85 84. Commander Talent.txt (1/2)

...... Kanami.

He had just finished his vigilance duties, joined the group taking a nap, and was about to put his eyes down when he was called out. Before he knew it, Snow was sitting next to him, looking exhausted.

'What's wrong?'

I'm tired of ....... I'm so tired. I'm soooo tired.

That's what work is all about. You're tired.

I take a drink out of my 'belongings' and hand it to Snow as I work her over.

'...... Next time you come forward with me. Please.

Snow pleaded in a weak tone as she accepted her drink.

'Me?　But Mr. Siddharth won't be convinced, will he?

...... doesn't matter. I prefer to be with Kanami.

Isn't that just to make my job easier for you?　This isn't just a job for my people. You can't change your post for that reason.

...... and I don't want it to be easy.

But that doesn't make it any less arbitrary. Can't you just put up with it for one day?

I'm sorry about ....... But I still want you to stay. I'd rather be next to Kanami.

Snow stubbornly asked me to accompany him.

I was suspicious and asked Snow in a small voice.

'Do you dislike Siddharth so much?

'It's a little different than hating ....... Very troublesome.

'If it's too much trouble, just do what you always do. It's your ego that's making you uncomfortable. I'm sure he'll understand.

I can't deal with ...... weird. Even if he doesn't get mad at you, he'll get mad at the people at home. That would be more trouble.

Apparently, there is a family situation involved. Since the engagement is fixed, it might be an embarrassment to the house if I despise that person.

''The trouble won't change if I'm there, will it?

...... It's still a hassle, but it's calming. I feel safe.

Of course, I'll make sure you're safe in the fight.

...... anyway, please.

Snow continued to plead with an earnest expression on her face.

I could only nod my head in front of that desperate look.

''Okay. If you're going to go that far, then I will.''

...... good.

Snow saw me nod, and she meditated.

As it was, he began to breathe in his sleep and leaned against me.

Thinking it would be tasteless about people's eyes, I took a blanket out of my 'belongings' and used it as Snow's pillow. Then I sat down in a gym seat a little farther away from Snow and took a break.

Snow is feeling very overwhelmed.

If possible, I would have liked him to get over this on his own, but it doesn't seem to be working out that way.

Instead of growing up, she came back with a broken heart. She seems to be brazen, but she's actually just found out that she's a weak person to the core.

Once I found out, I couldn't do it anymore.

I decide to help Snow today, and I'm going to get my nap back.

◆◆◆◆◆ ...

A few hours later, after finishing the construction of the 10th level, the group started to head to the 20th level.

I'm relieved that they didn't notice the existence of the Connection until the end. Maybe that thing is more difficult to detect than I thought.

As we head to the 11th level, some changes in formation are made.

Of course, the de facto leader of the group, Siddaruk-san, decides. His eye for people is sure and his tactical eye is keen. No one tried to interrupt him to complain. --except for Snow.

''--Elle, could you place Kanami forward as well?

'Guildmaster of the 'Epic Seeker' forward?　From my information, he should have been a wizard who specialized in sensing and freezing magic. Then the center or rear of the camp would be suitable.

It was an accurate decision that I couldn't even begin to imagine.

My true value would be in the center or the rear, where I can follow everyone. He has a firm grasp on the information of me, who has only been active in the guild for a few days.

Siddaruk-san's ability to gather and analyze information was understood with just a few words now.

''No, Kanami doesn't just do that. He can even use a sword.''

'Of course, I know that too. But I've heard that your specialty is magic.

'That is misinformation. Without a doubt, Kanami's sword is first class. Besides, he's a force to be reckoned with when paired with me.

'...... All right. If you're going to go that far, you can place it forward for now. But we'll make the change sooner rather than later, depending on the outcome and circumstances.

Thank you.

Mr. Siddharth convinced Snow to allow me to join the race.

However, rather than being convinced, it looks like he was just showing his generosity.

The way we crossed paths, Siddharth threw a stern word.

'If you cause even the slightest inconvenience to others, you will be asked to step back at once.

Okay, I'll do my best. I'll do my best.

I return with bland words.

'Hmm ....... If you're just another guildmaster, don't take advantage of Snow, just do what you want on your own terms.

However, Mr. Siddharth's impression of me was getting worse. Apparently, it looked like I had given my opinion through Snow.

I thought there was no excuse for this, so I kept my mouth shut. As I look away from Siddharth, who is at the front of the line, Snow gives me a frustrated look next to him.

'...... Kanami's slacker,'

'Yeah, yeah ....... What was that now?

...... all.

'There's nothing to be gained by bickering with someone as honest as Mr. Siddharth. What does Snow want to do by firing me up?

...... Is that sincere?

I take Snow's hand and move forward.

Then the second half of the battle begins.

The battle with the monsters was immediate.

Unlike the rear, the front has more battles.

Because of the long lines, it was easy for the enemy to find you, and you would be attacked by the enemy many times more than a normal search. The speed of the march is also slower, and you'll understand how difficult it is to search for large numbers of people.

However, Mr. Siddharth was able to perform that highly difficult task perfectly.

He certainly had the capacity to stand above others. His personality and abilities were the same, but more than anything else, his position helped with that.

However, he seemed to be trapped in that position, and I felt a little bit in danger.

I did as Siddharq-san instructed and swung my sword.

I didn't miss the change in Siddaruk-san's expression as I killed the monster that attacked me with a single sword. It would be helpful if you could revise your rating on this, though: .......

And, sure enough, Snow starts skipping in my shadow.

He continues to fight behind me to hide from Siddharq-san's eyes.

She was still the same. My plan to get Snow and Siddharth to interact and rehabilitate Ms. Siddharth was now completely over.

As I moved through the layers, the number of monsters trying to cross the 'right path' increased.

Sometimes the monsters of the group would attack us.

I was more concerned about the possibility that I was going to be attacked than anyone else. I don't mean to be conceited, but when it comes to simple fighting skills, I'm the best at this. The more I fight, the less risk there is overall.

When the monster's head has been dropped nearly ten times, Siddaruk-san calls out to me.

''It was Aikawa Kanami, wasn't it ....... You haven't tried to use your magic since earlier, are you a swordsman?

'No, I'm a wizard. I'm also good with a sword. ......

''That Palinclone has just entrusted me with the guild mastership. I underestimated him as a countryman, but he seems to be reasonably competent.

No, I'm not even close.

...... I hate that kind of humility. It sounds sarcastic. If you're one of the higher ups, shouldn't you have more dignity?

'...... Sorry. That's just the way I am.

'Why do you apologize there. Thanks, I don't think I'm going to fit in with you: ......

They seemed to appreciate my competence, but they didn't like my personality.

I'm not averse to people like Siddharth, who have strength that I don't have, so I was a little disappointed. However, it would be counterproductive to say it out loud. Without saying anything, I followed behind Mr. Siddharq. And observe everything he does.

It's to learn how he behaves as a guild master. I'm not trying to imitate him, but it's not a bad thing to watch and learn how a different guildmaster does things.

While observing the way Siddharq-san gives instructions, he also intercepts the enemies that attack him.

In addition, I would also pay attention to Snow and Teyri-san with Dimension. In the current me, that parallel work was not difficult.

After advancing through the layers and reaching the 16th layer, the members began to show signs of fatigue.

The speed of the march is visibly slowing down, and the faces of many of them are becoming darker.

Then Siddharth's encouragement flies in.

'--Gentlemen, we're almost there!　I believe that someone as good as you guys can pull it off!

He blasts off to get back into the swing of things, but there are times when words alone won't do the trick. So conveniently, morale is not boosted.

Mr. Siddharth resumes his march with an impatient look on his face, paying attention to the whole thing.

In order to follow him, I always stayed close by to follow him. Siddaruk-san noticed this and inexplicably called out to me.

'Are you not tired ......?'

I'm fine. If you need anything else, feel free to use it.

...... Don't lick me. I won't rely on you for anything. It's the other way around. I'll protect us all.

'I see. ......'

My fears seemed to have the opposite effect.

Little by little, I'm beginning to understand Mr. Siddharth.

He is governed by an unusual sense of responsibility. Perhaps it's a rule dictated by birth. And he has spent his adolescence bound by that control, and has constructed a biased value system. It wasn't something that was entirely unconscionable to me.

Mr. Siddharth continues to walk at the front of the pack, letting his sense of responsibility control him. As I watched him behind him, I spotted a group of monsters within the range of the Dimension.

I hurriedly report that information to Siddharq-san.

''Siddaruk-san, if we continue on like this, we will collide with a group of monsters. It's better to change the direction of travel once and get away from the 'correct path'.

What did you say?　...... Come to think of it, you can use sensing magic. Is that true?

Yeah, it's true. We have a bunch of bug monsters headed our way.

No, I'm not changing direction. We're eating up more time than we had planned. We can't afford to lose any more time.

'But if we continue to hit them, the damage will be extensive. Better to put safety before time. ......

You said the monster was an insectoid. Then you'll be fine. I can wipe them out with my magic: ......!

I probably shouldn't have told them what kind of monster it was.

If they were dealing with insects, they thought they could use magic to deal with them. And Siddalk-san seems to be a wizard who can do that.

I had a bad feeling about this.

Looking at him, I couldn't remember anyone - it seemed like I could, but I couldn't.

I feel like I know a very stupid 'someone' .......

'I disagree. It's dangerous, and even if you succeed, it will cost you dearly.

That's why I'm telling you not to lick me, it's nothing more than a sixteen-layered herd.

............

They don't seem to be listening.

As long as all power is in Siddharq-san's hands, it seems that he will have no choice but to accept an encounter with the herd.

In preparation for the time to come, Siddharth prepared for the time to come and built up the magic inside his body.

I use Dimension to understand the movements of the flock and tell him in detail the timing of the encounter. That was the least I could do.

And then the time comes.

”--Muh, a swarm!　There's a bunch of monsters out there!

One of the swordsmen stationed in front of them shouts out in panic in front of the hordes that have appeared.

That voice causes all of the members of the group to be upset.

Those who have experience in exploring the labyrinth know how terrifying the swarm can be.

It's something you must avoid when you don't have the time to spare.

However, for me and Siddaruk-san, it's within the expected range.

I leave the members in a hurry and calmly build up my magic.

''Siddharq-san, please draw them in as much as possible before shooting them.

You don't have to tell me!　-- 'Pay all things', 'Burn all things', 'Rule all things'!

It was a precise, yet powerful magic construction.

Just before the swarm made contact with the line, Siddaruk-san's magic was completed.

''--【Flame Blast】!

A torrent of fire was released from Siddharq-san.

Its momentum was tremendous, engulfing the entire crowd of 16 layers of monsters.

Most importantly, it had good magical compatibility with the enemy monsters. The insect-type monsters, whose weakness was fire, were scorched to death by the clinging flames.

Although I burned a few of the monsters, I dealt with them with my sword, as I knew that with Dimension. Thus, I succeed in annihilating the crowd of monsters in a matter of seconds.

''Oh, oh ......!　It's as good as Lord Siddharth!

You can count on your leader to be reliable: ......

The herd was instantly ......, thank goodness ......!

The members squeal with delight as the threat is gone in an instant.

'Kukka ......'

However, on the other hand, Siddaruk-san's expression looks painful.

Probably, he has squeezed out his MP with the magic he has just used. He is sweating like a ball and breathing wildly. Still, he doesn't try to rest.

He quickly catches his breath, adjusts his contorted face and screams.

Everybody!　It's okay!　Whatever enemy comes, I will defeat it!　Slowly, little by little, let's get to the 20th layer!

Mr. Siddharth takes a chance and inspires the whole group.

Seeing the members' faces light up, Mr. Siddharth looks forward and returns to his distressed face.

I, standing next to him, could clearly see the pain.

''Are you okay?''

It's nothing to worry about. It's an unnecessary worry. ...... But the sensing spell you used earlier was brilliant. If it wasn't for your knowledge of the enemy and your ability to time the game, it wouldn't have worked as well as it did. Thank you.

No, no, no, I don't need to tell you that Monsieur Siddharth is looking a bit pale...

He says it's not a problem: ......!

Even the voice that interrupted my words was weak.

There's no doubt that he's used up all his power with his current magic. But his pride doesn't seem to allow him to help me.

I can only watch Siddharth, who is walking at the front of the pack, and follow behind him.

As I walk, my mind is not at peace.

Mr. Siddharth would not take any help from anyone to protect the authority of his family. I don't like the Siddaruk family for letting him do so. It's the same with the Walker family that makes Snow's face glaze over.

This whole aristocracy thing makes me a little bit angry.

Naturally, my impression of the four major aristocracies became quite bad.

And I had four more layers to go before I reached my goal of 20 layers.

I proceeded through the labyrinth, feeling uneasy about the future.

◆◆◆◆◆

My fears were spot on.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth layers, there were few enemy raids and there were no problems.

Although fatigue was certainly building up, the eradication of the flock had kept the overall morale high. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that things were going well.

However, as they were advancing through the 18th layer, they again detected the herd in the direction of their progress.

I gritted my teeth at the bad luck of this one line.

'Well, this is not good. There's a herd again.

d*mn, what the hell. ......

I report to him, and Siddharth also confirms it evasively.

'Mr. Siddharth, let's avoid it this time,'

'No, I won't go far. If you go past the scheduled time, you'll be able to get to my evaluation - the Siddharth family's evaluation of ......!

But I don't know what to do.