Intense weapons clashing, and explosion sounds rang out inside the dim underground dungeon, with only a faint green light to rely upon.

It was so intense that it could be described as severe, and even the far distant wall shook from time to time. Numerous silver-colored sword trails were beautifully drawn in the empty space. Flame bullets, flame spears, wind blades, and water lasers flew about like a barrage. Sound of something hitting tough flesh, angry roars for their companions, and war cries filled the should be silent space suddenly turning into a battlefield.

O light cutting through all creation, wind bring forth destruction, scatters and dances around like a whirlpool, and become the storm of light that cut my enemies! Soaring Severation!

The Holy Sword he had in his hand, along with his wrist blurring as they accelerated, and numerous swords of light released with him, Kouki, as the core. The attacking bat-like demonic beast with the length of about 50 centimeters was instantly cut into ten pieces, and fell into the ground without being able to successfully attack as its blood splattered.

Vanguard! Counting, ten! Roger!

Ant-like demonic beasts that moved their jaws, bat-like flying demonic beasts, and sea anemone-like demonic beasts with numerous wriggling tentacles; hey wriggled and moved around inside the 30 meters in diameter round shaped room. The demonic beasts were coming from the eight tunnels all around the room.

This place was Orcus Great Dungeon 89th floor. The vanguards, Kouki, Ryuutarou, Shizuku, Nagayama, Hiyama, and Kondou, were matching the countdown timing of the rear guards all out magic attack. The demonic beasts, which managed to attack the rear guards, were repelled and defeated by Kouki and the vanguards as they wait for the countdown.

The troublesome bat-like flying demonic beasts rushed to attack the rear guards using the space between the vanguards defense, but were stopped thanks to rampart made by the reliable Barrier-user.

O ephemeral storm, O invisible shield; rage, blow, swirl, and stop everything, Wall of Furious Tempest!

Taniguchi Suzu activated the offensive defense magic. The chanted spell went right before the rearguards, and breeze could be felt by their outstretched hands. No change could be seen with naked eyes. Even the bat-like demonic beasts didnt notice its presence, and were not alarmed by their instinct. They kept trying to attack the rear-guards who were about to activate large-scale attack magic spells.

However, before they reached, what met the charging demonic beasts was a wall of air that looked like a huge distortion of space appearing all of a sudden. Tens of those bat-like demonic beasts collided against the wall one after another, but the wall of air only bent without letting even one through.

When all of the charging bat-like demonic beasts had collided, the distorted space exploded, causing great impact as if it had reached its limit. The generated impact was tremendous, and the fleshes crushed by it immediately splattered on the dungeons walls with sound of raw and death. Splatter!

Hmph! I wont let you pass that easily!

The voice of the classs mood-maker, Suzu, rang in the middle of the intense sound of battle. At the same time, the rear guards simultaneously fired their best attacks. It was an attack where it was necessary for them to be at a distance, since it would defeat the enemies, and struck all those who are close to it.

Retreat! With Koukis order, the vanguards immediately backed away from the demonic beasts.

In the next moment, the magic attacks of six people arrived with such perfect timing.

A huge fireball crashed and simultaneously caused a huge explosion. Meanwhile, a tornado trampled the battlefield, bringing forth vacuum blades which sucked the demonic beasts and cut them up. On the ground, stone spears shot off with tremendous speed and pierced the demonic beasts lower parts. At the same time, the icicles falling from above created holes in the demonic beasts upper bodies.

There was no way a living thing would be able to survive inside the sublime space that looked like it was receiving the wrath of nature. The attacks only last for tens of seconds. However, more than 90% of the demonic beasts were dead while the rest were on verge of dying due to grave injuries.

Alright! This is good! Lets finish the leftover ones quickly!

With Koukis shout, the vanguards once again went forwards, and the demonic beasts on the brink of death, couldnt even fight back thanks to the all-out magic attacks, were finished one by one. Not even five minutes had passed when all of the demonic beasts were annihilated.

The battle ended, but Koukis party didnt relax their guards and searched their surroundings to see if there were more enemies.

Phew, next is the 90th floor, huh We were able to defeat the demonic beasts in this floor without much difficulty and it looks like the end of the combat training inside this dungeon is near.

Thats why; dont let your guard down. After all, we dont know what kind of demonic beasts and traps are ahead.

Arent you worrying too much about it, Shizuku? Didnt we just an easy battle in a floor no one ever reached? No matter what may come, I will defeat them! Even if its the Demon race!

Shizuku cautioned Kouki, who muttered so in deep thought, and the muscle headed Ryuutarou replied with a hearty laugh. Nevertheless, Kouki made fist-to-fist greeting with Ryuutarou, and revealed a fearless smile. Seeing them, Shizuku sighed while rubbing her creased forehead. She came and had followed the extremeness of the two, which ascended her to a stage of a wordly-wise man. My wrinkle hasnt increased again, right?, was her worry as the number of times Shizuku looked in a mirror had sublimely increased. Even so, she didnt restrict the two as she followed them; truly a good natured person.

* * *

Hiyama-kun, Kondou-kun, I think you must have recovered by now. But how are you?

While the others were discussing the earlier battle, Kaori was doing her duty; to heal the injured people from previous battle, since she was a Healer. It should be noted that there was another girl with Healer class within the 15 people who had undergone combat training by conquering the dungeon, and the duty to heal was divided between the two.

Aah, theres no problem now. Thank you, Shirasaki.

O-Oh, its okay now. Thanks.

Himaya, who was healed by Kaori, was daydreaming due to the close proximity of Kaoris face, and answered absentmindedly. It was obvious he was charmed by her. Even Kondou was saying his gratitude with his reddened ears. Because they were the vanguards, Hiyama and Kondou were frequently in care of Kaoris healing, and yet they still could not get used to coming in contact with Kaori. Although Kondous attitude was just like a child in puberty there was darkness inside Hiyamas eyes when he looked at Kaori. The darkness became thicker as days go by but almost no one noticed it.

Hearing their gratitude, Kaori said, Youre welcome, with a smile. Then, she stood and turned around. When she confirmed no one else was in need of healing, she secretly sighed, and she began to look at the dim passage ahead with eyes filled with anxiety.

Noticing Kaoris state, Shizuku understood what her best friend felt. Kaoris mind was filled with worries. There were ten more floors until the lowest floor (the general opinion), yet they didnt find any sign of Hajime at all.

Although it meant there was hope, the despair was far stronger. Even if she decided to not believe Hajime was dead until she saw it herself, another floor was conquered, and the negative thoughts that surged when nothing was found, could not be easily put aside. Furthermore, four months had passed since the day Hajime fell into the abyss. Even if her determination was strong, it was enough time for negative thoughts to begin invading her mind.

Seeing Kaoris appearance while she embraced her artifact, a white staff, tightly, Shizuku called out to her since she could no longer endure it. And, before Shizuku moved, the small mood-maker said,As if I will let Kaori keep worrying like that!, and ran towards her. Bounce, she jumped and embraced Kaori from behind.

KA-O-RI~N!! Theres no need to heal those guys, just heal Suzu a, lot~! Heal me with this and that~

Hya! Suzu-chan! Where are you touching! Rather, Suzu-chan should not have any injury!

There is! Suzus glass-like heart is injured! Thats why, spoil me! To put it concretely, use Kaorins big breasts!

B-Brea I said stop! Ah, hey! Yanh! Shizuku-chan, help!

Haa, Haa, is this good? How about over here? Young lady, you are quite th-puuutt!?

Haa, stop it already, Suzu. I know you dont mind the boys gaze But, you should

Suzu had transformed into a perverted old man and was groping Kaoris breasts with an expression so sloppy that it couldnt be shown to other human. It was the reason why she received a head chop from Shizuku, and collapsed. Incidentally, some of the guys who watched Suzu and Kaoris yuri scene had also collapsed. Suzu was convulsing with lump on her head, and was looked after by Nakamura Eri with a wry smile.

Uu~, thank you, Shizuku-chan. That was embarrassing

Alright, alright. It is okay now. I have exterminated the pervert, okay?

Kaori, who clung to her with teary eyes, was gently patted by Shizuku. It was scene that could often be seen recently. Shizuku took a look at Kaoris complexion while she gently stroked Kaoris silky hair. Kaori was looking at Eri who was looking after Suzu with troubled but somewhat happy expression, and her anxiety from before was no longer there. Apparently, her feeling had changed even if it was a temporary thing. One way or another, Shizuku felt admiration in her mind as she thought, As expected of the classs moodmaker, Suzu (Oldman version).

There are only ten floors left Lets do our best, Kaori.

Shizuku put her hands on Kaoris shoulders, and then put some strength into them as she looked straight at Kaori. It was her way to encourage her best friend, so she would not break. Seeing Shizuku, Kaori noticed she had become slightly more timid, so she slapped both of her cheeks and returned Shizukus gaze with a powerful gaze.

Un. Thank you, Shizuku-chan.

Shizukus worry made Kaori realized again how much Shizuku would support her, and Kaori conveyed her gratitude as her gaze softened as she smiled. Shizuku quietly nodded, and her gaze also softened Lily flowers were blooming on their sides, but they didnt notice it. Kouki and others who were looking around awkwardly were also unnoticed by Shizuku and Kaori. They were already in their own world after all.

If it is now can I protect him?

I see I am sure you can. We are different from that time Even our levels have surpassed Meld-san and the other Knights However, hehe, isnt it possible that he has also became stronger? Even that time, he was the one who helped us in the end.

Haha, jeez Shizuku-chan

Kaori believed in Hajimes survival, but she was looking down on her current self, wondering if she could protect him this time, and thats why Shizuku was poking fun at her as a joke. Actually, they would be dumbfounded for various reasons when they found their target But that is something for the near future.

Incidentally, the ones here were Kouki, Ryuutarou, Shizuku, Kaori, Suzu, Eri, five people including Nagayama Juugo, and Hiyamas gang of four; a total of 15 people, while Meld and the Knights were standing by at 70th floor. Actually, they were able to start from the 70th floor, since a teleport magic circle that connected 30th and 70th floor was discovered. Though it became easier to move to the lower floor, 70th floor was the limit for Meld and the Knights. To begin with, there were only Meld and few others who could keep up while accompanied by Koukis party when they were around the 60th floor. Thus, they had only become a hindrance to Koukis party when they reached 70th floor.

Even Meld was conscious of that. He taught Koukis party of all the know-how about the dungeon. Thats why, he and the Knights decided to try their best to secure a safety zone around the teleportation circle, and only Koukis party were to move on.

Meld wanted to show a bitter smile due to being exceeded in only four months. But even so, after associating with Koukis party, he and the Knights were satisfied if their abilities could safely secure a safety zone in 70th floor.

Koukis party current statuses were something like the following:

Name