I just showed Mizuno something weird.
It's nothing but shame for a man to cry...
Besides, I can't believe the elementary school kids comfort me after that...
I was purely happy what Mizuno said to me, but embarrassed...
... well... fine.
It's too much talk......
From today on, let's change our minds and encourage you to explore the underground labyrinth.
I'm in no position to rely on anyone.
We may be exchanging mapping data inside the labyrinth between guilds, but we don't benefit from that either.
In other words, I have to map the journey from the 91 underground to the 100 underground.
To be clear, this is pretty harsh.
If we don't hurry up, the rest of us may reach a hundred levels underground, and we don't have time to rest.
There was one case of Mizuno, so quickly, I needed to return (log out) to Earth.
but from here on out, I will never return (log out) until I attack the underground labyrinth.
I took an oath in my heart as I walked down the hallway of the ward with Mizuno.
When Mizuno and I broke up, I came to the staff room with those legs.
Because Dr. Hayakawa had called me in.
"In the future, if you are exploring the underground labyrinth, I will only allow you to dive with Mr. Asahina"
"... is!?
So I was conditioned by Dr. Hayakawa to dive into the underground labyrinth.
"Mi... with Asahi Bina, why do you add such conditions now?
Like me, I asked Dr. Hayakawa, looking at Mina, a female student called here.
"Why, if I don't tell you this, you're going to be alone again."
Then Mina answered in place of Dr. Hayakawa.
"... Is this your suggestion, Mina?
"That's right. I'm still pretty conceded on this, are you dissatisfied?
".................. sort of"
Hopefully, I don't want Mina to come to Earth anymore.
Because they might be targeted by Kara.
I don't want to put anyone close to me at risk anymore.
Yet Mina is still a willing man to come to Earth.
This is... trouble.
"I'm not quitting my Earth investigation."
"But it's dangerous."
"That's the same for you, isn't it? I'm not the only one in danger."
"But..."
"Besides, if it's dangerous, I don't want you to protect me. If we're going to be together four or six hours in a labyrinth expedition, you can always protect us, okay?
…………
Protect me with such grandeur. Even if you speak...
It's the safest place for you to stay on Earth, so I want you to.
"This is also about showing you around. No matter how strong you are, I've always thought it was too risky to dive into an underground labyrinth alone."
"No, but..."
"That's it. I'll see you both in Earth."
"Hey, Doctor -"
... Dr. Hayagawa took his seat without waiting for my reply and left Stasta and the staff room.
He got away.
Is this a decision already?
"... are you really going to come with me?
I couldn't give up. I asked Mina in a threatening voice, staring at her.
Yeah, I'm gonna do that.
... No matter how much she stared, Mina didn't seem to intend to bend her suggestion.
Mina's pretty stubborn, isn't she?
I don't think it's a bad idea because I can also see that I am willing to do so.
"I couldn't say much back before, but I can't be your luggage"
"I guess..."
Although I have some things to say, it really helped that Mina came when rescuing Mizuno.
So I can't certify her baggage here.
"But you have guild activity. What are you gonna do?"
"You're going to have to be absent. In some cases, I might leave... just like you."
…………
Is that... I mean... is that what you mean?
"The reason you started acting alone wasn't just because you became sticky with weird enemies, was it?
…………
"If you're going to be a traitor, I don't want one either"
"... are you insane, Mina?
"I am sane to be here. Wouldn't it be strange if I had the same purpose as you?
Well...... it sure is.
This word... is believable.
My purpose is twofold.
One is to kill Kara.
I will never forgive him for hurting Sakuya and depriving him of his memory.
I'll make sure you get paid.
And another purpose is… to help the gods trapped in the underground labyrinth… to monopolize the rewards they get there.
The attack of the underground labyrinth, rescuing the Crosses, God of Earth, says they will grant only one wish for anything.
Technically, the wish seems to come true within the bounds of what the Crosses can do, but it is nevertheless rewarding enough to say a miracle.
So I... I want Sakya's memory back there.
Spend that extra-large miracle by God.
Of course, that can't be allowed.
If I really consumed God's miracle to revive Sakya's memory, I wouldn't be able to get enough eyeballs from my teacher.
But I decided to do it.
Attack the underground labyrinth sooner than anyone else to receive God's miracle sooner than anyone else.
That purpose is what drives me now.
… does Mina have such a purpose again?
Then what am I supposed to say?
Sakuya is my best friend.
"... oh, I know"
Mina was close to Sakya.
I understand that very well, too, right next door.
So no wonder Mina tries to help Sakya.
But is that why you can keep Mina company like this?
If we use God's miracle at our discretion, we will undoubtedly get some kind of penalty from the Genius Administration.
I don't know how much that will be.
but it should never be a good thing to be optimistic.
Besides what the IGAD is talking about, I am also concerned that the mindset from the classmates will suck.
Sakya wasn't the only one who lost his memory.
Even if numerous safety measures are laid, it should be noted that nearly a hundred retirees have been released so far.
Even the people close to those retirees want their memories back.
It cannot be accepted that only Sakya will revive his memory with the miracle of God.
I'm trying to turn all sorts of people against my enemies.
I'm ready to be resented by someone, and I'm ready to be put on hold.
But is Mina prepared to do that?
"I'll tell you what, this is my decision. So whatever comes down to me ahead, it's on me. I don't need you to feel anything."
... Apparently, Mina just guessed what I was thinking.
Are you saying my poker face is still there?
"Ha... ok. I don't care anymore. Be my guest."
"I'm glad you understand."
For today, I'm losing.
You can't stop me from eating mina anymore.
"But protect yourself. Don't count on me."
"Copy that. Let's go to Earth soon."
"Oh."
This is how I decided to act with Mina on Earth.
"... Sabu"
Mina and I broke up temporarily. I... came to the usual square in the school facility.
How many times has this been done, sitting on a bench in the square and looking out at the sky?
I tried to go straight to Earth while Nori was in the staff room, but I couldn't.
The reason is that the LSS (life-support device) adjustment was still there.
Well, I can't help this.
This is the device I used until a few hours ago, so I have to re-adjust it.
In an hour's time, we'll be able to use it again, so wait till then.
Even so, it's cold.
I feel the cold is increasing with every day I follow.
Wouldn't it be snowing by Christmas?
Still, when I have time, I follow you to this place.
Is it because I've been getting into that habit lately here?
Or...
"Oh, I was really there. Hello, Ichinose."
"... hello"
If I was thinking about that, a female student who I've come across a lot here lately - Sunshadow (Hikarashi) Sakura came to me today.