Chapter 43

"Souji, I'm done over here."

"I've finished collecting all the magic stones."

"Thanks, both of you. I'm done too, so let's take a break."

After defeating the chimpanzee, we were collecting the magic stones.

I suggested a break to let my companions rest.

"[Aura Concealment], [Spatial Perception]"

I leaned against a tree and activated the two magic spells.

[Aura Concealment] targets a 3-meter radius, concealing sounds, magical auras, and smells. It's a very useful spell, especially in the underground labyrinth.

[Spatial Perception] sets up a virtual circle with a 50-meter radius, acting as a sensor to detect anything within it. This allows us to sense approaching monsters. While [Spatial Perception] is convenient, it's difficult to use while moving. Each time the target area changes, it recalculates, placing a heavy load on the brain and magic power.

Races that are compatible with wind mana, like elves, can share their perception with the wind mana, maintaining constant vigilance with almost no cost. However, human bodies can't do that.

"Kuuna, Anne. I'll keep watch. Just relax and take a break."

"Thank you, Souji. I appreciate it."

"Souji, if you're watching, I feel safe. I'll take you up on your offer."

The two of them came to sit on either side of me, leaning against the tree. The shade was cool.

[Spatial Perception] was picking up something strange.

No, it was the opposite. There was a blank space where no information, not even magic or aura, could be detected. This suggested that someone was using [Aura Concealment] at a level equal to or greater than mine.

I wasn't surprised. Since coming to the sealed city of Erin, I've often felt like I was being watched. I don't know why, but there doesn't seem to be any hostility. If they wanted to attack, they would have done so already.

After the battle during the entrance exam and the subsequent retaliatory attack, I've exposed myself to many opportunities for attack.

"Souji, you've had a scary look on your face for a while. Is something wrong?"

"Ah, sorry. It's nothing."

I smiled wryly.

At this point, chasing after them would be futile. It's better not to worry about it.

However, it was fortunate that I happened to search the area and discovered a method to detect someone who is invisible.

"Souji, I'm sorry for being careless earlier. I won't let it happen again. It was my overconfidence. I thought I could detect any enemy in any situation."

Except for abnormal individuals like monsterized boars, most monsters have names, known ecologies, and shared information.

The Slock Chimpanzee is famous for killing intermediate adventurers. Even parties capable of reaching the fifth underground floor often suffer total annihilation.

Their tactic of attacking in groups while maintaining distance is extremely dangerous. Ranged attacks rely on bows and magic, but before you can aim, you're hit by a saturation attack.

The rule is to kill the first one you spot before it can call for help.

If I didn't have to protect Kuuna, I would have used [Silver Magic Refinement: Third Form - Bow: Piercing] to quickly dispatch it.

"I'll be more careful too. If I noticed what Kuuna missed, it wouldn't have been a problem. I'm also at fault."

This time, I was also careless.

Even without magic, my detection skills are inferior to Kuuna's, but I should have done what I could.

"Souji, let's both be more careful. Also, please don't be too lecherous during exploration. You see, despite appearances, I'm still a maiden. Sometimes, even when I try to stay calm, my heart races and I can't control it."

"Is it okay if it's not during exploration?"

"Souji! Are you really repenting!?"

"Sorry, I am repenting. But Kuuna is so cute that I can't promise not to be lecherous."

"Faugh!? I don't know you anymore, Souji!"

Kuuna said this, blushing and turning away. Although her face was turned away, her fox ears were still facing me, twitching.

"Souji and Kuuna have such a close relationship that it makes me jealous."

"Where!?"

At Anne's words, Kuuna immediately interjected.

"Of course, a father complex. You can't handle talking to boys, can you?"

"Anne, you're just making things up. Who has a father complex!? I hate Father so much!"

"...I'm sure that's true for Kuuna. *cough* But let's get back to reflecting on the battle. It's not just Kuuna's problem. I relied too much on Kuuna for vigilance and collapsed too quickly, causing trouble for Souji. I feel so useless. I need to train more."

Anne also seemed unhappy with her own mistake, biting her lip.

"Given your current level, it's understandable. Anne, you've never trained for multiple opponents, right?"

"Yes, I only trained as a swordsman."

"One-on-one duels. The sword techniques of Oakrail are based on that. Anne, you have a narrow field of vision. You didn't see the rocks coming from the blind spots, right?"

"Wouldn't that be hard to see normally?"

"I can see them. That's why I was able to shoot them all down alone. A wide field of vision and the ability to predict danger are important. This is a challenge for you. Especially having a wide field of vision is fundamental for multiple opponents, but it also helps in one-on-one fights by preventing you from being caught off guard and allowing you to see where the opponent's attention is. Then you can attack those spots to win. Let's start working on this little by little from today."

Anne listened to my words, smiled, and clenched her fist tightly.

"Finding my own sword. Seeing the unseen. I have a mountain of challenges ahead."

"Are you unhappy?"

"No, seeing so many paths to becoming stronger makes me incredibly happy."

"That's great. Actually, Anne still has many flaws. I can guide you with peace of mind. I was hesitant about being honest, but—"

"That's what I want. If Souji is my teacher, I'll learn anything."

"Good answer."

Anne and I bumped fists and grinned. It seems our training will be even more intense from now on.

"The passionate teacher-student relationship is blinding. Ugh, what is this feeling of exclusion? I can't keep up. This is the downside of a three-person party. Someone always ends up alone. I'll get stronger on my own."

Kuuna pouted, sitting in a triangle and poking the ground with her fingertips.

"As always, Kuuna is so troublesome."

Anne said this and hugged Kuuna from behind. The embrace between two beautiful girls was quite a sight.

"I really care about you. I won't leave you out."

"Anne... I like you too."

Kuuna turned around and hugged Anne as well.

Alright.

"Souji, what are you trying to do?"

"Well, I thought I'd do the same to deepen the bond within the party."

"Boys are no good. Step back."

I received a clear rejection.

"Anne's hair is so smooth."

"Kuuna's fox ears have an interesting texture."

"Kyaa, where are you touching, Anne♪"

So this is the downside of a three-person party where one person is always left out.

I tried pouting like Kuuna, but they didn't include me in their group.

However, they weren't ignoring me; both found it amusing to watch.

Well, this is fun in its own way.

We have three days until we return to the surface. I'm looking forward to how much we can improve and overcome our challenges.

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