“Sorry, Nina-san, to have you help me out.” (Makoto)

“No no, Goshujin-sama told me to lend as much help as possible.” (Nina)

Right now we are not inside Laberintos, but outside of it.

We are aiming for the ceiling of the underground lake from the outside of the dungeon.

It is only Nina-san and I.

The reason is because I can only use Stealth on 2 people.

Sa-san is in the middle of practicing the Skill.

I used Mapping on Laberintos for 3 days to search every nook and cranny, but I couldn’t find a path to the harpy’s nest.

Harpies are flying monsters, so there’s a high chance that there’s no path that can be reached by foot.

And so, we decided on exploring the outside of the dungeon where the area that serves as an atrium for the underground lake is located at.

“The trees are troublesome.” (Makoto)

The outside of the dungeon is thick in trees that block the view.

“Takatsuki-sama, be careful. Even though we are not inside the dungeon, there’s still a chance that there’s monsters.” (Nina)

“With my Detection Skill and your Eavesdrop Skill, I don’t think we won’t be able to notice.” (Makoto)

A rabbitkin like Nina-san apparently has the best sense of hearing within the beastkin.

“There’s monsters.” (Makoto)

“Yeah, let’s circumvent them.” (Nina)

When we pick ji the presence of monsters, we take a detour to avoid unnecessary battles.

Because of that, we were taking time in our way.

“…”

“…”

We push aside the plants while slowly advancing.

Silence continued.

Hmm, it is tough that I can’t say one single considerate thing.

People like Sakurai-kun probably wouldn’t have problems making conversation.

Is what I was thinking, when Nina-san threw a conversation at me.

“Takatsuki-sama, you have been friends with Goshujin-sama since the time of your previous world, right?” (Nina)

“Yeah. But well, we were only acquainted with each other for 1 year in the previous world though.” (Makoto)

Even so, I have been helped out by Fuji-yan a whole lot.

No amount of gratitude would be enough.

“There’s something I want to ask Takatsuki-sama.” (Nina)

“What is it?” (Makoto)

Something about Fuji-yan?

“What kind of girls does Goshujin-sama like?” (Nina)

So it is that type of conversation, huh.

Even if you ask a person like me whose age is equal to the amount of time without a girlfriend…

But I have been under the care of Nina-san.

Let’s take care of this in a gentlemanly way.

“He basically likes beast eared girls.” (Makoto)

This is the truth.

No doubt about it.

Cause you know, I have been hit with a conversation of how great beast ears are for around 100 times already when we are drinking at Beast Ear Garden.

“I know that though…” (Nina)

Nina-san’s long ears droop dejected.

“Are you uneasy about something?” (Makoto)

“No matter how much I try to make moves on him, he doesn’t follow through.” (Nina)

“…”

“Just before, I entered his room with quite the risque clothing, but he didn’t do anything…” (Nina)

It was more of an adult consultation than I thought! 

It’s impossible… This conversation is too much for me.

Why aren’t you doing anything, Fuji-yan?! 

Nina-san is cute! 

“Could it be that he doesn’t notice my feelings…?” (Nina)

“No, I don’t think that’s the case.” (Makoto)

He 100% notices, so it is okay!

He can read minds after all!

“If nothing works, I will just have to pounce him at night…” (Nina)

“…” 

Nina-san, even though you are a rabbit, you are carnivorous!

“It looks like the daughter of the Feudal Lord of Makkaren has an interest in Goshujin-sama…” (Nina)

“Aah, Christiana-san, right?” (Makoto)

“She is a dirty person! In order to secure the course of the Flying Ship of Goshujin-sama, she demanded a variety of things.” (Nina)

Well, that’s how a person in power works.

“I will try asking Fuji-yan next time.” (Makoto)

“Please do!” (Nina)

I just accepted easily there, but was that okay? 

While we were having that kind of conversation, we were closing in on the objective.

“According to the Mapping Skill, we are close to the top of the underground lake.” (Makoto)

“The Mapping Skill of Takatsuki-sama has quite the accuracy. To think it can cover such a vast area.” (Nina)

Really?

I didn’t really pay much attention to it. 

“Let’s stop here. There’s harpies.” (Makoto)

“Yeah, lookouts. 3 of them.” (Nina)

I only caught 2 with Detection.

It really is good that Nina-san is here.

After watching for a while, the lookout harpies shifted places with harpies that came out from the hole.

Looks like there’s no doubt their nest is somewhere around there.

“We have mostly pinpointed the location of the nest.” (Makoto)

“The lookouts will be a problem though.” (Nina)

“Let’s return for now.” (Makoto)

We stealthily return to the Adventurer City in a way that the harpies don’t notice us.

 ◇◇

“And so, it looks like there’s no doubt that the nest of the harpies is at the top of the underground lake area.” (Makoto)

“That’s where she is…” (Aya)

The eyes of Sa-san sharpen.

“There’s one piece of good news-desu zo”, Fujiwara says.

“It looks like Sakurai-dono and the Sun Knight Order have subjugated the Taboo Dragon.” (Fujiwara)

“Ah! It is true that the Adventurer Guild was noisy today. So that’s why.” (Lucy)

Lucy who has been gathering information in the guild and training hammered her hand in realization.

“Hoh, as expected of Sakurai-kun. It hasn’t even been 1 week since coming to Laberintos, and yet, they have already finished the subjugation.” (Makoto)

“About that, it looks like they aren’t done.” (Fujiwara)

“What do you mean by that, Goshujin-sama?” (Nina)

“There’s apparently 3 Taboo Dragons.” (Fujiwara)

“Eh? That many?!” (Makoto)

That sounds like bad news instead.

“Then, that means the actions of the monsters in Laberintos will be staying weird…” (Lucy)

Lucy is feeling down.

She hasn’t been able to go into the dungeon lately after all.

“So, when are we going to defeat the harpy?” (Aya)

The voice of Sa-san is tough.

“I think it would be safer if we do it after all the Taboo Dragons are subjugated though…” (Fujiwara)

“When will that be?” (Aya)

“I can’t tell that far…” (Fujiwara)

Even if they managed to subjugate the Taboo Dragon this time around, there’s no assurance that they will be able to do so for the next ones.

Laberintos is big, and it is not like it is sure that the Sun Knight Order will win.

“Let’s make the subjugation of the harpies 3 days from now. At the very least, let’s strengthen my Spirit Magic enough. Also, let’s wait until Lucy’s magic is ready.” (Makoto)

“Lucy-san, can you be ready in 3 days?” (Aya)

“Your eyes are scary, Aya… Got it! Leave it to me.” (Lucy)

“It is settled then.” (Nina)

Nina-san looks at everyone.

I take over.

“Then, 3 days from now, let’s subjugate the Harpy Queen.” (Makoto)

• Chapter 48: VS Harpies

The night before the fight against the harpies.

I had a dream.

A space of nothing -the room of the Goddess.

It has been a while.

I lowered to my knees and placed my hands together.

The Goddess appeared with ice in mouth and fanning herself.

Also, she has a rough appearance wearing a t-shirt and spats.

Or more like, that’s super erotic.

(Eeeh…) (Makoto)

“Oh my? You came?” (Noah)

She turns my way while fanning her chest.

I really would like you to have a proper attire at least in the rare instances when your believer visits you.

It is a waste of your beauty.

“I can hear what you are saying in your mind, you know.” (Noah)

“Your attire is immodest, Goddess-sama.” (Makoto)

“Hey. You are lacking in faith.” (Noah)

“I pray everyday.” (Makoto)

The Goddess pouts with a ‘muuh’.

Let’s leave the light talk here.

“Thank you very much. It is thanks to Goddess-sama that I was able to meet Sasaki-san.” (Makoto)

“Hm, be grateful.” (Noah)

Even if you say that with ice in your mouth…

“By the way, Makoto. Why are you not trying to get along with the Light Hero-kun?” (Noah)

Hm?

“He is one of the believers of the Holy Gods that you hate though. Is it okay to get along with him?” (Makoto)

“Don’t worry about those things. You can get along with him and later you can make use of him, right?” (Noah)

The Goddess says dark stuff as always.

“Using a classmate of mine is a bit…” (Makoto)

I am ethically adverse to the idea.

“He will become a key person in the future of this continent. Don’t complain and get along with him. You got to reunite with your friend when you followed what I said, right?” (Noah)

“I am grateful for that, but…” (Makoto)

“Sasaki Aya-chan has it nice. If it is in Stats alone, she is hero class, you know. The magic of Lucy-chan is slowly getting stronger, too. Your party is shaping up well.” (Noah)

“The supposed leader is weak though.” (Makoto)

Even if my surroundings alone get strong…

“Stats are decoration. You just need a big move that can turn the tides in one go! Keep mastering Spirit Magic.” (Noah)

Her instructions lately have gotten specific.

“For now, don’t go getting defeated by something like harpies.” (Noah)

She ruffles my hair.

I felt like power was welling up in me.

Did she bring me here to encourage me?

“Please leave it to me, Goddess-sama.” (Makoto)

I bowed, and by the time I raised my head, the Goddess was already gone.

◇◇

“Okay, let’s go.” (Makoto)

“Is it really okay to go at this early hour?” (Lucy)

Lucy is rubbing her eyes sleepily. 

Time is 2:00 a.m.

It is time to leave for the subjugation of the Harpy Queen.

“I thought for sure we were going in the morning.” (Nina)

“That’s naive-desu zo, Nina-dono! This world is the strong eat the weak. We have to stab at the weakness of the enemies mercilessly. Harpies are bird monsters. Their vision lowers at night.” (Fujiwara)

“We Lamias were attacked in our sleep. I will get them back for that!” (Aya)

Sa-san was excited.

“The harpies should be sleeping deeply right now. Let’s give them eternal sleep.” (Makoto)

“Makoto, you are saying some scary stuff there.” (Lucy)

I said that to Sa-san, but Lucy retorted.

“Lucy and I will come from the outside of the dungeon. Nina-san and Sa-san will be on standby at the underground lake. The time of the attack will be in 2 hours from now, at 4. Fuji-yan, you wait for the good news and the materials of the Harpy Queen.” (Makoto)

“Umu, be careful not to forget any necessary items. I pray for your victory!” (Fujiwara)

We all nodded lightly and departed.

◇◇

“The nights at the outside forest of Laberintos are dark and creepy.” (Lucy)

I was walking with Lucy who is grabbing my arm tightly with Stealth activated.

“I have been walking several round trips in the past 3 days, so this is like a walk in the park for me.” (Makoto)

“…Wasn’t it hard?” (Lucy)

“No, it was fun.” (Makoto)

“You are weird.” (Lucy)

Careful preparations before a boss fight.

We shouldn’t slacken our hand in this part.

My excitement is rising a bit.

“The mist is thick. It is good that vision is bad though…” (Lucy)

“I asked the Spirits to make this mist. Quite the good idea, right?” (Makoto)

“This large of a scale?! Hngh?!” (Lucy)

“You are being loud.” (Makoto)

We silently advanced while I covered the mouth of Lucy.

But the path is long.

There’s nothing else to do.

Now that I think about it, I haven’t asked Fuji-yan about the girl matters that Nina-san requested me of.

Once this battle ends, let’s invite him to drinks.

(Don’t go raising weird flags.) (Noah)

My bad, Goddess-sama.

I’ll be careful.

“Hey, Makoto.” (Lucy)

After a while of walking, Lucy spoke to me.

“About the other day when I went out together with Aya.” (Lucy)

“Aah, did you get along better?” (Makoto)

What kind of conversations did they have?

“So-so. The food of the Lamias was bad, so she was moved by the menu of the restaurants and cafes.” (Lucy)

“Yeah, she apparently only ate raw fish and nuts.” (Makoto)

When I heard about the diet of Sa-san, I really felt pity for her.

“She said she wanted to eat sweet things, but there’s not that many of those in the city of Laberintos.” (Lucy)

“Speaking of that, Fuji-yan said he would be bringing chocolate. What other thing did you talk about?” (Makoto)

“…”

Hm?

Did they only talk about food?

“Also…she told me about how you were in your previous world.” (Lucy)

“I was only a game-loving loner.” (Makoto)

Sa-san hasn’t said anything weird, I hope.

“I spoke to Aya about how you were in Makkaren.” (Lucy)

Hm?

“Why is it all about me…?” (Makoto)

“Because Aya wanted to hear about it. I also wanted to hear about the past of you, Makoto.” (Lucy)

“Is that so…” (Makoto)

That’s a bit embarrassing. 

But was that even a fun conversation?

◇◇

“It is about time. Lucy, wait here.” (Makoto)

“Okay. You are going to defeat the lookouts, right?” (Lucy)

“Yeah.” (Makoto)

I unsheath my dagger while saying this, and set Clear Mind to a high value.

The vision is the worst because of the thick fog, but with Detection and Night Vision, I can tell the location of the harpies.

The enemy hasn’t noticed.

I erased my footsteps, and hit the neck and heart of the harpy with two hits from the back.

I control the blood with water magic in a way so that it doesn’t splash onto me.

I also finished 3 harpies that were on top of a big rock, a low tree branch, and close to the big hole that connects to Laberintos.

I already knew beforehand that there’s still quite a bit of time before their shifts.

“Lucy, I am done.” (Makoto)

“It hasn’t even been 5 minutes… Aren’t you suited to be an assassin?” (Lucy)

“There’s no profession like that.” (Makoto)

I have Skills suited for assassinations, but there’s no Assassin class. 

On paper, that is.

We approach the big hole connecting to Laberintos, and we slowly peek inside.

At the ceiling of Laberintos, there’s a giant bird nest made of wood and ivy. 

The nest of the harpies.

“Lucy, I leave it to you.” (Makoto)

“Alright. I will gift them an especially big one for the sake of Aya.” (Lucy)

Saying this, she begins chanting.

With the staff of Lucy, gifted by the old man giant, she can skip the chant for the Stone Bullet at least. 

But this time around, she is doing spells that call several big rocks at once.

Giant boulders appear one after the other.

“Be clad in fire; [Fire Element Grant].” (Lucy)

The giant boulders burn red.

It began to light up the area like the sunset.

“Lucy! The harpies are beginning to notice!” (Makoto)

There’s several of them peeking out from their nest and looking over here.

But it is too late!

“[Meteor Shower]!” (Lucy)

Lucy swings her staff, and the burning boulders are shot, taking out the harpies along with the harpy nest.

Ear-piercing shrieks echo into the dungeon.

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