Chapter 153: Sin

"Damn it... What the hell... Why isn't it working...!?"

That's the sound of Ryoma.

It seems he's run out of ammunition entirely.

Girls A, B, and C have also exhausted their magic power and are now on their knees.

Oddly enough, we're the ones remaining composed, despite being on the receiving end of continuous attacks.

"One thing, if I may?"

After confirming they had lost their will to fight, I spoke up.

"...What is it?"

"Um, I don't seem to see the woman who speaks in Osaka dialect..."

"She's waiting at the Adventurer's Inn....She couldn't bring herself to support us."

I see.

So they weren't all united after all.

"Then... "

We turned to face Ichii-kun, the only one here with the power to resist.

"What will you do?"

It was also a word that carried the meaning, "Will you come with us?"

"I... uh... I can't..."

His troubled expression—there was something about it that reminded me of Aya, the lost friend who had wandered off.

"I can't betray everyone..."

Regrettable.

The "Murasama" in Ichi-kun's hand was the very one I had just handed to him.

Oh right, I never took it back.

"Hey, you should've gone back and retrieved it sooner—now it's caused a mess."

It's known that the "Murasama" possesses a power beyond human comprehension, far more than just a sharp blade.

Moreover, Ichi-kun himself is no ordinary wielder.

Anyone struck by his sword, which carries the "Attack Power" ability, won't survive a fatal injury.

...As I was thinking such thoughts, "Muramasu" was tossed at my feet.

"Oh? What's this?"

"That blade belongs to your older sister, you know. It's a trade."

What a noble knightly spirit.

I gave a wry smile.

"You shouldn't just hand over your weapon without knowing if you'll get it back. What were you planning to do if I didn't return your sword?"

"…………Huh?"

Ichi-kun's expression turns bewildered, as if he were a first-time elementary school student being taught how to make a baby.

"Y-you're not really planning on not giving it back, are you... big sis?"

"Combat isn't a sport governed by sportsmanship. Challenging an opponent by relying on their goodwill is foolish—especially when there's someone you need to protect."

He glances briefly at the four men retreating in frustration just beside the boy.

Then, with a flick, he tossed the "iron sword."

"...O-oh, wait!"

Icchi hastily caught it.

"When you leave this place, keep that in mind."

"...Leave? Outside?"

Icchi seemed to be speaking as if from a distant, dreamlike realm.

"Are the sisters... wanting to go outside?"

"Don't you want to go out, Icchi?"

"...Yeah. I don't want to."

A definitive tone that left no room for argument.

"It's safe here, we have food, everyone's together... and I don't want to, not anymore, cut down the walking dead."

I smiled.

It felt like the collective will of everyone who remained in this "first basement."

"Then, if you insist on stopping us at all costs..."

We'll end up destroying the entire "Master Dungeon" system itself, won't we?

"I understand... I'll do it."

Phew.

The expression in his eyes vanishes completely, as if all emotion had been erased.

Realizing that this was the signal to begin combat,

"――Huh!"

In an instant.

After seeing Ichi-kun's right foot step forward with a spring, he raises "Murasama."

The blades cross above his head, emitting a grating, unpleasant sound that pierces the ears.

The boy's rapid strikes follow one after another—six in total.

Each blow carries the full force of his determination.

They say that when facing a real fight, people instinctively flinch, but that wasn’t the case with him.

It was clear he intended to kill me outright.

As for me,

“Wow… Seriously, is this my first actual sword fight in life?”

I was silently impressed with myself.

“I’ve been secretly wanting to join in ever since I saw the guys in class swinging brooms around.”

“Do you really have time to talk—what the hell?!”

Ichi-kun's sword deflected Muramasa's blade.

"Wha—!"

The blade soared into the air,

"Got it—!"

And slashed horizontally across my open left hand.

I see now—this skill, honed through protecting comrades all this time, is no joke.

The final strike was delivered without the slightest hesitation.

"Impossible, you—'Warrior'!"

The Gambler cried out in surprise.

I must have given him a bit of a scare.

But then.

"――Well done."

It was,

"……got it. Big sis."

Ichi-kun who fell.

On my left hand, which had blocked the sword, a blue, semi-transparent shield had appeared.

――《Aegis Shield》.

A magic shield-generating skill I'd acquired just moments ago.

And in my right hand, which should have been deflected, was the "Stun Knife" I'd pulled from my pocket.

A replacement for the one I'd lost earlier (the time Haruna had taken it from me).

"Pfui..."

Letting out a sigh of relief, I slid the blade back into its sheath.

"My heart nearly stopped."

The "Gambler" made a pout with her lips.

Come to think of it, I hadn't shown her the Aegis Shield yet.

Well, I suppose I don't fully understand all of the "Gambler's" skills either, so we're even.

▼

After laying Ichi-kun down on the floor, unconscious,

"May I ask just one thing?"

Ryouma spoke up.

"Oh, still going at it?"

He raised both hands and said, "No way!"

We're at a dead end here. Whatever you decide to do, I won't stop you.

If that's the case, then it's fine.

Just... if you ever go outside and meet the "Dungeon Master," I'd appreciate it if you'd leave us alone. We just want to live quietly here...

Ah.

That kind of person, huh.

I send a brief glance toward the "Gambler" for just a moment.

She silently shakes her head.

Well, well.

Guess I'm the one destined to be the villain.

"Unfortunately, that's not possible."

"…! Why?"

"Let me warn you. Soon, this 'Master Dungeon' will vanish. And all of you will return to live in your original world."

Hmm, maybe I spoke a little too much.

"Why?!"

The voice shouting was one of the three girls—Long black-haired straight-haired girl (nickname).

"Going out is your own choice, but leave us out of it!"

Unfortunately, that won't be possible.

Better to raise hopes and then betray later, don't you think?

I deliberately choose harsh words.

"You've lost. Even though we were completely careless, you still managed to lose."

"...So what if it is? What are you trying to say?"

"In the world just a little while ago, being weak wasn't a sin. But now, it's different. It's become different, like this..."

As I spoke, I felt sadness welling up inside me.

Perhaps one day, I too will fall, just like them.

Hurt the places and people I hold dear, and realize my own helplessness.

"You understand, don't you? There's nowhere in this world where safety can be given freely anymore. If you want to protect your place, you have to become strong."

"………………………………"

No reply came.

Nor did any counterargument arise.

From the depths of my heart, I truly believe.

As soon as possible—this must end.

That's all.