Chapter 57 Interlude Fifteen – The Prison Of Hot Sand, VII
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
As we climbed the stairs, we emerged onto a complex floor made of stone. It felt like a dungeon, but the area was not more than 50 meters (164 feet) in either direction and there were no signs of monsters. We could confirm stairs leading further into the depths on the auto-map. After collecting treasure from a small room, we ascended the stairs.
Upon reaching the top, we found ourselves in the middle of an open floor with no walls or ceiling.
”Whoa… What is this? It’s kinda scary.”
Hano-san exclaimed, clinging onto me, while Nishina-san also clasped my arm tightly in response.
Although the floor itself was 50 meters (164 feet) in each direction, it was exposed like the rooftop of a skyscraper. There were no railings, and a warm, strong wind blew, making it uneasy to approach the edges.
However, at the far end of the floor, there were stairs leading up, and above them, a floating altar-like structure could be seen. On top of the altar sat a red, glowing orb resembling a crystal ball.
The staircase is only about 10 meters (33 feet) long if you measure the distance, but it protrudes into the air from the edge of the floor, with little thickness to support the altar without collapsing, which makes you wonder.
Standing in front of the stairs, I can see a desert spreading out to the horizon below, a breathtaking view that feels like it can suck me in.
”Wow, this is really scary!”
Hano-san clings to me trembling, but it hurts when she hits the iron chestplate.
”I’ll go.”
Satou-san steps forward and puts her foot on the 1-meter-wide (3.28 feet) staircase.
At that moment, I suddenly feel a presence and turns around.
”Huh?”
I couldn’t help but blurt out.
A woman who appears to have come out of the staircase was silently approaching us.
There is still more than 10 meters (33 feet) of distance between us. When the woman meets my eyes, she stops. She has shoulder-length black hair and a strong-looking face that doesn’t seem much older than us, maybe a senior student in high school. Wearing armor with little coverage and a sword hanging from her waist, she is probably a player.
”Acha~ did you find me? You don’t look too tough, but you seem pretty perceptive.”
The woman said with a playful tone, sporting a twisted smile.
’Master! This guy is a level 16 assassin! Assassins have stealth abilities, so be careful not to get caught!”
A blue light appeared in front of me on the auto-map. Looks like she deactivated her skills.
”Who’s there?!”
Maekawa-san and the others turned around, startled. I quickly pushed Hano-san behind me.
’There are three people on the lower floor! They’ve started moving towards us from standby mode!’
The auto-map switched to the lower floor, showing a blob of blue light rushing towards the stairs.
Are these the woman’s friends?
She’s probably the scout. The fact that her friends are moving now means they must have some way to communicate.
”In reality, I was sent here due to a teleportation Magic Circle accident. While wandering through the desert, I found your footprints and came here. What are you guys doing here?”
The woman spoke to me in an intentionally affectionate voice.
”Are you alone?”
”Yes. Let’s cooperate if you want to escape from here. I can be helpful in various ways…”
The woman made a gesture, showing off her well-toned body.
”Tsuchimiya-kun, this person is lying.”
Maekawa-san whispered, leaning on my shoulder.
Oh, it’s a lie from the moment she said she was alone. Besides, earlier, she was trying to get behind us. It’s dangerous to let her get within attack range.
”That person is level 16.”
”What!?”
Maekawa-san’s eyes widened in surprise as I whispered this.
Stepping forward, I pointed the tip of the Kondou Spear at the woman who was trying to approach me.
”Don’t come any closer. I don’t intend to fight, but I can’t trust you.”
”Hmm, so you’re going to give me that kind of attitude, huh? Even though you’re just small fries.”
The woman stopped and curled her lips.
”What are you guys doing here? Where are your friends? It’s better for you to speak honestly for your own sake.”
She smirked menacingly, letting out a strong killing intent at my words.
Level 16, huh… I don’t know how big the gap in strength is, but if it’s me now, I might be taken out in an instant. And soon, her other friends might step into this room.
”Wait. We don’t have any intention of fighting. We were sent here due to an accident with the Magic Circle. We just happened to come to this temple that caught our eye while walking through the desert.”
”Just happened? To end up in such a convenient place by chance, huh?”
A voice echoed, and a man in a blue robe appeared from the stairs. His arrival was much earlier than expected. From behind, the clattering sound of armor approaching could be heard.
A convenient place, you say?
Just from this, it’s clear they came here with a purpose. They’re probably after a key item.
”We just want to go back to school. Isn’t that what you guys want too?”
While I was talking, two men who seemed like vanguards appeared from the stairs.
”Yeah, that’s right. How did you guys find this place?”
”We really just happened to come here. We don’t want to fight. Can’t we cooperate?”
Maekawa-san spoke calmly instead of me.
”Cooperate? Hey, Sendou, what’s their level?”
The black-haired man in plate mail spoke to the man in a blue robe, who then waved his hand towards us.
”Analysis.”
A Magic to decipher our status? I should have Tina’s fake status on me.
”The crazy guy with the shredded bag is level 4. The rest are all level 3.”
”A beginner, huh! You can’t even be a lackey.”
’That magician is level 17 and is good at wind magic. There’s also a level 17 spear knight and a level 16 knight. It’s going to be tough in battle. Let’s try to find an opening and retreat to the tent house somehow.’
But it’s not easy to exploit their weaknesses. We can’t just hand over the key items. What should we do?
”This is a pain. I’ll just take them out quickly.”
The blonde spear knight gives a sharp look and starts walking over.
These guys seem used to killing humans. They have eyes that look at me like trash.
I guess I have to buy some time. We have to at least let Maekawa-san and the others escape.
”These guys will probably wipe themselves out if we leave them alone. Should we just ignore them?”
”No, we don’t know how they found this place. Let’s eliminate any potential threats.”
The magician, called Sendou by the woman, replies.
It seems like we can’t avoid a fight after all.
”Wait! We can be useful. Probably more than that woman over there…”
At that moment, Maekawa-san stepped forward and spoke up.
”Huhhh?”
The girl’s face twisted in anger, but the blonde man stopped in his tracks.
Maekawa-san’s aura had changed. Despite just standing there with an enchanting smile, the sense of weakness from earlier vanished, causing the men to gulp audibly.
”We’re quite experienced. We can satisfy any playstyle. But in return, spare this person and the little one over there.”
”Maekawa-san, don’t!”
Certainly, Maekawa-san and the others might be used to this kind of situation. However, that doesn’t mean I should sacrifice them.
But Maekawa-san turned her palm towards me as if to control me.
Does she have a plan? No, but──
”Hehe, I see. Not bad when I look you closely. I’ve been getting tired of those arrogant Fujisaki types lately.”
”Huh? If you’re gonna say that, even I’m tired of always being f**ked by two or three people. If I can have my way with that guy, then I might let you off the hook.”
If I could handle it alone, I’d consider, but it’s unlikely.
”If you’ll let it slide because of that, I don’t mind.”
At least just Nishina-san, huh? But can I really trust these guys to keep their promise?
”Well, fine. If you’re satisfied, we’ll let you go.”
Sendou smirked.
”Yeah, obedient girls aren’t easy to come by around here. I’ll let the little one go.”
The black-haired man in plate mail licked his lips as he looked Maekawa-san and the others.
”…That’s a lie.”
”Huh?”
Maekawa-san muttered under her breath.
”Everyone! They’re planning to kill Tomo-chan!”
Maekawa-san shouted, and the blonde guy moved.
”You’re such a pain! Don’t negotiate with me like you’re something special! Whirlwind Thrust!”
The blonde guy accelerated at me all at once. I desperately parried his unbelievably fast double thrusts. He’s still relentlessly targeting my vital points!
”What!?”
He must have been completely confident he could kill me. The blonde guy’s eyes widened in shock, creating a momentary opening.
”Azure Thunder Fang!”
I thrust out my Kondou Spear, enveloped in an unstoppable lightning strike.
”Magic Break!”
Now it was my turn to be surprised. The moment the blonde guy’s spear deflected mine, the Azure Thunder vanished. Though thrown off balance, he didn’t immediately counterattack, perhaps because he had also used a magic technique. As I regained my footing, the next attack came flying at me.
”Darn it!”
I keep trying to deal with the unstoppable barrage. What this person is doing is technically advanced, but it’s just a downloaded example of movements. It’s quite fast, but if I keep the Phoenix Temple Spear Technique (Hououin-ryu) in mind, it’s somewhat predictable. However, I can’t even counterattack against the overwhelming power. At this rate, I’ll be overwhelmed!
”Water Ball!”
At the same time Maekawa-san exclaimed next to me, a shadow crossed behind the blonde hair and I flinched.
Gain Speed!
I instinctively activated Magic, deflecting the blonde’s thrust and leaping sideways. In an instant, I closed the distance and stood in front of Maekawa-san, ready to bring the sword down on the black-haired man.
I felt the sensation of my left clavicle being cut.
”Tsuchimiya-kun!”
’Master!’
Because of the magic, my senses are stretched out and I can feel the pain vividly. With my vision flickering and my brain feeling like it’s about to explode from the pain, I extended my right hand that I pulled toward me, enduring the pain.
At least one strike!
The thrust I threw with my right hand was deflected by a plate mail covered with a defense barrier.
The black hair reflexively drew the sword, but I was deeply slashed to my chest. Blood splattered as my lung was filled with something hot and I momentarily stopped breathing.
”Tsuchimiya-kun!”
Maekawa-san screamed like voice while letting go of the spear and clinging to me. I pushed her away.
”Go…!”
As I spoke, blood overflowed in my trachea and I coughed up blood. My vision was tinged red.
Not yet!
Don’t fall yet!
When I glared at the two people in front of me, they stopped in caution.
”What’s with this guy! Is he really human!?”
I can only hold them back for a few more seconds.
Tina, do you understand?
At that moment, I heard Satou-san’s voice. At that time, I wasn’t aware of what was happening around me, and I barely had any memory of it. I heard about the situation later from Tina.
Satou-san was suddenly at the altar, holding a red orb.
”Is this what you guys want!?”
Satou-san held up the orb and quickly threw it. The orb hit the stone floor with a thud and rolled, making a muffled sound. It bounced and rolled toward the edge of the floor without a wall.
”This way!”
”Oh no, pick it up!”
The female assassin named Fujisaki quickly reacted and started running. Magician Sendou followed suit a bit later.
”Ice Burn!”
While the vanguard duo was distracted, Nishina-san cast a spell.
”Sandstorm!”
Satou-san quickly used a scroll while running down the stairs without missing a beat.
”Ouch!?”
”Whoa!”
As a tornado-like sandstorm attacked the blonde and black-haired duo, their vision was obscured by the sand, causing them to lose their balance on the slippery ground.
”Hiromi! Tsuchimiya-kun! Everyone, gather around!”
At that moment, the wooden branch that Tina had given to Satou-san was shining in her hand.
”Tsuchimiya-kun!”
I was still conscious but standing, being carried in the arms of Maekawa-san and Hano-san, reuniting with Satou-san and the others.
Just as Fujisaki slid in and secured the orb right at the edge of the floor, Satou-san’s hand swung down.
When I came to my senses, I realized I had unconsciously swallowed something sweet spreading in my mouth. The soft sensation parted from my lips. Slowly opening my eyes, I found Maekawa-san’s face, on the verge of tears, in front of me.
”Maekawa-san…”
As I spoke, Maekawa-san burst into tears and clung onto me.
”Tsuchimiya-kun!”
What kind of situation is this?
I tried to sit up in bed with my memories coming back, but Maekawa-san pushed me back down. It seems like we’re back in the tent house.
”Maekawa-san, is everyone okay?”
I asked Maekawa-san, trying to control my anxious feelings.
”Yeah… everyone is safe. Thank you, Tsuchimiya-kun.”
”I see, that’s good…”
I relaxed as the tension left my body.
”Tsuchimiya-kun, you were almost dying. Don’t do anything reckless like that again.”
Maekawa-san buried her face in my neck, her voice trembling. There was no pain in my left chest. My arm was moving fine. Did I recover with the recovery spring?
”I didn’t think we could get through that situation without any sacrifices. I’m really glad that everyone is safe.”
Maekawa-san slowly lifted her tear-streaked face and looked into my eyes.
”You didn’t think about sacrificing someone else instead of yourself? Why did you have to protect someone like me?”
Although she sounded reproachful, I could tell she was worried about me.
”I didn’t really have that kind of thought, or rather, it was a spur of the moment thing. I think I protected you because you’re Maekawa-san. I’m fundamentally indifferent to others. It’s a relief that it wasn’t Maekawa-san who had to suffer.”
As I responded, Maekawa-san widened her eyes, blushed for some reason, and buried her face in my neck again.
”Geez, you fool…”
She muttered softly, then wrapped her arms around my neck and clung tightly to me. Maekawa-san’s body heat felt comforting.
As I calmed down, my mind started to clear up.
”How much time has passed since then?”
”It’s been about two hours since we got back here.”
To have received such a fatal wound and still be like this, the recovery spring is truly amazing.
”It was really tough. I threw Tsuchimiya-kun directly into the spring… But even then, your heart had stopped and you weren’t breathing, so I really thought you were dead.”
It was really close, it seems. I thought I was dead too.
”Do you know what they’re up to?”
”…It seems they retrieved the key item from the second temple.”
”I see…”
So their aim is the key items. And they have a way to pinpoint their location and means of transportation. Is their goal the Spirit Sword? We can’t waste time or they’ll take it away.
”Please, take a break for a while. Even if your body heals, the mental damage from almost dying once might be deep.”
”I’m fine. I’m used to it.”
”Huh?”
Ever since I was a kid, because of my crappy old man, I’ve been conscious of death many times. Not just violence, but I’ve almost starved to death too. And… what was it again?
”Sorry, but could you leave me alone for a while? Just for an hour. There’s something I need to think about.”
”I understand. Please don’t push yourself too hard.”
Maekawa-san said as she got up, lightly kissed me, and left the room.
I sat up in bed and crossed my legs. On the bedside table, there was a half-eaten nectar. Maybe Maekawa-san had given it to me.
Now, what should I do next? I know what I have to do. I know, but──
I pondered as I nibbled on the nectarine.
* * *
”Oh, Hiromin! How is Tsucchi feeling?”
Valeria and the others sitting around the round table stopped talking and turned their attention to Hiromi as she came out of the room.
”He woke up earlier and seems to be feeling energetic.”
”Yay! I’ll go wake him up with a kiss!”
”Me too!”
”He said he wanted to think about something alone, so let’s leave him be for now.”
”I see…Got it.”
Akari (the lockpicker) stood up and approached Hiromi, who was unsteady.
”Hiromi, are you okay? Your face looks a bit red… huh!?
Suddenly, Hiromi embraced Akari and their lips met in a passionate kiss. Taken by surprise, Akari stiffened and trembled, but quickly changed her expression and hugged Hiromi back, fighting back.
The two intertwined their tongues and bodies, making wet noises as they passionately kissed.
Eventually, their lips separated with a moist sound, and Hiromi looked up at Akari with teary eyes.
”Sorry, Akari. I can’t stand it anymore. Please, calm me down.”
”O-Okay, I understand.”
The two disappeared into a private room, both breathing heavily.
”Wow, Hiromin is totally in heat. Scary… If it were me, I would have been completely overwhelmed by their passion. Only Akarin can stop them.”
Chikako looked pale and trembling, Tomoko tugged at her sleeve.
”Chikako-chan… Can you teach me more about kissing and… that other thing?”
Tomoko’s face turned red as she looked up at Chikako.
”Uh, sure, I understand.”
And then the two of them disappeared into a private room.
* * *
’──So, I was chosen as a maid for a princess, you know? Do you get it? I’m a teenager and I’m serving a princess. I’m elite, you know?’
As I sat there looking puzzled, Tina started telling her life story for some reason.
”So, why is that elite maid dead in the dungeon?”
I listened absentmindedly while pondering.
’I messed up a bit… I mean, I decided to leave the country and become an adventurer. And it was a huge success! I was the ace of the world’s strongest party!’
She must have been expelled from the country or fled abroad. What did this person mess up?
Claiming to be the world’s strongest or the ace is definitely an exaggeration.
’Last time I tried this dungeon that had just been built. Back then, it wasn’t as well designed as it is now, and it was hell from the 1st floor. I went pretty deep, but I finally ran out of energy.’
Well, it seems like there are various things going on. But let’s focus on me for now. That blonde guy, he’s definitely strong. But my skills are superior. He’s just at a higher level… No, that’s just an excuse. I couldn’t completely dodge his attacks with my immature techniques. The difference in speed and power is too great. That’s why I’m using Restriction Play, despite the risks.
If I call it a game, so be it. But for me, I started this with determination. Even if it means dying, I won’t make any excuses or have any regrets until I reach the physical goal. I’ve made up my mind about that.
However, because of my weakness, it almost led to Maekawa-san’s death. Things have changed since then, and I can’t just die selfishly on my shoulders.
It might be time to quit…
”Tina, I’m going to level up.”
’Huh? I need 2800 exp points to reach level 6.’
”Not Tina. It’s my level up.”
’Huh?’
Tina stared at me, her mouth wide open.
’Huh? Whaaat?! A level up?! Are you really going to do it at last!?’
”Yeah, I can’t afford to lose to them anymore.”
’Y-yes! If you do it now, you can level up to level 3! Normally, there’s no way you can beat level 17… but I can’t imagine Master who has become Evold losing to those brats! Let’s do it! Let’s make those brats regret it!’
”Yeah, I’m counting on you.”
Finally, the Restriction Play is lifted. I still feel a bit unsure, but there’s no helping it. It’s not a situation where I can just push through with my own selfish reasons. It’s all about the restrictions of society. I used to avoid getting involved with others because I disliked these kinds of things, but once I got involved, there’s no turning back.
’But, are you really okay with this? You were so stubborn before, it’s kind of scary. It doesn’t seem very Master-like, or something…’
For some reason, Tina starts to hesitate here.
”It’s fine. Hurry up and finish it before I change my mind.”
”O-Okay. Then, I’ll do it. I’ll consume 480 exp points and… Huh?”
Tina’s movement stops.
”What’s wrong, Tina? Hurry up and finish it.”
’Um, well… your exp points… they’ve become 0. You can’t level up…’
”What? No exp points? That can’t be right! What’s going on!?”
’I-I don’t know! Just a moment ago… Oh no! M-Master! That! Your, arm! Arm!’
Tina, with a pale face, pointed at my right arm while flapping her wings.
”Arm? …Huh, what’s this!?”
I turned my gaze, and there was a green cloth wrapped around my arm without me noticing. Surprised, I picked it up—it was a narrow piece of cloth about 3cm (1.2inch) wide.
”This… Is this a decoration from Kondou Spear?”
It was a transformed version of Kondou-senpai’s tie.
”Tina, where’s Kondou Spear?”
’Y-Yes. It’s in storage. I’ll bring it out now.’
When Kondou Spear appeared in my hand, it didn’t have the cloth decoration.
’W-Why? It just came out on its own…’
”Oh… Sorry about that, Kondou-senpai. I must look uncool, huh…”
’Master?’
Restriction Play is something I decided to go all-in on, no matter what. Most people would think that’s crazy. But laugh all you want. I’m going to do what no one else can. I was so sure I’d stick to this belief, even if it meant risking my life. And Kondou-senpai had my back, he gave me his support. But now, just because a tougher opponent showed up, I’m considering leveling up? That’s like cheating, right? I don’t need to show off to anyone. I want to be proud of myself. And if I can’t be proud of myself, I’d rather be dog food.
”Tina… I’ve had enough. No more leveling up.”
’Huh? You’re giving up?’
”Yeah, Kondou-senpai set me straight. He woke me up. Leveling up isn’t for me. This is who I am. All I can do is give it my all.”
I tied the decorative cloth to the tip of Kondou Spear and stood up. I started practicing my moves, remembering how the enemy moved.
I had been feeling quite discouraged. But once I decided to continue on my path and calmly looked at my hand of cards, I realized there were plenty of ways I could play. I have my own way of fighting. A way of fighting that only I can do, that no one can imitate. I don’t feel like losing anymore. I will overwhelm them. I will make them regret picking a fight with me.
Something hot welled up from deep within me, and my mouth naturally curled up into a smile.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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