We arrived on the 10th floor, spoke to the flames, and contacted Arti.
After explaining our situation, Arti readily agreed.
“—I see. Then, I’ll teach you magic to avoid lava. And while I’m at it, I’ll teach you magic to avoid heat. That high temperature would be deadly for humans.”
Arti, the flame before us, replied.
Rustiara, standing behind me, exclaimed with joy.
“Thank you, Arti! I was at my limit with the heat!!”
Rustiara thanked Arti without any hesitation.
However, I couldn’t be as happy as Rustiara.
My unease hadn’t disappeared. The conversation wasn’t over yet.
“Arti, who will you teach that magic to? Preferably, to me—”
“Not to you and Rustiara.”
Arti perfectly answered my unspoken anxiety.
“Why not me and Rustiara…?”
“Firstly, you’re not suited for it. It’s not an insult or anything, but you’re too specialized in Dimensional Magic, so it’s impossible for you.”
Arti stated definitively that I was specialized in Dimensional Magic.
This was something I had vaguely realized from my previous experience at the magic shop. I had no aptitude for anything other than Dimensional Magic, and there was a possibility I couldn’t learn any other magic.
Gritting my teeth, I proposed my next idea.
“Then, what about Rustiara?”
“Rustiara has no room to learn magic. She’s already perfected, so it’s impossible. You know this too, don’t you, Rustiara?”
Arti’s fiery mouth finished speaking about Rustiara.
Rustiara, while surprised, agreed.
“Wow, you really understand. It’s true, I can’t learn magic. There’s no room to write new spell formulas in my blood.”
This was news to me.
I was even more surprised than Rustiara.
Then, Arti delivered a follow-up blow to my surprised state.
“Therefore, I intend to teach Maria. What do you think?”
“…………!!”
It was impossible.
The worst proposal.
I hadn’t expected that both Rustiara and I, who thought we were versatile, would be so inflexible in terms of magic.
However, I quickly regained my composure.
There was another person I could trust regarding magic.
“W-wait. Please don’t teach Maria. If possible… teach Dia. You understand, don’t you, Arti? Maria isn’t suited for the labyrinth.”
I hesitated for a moment before mentioning Dia’s name. However, I prioritized avoiding further strengthening Maria, even if Rustiara found out about Dia.
Ideally, I would have carefully planned Dia and Rustiara’s meeting, but I couldn’t afford to wait.
“That’s not possible. I’ll teach it to Maria.”
“Why!?”
Arti’s words cut through my shout.
“Why, you ask? Because Maria has feelings for you. I have to support that. Well, whether her love is pure or impure is another matter.”
“—Eh?”
On top of the surgical cutting of my words, a bomb was dropped.
For a moment, my mind went blank.
I couldn’t process Arti’s words and couldn’t reply.
Ignoring my confusion, Arti continued.
“I will support Maria’s ‘love’s success.’ And, if possible, I’d like your cooperation… Collaborator Christ…”
Arti’s flames flickered as she smiled at me.
I couldn’t deal with that. The mere statement that “Maria has feelings for me” was enough to overwhelm me.
My body rejected the attempt to process that statement.
I didn’t want to admit it. I couldn’t believe that Maria had feelings for me. I didn’t want to believe it. When we first spoke, Maria told me she disdained me. She was always defiant, and there was no sign of her pining for me. She was always sharp-tongued and impudent towards me, never like a girl in love. I have known Maria the longest among us. If I couldn’t sense it, then she must not have feelings for me. Absolutely not. Absolutely not—
“Arti! W-what are you saying!! Maria-chan was trying so hard to hide it! To reveal it so easily here!!”
My desperate resistance was drowned out by Rustiara’s cheerful voice.
“However, Rustiara. Sometimes, couples are formed through unsolicited meddling by third parties. At least, I have no hobby of watching a girl who would devotedly serve without ever confessing her feelings.”
“I do! I like that kind of unbearable, frustrating, wistful, never-ending love…”
“You have bad taste. Our sensibilities seem to differ.”
“Mmm.”
Their conversation registered in my ears.
Rustiara didn’t deny Maria’s feelings either. On the contrary, it sounded like she had known for a long time and had been keeping silent.
Does that mean…
Even from Rustiara’s perspective, Maria’s feelings are undeniable…?
Then, what is the correct reaction?
What is the correct answer?
Considering profit and loss first—no, my stress first—no, morals and Maria’s feelings first—no, that’s wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong…!
My objective is to return.
‘Returning’ is everything.
There is a reason to return. I have avoided thinking about it, avoided delving deeper—a definite reason to return.
That’s right.
I have to return…
If I don’t return, my family, *that person* will have to—
—No. Don’t think about this either.
I can’t think about this any further.
“Haaah—! Hah, hah, hah, hah…!”
If I think about it, I lose control.
If that happens, it will be the same as the first day. My skill “???” will activate endlessly.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to activate my skill once to calm down.
Even if I’m worried about my confusion reaching 10.00, I’ve recovered enough in the past few days that a single activation won’t push me over the 10.00 mark.
If it’s urgent, it wouldn’t be bad to use the power of my skill “???” to clear away all these worries.
If it activates, all my emotions will settle, and I’ll find a rational answer. That wouldn’t be bad for ‘returning.’
It wouldn’t be bad… but my body tenses up.
I don’t think it’s something a person should do.
If I activate it, I will undoubtedly refuse to accept Maria’s feelings. Rationally, it’s completely unnecessary for ‘returning.’
Such a ridiculous skill ending a girl’s love.
I feel that would be terribly insincere and the worst kind of act.
If Maria truly has feelings for me, then I must think it through and answer with my own strength.
My shallow life experience of over a decade leads me to this answer, preventing further confusion.
I can endure it. There’s no urgency. It’s still okay.
“Hoo…”
Breathing shallowly, I exhale deeply and calm down.
Seeing this, Arti speaks to me with admiration.
“Oh. It seems you’ve calmed down.”
I reply, trying to maintain my composure.
“I haven’t calmed down. I’m surprised.”
“You seem composed.”
“In any case, I understand that Maria might have feelings for me. So, I understand you have no intention of backing down. I can’t help it… I don’t intend to interfere with your wish, so I don’t mind you teaching Maria. However, promise me you’ll teach Dia later too. My policy is to keep Maria out of the labyrinth.”
“Hmm… Alright. I’ll teach Dia as well. I am their master, after all.”
“Master…”
“Actually, I’ve met with both of them frequently without you knowing. We’re close enough now that they can call me master.”
Once again, I was told a fact I would have preferred not to know and felt confused for a moment. However, I maintained my focus and continued the conversation.
“Also, please be prepared for the low probability of Maria’s ‘love’s success.’ I won’t say it as coldly as I did with Franryure… but still, it’s certain I’m not interested. It’s not about Maria herself, but rather that I don’t have time for such things right now. I need to go to the ‘Deepest Part’ of the labyrinth. That’s the first priority.”
“I thought you’d say that. I’m not forcing Christ and Maria together either. These things require mutual feelings.”
“…Alright. Neither of us will force it. Let’s proceed on that basis.”
“Agreed.”
Okay, I’ve overcome it.
I managed to avoid getting flustered and making things complicated here.
After concluding negotiations with Arti, I moved on to discussing when she would teach magic to Maria and Dia. However, Rustiara, who had been quiet until now, interjected.
“Hmph, hmph. So, what do you think of Maria-chan, Christ?”
“What do I think… I like her, as a companion. However, we’re quite different in age, and I’ve never thought of her as anything more.”
“Oh, are you going to tell Maria-chan that when we get back?”
“I won’t. There’s no guarantee Maria’s feelings are 100 percent. You two are just saying it seems that way, right? If I tell her and she says she doesn’t like me, I’d be embarrassed and it would be awkward.”
“I think it’s 100 percent.”
“If Maria herself confesses to me, I’ll give an answer. But other than that, I won’t say anything. I’ll treat her the same way I always have.”
“Hmph, hmph…”
Rustiara pondered what I said, nodding repeatedly, just as she had when she first spoke.
After a short pause, she continued with a beaming smile.
“That’s a very Christ-like answer. And it’s not bad for me. Delicious…”
“…Yes, yes.”
I ignored Rustiara and finalized the details with Arti.
She said she would teach Maria and Dia magic as soon as today or tomorrow. Apparently, it wouldn’t take them long to learn magic.
—Then, after making a few final confirmations and thanking Arti, we left the 10th floor.
On our way back to the surface, Rustiara asked me various things.
She inquired about Maria, and also about Dia, whose name I had mentioned earlier. Reluctantly, I explained about my companion, Dia.
“—Oh, I see. So, before teaming up with Maria-chan and me, you were partnered with someone named Dia.”
“That’s right. I wasn’t hiding it. I was hesitant because she was hospitalized and I didn’t know when she’d be back. She has a tremendous amount of magic power.”
“But to have a mage that Christ trusts so much…”
“Yes, she’s top-class. She’s a little short on Level, but I think she’ll catch up quickly. She has the talent to keep up with us.”
I praised Dia lavishly.
Looking purely at the numbers, she was someone who surpassed even Rustiara.
Moreover, her personality was excellent.
Excellent personality.
That’s very important.
“But there aren’t many people with talent like ours, are there?”
“No, I’m serious.”
“No, no, Christ, your evaluations are too lenient… Hmm. Then I’ll be the one to judge and make a proper assessment.”
Rustiara said, “That’s a good idea,” and started walking ahead.
It seemed she wanted me to introduce Dia today.
“Sigh, alright…”
We’ll meet eventually anyway, so I nodded in agreement.
As it happened, I had some free time, so we decided to head to the hospital where Dia was hospitalized.
As we walked, I soothed Rustiara’s obvious excitement. The hospital wasn’t far—less than an hour from Valt’s labyrinth entrance.
Even walking from the labyrinth to the hospital, the sun hadn’t set.
With Rustiara in tow, I headed toward the ward where Dia was admitted, just as I had before. Then, I suddenly recalled the previous disaster.
The last time I visited, Dia’s room was riddled with holes, and the damage extended into the corridor.
As I wondered how much had been repaired in the past two days while entering the ward—the corridor was in the same state of disarray as before.
Walking down the well-ventilated corridor, I entered the room of the likely culprit behind the destruction. Rustiara, who was amusingly surveying the scene of destruction behind me, followed suit.
The inside of the room was as chaotic as before—no, it was even more so than before.
“Hey, Dia. Is your room more broken than before…?”
My first words were not a greeting, but an inquiry into the reason for this state.
“Ah, Christ…! Th-this has a deep reason…!”
Dia, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed, hastily replied upon noticing me.
While Dia panicked at my sudden appearance, Rustiara and I entered the hospital room. Then, just as I was about to introduce Rustiara, Dia interrupted me.
“—?!” Why are you here!?”
Dia’s expression was one of shock upon spotting Rustiara behind me.
In response, Rustiara waved her hand and greeted her.
“Long time no see. Sis-san.”
Rustiara said “long time no see” to Dia. Her demeanor shifted to one of composure, as if dealing with knights. It seemed they knew each other.
I was so surprised by this unexpected turn of events that I lost my voice.
Dia was equally surprised—but unlike me, she replied.
“Huh…? Wh-why is Rustiara-san here?”
Rustiara spoke with a calm, feigned innocence, but Dia was the opposite. She flustered, stood up from the bed in confusion, and assumed a combat stance.
“I’m the one who’s surprised. To meet you here, Sis-san.”
“No way! Rustiara-san, are you here to drag me back!?”
“Please calm down. I’m here as Christ’s companion. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“Huh? Rustiara-san is Christ’s companion?”
As Dia prepared to cast an attack spell, Rustiara approached her with a gentle voice and took her hand with a soft movement.
“Yes. Therefore, it won’t be as Sis-san is imagining. Please don’t worry.”
“R-really…?”
“Really.”
Rustiara smiled gently, and Dia, her tension eased, relaxed her body.
As usual, Rustiara was skilled at her act. She quickly disarmed Dia’s wariness.
Seeing that their conversation had reached a lull, I joined in.
“Dia, it’s true that Rustiara is my companion… More importantly, I’m surprised you two know each other. Where did you meet?”
I asked, looking at both of them.
Dia hastily cut off Rustiara, who was about to answer.
“—F-from my hometown! We’re not that close, though!”
Her interruption was so unnatural that I turned to Rustiara for confirmation.
Rustiara’s expression shifted strangely for a moment, then quickly returned to her usual cheerful smile. She then chimed in with Dia’s story.
“Yes. We’re just casual acquaintances. With Sis-san.”
“Ah, just casual acquaintances. But, Rustiara-san. I’m going by Dia here, so please call me that.”
“I see. Understood, Dia-san.”
I felt a sense of unease in their conversation. However, I didn’t press the issue. It seemed to be something Dia didn’t want known.
Ideally, I didn’t want to trouble Dia.
“If you’re acquaintances, that’s good. I think you’ll be companions exploring the labyrinth together from now on.”
Pretending not to notice, I moved the conversation forward.
Upon hearing “companions,” Dia’s voice wavered as she extended her hand to Rustiara, offering a handshake.
“…If you’re Christ’s companion, you’re my companion too. Don’t mind me, you can call me Dia without the honorific.”
“Yes. If we’re companions, let’s drop this stiff way of speaking. —It’s nice to meet you, Dia-chan.”
Rustiara replied and shook Dia’s hand. She gripped it tightly and didn’t let go.
“D-chan, please stop… I’m me, so please just call me by my name…”
“Ah, I’m sorry. Your face is so beautiful, I couldn’t help it. Then, shall I call you—Dia-kun? No, or perhaps…”
“Just call me by my name, please!”
“Fufu. Alright, Dia.”
They argued about the name while still shaking hands.
Rustiara’s attitude cast further doubt on Dia’s self-proclaimed “not a girl” statement. However, I intended to treat Dia as male, so I had no intention of interrupting their argument.
If they told me now to treat them differently by gender… I’d be troubled.
I thought their personalities would clash, but that was also a wasted worry.
I sat down on a chair with a sense of relief and watched the two talk.
After that, I informed Dia that Arti would be coming to teach magic.
Along with that, I explained the situation on the 24th floor of the labyrinth. Then, perhaps because the magic they used was similar, Rustiara and Dia began to have a lively discussion about magic. It seemed they would figure out how to tackle the 24th floor together.
I don’t know much about the magic they use, so I could only listen from behind.
However, even listening, I didn’t understand. With all the unfamiliar terms, I started thinking about what would happen after I returned alone.
Maria would probably be waiting for us after finishing dinner. However, things had changed slightly. Because of Arti’s problematic statement, I wasn’t confident I could treat Maria the same way I always had. If I didn’t do some mental training now, my attitude might reveal the truth.
Alone, behind the two enthusiastically discussing magic, I endlessly simulated conversations with Maria.
◆◆◆◆◆
After visiting Dia, we returned home as our preparations for the next exploration were complete.
And, as usual, the three of us ate the meal Maria had prepared at home. However, due to Arti’s problematic statement, there might have been some unnaturalness.
Rustiara’s faint smile was about thirty percent more pronounced, I was somewhat distant towards Maria, and Maria was vigilantly trying to decipher the reason… There were many such things.
Every time Maria looked at me, I could only look away.
Maria, though young and short, has a pretty face. When we first met, her appearance was worse due to her environment, but if she maintained cleanliness, she could be classified as a cute girl without issue. Furthermore, unlike Dia and Rustiara, her cuteness felt realistic. Her black hair also made me feel closer to her, making me conscious of her as a girl I know well.
Once I started thinking about love, it became difficult to ignore her charm.
However, I used the magic “Dimension – Decisive Calculation” to avoid meeting Maria’s gaze—and somehow managed to finish the meal without any trouble.
After that, as usual, everyone went to their own rooms to sleep. Even after learning about Maria’s feelings, I gained confidence that I could somehow manage from now on.
—That night, the wind seemed unusually restless.
And the next day.
“—Master, have a good trip.”
“Yeah. I’m heading out…”
Perhaps it was due to dwelling on yesterday’s conversation, but Maria’s simple “Have a good trip” made me flustered. Trying to avoid looking at Maria’s face as much as possible, I headed to the 20th floor using “Connection.” Rustiara followed.
Rustiara’s attire was much heavier than yesterday.
Though Rustiara prefers to move around lightly equipped, today she wore multiple layers of coats to protect against the heat. At her waist hung water and an antidote, prepared for anytime use.
We passed through a light purple magic door and emerged into a cold, empty space.
Then, as we were about to head for the stairs to the 21st floor, I noticed someone standing with their back to the stairs.
It was the blond, handsome knight, Mr. Hein.
Today, Mr. Hopes was absent, and he seemed to be alone.
And unlike before, his attire was imposing. Previously, he was equipped with only one silver sword, but today he wore two at his waist. He also had a large silver gauntlet on his left hand. While he wasn’t wearing heavy equipment, he had gathered various small weapons and armor. What stood out especially were the ten rings on his fingers. A man wearing so many rings is quite conspicuous.
“I’ve been waiting… Madam…”
As before, Mr. Hein bowed to us.
His gesture sent a shiver down my spine.
Something was different.
Not the number of people or their attire, but something fundamentally different. Or so I thought.
And then, without realizing this discrepancy, Mr. Hein and Rustiara began to converse.
『Day Thirteen Begins』
