Chapter 62

"Right now!"

As Shira leaped back, she shouted, and at the moment she confirmed her retreat, Ashley's magic was activated.

"Water Cutter!"

The water blade that Ashley released hit the Angry Mash, which was trying to chase after Shira, in a counter-like manner. Although it didn't completely cut it down, it inflicted a deep wound on its torso. Immediately after, Ilmhirte followed up with an attack. She had been restraining the various monsters with arrows, but at some point, she had switched roles with Shira. A powerful strike from her tail swept across the Angry Mash's feet, causing it to fall. As it rolled, the caduceus that extended from Ashley's shadow mercilessly impaled it.

"I can't afford to lose either."

Grace was battling a giant tree, the Evil Willow. This willow monster, with faces formed by the cavities and knots in its trunk, attacked by swinging its branches like whips when approached. If one tried to keep their distance, it would launch sharp leaves like shurikens, making it impossible to ignore. If one was only focused on the upper part, it would entangle them with roots from below or attempt to trip them, making it a rather troublesome opponent.

When she tried to attack by swinging a branch, it was severed before it could touch Grace. Grace's axe handling seemed to have become even more formidable recently. She wielded the heavy axes in both hands as if they were toys, shattering anything they touched. The Willow tried to resist by swinging its branches and leaves, but it couldn't stop Grace's steady advance. Finally, when she got close enough, she struck its face with an axe enveloped in fighting spirit, cutting it down with a single blow.

"Huff."

Grace's expression still seemed relaxed as she exhaled softly.

I, on the other hand, was dealing with a pack of over twenty Gray Wolves. These intelligent wolves are dangerous depending on the size of the pack and the character and strength of the alpha wolf. However, the wolves in the labyrinth don't pay much attention to the loss of their pack, so it's important to note that they won't retreat even if you injure them.

By standing on a water ball and moving it, I could adjust the distance while maintaining a defensive stance. I countered the wolves that leaped from all directions at different times by sweeping them up, knocking them away, and blowing them off with the rotation of my dragon staff.

"Well—"

After dispersing most of the wolves, the last one left was a larger boss wolf. It was growling and staring at me, but it approached by jumping to the left and right to scatter its target. When it entered range, I scooped up the water ball beneath my feet with my dragon staff and launched it at the boss. The water ball branched out into smaller streams, attacking the wolf from all sides. This was the Aqua Whip, a 5th-class water magic.

The boss wolf tried to jump away, but it was in vain. I had control over the water whip. The moment it wrapped around the wolf, the whip began to freeze, eventually reaching the parts touching the wolf's body. Like a glacier eroding the earth, it mercilessly penetrated the wolf's body, creating holes.

"Not bad. Our coordination is getting better, with no gaps."

This is probably because we have a deeper understanding of each other's movements than before. We are becoming more adaptable to various situations.

But there's still a long way to go. We need to accumulate more solid combat experience against monsters and build up our strength.

"What are you whining about, you lot!"

When I returned after finishing the usual stripping and gathering at the labyrinth entrance, I saw Chester scolding his subordinates in the square.

"No, well, Sir Chester. Why the sewer route? The others are heading to different areas. You know... what's at the end of the sewers?"

The subordinate looked up timidly and hesitantly spoke to Chester.

The end of the sewers. That is, the Great Rotten Lake.

I can understand why his subordinates are hesitant to go there. I don't want to go there either.

Could it be... Chester is planning to go there...?

"What's wrong with the Great Rotten Lake? We serve the glorious kingdom. If others won't do it, shouldn't we?"

That seems to be the case. He is willing to do what others avoid.

While the knight's code is good, it would be wise to prepare thoroughly before entering. It's a harsh place that can't be handled with just spirit and the knight's code, especially for the investigation of that area.

If he's determined to go there, I assume he has gathered some information beforehand...

"What's wrong, Sir Chester? You seem quite agitated."

Another knight approached Chester and his subordinates and spoke to him.

"Fernando... It's you. No, they lack the right attitude, so I couldn't help it."

It seems they are acquaintances. The young man called Fernando smiled.

"I hear many teams are struggling with unfamiliar labyrinth exploration. It's best to proceed without rushing."

"…Yes, you're right."

Chester frowned slightly.

"More importantly, Sir Chester. Sir Gregg and Lady Rosmarie are worried about you. Why don't you return to the castle now?"

"Though I appreciate their concern, I have realized that my strength is still lacking. I have no intention of returning to the dragon rider corps."

When Chester said this, Fernando shrugged.

"Seems like he's made up his mind."

"Knights don't change their minds. You volunteered for the labyrinth exploration, didn't you?"

"I still visit the castle frequently even when I'm exploring the labyrinth. You don't have to return to the dragon rider corps to visit Lady Rosmarie, you know?"

"…No. It would weaken my resolve."

"I see."

Fernando didn't seem particularly motivated to persuade him.

"Then we will head back to the labyrinth."

"Yes, good luck."

"You too."

Chester led his subordinates, who were somewhat low in spirits, into the labyrinth from the stone monument and disappeared.

A small smile appeared on Fernando's lips, but he then disappeared towards the outside of the temple.

…Fernando, huh. He mentioned Gregg and Rosmarie, so he might be one of Gregg's protégés.

Now that I think about it, Gregg must have chosen Chester as his successor for a reason. He does have a similar aura and appearance.

"…That guy seemed pretty happy just now."

Ashley tilted her head in confusion and frowned. Hmm. She's observing the right things.

Chester himself probably doesn't feel like he's declined, but to Fernando, it must feel like a rival has fallen, creating an opportunity.

"Hey, Theodor, spotted you."

There were people who called out to us. The Forest Birds.

"Hello."

"Hello."

Lucian and Ilmhirte exchanged smiles and bows. They do have a similar vibe and seem to get along well.

Their demeanor hasn't changed since we first met. It's a good, relaxed atmosphere, which makes me feel at ease.

"Is the exploration going well?"

"Well, we had some trouble with the Rock Turtles at first, but it's not that bad now. A good whack with this, and they get dazed."

Fitz lifted the heavy war hammer on his shoulder and grinned. Rock Turtles are turtle monsters with rock shells that appear in the old mine. They aren't very fast, but they can camouflage themselves, so one must be careful to avoid ambushes. Fitz used to use a sword like Robin, but he seems to have changed his weapon to suit the mine monsters. His equipment also looked new, indicating that he was doing well financially.

"We're about to have lunch. Want to join us?"

"Huh? What about the exploration?"

The Forest Birds usually explored the labyrinth in the afternoon.

"The deadline for the mineral collection request was pretty tight. We've been working really hard these past few days."

It's a request posted by the Adventurer's Guild.

"Then, since we couldn't go out together last time, let's go somewhere to eat as a make-up."

"Sure thing. I know a good place."

So, we climbed the spiral path to the upper part of the temple with the Forest Birds. On the way, we encountered some familiar faces.

Hmm. They are the ones who had a conflict with the knights. Hmm. Not just them, but I've been seeing more familiar faces at the labyrinth entrance and the Adventurer's Guild lobby. It seems they have become more accustomed to life in Termwillis, which is a good thing—except that I noticed Jazper was not among them, which was a bit concerning.