Year 7443, Month 3, Day 12

Today, once again I tried going to the real estate agency aimed towards businesses. If possible a building which has a storefront attached on the main street close to the castle would (Obviously enough s.p.a.ce for one family to live is also necessary) be good. Since it will also act a work place it needs good water circulation, in other worlds a location where it's easy to use the drainage is desirable. I conveyed these conditions and said to contact me at the Boil Manor of Baldukk where I'm staying if something is found. I told them that if it was a purchase then 30,000,000 Z (30 gold coins), or lease then I'll pay up to 2,000,000 Z. This amount is slightly higher than the market price.

Since I said everything I wanted I quickly left the real estate agency but since I did a preliminary inspection of places that seemed to be good prospects it ended up eating quite a bit of time. During that time Gwine and the others went to Gwine's house and loaded all of her belongings for the time being into her carriage. I'm sure it's not a lot of stuff but it seems she's also going to discuss with an acquaintances company about taking over the grains and vegetable seeds remaining in inventory as well.

I was sure they would take a reasonable amount of time so I thought my business would finish sooner but they had already arrived at the meeting place. Since we didn't know at all how much time we would take we just vaguely set the meeting time to afternoon so it can't be helped but I felt a bit sorry I made the four of them wait. However, it seems they only arrived about 10 minutes before I did so it was perfect timing.

Looking at the carriage and their belongings are one backpack that seems to belong to Toris and this should be Gwine's stuff, there's two large baskets that seem to be came from rattan, three or four small baskets that I can see.

They all seem to be made of knitted rattan and have a lid on them. As expected she has more belongings than Bel and Ralpha.

Furthermore, in regards to Gwine's horse and carriage, we ended up setting negotiations with me buying the two horses for 5,000,000 Z and 6,000,000 Z each, and the carriage for 2,000,000 Z for total of 13,000,000 Z. The reason the prices of the horses is different is because it varies based on their age. The average lifespan of a horse is around 30 years. It seems rarely there's individuals that live over 40 though.

One of the horses was 12 years old, the ideal age for working and breeding so it cost the highest level of money and the other horse is 20 years old so that reduced the price a bit but honestly it's still around 1,000,000 Z more expensive than the market price. The carriage was right on the market price. Gwine was grateful for it, but it's fine. If it's grat.i.tude that can be bought with money then it's a good idea to buy it when the timing is right. Seeing that the three others each made different expressions. Obviously, it's an amount where I asked the market price at a horse merchant and added a bit of a bonus to that so I didn't seem like an idiot who doesn't know the market price, or at least I'll just say that.

After we finished up all of our business in the afternoon, it's finally time to depart to Baldukk.

Since the luggage has been reduced by quite a bit there's no problem with two on the coachman's seat and two in the back of the carriage. Yeah, well if I think about travel from here on out and while the price of the horses was a bit high it wasn't a bad purchase. Once I've made a headquarters for the company the convenience of having a carriage is completely different after all. Until then it'll be fine if I use

it like this as a small bus.

We met up with Zenom and the others as they were pulling out of the dungeon before dinner and once again started doing introductions while we all had dinner. It's deviating from our usual plans but tomorrow morning we're to do cooperation training. It's because it's necessary to properly confirm Toris and Gwine's movements before we enter the dungeon.

It's probably dangerous to include Gwine in the combat potential for the time being but it's still necessary to see how she carries her body, her stamina, and speed. We're adventurers who have finally just peeked into the 4th floor but since I'm here we rarely ever run into situations where we're troubled with combat or need to retreat. However, you never know what will happen in the dungeon.

It's not like every place has been explored after all, like that strange trap we've only run into once on the 2d floor, there's a countless number of unknown points in the dungeon. There's not even a perfect map of every corner of the 1st floor. I'm sure this would be different to produce even with Gwine's Unique Ability. Since she can only store information she's seen with her eyes in memory, it's the same that there's no information on traps after all.

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

Year 7443, Month 3, Day 13

One day has pa.s.sed and it's Monday, after breakfast we're all doing cooperation training. Toris was born in a Viscount family and it seems that sword techniques were pounded into him, but that night, it seems he lost to Bel in arm-wrestling so I remember him talking about it with a complicated face.

"Toris, Gwine, listen well to what I'm going to say. The sword and spear have several roughly decided forms. As a matter of fact there's only a handful number of forms you absolutely have to remember. Putting it simply just remember boxing. Jab and straight. The basic punches are these two. If you go into application then there's the hook, uppercut, but ultimately it's fine with just the jab and straight. It's crucial to first be able to use the jab accurately and look for the best timing to use a straight. If you can do this properly while you might not make it to champion you should be able to do decently. Is up to here fine?"

I show the way to punch with a shadow while saying that. While looking at the two of them nod I,

"In terms of the attacks of a punch those two are fine at the start. But, what you must never forget is the method of defense. Step, guarding with your arms, swaying, ducking, weaving, there's far more methods of defense than there are attack. Of course, there's also countless methods to move from defense to counterattack as well. That's why if you can just properly practice one or two fundamental attack methods, after that I think it's just a matter of polis.h.i.+ng your technique to protect yourselves."

The two of them are making slightly discontent expressions.

"Hn, it seems that you don't agree. Either one of you is fine, tell me the reason."

I said that and shrugged my shoulders.

"If you were to attack the opponent and defeat them first can't that be considered a valid method of defense?"

Toris said unsure.

"I've seen Toris-san fight against and defeat orks. Putting aside myself, is the style that Toris-san has used until now no good? I feel sorry that he's practicing together with someone like me.."

Gwine said that right after Toris. In her case, she wants to say the reason why I'm putting emphasis on defense is because of her I'm sure.

"Hn, I see. First Toris, what you're saying isn't mistaken. They do say that offense is the greatest defense after all. However, if it's an opponent strong enough to continue enduring your attacks, or rather, if an opponent good at defending comes out, what do you do? Leave your allies and run away? That's not a mistake either. Since it's all over if you die there. However, people who abandon their allies and run away lose their reliability with just that."

I said that and Toris  said in a panic.

"No way, there's no way I would run away. I'll give it my best."

"Eh? Give it your best and do what? If you can't land any attacks here and you haven't properly trained in defense then you'll quickly take an attack and get hurt. If it comes to that then running away immediately would be better. It's much better than the body of someone who's been injured being in the way or causing a burden for someone else trying to cover for them. What I'm trying to say isn't not to give it your best. Use all of your power to give it your best and stretch out the time before you receive any injuries. Start off by putting in the effort for that sake."

Toris was unable to think of what to say for a moment. During that time I face Gwine and said to her.

"Gwine, that's not something for you to worry about. Listen well, I will definitely not make fun of the two of you. It's just as you said Gwine, I'm sure you're bad with fighting. But, I wouldn't use that as a reason to make fun of you or look down on you. However, don't overestimate things too much either. There's often only one direction you can run in the dungeon. Depending on the case it's even possible that you'll have nowhere to run. Protect the direction of retreat and when there's nowhere to run you endure until you can find a chance for counterattack. This is important. In the first place I don't know Toris and Gwine's ability yet either.."

Even then I'm sure Gwine respects Toris combat potential since he saved her right in front of her eyes, and I'm sure Toris has some confidence in the swordsmans.h.i.+p he learned at his house as well. It's true that swordsmans.h.i.+p has protected him for these two years after all.

Though you know..this is just my prediction but if they were to fight one on one, I don't think Toris would be an opponent for Zenom and Ralpha, but he would probably win against Bel, Zulu, and Angela. Honestly speaking, I'm doubtful even about that. Well, putting aside winning, I honestly don't feel there's much point in that.

There's almost no cases where you would be fighting one on one in the dungeon and it's the same for war.

At the very least from the stories I've heard from my parents, brother, and sister-in-law there's almost no situations where it turns into one on one combat. Hmn, it might be difficult to put it into words. But I feel it's a bit childish if I take him on as the opponent.

"Well, it's fine. It's true if you're abilities, particularly Toris's true skill is excellent then it's all the better for us. Do you want to try a practice match?"

I cross my arms while saying. Honestly I can't help but think of it as playing around but as long as he can understand it's fine so it doesn't matter what the chance is. Since we've only just started training everyone is still swinging their swords towards their opponent warming up their bodies.

Toris says confident and Gwine says nervously as the two of them nod and I called out to everyone to gather.

"Sorry about this, there was was a bit of request from Toris and Gwine. They want to have a practice match. Is there anyone who wants to volunteer?"

Everyone is confused.

"Yeah, I thought to first confirm their abilities and then we can start training and confirm the details of our formations. Toris, is your weapon fine as the sword? Yeah. That's right, then, Zulu, I'll leave you t obe Toris's opponent. Angela you be Gwine's opponent. Gwine it's fine for you to use the spear...Toris, Zulu is around the middle in terms of ability among us five. Gwine, among us five Angela is the one with the lowest ability. Let's try doing a one on one with each of us then...Are you ready? Start!"

It seems that Toris is a bit more skilled than Zulu but because of the difference in reach on their swords he's unable to go on the attack. I'm sure Gwine isn't used to fighting itself, Angela easily was able to close the distance and she lost. Zulu is still holding on. Avoiding a direct hit, occasionally using his two-handed sword as a s.h.i.+eld, and focusing on defense. The only time he took an action like an attack was the first few hits and now he's only using a couple feints here and there.

Zenom crosses his arms expressionless and after a short while Ralpha lost interest and is yawning, Bel is watching Toris and Zulu's practice match with a stern expression. Since Gwine and Angela's match ended right away because of our positions I can't see what kind of faces they're making.

Yeah, Toris will probably lose soon. It's true he's using a variety of attacks. And from a glance he seems to be trifling with Zulu with his speed. But, after Zulu noticed that Toris was above him in terms of pure skill with the sword he gave up on quick movements right away and focused on defense. Putting it frankly, in terms of quick movements in our party Zulu is one of the highest. Zulu can move beyond what I can tell simply just from the Speed value when identifying him.

He's dodging Toris's attacks with the minimum amount of movements and not moving around in a flashy way. It looks like Toris is pus.h.i.+ng but it's almost been over 5 minutes since he started moving. I'm sure his stamina will run out. Zulu is composed and just paying attention to any attacks that might be a fatal blow. It should be pretty soon. The objective isn't for them to settle the practice match.

"Yes, the end."

While saying that I stabbed my wooden sword in between the two of them.

"Tori"Toris, do you understand?"

When I was going to talk my words overlapped with Bels. Nn~ Bel. I think that will just hurt Toris's pride. Stop there. I put my hand in front of Bel's face and interrupted her from saying anything more while I talked to Toris.

"You were above Zulu in terms of skill. However, the stamina of Laios are above that of an Elf or Human. It was difficult once Zulu switched to defense right?"

Toris bites his lip with a mortifying expression while saying.

"I couldn't cut in..d.a.m.n it."

"Yeah, that was unfortunate. Well, I'm sure you're tired, take a short rest."

I said that and turned around and said.

"Then, I guess so. Since Gwine and Angela don't seem all that tired..Gwine, was Angela strong?"

"Yeah, before I knew what was going on she was by my side and I was beaten.."

After hearing Angela was the weakest Gwine must have though she had a bit of a chance but it seems it was a shock that it ended before she could do anything.

"That's right, Ralpha, team up with Angela and Bel. Bel don't use the bow. Just the sword. Zenom team up with Gwine and do a 3v2 practice match. I'll give Zenom and Gwine just one minute to come up with a plan. Ralpha you guys are goblins."

Goblin is a specialty term we use during training meaning "no cooperating, free combat". Even if your ally standing next to you falls into danger, you just keep trying to attack the enemy in front of you ignoring it as the tactic. After hearing that it seems everyone understood the meaning. Zenom approached Gwine and seems to be teaching her what to do. Behind me Toris is talking to Zulu.

"Hey~ About how strong is that Zenom-san?"

"Among us he's the next strongest after master."

"..I guess that's true..After that it's all women..And, eh? ZUlu, he said you were in the center of the five. You aren't the next strongest after Zenom-san?"

"Yes, after Zenom-san is Ral. After that is barely me. Koloil-sama is a bit more than me..that is, I think it would be best to say I'm one step above Koloil-sama in close combat. Angela is a bit behind us."

"Hn..Is that how it is.."

Well just watch. The true ability of Zenom who spent countless years protecting and raising Ralpha on his own.

It's been about one minute.

"Then, let's go. Start!"

When it comes to axes we couldn't just make a wooden dummy of them. Since there's a lot of techniques that make use of their weight, or more accurately there's too many attack methods which depend on precise use of the blade. Of course there's also the method of making use of the weight and hitting with the peak as well.

Well, putting aside the pain I can heal their wounds right away, and it's not like they're going to hit strong enough to cut off any limbs so even during training only Zenom and Ralpha are using their hand-axes the same usual. Since Zenom can use the sword as well I thought he would use the wooden sword but since he's essentially doing 1v3 against reasonably strong opponents today he gave up on the reach and went with the weapon he's used to I'm sure.

It was easy to identify what Zenom told to Gwine right away. Gwine stands in a position where she's using Zenom as a s.h.i.+eld and while Zenom takes on the weapon of the opponent with his axe, only when their posture has collapsed he instructed her to attack with the spear. It seems that Zenom himself has already decided not to attack the opponents himself and is focusing only on defense and interfering with the opponent.

Well if that wasn't the case, then no matter who crude the coordination is in their movements there's not many people who could take on three adventurers alone. Even if they have a weapon defeating several people who have weapons is generally unreasonable unless there's a large difference in skill. It would be different if they're normally training in preparation of taking on multiple opponents but even that's just an extension to the amount of time they can hold out.

For starters, Angela took Gwine's spear twice and retreated the battle. But, after all it seems that the fatigue is building up for Zenom who's evading, receiving, and parrying the attacks of three people. Even though I say that, it was great that they managed to defeat Angela who has the longest and most troublesome reach with her broadsword first. It should have gotten much easier with that.

With this the chances of Bel and Ralpha winning are close to none for as long as Zenom can hold out. Zenom's ability is above them. Since it's two on one they still have the advantage but trying to land a valid hit on Zenom when he's focusing on defense and they're not allowed to cooperate is a bit difficult. Zenom is using the hand-axe in his right hand to parry the thrusts from Bel's short sword and his left hand to keep the axe Ralpha is swinging around in check, and occasionally putting in some blows to the handle of Ralpha's axe or her hand in order to s.h.i.+ft it's trajectory.

I'm sure Gwine is doing just as she planned with Zenom, whenever the opponent's guard is down after being parried by Zenom she thrusts in with her spear. Ralpha and Bel have already taken Gwine's spear once each. I'm sure it'll end soon.

I looked at Toris who was still sitting on the ground. He's looking at the practice match with a serious face. Judging from that look he probably has started to understand. After returning my gaze to the practice match and it was just as Gwine was. .h.i.tting Bel with the spear. And then Zenom immediately went on the offensive and since his ability is higher on top of being 2v1.

Ralpha was defeated in no time at all.

"Yes~ It's Zenom and Gwine's victory."

I declared that before identifying everyone once again. It doesn't seem like anyone has suffered any major injuries. As expected of Zenom. I guess it's because Zulu and Angela have been coached by Zenom for this past month or so, I somehow feel like their skill with the sword is going up.

"Toris, do you understand now? Unless there's a huge difference in skill between the swordsman in front of you, there's no need to attack the opponent. In our case, the ones who attack are Bel and I. Of course if the opponent is something weak like goblins or gnolls then as long as they don't let their guard the front-line can attack if they find the chance, and as a matter of fact they're finis.h.i.+ng them off pretty often like that.

However, when it comes to Orks or Hobgoblins the opponent comes with a reasonable amount of cooperation as well, if you defeat one or two of them then they immediately start to retreat. If it comes to that the earnings from magic stones decreased. It's reasonably difficult to completely wipe them out without using our heads like matching up the timing to finish them all off at once without even giving them a chance to retreat, or Bel and I use magic together."

Toris honestly nodded.

"Yeah. And so. While Toris is holding out and remaining his ground Bel is safe during that time. She can safely shoot an arrow. There's nothing more foolish then you trying to get an attack in on the opponent only to take an attack from someone else. There's no need to attack the person in front of you unless the timing ensures you'll be fine. If you were to use an extreme argument you don't even need a weapon. It's effective to just be standing there properly holding a s.h.i.+eld.

"It's a weird expression but it's not a computer game" so even a light injury will cause your movements to dull and make it easier to get tired. Even the pain shaves away at your concentration. That's why the most important thing is to remain standing without receiving any injuries."

Toris is nodding seriously. It seems he was properly able to understand it.

"That's why when it comes to sword techniques other than the basic ones the ones that are useful for defending are effective. Like Zenom just did..In his case it's an axe though, learning how to block and parry are first. Techniques for attacking are fine to learn after that. However, just don't misunderstand this. I have no intention of making light of a one on one fight, and I know the importance of attacking as well. What I want to say is nothing more than the order of importance."

Well, I guess this is about right. If he properly understands then there should be no problem.

"Sorry about interrupting. Then let's do it like him as well."

I said that and opened my mouth to Toris and Gwine again.

"Let alone the basics of attacking, Toris has even been able to use it in application so his training will focus on defense. That basic thrust of Gwine's is plenty as an attack for now. I'm sure what necessary is the decision-making and how to use your body to prevent the opponent from getting near you."

I said that and took the wooden sword in my hand.

"Then I'm the villain. While Toris is enduring my attacks, Gwine you try to find an opening to stab me with your spear. For Toris is essential for you to try and create openings in my stand while you're focusing on defense. It's fine if Gwine can thrust into that opening after all. Oh~ come to think of it I didn't mention it. The greatest advantage is to take on your opponent with a greater number than them. It's the ideal method of fighting to surround an individual with a group and beat them from every side. It sounds cheap but this is reality."

I said that and started their training in cooperation.

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

After finis.h.i.+ng training and eating some lunch, including Gwine and Toris, the eight of us descended into the dungeon. For the time being there's the matter of the map so I don't intend to aim for a very deep floor. The most important thing is to finish producing the map of the 3rd floor which is only half complete. There's still blank s.p.a.ces remaining on the 1st and 2nd floors but compared to the 3rd floor it's only a small portion and there's not really any fatal traps so it's fine to just put off.

On our way to the 3rd floor it should be fine if we only add to the map when we luckily(?) teleport into an unexplored area.

For the first time in a while we spent a night in the teleport room of the 2nd floor while teleporting into the 3rd floor over and over.

Right now if Gwine uses {Mapping} just once for roughly one hour she can remember everything she sees. I was once again shown the influence of that. Even Zenom was shocked by how she was casually drawing every twist and turn she saw while we just kept walking around during the short breaks.

I stealthily tried asking and it seems that she's understood her Unique Ability quite a bit and is doing nothing more than transcribing the contents of something like a map in her head. I wonder if she originally had some skill as an artist? It feels strangely good.

With no particular problems in combat we wiped out every enemy we came across. It truly feels like we're meeting up to our name as the {Slaughterers}. Putting aside Toris, I thought Gwine would be disgusted by taking magic stones from the corpses of monsters, but it seems she didn't think much about it at all.

Since she's been brought around peddling with her parents since she was an infant, she said she's occasionally seen the escorting adventurers fighting monsters or the take magic stones from them.

If it's like this then in 2-3 months we might really be able to produce a really accurate map of the 3rd floor.