Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"I don't want to fight with Baje..."

Tiona didn't turn her gaze to Kali, who was speaking from above, but looked directly at the female warrior standing in front of her.

Just like before when she said she didn't want to fight her sister (Tione), Tiona spoke her true feelings.

"I really shouldn't have...read it to you."

Bajie remained unmoved, coldly denying their past with a ruthless tone.

Tiona's cheek contorted, and she couldn't help but notice something.

She noticed that compared to the time of their final farewell, the atmosphere emanating from Bajie was sharper, more chillingly so than it had been ten years ago.

He noticed that Bajie had become stronger and more ruthless than he had imagined.

I noticed that she was getting closer and closer to being a "real warrior".

"Bage...did you kill Ernea?"

"Yes. Algana killed Bellas...and that's how we leveled up to Lv.6."

Both names belong to warriors who, like Bajie and the others, were first candidates for the leader of a [Family]. The level 5 Amazons were so powerful that Diona was terrified. Bajie passed the trial of killing them—achieving a "great feat" and reaching level 6.

Just like Algana.

She was also a monster from the Douguo Kingdom who survived by cannibalism in the Gu Poison Altar.

"I'll make it so you have no choice but to fight."

Then, if Algana is a "snake".

Now, the warrior unleashing a terrifying killing intent before us is—

"—[Bite the enemy to death (De Asura)]."

A very short lyric poem.

Baje's unique [magic] is activated with the same amount of incantation as Ais.

"【Valges】".

Bajie's outstretched right hand was covered with a blackish-purple light membrane.

The light membrane was sticky and undulated repeatedly, with an eerie and ominous appearance that was enough to overturn the magnificent imagination that "magic" easily evokes.

【Valgus】. An enchantment attached to Baje's right hand.

Its attribute is "highly poisonous".

The "ritual" claimed the lives of many compatriots, a venomous fang that offered no defense.

That's right, if Alganna is a "snake," then Baje is a "poisonous insect."

Her "magic" is a weapon worthy of the title "Queen of Poison".

『————————————————————————————————!』

As if triggered by the activation of "magic," the Amazons surrounding them all began to stomp their feet together.

Vibrations and shouts. Excitement and screams. Like a "ritual" being reenacted in the arena, a frenzied atmosphere swirled within the sarcophagus.

"...!"

Bajee's "magic" is both poison and certain death.

Without resistance, she would die instantly. Faced with her former mentor—or perhaps another sister—who was eyeing her life, Tiona could only raise her fist.

In the arena, the two were staring at each other in the empty center of the battlefield.

"Ha ha ha! Come on, let's begin."

Under the gaze of the goddess with her upturned lips—Tiona and Baje have begun their battle.

✿

"—Haruhime, let's do it~"

Under the night sky where thick clouds obscure the moon.

The girl replied with a blank stare, "Yes."

"[—Grow bigger]."

The poems sung, the songs chanted.

"[Its power, its vessels, countless treasures and countless desires]."

In stark contrast to the delicate, ethereal voice, it creates a powerful "magic".

"Enjoy your glory and fantasies until the bell tolls."

Thanks to the distant, booming gongs and shouts of adventurers, the chanting continued unnoticed.

"[—Grow bigger]."

The melodious singing created a golden light.

The misty "magic" forms a cloud of light, causing dreamlike particles of light to dance in the air.

The veil covering her face floated gently.

"[This body that devours divine food (the gods), and the golden light bestowed upon the gods]."

The girl hates this song.

Because this song only hurts others, it has never saved anyone.

"May you be blessed, from the mallet above to the earth below."

Foolishly believing that one cannot defy fate, one cannot expect salvation. Such wishful thinking is shameful.

But is it possible that this "light" could one day become a light of blessing?

Even if one's own foolishness cannot save them, can this light become a ray of hope for saving others?

If such a moment ever comes, she is willing to dedicate her body and soul, as well as this "light," to that person.

With her bright, emerald-green eyes lowered, the girl unleashed the song and the "light."

"[—Grow bigger...]"

Glory became "power".

✿

"Roar! Ro ...

The shattered gong's roar degenerated into a death scream, reaching the heavens.

Ais drew an arc with her sword and slashed down the flower head, defeating the last carnivorous plant.

"All the monsters are wiped out!"

"What about the damage?"

"No one is injured so far... all the townspeople have been taken to shelters!"

Led by Navi, the voices of the group members rose and fell continuously in the cargo storage area.

Even though this was the first time many of them had fought against the carnivorous plants, they managed to eliminate them without major incident, referring to the individual data collected by Ais and the others. Although most of them were Level 2 and Level 3 members, they were all extraordinary individuals, befitting their status as members of the renowned Loki Familia.

The event ended in less than five minutes, starting from when the monster appeared.

(The lights in the vicinity have all gone out... Is it because of a battle?)

Having dealt with four of the seven carnivorous plants, Ais noticed that almost all the magic stone lights in the trading port were off, creating a slight sense of unease. The carnivorous plants had indeed caused damage everywhere, but it shouldn't have been serious enough to shut down all the light sources.

"...!"

But that was only for a moment.

Ais remembered Tiona and the others' faces and decided to leave immediately.

Don't even think about succeeding!

However, unexpectedly, Ais seemed to hear the frogs laughing.

The next moment.

"You guys go!"

「!?」

The heroine's majestic voice flew over, and countless figures leaped into the air.

"What!?"

"The Kali Familia!?"

The mysterious figures that may have been lurking nearby raised their weapons and swung them at the astonished members of the Loki Familia. From the warehouse rooftop and from the shadows of the haphazardly piled goods, various weapons leaped overhead, which the girls deflected or dodged one by one.

There were only ten of their own, including Ais, while their opponents numbered over twenty.

Ais and the others were attacked while completely surrounded.

"Everyone……!?"

The enemies all wore turbans to cover their heads and faces. Their exposed skin below the neck was brown, and their clothing featured minimal armor, prioritizing lightweight combat attire. They were undoubtedly Amazons.

Seeing that each of her companions below the second-tier adventurer level (Navi) was being attacked by two or more masked attackers, Ais, who hadn't been caught in the surprise attack, was about to go to their aid—

"Your opponent is me!"

"——!"

A gigantic figure appeared behind her, covering Ais's body.

"Drink up!"

"!"

Ais dodged the incredibly powerful vertical slash with lightning speed.

The paved port road surface was shattered like wood chips. As a lot of dust and debris flew around, Ais turned around while creating some distance, putting her opponent in front of her.

Ais dared not be careless, raising the tip of her sword and getting into position... when she saw a huge silhouette swaying deep in the sandstorm.

"...!"

"Hehehehehe! You've got some skills after all~"

His golden eyes, filled with surprise, reflected a gleaming metallic sheen.

That was a full-plate suit of armor, completely covering the wearer's massive body, which was over two meters tall.

The chilling crimson color was utterly tasteless, and the two arm guards held a pair of battle axes. From the gauntlets to the helmet, it formed a seamless, complete protective suit; the gleaming, finely crafted metal spoke volumes about its sturdiness and durability. It was undoubtedly top-tier weaponry. However, at the same time, that... how should I put it, in every sense, its shape was truly astonishing. Was it perhaps custom-made equipment (a custom item) tailored to the user's physique...?

Ais's mind was awakened by memories of the clay figurines she had seen by chance when she was searching for famous swords at an antique dealer. These figurines were made of clay and were called "clay dolls." The armored man in front of her looked just like that clay doll, which had become even fatter.

(That monster-like shape—no, what am I thinking—! That voice just now was…)

Ais banished the somewhat impolite thought from her mind. Her memories were stirred by her opponent's voice, and she whispered the name.

"Friline Jamil...?"

The armored man twisted his massive body and made a sighing motion.

"Oh dear, I've been exposed! Even wearing armor, I'm still seen through... Beauty is truly a sin!"

Ais could tell from the other person's words and actions that her judgment was correct, and she couldn't help but furrow her brows.

【Androktones】Friline Jamil is the leader of the 【Ishtar Familia】.

—The attackers were not from the Kali Familia, but from the Ishtar Familia?

So, the other attackers were combat prostitutes? Why? A growing unease and anxiety surged within Ais. With even the major factions in the city interfering, rescuing Tiona and the others was becoming even more difficult.

Flini, who was confronting Ais, was completely unaware of Ais's inner turmoil. She pushed up the visor of her helmet with a clang, revealing her frog-like appearance.

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. As long as you kick the bucket here, no one will know."

[Fiora] Ais Wallenstein and [Man-Slayer] Freni Jamil have a long-standing feud—actually, it's Freni's one-sided hostility; Ais doesn't believe she has any grudge against her.

In the past, they had fought three fierce battles.

The first time was when Ais was still a Level 2 newbie (rookie), and she was the object of jealousy and envy.

The second time was two years later, in an encounter within the underground city.