The Dungeon I explored with Nanami was the DLC dungeon, the Night Sky Cave, which came bundled with the purchase bonus item, “The Den Where the Feline Carnivore Seems to Lurk.” Every time I went to Akihabara, I bought not just eroge but doujinshi too, so I have no idea how many tens of thousands of yen I blew.
Well, I’d also buy things like “books that look delicious.”
Incidentally, the DLC Append bonuses in MagiEx don’t come with perks that break the game’s balance.
The same applies to purchase bonuses like the “Mousepad That Looks Soft.” You can get items and skills that are super useful in the early game, but they completely fall off in the late game.
Of course, there’s no reason not to come here when there are skills that are incredibly useful right now.
“Nanami, how are you doing with the bow?”
“I can already use it as if it were a part of my own body.
Well, at my level, it’s possible to master any weapon immediately.”
One of the defining traits of a Maid Knight is that they can wield all weapons except for highly specialized unique ones.
Because of this, their growth patterns vary from person to person.
Some master close-quarters combat, others use defensive skills and massive shields to act as tanks, and some take advantage of their ability to use almost every magic attribute, wielding a wand to learn spells or focus on recovery magic.
Their build changes depending on the rest of the party’s composition.
Well, most Maid Knights in a multi-playthrough save file end up mastering everything anyway.
“That’s really reassuring.”
What I had asked Nanami to do was learn thief skills and long-range attacks.
Thief skills are an absolute necessity for challenging Dungeons.
If you can’t detect traps, you’ll get turned into a skewer, and you need to be able to pick the locks on treasure chests to open them.
Furthermore, if she can cover for my weakness in long-range combat, what a wonderful maid she is!
However, the one massive drawback is that she also detects Ero Traps.
“More importantly, is it okay?
Not inviting Ludi-sama and the others, I mean.”
“Because they’re at school… If it were the weekend, I would have asked them to come with me.”
Just to be safe, I had already reported to Marino-san and Nee-san that I was going to a Dungeon with Nanami.
Perhaps because Nanami was with me, I got permission much easier than I expected.
However, I was forced to promise not to overdo it.
For some reason, Nee-san had tried to skip school to follow me.
If it were a student like Ludi or Senpai, fine, but a teacher skipping class?
I dumped the responsibility on Marino-san.
It’s a Dungeon on the same level as the Twilight Grotto, where Nanami was originally sealed, so I don’t think it’ll be a grueling fight.
Above all, I’ve made it to the final floor without a single tough struggle so far.
Yes, all the way to the final floor.
“It’s been a long, painful battle… Even though we’re already at the final floor.”
“Where was the long, painful part?
We practically flew through this Dungeon.”
In front of me is a massive door.
Perhaps it simply can’t be opened by hand; a magic circle is etched into the floor before it, emitting a pale light.
I really wonder what’s up with the doors in this world.
“Ah, we’ve finally arrived… It’s time for me, Nanami, to show my true power.”
“I always think this when I hear that kind of line, but you should just go all out from the very beginning, you know.”
There are battles you wouldn’t lose if you just went all out from the start, right?
“Well then, let’s go.”
And the two of us stepped into the magic circle.
The boss is a humanoid tiger.
It’s a boss that gives players a hard time in the early stages of MagiEx due to its speed and strength, but from the mid-game onward, it can even appear as a trash mob.
However, there are special named individuals whose strength far exceeds the regular mobs.
I remember being forced into a brutal fight against one of them.
After clearing the game a few times, though, they’re just free EXP.
Beyond the teleportation circle, just as I had imagined, stood a War Tiger with yellow fur and black stripes.
Its face is completely that of a beast.
However, its basic body structure is humanoid, covered in fur with elongated claws.
Furthermore, its entire body is as muscular as a bodybuilder’s, making it look like it would be tough to land a clean hit.
Looks being the operative word.
“Vuvuaooooo!”
It let out a low, resonant roar.
I stared down the War Tiger as it lowered its center of gravity, glaring at me so it could pounce at any moment.
“I, Nanami, am going on the offensive.”
Nanami moved first.
She channeled magic power into her bow and fired.
The War Tiger shifted to the side.
It dodged the arrow so smoothly you wouldn’t expect it from such a heavy frame.
It probably didn’t hit because of the distance and the fact that she aimed straight from the front.
I don’t think Nanami expected it to hit, either; she already had the next arrow in her hands.
The War Tiger likely realized it was bad to stay on the defensive and charged at us.
However, Nanami was already reacting.
Her second shot flew toward the beast.
It dodged again, but it didn’t look as effortless as the first time.
Furthermore, the third shot was already loosed.
And it wasn’t just a simple arrow this time.
Impact Arrow.
It’s a technique available from the moment you start using a bow, and it’s a slightly peculiar skill.
Impact Arrow doesn’t deal damage by piercing; it deals damage through sheer kinetic force and impact.
To use an analogy, it’s the difference between thrusting with a rapier and swinging a throwing hammer.
“Actually, am I even needed here?”
The impact was powerful enough to blow the War Tiger away, sending it flying back near its starting position before it could even close the distance.
The first two shots were normal arrows, and the third used a skill.
No matter how you look at it, she used two shots to test its reactions and the third to actually attack.
“What are you saying?
You’re needed.
Hmph, is that all?
I didn’t even need to get my hands dirty.
I should be laughing ‘HahHahHah’ right now.”
“That’s the exact line a villain says right before they lose, you know?
Besides, as I thought, I’m really not needed in this fight, am I?”
I had infused my scarf with magic power so I could move at any moment, but it seemed unnecessary.
“If you wish, I don’t mind creating an opening for Goshujin-sama to play an active role.”
“I don’t feel like I’m going to lose, since I normally train with Claris-san.
But I do want to fight a little.”
If possible, I’d like to experience combat against various types of enemies.
In the game, I fought for maximum efficiency, but reality doesn’t work like that.
Monsters and people have habits and quirks; if you don’t understand them and adapt, you won’t win.
Balancing efficiency with real experience will be crucial from now on.
Watching Senpai and Claris-san, I felt that strongly.
The War Tiger must have thought the next arrow was coming immediately, so it dashed toward me.
I stepped forward, shifting my scarf into a fighting stance to intercept it.
Then, I gripped my katana, channeling magic power into the scabbard so I could draw it at a moment’s notice.
The War Tiger swung its right arm as it closed in.
Magic power converged into the limb, and the arm swelled to a massive size.
Eyes gleaming, the War Tiger bared its sharp fangs and brought its enlarged arm crashing down.
The shock wasn’t nearly as heavy as I expected.
“As expected, Senpai and Claris-san’s strength is just absurd.”
Its attack was something my scarf could easily intercept.
In the first place, high-level War Tigers in MagiEx have the ability to enlarge not just their arms, but their entire bodies.
I don’t know what would happen if it attacked me with its whole mass, but the weaker War Tiger in front of me is fine.
I can handle it easily; in fact, it makes for good training.
The War Tiger, its attack repelled, immediately leaped to the side for another charge.
As it did, I positioned myself directly in the line between Nanami and the beast.
Matching its enlarged arm, I expanded my scarf and repelled the strike.
Its own momentum was reversed, throwing it off balance.
I released the magic power stored in my scabbard.
Its exposed belly, wide open as it stumbled, made a perfect target.
One slash.
I felt the resistance.
As the body fell, the War Tiger dissolved into magic essence.
“As expected of you, Goshujin-sama.
Truly Sasugoshu.”
“Why did you abbreviate that…?”
Collecting the dropped magic stone, I looked around.
Another magic circle was visible further back, past where the War Tiger had spawned.
I assume it’s a teleportation circle.
“Looks like there’s nothing else here.
Shall we move on?”
“Yes.”
Just to be safe, Nanami and I checked the surrounding area before stepping into the circle.
Beyond the teleportation circle was a stone cavern, just like before.
There shouldn’t be any light sources, but for some reason, the path was illuminated, and I could see ahead.
Were the walls glowing faintly?
“Goshujin-sama, a treasure chest.”
Looking where Nanami pointed, there was indeed one.
A decorative silver box interwoven with tree branches.
“I don’t think I need to ask, but what should we do?”
Well, there’s a treasure chest right in front of us.
“Obviously, we’re going to open it.”
Naturally.
The reason I came to this Dungeon is, of course, to collect the treasure.
What should I do after looting the chest?
Should I proceed to the Shadow Ruins that I had been avoiding?
Well, I have no choice but to push forward.
There are important items there that are indispensable for conquering the Tsukuyomi Dungeon.
Even if I have to do dogeza, I have to get them.
“Goshujin-sama?
Is something wrong?”
“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”
Nanami walked ahead, looking back at me with a questioning expression.
And as I looked down, I noticed something.
A faint, reddish-white light was emanating from the exact spot where Nanami had just stepped.
“Nanami!”
I was glad I was walking right next to her.
I immediately grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug.
However, I couldn’t escape the magic that had already been triggered.
The magic circle Nanami had stepped on suddenly expanded beneath my feet.
And our bodies were engulfed in light.
─Nanami’s Point of View─
When I first met Goshujin-sama, I wondered what on earth had happened.
Originally, normal humans couldn’t form a contract with me.
What a bug!
Was it the influence of his inhuman magic power?
With that colossal reserve of mana, it was theoretically possible.
But there’s no point dwelling on the cause.
Whatever the reason, reality is reality.
I have to act.
The first thing a Maid Knight with transferred knowledge does is verify the Dungeon and the Dungeon Master.
Depending on the Dungeon Master, some Maid Knights and lesser monsters are treated as disposable tools.
You do what you’re told, like a machine, and when you break, you’re thrown away.
The “human rights” that Goshujin-sama values so much don’t exist here.
That’s right.
Originally, we don’t have human rights.
I can’t say for sure if it’s still true since it’s just transferred knowledge, but my specific series seems to command the highest prices and top-tier equipment.
Because of that, we are treated with relative care.
But it’s only relative.
If they don’t understand my “value,” it won’t be like that at all.
It’s the same as art.
If you recognize the value of a “distorted bowl,” you’ll cherish it; if you don’t, you’ll treat it as a warped, hard-to-use daily utensil, and eventually, it becomes trash.
My greatest value is being a Dungeon Maid.
My selling point is that I can manage and maintain the Dungeon alongside the Dungeon Master.
But I couldn’t tell Goshujin-sama that.
No, I could tell him, but I didn’t know what effect that would have on me.
Even so, I was registered with his magic power during the contract, meaning I am bound by a contract of absolute obedience to him.
When he told me I didn’t have to explain my circumstances in detail, I was relieved, but I also wondered if this Goshujin-sama was going to be okay.
What a Maid Knight must do after assessing the situation is get to know her contractor.
For the time being, I decided to test the limits of Goshujin-sama’s tolerance.
That’s why I deliberately made rude jokes, initiated skinship, and acted cheekily toward him.
Through this, I learned that as long as I don’t go too far, Goshujin-sama doesn’t get genuinely angry.
Furthermore, while he’s a massive pervert, he’s incredibly naive and gentle when it comes to treating women.
Honestly, these exchanges with him were extremely fun.
My knowledge tells me that being able to trade banter builds the best foundation of trust.
Even though he just met me, there are numerous instances where Goshujin-sama shows he trusts me.
Even though he isn’t a Dungeon Master, I thought I might have found a truly good Master.
Incidentally, it seems what Goshujin-sama wants from me is to accompany him in exploring Dungeons.
It’s different from the original intended use for Maid Knights, but I can do that.
Since I’m a maid who manages them in the first place, I have plenty of knowledge on the subject.
I want to keep doing this and be useful as a Maid who can guide Goshujin-sama through Dungeons.
That’s what I thought.
It was the same when I went to that completely bizarre Tsukuyomi Magic Academy.
When I was struck by the magic pressure of Benito-kyou of the Shikibu Kai—who seems to be a very powerful figure—and a crisis emerged, Goshujin-sama stepped in front of me and protected me.
This disposable maid.
Normally, I should have been the one protecting him.
If it’s something that involves Dungeons anyway, I want to accompany this Goshujin-sama, I thought.
I want to laugh together with him, I thought.
I want to be a source of strength for him, I thought.
However, what am I doing right now?
I am a maid who manages Dungeons.
A maid born in a Dungeon and destined to die in one.
So why did I let my guard down in front of a treasure chest?
Why didn’t I push Goshujin-sama away when he tried to save me?
The absolute worst-case scenario: teleportation to the Extra Floor.
The Extra Floor is a special level where the strongest monsters in the Dungeon are placed.
The monsters here can be far above our current level.
And on the Extra Floor, escape items are basically invalidated.
Why did I make such a massive blunder the moment I resolved to serve this Goshujin-sama?
I’m kidding, I couldn’t afford to make a joke right now.
Goshujin-sama might develop negative feelings toward me.
He might die.
Just imagining that makes my chest tighten.
For now, I must apologize for this failure.
” A thousand pardons!”
If asked whether I was lucky or unlucky, could I say I escaped the worst-case scenario?
After the teleportation magic activated and sent us to an unknown floor, the very first thing Nanami did was apologize.
She dropped to her knees, trying to press her forehead to the floor in dogeza, but I immediately used my Third Hand to catch her.
“I have no idea what you think is your fault.”
“I not only stepped on the trap, but I also dragged Goshujin-sama into it.”
What, just that?
I said to Nanami.
“I don’t mind at all.
I didn’t notice the trap either, so we’re even, right?”
“However, I was entrusted with trap detection, and yet…”
“I certainly left that to you, but I didn’t demand a 100% success rate, and I think that’s impossible anyway.
And you think you ‘dragged me in’?”
I deliberately shrugged my shoulders.
“I wasn’t dragged in.
I jumped in on my own, thinking I shouldn’t let you have all the fun of something that looked this exciting by yourself.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but as expected, I can’t accept that.”
I don’t know why, but Nanami is deeply depressed.
For now, I tried to joke around and claim it wasn’t a big deal, but she still looked utterly crushed. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
I pulled out my return Carved Circle magic stone and poured mana into it, but there was no reaction.
It’s clear this isn’t a normal floor, but some kind of special Extra Floor.
In that case…
“The Dungeon return item I got from Marino-san isn’t working either.
For now, let’s push forward!”
Panic is a funny thing; when you see someone else panicking more than you are, your own heart calms down.
I was certainly pretty panicked.
But seeing Nanami like this made my panic fade, and before I knew it, it turned into a quiet resolve that I had to do something about this.
“It’s looking better than I expected.”
To be honest, I wasn’t too worried about the Dungeon itself.
In some Dungeons in Magical★Explorer, after completing the main clear, you can be transferred to an Extra Floor on rare occasions.
Is it a floor with a special boss?
A floor with massive treasure?
An Ero reward floor, or just a continuation of the Dungeon?
It depends on the Dungeon.
In a MagiEx speedrun, it’s a luck-based segment called a “reset point.”
In this case, it’s an Extra Floor pattern where extra bosses appear.
A floor with treasure and a teleportation circle would have been the best, but unfortunately, it wasn’t that.
The only concern is that I don’t remember an Extra Floor existing for this specific Dungeon in the game, so I can’t say for sure what the boss is.
However, as is the trend in MagiEx, it’s likely a boss monster that is one or two tiers above the normal cap.
It might be a tough fight, but I think I can win.
It might be overly optimistic, but I think it’s better to brighten the mood with positive thoughts, especially since there’s a girl right here who’s spiraling into the worst-case scenario.
Originally, our roles would probably be reversed.
Even so.
“Hey, Nanami, do you have a disease that makes you want to blame yourself for everything?”
“That’s not the case…”
Uncharacteristically, Nanami wouldn’t look at me, staring at the ground instead.
She usually says a lot of nonsense, but her core is serious.
I remember her being this serious when we first signed the contract.
“Then stop blaming yourself.
I didn’t notice it either, you know?
If you hadn’t been here, I definitely would have stepped on it.”
“That… might be true.”
“Why are you cornering yourself so much?”
When I said that, Nanami’s body trembled for a moment.
“Is that something I should be the one to say?”
“No, if you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to…”
“Goshujin-sama, it’s that side of you!
That’s exactly the problem!”
Nanami apologized for getting agitated, shaking her head.
“Actually, as a Dungeon Maid, a Maid Knight, knowledge is transferred to me.
That’s why I know.
I have countless replacements.”
“…You did say something like that.”
“I’m full of guilt.
I think you must be disappointed in me because I couldn’t tell you what I normally should have due to my personal circumstances.
Furthermore, you probably think I’m a useless maid who only makes mistakes.
That’s why, even though I know how strong you are, I only ever make you assist me instead of helping you… And on top of that, the trap I stepped on sent us to an Extra Floor…”
From what I can tell, there are several factors making her feel down.
“There’s no way that’s true, you know?
Disappointed?
What are you saying?
I don’t think that for a single millisecond.
I make plenty of mistakes myself, first of all.”
“…Goshujin-sama.”
Yeah, there’s no way I’d be disappointed.
“Nanami.
I want you to know something.”
Saying that, I closed my eyes.
Ludi and the others came to mind.
“I, you know, want to become the strongest in the world.”
It’s a massive goal, and I don’t know if I can actually achieve it.
“Actually, recently, Ludi ended up in a massive crisis where she could have died.”
“…Is that so?”
“That’s right.
I dragged Senpai along by force and didn’t think about anything except going to save her.”
I think it was a miracle I survived.
Me and Ludi both.
“That’s why I thought: Ludi, Senpai, Nee-san, Marino-san, Claris-san… I want to be strong enough to protect all of them.
That’s why I want to be the strongest.”
Strong enough to guide the heroines of Magical★Explorer to a Happy End.
“It might be a simple way of thinking.
But I like this version of myself.
Well, that doesn’t really matter, I guess.”
Yeah, it doesn’t matter.
What I really want to say is:
“You know, among the people I want to protect, you’re included too, Nanami.”
Originally, I loved Ludi, I loved Senpai.
By meeting them and playing Magical★Explorer, I learned about their struggles, helped them, went on adventures with them, and fell in love with them.
And not just through the game; by coming to this world where Magical★Explorer became reality, my feelings for them grew even stronger.
I couldn’t have imagined this in the game.
I saw Ludi eating a super-rich miso ramen with her eyes sparkling.
I saw Ludi craving my magic power while collapsing on the sofa.
I watched Senpai’s training, which fascinated me more than beautiful landscapes declared as World Heritage Sites.
I had the time of my life chatting about our mundane daily lives with Senpai, who seemed to turn off her “serious mode” after training.
Sharing fun times with the people I love made me fall even harder for them.
And it’s not just the main characters of the game.
Marino-san rarely appeared in the game, and Nee-san was practically background air, except for giving Iori a special spell.
But I love Marino-san and Nee-san, too.
Her jokes can be a bit much sometimes, but Marino-san genuinely cares about me.
Nee-san is quiet but incredibly kind, thinks the world of her little brother, and for some reason started crawling into my futon before I even realized it.
Katrina, Orange, and Iori were all fun to talk to, and I liked all of them.
If they’re in trouble, I want to help them.
It’s the same for Nanami.
We might not have known each other for very long.
It’s only been a little while since we met, but I already like Nanami.
“At first I thought, ‘What’s with this overly energetic woman?’ But, you know, it was fun talking about stupid things at home and in the Dungeons, going on adventures together.”
Yeah, it was fun.
“I don’t know what you think, Nanami, but I really love these stupid interactions we have.
Nanami, don’t you like them?
Are you just playing along with no choice because of the contract?”
“That’s… I don’t hate it.
We work in Dungeons and die in Dungeons.
I thought I was just a Maid Knight meant for that.”
After saying that, she looked down again.
Suddenly, a thought struck me.
Is she trapped by the concept of Dungeons?
Is she unconsciously thinking she’s tethered to the Dungeon?
But is she really tied to it?
Some people say that common sense is just a collection of prejudices you’ve acquired by the time you’re eighteen.
Isn’t this just Nanami’s prejudice becoming her common sense?
Isn’t she just trapped by the idea of being a “Dungeon Maid”?
That’s what I ended up thinking.
“Nanami, I want you to answer yes or no.
Do you absolutely have to be in a Dungeon?”
“That’s not exactly the case.”
“Are there maids who live outside of Dungeons?”
“…I think there are.”
I see.
In that case, I’ll say what I’m thinking.
“I, you know, have always thought about something.
Life, you know, has rules, but surprisingly, you can do whatever you want.”
I exhaled softly and kept talking.
“You can go where you want, play what you want, eat your favorite food… To begin with, I think life is about finding the things you like and doing them.
Surprisingly, you can do anything.
So, figure out how to enjoy your time abundantly and pleasantly.”
I took a deep breath and continued.
“It might be a really bad metaphor, but couldn’t you make money by selling a coin that a beautiful girl put in her mouth before using it to buy water, for like, 100 times the original price?
You’d make a killing without any effort.”
“…That is a terrible metaphor.”
“I think so too… Well, putting that aside.
But it would probably sell, right?
You’d probably make money, right?”
“Well, if you ignore ethics.”
“It depends on how you do it.
If you can’t carry your luggage yourself, you just call everyone to help.
Or you can carry it with a machine or magic.
If a strong enemy appears, you don’t have to fight fair and square.
Everyone can use items from a distance and defeat it using strategy.”
The point is…
“You’re just trapped by weird preconceived notions.
This world is free.
If, you know, being with me is a chore or a hindrance, cancel the contract, please, and…”
Yeah, and, you know.
“Be free.”
Nanami raised her face for a moment.
“I just said I want to be the strongest, right?
I want to protect everyone… Yeah, I want everyone to smile.
Ludi, Senpai, Nee-san, Marino-san, Claris-san.”
And Monika-kaichou, Saint Steph, and Shion-san too.
Even though they aren’t heroines, I’d like Benito-kyou, Orange, and Iori to keep smiling, too.
In the end, that’s all it is.
“And, Nanami, I want you to smile.
Yeah, that’s what I want to see.”
That’s it.
That’s exactly it.
“Thinking about it now, I just assumed it was obvious that you’d be by my side, but that was more like my own selfishness.”
Yeah, it’s my selfish desire to be with her.
I only respected her right to a salary and days off, and it’s almost like I’m forcing her to stay.
“There’s an angel contract, right?
If that binds you and makes you unhappy, cancel the contract right now, please.
If being here is painful for you, Nanami, I don’t need the contract.
I just want you to be free.”
Yeah, I want you to be happy.
“You can live with someone else somewhere else.
Of course, you can live alone, too.
If you want to keep being a maid, you can look for someone other than me.
I’ll help you until you can be independent.
Personally, you know, hrm… I don’t know if I can pay you a massive salary, but I want you by my side.
I want you with me.”
It’s fun being together, so I want you to stay.
It’s a sincere feeling from the bottom of my heart.
“No, you know, the time I spend with you is important to me… Even in the Dungeon, you’re incredibly reliable… How should I put it?
To become the strongest, I want you to lend me your strength, Nanami, but I don’t want to force you into anything…”
“Fufuhfufufufufuh!”
While I was struggling with what to say, I heard Nanami laughing.
She covered her mouth with her hand and laughed as if it were genuinely hilarious.
The sad expression she had before completely vanished.
“Goshujin-sama, are you an idiot?”
“…I don’t think I’m an idiot.”
“I’ve discovered Goshujin-sama’s massive, enormous weakness.”
“Weakness?”
“Yes.
It’s the source of Goshujin-sama’s strength, and it’s a massive weakness.”
Then, she lowered the corners of her eyes and smiled gently.
I’ve seen Nanami smile before.
But has she ever smiled like this?
It’s like she’s scolding a mischievous little animal, but while laughing, she doesn’t seem actually angry.
It’s a smile full of affection that seems to embrace and care for me.
Ah, Nanami… You can make an expression like that, too?
“It’s such a huge hole that it can’t be closed anymore, you know.
How did you manage to make it this big?”
“…Does a hole like that exist?”
“It does.
It’s already a massive hole.
It’s a hole so big it might end up forcing Goshujin-sama to give up on his dream.
But leave it to me.”
Nanami bowed deeply right there.
“I will plug it.
Let me support you… Ah, by the way, you mentioned canceling the contract earlier, right?”
She looked at my face and shook her head with a smile.
“I will never do that.”
Never…?
“Yes, never.
No matter what you say, I will never cancel it.
You know?
Nanami cannot be unequipped once equipped.
Even if you try to unequip me, I won’t let you.”
Somehow, I was happy to hear that.
And I involuntarily laughed.
“How would I know that?
Besides, is it some kind of cursed equipment that can’t be removed?”
“What are you talking about?
I’m an angel, right?
Isn’t it obvious I’m going to bless you?”
“Indeed…!”
“Fufun.”
I laughed involuntarily at Nanami’s triumphant smile.
And Nanami laughed out loud, too.
“It’s the boss room, right?”
“Yes, it’s the boss room.”
We hadn’t walked far since then.
However, since the floor itself wasn’t that large, we arrived at the boss room almost immediately.
“Goshujin-sama, in my opinion…”
“What?”
“The boss that appears here is going to be strong, and fighting spirit and energy will be crucial to defeat it.”
Well, that’s true.
I don’t think Nanami is wrong.
“I think an important point here is to boost my fighting spirit.”
“Well, if you can boost it, that’d be great, but what should I do?”
You should preach your need for me.”
“Eh?”
“Look, you just said it a little while ago, didn’t you?
‘I love Nanami, if she’s not by my side, I’ll die.'”
“Are you trying to alter my memory?”
I can’t deny I said something similar, but… I was only able to say it normally because of the atmosphere earlier, and it’s kind of embarrassing to say it right here.
“If you don’t say it, Nanami won’t be able to unleash her full power.”
“Where did you even learn that?”
I have no choice.
But if it motivates Nanami.
Um, well.
Last time, I could say it because of the mood.
“…I-I trust you, Nanami.
I want you to stay by my side forever.”
Even after I said it, Nanami made a sour face.
Ah, you said it, didn’t you?
Nanami furrowed her brow, saying exactly that.
“Goshujin-sama… Did you know?
That’s a line only handsome guys can pull off, you know?”
“Hey, hey, hey, you told me to say it!
And besides, saying it like that makes it sound like I’m not handsome.”
“Goshujin-sama doesn’t seem to think he’s handsome himself.”
If you ask me whether I’m handsome or not, that’s obviously:
“Well, I certainly don’t think I’m handsome.”
“Unfortunately, by the way, you’re safe, because currently, to this Nanami, you are the most transcendently handsome man in existence.”
Nanami laughed as she said that.
“The person calling herself beautiful is saying something.”
“Fufufu, fufufufufufufu.”
“Hahaha, hahahahahahaha.”
Somehow, I feel like we aren’t going to lose.
“Let’s go, Nanami.
Let’s win.”
“Let’s go, Goshujin-sama.”
Speaking of Dungeon bosses, the standard practice is to place the strongest mob in the Dungeon.
It’s the same whether it’s the Dungeon where Ludi was trapped, the Palace of the Unusual, or the Beginner Dungeon.
Though there are some exceptions.
For example, the Extra Floor.
On the Extra Floor, there’s an extra boss, and it’s common to place an exceptionally strong mob there.
And without being an exception, what appeared here was the monster that seemed to be the absolute strongest.
Its total length is a bit longer than an adult man’s height.
However, its body was covered in white fur with black stripes, and its face was that of a tiger.
“I remember seeing something very similar a little while ago…”
The White War Tiger in front of us is a superior species of the War Tiger.
The appearance of its face and body doesn’t change much, but its color and physical abilities are completely different.
As the White War Tiger glared at us, magic power overflowed from its entire body.
And its body slowly, steadily began to grow.
“Incredible…”
It was about three meters tall by the time I registered it.
Its arms are as thick as my torso, and the pressure it exerts on us isn’t even comparable to the regular War Tiger.
It’s probably a fight against an enemy superior to us.
But.
“The scarecrow got bigger, huh.
Does it understand that having a big body isn’t always a good thing?”
Looking at Nanami acting completely normal, I didn’t feel even a fraction of the dread of challenging a superior being.
“Looks like it’s going to end up hitting its head on the ceiling, doesn’t it?”
“You’re right… Speaking of which, it’s almost dinnertime, but what should we do?
I recommend tiger meat.”
I stared fixedly at the White War Tiger’s arm and nodded.
“It looks tough, but it looks delicious.”
“Roast tiger, accompanied by Nanami and Goshujin-sama.
Today’s main course.”
“If that’s the case, even you and I will be the food!”
“If I can cook it together with Goshujin-sama, it is my greatest desire.”
In front of a monster that, thinking normally, would force a desperate and painful struggle, it seems we’re going to be able to fight in a relaxed state, or rather, even more relaxed than usual.
Perhaps it heard our idiotic banter, because the White War Tiger started walking toward us.
Its figure was massive, but there was no sound of footsteps.
I don’t know about the fur, but does it have soft paws on its feet?
“Nanami, get ready.”
As I stepped forward to protect Nanami, she also firmly gripped her bow.
The moment the arrow was loosed, the battle began.
The White War Tiger leaped from its spot and charged.
Like the regular War Tiger, it moves fast.
No, it’s better to say it’s faster than a normal War Tiger?
The White War Tiger was in front of me before the second shot could even be loosed.
It’s about twice as fast as the previous War Tiger, and its arms, which are also twice as large, are swinging right at me.
“This one knows how to throw some good punches.”
It’s a good thing I planted my feet firmly on the ground.
If I hadn’t, I might have been knocked on my ass.
A familiar arrow flew from my side toward the White War Tiger.
Probably aiming for an opening.
However, the White War Tiger had already left the area, moving to the east.
“Oh, it’s fast, it’s fast.”
It seems all its abilities are one level above normal.
The White War Tiger leaped immediately.
Matching its movement, I met it head-on with my Third Hand.
Is its strength equivalent to the Ogre of Cruelty?
That’s exactly why I was able to maintain my composure.
It’s not like I’ve been doing nothing since I saved Ludi.
Since then, I’ve built up my strength by training repeatedly every single day.
I have no intention of losing to something of this level, and I have someone right here I want to protect.
I placed my hand on my katana and stored magic power in the scabbard.
I wondered what happened; the White War Tiger was looking at me cautiously and immediately distanced itself.
“Its danger detection skill is first-class, too, huh?”
But I also think it was a bad move for you to back away like that, you know.
Nanami’s arrow was flying in a straight line toward the White War Tiger.
“I’m starting to feel sorry for you.
If you get close, you’ll be cut down by Goshujin-sama, and if you back away, you become my target.
Since you chose to take my shots, the victory is mine, isn’t it, Goshujin-sama?”
I don’t know what kind of competition she’s having, but whatever.
It seems fun, so I’ll play along.
“Go ahead and boast about winning while you still can.”
I wasn’t planning on just watching, either.
I ran toward the White War Tiger, which was dodging Nanami’s shots, and struck the grounded beast with my Third Hand.
However, although it defended with both arms because it was a fairly simple attack, it went exactly as planned.
Without waiting even a second, I released the magic power I’d stored in the scabbard and drew my katana.
One slash.
However, the blade only grazed it.
The White War Tiger seems to be highly wary of my Battoujutsu.
It immediately leaped away.
However, a line appeared on its body, and blood gradually trickled from the wound.
The White War Tiger seemed to think it had managed to escape.
But the attack wasn’t over.
This time, a rain of arrows fell upon the White War Tiger.
One, two, three arrows pierced its body.
Once again, the White War Tiger leaped away to escape.
And when it landed cleanly, it activated the magic power in its body while glaring at us.
“It would have been great if it ended with that.”
If that were the case, it would be easy, but unfortunately, superior species of War Tigers wouldn’t die from something of this level.
Looking at it, its body is getting even larger, and this time, its shape is shifting entirely into a tiger.
Full Beast Form.
It’s an ability possessed by high-tier species like War Tigers and Werewolves, a skill that transforms all humanoid body parts into a full beast.
This increases instinctual actions, but it’s a troublesome skill that also drastically boosts all stats.
“Kuh, I have no choice but to use my transformation ability too…!”
“No, you don’t have one.”
While cracking jokes, Nanami continued firing arrows.
If this were a TV anime, I might have been surprised and believed her.
And one might think there’s no greater cowardice than attacking during a transformation sequence.
However, this is reality.
I couldn’t pass up this chance.
Seeing Nanami continuing to attack, I also activated the magic power in my body and started running.
However, the White War Tiger is constantly changing.
Using both its hands and feet to stomp the ground.
The expanding magic power.
The giant body standing calmly, the wind coating its fur.
“VOOoooooooO…”
The pressure isn’t something superficial.
Apparently, a normal bow attack isn’t very effective.
It’s probably because of the wind coating its body, along with its thick fur and dense muscles.
The arrow that pierced it before hit and was repelled by its body, falling to the ground.
Nanami, seeing this, seemed to switch her technique to Explode Arrow.
The bright red arrow exploded on the spot when it hit the White War Tiger, which seemed to have no intention of dodging.
Explode Arrow, an advanced technique of Impact Arrow, is a bow attack that detonates at the point of impact.
However, Nanami’s current level is still just newly learned and needs more training.
The magic power is used inefficiently, and she’ll probably run out of gas soon.
If the battle ends quickly, my excess magic power and my ability to transfer mana to her are extremely compatible, but unfortunately, I don’t think it’s going to die quickly.
Now, it seems switching from a normal arrow to an explosive one had an effect.
The White War Tiger’s body wobbled for a moment.
Even the fur and muscles that repel sharp arrows can’t completely stop the kinetic momentum of an explosion.
The White War Tiger was grimacing.
It seems it worked, but how much damage did it actually do?
Before the smoke could clear, I attacked the White War Tiger again.
The attacks were made alternately with the Third and Fourth Hands.
Then, when I saw an opening and tried to unleash my magic power to draw the katana, the White War Tiger leaped away.
“OOOOooooooooO…”
Apparently, its danger detection skill is alive and well.
Listening to its shrill cry while watching the transformed White War Tiger, I strengthened the magic power infused in my scarf.
Now, it’s the second phase.
At the same time the White War Tiger opened its mouth wide, the wind coating its body turned into blades and flew at us.
I immediately expanded my scarf in front of me and in front of Nanami to block the wind blades.
But the attack doesn’t end there.
The next strike is already coming.
An arm crashing down in front of me.
Momentarily remembering the battle with the Ogre, I stopped trying to block it head-on.
Instead, I spread the scarf while focusing entirely on deflecting the blow.
It can be said that it was the correct answer.
The overwhelming power that falls on me, even after deflecting it, is an attack with enough force to gouge the stone floor.
And the next attack comes immediately.
“Hey, hey, continuous attacks are cheating…”
This time, when it opens its mouth wide, its drool is coated in wind and flies all over the area.
That was extremely bestial.
But I couldn’t focus on dodging.
I was already at my limit just defending.
“Goshujin-sama!”
“I’m fine!”
Even saying that, as expected, the disadvantage remains.
The wind blades that started tearing at me hit my right hand, my left hand, and my chin was struck hard several times.
Even if I manage to draw the katana when I see an opening, it can easily dodge.
It’s probably highly sensitive to the movement of magic power.
But there’s something I can understand from this.
That is, my Battoujutsu is so dangerous that even the White War Tiger needs to flee from that specific attack.
“Nanami!”
“Please leave it to me, Goshujin-sama!”
Glancing sideways at Nanami, she nodded and fired an arrow.
I wonder why; I didn’t convey my words firmly.
However, somehow, I felt that what I wanted to do was perfectly communicated, and she attacked with that exact goal in mind.
Did it decide that fighting me in melee is dangerous?
When the White War Tiger leaped to the side, it tried to run toward Nanami.
But.
“Only that, I will never allow.”
Of course, I have no intention of allowing it.
I drew my katana toward its flank.
The White War Tiger retreated, so I punched it using my Third and Fourth Hands and slashed it with the katana.
The White War Tiger didn’t seem very cautious of simple strikes that weren’t Battoujutsu.
Probably not very effective.
And then it ignored me and tried to sprint toward Nanami.
“Nanami!”
All I had to do was shout.
Nanami apparently moved behind me, so I didn’t have to make a massive movement.
I didn’t move much, but the White War Tiger came to bite me, once again putting me right in front of Nanami and in its path.
I had a mysterious sensation while watching the white teeth approaching and the drool spreading.
The White War Tiger’s attack felt like it was in slow motion.
The drool from its teeth formed a single string, and I could clearly see the dirty, foul-smelling drops flying toward me.
I knew perfectly well that the sharp fangs were aiming for my stomach.
Suddenly, I remembered the battle with the Ogre.
The same thing happened in that incident with Ludi.
What is this phenomenon that occurs during battles?
What is this phenomenon that happens during fights with strong enemies, but never occurs in mock combat with Senpai and Claris-san?
Is it the skill Superhuman Strength?
If I remember correctly, Takioto is able to learn it.
But even if that’s the case, this is strange.
Superhuman Strength shouldn’t activate unless I take damage.
So what is the skill, what is the trigger?
Is it a skill that activates when someone else is in trouble?
I’ve never heard of such a thing.
But if that’s true, what a wonderful skill that would be!
A marvelous power exercised to protect the people I like so much, love so much, and want to protect no matter what.
The White War Tiger’s attack was no longer scary.
I thrust my Third Hand into its mouth and punched its side.
Then, Nanami’s arrow hit the belly of the White War Tiger, which was trying to pull away.
The sound of an explosion; its body stiffened from the Explode Arrow.
It would have been great if it had been blown away, but the White War Tiger endured.
Its strengthened body didn’t fly back.
It merely exposed its defenseless flank right next to me.
And I had been waiting for this exact moment the entire time.
Battoujutsu — Flash.
The magic power stored in the scabbard exploded, and the drawn blade became light.
It vanished in the blink of an eye.
When I sheathed the katana, the White War Tiger’s body collapsed.
I turned my back and started walking toward Nanami, who was running over.
Then, I caught Nanami, who had leaped at me, and to kill the momentum, we spun around in place.
After spinning for a while, Nanami planted her feet on the ground and looked at me with her usual expression.
“Well, this is the obvious result when you combine me and Goshujin-sama.”
She said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.