Yuusha, Aruiwa Bakemono to Yobareta Shoujo Chapter 4

Kui: h.e.l.lo

Translator: Kui

Editor: Arocks141

Author: 七沢またり (NANASAWA MATARI)

Every adventurer who steps foot into the labyrinth would unequivocally encounter rats. Their bizarrely large body size could be credited to the mutations caused by long-term absorption of miasma within the labyrinth. This also reoriented their nature to become more cunning and ferocious; they could fake an escape then hide in ambush or sacrifice their companions as bait. Whatever treachery humans committed were nothing but child's play when compared to them.

Experienced adventures tended to keep an eye out for outbreaks of rats. The rats would surge forth like endless tidal waves from the depths of the labyrinth, for one to only be replaced by another when defeated. Countless adventures fell victim to these rats, deluded by their own capabilities. Thus, giving rise to their notorious nickname: "Labyrinth Cleaners".

Most veterans would immediately retreat when anything feels off inside the labyrinth.

Researchers from the Art Academic Guild have made multiple attempts to forecast these irregular outbreaks of rats to no avail. First of all, they have no clue as to how these demons even came about so it was no surprise their research never progressed. 

The general consensus among the populace was that the demons were born from the miasma stemming from the lowest floor of the labyrinth.

Similarly, there would always be a part of the demon more dense in miasma, which then could be extracted in the form of a crystal. There was a hypothesis proposed that the reason for the proportional increase in the demons' strength the deeper the labyrinth was due to the increased density of miasma.

However, to this day, no one has ever witnessed their transformation from miasma.

Then perhaps, do they not require natural breeding? ―No, there have been instances of immature demons inside the labyrinth. In other words, just like beasts on land, a female and male demon would copulate to give birth to a child. In fact, there are demons known to have conducted natural breeding to form packs, such as orcs, lizardmen and the octad-eyed bee.

The researchers have obstinately insisted that if they could bring a live demon outside, their research would progress a lot more. 

Unfortunately, that was physically impossible. First and foremost, the existence of the barrier encompa.s.sing the labyrinth stood in the way of all demons, thwarting any creature with active miasma inside their bodies. 

Humans were no exception. Miasma was the origin of magic, anyone who had the capacity to stockpile it had the talent to be mages and the magic seal known as an exploration permit allowed humans with miasma to commute between the barrier. Those without any miasma could freely pa.s.s through the barrier, which was why the Star church posted guards as a defensive measure. 

Simply from an ethical standpoint, it would be unforgivable for people to search for loopholes in the barrier, much less bringing a demon into the outer world.

A corpse was a no go too. On the off chance that a demon was released overground, the consequences would be unspeakable. 

Any brave fools with too much curiosity were punished by the Star Church as heretics. Hundreds of fools who didn't know any better were branded as heretics, and thoroughly taught of their sins before being executed. But it was only human to continue so in spite of the consequences.

"Sigh, there's nothing but rats down here."

Hero complained as she swung the freshly severed rat tail around.

Currently, the two girls were exploring the second underground floor, the sacks on their backs jam packed with rat tails.

"We must have hunted at least one hundred of them." Matari replied, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

The towel was stained with splotches of dark red, not from her own blood, but from the splashes of her slain foes.

She then handed a clean cloth to Hero who proceeded to violently scrub her face.

"We came here to exterminate the rats, right? We might as well let a cat run loose."

"True, h.e.l.lcats do appear in this dungeon though."

"What a grand name. Just warning you, just because it has the word 'cat' in its name, doesn't mean you can pet it alright? A demon is a demon."

Hero had a mischievous smile as she lightly brushed off Matari's reply. Agewise, Matari was twenty while Hero was seventeen. But despite Matari's seniority, Hero behaved as the elder.

"Just as we speak, here they come again."

"Leave them to me!"

Matari leaped forwards with polished moves, aiming for the moment the rats were still getting into position. The pitiful rats fell collapsed in silence, their brains scattering the floor. She then smoothly sliced off the tails and tossed them into the bag.

"You seem to have gotten the hang of this. But remember, it's the most dangerous when you get used to it. Especially for you."

"Y- Yes. I will not let my guard down."

Receiving advice after advice from someone younger, Matari hesitated to reply. 

"The bag is filled with rat tails. I feel like it takes more time to cut them off and put them in rather than defeating them."

As compared to Matari who stood alert with her sword pointed forwards to anything that comes, Hero defencelessly approaches but speedily one-shots them with her stick.

Matari had asked why she doesn't use her magic more often, to which Hero replied: "Magic uses too much mental energy so I don't wanna use it".

A doubt arose within Matari.

A large amount of miasma clouded the labyrinth so mages could effortlessly absorb the miasma and replenish their magic power within a short period of time. 

As a matter of fact, those with higher absorption rates would be extolled as a superior mage.

However above ground, they would have to either focus their consciousness to absorb the magic from their environment or use a potion with a miasma crystal dissolved in it. An overdose of this potion could lead to miasma poisoning.

Even those who couldn't use magic knew this much since these potions were up for sale in normal warehouses. Its price was sky high considering the amount and an average person could only dream to buy one. Of course there would be no effects if someone incompatible with magic drank it.

Generally, a mage would flourish in a labyrinth. Disregarding the time needed to chant, they would have nothing holding them back from using magic.

Thus something like "holding back because it consumes mental energy" should be impossible. Otherwise, mages would not be treasured nearly as much as they are. As a fighting force, mages would be utterly useless if they tired from firing a couple of spells.

"I really think that I should switch to defence while you use your magic―"

"I told you that I don't wanna use magic against these weaklings since it's tiring. Will you piggyback me if I collapse?"

"Why would you collapse?"

"Because talking to you saps my mental energy."

Hero sent a headbut to the boar girl but was awkwardly evaded.

Matari could only hopelessly change the topic as she opened the fattening bag.

"An- Anyways, it looks disgusting when you look at it like this."

"Stinks of the sewers. I would have burnt this to crisp if we couldn't turn it in for money."

"The more experienced adventurers wouldn't even give these rat tails a glance. They said that two copper coins aren't worth the effort."

"What the h.e.l.l, you can't even buy bread with that. We should just throw them away."

A piece of bread was worth ten coppers. Two coppers would probably amount to some breadcrumbs.

"We spent all that effort cutting it off so let's bring them back. It's our first time too."

"Right, we should bring them back for the memories. I could make a necklace of them for you when I find the time."

Just as Hero finished, she took out a tail and tried to tie the two ends together but was stopped by a panicking Matari.

"P- Please stop! It smells and looks disgusting and I feel like I'm going to be cursed by something."

"It was a joke. I'm not a demon. Those things would make all sorts of revolting things with human bones and skin. Ugh, just thinking about it p.i.s.ses me off. "

Bones were on the better side of the spectrum. There were necklaces of eyeb.a.l.l.s threaded together, rotting heads used as canes and capes of human skin etc. Hero believed that anyone who saw those would rather die than say "Humans can coexist with demons".

"…I will be careful not to end up like that."

Matari imagined the worst possible outcome. She desperately held back the rising sour taste from her stomach.

Hero halfheartedly comforted "Go do that", then menaced;

"We're ignoring the next rat tail."

"U- Understood!"

"It's heavy and gets in the way of our fights. But it'll be perfect if you want to laze around above ground. Just like those alcoholics."

Those men who aimlessly wasted their days. They had faces of resignation, and their alcohol money came from rat tails.

Once they ran out of money, they would return to the labyrinth to hunt a suitable amount before going back to drink some more, their days were a simple repet.i.tion of this cycle.

When their bodies deteriorate from the slothful lifestyle to the point where holding a sword becomes a challenge, they become the rats' next meal.

"We can't have that. Our goal is a lot further than that!" Matari announced after getting a hold of herself.

Her voice echoed down the labyrinth corridor. Hero could feel another headache a.s.saulting her diminishing mental capacity from Matari's loud voice.

"Yes yes, if you have time to be yelling we might as well head down to the next level."

Underground third floor. The pair was able to pa.s.s through the two floors without any incidents. The mark of the star on their left hands were half black, half white, signaling the pa.s.sing of approximately an hour and a half.

"We still have a bit of time left. Don't you think we're doing well?"

"…There's someone down there. Be careful as you go."

Just beyond the staircase on the third floor, a dull light permeated the air and a faint voice could be heard in conversation. They were humans, not demons.

"Maybe they're other adventurers? It's more surprising that we haven't seen one so far."

Of course, Matari was not the only adventurer wandering the labyrinth. Most adventurers wouldn't take the initiative to join hands but they also wouldn't go out of their way to obstruct others either. There was an almost endless supply of demons to go around so there was no need to fight for the prey.

―With a certain exception.

"I don't want to be sent on my way to the other side because of a sneak attack. Matari, prepare for an ambush. More like, be ready to give them h.e.l.l."

Hero holds the wooden stick with a serious expression uncomparable to before. Among the demons Hero has defeated thus far were also fallen humans. In fact, the humans who wore the facade of a good person were more annoying than the straight out villains.

 So she stopped Matari in her tracks before the girl could get ambushed.

"T- That's unreasonable. It's people down there."

"Even more so. Here, hold your shield up. I'll go on ahead."

Hero quietly descended the stairs as she held her stick out in front. Matari similarly had her shield up, ready to defend herself from any incoming attacks.

―They stifled their breaths and headed down. At the bottom of the stairs was a s.p.a.cious room with a campfire in the center, and a few people sitting around it taking a break.

The smoke emitted from the campfire was ventilated through unknown methods seeing how the room was not filled with white gas.

"…Is this a resting spot? Can we interrupt for a bit? We were just feeling hungry you see."

Everyone sitting reflexively raised their heads when they heard a new voice.

Five of them were youngsters wearing their splendid armor with burnt out expressions. 

One of them, a man with a stubble, was roasting a piece of meat, bone and all. He had probably realised the existence of the two.

Lastly was a slim man draped in priest garb from the Star Church and a white cloth covering his closed eyes. A total of seven people.

A beat later, the youngsters stood up and pulled out their swords.

"Wh- Who are you!"

"A demon!?"

"Where would you find a demon like me? Keep the jokes to your face. Plus, your legs are trembling."

Being pointed out, the youngsters lashed back. Originating from a higher social cla.s.s, they were unaccustomed to being made fun of.

"Y- You're that drunk girl from before!"

"How insolent, you peasant! Get down on your knees and apologize! Who do you think I―"

"Quiet! Shut yer trap when we're eating, you worthless idiots!"

The man who was roasting meat violently threw the gnawed bone away, coincidentally hitting one of their faces causing them to faint from the agony. Seeing what became of one of them, the others also fell silent.

Even if all the youngsters ganged up and attacked the stubbled man, they would meet a certain defeat due to the vast difference in experience and skill. They who struggled in the fight with rats were made well aware of this fact.

"You can only trust your own skills here. Even with companions, that doesn't change. Your status can eat s.h.i.t for all I care. Just like with you guys… Wait, it- It's you guys!?"

The stubbled man was speaking with a dignified tone but the instant he looked up and saw Hero's face, he froze. He didn't go as far to check who exactly had come down the stairs before.

"Hm?"

Hero found the warrior's att.i.tude strange and fixed her eyes on him. She closed one eye and squinted the other, trying to remember. Although she managed to recall an unpleasant impression, she couldn't remember the specifics.

"H- Hero, this person, I think he's from the Warrior's Guild."

For Matari, the events of that time left too deep of an impression so she was able to remember it instantly.

He was the pitiful veteran warrior who tried messing with Hero but unfortunately received a retaliation many times more severe. He was also someone like a mentor to Matari and all the rookies.

Something seemed to spark within Hero as she readjusted her wooden stick on her shoulder. 

"Ohhh. You're from that time. It's surprising how well you are considering how much I did you in. Maybe I should have gone a bit further."

A cackle unbecoming of a 'Hero' leaked from her mouth. It was impossible to link her fearless att.i.tude to a paragon of justice.

"H- Hero."

Matari was clueless on how she could pacify Hero's gatling mouth. What little sympathy she had for the man was being whittled down, especially after the speech about pride presented by Hero.

"So you're the one who hurt Java so badly. Because of you, I only got one hour of sleep that day. The one strike you made was quite heavy. Why thank you for all that."

The robed man opened his eyes and returned a sarcastic thanks.

That one blow to a trained warrior's chest armour. It was many hours before the man recovered enough from the damage for his consciousness to return. Although it wasn't a deadly blow, the attack was enough to fracture several ribs, which was why it took time for the recovery.

There was no healing arts as convenient as instantly healing lost stamina. Even if it could clot blood and detoxify, a cut off arm could not be reattached and a fatal wound to the organs could not be healed. What the healers do is to hasten the normal recovery abilities of humans.

But still, the reason why they are sought after is to be insurance. With their presence, they could stop bleeding, giving the patient some valuable time before they are out of the labyrinth.

Additionally, even if they weren't as proficient as the mages, they were able to cast some exorcism spells and those confident in their bodies could take the role of a tank if they applied healing to themselves.

―This was what the soldiers dedicated to the church known as priests ent.i.tled.

Once they enter the guild, they are made to swear an oath to the Star Church, and in times of need, it is their duty to act as Church's vanguard. In return, they are permitted to learn the highly treasured healing arts.

"You really didn't need to thank me."

"I see sarcasm doesn't get through you."

"…Drop it, Clamp."

Java signalled to the robed man― Clamp ―with his eyes.

"…I don't intend to do anything. Too bad for you, but I hold zero confidence in my skills."

Clamp heaved a deep sigh then closed his eyes again.

Java hesitated for a while before standing up and approached Hero.

He left his weapon near the campfire, on him was only a small knife hanging by his belt.

Matari remained on edge as she took a stance but Hero remained calm. She could not sense any murderous intent from the man, and even if he launched an attack, Hero was confident she could take him down in one move.

"Do you need something?"

"…Sorry for the other day. I can't complain, looking at you now. I know you're not in this for fun."

"…?"

A wave of doubt ran over Hero, hearing the unexpected reply. She looked down at her appearance; nothing was out of place, other than the red stains over her usual clothes.

"There's just too many idiots who think this is a courage test or a setting for splendid adventures. I got ahead of myself the other day. I'm sorry."

Java lowered his head in a bow as he apologised. It wasn't a lighthearted apology either, his whole body was bent into a right angle.

Approximately ten seconds had pa.s.sed before Java raised his head and started stroking his beard to hide his embarra.s.sment. 

"I wonder if this red makeup has caught your fancy. It's wonderful isn't it?"

Hero twirled herself around, boasting her clothes, which also splattered the blood around. The youngsters who unfortunately were unable to sidestep the droplets let out small shrieks.

"These idiots, making a fuss just because some blood got on their heirlooms. They made such a big deal about one rat too. On top of that, they're down from nothing, saying it smells of mould or rot."

"W- We can't help it! This armour is really heavy. We're running around with this thing on!" complained the youngsters. They turned their excuses to their armour.

Java, now completely fed up, coldly replied.

"That's because you don't have the skills to use the equipment. Wooden ones are good enough for you guys."

Although the heavier metal provides superior defensive abilities, it was also quite restrictive, as well as rapidly draining the user's stamina. Wooden armour's defence was compromised and broke easily but was light. It was perfect for those just starting off since it was cheap too.

"As if we n.o.bles can wear something so crude!"

"Do as you will. I don't care if you live or die. But I won't escort you a second time. Even if you bring out the big bucks."

"―Ugh."

Whatever words came next got stuck up their throats, and they squatted in disappointment. This argument was their loss.

Hero looked over at the frowning starter-up adventurers. She remembered that they were the ones who made fun of her on the first day at the guild.

"You couldn't even hold on for three days. Turns out, the only thing big are your mouths."

Hero took the chance to deliver strikes where they were weakest while cackling like a devil.

On the side, Matari was soothing Hero to stop laughing like that.

When Hero completed her petty revenge, she turned back to Java.

"I'm over it. But I'd be even more over it if you gave us some of that meat. It looks great!"

She pointed to one of the many pieces of meat still roasting by the fire. The juicy slices coated in oil enticed her appet.i.te. She was sure it was ready.

"Sure. Let's let bygones be bygones with this… You don't seem to be a simple one. I can tell since I was. .h.i.t by you."

Java replied in a serious tone, handing the meat over.

Having his guard down was no reason for the power exerted from a punch over his armour. It no longer sounded ridiculous if the girl boasted to be the hero. He seriously believed that if she used all of her power right then, she would have opened a hole in him.

"Thanks. I also went too far that time. I'm sorry, I snapped"

She bit into the chunk of meat and apologised. Anything in the past was in the past. This was Hero's motto to having a fun life.

"No, that's how every adventurer is. If we don't keep up the vigour, we won't be able to survive in this s.h.i.thole."

"But in return, aren't the rewards just as great?"

"Sigh, only if we can survive. From what I've seen, guys like these who treat this like a tourist attraction are the first ones to die. But in the end their luck might do them good. In that sense, you two are really lucky."

Java gave a slight smile. Unlike before, he could be seen radiating the aura of a veteran.

The n.o.bles watching from the sidelines turned blue.

"But to think Java would have the daylights beaten out of him. Are you even an adventurer? The guild put their trust in you to lead the trainees."

"What do you mean by are you even?"

"Exactly what it means."

Compared to Java who was staring daggers at him, Clamp was calmly watching. The pair had known each other for a long time, and both stubbornly survived in the labyrinth till this day. Whenever they were to challenge a new floor, the two would join up with another exploration team.

Money and fame gradually racked up, and now they were directly hired by the guild to train new adventurers. This time, they were with the young n.o.bles.

"Anyone would let their guard down right? I'm sure I got lucky that time. Right? Mr Leader?" Hero jokes.

However Java and Clamp both suspiciously eyed her. They could see the sharp teeth hiding behind her mask.

"…Hmph, who cares about leading these brats of n.o.bles. No one would take on the role if not for the money."

Java spat as he ripped off a chunk of meat.

"Well they seem to understand the reality of things so I don't think there will be a next time. Otherwise they really will become rat bait."

"Ug- Ugh. Why do we have to-."

"Because you wished for it. And we're the bodyguards of n.o.bles. No need to confirm it again."

"B- But this is completely different to what we heard. We thought we could fight more gracefully and elegantly."

"If that's what you want then I recommend you read some fairy tales or hero chronicles. How about the story of Three Heroes who defeated the demon king a thousand years ago? Since, at least, they didn't die. Your papa would surely dance in happiness too."

Clamp shone a cruel smile to the n.o.bles. The young men were determined to never come back a second time, and the man knew that, which was why he twisted his words in. It was to clear up his resentment for the wasted time.

"By the way, we've only met rats so far. Until when will this rat h.e.l.l continue to?"

Hero inquired to no one in particular, seemingly bored from watching the neverending bullying stemming from Clamp's inner disposition.

"The rats are everywhere. Some even carry poison and diseases so don't underestimate them. If you do, they'd take you bone and all."

"It's just as Java said. The danger of these rats are in their numbers. Countless people have turned into rat lure right as they build up their confidence. You must pay attention to make sure that you aren't attacked by a herd."

"As I thought, it's the rats who eat the corpses right?"

Hero asked to confirm which Java nods in return.

"Yeah, ferocious appet.i.tes, those rats. They'd eat about anything except your equipment since it'll upset their stomachs. But, there are demons out there that'd eat your equipment though."

"…Is that the slime?"

Matari who had kept quiet until now piped in.

In her hands was the beginners labyrinth guide she bought from the Church. She was carefully reading through every page in her break.

"Yeah, it's as you said. ― Wait, young lad. Did you buy that ripoff? It's not worth the one silver you spent on it. You'd be able to look up information on demons at the guild."

"I disagree, this is a splendid book to me. It has been very useful!" Matari reb.u.t.ted.

Hero on the other hand stared at the book with glowing hatred.

"…So I was right."

"Some bored guy picking his nose from the Church probably wrote it. It's a lot of pointless bulls.h.i.t. What beware of rats? d.a.m.n right a joke."

Too engrossed in her thoughts, Matari seemed to have caught none of Java's mutterings.

She buried her head into the book and progressed to read up on information regarding the slime. Clamp ignored their bickers and recited the basics he knew of the slime.

"It's an green opaque fluid and will unhesitantly attack any living creature it sees. On top of having some level of resistance to magic, the slime is also strong against blows and slashes."

"It's something you wouldn't want to fight. You'd rarely see them around though."

"The liquid that a slime is composed of has corrosive properties too. It's unbearably painful if it makes direct contact with your body."

"Doesn't it have some weaknesses?"

"In the center of it's opaque body is a core. Attack this core with a weapon you are fine with destroying. It should only take one shot if it hits. However in return, your weapon would be done for."

"But it's slow so you'd be better off running away. You can't even take the part you need so it's useless."

The core which held the slime up was not only the part required for retrieval but also the part that had to be struck in order to defeat the demon. It was nigh impossible to extract the core without breaking it. For this reason, the core could be sold for a high price if it was still intact. The core was densely packed with miasma and also had many rare properties. 

"Hmmm. It might be a pain in the a.s.s but I'll make it work."

"―The slime's weakness is its core, the slime's weakness is its core. It hurts when touched, it hurts when touched." Matari chanted in repet.i.tion to confirm.

Hero made up her mind to definitely sc.r.a.p that scam of a book later and asked Java,

"So, when are you guys staying until?"

"These idiots will be forcibly returned after three hours so after they're gone, us two will go up the normal route. Until then, we'll just laze around here."

Java raised the bamboo bottle to his mouth and drank the remaining liquid. Of course, its contents were water and not alcohol. Although the man appeared to be lacking in caution, his aura spoke the opposite. There is no safety zone within the labyrinth.

"Indeed, the labyrinth is a perfect place for meditation. We can sharpen our awareness here. The miasma will seep into our bodies and unconsciously, our focus grows."

"Geez, there it is again. Can't time go any faster?"

"Would you like to join me, Java? I am sure that if you focus your mind, your attacks will have a new edge to them. You may also awaken to your potential as a mage."

"No thanks. Lazing around like this is the best meditation for me."

Clamp closed his eyes and focused his mind.

Java waved his hands at Hero and Matari then proceeded to stifle a yawn as he cleaned off his sword.

The youngsters were on the floor completely wiped out by fatigue.

"Then shall we go soon? You should've gotten plenty of rest."

"Y- Yes! I was also able to study up on slimes too!"

Hero and Matari were about to leave the room when they heard a voice call out to them.

"Oh yeah, a word of advice. I don't think you'll need it but listen up anyways." Java cautioned.

"We adventurers have an unspoken rule that any fight inside the labyrinth is to be settled by adventurers. Don't expect the Star Church or guild to lend you a hand. Even if you cry or go begging to them."
"…Will someone attack us?"
"As you kill more demons, the further you go down, more and more people will try taking a shortcut. They've decided that they'd earn more by hunting humans than demons. Not like I can't understand them since there's a lot of these idiots who mistake this for a n.o.ble's hobby."

Java looked over at the sulking n.o.bles. Their armour was first cla.s.s and so were their swords. There would be no shortage of customers if these items surfaced in the market.

Even if it were stolen goods.

"But won't they be hated by other adventurers? The rumours would spread right?"

"Of course they'd be wanted men. The Church won't stick their heads in but the guild will put a bounty on them. Basically, kill on sight. But they're not gonna show their tails so easily. Those who do are eliminated early on."

Murders happen within the labyrinth. Pitiful corpses of adventurers will pop up. Normally that would be the end. However if a lucky victim manages to escape and files a report to the guild, a trial will be conducted against the suspect. 

In the case the suspect sincerely complies and confesses, the guildmaster will determine the legitimacy of the claim; whether the accused is innocent or guilty. Afterwards, they would be handed over to the Church and judged. Should they disobey the summon, a suitable bounty would be placed on them depending on the crime they allegedly committed and on top of being expelled from the guild, a wanted poster is also issued to every guild.

The wanted people are thus forced to leave the city or go into hiding inside Art's slum district. They could also hide inside the Labyrinth.

Wanted or not, the guards would permit them access to the labyrinth. After all, it was not their duty to apprehend these criminals. When the issue was above ground they would rush to the site but it was out of their jurisdiction for anything within the labyrinth. 

Although, it would be a different story if the pope declared them to be heretics. The inquisition would immediately spring into action. Being captured by the inquisition was synonymous to death and the minute the pope had any doubts, they would be branded as heretics.

―Because the great pope who rules over the Star Church makes no mistakes in his judgment.

"Don't go anywhere shady and be on guard of anyone you meet. It's the golden rule to living a long life." Clamp mumbled while in meditation. 

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice."

"T- Thank you very much, Mr Java, Mr Clamp!"

"Don't worry about it. We're fellow members of the Warrior guild. Also, don't push yourself too hard, things have just gotten started after all."

"I'm part of the Clergymen's Guild so it's a given."

"You always have to say one word too many."

Saying their farewells to Java and co, Matari and Hero continued their adventure.

The two successfully broke through the third floor and reached the fourth floor. Nothing particularly different could be discerned from before― a similar barren corridor ran into darkness.

The demons were rats as usual and the pair disposed of them as usual, but now, they didn't give their tails a second glance.

They decided to go as far down as they could within the time limit for today.

The yellow arrows resurfaced. Hero shot it a repulsive glare, however, it was a one way path so they had no other options but to follow the arrows.

"…This arrow, can we really trust it?"

"Huh, what do you mean?"

"Everyone on the upper floors are rookie adventurers. They would first rely on these arrows. Which leads us to the question as to whether these arrows are correct or not."

"B- But the Church's book said that a kind adventurer painted-"

"That was back then. How long has it been since that book was written?"

Hero aggressively stomped on the bright yellow arrow painted on the ground. 

The paint sc.r.a.ped off, revealing the dull grey below.

"…Then, does that mean it could be a trap someone set up?"

"It might be a guidepost to h.e.l.l. Anyways, don't let your guard down. It might be a bit much for you to always be on alert but at the very least, don't fall for any surprise attacks." Hero argued.

Matari's face cramped up in response and nodded. Her body was frozen stiff from nervousness. 

Hero was anguishing that it had the opposite effect but settled that it was better than dying.

Eventually, they arrived at a fork in the road. Matari made the decision to follow the arrows, her shield still in front of her. There was no guarantee that the arrowless road would be safe either so Hero followed silently. 

Her face was quickly turning ugly. Since not too long ago, the number of unpleasant occurrences kept piling up. She had a nagging feeling that something was watching them, but she could see no one when she turned around. Even when she squinted, the path was just as desolate as before.

Hero clicked her tongue and continued walking. The sound of their breaths rebounded off the walls. Once again, the road split into two. They continued down the path with the arrows to the right.

Waiting for them was a small room. This was a dead end. The two stood motionless in front of the room.

"H- Huh. Is this the end?."

"…Looks like it"

"W- What should we do?"

"It's dangerous to enter without preparation. We have to be careful in these places."

The two had faithfully followed the path the arrows pointed out. Enroute, they encountered no ambushes and finally safely arrived at the destination. However, there were no signs of stairs descending to the next level.

The arrow pointing at the entrance was painted a bright red. Nothing abnormal could be perceived from the entrance.

A treasure chest-like container was located in the center of the dimly lit room, as though to tempting people to come in. Its lid still held shut.

Hero frowned. Not because of the suspicious treasure chest.

The lingering traces of blood were overwhelming. It penetrated the room, traveling all the way to the entrance. 

Smells may dissipate with time but the remaining traces were unable to deceive the eyes of Hero. No matter how they tried to hide the body. It was impossible to hide all vestiges of the deed.

A great deal of people lost their lives here. She was sure of it. They had stepped into a danger zone before entering the room and just as Hero opened her mouth to warn Matari,

"There might be something in that box. Please look out for anything in the back."

"Id- Idiot, come back!!"

"I'm heavily equipped so it's fine!"

"Just come back!!"

Matari made a straight line for the center, her posture flawless. By the time Hero made her second warning, Matari had crossed the red arrow.

A loud click could be heard.

"―Eh?" Matari cried in surprise.

Something exploded at her foot and her stance collapsed, throwing her forwards to the center of the room. Hero was dragged into the blast and pushed further back.

A trap against humans. The basic first step to hunt down rookies who lightheartedly tread into the room.

"Ughhh"

Matari quickly scanned the area from the center. Her shield left her hands when the blast hit her, leaving her vulnerable. 

She staggered, trying to pick up her beloved shield.

―In an instant, the second murder trigger activated.

Several empty shrieks reverberated. It was proof that the crossbows installed were automatically activated. The number of sounds matched the amount of crossbows set up. From the corners of the room, they all concentrated their aims at one point.

"…Eh"

Matari looked down at herself. It was her same old used armour. Imbedded on top of it was a small thin arrow. But not only one. There were ten on the front. All fired with enough momentum to penetrate the st.u.r.dy amour.

A fatal amount of blood poured from her lips. Before she could understand what had happened, Matari collapsed powerlessly.

Arrows stuck into her body like a pincushion. It was nothing short of a miracle that her head was left uninjured.

"― Ahh"

Matari confirmed that Hero had yet to move from the entrance from the corner of her eye. Her body wouldn't move. Matari's vision went white and eventually faded into nothingness.

Her quivering hand stretched in the same direction.

"H- Hero."

Hero watched the scene with cold eyes. The vanishing of a single human's life. Hero's instinct distinctly warned her that there was no need to enter the room. To never enter that room.

That the trap was in action even now. Entering would mean jumping into death's mouth. 

It was Matari who had jumped in despite the warnings Hero gave. 

The young fledgling had simply received her desserts. There was no doubt that the wounds were fatal. She would be fated to breath her last in a few moments. Matari will die.

Matari's happy-go-lucky voice resounded in Hero's head.

"We're going to be fighting together from now on, or rather, we will be comrades who share our life and death!"

Those words were spoken in jest. Hero knew.

If their situation was reversed, Hero would have been abandoned too. No one was there to take her outstretched hands. Humans were such creatures.

And so, Hero was left to fight alone. Until the day her cursed soul vanishes, for the sake of vanquishing evil.

―But still Hero chose to go. She believed that she should. She had to grab hold of the outstretched hand. Matari's eyes were already closed, but it mattered not.

The second Hero stepped into the room waiting with traps―.

A loud ridiculing laugh pulsed and a gleaming blade was swung down at Matari's fragile neck.