CH 46

After returning all the books I’d brought back to where they belonged, I returned to the operation room.

“Hey, hey, Orn, can I, talk to you for a bit?”

Lucre speaks to me haltingly.

Isn’t it unusual for this girl to speak to me like this?

Is it something that difficult to talk about?

“What’s wrong?”

“W, well, you know? The magic you just used to make the books float, would it be good if you could teach me, I was wondering……”

While terribly ashamed, she says that she wants me to teach her the magic I’d shown earlier. 

Those who develop original magic generally do not publish it.

Once the formula is known, anyone can use it.

After all, it wouldn’t be amusing if someone else could simply use magic you worked so hard to create. 

To prevent that, when an original magic is released to the world, it’s common to enclose the formula within a magic tool and sell it as a magic tool with the same effect.  

In other words, by mixing in a large number of dummies, the original formula is obscured.

Some people who are really well versed in magic can understand it, but such people are rare.

I myself have studied magic deeply enough to be able to develop my own original magic, but I’m still not able to analyse the magic formula in magic tools.

Among the people I know, there is only one person who can do that.

Because of these reasons, Lucre must be hesitating. 

Nevertheless, I’d intended to reveal it from the get-go.

“Yeah, it’s alright.”

“It’s no good after all, huh~. –Eh! It’s okay?”

“Yeah, this magic was created by coincidence while I was developing another magic. Besides, this is more useful for everyday life than labyrinth exploration, so anyhow I was thinking of making it public. I’ve been too busy to disclose it though.”

“Hey, hey. If that’s so, may I ask you to teach me too?”

Lain also looks interested in this magic.

“Of course, I don’t mind.”

◇ 

I write the formula on a piece of paper and hand it to both of them.

While referring to the paper, the magic is activated. 

The chairs, files, and chalk around the room are flying in the air.

（Success on the first try, as expected. Even though it’s supposed to be a pretty complicated formula.)

“Oh! Amazing! This is so convenient!”

“What’s up. Hm? Things are floating. Is that some new developed magic?”

While Lucre is in high spirits, Will enters the room.

Then, seeing objects floating, he instantly recognised it as new magic. 

“Will, good morning. You did well to notice it’s magic. You never thought it could be the work of ghosts?”

Lain asked Will.

“Huh? Ghosts? Maybe the labyrinth, but there’s no way they’d be here, right? Don’t tell me, Lain, you thought it was ghosts? Hahaha! That’s why they call you a kid.”

Will laughs as he teases Lain.

–su?

Then, a chilling murderous intent is emitted from Lain.

While Lain keeps smiling,

“Will, I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you very well. Can you say that again?”

Will was dripping with cold sweat.

“N, nah. It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

“Really?”

“Ah, yeah! Didn’t say anything important.”

Just as Will looks relieved that he isn’t being presssed further,

“If you say that again, I’ll make you cry.”

A cold voice emanates from Lain.

“Hee, I’m sorry.”

Will shivers as he apologises.

“Lain is scary……..’

Lucre, who is sitting next to me, mutters in a quiet voice that only I can hear.

I wholeheartedly agree.

◇

At nine, Selma entered the room.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Selma. You’re just right on time as usual.”

The frightening air around Lain has faded away, and she’s returned to her usual, sisterly self.

“My bad. I had to stop by the Exploration Management Department. –Well then, about today’s plans, the Exploration Management Department said that they’re ‘lacking Noxious Sheep wool. so we would like you to gather some’, and made a request. So today, while testing our cooperation on the 86th floor, we will be hunting Noxious Sheep.”

Noxious Sheep are large, two-metre large demonic beasts.

Their wool is extremely hard yet hihgly elastic, giving it high defensive power.

They also release a reddish-black breathe from their mouths, which when inhaled, paralyses the body and renders you immobile.

Quite the nasty demonic beast.

But although it is a troublesome demonic beast, the fact that it can be protected by its wool means that clothing made from such wool has a reasonable level of defence.

Therefore, Noxious Sheep wool is in high demand.

“Up to here, does anyone have any questions?”

“May I ask one question?”

I raise my hand and ask permission.

“No problem. What is it?”

“The 86th floor is a floor where the Vanguard can’t play an active role, so should I participate as a Rearguard?” 

“No, Orn you will join as a Vanguard Attacker. From now on as well, you’re fundamentally going to acting as a Vanguard Attacker. If you think that it’ll be more optimal to take up other roles and switch, I have no issue with that, but as a general rule, please stay as a Vanguard Attacker.”

Hmmm… so basically a Vanguard Attacker, but free to do as I judge.

I appreciate this.

“Moving on, the reason for heading to the 86th floor specifically is as I’ve mentioned before, but in addition, though I don’t want to think about it, there’s a possibility that Orn and us won’t mesh well together. But since we Rearguard members know each other’s habits, in that event, we can follow up.”

I see.

Even if I can’t work well, if it’s a floor where the Rearguard play a more active role, the possibility of us safely getting through increases, right?

“Agreed.”

“Is there anything else? ……Then let’s proceed to confirming basic matters of cooperation.”

The contents were as I’d thought.

First, regarding support magic.

I won’t be receiving Selma’s buffs and I’m allowed to freely cast buffs on myself.  

Well, since I have [Stacking], it’s more efficient to buff myself. 

Selma will concentrate on buffing the other members.

Just having one less person to manage buffs for will definitely reduce Selma’s burden considerably. 

Next, offence.

Generally, the damage dealers will be Lain and I.

While always ensuring spare mana for healing magic, Lucre will join in the attack when recovery is not needed.

Will is to focus on controlling attention from demonic beasts. Damage is secondary.

Selma will maintain buffs and give instructions. 

In addition to that, we also worked out the specific details of various other things that needed to be confirmed.

“That’s about all. Is there anything else anyone wants to say? …….Doesn’t seem so. Then, let’s head out to the Great Labyrinth!”

“””Oh!”””

The three of them responded to Selma’s call.

They did this often too during the guided xploration. This may be “Night Sky Silver Rabbit’s tradition.

I want to join in next time……

We all stand and leave the operation room in order to proceed to the Great Labyrinth.

◇

As we approach the Great Labyrinth, the number of explorers increases.

And their gazes gathered on me.

“Aren’t you famous~”

Lucre teases me.

I don’t feel so good being exposed to so many looks.

And then I hear various voices.

–That guy the “Dragon Slayer”?

–“Dragon Slayer”‘s freelance now, that’s what I heard though.

–But that coat’s “Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit”‘s, right?

–That means he’s in “Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit”?

–If that’s right, “Night Sky’s Silver Rabbit” might take the lead again soon!

–Then the Hero Party won’t be able to just take it easy!?

Ignoring the words I could hear, I focused my concentration.

I converted from a Swordsman to an Enchanter on the 62nd floor, the beginning of the lower layer.

Since then, I’ve been exploring the Great Labyrinth as an Enchanter.

Although I have a grasp on the movements and characteristics of the demonic beasts, this will be my first time as a Swordsman in the lower layers.

I’m nervous, but a large part of me is also looking forward to it.

It’s the position I’ve always wanted to be for exploring the labyrinth.

I’ll do my best to not betray the expectations of this Clan that has welcomed me!

For now, the goal is to conquer the 93rd floor.

To stand next to the Hero Party..

We’re now in front of the crystal at the entrance to the Great Labyrinth.

Holding up our Guild cards to the crystal, we transfer to the 86th floor.