“What are you saying Himemizu!?”

“I don’t mind. I’ve already acknowledge it. I have no plans to claim ownership over Kyosuke anyways”

“You too Akira!?”

Seems that the time Akira received food from Sugiura, he heard the sounds of trouble from Kogane and his group and rushed here. Afterwards, he saw Rin and I talking together and just watched the situation developed. How does he use that strange mind of his? Thanks to him, I thought my heart stopped beating for a moment. Wait, I have no heart though.

“But still, that fellow Kogane…..Treating Kyosuke like this so far….”

“Ahh, Hino-kun is getting angry”

“I’m not angry. It’s just that Kogane behavior in regards to Kyosuke, it feels as if there’s a strong resentment.”

“So you’re not angry……”

In just a moment, Akira’s body burst into flame. He also lost his arms, legs, face and body, but has yet to express any complaints or hardships which makes me wonder. Though I known him for quite awhile, there’s a slight annoyance because of not understanding at times.

“Kyosuke, I don’t know how you can stomach all of Kogane behaviors”

“Well, there’s no space in my stomach in the first place…..”

“I was asking seriously”

“Aah, un……..”

Well sure, Kogane’s behaviors are intolerable. For that reason, I want Ryuzaki to regain his leadership role to settle the class together.

But, its just a thought.

However, that’s separate from speaking to Rin and Sakuma in a vulgar manner. I won’t permit that and that’s already a fact. The first time was the eye, but the next time I’ll continue further. That’s where I’ll step over that line as it’s intolerable.

Kogane’s a friend. Though for his companions, I have no thoughts about it for now, as he’s still my friend for sure.

“Since he’s a friend, that gives me more reasons to express my opinion to him freely…I think”

Understanding my feeling, Rin spoke up

“Like throwing a punch?”

“If I didn’t fight, then that would be fine. But, if I didn’t do it, I’m sure someone else would have done it in my place”

“I see……”

Now after have our time to talk, bata bata as the sounds of someone running could be heard at the corridor. Those footsteps didn’t belong to one person…or two people at all. During that slight intermittent, a scream could be heard and both Akira and Rin turned towards that direction. Since I was in pieces and I couldn’t turn my head, Rin helped by shifting my head.

It was Gofunkawahara and Okuma. But, it was not just them

“Huh……its those labyrinth skeletons…….?”

Behind those two were the skeletons, following them.

“Uwaaaa! You’re broken into pieces again Utsurogi!!”

Gofunkawahara called out as he looked towards me.

“My bad Gofunkawahara, can you fix me again”

“Leave it to me. Since this is the 3rd time around, I’ll get it done in less than 10 minutes”

As I asked, he immediately set to work reconstructing my body. Since it’s cramped in the corridor, he brought it all to the dining hall to begin working.

Okuma brought the skeletons to where I was at.

“Utsurogi, the skeleton’s are acting weird debu. They probably want to talk with you debu”

“Skeletons and……me?”

As soon as I asked, they understood. The numerous skeletons nodded in sync, while their chins, kata kata, began moving to bring something to my attention. Perhaps if they had some facial muscles, the sounds they’re producing would slowly make their face more rugged.

The stairs connecting the 11th floor to the 10th floor, from ceiling to wall, were destroyed. It’s possibly the act of the Wight King.

Listening to what was spoken, a tense atmosphere filled the room.

“The Wight King…..you say, is it that time when Sacchan and the others met it?”

Gofunkawahara asked as he slowed the pace with my arm, while working on the reconstruction.

“If the walls and ceiling were crushed, wouldn’t the boundary it could hunt increase to the 10th floor too?”

“And it’s not just that alone. You have to think about the height and width of the stairs from the 10th floor upward. It’s possible its boundary spread to even the 5th floor already.”

From Rin and Akira’s words, the tension spread even more.

The 5th floor through the 10th floor is an important area, as it holds most of the food supplies and items that can be easily found. It’s possible that, including Kogane’s group that already went, there may be many classmates down there already. It would be fine if they noticed the abnormality soon, but its likely to be too late……

“Nee, is what was said true?”

Sugiura came out of the kitchen, asking with anxiety.

“I’m sure that Kogane-kun brought Ryuzaki-kun to go down to the 10thfloor….”

“………!!!”

“I’ve yet to attach your upper body yet Utsurogi. Don’t move.”

Gofunkawahara commanded as I attempted to stand.

“Ok, but after reconstructing we’re immediately going. Give me a hand Akira, Rin”

“Planning on bringing the armor, Kyosuke?”

Akira’s tone containing a hint of rebuke.

“We’ve yet to speak with Ryuzaki for his cooperation. If we leave now, we won’t accomplish our primary goals. It’s possible we’ll have to use 《Trinty FullCross》 against the Wight King”

“So you want to just sit around and do nothing? Kogane and Ryuzaki might die for sure!”

“Besides Ryuzaki, is it necessary for you to worry so much about Kogane too?”

“Akira…..!!”

“That’s why I hope you fix that habitual hasty thought of yours!!”

With reconstruction partially complete, I rose in protest to what Akira mentioned before.

“Moou….Guess it can’t be helped that you both would argue….”

As Rin muttered, Akira and I both sent sharp looks at her.

“U, Umm, I’ll also go……”

Everyone turned towards the dining hall entrance.

Standing there were three people. Since they were classmates, their faces were easily recognizable, though it was quite unexpected that they would be there. Especially the person in the middle. With silver hair, red pupils, two small horns sticking out and with a voluptuous body wrapped in thin cloth. In her hands was an empty tray as she about to return it.

“Sakuma…….”

The succubus Sacchan. She came here to return the silverware.

“I’m going too Utsurogi-kun. I’ll warn those who went down and tell them to take shelter from the 4th floor and above.”

“Sakuma? But……”

“It’s fine. I also want to be a person Utsurogi-kun can depend on. Just like Himemizu or even Akira”

Hearing those words, Gofukawahara Nya Nya as he smiled while
jabbing his elbow at me.

“Besides that, I’m also strong. I’ll come right after you, after making sure everyone has taken refuge. It’s fine since it’s not that dangerous right?”

Akira began pondering. Of course there is a safety plan, but if someone were to meet the Wight King by chance, we would not know what to do. Although we know that fire is its weakness, its possible that Sakuma alone would not be able to compete against it.

“It’s dangerous if you’re alone”

As I said that, Harui and Hebitsuka place their hands (or wing) on her shoulder.

“Like, if we go then its fine, right?”

“Well, I’m not strong but the least I can do is alert everyone”

“Then, we’ll also come along debu. “

Speaking while getting up was Okuma. Debbu as he slapped his
stomach and spoke to me.

“Exploring the labyrinth together with Gofunkawahara, we’re very knowledgeable about its structure debu! As soon as we finished organizing things, we’ll chase right after you debu. Is that fine debu? Gofunkawahara”

“Aah, I’ve already know what its like chasing your stinky stench. It’s impossible not to!”

These two will always be the regular good duo. As of now, Okuma has an extremely ugly figure as an orc. It caused the accompany girls, some of them at least, to slightly falter. Meanwhile, Sakuma immediately smiled and said 『Thank you, Okuma-kun』. The girl who was the number-one person poor at talking to men, greeted him from the beginning and caused Harui and Hebitsuka to reluctantly agree.

Well, those who are gossipy called them the “AV Duo” (primarily a specific group). But apparently from Rin, it seems that Okuma is dating Gofunkawahara’s sister. He’s faithful to his woman, I hope.

“Sacchan…….”

Returning the tray, Sakuma was about to leave the dining hall when Rin called out

“Eh, w, what?”

“Don’t overdo it. It’s not just Utsurogi-kun, but everyone is worried about you”

“Un…….Thank you”

Sakuma once again gave a smile and with Harui, Hebitsuka and Okuma, they began running through the corridor.

Rin, Akira, Gofunkawahara and myself along with the other skeletons were left behind. Going back to her kitchen, Sugiura took care of the trays that were just sent back. And like that 3 people….no, with Gofukawahara and the skeletons, 10 people began preparing.

“Everyone, make sure you eat before you go! It’ll be bad if you get hungry while out there”

Saying so, she returned again to the kitchen.

“Both Harui and Hebitsuka’s mood seemed fine. And after all the insulting gossip they did against Himemizu.”

“Whats wrong Akira? Its rare for you to get angry for another person”

“I’m not angry. But Himemizu is a friend of yours. Speaking ill to your friends, gives me the right to remember any resentments”

“Is that so, then can you stop using my standards to bash others….?”

I muttered with slight frustration. While viewing the scene, Rin hopped on top of the table and made her way to where I originally was. Then, in a cheery voice

“It’s fine, since I don’t mind at all! Lets eat!”

She also gave stew to the dumbfounded skeletons standing around. They were confused but upon seeing myself eating the stew, they imitated my actions. In this world, it seemed that their meals consist magical energy, so they began eating the food just exactly how I would. It’s kind of similar to an offering at the Buddha altar.

However, the food they ate fell straight to the floor. It’s going to be troublesome cleaning up afterward.

After earnestly reconstructing my body, Gofunkawahara began eating too.

“First of all Akira, we’ll run after Sakuma and the others but everyone else will be taking shelter. Is that fine?”

“Aah. It’s too late and I’m not going to say it as I’m exhausted. However, we will have to face the Wight King. There’s too much uncertain factors”

“But if we leave the Wight King as it is, we won’t be able to go just past 4thfloor anymore, right……”

As I said that and smacked my lips because of the stew (not that I have any), the skeletons also copied that.

It’s exactly that. The Wight King activity range would expand towards the 1st floor to the 10th floor. Doing so would greatly restrict our movement. We all would receive a serious blow if that were to happen. Since we can’t hunt large monsters at all, we might revert back to the days in which we struggled with food provision.

“But isn’t this a good thing?”

Rin lifted the bowl of stew up and the content was absorbed as she said that. I have to bear in mind that she has no other ways to eat besides what can be considered ‘rude’. I tilted my head to her question

“You say good, but how so?”

“Well, in this way we can go help everyone!”

She energetically replied as the bowl was placed back onto the table.

“With Gofunkawahara, Okuma, Sacchan! Also with Aya-chan, Harui-san and Hebitsuka-san. Together with the skeletons too! We all can go help the others. You see I, even though they said some awful things about me and even if they they gave me the cold shoulder. Even if no one said anything to you and I when they drove us both to the corner……..”

I’ve also thought of that.

There was not much bullying that happened in the class at first but as we tripped into a different world, that gave the first opportunity of it being actualized. The strong, the weak, those who possessed something, those who had nothing. With such wide difference, those like Washio and Hakuba began exerting violence on the weak students. Driving other students into a corner similar to Rin and myself.

In the middle of that, no one ever extended a helping hand.

“I thought others would be kinder. I didn’t know the situation on Utsurogi and Hino”

Gofunkawahara said as he earnestly worked on my bones again.

“But then again you’ve been kind. Especially to the classmates. Even if someone’s life is hanging, no one would want to help them, so I’m glad that you’re coming out of it alive, Utsurogi.”

“Aaah…..Thanks, Gofunkawahara

Akira silently watched our conversation. As I took the empty bowl, I glanced at Akira’s direction.

“Akira. I am…..”

“I know. You don’t have to say anymore. If you’re already planning, I also won’t plan to abandon the classmates too. “

Gofunkawahara whispered to Rin 『How does Hino understand Utsurogi that much just from us talking? 』to which Rin replied as usual 『You see, Hino-kun is Homo with Utsurogi-kun! 』. Thus explains how the rumor began to spread.

If only that fire ball just…

“However, I’m against trying to defeat the Wight King. I’ve said this clearly enough. For the safety of the base, someday we may have to fight, but even then……”

“Hey, Hino”

Gofunkawahara interrupted Akira

“What is it, Gofunkawahara”

“The armor that Okuma and I searched for, its for Utsurogi, Himemizu and yourself to use when you guys fuse together, right?”

“A, Aa…. Since the Wight King’s weakness is fire, I’m able to use my power to amplify Kyosuke and thought of that as a counter plan. But, I can’t say how much it amplifies though…..”

“I see now. Then, I got something else to add to that”

As the items was gradually placed on my body and confirming it, Gofunkawahara began to grinning broadly.

I got a bad feeling about this.

~~~~~Kogane POV~~~~~
“Flurry Wind Spirits, I order thee to cut my enemy down《Wind Cutter》!”

The pack of Gravehounds that blocked my path were decimated by my Spiritual Aria. As the other Gravehounds were scattered, I relentlessly pursued the remaining monsters.

“Blazing Fire Spirit, bring destruction upon the enemy 《Fire Ball》!”

Fireballs were sent rushing from several directions, smashing into the Gravehound as it hits the floor. The small scaled explosion swallowed the monster’s death throes. Rubbles fell as the explosion affected the ground and walls. Through the dense clouds of dust, several Gravehounds could be seen running away.

The shadowy figures behind me jumped out. It was Washio and Hakuba. Even more was Rooper, who used his tentacles to bind the Gravehounds attempting to ecape.

“Uoraa!”

“Ooooriaa!”

Washio with his legs and Hakuba with his horn delivered the final blow to the remaining Grave Hounds. From the beginning, they were a pack of 10 but dropped to 0 in a matter of minutes. Washio, Rooper and I high-fived each other, and we crossed arms with Hakuba’s horn in substitute for his arm.

“Amazing as always…..”

Kikino muttered in amazement. I gently smiled and laughed while saying

“If its this amount, its too easy. Soon, Kikino and Kumosaki will be able to do it too”

“Can we?”

“You can, you can. Both of you are extremely strong!”

My, Kogane Yoshiki’s smile, was refreshing. Kikino turned towards Kumosaki, whose face immediately turned red.

Currently, we’re on the 5th floor. The enemy to this extent were too easy, which is good. We’re all in an optimistic mood

“……….”

However, behind us was Ryuzaki as he made a difficult face.

“…….um, Kogane”

Thinking a bit and then speaking without restraint

“Eh, what? Aah, if it’s you it’s impossible. You’re not even worth it if a fight breaks out as you’re weak”

“Buu……”

I quickly replied, while Washio tried his best to not burst into a laughter from behind. Seems that both Hakuba and Rooper were also doing the same thing while snorting.

But Ryuzaki just shook his head

“No, what I meant was, don’t you think something was odd with those dogs?”

“Odd? Why?”

“No, it’s more like they were afraid of something…… Like they were running
away from something…..It gave off that kind of feeling”

Though Ryuzaki’s face was full of seriousness, I scornfully laughed.

“What? Trying to appeal to the crisis management? Well, then again, just the other day your confidence fell to the ground right”

“Wro….no, it’s different. That case is certainly like that but, the relation of that to this is……”

“Ok, ok, ok, ok. Well, be careful. But you know, this is only the 5th floor right? What monsters could they possibly be afraid of?”

It’s already well known that the Gravehounds were the top dog in the vicinity of the 5th floor. Their natural enemy would of course be the monstrous 2nd year class 4 students, but that’s not all.

Trying to point that out, Ryuzaki silently fell back to being silent. I
shrugged my shoulders.

It’s a good thing that I brought him along. Of course no one thought that.

His solid body made him be a great use as a shield. At first, we played at the thought of bringing him along but now it turned out to very annoying. Always saying unnecessary things and always dropping the mood.

“Ryuzaki, if you’re scared, its fine to return you know?”

“………..”

Being made fun of, Ryuzaki once again fell silent. He’s seriously not laid back.

“Ne-Ne-, Koganee-. Forget about him and lets go-“

Kumosaki brought her body closer as she said her suggestions. Though she’s not like Sacchan, her ample breast easily squeezed my arm. Recently, her actions have been bolder. Feeling good, I brought my arm to her waist.

“You’re right-, lets go-“

Washio and Hakuba began to indecently tease. Though it can get annoying, its not at all bad.

Kicking the corpse of the Gravehounds to clear the passage way, we continued forward. At that time, I heard a strange tremor like noise.

Zushin, Zushin , as the sounds were like a thick and heavy gigantic footstep. Kumosaki clung even tigher, while Washio and Hakuba anxiously looked towards me. The tremor even caused the walls and ceiling to shake, as pieces of grit fell down.

There should be no monsters in the 5th floor that is able to cause something like this. Something is weird.

“Kogane……”

Kumosaki’s face full of terror as she clung even tigher than before. While that was going on, the footsteps gradually approached.

“Wa, what….? What is it. What is that……”

“This huge thing, why is it here…..?”

Hakuba and Washio suddenly exposed their confusion.

At that moment, I saw the thing that was not supposed to be here.

Its shadow came from the passage and suddenly the figure appeared. 6 large arms, carrying two ominous shapes. It’s body nearing the edge of the ceiling. Recognizing its existence, my body completely stiffened.

“UOOOooooooooo…..”

It’s beastly war cry carried resentment and was like it resounded from the bottom of hell itself. Getting goose bumps. Why, why is this thing even here??!

The Wight King.

It was the abominable being that came from the 11th floor, where it trapped the classmates after encountering it. It’s height possibly going past 5 meters, its 6 arms each wielding grotesque blades and before we knew
it, everyone called its name 『Wight King』.

But this thing was not supposed to be here. It was impossible for its huge frame to pass through the narrow passage way from the 11th floor to the 10th floor. It was supposed to be absolutely peaceful
from the 1st floor to the 10th floor since it can’t reach here at all

And yet, it’s here in front of us.

“Ko, Kogane! Kogane, RUN!”

Kumosaki screamed as she pulled onto my arm, to which I finally came back from being stunned. Washio and Hakuba were already running. The Wight King glanced over and noticed us and slowly drew near.

Run? Right, I have to run. I can’t help it if I have to run.

However, I suddenly thought of the past. Sakuma and Tsurugi were able to hold out against this huge bastard. Even without our power, they were able to return alive too. If those two can do it, then I alone am more than enough

That’s right, I can do it. If it’s me, I can do it.

It’s because I’m strong that I can do it.

Right now I am not the bullied school child, the one sitting in the corner alone, the shrimp glasses wearing geek, the past Kogane Yoshiki.

I stood to protect Kumosaki and while glaring at the Wight King, began calling out the Spiritual Aria

“Blazing Fire Spirit, bring destruction up…….”

Just as I was about to finish, the Wight King returned its glare to me.

“Ah……”

Of the 4 eyes that were there, one had been crushed in. The remaining 3 had simultaneously glared at me. At that moment, I instinctively believed

I can’t win against it.

The sprouting fear is to difficult to erase. Forcibly entrapping me, all efforts to fight against it was in vain. Afraid of the strong, the timeframe to run, waiting for the storm to pass. Those thoughts repeatedly came to me. Feet are frozen in fear and I can’t move at all.

Not choosing to escape is literally a deadly mistake. Already, the Wight King drew closer than ever. Kumosaki screamed in desperation near my ears. However, the 6 swords were already swung, aiming at my head, and simultaneously descended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s finally the climax battle! Please Enjoy!!

Chapter end