Three days have passed.

　The trio we were waiting for seems to have stopped their patrols, and we haven't seen them since.

　They might have already left the city.

　In these three days, we've explored about half of the fourth layer.

　Lizardmen, Sahagins, Mantises, Crabs.

　The monsters are strong, but not dangerously so, nor are they as easy as the third layer. Probably, this is what they mean by "a level suited to our abilities."

　We haven't encountered Lamias or Scyllas yet, but even if we do, I don't think we'll be in an utterly hopeless situation.

　...Well, to be honest, we're also significantly safer than local explorers thanks to our cheat item, the "Barrier Stone."

"If we keep going like this, we'll reach the Lamia's nest by tomorrow. Isn't Scylla there too?"

"That's right. She's there sometimes, but not always."

"Even if Scylla is in the nest, fighting all of them at once is clearly impossible. If we can cleverly lure them one by one and eliminate the Lamias gradually, we might stand a chance."

"Lure them... like fishing for fish or something?"

We spread out our handmade map and held a strategy meeting.

Among the tough monsters of the four layers, Lamias and Scylla were particularly powerful.

Scylla, in particular, was immensely strong and large in size, making it extremely risky for a small party like ours to face her.

Still, we had made our decision to fight.

"If we defeat Scylla, we'll be at Gold rank. We're still Ebony rank now, but can we skip a level?"

"It can be done. Eliminating Scylla isn't something you can half-heartedly attempt—it leaves no room for dishonesty."

"Dishonesty... really exists? So that's it."

"It seems to go up to Silver Rank. The guild doesn't seem to be cracking down much on it."

By "dishonesty," they mean the act of inflating one's reputation by purchasing spirit stones from other explorers at above-market rates, without actually contributing as an explorer.

In reality, as long as you have the money, you can buy spirit stones from other explorers at a higher price than market value, turn them in to the guild, and increase your reputation score.

The guild can't stop this practice. Once transactions happen within the labyrinth, catching offenders on the spot is nearly impossible.

"That's why being above Gold is special. To reach Gnome rank, you have to submit a quest to slay Scylla, and even after defeating it, you still need to bring proof back for the guild members to evaluate your party,"

"I didn't know that existed. I thought the guild didn't handle such tasks."

"They don't really do much of that... The guild only handles assessments for Gnome rank, essentially."

"I see. So it's only once or twice a year at most?"

In any case, to earn the Gold rank insignia, you must defeat Scylla—the strongest monster in the fourth layer.

Incidentally, the rank above that is Undine, the magical silver insignia.

To reach this level, one must overcome the sixth layer. The sixth layer is a floor that hasn't been cleared in decades, reportedly home to extremely strong monsters.

Back in the days when Refreia's master was an explorer, reaching the fifth layer was the requirement to ascend to the rank of Arcane Silver, so the difficulty naturally increases as exploration progresses.

It's only natural that those who venture into uncharted regions—the true explorers—earn higher ranks.

"My master climbed to the rank of Salamander because he defeated Pitfeond, the strongest monster in the fifth layer. He was said to be the first party to ever reach that far."

"Has that changed now?"

Once a monster is defeated, information about it spreads, making it somewhat easier to defeat in the future. To ascend to the salamander rank, you must defeat the strongest monster in the lowest layer at that time. Right now, the Crimson Vial is challenging the sixth layer, but the monster at the very back is incredibly strong and hasn't been defeated yet. Once they defeat it, they'll become salamanders.

"Even they can't defeat that monster...?"

Just one day of watching the Crimson Vial's battle at the third layer made it seem like they possessed power far beyond even Refleia's.

And yet, even such a party can't defeat the boss in the sixth layer...?

"But if they've made it all the way to the boss, they must have already found the stairs downward. They should just go ahead and explore the seventh layer."

"Jeanne, about that... it seems like the monster is guarding the stairs leading down."

"Ah. It's like a game."

A game?

Well, I get it. It really does feel like one.

"Anyway, let's not worry about the lower levels for now. The real issue is Scylla. What do we do? Are we really going to go and defeat her?"

"Of course we're going. In fact, I'd rather clear the fourth floor quickly and move on to the fifth."

"The fourth floor is wet, cold, and dark... I completely agree with you, Jeanne."

"Then, from next time on, it's 'Scylla's Destruction'!"

"A thrilling adventure that sends shivers down your spine! We'll crush her!"

"Jeanne, you're kind of scary... you know."

After all, you even named the party 'Battle Junkie'.

It's obvious that Jeanne is enjoying the fights, and I think our party's activity level is significantly higher than that of other adventurers. We should be growing stronger and advancing in rank steadily... though I can't

quite tell for sure. I suppose I must be getting stronger, since I'm managing fine even

on the

fourth floor. Now then. We were just sitting around the living room table, spreading out a map and having

this kind of conversation, but today is a holiday. We've been diving into the

dungeon for several days straight and taking one day off in between. So,

we'll set out to hunt Scylla

starting tomorrow. From now on, it's free time. "I'll go

check on Orikami for a bit," "I'll make dinner today—Hikaru usually does it for me

," "Then I'm going to take a bath."

So, I left home.

I stopped by the guild to register entry into the dungeon. Though you could technically just walk in without doing this, it's a rule. If you're reported missing, being registered means you'll be officially considered dead if you don't return from the dungeon.

I entered deeper and searched for the Worigami person.

"Oh, there you are. Fighting a skeleton with a weapon... Is he going to be okay?"

There's a huge difference in danger between a skeleton wielding a weapon and one fighting bare-handed.

Worigami was holding an iron rod in both hands, dodging the skeleton's attacks and immediately countering. Instead of targeting weak points, it seemed like he was just striking wherever the skeleton was hit.

When the skeleton's wrist was struck, it dropped its weapon, and Worigami immediately attacked the monster's head.

The skull detached and vanished instantly.

The skeleton transformed into a small black spirit stone. A decisive victory.

"Orikami-san, you did great! You seem to be handling the weapon with ease, don't you?"

"Oh, Hikaru-kun! Well, I'm finally getting used to it. I still can't quite manage the animal-type skeletons, though."

Orikami-san modestly waved her hands wildly.

The animal-type skeletons referred to were those of horses and dogs. Though I've only fought them a few times, it's true they're hard to defeat if you're not accustomed to them.

Incidentally, the monsters in the first layer are "skeletons," and there are four types: "humanoid," "humanoid (armed)," "dog," and "horse." These are all weak, making them ideal for beginners' training, and they serve as perfect practice targets for bronze-ranked explorers wielding clubs.

"So, is the soldier still not here yet?"

"You'll get killed! We need plenty of safety margin to keep going, you know. Persistence is power!"

"True enough."

Further in, you'll encounter "skeleton soldiers" equipped with swords, shields, and armor.

Occasionally, a ghost-type monster called a "wight" appears, but it's just a minor enemy that can only use "dark mist" and lacks physical attacks.

Since the Bone Knights Jeanne previously defeated don't appear until the innermost castle, we won't have any unwanted encounters.

"Oh, right. There are some kids who want me to introduce them to Hikaru—okay with that?"

"Huh?"

Origami smiled cheerfully, and for a moment I didn't understand what she meant.

"Hey, Mr. Origami! We've cleared the ones over here too!"

Just as I was at a loss for words, another explorer, a young man, appeared from behind a distant building.

Two of them.

A blonde gentleman with a refined air, and a brunette wearing a mask.

The blonde looked a bit older, dressed in expensive clothes, and seemed to carry a high degree of pride.

The masked one was harder to read.

Both stared at us with intense, fixed eyes.

"The handsome blond is Ferdinand. The masked one is Mr. Phantom."

"Mr. Phantom...?"

"They say he lost his memories during the transfer, so he has no recollection at all. 'Phantom' is just a new name we gave him here."

Memory loss? Could something like that even be chosen during a transfer?

No, that's not the point—

"So, the transfer... does that mean those two are transferees?"

"That's right. They're part of the second wave. They've probably been watching over me and Hikaru too."

Two young men approach.

I could feel cold sweat breaking out from my back.

It's different from when Jeanne or Refreia were by my side.

Right now, I'm alone.

Who the hell are they? Why did they ask OriGami-san to introduce me?

There was no hint of malice in OriGami-san's profile view.

That transfer student isn't really a bad person either... that must be it.

I couldn't possibly know who they are. They're only active in the first layer, so they probably haven't received a combat-oriented gift, meaning there's little risk of direct harm... I suppose. Of course, there's still a possibility they're like Jeanne—equipped with a combat gift but practicing only in the first layer, or even bringing a gun.

The two of them approached me with no change in pace, stopping right in front of me.

Honestly, I wanted to run away, but given OriGami-san's presence, I couldn't. I resigned myself to at least offering a greeting.

The blonde smiled gently.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Kurose Hikaru, correct? I'm Ferdinand de Schmet, from Belgium. I've been watching your streams regularly. It must have been tough, huh."

"Eh, ah, yeah..."

I was flustered, caught off guard by the friendly handshake he offered.

He'd been watching my streams.

Hearing it so plainly made me feel like my heart was being gripped.

　

My legs felt unsteady.

I wondered what kind of face I was making right now.

I wasn't in any state to give a normal, casual reply.

But at least I had to keep up appearances.

My gaze instinctively wandered, only to find a masked man—someone called Phantom—staring at me with burning eyes.

The mask covered his entire face, hiding any expression he might have.

I couldn't fathom why he was looking at me like that.

"This is Phantom. He's amnesiac, you see. I took him in. We Transmigrants have to look out for each other, don't we? Hey, Phantom

?" "………………"

"Sorry, he's awfully quiet."

The man with no memory apparently doesn't speak. Or

perhaps can't. Either way, he's staring at me with an intense gaze—but if he has no memories, he shouldn't know me at all. Is he hearing something from Ferdinand

? "Both I and Phantom are new here and still unfamiliar with things. Let's exchange greetings properly another time. … Today, you

seem unwell,

though." "Ah, yes…" "Still, after going through all that effort… ending up like this? Well, it's only natural, really…"

Ferdinand furrowed his brow and added with a sympathetic expression.

What was that...?

"Then, I'm off. Hey, Phantom, let's go."

"…………Yeah."

The man who called himself Ferdinand and the mysterious masked man said nothing more before leaving.

That final expression.

What was it? I have no idea what he meant.

A restless unease spread through my chest, and even after they left, my heart pounded and I felt sick to my stomach.

"You really look unwell— are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. Just startled me, that's all... I'm fine. I'm fine..."

"Alright. Sorry for suddenly introducing them like that."

"No... it's fine..."

Even Origami was worried about me.

I didn't realize it myself, but I seem to be more shaken by the Second Wave than I thought.

They said they'd be back, so I need to prepare myself...

I also want to confirm what exactly that "something" he mentioned was.

No... I've decided not to get involved, so I should just ignore it completely.

In the end, I'm still weak, easily swayed like this.

It's a bad feeling, knowing I'm supposed to hunt Scylla starting tomorrow.