Little Trick

Meld was gasping for breath, clearly rattled by Eriri. Had the pressure not been lifted, he might be gravely injured by now. Hearing Eriri's words, he no longer dared to argue, promptly grabbing Amanogawa Kouki and motioning the knights to carry away Hiyama Daisuke's lifeless body before quickly departing the adventurers' guild.

Leaving with the knights were Suzu Taniguchi and the others. Having experienced so much upheaval, they didn't even care to eat and only wanted to hurry back to the capital to report today's events to their teacher. Only Shizuku Yaegashi and Kaori Shirasaki remained behind.

"Aren't you going back with them?" Arifureta asked, surprised at the two girls standing there awkwardly.

Shizuku Yaegashi, slightly embarrassed, scratched her cheek and looked at the twelve or thirteen-year-old girl before her. "Um, we have something we'd like your help with. By the way, I didn't catch your name, little sister."

"Oh, I'm Arifureta. Feel free to ask for anything." Being called "little sister" made Arifureta delighted, despite being an eternal being, she was still sensitive about her age.

"Thank you," Shizuku replied, glancing at Kaori beside her, giving her an encouraging nod.

Taking a deep breath, Kaori faced Eriri and Arifureta with determination, her voice filled with pleading. "Eriri, Arifureta, I know this is selfish, but can you help me save Hajime? I'm begging you."

This was the only solution she could think of. Given their current progress in the Orcus Labyrinth, it would take a long time to reach the deepest parts, and unforeseen circumstances could arise during that period.

"We planned to bring him out, but he wouldn't believe me, so there's nothing I can do," Eriri said nonchalantly.

"How could this happen…" Kaori's face filled with disappointment. She didn't have the nerve to ask Eriri again since they had already been refused once, and Eriri didn't owe her anything.

Seeing Kaori's dejected look, Arifureta felt a pang of sympathy. "Don't worry, your Hajime is much stronger than you now. He won't die easily."

Kaori's eyes lit up at those words, managing a faint smile, but her face remained clouded with worry.

Shizuku, noticing Kaori's expression, felt a tug at her heartstrings. Turning her gaze to Eriri and Arifureta, she seemed on the verge of speaking but hesitated.

Sensing Shizuku's intent, Eriri smiled. "While I can't specifically go to rescue Nagumo Hajime again, I can…"

"What?"

"I can send you to Nagumo's side. But the labyrinth depths are perilous, and the monsters are much stronger than you. Are you sure you want to go?"

"I want to!" Kaori immediately replied, with no trace of fear on her face.

"Oh? Decided so quickly? Impressive courage," Eriri said, with a hint of admiration in her eyes.

Eriri was curious about what would happen next. Having Kaori join Hajime in exploring the Orcus Labyrinth and uncovering the world's truths, and then working together to clear other labyrinths to find a way home—it would be interesting to see how their journey differed from the original story.

"Kaori…" Shizuku looked worriedly at her friend. She had hoped Eriri would bring Hajime out of the labyrinth, but things had taken a different turn.

"Shizuku, I've decided to stay with Hajime. I couldn't protect him before, but I won't leave his side again," Kaori said, placing her right hand on her heart, her tone resolute.

Shizuku fell silent, staring deeply at Kaori, torn inside. Though she didn't want her childhood friend to risk danger, she finally sighed. "You're making it hard for me to stop you…"

Kaori gave a light smile, feeling as if a burden had lifted from her shoulders. "You're always such a worrier, Shizuku. I promise we'll return safely."

Shizuku embraced Kaori, feeling sorrow at parting from her friend, but this was Kaori's choice, and she had to give her encouragement and support.

"Eriri." After embracing Shizuku, Kaori addressed Eriri solemnly, bowing slowly. "Thank you for bringing news of Hajime, and for allowing us to reunite. I will never forget your kindness."

"It's no big deal. Don't mention it." Eriri smiled gently and waved her hand, making Kaori stand up straight involuntarily.

Eriri's tone shifted, and she asked directly, "Do you have any last words for your companions?"

"Nothing to say. Shizuku will tell Kouki and the others."

"Alright, I'll send you over now."

Without hesitation, Eriri raised her finger and made a downward motion, creating a four-meter-tall, two-meter-wide rectangular portal in front of her. It was filled with a mysterious white mist, obscuring what lay beyond.

For Eriri, making such a portal on a planet was as simple as eating or drinking. She just needed to use her awareness to locate the target destination, employ her spatial abilities to link two places, and stabilize the portal with cosmic energy. Isn't that simple?

"Wow, is this the legendary space gate?" Shizuku exclaimed in awe, her eyes full of wonder as she gazed at the portal. "Eriri… you're amazing! You can create a space gate so easily…"

"A little trick, nothing more," Eriri said modestly, withdrawing her hand and gesturing to the stunned Kaori. "Go ahead, step through, and you'll be with Hajime."