Yuusha, Aruiwa Bakemono to Yobareta Shoujo Chapter 3

Kui: Ayyyyy, it's been a while but rest a.s.sured! I have not dropped this series!

Translator: Kui

Editor: Deskie

Author: 七沢またり (NANASAWA MATARI)

Matari Art was a name known to everyone in the town of Art. 

Her ancestor, G. Art, was the one who had constructed a barrier around the underground labyrinth two centuries ago. 

The name of "Art", who had been extolled for his achievements in preventing the invasion of demons above ground. remained.

Why did the daughter of such a prestigious family take up her sword and set out to explore the dangerous labyrinth?

The answer was simple. She was the daughter of a mistress.

There were three candidates to be Art's family head; the eldest brother Lecken, the younger brother Cydam and the safety net Matari.

Not long after her half-brother Lecken Art became the head, Matari was chased out of the household.

The minute the new head had been inaugurated, Matari's role was over. Everyone's gazes directed at her were filled with contempt and disdain. 

She received the following order from Lecken.

――If you wish to be recognised as a fellow Art, then acquire a t.i.tle befitting for yourself. You must not return without gaining honour.

All she was handed as a farewell gift was a rusty old set of armor and ten silvers.

Matari was left at a loss since she had no way to earn money. The world wasn't kind enough for a mere girl of fifteen or so years old to live alone.

However, her inborn brightness and kindheartedness proving fortunate, a housekeeper working for the Art family aggressively took her home, telling her "Come with me if you don't have anywhere to go."

While she helped around the house with farming and babysitting, she also trained in her self-taught swordsmans.h.i.+p. Matari repeatedly swung her chipping blade, strengthened her body and ran laps in her armour every day. Whether it was sunny or raining, she would never fail to train in between breaks from work. 

Out of nowhere, approximately a year since Matari was taken in by the housekeeper, she was introduced to a man named Rob.

She was told that Rob worked as the master of the Warrior's Guild. He was definitely a worthy teacher despite how he seemed.

This tanned man didn't look so keen, but under the stare of the housekeeper, he could only reluctantly accept his fate.

Rob drove everything, starting from the basics of fencing, into Matari. 

Although he did have her demonstrate her capabilities, it was much too crude and thus the first thing he had to do was the correction of her amateuristic swordsmans.h.i.+p.

She repeatedly trained her stance, footwork and the repet.i.tion of striking a straw doll, as well as undergoing suitable training for stamina building. Despite being pushed to the brink of fainting every day, Matari frantically held on.

Even Rob, who was originally reluctant, recognised her potential as a swordswoman from her positive personality and proficiency with the sword, and took her in as a true student. Most importantly, he had taken a liking to her enthusiasm.

Starting the next day, Rob raised the intensity of her training up a notch.

The foundations of offence and defence, how to grasp the distances between opponents, coordinated attacks using a s.h.i.+eld, changing targets mid-fight, and how to face off several opponents―.

Matari fought again and again against Rob in mock fights until her skills with the sword improved. 

It was also a G.o.dsend for Matari that Rob became her swordsman instructor. Once, when she inquired why he was so pa.s.sionate about teaching her, he bashfully responded with "I'm in debt to the granny just like you. Let's call it nostalgia from when I was young".

As a side note, Rob was a married man. Matari only learnt that his wife was the housekeeper's niece later on.

She was able to obtain Rob's stamp of approval of "You probably won't die within a week of going labyrinth diving" once she turned twenty. 

The time has come, thought Matari. There was a perfect place in Art for becoming famous. It was the demon's nest in the underground labyrinth.

Apparently her younger brother Cydam Art, who had retired his candidacy for the family head early on, had thrown himself into Eusse Kingdom's army. Cydam was an extremely smart boy and he would sometimes even help Matari with her studies. He must be utilising his quick wits to one day grab hold of fame. Matari firmly believed in him.

On the other hand, Matari couldn't be called smart even as a compliment. She couldn't use magic. The only things she had going for her was her tall stature for a female and her healthy body which never once had been plagued by sickness.

Thus, this was her only route. Her destined path was with the sword. She would reach the deepest parts of the underground labyrinth and prove that she was the greatest warrior. Then she would be able to return to her family, Art. Her brother Lecken would surely recognise her deeds and the sibling pair would rebuild the Art family whilst enduring the gossip and scorn. Their younger brother Cydam, who went to the Eusse Kingdom, would definitely support them too. They would be able to live together, as a family.

Matari made up her mind.

After thanking the housekeeper and giving her a small present, she bid farewell and Matari energetically left the house where she had spent the past 5 years under their care. 

"Feel free to come back anytime". Matari refused to look back even when her hair was being brushed by the trembling housekeeper who choked through her tears. Until she had achieved her goal, she would not turn around.

As though to sever any lingering doubts, she ran full speed ahead to the Star Church. An introduction letter to join a guild was a must in order to challenge the underground labyrinth. Of course she would choose the Warrior's Guild. It was the least she could do to pay back Rob who had been looking after her. 

Matari who arrived at the Star Church would then meet a reckless and determined, self proclaimed girl called Hero.

Was this encounter a blessing or a curse for Matari? ― This was yet to be known.

Matari hastily went to help Hero suddenly who suddenly had collapsed, tumbling onto the floor. Hero didn't have her usual cheery complexion, instead it was replaced by a hollow look in her eyes. When Matari grabbed her by the shoulders, Hero returned to her usual self and joked it off. 

"Sorry about that. My legs are still shaking because of the hangover. But I'm fine now. That flashy fall blew away all the alcohol in my system."

"Are you really okay?"

"Of course I am. Let's quickly buy all the things we need and head over to the labyrinth. Lead the way!"

Hero rapped Matari's armour and forcibly pushed her back forwards. Although she was still somewhat doubtful, Matari escorted Hero to the equipment store she frequented.

She had a slight bias for this store whenever she went shopping. The items sold in this store weren't particularly outstanding, but the shop owner would patiently teach her about herbs and tool usages. Plus, she would occasionally get some discounts.

It was surprisingly laborious to find an honest store like this in a major town like Art which was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with shops.

Many stores would sell imitations or raise prices to exorbitant levels without batting an eye. Store owners would collaborate to collectively raise the market prices. Trades with stolen merchandise and forgery as legal goods. Such things were the bread and b.u.t.ter of a normal day in Art.

This town was under the protection of the Star Church, and thus remained unaffected by other nations. In return for providing many offerings to the Church, they were granted a certain amount of freedom. Although this allowed for development, it also was inseparable from the following chaos.

Ruffians, bandits and thieves alike wandered the streets under the name of adventurers. Children abandoned by prost.i.tutes banded together to form clans, living days like crossing a tightrope. 

The number of people who would pickpocket meagre change given the slightest chance rivaled the stars. People here would take the lives of others for the sake of money without batting an eye.

Light and shadow. Lurking behind the hustle and bustle of big towns was always the submerged malice.

Matari was convinced that by learning something as trivial as this, it was worth leaving the Art family.

"We're here. This is the shop I always go to. Although the storefront is old, the owner is really knowledgeable."

The main road of Art lead straight to the underground labyrinth. This was a downtown area crammed with taverns and stores. When night fell, there would be crowds of people gathering in hopes of attracting more adventurers on their way back from the labyrinth. Matari was also once invited as a customer, but she graciously declined the offer.

Their destination of the equipment store was on an offcut from the main road people frequented.

At first glance, this place seemed no different to a normal house, but a signboard was placed outside the storefront with pictures of miscellaneous goods drawn on it. The pa.s.sing of time had clearly taken its toll on the fading colours.

"Hmm. Well doesn't matter if the shop is old or new, as long as it has what we need. Meet me in front of the store once you're done shopping."

"Huh? Why not just go together? We're going to be fighting together from now on, or rather, we will be comrades who share our life and death!"

"…There's no need to rephrase it."

"It'll be fine since I'll make a record of every purchase we make. We can deduct it from our earnings later on as necessary expenses. Let's split the rewards from there!"

"You're unexpectedly well prepared."

"I've learnt quite a lot these past few years. More importantly, let's go in! They might throw in something for free seeing it's our first day challenging the labyrinth!"

"H- Hey, don't push me! Calm down, stop acting like a boar! Don't push, you idiot!"

Matari clamped down on Hero's shoulders and pushed her inside the store. Hero's body was smaller and more dainty than she thought, and she worried whether the girl really could hold her own. She was too fragile to call herself a Hero. However the skills that she had displayed when she beat up the veterans at the Warrior Guild were the real deal. Furthermore, this girl possessed an aura befitting of her strength. Matari did not have the confidence to win against Hero who was only equipped with only a stick. Matari felt that if she launched a surprise attack from behind right now, she would have the tables turned against her. No, that would probably be correct.

To tell the truth, Matari was slightly reluctant to call this girl "Hero". Every time she said that occupation name aloud, she could feel the p.r.i.c.kling gazes from everyone around her. There were some looks of pity mixed in. They were past the age to continue their game of pretend.

Why would Hero not tell Matari her name? The person in question said that it was because of her amnesia, but Matari felt it was a bit too far fetched. Perhaps it was because she has yet to become someone Hero could fully trust. Matari hoped for that day to come as she tossed herbs and bandaids into her basket.

Once they had packed everything into their leather pouches, the two girls headed off along the main road to the underground labyrinth.

Hero was fidgeting with the suspicious banknote labeled with 100 and the Star Church's crest.

"It still feels off. How could a flimsy piece of paper like this be used as money?"

"Even if you say it feels off, those copper bills have been in use since a long time ago. Is it weird?"

It was a banknote which could be exchanged for the amount of copper coins written on it. That was the copper bill. Similar systems were employed in many other countries other than Art. In return for paying a small handling fee, these bills could be traded in at a certified exchange company for copper coins. Due to the large amounts of counterfeits circulating in the market, exchange traders were required to have years of experience, an abundant amount of knowledge and a superior discerning eye.

"I wonder. I can't feel it's weight with it being so thin."

"I wouldn't want to feel the weight of ten thousand copper coins. I'll get squashed."

Ten thousand copper coins were equivalent to one silver coin, and ten thousand silver coins were equal to one gold coin. Normally, copper coins were used for buying food and everyday items. Buying a piece of bread with a gold coin was considered nothing less than hara.s.sment.

"Then why are there no silver or gold bills? Isn't it convenient?"

"Wouldn't it be dangerous to store such a large amount in a piece of paper?"

One gold coin could sustain an extravagant lifestyle for months. It was too unnerving to have it as a single piece of paper. If it ended up torn it would be no crying matter.

"In the end, it's just paper."

"…Well, what should I say. But this copper bill is really amazing. It meets all three conditions of dust-proof,  water-proof, and tear-proof. Apparently it's undergone special treatment."

"Anyways, I prefer something tangible. We're gonna go cash these in the minute they pile up. Nothing is being guaranteed with paper as thin as this. First of all, aren't the people in charge of this those shady church guys? Who knows when they'll go under. When that happens, this won't even amount to a snot-riddled tissue!"

Hero was currently spewing some rather risky remarks in broad daylight. Her overly provocative yet pa.s.sionate speech caused Matari's face to pale. They were talking as they walked with the labyrinth in mind, and thus they currently stood in front of the underground labyrinth's gate.

The labyrinth, which the Star Church had deemed a prioritised facility, of course had soldiers standing guard.

"Was that my imagination? I feel like I just heard something blasphemous, something a heretic would say…"

A man in a priest's robe donning the symbol of a star raised a healy-looking mace with one hand. His piercing gaze glared at the two from between the gaps in his helmet.

Before Hero's mouth was allowed to run rampant once more, Matari hurriedly cut in.

"It- It was just your imagination. We're definitely believers of the Star Church! M- More importantly, may we enter the labyrinth?"

"I see, it was just my imagination. I'm not so fond of reporting any promising talent to the Inquisition either now, you see. Got it? Now, show me the exploration permit or the temporary permit. But I guess from the looks of it, you two look like newbies who've just joined a guild."

The soldier demanded as if it was a bother whilst crossing his arms. Witnessing his att.i.tude, hero mumbled.

"How arrogant. Even though you're just a gatekeeper."

"Did you say something? I think I just heard a remotely heretical comment."

"Nope, nothing."

"U- Um, is this fine?"

Matari obediently presented the back of her hand. Hero mimicked her. 

The back of their hands had a symbol of a black star with a small sword which served as evidence of their affiliation with the Warrior's Guild, as well as their temporary permit. They must continue to don this mark as long as they still held a "temporary permit".

Once their official occupation was recognised, the star would change into something related to their job. Since the mark wasn't tattooed on, it would not remain forever. When they decided to retire, they could have it removed.

"Both of you with the Warrior's Guild? Better find yourselves a guy who's good with magic sooner than later. It'll be hard to push forward with just your swords. Without magic, you'll be capped at a limit. But hey, you'll at least have everything below the limit with you."[1]

"Y- Yes. Thank you for the advice."

Matari couldn't use magic. Hero probably couldn't either. Mages and priests were in great demand, meaning that it was extremely challenging to have one join them. Such talented individuals were highly sought after by countries, and in order to acc.u.mulate the appropriate experience and necessary skills, they would visit this labyrinth city. It was inconceivable for them to tag along with a bunch of newbies, although it would be a different story once money was involved.

"Don't worry about it, your earnings benefit us. You guys will defeat the demons and the will Star Church prosper even more. So it would be a pity for you two to snap here. It's a waste."

The soldier gave a suspiciously evil grin through the gaps in his helmet. He was either a busybody or just simply had a terrible personality.

"Yes, yes, I get it, so let us in. How much longer do we need to stick our hands out for?"

"Why the rush? Those with a temporary permit have the special privilege to offer charity. Meaning, if you wanna enter the labyrinth, hand over a hundred coins. By the way, this is every time upon entry."

"What bulls.h.i.+t it that! That's just a scam!", an agitated Hero screams.

Matari was impressed by the courage Hero demonstrated in more ways than one.. 

"Isn't it a given? We're blessing you with a miracle to return to the ground within three hours. It's much too cheap if you consider the value of your life. We could be charging one silver instead."

"b.a.s.t.a.r.d!"

Hero's face was red with anger. The soldier, amused, watched this girl, who wore her emotions on her sleeve. His heart was more mischievous than angered in response to the reactions that he hadn't received until now. It looked as though he would churn out even more words of provocation if left be.

"I guess there's nothing we can do, let's just give them the money. We can just defeat enough monsters to make up for it! I'll help as well."

"B- But with a hundred copper coins, think of all the sweet wine we could-"

"It's just as that Art young lady says. There'll be no problems if you just earn more. If you try hard enough, you might even be able to earn back the glory you once had- Whoops, I overspoke."

The soldier mockingly sneered.

Matari could only hopelessly clench her jaws; she had no words to refute him. They stifled their voices and head straight in after handing the money over. 

"Very well. I have witnessed your compa.s.sionate hearts of faith. May the merciful Star G.o.d bless these devout believers."

When the soldier chanted the prayer, the black star on Matari and Hero shone a dazzling white. There was no pain nor heat. This was likely the result of magic, however Matari, who was unfamiliar with magic directly inquired.

"What's this?"

"Proof that you may pa.s.s through the barrier encompa.s.sing the labyrinth. You two can now enter the labyrinth. Once that star turns black, the teleportation magic will be activated, in exactly three hours. Time is ticking. You best hurry if you don't want to waste time."

"Say that earlier!"

"H- Hero, let's go!"

Matari dashed into the gate, dragging Hero who was still complaining, along by the hand. Once past the gate, a plaza turfed in green came to sight. It came with a watering place to wash away any grime. Humans, presumably adventurers, were inspecting and performing maintenance on their weapons and armour here. Judging from their idling att.i.tudes, these people most likely already have an exploration permit. In other words, only those with a temporary permit would be in a hurry.

The final thing standing before them was a majestic temple-like building. Seeing as this was where the demons came from, everything beyond this point was a mystery.

A spherical pale blue film wrapped around the temple. This was the barrier which Matari's ancestor, G. Art, had erected. Matari was overwhelmed with awe by the impressive sight laying before her – she had never seen it this close before. It was this divine barrier which hindered the demons from invading the surface world.

"Just when I thought you were sprinting, next minute you've stopped. Leave the admiration till later!"

"S- Sorry! Let's go!"

On their way to the temple, a group of people in uniforms marched pa.s.sed them. The coat of arms embedded on their armour belonged to Eusse Kingdom. When a person with a captain-like aura held up a stone, the group was engulfed in a bright light, and in the next moment, not a single person remained. 

Although Matari had no clue as to what happened, she could deduce that it was some sort of magic tool used to transfer things. Otherwise, they would need to depart from the very first floor every time.

The only notable thing inside the temple was a giant stairwell winding downwards. The stairwell was probably large enough to accomodate for hundreds of people at once. Although time had taken its toll, the material used seemed to be st.u.r.dy enough. It was a given considering how demons once rose up from here. 

For better or worse, there was not a single soul in sight. Since they were on the other side of the barrier now, there was no guarantee where the demons would come from. Matari cautiously tread forwards whereas Hero light-heartedly advanced, her wooden stick still in her hand.

"H- Hero. I think we should proceed a bit slower."

"What are you saying. We only have three hours. We need to go faster."

Finally, at the end of the never-ending stairwell, the path split into three. The walls were made from stone and an occasional torch would light up the pa.s.sageway. Either an adventurer or Church soldier had set up the lights. Coming this far in, Matari reflected on their lack of preparation. They should have brought a torch. Clearly, it would be dark without any light. Sunlight would never make its way into this cursed labyrinth. 

The pa.s.sageway was reasonably wide, enough for a carriage to pa.s.s through with ease. Fighting shouldn't prove to have any inconveniences, but the opponent was in the same situation. There was also the danger of an ambush from the high ceiling.

"Hey, Matari. This is a dangerous labyrinth where demons pop up right? I did hear that right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Then what's this?"

Hero stomped on the yellow arrow painted on the cobblestone ground. It was an arrow no matter how one saw it.

"Arrows. They're yellow in colour."

"I can see that! What? Are they nicely pointing out the path for us? This is stupid, maybe we should head back."

"W- We just came! Wait a minute!"

Hero was clearly losing motivation. Sensing the far from ideal atmosphere, Matari hurriedly retrieved a certain object from her bag, and quickly pa.s.sed her eyes over it.

"Um, it appears to be a route to the second floor. Apparently a kind veteran with too much time on their hands voluntarily painted this for adventurers still with temporary permits. At least according to this."

"What is that"

"Labyrinth Exploration: Beginners. They were selling it at the church so I bought it!"

"How much was it?"

"One silver."

The intermediate version was ten silver coins, a bit too much for her wallet. Although it was slightly vexing that the book took up extra s.p.a.ce in her bag, Matari had once heard from somewhere that information could be a weapon in its own right, and had thus immediately picked it up. 

"…I think I'm getting a headache. So? Does it have anything else written?"

"It has the types of demons which appear. And handy tools to bring along. And somewhat safe places to rest."

On the cover, printed in extra large font was the words "With this, you'll get an exploration permit in no time!".

"Only the types of monsters part seems useful. Let's see…"

―Demons which appear in the upper floors (part one)

Rat                                      Two copper coins                       Extraction part: Tail    *Withdrawal is recommended in cases of encountering large numbers. Do not underestimate. h.e.l.l Cat                             One silver coin                            Extraction part: Tail    *Sightings are rare, but they are fast, ferocious. Headhunt Rabbit            One silver coin                            Extraction part: Tail   *Possess sharp claws. Proceed with caution as they obstinately aim for the neck.  Slime                                 Ten silver coins                           Extraction part: Core  *Swords have no effect. Usage of magic is required.

"Looks like there's a lot."

"I've got the gist of things. Let's just hang around and hunt demons for now. We're short on time as well."

"You're right. Then let's go!"

Matari unsheathed her sword and readied her s.h.i.+eld before her. Meanwhile, Hero was still casually swinging the stick around by her side.

Any of the three paths would have been fine but for now, they chose to follow the arrows.

As they progressed through the monotonous pa.s.sageway, a single filth-ridden rat appeared. It rushed towards them and posed intimidatingly. Its bloodshot eyes, complemented with its razor sharp claws which it attacked with, emphasised its abnormally large stature.

The size of this rodent was far larger than those which appear on the surface; it was comparable to a large dog. It would definitely prove a challenge to handle them were they to appear in groups.

Even more so, if it called for reinforcements. Matari chose to take the lead, and swiftly settle things. Don't hesitate, just go for it – that was Matari's philosophy.  

"These guys are quite big. Might get a little messy if there's more of them."

"I'm going!"

"―Huh?"

Matari had already charged in before Hero finished.

The rat raised a peculiar shriek and intercepted Matari but was repelled by a strong push from her s.h.i.+eld.

"GYIEE!"

"Prepare yourself!"

Matari decisively swung down her sword on the rat's soft belly which it had revealed when it fell.

"GYIEEEE!!"

The skewered rat shrieked a shriek from h.e.l.l, squirming, then eventually stopped moving.

"…Spectacularly done."

"Thank you very much!"

She smoothly pulled out her sword and swung it a few times, shaking off the blood stains. The splattered blood stuck onto her face and armour.

However, Matari didn't seem to notice. An injured enemy would bleed, and it was a given that its blood would get on her.

"You must be the type of person who doesn't listen till the end."

"? I don't really understand."

Matari tilted her head in wonder.

"Nevermind."

"Then, let's get to cutting off the extraction part."

She crouched down and began working on disa.s.sembling the corpse. She placed her sword beside her, leaving her defenseless, and instead took out a small knife.

Hero scrunched up her face for an instant but remained silent.

"Hmm, It's not cutting. This tail is really tough."

"How about ripping it off?"

"I'll try."

Matari pinned the tail down, and moved her knife back and forth like a saw.

Hero turned her gaze away from Matari who immersed herself in work and looked up.

"Matari. Stay still"

"―Huh?"

"Just stay still!"

A ball of fire manifested in Hero's hand, and flew towards the ceiling. Matari's eyes followed to the ceiling.

―There they were. Five fat rats clung to the ceiling in ambush, aiming for when their prey let down their guard. Whetted teeth protruded from their mouth and their leaking saliva dripped onto the floor.

The minute Matari tried to stand up in panic, one of the rats burst into fire from the fireball Hero threw. The rat's body was instantaneously engulfed in flames.

"GyEGyAAaAA!!"

"―And  there!"

The ball of flames plummeted down, only to be greeted by a sideways full swing from Hero's stick.

This all happened whilst Matari stood blankly.

Together with a loud thud, the rats scattered in all directions. Only charred flesh and severed tail remained.

The rats panicked at the miserable sight of what once had been their friend. Once the rodents had learnt of their inferiority, they spent no wasted time running.

"There's no way I'd let a demon pa.s.s, would there? Die!"

Hero extended her right hand and fired another fireball towards the leading rat. Unlike the previous smaller fireball, just the heatwaves swallowed the rats whole.

Forbidden from even struggling, the rats went up in flames. The astringent smell a.s.saulting their noses. Matari hurriedly pinched her nose. Hero wrung her hands, dusting off the grime, and grumbled.

"Phew, all cleaned up."

"T- To think they were on the ceiling. I didn't notice at all."

Matari had let her guard down, completely taken in by the dismantling process. Without Hero, Matari would have been caught in a predicament having fallen prey to the ambush. All her training was not for her to be devoured by some rodents. She didn't want to die a dog's death.

"You can't let your guard down. You gotta be aware of everything everywhere. No matter who you are, Death always comes all too soon. So, never let your guard down." Hero severely reprimands.

Hero continued that "she was only pretending not to notice to test if Matari had". Just as she thought, Matari had not noticed. Hero gave Matari's forehead a light flick.

"U- Understood. I will never do it again!"

"Very well. Let's continue on then."

"Y- Yes! …That reminds me. You could use magic? That really surprised me."

If Hero could use magic, there was no need for her to be in the Warrior's Guild. She could join the Mages' Guild or perhaps even the Clergymen's Guild. Then, she would gain access to all sorts of resources and guidance for higher level magic. If she so chooses, she could also gain a court position in multiple countries. Searching for companions would not prove to be such a ha.s.sle either.

That was the value of magic. This was evidenced by the sight before them – the rats had perished all too easily with Hero's magic. With the power of that fireball, even a human would be burnt to a crisp.

"Did I not say?"

"You didn't! You could have told me that you were going to chant. I could have at least held them back for a little."

Mages were required to chant before using magic. Apparently, the more powerful the magic, the more magic power they would need to gather and the more complicated the chant would be. ―Matari could only speculate as she could not find anything more about the subject.

"Chanting time? Well, be it magic or sword, it doesn't matter as long as it can kill the demons. Isn't it great that we achieved that?"

"W- Well yes. But I'm not talking about that."

"Then what are you saying."

"…What was I saying? Anyways, please tell me what magic you can use later. I don't know a whole lot about it so I'm clueless on what formations we could take."

A warrior would be the vanguard and the mage the rearguard. It was also common practice for the mage's opinion to be prioritised.

"Anything works for the formation. As long as we kill the enemies. Simple, isn't it?"

"R- Really? If Hero says so."

"Hurry up and chop off the tail. It'd be boring if we end the trip with only a few rats"

Hero urged Matari to quicken the pace. The two girls were soaked in blood, with sc.r.a.ps of charred flesh here and there.

This time, Matari had learnt her lesson and proceeded to dismantle the corpse with caution. 

Afterwards, the pair continued further down and reached the second floor where the arrows came to an end.

The bag used to store spoils was packed to the brim with rat tails. In total, there were approximately fifty tails.

Hero was drenched in blood, her casual clothing dyed red. At this point, even she would pay attention to the discomfort. Unfortunately, the two didn't bring a change of clothes.

Matari's armour had been treated to prevent corrosion. It was a rare masterpiece, which had gathered dust as it was kept inside the Art household's storeroom.

"What should I do about my clothes? They can't arrest me for the b.l.o.o.d.y clothing, can they?"

She wouldn't put it past that haughty gatekeeper. A nagging feeling in the back of her mind told her that he would ask for more donations.

"How about was.h.i.+ng ourselves off at the waterplace at the plaza? Everyone was changing there."

"Are you telling me to strip naked and wash with those unruly b.a.s.t.a.r.ds? You've got quite a lively imagination there. But, sorry to break it to you, but I'm actually a girl." 

"I- I know that!"

Hero abruptly took off her overcoat and wung out the filth in the cloth. All the yet to have coagulated blackened blood ran spilled onto the floor.

She then continued to casually put it back on, ignoring the surprised Matari.

"Great, let's dive straight into our beds whilst drenched in blood. The master of Paradise Pavilion would be crying tears of joy. Maybe I could also give the gatekeeper a big hug. I'll dye that priest's garb he's so fond of red."

"…Please don't."

After bickering for a while, they decided to procure spare clothes once they got back, and the two were finally on their way once more.

As they progressed down to the next floor, an epiphany came to Matari as she muttered.

"Come to think of it, does someone take care of all the demon's corpses? Wouldn't there be a lot of trouble if they're just left there?"

For example, maggots could infest the rotting corpses, and the stench would waft through the entire labyrinth. The piled mountain of corpses would also mean that they would have nowhere to walk. However, on the way here, there was not a trace of such occurrences. In other words, someone was cleaning them up.

"It's probably the demons. They'll eat anything. It shouldn't matter if it's human or not. Even eat the corpses of their own."

"…As I thought, demons are scary, aren't they. They would eat the corpses of their companions."

Matari, who was imagining a rat gobbling up a corpse, felt slightly nauseous.

"Humans aren't that much different,” Hero spat expressionlessly.

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