Chapter 19

Aiichi met the moon on the day he survived the fierce battle with the Scorpion Monster.

Hikari and the others, the party of heroes, once again came to the "Orkus Great Labyrinth." However, only Hikari's party of heroes, the small villain group, and a team of five men and women led by a large male judo club member named Nagayama Shogo came. The reason was simple. Even though it did not cause a stir, Aiichi's death cast a shadow over their hearts. If they did not have a strong sense of the "final death in battle," they would not be able to fight properly. It was a kind of psychological trauma. Of course, the Holy Church did not look favorably upon it. As long as they continued to engage in actual combat, they should be able to fight again after some time, they were urged almost every day. However, Teacher Aiko strongly protested. Teacher Aiko did not participate in the expedition at that time. Due to her unique and extremely rare vocation as a Farm Master, the Church preferred her to contribute to the development of farmland rather than engage in combat training. As long as Teacher Aiko was there, the possibility of solving the food problem would greatly increase. When Teacher Aiko, who was in such a position, learned of Aiichi's death, she was deeply affected and fell ill. While she was in a safe place, her student died, and in the face of this fact, it became impossible to bring all the students back to Japan, and the highly responsible Teacher Aiko was strongly impacted. Therefore, she absolutely did not allow the continued sending of students who could not fight to the battlefield. Teacher Aiko's vocation had the potential to completely change the world's food problem, which was extremely rare. With unwavering will, she protested against the forced combat training of the students. To prevent the relationship from deteriorating further, the Church accepted Teacher Aiko's protest. As a result, the party of heroes who wished to undergo combat training, the small villain group, and Nagayama Shogo's team continued their training. Then they challenged the "Orkus Great Labyrinth" again, this time with Captain Merudo and several knights. It was the sixth day of the labyrinth conquest. The current floor was the 60th. There were five floors left to reach the confirmed floor. However, Hikari and the others were in a difficult situation. No, to be precise, it was not that they could not advance, but they were hesitant because they could not help but recall the nightmare of that time. Yes, the place in front of them, though different from that time, extended the same cliff, and to reach the next floor, they had to cross the suspension bridge here. This itself was not a problem, but they could not help but recall that incident. Especially, Kaori, who stared motionlessly at the darkness below the cliff that extended to the abyss.

"Kaori..."

Shizuku called out worriedly, and Kaori, who was staring with a strong gaze, slowly shook her head and smiled at Shizuku.

"It's okay, Shizuku-chan."

"Is that... not forcing yourself? You don't have to be polite to me."

"Um, thank you, Shizuku-chan."

Shizuku also smiled at her friend (Kaori). Kaori's eyes shone brightly. There was no sign of avoidance or despair. Shizuku, with her excellent insight and sensitivity to subtle human nuances, understood that Kaori was genuinely saying it was okay.

(She is indeed strong, as I thought.)

Aiichi's death was almost certain. The possibility of survival was so slim that even the word "despair" seemed inadequate. Even so, Kaori neither avoided nor denied it, and to be able to move forward to accept it, Shizuku felt proud of such a close friend. However, not reading the atmosphere is a hero's talent. In Hikari's eyes, the image of Kaori looking down and sighing, recalling Aiichi's death, led him to the conclusion that the kind-hearted Kaori was suffering over a classmate's death. Because of this, he saw through colored glasses and perceived Kaori's smile as a forced one. Then, 'For Kaori, Aiichi was special, and she always believed in the possibility of his survival,' Hikari, who had never thought this way, again said something brain-dead to comfort Kaori.

"Kaori... I like your kind heart. But you can't keep imprisoning yourself in a classmate's death! Move forward. Nangumi would surely expect that."

"That, Hikari..."

"Shizuku, be quiet! Even if it sounds harsh, as a childhood friend, I have to say it. ...Kaori, it's okay. I'm here with you. I won't die. I won't let anyone else die. Let's make a promise that Kaori won't be sad anymore."

"Ha~, as usual, you're going overboard... Kaori..."

"Aahaha, it's okay, Shizuku-chan. ...That, I understand what Hikari wants to say, so it's okay."

"Is that so, you understand what I'm saying!"

Hikari's misguided full effort speech only made Kaori smile bitterly. Probably, even if Kaori's current feelings were expressed directly, they would not reach Hikari. In Hikari's heart, Aiichi was already dead. So he did not think that Kaori's enthusiasm for training and the purpose of conquering the labyrinth were because she believed Aiichi was still alive. His nature of never doubting what he believed and fully committing to it would only interpret Kaori's feelings as a mental illness and avoidance of reality. Because they had a long relationship, Kaori understood Hikari's way of thinking to some extent, so she did not say anything.

Incidentally, no matter how you think about it, it was a line pursuing her, but the person himself said it simply and without any other thoughts. Shizuku and Kaori, who were used to Hikari's words and actions, ignored it as usual. If other girls heard it, they would surely show a sweet expression and atmosphere and be conquered immediately. Normally, if someone is handsome, has a good personality, and is both physically and mentally strong, even childhood friends would like him, but due to the influence of a strict father, Shizuku, from a young age, received Hikari as an adult disciple at the main family's dojo, and with her innate insight, she noticed Hikari's sense of justice, which could be called a flaw, and his frequent boasting. She only saw him as a childhood friend and did not have any deeper feelings. However, the fact that he was more important to her than others did not change. Kaori, due to her innate love blindness and hearing many things from Shizuku, did not feel her heart race at Hikari's words and actions. She just thought he was a good person and an important childhood friend, but had no romantic feelings.

"Kaori-chan, I'm cheering for you. If there's anything I can do, just say it."

"Yes, Rin is always Kaori's companion!"

Nakamura Eri and Taniguchi Rin, who had been listening to the conversation with Hikari, now joined in. The two had known each other since high school and were close enough to be called best friends. They were also powerful members of Hikari's party. Nakamura Eri wore glasses and had short, black hair. She was gentle and honest, the type who would step back to see a broader picture. She liked books and gave off the impression of a librarian. In fact, she was a librarian. Taniguchi Rin was only 142 cm tall. However, her small body could not hide her vitality. She often happily swung her twin tails. Her appearance made people smile, and she was a mascot-like presence in the class. The two, on the day Aiichi fell into the abyss, saw Kaori's panic and understood her feelings, and agreed with her purpose.

"Um, Eri-chan, Rin-chan, thank you."

Kaori smiled happily at the two close friends she had made in high school.

"U~, Kaori is back to her usual self~! Nangumi-kun! Making Rin's Kaori so sad! If he dies, Rin will kill him!"

"Rin, Rin? If he dies, can't, can't you kill him?"

"Don't worry about such small things! If he dies, let Eri use the necromancy to make him serve Kaori!"

"Rin, Rin, that's not delicate! Kaori believes Nangumi is still alive! And my necromancy..."

Rin went overboard, and Eri tried to stop her. This was their standard daily routine. Kaori and Shizuku watched the two bickering as usual, smiling happily. Incidentally, Hikari and the others were a bit far away and did not hear the previous conversation. They only heard the key topics and lines, and Hikari, as usual, had a selective hearing skill.

"Eri-chan, I don't mind, so it's okay?"

"Rin, that's enough. Eri is confused, right?"

Hearing the mixed laughter and smiles of Kaori and Shizuku, Rin pouted. Eri, seeing that Kaori did not mind what Rin said, sighed in relief. When the topic of necromancy was mentioned, Eri's face had turned pale.

"Eri, you're still not good at necromancy? Even though it's a rare vocation..."

"Um, I'm sorry. If I could use it properly, it would be very useful..."

"Everyone has things they are good at and not good at. And your magic adaptability is high, so there's no need to worry, right?"

"That's right, Eri-chan. Even though it's a vocation, it just means you have talent in that area. Liking and disliking are different. Eri-chan uses magic appropriately and correctly, and everyone is helped by it, right?"

"Um, but I will try to overcome it. Because I want to help everyone better."

Eri clenched her small fist to show her determination. Rin, seeing Eri's resolve, said, "That's the spirit, Eri!" and jumped to hug her. Kaori and Shizuku smiled at their friend's efforts. Eri's vocation was a "Necromancer." Dark magic is a system of magic that affects the mind and consciousness, and in combat, it is generally used to inflict negative statuses on the target. Necromancy is a highly advanced form of dark magic that can affect the residual thoughts of the dead. Among the priests of the Holy Church, there are a few necromancers who draw out the residual thoughts of the dead and convey them to their families, a very priestly use. However, the true essence of this magic lies elsewhere. The true use of this magic is to use it to wrap the residual thoughts of a corpse and materialize them, endowing them with their original abilities and controlling them. In other words, it can control the dead, who, although their skills and strength are degraded, can still perform at a certain level. Additionally, because it can possess living people, the possessed can use the techniques and abilities of the dead to some extent. However, while they can respond to some extent, their faces are pale, their eyes lack vitality, and they are truly like ghosts. Eri had an ethical aversion to controlling the dead, so despite her talent for this magic, she could not use it well. Behind them, a person with a dark gaze was watching the four girls, specifically Kaori. It was Hinoyama Daisuke. After returning to the capital and the students had calmed down, as expected, severe criticism awaited Hinoyama, who had led them into that predicament. Hinoyama, of course, had anticipated this and continuously knelt and apologized. He knew that arguing at such a time was a bad strategy and would not solve anything. The timing and place of the apology were important. Hinoyama chose the right moment to kneel in front of Hikari. He anticipated that Hikari would forgive him and help mediate the criticism from his classmates. This prediction proved correct, and Hikari's forgiveness quieted the criticism. Kaori, being kind by nature, did not particularly criticize Hinoyama, who was crying and apologizing. It was as Hinoyama had calculated. (Ourjuno: He missed one point, the protagonist didn't die? Spoiler: Later, when he sees the protagonist appear, he is very excited.)

However, Shizuku vaguely sensed Hinoyama's intentions and felt a strong aversion to his use of his childhood friend. Additionally, she was silent due to his command. It was a truly terrifying command, one that made her shudder. Although she felt a strong aversion, Hinoyama, who had already crossed the line (killing), could not stop. (Ourjuno: Reminds me of a certain GG? Can't stop?)

However, for that person, who naturally blended in with his classmates while secretly planning a terrifying scheme, Hinoyama felt both fear and joy.

(That guy is already crazy... but... if I follow him, Kaori will be mine...)

Just by obediently following, he could get Kaori, and Hinoyama secretly rejoiced, a smile appearing on his lips.

"Hey, Daisuke? What's wrong?"

Kondo, Nakamura, and Saito, who had been with Hinoyama all along, looked at him with surprised expressions. The four of them were a group of like-minded individuals. At first, their relationship was a bit stiff, but they became friends due to Hinoyama's admirable attitude. However, whether this could be called a true friendship was a bit questionable...

"No, no, nothing. I'm just happy that we've passed the 60th floor."

"Ah~, that's true. We're only five floors away from the highest record~"

"We've become quite strong. Really, the remaining group is too weak."

"Well, don't say that. We are special."

The three did not question Hinoyama's manipulation, as the small villains believed they were special for engaging in continuous battles. The palace's attitude towards the remaining group was truly poor, and their arrogance made them dissatisfied. However, breaking through the 60th floor would prove their strength, so they had little to complain about.

Originally, they had no connection with the hero party, so they were always well-behaved when near Hikari and the others, a principle of small characters. The group encountered no particular problems and finally reached the 65th floor, the highest recorded floor.

"Stay alert! The map here is incomplete. We don't know what will happen!"

Captain Merudo spoke up. Hikari and the others tightened their focus and stepped into the unknown territory. After advancing a bit, they entered a large hall. A bad feeling came over them, and it was correct. As they entered the hall, a magic circle appeared in the center of the room. It was a red-black pulsating magic circle about ten meters in diameter. It was a magic circle they had seen before.

"Could it be... that!?"

Cold sweat appeared on Hikari's forehead as he shouted. The other members also showed clear signs of tension.

"No way, didn't that thing die?"

Ryotaro also shouted in shock. In response, Captain Merudo, with a grim expression but a calm voice, spoke.

"The cause of the monsters in the labyrinth is not yet understood. It's quite common to encounter monsters that have been defeated before. Stay alert! Don't forget to secure a retreat route!"

To ensure they could escape in case of an emergency, Captain Merudo first gave the order to prioritize securing a retreat route. His subordinates immediately followed the order. However, Hikari seemed dissatisfied and retorted.

"Mr. Merudo. We are not the same as before. We have become several times stronger! We won't lose! I'll show you we'll win!"

"Yeah, that's right. Always thinking we'll lose is not like us. Now is the time for revenge!"

Ryotaro also smiled fearlessly and cheered. Captain Merudo shrugged and smiled fearlessly as well. Indeed, with Hikari's current strength, it should not be a problem. Then, the magic circle finally burst into light, and the nightmare of the past appeared before Hikari and the others.

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