Now, the hope of returning to the upper floors is very slim. Therefore, you

can go to the lower floors...and take refuge on the 18th floor."

The too strong impact left Nina and the others speechless.

"The 18th floor is a safe floor where monsters will not appear. There is also

an inn street for adventurers. As long as you get there, your life can be

guaranteed first."

Naturally, everyone in the team raised fierce objections and questions.

"Rapi, wait a minute! This is the 15th floor, right? I have to cross three

floors, even a super powerful me will be exhausted!"

"There is a 'vertical hole' here. There are many deep pits in the 'middle

floor'. If you find them and jump into them, you can move to the floor

below in one go."

"Floor Master...what should I do? Freak, lair, 17th floor..."

"If the information on the guild's bulletin board today is correct...then there

should be two days of buffer time before the birth interval."

"L-Lapi-kun, do you have a map...?"

"Well, everything up to the 18th floor is ready."

Chris's words, Reki's questions, and Nina's confirmations were all answered

smoothly.

Perhaps recalling the contents of the bulletin board I had been checking at

the guild headquarters, Iglin asked with a dull look on his face: "I-I said

you, did you know it would turn out like this...?"

"I knew it a long time ago, so it doesn't count. However, I did think about

being prepared just in case. ...The most powerful supporter I know is this

kind of person."

I answered his question with a wry smile, and at the same time stood and

spread out the maps of the 16th and 17th floors.

For us adventurers, Lily always carries a full backpack and is always

prepared seriously.

When it was decided that I would be the supporter of the "Third Team", I

used Lily as a reference.

That's all it really is.

So I puffed up my chest and proudly boasted about this most powerful

supporter.

Eglin and the others held their breath, while I looked at Nina.

"Nina, it doesn't matter what you choose."

"Eh...?"

"The 'Third Team' is very strong. So no matter which path we choose, we

will definitely be able to return to the ground."

I said with a smile, and then Nina opened her green jade pupils wide.

I just pushed a little, and the choice itself was left to Nina and "Team 3".

I always feel like it's not up to me to make the choice now.

That's not the job of "Rapi".

What it means to be here. Not as the leader of the [Familia], not as a firstlevel adventurer, but as the meaning of standing here as [Lappy Fleman].

I never consider myself to be the one who can guide others.

However, after becoming Level 5, I probably won't be able to run just for

myself like I did before.

The "vision" that Ms. Liu mentioned.

Share and spread.

In other words, spread the light of hope.

Do Lord Hermes, Lord Baldr and Teacher Leon want to use the "school

district" to teach me this?

Now, I feel like this.

"..."

Her long tawny hair swayed. The same goes for the strand of emerald hair

that represents the noble bloodline.

Nina, who held the staff tightly with both hands like a hug, raised her head

powerfully.

"Let's move forward."

Eglin and the others looked surprised, while I smiled.

"I feel that if we stop moving forward...then we won't be 'Team 3 (us)'!"

Hearing this declaration, Iglin and Chris also smiled this time.

The same must have happened to Reki who held up her cheek under the

mask.

"Okay! Let's go to the 18th floor! Let's impress those who look down on us!

Let's restore the reputation of being the 'worst team in history'!"

"My heroic deeds will become more colorful! And Iglin, the stigma is not

redeemed, but returned!"

"Chris, it's so rare to complain...it will definitely go smoothly after that."

Iglin and the others still had individual reactions, but their wills were all

directed towards the same goal, which made Nina smile. She looked over

and I nodded in response.

The goal is to move forward.

The "Third Team" started heading towards the 18th floor.

"Hey, this is serious... I heard from the guy who came back that you can't go

down after the 15th floor..."

"Adventurers who are accustomed to exploring will head towards the 18th

floor... and the kids in the 'School District' must be the same. Because,

because we forged information about the floor owner, many people will

suffer...!"

"N-it's none of our business! I just wanted to scare them. Who knew

something like this would happen!"

Leon's ears caught the adventurers' conversation, but it was meaningless

now, so he ignored it and just stared at the "Tower of Babel" standing in

front.

"I didn't expect that students would be trapped in the dungeon under such

conditions."

An earth-shaking noise surrounded the central square. Adventurers from

various [Family] families and teachers from the [School District] were

running around. Among them, this man's upper body was wrapped in a

piece of silver armor.

Carrying a "big long sword" on his back.

Coincidentally, he did not serve as the surveillance officer of the dungeon

today. Leon sighed at this bad timing and walked towards the giant chalk

tower.

"This is Aoharu too~... I really can't say that now. Please Leon, the children

still have to sing about their youth. Please save them~!"

"The situation is not optimistic. I can't say anything to comfort you. But I

will do my best, Lord Eden."

The absolutely strong man swore an oath like a "knight", and the goddess

who used her whole body to plead gave him a trusting smile and told him

the now confirmed information: "Among the students, those who are still in

the dungeon are the 'Seventh Team' of [Badelban] and the 'Third Team'. The

former is an elite unit, so it shouldn't matter, but I'm worried about the

latter, which is the 'Third Team'. "The worst team ever"..."

Iden is not the god of "battle", nor is she the goddess of "destiny".

Sensing her obviously uneasy thoughts - and this "unfounded worry", Leon

smiled.

"I can speak for myself on this matter. Don't worry."

"Oh?"

In order to be able to gallop like a horse at a speed that surpasses everyone

in an instant, his powerful feet gathered strength and declared this: "'Team

3' also has 'Hero's Egg (him)'."

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"

"Get out of my way ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

The large monster "Tusk Liger" blocked the front, and Iglin's sledgehammer

met it head on.

The "One-Horned Rabbit" that appeared next was dealt with by the Black

Fairy's two-handed swords, and the "Dungeon Worm" that rushed out from

the perforated ground was dealt with by the two-handed swords of the little

human. The two of them released sharp blade strikes and slashed again and

again. Fly enemies.

"Come on, everybody!!"

Facing this scene, Nina used the "Devil Sword" to release the wind slash

and immediately used the reply magic.

Supported by the defenders, the three forwards came to life.

Now Nina also assumes the responsibility of conductor, and her judgment is

very accurate. Under the condition that neither physical nor mental energy

could be wasted, she accurately saw through the critical line, activated

magic, and continuously supported Iglin and the frontline personnel. After

that painful experience on the 12th floor, she was even equipped with a

"Magic Sword". Not to mention her role as a healer, her quality as a squad

leader is also rapidly improving.

(After falling from the vertical hole to the 16th floor, the pressure on the

monsters has increased! Now the central defender (Leqi) has also stepped

forward to act as a vanguard, and there is no backup!!) Because of this,

Nina has clearly realized that this is a critical moment and a "dilemma".

They had already exceeded the maze exploration time set before setting off

from the "school area". The "Third Team" keeps updating the record for the

number of consecutive battles. It can be said that they are constantly

challenging the limits, experiencing the "baptism of the dungeon" like many

advanced adventurers have experienced.

Decreased ability to sustain combat (stamina). Physical strength can be

healed with magic, so it's not a problem, but continuous fighting overloads

the brain, causing concentration disorders. Just one failure will lead to the

collapse of the battle line. This extreme state slowly reduces the students'

leeway, like carefully peeling off the skin of a fruit. If we add the relentless

wave of monsters at this time, it will become a "hard battle" that has never

been experienced in the "School District".

Iglin's injured forehead, Reki's brown upper arms exposed due to the torn

sleeves, and Chris's neck where the enemy's blood was splashed, all had

streaks of sweat dripping down their faces. Nina is even more serious.

Having used magic the most, her mental strength was greatly squeezed, and

large beads of sweat slipped from her skin several times.

If it hadn't been for the perfect timing of Lapi following behind her to

replenish her with a mental recovery potion, she would have fallen into

mental exhaustion by now.

(We are moving forward, even if we are walking on a tightrope! Lapijun is

also helping us. As long as we survive here, we will definitely overcome it!

Then we will rest again, and then we can reach the 18th floor!!) Lapi is

using the poisonous moth's poison bag and other self-prepared props to

provide support. Including him, the entire "Third Team" has been able to

unite to fight. Now this squad is showing great strength.

(So please, please keep going like this...!)

Enemies ahead can be dealt with.

For enemies in the front, you can rely on the three vanguards and your own

support to get through.

If it's one direction, it can be dealt with.

So please keep it like this and nothing else happens.

——As if mocking Nina's prayer, the labyrinth summoned the death scythe.

"Nina, back there!!"

Chris, who was fighting in the vanguard, turned around sharply.

The little human rarely lost his composure and shouted out that name.

"It's the Minotaur!!"

A terrifying roar hit her back, causing Nina's breathing to stop for a

moment.

She finally turned around, and three fierce bulls burst into her green jade

pupils.

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" !

It let out a roar that almost forced it to stop, but the large monsters

"Minotaurs" that it encountered for the first time launched an attack with

fierce momentum.

Nina stretched out the "Magic Sword" mixed with fear.

Then came the end.

The green blade, which had exceeded the limit of use, was full of cracks

and shattered with a snap.

"————"

Nina couldn't move. Chris and the others also lost their words.

It was the worst "pincer attack" as if it had been planned in advance.

Eglin and the others tried their best just to deal with the monster group in

front of them. To rescue means to lose one's life.

Therefore, the initial prey for the bulls will be the supporters in the last row.

A powerless orc boy without the strength to fight.

"ah---"

Desperation opened its mouth.

Maze roared with laughter.

When Iglin, Reki, and Chris faced "frustration", they were about to give in.

At this time, Nina shouted out heartbreakingly: "——Run, Lapi-kun!!"

The boy's answer to the cry was,

"It doesn't matter."

Pulling your hands out of the straps of your backpack.

"I'll figure it out."

The large backpack fell to the ground with a thud.

The young man pulled out two spare daggers with flowing hands.

Then it turned into a gust of wind.

"——————"

In the time compressed to the limit, Nina saw it.

Just before engaging the enemy, the moment before the "Minotaur" aimed

at its prey and swung its steel arm.

The boy's figure became blurry.

In an instant, he appeared in the arms of the fierce bull with an illusion-like

teleportation, and his right hand turned into a silver flash.

Boom! ! With a sound, an incredible impact occurred.

A piercing sound like a "cannon" came from the center of the "Minotaur"'s

chest, and then exploded.

The shadow didn't stop.

He increased his speed, powerful enough to cast down a shower of flying

black ash.

Having lost his partner, the second person who was frozen on the spot was

approached by him. This time, at the moment when he was about to pass by,

his left hand flashed with silver light.

A hole was opened in the chest, the dagger penetrated, and it exploded

again.

"Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! ?

The last one let out a threatening cry, raised the stone ax in his hand high,

and swung it down.

The ground exploded and dust flew. But the execution rabbit was no longer

there.

He took a life-threatening evasive action, passed through with the ax and

reached the position behind him, ending everything.

The "Minotaur", whose "demon stone" was pierced by the attack from

behind, turned into a large amount of dust and disappeared before he could

understand his fate.

"...Eh?"

In the blink of an eye.

It was so fleeting that I couldn't even tell whether it was an overwhelming

situation.

I couldn't even see how powerful it was.

Maze, who was laughing loudly, seemed to have closed his mouth and said

nothing.

The same goes for Nina, Eglin and others, as well as other monsters.

Fragments of the murmur fell from the half-elf's lips. The black elf girl was

the first to recover and hurriedly hacked to death the remaining monsters.

This time, the battle is finally over.

"Ha...haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?"

Immediately afterwards, Iglin shouted loudly and ran to the bunny boy's

side.

"W-what was that just now!?"

"Uh... I tried the one-hit kill targeting the "Magic Stone"..."

"Movement, Level 1, completely different...!!"

"Well...well...it's been [upgraded] recently..."

"Why didn't you tell us!?"

"I'm so, so sorry."

Reki and Chris also joined in, and the three of them questioned Lapi. He -

he should have kept his hand in order not to reveal his identity, but due to

the [Bullfighting Instinct (Skill)], his full power increased explosively, and

he showed more power than imagined. The young man who was exposed to

the execution scene that was several times more powerful—he kept

laughing and apologizing.

Nina, who was stunned on the spot, also came to her senses. She ran over

and began to palpate Lapi's body as if she wanted to hug him.

"Are you okay, Lapi-kun!? Are you injured!? Are you really okay!?"

"I-I'm okay, Nina? Don't, don't worry about me, just rest first!"

"Eh?"

"Reply and then move forward! The monster attack has been interrupted,

now is a good opportunity!"

Hearing Lapi's call, the "Third Team" showed an expression of complete

inability to let go, but now it was an emergency. What the boy said was

very correct, and fatigue had weakened their judgment, so Nina and the

others stopped pursuing it and hurriedly took a short rest.

Use the props and set off immediately after recovering.

Chris, who was gradually establishing his abilities and status as a scout,

took the lead, moving forward cautiously and as quickly as possible.

Fortunately, they discovered the "vertical cave" immediately, and the "Third

Team" reached the 17th floor.

"Although many things are unacceptable, but...this way we can reach the

18th floor! Since Lappi can also fight, we no longer have to worry about the

future!"

"And monsters are rarely encountered! The goddesses of fate must be

smiling on us!"

The most important thing is that Lapi's unexpected activity ignited the

"Third Team".

In a difficult situation, this turn of events brought a tailwind and boosted

morale. The two or three monsters they encountered sporadically were also

chopped down by them without stopping. They continued to move forward

and came to the "big passage" known as the central road on the 17th floor.

"Lap, the road!"

"...After that, just walk along the road. If you continue like this, you can

reach the depths of the 17th floor."

Hearing Reki's voice asking for directions (navigation), Rapi spread out the

map with both hands and told him succinctly.

The faces of everyone in the "Third Team" gradually became filled with

hope, and Nina held onto the long staff tightly.

"It can be done...! This way it can be done!"

(Well, that will work. Even so...)

Listening to Nina's voice, I looked around.

It is very wide horizontally and high overhead, as if there is an endless

passage. This road was huge enough for a giant to pass through, and finally

not even the shadow of the monster could be seen.

so quiet.

Too quiet.

Even assuming that the dungeon prioritized repairing the terrain due to the

massive collapse that swept through the area on the 15th floor, and therefore

did not breed new monsters, the place was dominated by silence that

penetrated both ears.

And I know what this "silence" is.

"...?"

Nina and the others also noticed this unnatural situation.

As they ran, they peeked around uneasily. Nina, Iglin, Reki, and Chris all

looked behind them.

But I, who was at the end of the line, still nodded, conveying the meaning

of "I can only move forward."

Dominated by strong suspense, I still looked ahead again and made the

sound of footsteps.

It's not like monsters can't appear. But it didn't come out.

It was almost as if he was looking forward to something - or fearing the

birth of something.

(S-sure enough... the information on the guild bulletin board is...)

The strong "sense of déjà vu" caused bursts of pain near the back of the

head.

I frowned, but still moved forward with the "Third Team".

Since there were no other sounds, Nina and the others' breathing was

extremely clear. The stone was kicked by the shoe and flew up with a

sound, and was absorbed by the thin darkness of silence.

The cold gradually eroded all the members of the ignorant team.

Chris, who was leading the charge, seemed unable to bear the uneasy

atmosphere and increased his running speed. Nina and the others also

cooperated and accelerated forward. Just like the new adventurer who

passed here half a year ago, he convinced himself that as long as the silence

did not disappear, it would still be too late.

then.

"!!"

"This is the 'Sighing Jade'...!"

We arrived at the huge lobby.

The walls and ceiling were both made of huge rocks with twisted shapes.

Only the left wall had a completely different structure. The scenery here

made Reki and Iglin speechless. For adventurers, that beautiful wall with no

uneven surface is the "Sigh" itself.

"Chris, don't stop! Keep going—"

When I told the team alone, it was as if I vowed to defeat us this time.

Snap it.

"——"

It rang.

That voice.

Nina and others suddenly looked to the side.

On the giant wall, a huge crack traced a lightning-like trajectory from top to

bottom.

"--start running!"

As if driven by my shouting, Nina and the others started running together.

We moved through the halls with furious momentum. But the "sound of

birth" played by the cruel rift is faster than us.

Plop, plop, the cracking sound is getting faster and faster. The sound that hit

the eardrums took away all the color from the faces of Nina and others. The

cracking sound that seemed like gasping, groaning, and sighing finally

turned into a roar like an angry wave, and finally turned into a sound of

destruction.

The next moment.

With an even more violent breaking sound, that thing was born.

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!" !

"The Lone King of the Labyrinth"——Goliath! !

The newly born but overly big baby let out a deafening roar as soon as he

saw the livid-faced students under his eyes.

————————————————————————! !

While shouting, the giant also started running.

Every time the legs as thick as giant trees fell down, the ground would

crack, the ground would ring, and everything would be shaken.

"H-hurry up ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"

Iglin exploded with screams mixed with mournful screams.

Nina and the others gathered the last strength from their sweaty bodies and

ran as fast as they could.

The fierce pursuit of "Goliath".

The "death act" I experienced for the first time more than six months ago is

happening again! !

- However, only the brain is very calm.

Follow normal practices and focus on escaping. Never fight back. The

safety of the third squad (team) is the highest priority.

Even if I don't need to hide my identity now, I still have no choice but to

avoid the floor master under the current situation. Even though my level is

higher than the opponent's, the battle with normal monsters is different from

the main battle on the floor. Anything can go wrong. And if I choose to stay

at the rear here, it would be meaningless if the "Third Team" without me is

in danger again in the front. Risks must be completely eliminated. Now is

not the time to "take risks."

I was in the back row, accurately measuring the distance between the giant

staring here and us, constantly calculating the rapidly shortening buffer time

to survive.

run. run. run.

Nina and the others really risked their lives to escape the tremendous

pressure and murderous intent that was approaching them.

Fatigue, thinking, and fear were all thrown aside, and he ran towards the

exit in front of his sight.

But at this moment, a small human was tripped by the sound of the ground

and fell to the ground.

"Aww!"

""Chris!?""

Chris's face twitched with fear.

The faces of Nina and others were filled with despair.

And I took off my backpack without hesitation.

"ah!?"

"Everyone, let's go!"

""!!"

From the position at the end of the line, I picked up the small body while

maintaining the current speed.

I picked up Chris and shouted to Nina and the others who stopped for a

moment.

The "Third Team" turned forward again in half surprise, exerting all their

strength.

I hugged Chris, who was flushed and clinging to me, and kicked toward the

rocky ground as well.

"Run, run, run

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

hhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

Iglin's scream was drowned out by the huge volume of the giant. At the

same time, I, who was at the end, had to make a cruel judgment.

--That's too late.

——The stop just now was too fatal.

——Before jumping into the communication channel, Goliath's attack will

explode.

Both hands are occupied. Sniper (Fire Volt) is no longer available. It `s my

mistake.

"Ouch, ouch—"

A strong wind blew from behind. There was the sound of giant arms being

raised high. The blow that will shatter everything is coming.

Nina, Iglin, and Reki could no longer look back, and their desperate gasps

reached their ears.