story1-10 "The Fight Begins"

"Like... A human?"

There was a person. If it was a regular dungeon, it wouldn't be odd. There's a cla.s.s called "Explorer" as well.

However, they wouldn't be where we're at. Especially since we're in the unknown 60th floor.

If what Hamakaze said a moment ago　was true it would be a turn for the better.

Probably, the answer was no.

"Yes. If it is a human then you might be able to talk to them."

"Yeah, it would be nice if it goes well."

If they don't have any hostility they won't attack. I'm pretty sure if some unknown person came in and started attacking, they would unmistakenably try to kill me.

"If it was sealed that tightly there must have been a good reason."

"That's... Right."

"However, we can't throw away the possibility- even though that's very slim."

I took a deep breath.

"Anyhow, the thing that killed me should be the key point here."

That strength was absurd. It doesn't compare to any of the monsters we've fought. It draws a line.

"What do you mean?"

"If we beat it we I can get a strong servant, and clearing the dungeon would be a breeze."

It completely ignored my Endurance and sliced me. I can definitely use it.

Also, there's one more thing. It's only my hunch, but...

"What if we beat that thing, we clear the dungeon?"

"If that's so, maybe this was why this place was sealed up?"

Hamakaze didn't deny my opinion. However, she pointed out the contradiction.

In the end, a third-party really does help, and grasps things that I don't. I'm not perfect.

It would be stupid to dismiss another person's opinion. What ever it is, if it's usable I'll use it.

Hamakaze smootly　agreed with me and also added some doubts to consider.

"That might be valid. Whatever the reason, in the end there's only one more route to go."

Putting it that way makes things simple, but in practice it's difficult.

However, I can't just stand here, or I can't beat the c.r.a.p out of Samejima.

"Getting back to topic, Hamakaze. Tell me how I was when I was killed. How and from what did I die? Just tell me what you know."

"... There's a limit to how far I remember, but..."

"First, when you opened the door you were about to use Berserk Tempest. Also, you weren't in the room yet."

I do remember that. I then suddenly realized my arm flew off... Remembering that sort of brings back the feeling of the pain.

"After that, you suddenly fell flat. After that..."

"I died, right?"

"Yes."

"What happened after that?"

"Your lower half was fine... So I took it and moved away. That's all."

"That's it. I'm sort of hung up there... Why did the enemy let me go? If you were able to retrieve me then you should've been inside its attack range."

"...I, also thought about it. Is there some sort of reason?"

...A reason, huh?

Why didn't it attack... No, it couldn't attack...?

If I was the enemy, I wouldn't let myself escape. I'd take their life.

Hypothetically speaking, maybe there was some sort of condition, and because of that it couldn't attack...?

The chains sealing the room were tightly shut. That means it was set up so that the being inside wouldn't be let out. However, with Hamakaze's magic it was easily cut.

"...Huh?"

I remember an odd feeling.

If the chains were easily broken by Spirit-rank magic, it would easily break out.

But, it didn't.

Which means, it wasn't the chains, but if it's something the enemy itself can't control then--

The doubts were solved, and I figured it out.

"...Hamakaze. When I died, where was my corpse?"

"Your... corpse?"

"Yeah. What if... My lower half was outside the room, and my inner half inside...?

"Y-Yes, it was so.... Do you remember anything after you died?

Hamakaze looked frankly shocked.

"...No, it's just a guess. A guess... but I believe in it."

It didn't come out. It didn't reach out.

In that case, there would be many ways to lay my hands on it

"It killed me once. I'll need to return the favor... right?"

I dusted off the dirt on my rear. Hamakaze, who was already standing up, came to my side.

"I'll kill it, the monster sealed within."

"As you wish."

We moved out to grab the things I needed in the plan I thought up.

The doors opened again. The chains were just like the Monster House in the 51st floor.

As I thought, this room has some sort of importance.

The smoke came out from the gap. Only this room rewound time.

The slaves I have are Hamakaze, High Wolf 1 and 2.

"As the door opens, High Wolves 1 and 2, rush in. Hamakaze, protect my life."

I gave out their "Absolute Order".

To attack, I'll need to get rid of that mist. However, we don't have the time for that.

As Hamakaze said, the enemy didn't come out for me. I think it's "couldn't come out", instead of "didn't come out".

Moreover, the part that was cut off from me was the part that was inside. The latter didn't get cut. It didn't lay a finger on it.

Which means, it's safer to attack from the outside.

That's what I think.

Of course, while looking for the High Wolves, I explained it to Hamakaze as well. She concured, and even swore to defend me by my side.

And then, we arrived here.

"...Daichi,"

"This time I'll kill it with Berserk Tempest. You protect me."

"...Alright."

Hamakaze readied her knife, and started casting Wind, while I readied Berserk Tempest.

High Wolf 1 was bait to attract attention. 

"Alright! Hamakaze! Open the door!"

"Roger!"

Hamakaze opened the heavy gates.

The signal to fight to the death.

"Number 1! Go!!"

"Groowwlll!!!"

The howling silver wolf jumped into the room of death.

"Guooooo!!"

A ferocious cry erased the High Wolf's roars. I remember hearing it, but I can't see it.

The giant shadow it cast was enough.

"Goooaaaaa!"

The wolf was recklessly cut. At this timing, Wolf 2 rushes in.

At the same time I released my magic.

"Berserk Tempest!!"

The gales blew forth. The smoke dissipated, and the blew towards us.

"Wind!!"

Hamakaze blew away the smoke that covered out vision.

At this moment I couldn't move away my eyes.

A metallic sound resonated.

The sliced up High Wolf's flesh dropped down.

The smoke disappeared, and the room became slightly brighter.

The smoke finally cleared== And the being inside opened its eyes.

The giant shadow was just an illusion.

There was no giant; instead there was a girl adorned in a black robe.

The wind magic blew off her hood, her features became clear.

It wasn't far off from what Hamakaze described.

It wasn't a human, but it was in the shape of a human.

"...Oi, are you kidding me?"

"...It can't be..."

They were told in legends of the previous world.

They're the incarnation of people's fear. The long sword stained in blood. Red skin. Burning scarlet eyes.

s.h.i.+ning horns growing from the head.

Yes, they're...

Oni.

"This is the second time we face, heroes?"

A hostile smile and short teeth.

My senses are telling me danger.

That woman had the same murderous intent.

She was the one that killed me.

Her body above all told me.

It was the figure of one who hunts lives.

In front of her, was us.

"Now then... Shall the killing begin?"

The impending slice finally cut down the curtains of this fight to the death.