Walm pricked up his ears and kept an eye on the attacker, while he adjusted his violent breathing so as not to be distracted.

The footsteps of four people echoed, and there was no sign of restlessness in their steps.

Walm couldnt properly assess whether or not the situation of the next attack not starting at the same time as the four people entered the room was due to them being an unrelated third party. Still, the possibility that they were a backup couldnt be ruled out, and there was also a chance that they would only be observers. In any case, it would be best to expect the worst.

Faustos movements were simple, in contrast to Walm, whose thoughts were partly devoted to the new visitors.

Its you, Merrill of the Trimagitack. Be careful!!! That guy suddenly attacked.

It sounded like an improvised play. After all, under the circumstances, the best option would be to make a false accusation

Walm had no social credibility. He knew that people thought he was a weirdo who arrived from a distant, foreign land and challenged labyrinths alone. So, he vomited the blood that had accumulated in his mouth and tried to apologize, but he was stopped by a member of the Trimagitack.

Judging from the way Fausto spoke, you guys were suddenly attacked by that person Hmm, but thats strange. Of the two victims, one had an arrow in the eye, and one had severe burns all over the body. Also, in a sudden five-on-one fight, all of you guys are fully armed. If that person is such a master of killing, its strange that not even one person was slaughtered by a surprise attack. I mean, I cant see that halberd as just a mere decoration.

Unexpectedly, it wasnt Walm who got the suspicion, but Fausto and his party.

Walm, unable to grasp the situation, continued to listen.

Are you out of your mind!? Merrill, youd rather suspect us, whove long supported the guild, than him?

Umm, listen, Ive no intention of taking either side. So lets let the guild sort this out. If youre right, Ill cooperate to deal with him. Well, if you want to hear a little bit of my thoughts. Fausto, in the current situation where you couldnt even properly raise adventurer to reach high-rank floors but still managed to stay alive for a long time, youre rather suspicious, you know.

As if to give the statement an unnecessary boost, Walm agreed in a slightly hoarse voice.

If you can make sure those performers wont attack me, Ill obediently follow you.

Merrill waited for Faustos words, but no reply came. On the contrary, Faustos menacing expression returned to its original lifeless expression. It was as if he no longer cared about making a facade.

Fausto, what to do now?

Aside from their appearances, their eyes are dead serious. Well, Ive been acting suspiciously for a long time. Cant fool them this time.

What about these two and their equipment?

Im more than prepared. Throw them away.

Fausto, who failed to make false accusations, openly exchanged a conspiracy after committing the crime.

While the strangely stiff atmosphere lingered, the movement of the archer, who overlapped with the shield-wielder, made the awkwardness waver for a moment.

Even if Walm entered into the conversation, there was no way he could take his eyes off the dangerous archer.

Therefore, Walm shrugged off the archers quick shot, which even felt like an acrobatic feat. With a silly rattling sound, the arrow slid across the ground and spun wildly before coming to a stop at the feet of the Trimagitack member.

You sure, have bad manners.

Lilo, give up. Its a failure.

Paying no attention to Walm, who condemned the atrocities, Fausto admonished the archer not to use the arrows in vain.

Amid this strange tension, it was the Trimagitack who broke the silence.

So, Faustos party is a party of Manhunts?

To be honest, because his career is too beautiful, its rather suspicious, so its not unexpected. That being said, look at him. He killed two people in a five-to-one fight. If we hadnt come, Im sure hed have killed all five.

It was said in a cheerful tone that didnt fit the place where blood was spilled.

Nah, youre just thinking too much. I mean, no matter how, he looks like a dirty worn-out rag.

The rod-wielding woman criticized Walm. Certainly not a big mistake. Walm was now in just slightly better health than an abandoned dog.

So, do you wanna have a go with us, Fausto?

My business is only with him.

Nice joke. If only you said it without looking at us with such disgusting eyes. Youre targeting us too, arent you?

From the side, it sounded like a lighthearted conversation, but the Trimagitack was actually trying to take advantage of the situation.

Even if thats the case, would you take the risk to attack us?

I dont think well lose so easily, but, whats with those glaring eyes? Where did your usual gentle face go?

People are multifaceted. Judging only from one side is the bad thing about young people these days.

Ive learned a lot. So, whats the answer?

Well, Im quite busy. Young people should deepen their friendships themselves. See you all.

The probing for information ended, and Faustos party disappeared into the transport room, ending the strange triangle relationship. At last, there was only one side to which Walm could devote his attention.

What should we do, Merrill?

I dont think theres an ambush waiting on the surface, since there are guards there, but lets give a little time. That said, whyre you still looking so doubtful?

With opened arms, Merrill said to Walm, who had kept a certain distance and was glaring at the Trimagitack members.

You, really. We helped you, you know. Cant you at least say Thank you first?

Said the woman with a rod, furrowing her eyebrows in a bad mood.

Yeah, youre right. Youve saved me. But, after all, Ive just had my throat literally slit, by someone who spoke to me in a friendly way. I cant help but be doubtful.

Hmm a backup when in a bad situation or failed, is that what we look like?

Its not an impossible scenario.

Said the warrior-monk, nodding obediently to the possibility that the party leader mentioned.

Hari, which side are you on?!

Dont be so angry, Marianthe.

I mean, even though hes the oldest, he lacks any consideration. Instead of training in the labyrinth, you should train your head first.

Got it, Ill do the best that I can.

Now, now Look, we wouldnt do such a tedious thing. And if we are Faustos companions, nine of us wouldve crushed you from the start.

What a frank remark, but indeed quite refreshing to hear. Still, it was the truth. Walm had trouble even with five people. With two parties able to reach the 30th floor, Walm would probably be crushed if he didnt use Demon Fire.

So, what should we do with him?

Do you need help?

Im suppressing the bleeding with a magical barrier. If I can return to the treatment center on the surface, there wont be a problem.

Yeah right. Your character is twisted. For real.

Im glad that you can still talk so much. And guess, youre still doing fine on your own. Anyway, well carry the corpses. If theres no one in the safe room, the corpses and belongings will be swallowed after all. So, its better to drag them along.

Come on, Yuna. Hold the leg.

Im not good with heavy things. Why not let Hari carries both?

The archer, who had been watching from the sidelines, refused to lighten the load.

If Hari carries them all, both will be in even worse condition before we can hand them over to the guild staff. Come on, dont be lazy.

One corpse was carried by a warrior monk named Hari, the other by an archer named Yuna and a rod-wielder named Marianthe.

You wont help?

Im the escort

You mean the observer, right?

Although they were having a light talk, Walm had been under observation since Merrill entered the room. The colorful eyes caught Walm and never let him go. In doing so, of course, Merrill maintained a position and distance that was enough to fend off Walms surprise attack.

The same was true of the other Trimagitack members carrying the bodies Walm had just created. They were alert and watching over him, even if it wasnt so obvious.

Oh, youre aware of it? As expected of someone who could handle Faustos party. Itd be nice if I could see your battle with them.

With a smile like that of a child whose mischief had been discovered, Merrill continued.

The exit and entrance are paired. It looks like you came from the one used for those focused on the low-rank floors, so I dont think youll run into Fausto, but still, I suggest you jump a little later. Ill make arrangements with the guild staff to send you a healing magician.

Im sorry. And, thank you.

Hm? Seems that when youve calmed down, you can say thank you properly. Well then, see you on the surface.

The Trimagitack members carrying the corpses were swallowed by the black whirlpool and disappeared. As Walm watched their return to the surface, he heaved a sigh and lowered his tension by a notch.

Those performers, sure did a terrible job.

Even if two of them were killed, the price Walm paid for reaping skilled adventurers was by no means cheap.

Walm checked the condition of his neck, which had the deepest wound, and wrapped the bandages around it. If the attack had been off by only a few millimeters, his artery would have been severed.

Next would be the broken ribs. He didnt feel it reach his lung, but still, he was really annoyed by the pain. Aside from these two, there were numerous lacerations and bruises all over his body.

Walm rested his body, but as time slowly devoured him, his heart felt heavy.

In any case, Walm must return to the surface first. The innumerable wounds were too deep and numerous for a short natural recovery.

Calmly Walm counted the numbers and when it reached three hundred, he jumped into the black whirlpool.