I went shopping for necessities early in the morning and had breakfast at a tavern.
With plenty of time to spare, I headed to the church, which was our meeting place.
There, I saw a priest reciting something like a Bible and many people offering prayers. Dia was among them.
In this world, many people pray to God.
While many people simply believe in religion, even adventurers without faith fervently offer prayers. This is because the prayer itself is part of a magic called “Level Up.” The priest’s incantations included not only regular teachings but also incantations that promote “Level Up,” which is why people with various circumstances visit the church.
It seems different from the God in my world, who does nothing.
It makes some sense that something like the Allied Nations would form if there was a religion that offered “Level Up” for free.
After finishing her prayers and speaking briefly with the priest, Dia noticed me, her visitor, and approached.
“—Christ, you’re already here?”
“Good morning. You’re early, Dia.”
“I thought maybe my level might have gone up… but it seems not. Sigh.”
“I see. That’s too bad…”
As I replied, I subtly checked Dia’s status.
[STATUS]
Name: Diablo Sis HP 39/52 MP 431/431 Class: Swordsman
Level 1
Strength 0.59 Stamina 1.12 Dexterity 0.92 Speed 0.88 Intelligence 1.34 Magic Power 23.25 Aptitude 5.00
Condition: Blessing 1.00
Experience Points: 89/100
From the looks of it, she was getting close to leveling up.
And, as usual, her stats were ridiculous.
Magic Power. Especially Magic Power.
We talked about coordinating in the labyrinth as we headed towards it.
“So, my job is to draw the monsters’ attention, right?”
“I’m sorry to ask, but please do. With my lack of strength, I can’t seem to deal damage to monsters with normal attacks. So, I’m planning to use magic from now on.”
It seemed Dia’s sword couldn’t defeat monsters.
That’s probably why she was so insistent on having companions. It made sense that even though she had magic effective against monsters, she couldn’t utilize it effectively alone.
However, isn’t that no longer a swordsman? Wouldn’t it be better to leave the sword behind? I thought, but I didn’t say it out loud. It seems Dia is genuinely aiming to be a swordsman.
“Understood. But I’ll focus on dodging in front. …As much as possible, I don’t want to get hurt.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Just being the front-liner makes a huge difference for me.”
“…Well. This is probably the best formation. I’m suited for scouting and disruption.”
“If I level up, I’ll fight with my sword too, so bear with me until then.”
No, I think you’d be better off concentrating on magic. But I didn’t say it out loud. If I did, I’d have to explain about the “display” when asked why I thought that.
“Then, I’ll be in front, searching for enemies.”
While we were talking, we arrived at the labyrinth entrance. Unlike the beautiful entrance of Fuziaze, this one was quite neglected. There were no guards at Valt’s entrance either.
“Alright, let’s go.”
And so, I challenged the labyrinth for the second time.
My heart was uneasy.
Anxiety and fear swirled within me.
I desperately tried to suppress them.
I had gathered as much information as possible up to this day.
I had researched monsters extensively in books.
I had heard many firsthand accounts from adventurers at the tavern.
My equipment was appropriate, and I had all the necessary tools.
Although a bit uncertain, I had a talented and trustworthy companion.
I could now perform other actions while maintaining the “display.”
I had grown accustomed to magic and could even apply it.
There was nothing wanting in my preparation for the challenge—
By mentally confirming what I had built up to this point, I calmed my mind and proceeded deeper into the labyrinth.
◆◆◆◆◆
The first monster was a Ripper Beetle.
I encountered it shortly after leaving the “Seidō” path. Since the northern part of the first floor in the Valt area has many insect-type monsters, it was one of the monsters I had anticipated.
Using the scouting ability of the magic “Dimension,” I took the initiative and confronted it with an applied magic called “Dimension – Decisive Calculation.” This magic is an enhanced version of “Dimension” specialized for combat. While its scouting range is reduced, it significantly improves the sense of distance and alertness necessary for battle.
Magic changes its form based on imagination.
This is a perfect example of that.
With this applied magic, I wouldn’t miss any of the monster’s actions.
“Dia, it’s just one. Let’s proceed as planned.”
“Understood!”
We moved according to the coordination we had previously agreed upon. Dia began chanting to cast her magic, while I stood in front of her, blocking her from the monster’s view, and held my sword in a proper guard stance.
I deflected, diverted, and evaded the enemy’s attacks with my sword.
While concentrating on that, I also paid attention to ensure the monster wouldn’t go towards Dia.
During this, the Ripper Beetle charged at me.
In response, I swung my sword down with all my might, stopping its charge.
Thanks to the magic’s effect, I could see its movements.
The two horns of the dangerous Ripper Beetle didn’t even graze me.
Although it had been a while since my last fight, I was able to handle it without tension as I had fought this monster once before.
Moreover, it felt significantly weaker than before.
Did my speed increase with leveling up, making the monsters appear slower? My Strength stat had increased, and cracks appeared on its carapace, which I couldn’t even scratch before.
The fear I felt before was gone.
But at the same time, it was a moment where I felt the abnormality of this world’s leveling system.
“Christ! Shoot!!”
A signal flew from behind.
I immediately moved to the side, allowing Dia to see the monster.
“—Flame Arrow!!”
Dia completed her magic, and a flash of light erupted from the sky.
Flame Arrow.
According to what I had heard beforehand, it’s a basic fire-attribute magic. It’s Dia’s only offensive magic, and it apparently shoots out a heat-infused magic arrow.
When I heard that, what I imagined was a “fire arrow,” as the name suggested. I envisioned a flaming arrow, shaped like an arrow, being fired from a bow.
—However, the real thing was different.
Not an arrow, but a line.
In an instant, a white line was drawn in space—a so-called laser beam was emitted.
Naturally, it was impossible to follow with my eyes.
One moment it flashed, and the next, the line had finished its course.
And then, the Ripper Beetle had a large hole in the center of its body.
It was a single strike.
“All right!”
Dia struck a celebratory pose after landing a full-power hit, while I inwardly flustered, “Eh…?”
As the mortally wounded Ripper Beetle began to disappear, Dia cheered excitedly behind me.
“I defeated it! And so anticlimactically!”
She didn’t seem to notice me, standing in front, dumbfounded.
“C-congratulations…”
I offered congratulations with a monotone voice.
“Yeah! Thanks! This is the first time I’ve defeated a monster of this size!”
“That’s good…”
Cold sweat poured down my face. Dia didn’t grasp the abnormality of her own actions.
I had never seen or heard of such magic in books or from people’s stories.
Dia’s Magic Power was 23, and her Elemental Magic skill was 2.
Other factors were likely at play, but I couldn’t hide my unease at such a phenomenon occurring with these numbers.
After all, in future battles, I would have someone wielding a laser gun at my back.
While I could trust her character, Dia and I had only known each other for a short time. Anything could happen. Even without malicious intent, if she misfired, I would have the same hole in my gut as the Ripper Beetle.
My chicken heart began to tremble, and I knew it clearly.
“All right! Thanks to you, Christ, I could concentrate on my magic! Let’s keep this up!”
“…Yeah. Let’s keep this up. But be careful when you shoot magic, okay? Really, seriously. Be careful.”
“Ah, I got it! Leave it to me!”
Dia seemed very excited about defeating the monster.
Her demeanor only amplified my anxiety.
“…Well then, shall we go? I’ll be scouting, so please be quiet. Also, in case of unforeseen circumstances, follow my instructions. Don’t cast magic without permission. Absolutely, positively.”
I repeatedly emphasized not to let the magic go off erratically and expanded the magic “Dimension.”
“Ah, I’ll do as you say. It seems like I can’t go wrong if I follow Christ’s instructions.”
Dia readily agreed.
It seemed she had a certain level of trust in me.
Relieved, I began scouting, checking the experience points and the MP consumed.
Although Dia delivered the finishing blow in the previous fight, the experience points were distributed. My MP consumption was about 5 for scouting and fighting combined, and Dia consumed about 3.
Dia, you’re truly amazing.
Low cost, high power.
I’m scared that a single laser beam might exceed the thermal energy of a human.
It’s casually ignoring the law of conservation of mass.
“Ah, Dia, you’ll encounter one after you turn that corner.”
“Understood.”
I detected a large monster with the magic “Dimension” and reported it to Dia.
I confirmed the monster’s name and rank with the “display” and cross-referenced it with the information I had. After simulating the battle beforehand, I confronted the monster.
It was a spider-like monster.
“Dia—!!”
“Ah! —Flame Arrow!!”
However, following the same procedure as the previous battle, Dia’s magic was unleashed—and with just that, it was defeated without any difficulty.
“Whoa, Christ! Another one defeated!”
“Ah… anticlimactic…”
The past me, who had been afraid of the labyrinth, felt foolish.
Since I was using “Dimension” for combat, I didn’t feel like I would be attacked.
In game terms, it would be like receiving a significant bonus to Dexterity and major buffs to hit and evasion.
And Dia’s “Flame Arrow” was clearly overkill and lightning-fast, making it unavoidable.
I had the initiative with my scouting and positioned myself optimally.
If the enemy didn’t notice me, it would be a sniper shot with “Flame Arrow.” Even if I missed, I would be positioned diagonally, preventing the enemy from reaching the artillery mage. The only weak point would be if I faltered in close combat. However, perhaps due to the difference in level between me, now Level 4, and the enemy, I didn’t feel like they could catch me off guard.
And so, one by one, we steadily defeated monsters.
“—Ah. We defeated them again, without a scratch.”
“H-hey… Christ. Is the labyrinth this easy when you form a party?”
Dia, who had been overjoyed at first, finally voiced her question, unable to bear watching the monsters die one-sidedly.
“No, that’s not possible. People die even on the first floor, and from what I’ve heard from adventurers at the tavern, I think we’re the abnormal ones.”
“Does that mean we’re strong?”
Precisely.
The excessive attack power of Dia’s Level 1 magic was one factor.
However, if I praised Dia too much, I wouldn’t be able to highlight my own usefulness.
I’d like to have a long-lasting relationship with Dia if possible.
“Yes. Dia, you have a talent for magic. Undoubtedly.”
“…I see. But, that’s—”
“But I think it’s more because our compatibility is too good.”
“More than that? Our compatibility…?”
Dia looked surprised.
Indeed.
Above all, our compatibility is what made this tactic flawless.
“It’s because I’m a mage with a skill specialized in scouting, that this is the result.”
“Now that you mention it… Christ, you’re finding enemies one after another in this darkness. And from quite a distance…”
“Actually, I’m using magic to find enemies. …That’s why monsters don’t get the first move on us, and Dia, the artillery mage, isn’t targeted by enemies. Furthermore, we can start battles with Dia in a favorable position. In some cases, we can even snipe first. I’m completely covering for Dia, who takes time to generate firepower. I believe that’s what creates this winning pattern.”
“Certainly, when I was alone, monsters always found me first, and I never had the chance to cast magic… But how do you find enemies, Christ? I’ve never heard of such magic before.”
If I told her everything, she would probably understand.
That “Dimension” Dimensional Magic and the “display” I see are allowing me to find all the monsters.
However, my Dimensional Magic is something I haven’t even heard of during my information gathering in the past few days.
The “display” is, needless to say, an ability only I have.
I didn’t want to attract trouble with this, and more importantly, as a timid person, revealing my own information was difficult.
“Um… it’s an old magic from my hometown. It’s considered a secret technique, so I can’t explain it in detail, but it makes it easier to find monsters when hunting.”
“Oh, I see. So it’s a rare skill, huh?”
Dia seemed satisfied with my explanation.
After all, it’s natural for someone engaged in a dangerous profession not to easily reveal their cards, and perhaps that’s why Dia didn’t press further.
“However, the MP consumption is very high, so I’m actually a hundred times more tired than you.”
“That’s true. Christ, you’re using magic even when not fighting, and then you’re drawing the monsters to you in battle.”
Dia looked apologetic.
Alright.
It seemed I successfully showcased my abilities and earned some favor.
“I’ll tell you when I’m about to run out of MP. It should disappear quickly, but I can’t stay in the labyrinth for long anyway. I have work at the tavern, so it’s convenient.”
“Okay, I got it. Then, let’s go a bit deeper and take down some strong ones!”
“Sure. I heard about monster distribution at the tavern, so I know the direction where the strong ones are.”
“Yosh! Let’s go!”
Besides, I can see their ranks using the “display.”
Given that the chance of encountering monsters beyond our capabilities is low, I agreed with Dia’s suggestion and headed deeper into the labyrinth to resume our exploration.
◆◆◆◆◆
After that, we repeated the same winning pattern numerous times and explored the labyrinth for about two hours.
Then, after defeating about thirty monsters, my MP began to run low.
“—Ah. I won’t be able to maintain this magic soon.”
“Eh? Already?”
It wasn’t even past noon yet.
However, due to the consecutive battles, my MP was running critically low.
“I’m leaving the labyrinth, but what about you, Dia?”
“Eh… W-what should I do? You won’t be my front-liner without magical scouting, will you?”
I desperately wanted to yell “Absolutely not!” but I spoke gently.
“Hmm. The probability of getting hurt increases, and I don’t think it’s efficient. Actually, I was using MP even during battles, so my close-combat abilities are also weakened.”
“Eh… Christ, you were using magic while wielding a sword?”
“Yeah. It’s an application of an old magic that sharpens my senses.”
“That means you’re using magic all the time… I thought you were a swordsman because you were fast with a sword, but you’re actually a born mage, aren’t you?”
“Yep. That’s why a mage without MP is just a wooden puppet.”
Honestly, I didn’t want to fight without any MP.
The probability of getting injured would increase, and it would become possible that I couldn’t protect Dia. Without magic, it would take a tremendous amount of time and stamina to finish off monsters. The longer it took, the higher the probability of unforeseen circumstances occurring. The more opportunities we gave the enemy to attack, the more likely it was to become a defensive-impossible situation due to the enemy’s special abilities, making it a completely disadvantageous battle.
“Understood. I’ll escort you to the exit. I’ll handle it alone from there.”
“Eh—”
However, Dia was about to run in the opposite direction of my intentions.
I strongly opposed this in my mind.
What are you saying…?
Despite being an artillery-focused mage, you’re being so bold…!
If you die, it’ll be a problem for me…!
With such selfish logic in tow, I stepped in to stop her.
“Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Dia, are you thinking of doing this alone?”
“Yeah, that’s the plan. I have time, and I was alone until yesterday, so it’s not much different from before.”
“By the way, how many monsters have you defeated alone?”
“Um…”
Dia suddenly became tongue-tied.
“If you could really handle it alone, I wouldn’t say anything.”
“Ugh. …I mean, I have defeated them before.”
“You have defeated them before, I’m sure. But how many? You’ve been challenging yourself all this time, right? How many could you defeat by yesterday?”
“J-just one…”
“Please don’t go alone. I’m too worried.”
I replied immediately.
It might sound harsh, but I couldn’t afford to lose a valuable collaborator.
“But! I defeated quite a few today! I think I’ve grasped the feel of it!”
“You defeated them with magic, didn’t you? You couldn’t defeat monsters alone because you couldn’t cast magic, right? You know that better than anyone.”
“I have a sword too!!”
“That’s why you can’t defeat them – because that sword is useless against them.”
I could see Dia’s status.
Therefore, I understood Dia better than she understood herself.
Diablo Sis is a human specialized in magic. Therefore, even if she wields a sword, she will never achieve results.
“But I don’t have time… I need to get stronger quickly… I need money…”
Dia muttered with a serious expression.
In response, I also replied seriously.
“To be blunt, no matter how much you swing your sword here, Dia, you won’t defeat monsters. If you use magic, I understand. If you can use magic, I’ll nod my head. But that’s not the case.”
“No, magic won’t do… It couldn’t be helped today, but I want to get stronger with my sword. Fighting with a sword is my dream…! That’s why I want to train with my sword…!”
Honestly.
I wanted to break Dia’s spirit by saying, “You have no talent for the sword!”
However, I held back those words and continued talking with Dia.
“…Why the sword? If you want strength and money, you could just hone your magic and defeat tons of monsters. Then, you could become a great mage and earn plenty of money.”
“That might be true… But it has to be with a sword!”
This is problematic.
Dia is not exactly known for her logical thinking.
She seems to be fixated on the sword for emotional reasons.
Our relationship is too weak to persuade her on this matter.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. I want to train with my sword.”
I rubbed my aching head and checked Dia’s status.
The necessary experience points for leveling up were accumulated. And her HP had decreased somewhat.
“…Haa, alright. If you absolutely want to use your sword, I won’t stop you anymore. Being able to use both sword and magic would be great, after all. However, I want you to be fully prepared, so let’s leave the labyrinth first and take a break.”
“Ah, ah…”
Dia agreed with a surprised expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“No, I didn’t expect you to agree… No one has ever agreed with me using a sword before…”
Dia’s swordsmanship must be incredibly poor.
Since I was the front-liner, I hadn’t been able to confirm her pathetic skills, but it seemed to be at a level where anyone would tell her to stop using a sword.
“…Perhaps. I can kind of understand that feeling.”
When I play games, I often choose characters who use swords.
It’s attractive as a boy, and in this kind of world setting, sword-wielding characters often become the protagonists. Perhaps due to a childlike desire to be the protagonist, I can understand the urge to try and use a sword even if it’s difficult.
In reality, I wanted her to fight only with magic.
However, forcing her now would lower her opinion of me. Perhaps with such a selfish calculation, my tone naturally became accepting.
“Thanks a lot… Christ…”
Hearing that, Dia shyly scratched her cheek.
Her reddened cheeks were cute against her golden hair. Including that gesture, I suspected for a moment if Dia was a girl, but I stopped myself. I didn’t think pursuing that would bring any positive results.
In either case, I couldn’t ask about it.
To me, Dia was a collaborator for conquering the labyrinth.
Nothing more, nothing less.
I used my remaining MP to avoid enemies and walked towards the exit of the labyrinth.
Along the way, we talked about the items monsters had dropped.
“Speaking of which, how should we split this magic stone we obtained?”
“On the party recruitment posters I saw, it usually said they were distributed equally…”
“Then, let’s do it half and half.”
“Hmm. But in terms of burden, Christ’s share is…”
“That kind of thing leads to trouble. We helped each other, so it’s half and half. Always half and half. That’s clear and leaves no room for grudges.”
“Mmm…”
Honestly, I wanted to give some of my share to her.
Making sure she got proper meals and rest, and prepared her equipment and tools thoroughly would be best, but for now, half and half seemed reasonable.
“Also, after we get out, try going to the church.”
“Eh? But we went this morning?”
“After the recent consecutive battles, you might be able to level up. When your level is low, I think it’s good to go frequently.”
I strongly recommended going to the church, knowing that Dia would level up.
I also advised her on other matters, such as buying necessary equipment and tools for dungeons and taking care of her physical condition. I recommended forming a party with someone other than myself if she was going to enter the labyrinth alone. Showing that she had leveled up to Level 2 and the magic stones obtained in the labyrinth might help her find companions.
“—Y-yes, yes, I get it! I know you’re thinking a lot about me, Christ… Bu-but it’s hard to be told all at once.”
“Remember all of it. If you’re going back into the labyrinth alone, what I’ve told you is the minimum requirement.”
Dia made a bitter face at my nagging.
However, she seemed to understand that each piece of advice was to prevent her from dying. Despite her reluctant attitude, she listened earnestly.
As we talked about such things, we emerged from the labyrinth.
After that, I continued to look after Dia until my work at the tavern began.
I regretted that I couldn’t help in the labyrinth without MP, but I still did everything I could think of to keep Dia from dying.
—From a purely self-interested perspective, these actions might be considered excessive and wasteful.
Dia was an exceptionally talented individual.
However, sacrificing too much of Aikawa Uzunami’s time for Dia would be counterproductive.
I understood that myself.
It’s a simple story.
Perhaps I had grown attached to her.
If I were to think shrewdly, Dia was someone to be exploited. In some cases, she should have been used as a decoy, a tool for my own survival.
—But Dia was my first acquaintance of the same age in this other world.
More importantly, we had overcome the dangers of labyrinth exploration together as a party, which fostered a sense of closeness. To me, Dia had become what could be called my first friend.
In essence, in this world that exuded such alienation, I had, fortunately or unfortunately, found something to cling to. Fortunately or unfortunately, I had found something to cling to—
