Of Course, Risks Must Be Taken. (11.

1) … Five roars sprung into existence, blasting away the forest,

and slamming into Rivira. The building struck head on was a wooden, tough-looking tenem
evaporated into wooden shards. If there was anyone inside, I had no doubt they were dead,
because the wave of pressure that followed the roar swe despite the fact I was more than a
hundred meters away. Without my axe, I was as light as a feather. I would've flown straight into
the 'wilderness' i bandaged hand grabbing hold of me and tugging me behind a massive shield.
"Hikigaya, get your students! No. Get everyone and everything you need! You're this town's only
shot at surviving!" Elder spoke once the pressure fr ended a moment afterward. The gruff man's
face was set in stone, determined, as he turned to face the massive Monster Rex. There was
something form, how he was moving himself, which made him seem larger than life at that
moment. I couldn't think of it too much as he pushed me off the bui slipped something between
the folds of my cloak. "Find Orimoto, get to my workshop, and take the Udae-!" Another blast,
closer this time, sent me flying away before Elder finished speaking. However, thankfully, my mind
finally managed to catch up with th Reduce speed via friction. Correct posture. Minimize risk to
spine. Wounds incurred while stopping descent irrelevant. Cannot afford to lose time. Mu
Students. No. Must find Orimoto. Elder known Level 3 Blacksmith. Capable of making powerful
equipment. Find and acquire weapon. If powerful eno prove to be decisive method of finishing
opponent. Rivira met the blasts head on. The parties preparing to guard the 'caravan' that was
going to leave easily shifting towards fighting the Asura. Mages massive spells, hefting large staves
with simple designs. Nearly every warrior touted a massive great shield. Archers touting massive
packs disappea forest, and mere moments after, small explosions began to envelope the Asura's
skin. "Keep the Mages safe! They're our best means of destroying the blasted thing! If they need a
new Amplify Stave, make sure it gets to them!" "I don't need a Healer! I have positions! Get over
to the northwest position!" "Blacksmiths and Hunters need to be making Crystal Arrows and
Staves, our stockpiles won't last forever!" No matter how I looked at the situation, the townsfolk
of Rivira seemed to be planning on fighting since the start. I wanted to call them idiotic, mayb
arrogant, but watching them take up arms and fight for their lives only made bile rise in my throat.
Disgust rose within me, not at them, but at myse everyone was preparing for a fight, I had simply
secluded myself and waited for good news to come. I was the only one who really contemplated
run wasn't I? In hindsight, it was a mistake to think that matters could be as simple as retreating.
This wasn't a game where battles can be picked all the Sometimes, battles came to you. Grab
Amplify Stave from floor. Better quality than own. Will not fit into Axe. Axe will not be of use
against Asura. Utilize as primary weapon. Cast Con Haste. Divert wooden column from ally. Greatly
increased effect. Will triple strength of Ceaseless Thunder Bolt Battery. Will not allow for Lightning
Co Warn Ally of coming Roar. Raw power required. Finesse not required. Distribute spare Potions.
Acquire more at later date. Must acquire for fellow Ma and Mikoto. One. Two. Three. Four. Five.
One spare. Push away Adventurer from collapsing wall. Carry wounded. Mend. Place elsewhere.
As Elder said, the Dungeon is cruel and wished to crush our hopes, but I knew there was more to
that statement. I knew, as a rather cruel person m hope is something everyone would pursue if it
was present. Even if the situation is ridiculously dire and terrifying, if there was a glimpse of hope,
peo fight for it tooth and nail. Cornered, terrified, and with the only way out through the enemy…
it's when both people and monsters are the strongest. Dungeon and I knew that hope was
something that needed to be crushed, that we had to force our opponent to know that they
already lost. Howeve myself, it appeared that the Dungeon underestimated just how dogged and
ruthless Adventurers were. Objective found. Fetch. Keep moving. "Hikigaya, what are you doing!?"
Orimoto was not pleased with her sudden abduction. As she was helping deploy a ballista.
Undoubtedly, given the M Crystals covered in pitch that were in crates, it was some sort of new
weapon. I, of course, knew the worth of powerful, explosive weaponry, howeve that my former
classmate had focused her Skill on applying Monster Crystals to every weapon she could get her
hands on. "We don't have time for t Explain situation. Show key. Report Elder's statement
regarding some sort of powerful weapon. Stop Adventurer before they are crushed by tree trun
casting Mend on any injured. No time to make sure of safety. Lives in their own hands. Not rescue.
Repairing assets capable of damage. Ensure ally back safely. "Of course! The Udaeus sword! He
must have finished it already!" Orimoto's arms on my neck tightened. My former classmate
ignored my grunt of s one, was glad that she did not follow the Standard Female Adventurer
Wardrobe. Also, for such an overpowered skill, isn't it sort of dumb that I can by a girl pressing
herself against me!? Zaimokuza, that's the stupidest shortcoming to such a broken skill! "We need
to head to the topmost house! G key and five minutes, just keep supporting the regular
adventurers until I come back!" Answer affirmative. Evaluate situation. Asura heading towards
town. Very lightly wounded… but no sign of regeneration. Good. Can properly focus at nearby
Mage group. Move and utilize Mend on movement. Aid in relocating individuals. Level 3 Warriors
realizing benefits of moving Mages away. Go Repeat actions. Ask Adventurer to relay meeting
point for allies and students. Continue supporting allies. Enough time has elapsed. Return to
Orimot  Browse Just In Community Forum Betas Story My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU/ やは
り俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている + Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatte Iru
Darou ka Crossover (/My-Teen-Ro %E3%82%84%E3%81%AF%E3%82%8A%E4%BF%BA%E3%81%AE
%E9%9D%92%E6%98%A5%E3%83%A9%E3%83%96%E3%82%B3%E3%83%A1%E3%81% ni-Deai-o-
Motomeru-no-wa-Machigatte-Iru-Darou-ka_Crossovers/10683/11612/)  +  -    
"Good, you're here! We need to get to that white-haired student of yours right away!" Orimoto,
possibly because of her focus on objectives, didn't ha simply opening her arms to be picked up.
Despite the buffeting winds generated by my Amplified Continuous Haste, she managed to speak
to me du proximity. My former classmate held something faintly resembling a sword. Wrapped in
cloth, I couldn't see what it truly was. "From what I could tel enhance the power of Magic Swords,
right? If we get this to her, we'll be able to deal an immense amount of damage, enough to simply
leave finishin others!" No complications in plan. Move towards students and allies immediately. …
Despite having fought two Goliaths, one of whom was much more powerful than the other, my
students and allies were not content simply sitting sti while almost 400 fellow Adventurers were
putting their lives on the line did not please them in the slightest. Cranel was the most antsy of my
studen constantly flitting towards the Magic Swords Rivira had restocked us with. Hiryute,
especially, was both discontent and irritated with the fact that she others. I won't be apologizing
later, however, it did me well to see them all in one piece. Besides their own personal feelings,
however, they all knew that what they were doing was important. Namely, Crozzo, Challia, and
Viridis had all been working towards turning the Goliath Crystal into something that could destroy
the massive boulder escape. Around a dozen other Blacksmiths and Mages were working with
them. Though Lefiya was the highest Level among them, Crozzo was leadin group. He was also
undoubtedly working the hardest in regards to turning the massive crystal into a very powerful
Magic Sword. With everyone's lives on the line and with the impending arrival of a Calamity
Monster King, he had agreed to using his Crozzo Blood to turn the mas Stone made from the
Goliath Crystal into a Magic Sword. There was a fine line between arrogance and pride. I was
thankful that Crozzo knew the dif that line. As he hammered and shaped the massive chunk still
being transformed by the Mages, his helpers were gathering the shards of the Goliath and shaping
them into other staves, arrows, and ballista bolts. While the Adventurers on the frontline were
holding off the Asura, this place and its resources were our only chance of achieving victory.
"Sensei! We got your message!" Cranel wasn't the first to notice me, but my white-haired student
called out to me first. Though Viridis, Challia, and moment to glance up. However, they didn't do
anything more than that. They know the stakes. Despite the fact we were in great danger, Cranel
didn worried in the slightest. "You have something planned, right?" "More of a longshot than a
plan, but it's a plan." Orimoto pushed herself off me, quickly unwrapped the Magic Sword from its
cloth, and pressed it in hands. It was one of the strangest weapons I'd seen. A hunk of obsidian
molded onto some sort of wood-like material. There was another handle slig the other one. It
would have to be swung like a scythe. "This is the Udaeus Sword, you can use it with your Skill, and
it should heavily damage the M Possibly enough for the Goliath Magic Sword to destroy it.
Everyone else will be running interference." The words that went unsaid, of course, was the fact
that 'interference' entailed a lot of risk. The majority of my group was Level 2 and 3. Against the
they could be killed in a single blow. I wouldn't be surprised if they had objections to the plan-.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Laulos spoke up first, giving a nod before taking up one of the
quivers of Crystal Arrows produced by the small prod and a bow. "It hasn't been healing since it
came out of its egg, so that means the sooner the kid uses his Skill, the sooner that thing loses a
few face right?" My short-haired student jammed a thumb towards herself. "I don't know about
you, but I think it'll be a lot easier to kill if someone forced it t What followed was a deluge of
affirmations of the same words, altered ever so slightly. Nelly noted that the legs would be the
best target. Erisuis ref by saying that it would merely claw its way towards us. Arde countered with
the statement that it was entirely possible that Cranel could miss. Of co words merely incited
Cranel to swear that he wouldn't. Hiryute, in the end, intervened with the statement that she'll
probably kill it even if Cranel co It was typical of the Shounen genre, the moment where the
'team,' despite their misgivings and fears, promised to their best and strengthen their co By all
means, the moment should've ended there, with my interruption and assumption of command.
However, Orimoto had other plans. "First, however…" Orimoto stepped forward, interrupting the
moment decisively, and produced a dagger from her belt. My former classmate drew blo thumb,
from a faintly healed wound, and I realized what she was doing, how Rivira was putting up such a
fight despite the fact it should've only been compromised of Level 2s and 3s, why Orimoto was
kept secret and evaded my network, and how there were so few people actually dying. "How abo
sure you're all going into battle at your best by Updating your Status?" Orimoto, as expected, was
more capable of trusting others and reaping the benefits of doing so. … Of Course, Risks Must Be
Taken. (11.2) … Of course, their reactions varied. Surprise and distrust was the most common.
Even Arde, who was the least bound to the concept of Familia, was ca Orimoto's proposal. Each
and every one of my students at least trusted in their god. Some even loved them. The Falna was a
contract between a god mortal, similar to being a family, and changed a normal being into
someone completely different. Updating was something sacred, something that is done by the god
of the Familia, and I knew that for their own sake that they had to be pushed to accept the
proposal. So, I lied. "Orimoto can do it." My voice cut through the pause that was created by
Orimoto. My students and allies all turned to me. Their eyes rife with curios suspicion to be found.
I used it to my advantage. They trusted me. I had to make sure they wouldn't shy away from the
offer. Even if I detested lyin them fighting at their full strength. "I recommend you all do it, the
difference between Levels is immense, and even the slightest increase in Basic Sk your life."
"Sensei… you know her?" Arde spoke up cautiously. My Pallum student was apprehensive, but I
knew that if I convinced her, everyone else would fol I was surprised that my former classmate
hadn't told them she knew me… well, I supposed that was a good thing. Orimoto staying silent
regarding measier. "How is she able to do such a thing? Is she a… god?" "It's her Skill. One of the
rarest that I know of. Orimoto can update herself and others." Half-truths are lies. I wished that I
didn't need to lie to Arde said calmed my Pallum student immensely. I've known for a long time
that she wanted to know of my past, everyone I knew did, because I deliberat about it. It was a
boon for me now, since all my lies will be ones they want to believe. "We're of the same Familia.
However, I haven't seen her in yea well, you can imagine that her Skill needs to be kept secret,
correct? Even I wasn't told where she was sent." "Selling her ability to update in Under Resort,
since gods can't enter the Dungeon, means this would be the best place to use her Skill while still
supp Familia." Challia spoke up, her voice as terse and firm as ever. Despite everything that had
occurred, the black-haired elf still seemed immaculate. O seemed startled at the elf's appearance,
but I only noticed because I was standing so close. Turning to me and towards Challia, I felt as
though she w ask me a question before deciding against it. "A very intelligent decision, given the
fact that all the Adventurers in Under Resort would rely on her as god's foresight is to be
commended, Hikigaya-san." "It… it makes a lot of sense! A Skill like that is very powerful!" Cranel
spoke up. So quick to support, to lend his aid, even to something he hadn't comthought through.
My white-haired student took the first steps forward. He knew that the best way to help someone
was through action. I'd done my dissuade him from doing so, but when he believed in someone
enough, he was willing to cast aside my teachings. He approached Orimoto, stood bef clear eyes.
"Orimoto-san, what do you need me to do for your Skill to work?" "W-wait, Hikigaya-kun." Meekly,
Viridis spoke up, turning away from her work as Challia did. Worry was clear in her eyes. I knew
that the blonde elf completely. There was no sign of distrust. I wanted to look away from her gaze.
"Everyone here is still connected to their Familia, Hikigaya-kun. Loki other gods would notice if our
B-basic Skills changed. Wouldn't it be for the best i-if you chose only you trust to be updated?"
"It's fine, Viridis. Our goddess would understand." The lies came easier this time. Perhaps because
of the fact it was a complete falsehood. No confus muddling. I was acting. Nelly, Erisius, Laulos,
Arde, Cranel, Crozzo, Mikoto, and Challia, I met each of their gazes once and gave them nods. It
was a physical gesture that meant nothing. "Your gods would notice. It would make our secret
known, but I'd rather they know than for you to die." It shou more. Confidence in them. Reliance.
Instead it meant nothing. I finished my act with a 'piece' of the personality that I've never failed to
present to th it's not like you need to tell them who it is, right? Just that they're from the same
Familia as me?" There, after I finished speaking, I saw it in each of their eyes. Belief. Trust. Faith. I
watched it all build amongst my students and allies. I watched as my lie became their Truth. I knew
that my pride was worthless if it meant their deaths. Even so, I hated every moment I stood and
watched them accept Orimoto's help. … Everyone save for Arde, Viridis, Hiryute, and myself
Ranked Up. Crozzo's worked ever-harder knowing that he could make Magic Swords without guil
Strength, Agility, and Endurance reached low S, while her Dexterity reached A. At Level 4, Challia's
magic became significantly stronger, especially w Amplify Stave. Nelly, Erisuis, and Laulos broke
into Level 3 and took the skills most helpful to the situation. Toughness, Berserker, and Luck,
respecti despite advancing forward with only a single, low A-Rank in Dexterity, took the Rank Up
and Luck. It was almost laughable how we treasured Luck so point, but we needed every
advantage we could get. Even then, our plan was utterly dependent on Cranel, the Udaeus sword,
and the Crozzo Magic Sword crafted from the Goliath we had defeated. Whi matched my speed,
given the fact she needed to face the Asura head on, I was given the task of using the Goliath
Magic Sword due to my Continuou allowing me to evade the Asura. I supposed that I should be
glad that I was at the side of the Protagonist for something so dangerous, but I was mo about the
number of death flags that had sprung up because of the plan. Everything reliant on heroes with a
single, powerful attack? Sacrifice acceptable due to being for hundreds of others? No matter how
much I tried to situation on my head, this was most certainly the most opportune time for an
author to kill people off regardless of their goals and aspirations. I tried to not think about it. To
simply lose myself in buying time for preparations to be completed, however with a Skill like mine,
my efforts were w I struck against the Asura, relocated, and struck again with Ceaseless
Thunderbolt Battery, the thoughts lingered and grew in the back of my mind. S the time arrived for
me to finally take to Cranel's side, I wasn't able to simply dismiss or forget it. Still, when I did reach
him, I was able to divert my thoughts somewhat. "Sensei." Cranel had changed. There's no denying
that he's different from the kid who ran into me covered in Minotaur Blood less than three months
sure that he was slightly taller, more mature, and… less innocent. People changed. My Skill didn't
let me forget things like that. From the way he stoo looked at other people, and even how he
spoke was different. I didn't know how much of him I changed or if it even mattered anymore. I
doubted th met a few months ago could stand so straight knowing that hundreds of lives
depended on him. "I'm ready to go now." "You've done your checks?" I fell into routine. Talking
Cranel through his equipment and weapons, drumming the habit of ensuring everything he nee
arm's reach, was a ritual we shared. It wasn't special, I've done the same with Arde and the others,
but it was still part of our relationship. Part of w what was truly between Hikigaya Hachiman and
Cranel Bell. "Weapons? Clothes? We're going light, so you should only have essentials on you."
"Hai, Sensei." Cranel dipped his head. There was a moment of hesitation in my white-haired
student's eyes, as though he wanted to say something, them aside. His conviction to succeed was
rising. However, he really had nothing to prove to me. I knew that he would succeed. I wasn't
worried abo worried about what he might have to endure after succeeding. "I only have Hestia-
sama's knife and the Udaeus Sword." "…Then that's that." There were words unsaid, of course.
Cranel didn't need to worry about me while he had his own job to do. I wouldn't let that be Now
that he's Level 3, he might have ideas about needing to protect me. I didn't want even an inkling of
such a thought to cross his mind. My scarle student already had enough to deal with. So, I simply
gestured for him to follow as I hefted the Magic Sword that Crozzo carved from the Goliath Cry the
only weapon I had on me. No knives, let alone a stave. I was at my fastest now. If this wasn't fast
enough… "Let's go, Cranel." Stepping out of the temporary workshop, the two of us beheld the
battle. Magic streaked towards the Asura from all directions. Massive blasts of light, fire, and even
wind struck the Calamity incessantly. Salvos of magic pow to make a Goliath fall in mere moments
simply left light wounds upon the Asura's obsidian skin. Often, the Asura repaid the efforts of the
Mages with Magic. The Monster King's Roars ravaged the landscape. Trees, outcroppings of
crystal, and weaker shields simply disintegrated against it. Even if mo was compromised of Level
3s and 4s, that didn't mean they could hold against such attacks forever. Challia's rays of light were
no longer coursing th and Lefiya's powerful magic was conspicuously absent. I could only hope
that they were simply resting, imbibing potions, or relocating. However, the Asura of two of its five
faces. Cranel stilled at the sight. Fear. However, as his fists clenched, the worries that spiked within
me vanished. I lowered my hand to my side after I noti risen. The final volley of the Ballistae were
launched on schedule. The accurate, powerful bolts surged into the monster's right leg. Its knee
and thigh fell a the massive, powerful projectiles. The Monster King fell to its knees, only to raise
its remaining heads and level the plain where the attack had been from. Orimoto had been
directing them. No one else could've accomplished the feat. My students, Welf, and Mikoto turned
their gazes to us. They hefted shields and Magic Swords. Meant only to protect and distract.
Around the Asura, like insects flinging themselves against a human, Warriors and those
inexperienced in defending were assaulting the Calamity whi by archers. Swarms of crystal struck
at the creature, axes and swords hacked at its flesh, and every few moments, a Magic Sword was
used. Even fr distance, I was able to see Hiryute doing the brunt of the work. Her Adamantium
Twinblade was undoubtedly the most effective melee weapon. How Monster King had grown
faster and stronger. Its six arms and hands swatted adventurers away into the distance or caught
them and crushed them. roar, removed one of the beast's arms with a final blow, and was
promptly sent flying by another hand. I wanted to run after her, heal her, but I coul Cranel stepped
forward before I did. "Let's go." I could only follow. … Interlude: The Student (Part 4) … Since I was
a child, I've always wanted to be a hero. To fight monsters, rescue damsels in distress, and create
my own story. Just as Adventurers in wanted to become powerful so that I could be remembered
forever and make my dream reality. My grandfather raised me on such stories, but in the suppose
what I was really after was just the happiness at the end of the trials and challenges that the
heroes had faced. Somehow, as I continued chasing after that dream, I forgot the nightmare that
surrounded it, preceded it, and made sure that it only remained a dre The sky radiated a crimson
light, the forest was covered in flames, and the roar of the most massive monster I'd ever seen
filled my entire world. Fro of my vision, I saw adventurers quivering in fear, nursing their wounds,
or simply holding themselves. The scent of blood filled the air. I did my best upon the ground that I
ran upon. "Get down!" I was pulled back, behind a wall of my friends and steel, and I had to close
my eyes as a wave of pressure swept across us. I could only them were gone when I opened them
again. For a few moments, my whole situation was only overwhelming pressure, jostling, and cries
of pain. Be din of the noise, I wasn't even sure who was ordering me forward. I was grabbed by the
scruff of my coat and placed on my feet. I was already runn looking back. "Move! Move!" Still,
despite the hell I currently existed within, I didn't know if I'd choose to be anywhere else. I
wondered if there was something wrong with me. S me that was different from just a normal
person. Was I like Aiz? Did I want to fight to get stronger? No. Thinking more on the matter, I knew
that wa My reason for coming to here was in pursuit of a very selfish dream. I'd said to myself
earlier that I came to Orario to pursue my dream of having a have companions, allies, and friends
that wouldn't so suddenly leave me behind. Though I'd always love my grandfather, I knew that I'd
be lying to mI wasn't angry at him for leaving me alone. In the end, I came to Orario to find both a
Familia and family, which was strange considering the state of I supposed that I had to be kinder to
my past self. A lonely boy following a dream doesn't deserve being badmouthed. "Go on ahead!
I'm close enough for my Spell!" Someone left our group. They didn't carry a shield. I was focused
so much on running, I wasn't even still with me and Sensei. I was a very poor Familia member,
that's for sure. Though I wanted to turn away, to tell whoever left to stay safe, I wasn't a multi-
tasking like Sensei. I was focused entirely on running as fast as I could towards the enemy. "Cranel!
Please stay safe!" I ran onward without looking back. There were fewer of us than when we had
started our charge. Only five of the original group remained. I didn't k others were or who was left.
Sensei was at my side and I took what comfort I could from his presence. The Calamity was struck
by a barrage of powerful magic spells. They struck so quickly and with such power that the ground
shook. Still, the massive despite being on its knees, missing a few of its faces, and lacking an arm,
endured the blow and responded with a cry that ended the source of the m prayer the priest had
given my grandfather's empty casket was ringing in my ears. "Cranel! Start charging! Everyone else
distract the Calamity!" The voice was distant to my ears, but I did so. The massive sword I held in
my hands a thrummed with power. Motes of starlight were rising forth from my hands. I had just
started and, I knew I held great power in my hands. Still, if I st was sure that my blow would fail. I
had to wait. I needed to wait. "Keep it away from Cranel at any cost!" Those words should've
frightened me. I should've been far angrier at the thought that others would have to get hurt for
my sake. However, as the sk world in baleful crimson, fires raged, and I stood before the snarling
face the size of a house, I felt what indecision and fear that remained in my hea away. I had to
trust them to keep me alive. I had to trust Sensei, Arde, and everyone to keep me alive. It was a
very easy thing for me to do. Knowing that, realizing that, other facets of me that had stayed
unchanged rushed to the forefront of my mind. Nevertheless of what I'd gone through, I still
wished to never be lonely again. To spend time with my Kami-sama and make sure her Familia
grew in Regardless of everything I'd done, I still wanted to be strong so I could protect my family,
to never leave them alone, and so I always looked forward teaching me. In spite of all the terrible
things I knew about Orario that I hadn't known before, of all the suffering that I'd seen and wasn't
able to change, I'd still h as I'd sworn I'd always do. Despite everything, I'm still me. And, I knew
that even the me from back then would be able to stand still and swing a sword. So, I will. … A
myriad of outcomes occurred at the same time. It was difficult to keep focus throughout it all. A
sword of light descended from the sky, skewering the Monster King, just before it was suddenly
held by a cage of power that seemed intent on cru entirely. Sensei bared a stave that I was sure
wasn't one of his own, before unleashing a wave of lightning that could've engulfed the entire
horizon. Lances of white flame, Crozzo's Magic Swords, flew forward and erupted into spheres of
flame against the monster's skin. Arrows, a few other magic spells, and massive bolts from
warmachines rushed forth from the horizon. The remaining Adventurers of Rivira were still despite
the losses they had taken. Yet, the Calamity still fought. Its maw released an incessant deluge of
power and might. Storms and hurricanes could not compare to the focused force of the beast's
roars. Trees structures became deadly shrapnel. A normal human being would've been flayed alive
by the innumerable amount of shards of stone in the air. Huge, lengthy arms swept and thrashed
against the land. The black pitch upon its skin was slowly gathering a form of ablative armor in the
form of c materials. Broken forms of those who thought themselves capable of weathering the
monster's blows were like pieces of chainmail against its body. I that if it was allowed to exist past
this day it would adorn itself with armor of indescribable horror. Truly, this was a monster that
would only grow mo time passed. Despite its power, however, it was most assuredly falling and
growing more desperate. A cut against the skin grew into a gaping wound that revealed weaker
flesh. A broken tendon was turned into a useless limb. A shattered knee was c upon until it was
completely incapable of standing. The small of its back was punctured, and fire and steel was
poured into its spine. Its faces were b shattered with dogged determination, and its roars were
being silenced. It was dying. And when a monster was about to die, as Sensei had said, it was at its
most dangerous. That was the reason why I hadn't been saving anyone else, why I had been
protected so furiously, and why I had stood by as my friends fell. So that I could cut it down before
it could achieve any manner of success. To kill it before it can abandon all pretense and strike at us
without care fo I must kill it. Starlight glittered around me. I was an arrow's string fully drawn. I felt
as though if I took a single step I would commit myself entirely to the most p that I'd ever
unleashed in my life. I had to strike true. I stepped forward. I felt as though my insides were a
blazing inferno begging to be unleashed. Thousands of unswung blades clamored to be release
unpleasant feeling, but it was difficult to control. I knew that I couldn't simply swing my blade.
That I couldn't waste a single ounce of the immense p much sacrifice bought. For the sake of
everyone who trusted me so completely. A slash would not meet my requirements. It had to be a
thrust. A piercing assault with everything I had and more behind it. This all-consuming powe that I
demanded cried to be unleashed without restraint. Megalomania is unbecoming, as Sensei would
say, efficiency is paramount. I could not wast fragment of the divine power I'd amassed. So, I ran
forward with a cry upon my lips. I would not leave this matter to chance. I pressed onward, despite
the thrashing of the Monster Rex. Any o could've felled me, but Sensei's words rang in the back of
my mind. If you're worried about missing, then make sure you won't, he had told me. A ca is
infinitely better than losing everything to chance. I weaved through massive limbs. I ducked,
sprinted, and evaded all I could. When I had to choose between a wound or slowing down, I chose
the fo registered only for a moment before I pressed onward. The invisible force that held the
Monster Rex down, trying to crush it, suddenly shattered. It slammed its arms onto the ground,
attempting to set its but Sensei struck with the Goliath Sword at that very moment. A lance of blue
flame, a devastating streak of light the width of a wagon, hit the Cala in the chest. As it fell back
with a roar, I saw the glint of its Magic Crystal in its chest. I leapt after it. My legs complained at
the strain, I could hardly see through the blood flowing from my temples, and I had to force my
left arm to heft the shard of s in my hands. Every breath I took felt as though I was inhaling flame
and frost. However, none of that mattered as soon as I finally reached the Monster King's heart. I
stood upon a ledge of flesh, before an obsidian heart, staring reflection. A young man stood before
me, covered in blood and wounds, who held a shard of sunlight. Behind him was a forest of flame
and death. In that moment between heartbeats, I felt all the rage I'd been withholding seep
through. The hatred I felt for the being that forced so many to get this single blow. For me. The
agony of all the wounds I'd witnessed and borne fused into a thirst for retribution. There was no
part of me that felt pit was even a place in my heart that wished to see this being continue to
suffer instead of simply dying. I tempered that anger and hatred into purpose. I reminded myself
that I couldn't lose myself to my emotions. There was no place for arrogance or p combat. So as I
pierced its heart, I struck it efficiently, cleanly, and precisely, and showed my anger merely
through my command for it to die. The world became a sea of silver a moment afterward, and I
knew no more. Of Course, Risks Must Be Taken (11.3) … For a moment the world was simply filled
with bright, silver light. Cranel's attack, despite being so focused and concentrated, still surged
forth and n all onlookers. By all means, it was the perfect attack. A hero's strike, as Hestia would
put it, at the most opportune moment in the most terrifying of However, as the light cleared, the
Asura still lived. "It can't be… even after all of that!?" Arde wheezed as she struggled to stand
upright. Blood flowed from a cut on her head and one of her eyes was She held one arm against
herself as she leaned against one of the few, standing trees in the clearing. Broken limbs.
Incapable of fighting. Requires r "How can it still be alive!?" Evaluate current physical condition. No
current, extraordinary wounds. Still capable of fighting. Evaluate current situation and enemy.
Calamity retain percent of original mass. Only cracks against the Monster Crystal? Some form of
damage shunting? Spread effect attack across entire body as last d Incapable of moving, only half a
face and upper torso remains, no method of attack… no, impossible. Monsters always have a
method of attack. "It's far from alive." Crozzo gave a grunt, holding himself up with his two-handed
sword. A gash stretched across his torso and his right leg was limp was a manic gleam in his eyes. A
thirst for violence. Half-mad. Consumed by anger. No longer in control. Cannot be allowed to fight
anymore. Emotio compromised. Needs rest. "We… we just need to finish it off!" Search. Need to
know. Cannot afford to be surprised. There. Movement in the ground. Humanoid. Survivor? No.
Lacking entire lower body. Black pitc to permit forced scream. Black pitch not only defensive
mechanism. Part of Asura. Symbiotic existence. Final attack. Final attack vector. Slime takes sturdy
corpses after forcing suffocation. Call for attention and rally. A low moan drifted across the
clearing. One after another, shambling corpses rose or pried themselves off the Asura's skin.
Adventurers who suffocat the pitch. Exposed to it for lengthy periods of time. More movement in
boundaries of clearing. Many, if not all, were missing limbs and were nothing ravaged, torn
corpses. Human, Amazon, Dwarf, Chienthrope, and Elven corpses slowly but surely began to make
their way to protect the Asura's rem They moved laboriously and slowly, but it was apparent that
they were no longer alive, that they were truly merely puppets of flesh and bone under of the
massive, bleeding torso embedded in the ground. "By the gods…" Erisuis whispered as she
immediately came to my side. Prosthetic arm missing. Capable of fighting without arm. Eyes are
clear and f other injuries. Utilizing broadsword. Armor holding. Will be able to defend fellows
student. "…what manner of horror is this?" Explain circumstances. Relay hypothesis. State need to
finish Cranel's work-. Cranel. Cranel located at base of monster's remains. Remains being secured
by shambling, reinforced corpses. Cannot simply fire Ceaseless Thunderbolt Bat location. Need to
rescue student. No time to spend healing other students. Cannot waste time. "Sensei, where are
you going!?" Laulos took hold of my arm and strained to hold me. Though I could've simply pushed
her away, the grunt of pain th my student gave me pause. I took a moment to actually look at her.
Both her arms were ragged and torn, flecks and pieces of the shields she held w embedded into
her flesh. Still, she held my back. "We need to retreat now! We can finish it off from afar! Why are
you running towards it!?" Student in danger. Explain. Cranel in midst of enemy lines. Apologize.
Pull forward. Right cross to cheek. Textbook knockout. Limp. Take Erisuis's sword. Push Laulos int
Relay orders to scavenge and fetch reinforcements. State necessity of recovering Mikoto
Yamamoto. Wide-area gravity spell integral to destroying As Cannot allow to die. "W-we're not
just going to leave you!" Nelly's voice was insistent, there was an edge of fear to her tone. No time
to argue. Evaluate capabilities. Ligh Lacks weapons. Might follow in attack. Unacceptable. Needs
motivation to not do so. Knock Crozzo unconscious. Order to carry and keep safe. Take C "Y-you
can't do this to us, Sensei!" Regardless of consequences. "Sensei… please don't do this." Arde.
Plea. Worry. Incapable of following. No need to resort to physical restraint. Ignore. Turn away.
Ignore. "You said be here to help." In spite of broken promises. Swords in hand and stave at my
back, I launched myself towards the Asura's final, most deadly attack. I needed to save Cranel. …
Elf. Quick. Only one arm. Dagger. Attack aimed to chest. Dress suggests fallen archer. Dwarf. Slow.
Crawling. Axe. Swing at legs. Guardian. Couldn't stand the pressure. Human. Average speed. Mace.
Large stature. Attack aimed at head. Warrior. Upper body mostly crushed. Lunge forward. Evade
Dwarf and Human blows. Knife punctures armor and flesh. Rid each of limbs. Decapitation and
other lethal attacks useless. Bla envelopes bodies and utilizes as puppets. Mend? No time. Cannot
extricate knife without mending. Blood loss from wound too significant. Leave untouched.
Shoulder. Does not affect swings. N thrusting attacks. Inconsequential. Need to-. Spear. Evade. Bat
aside javelin. Rid opponent of arms and legs. Arcs of silver. Swords are growing lighter. Not meant
to fight multiple Level 3s. Retrie weapons? No. Waste of time. Glint of white amongst black.
Cranel. In arms of a corpse. It leapt away with my student. Enemies fill the place. Full mobility. Two
legs each. Guards. Blockade. Pursuers. Carefully kept in reserve. Spears and bows. No need to
catch me. Si reach. Lesser corpses heft stones and other weapons. Ranged attacks. Carefully
planned and evaluated. Enemies are adaptive. Capable of telling objective. Setting up ambushes.
Intelligent. Knows capabilities. Asura aware of my capabilities. Knows of da High chance it can
detect magic. Mages had been attacked before Ballista and Archers. Prioritizing me above Cranel.
Resorting to cunning due to lack Learning. Evolving. Becoming larger and larger irritations. My
death greatly increases its chances of survival. So for that reason, Cranel was still alive and being
used as bait. It wanted me to throw myself at it for Cranel. To get whittled down and shredded
away. It expected me to be daunted by the challenge and pursue C mindlessly. What a joke. Did it
seriously think that I'd let it lead me on a stupid chase, running into trap after trap that I had to
carefully confront, before I could take my stud To leave my student in its hands, thinking that a
monster, even a smart monster, would take care to keep a hostage who did it so much harm alive?
It was a foolhardy, simple tactic. One that assumed that I would become reckless and panicked as I
had to confront more and more opponents to rea was something that could be expected of an
amateurish animal, which I supposed the Calamity was, who basically thought that everything and
every the same way it did. That survival and continued existence was paramount to everything
else. That I would play its game, despite all its advantages, had Cranel at its mercy. It couldn't be
anymore wrong in that regard. What I needed to do was save Cranel and destroy it. How I came
out of it didn't matter in the slightest. … My vision was blurred at the edges. I had to force my
body forward. I could hardly take another step. However, as I leaned myself against the rock a felt
an astounding amount of relief. I felt as though an immense weight had been lifted from my
shoulders. The stave I had used to finish off the Cal hopefully all its puppets, smoked and crackled
as I simply dropped it onto the ground. Staying upright was more difficult than I had anticipated.
Still from doing so was worth it. Motes of dust began to fall from the sky, the only remains of the
Calamity, besides an utterly massive, ebony crystal. Twelve arrows. Seven at the back. Three at the
legs. Two on arm. Begin removal. All superficial. Target Mend to ensure no healing around other,
larg Concentrate. Focus. Done. Under Resort was unrecognizable. Much of the forest of was simply
gone. Many cliffs had vanished. New valleys and craters littered the locations whe the Black
Goliaths turned their roars. Rivira was a flaming wreckage. However, in the distance, I could see
people moving. There were survivors. My Crozzo were most assuredly with them. Out of the
dozens of shambling corpses I'd faced, Hiryute, Viridis, Mikoto, Challia, and Orimoto never appear
good reason to believe that they were alive. Wounded, perhaps, but most certainly still alive. Cuts
on legs, arms, and face. Dizziness rising. Nourish to alleviate stress first. Begin casting Mend. Focus
on injuries made by piercing strikes. Mome disregard shallow, lengthy cuts. Focus on deep
wounds. Withdraw knife from shoulder. Stem flow of blood. Mend. Torso. Minimal damage. Mend
ribs. to abdominal region. Good. It was a very selfish thought, but one that I enjoyed nonetheless. I
was sure that dozens, if not hundreds, died in the fight, but could I really be faul only about the
people I knew? Since I'd rescued Cranel, if my guess was correct, everyone that entered the
Dungeon at my side was still alive. I had them killed. Though I had to force them away, push them
towards leaving me to do what I had to, they were still alive. In the end, that was all that mattered.
Face. Eyes, tears, and concussion. Mend. Teeth re-growing. Spit out old. Vision growing clearer.
Fog lifting. Scent of iron. Ears. Mend. Incessant ringi ends. Slightly muffled. Extract dead flesh from
ears. Faint cries enter hearing. People. Alive. Good. "…Augh…" Cranel stirred and gave a groan.
Mind down, I heard, was a very unpleasant experience. It was a good thing that I would never feel
it. Th overpowered, bullshit protagonist powers. Slowly, my white-haired student opened his eyes
to the bright crystal sky above. I supposed that the 'a sk blood' lost its appeal after an episode or
two? Zaimokuza, don't you know that having everything tinged red is mostly just annoying instead
of cool? happened?" I should've answered back, but I stayed quiet. I was tired. My eyelids were
heavy and a strange pressure was building at the back of my head. It wa unpleasant. Far from it,
really. Besides, I always told Cranel that he shouldn't ask questions until he needed to. He needed
to learn to use his eyes an own conclusions. That in mind, I allowed myself to lean more against
the stone. Soon enough, I was against the wall, and sleep was becoming more insistent. It would
be difficult to fall asleep surrounded by arrows and knives, but I felt as though I could manage it
this time around. "Sensei? Sensei!" Cranel shot upright after his eyes wandered my way. You
shouldn't move so quickly or yell so loudly. Manners are something you s mind, brat. His hands
began to shake me after they found their way to my chest. I was very fortunate to have healed
that already. "No! Get up! Plea going to be fine, I promise!" Though he continued to shake me, I
drifted further and further into sleep. Really, he didn't have to worry. I'd been through worse.
Cranel's voice began to drift away, still I heard him gasp and take a shuddering breath. "Y-your
arm… where's your arm, Sensei?!" Darkness claimed me thereafter. … Of Course, Risks Must Be
Taken (11.4) … Though I was bemused by the fact I awoke to a ceiling I was well-acquainted with,
my bedroom's rafters weren't the first thing that came to mind on Beyond all else, there was a
thirst in the back of my throat that was so thoroughly, ridiculously unpleasant that it dominated
the entirety of my consc my Skill managed to kick into gear. Shortly thereafter, I was consumed in
my search for water, and I was thoroughly engrossed by the pitcher of liqu managed to quench the
immense thirst. Only then did I fully take stock of myself and regain my bearings. I was in the
Hostess of Fertility, dressed in pajamas that smelled as though they w laundered, and free of
blood and grime. There had been a pitcher of water placed at my bedside, alongside a hunk of
bread, and a chair not native to was present. Naturally, the combination of the various facts led
me to conclude that I had very, very narrowly avoided death in my attempt to save C thus placed
in a coma befitting how close my deed stressed me so thoroughly. Seriously, I lost an arm and I
was still hit with such an overused concept? Zaimokuza, please consider simply castrating yourself.
The pair you have b legs is of such miniscule size that you're better off lacking them entirely! I
swear I've acted cool and awesome enough to not be rendered comatose taking on a few dozen
walking corpses! Regardless of the fact they were all capable using weapons, I should've at least
woken up shortly after the ba a coma tell the audience that I'm weaker than I look!? Goddammit,
you could've done an homage to Eiichiro Oda by allowing me to wake my studen my arm! You're
both a terrible author and have trash taste if you couldn't have managed a scene like that! The
sleeve of the pajama was rolled up to my shoulder. It was quite reminiscent of my student Erisuis's
wound. Given the expense of a magical prost fact such a prosthetic wouldn't be capable of
matching my strength, speed, and agility, I wasn't planning on purchasing one. Of course, I was
going t order at the Witch's Secret House for a Healing spell capable of giving me back my arm, but
such a thing would probably be a grimoire made to orde would it be expensive, but the time it
would take to get to Orario would be long indeed. Until then, I supposed Erisuis was going to have
to act as my the time being. At the very least, there was a good chance I'll have some form of
Continuous Regeneration Spell at my disposal at the end of the pro Thinking of one of my
students, of course, led my thoughts to my other students. Students who I had browbeaten,
forced to flee, and gave no option to aid me as I threw myself at a horde of unknown monsters.
Needless to say, I wasn't about to meet them without my coat, my weapons, and a few excuses at
the ready… On that particular thought… I didn't own a pair of pajamas… Augh, I wish the coma
lasted longer. … Walking down the steps, I found the Hostess of Fertility to be suspiciously empty,
despite the fact it was the middle of the day, there was no noise emthe inn's usually-full eating
area. Though I already felt out of place without my coat or mask and a sleeve rolled up, the lack of
people in the bar was odd. Though I was quite the cheapskate, I wasn't the type of person who
could live somewhere with terrible food. "Figures you'd wake up now, Hikigaya." I released a
breath I hadn't noticed I was holding when Mia Grande suddenly spoke up. My dwarven landlady
the counter, looked over me with a keen eye, before gesturing for me to take a seat at the
counter. "C'mon, the hunk of bread left behind on your be from a decent meal, so take a seat. I'll
whip you up something quickly. The gods know I owe you more than a few meals now." "Thanks."
I took the offered seat. For a brief moment I debated making small talk. Huh, I really was hungry.
No way in Hell I'd consider small talk un indeed so ridiculously starved. Truly, hunger is a form of
madness in and of itself. Fighting against it, I managed to drudge up a worthwhile, intelligen
Something that I would say while calm, collected, and not dealing with ridiculous amounts of
hunger. Something only I would say. "So, did Lyon's att cooking scare away all your patrons while I
was asleep?" "Ha! And here I was worried about you damaging that head of yours! Haha!" Grande
gave a deep laugh. The sound managed to calm me down great been aware of the fact my heart
was beating rapidly, but as my anxiety slowed, a thudding in the back of my skull began to fade
away. "You're some Hikigaya! Something else indeed! The last adventurer I know who fell into a
long sleep like you barely remembered how to breathe, and here you ar wear!" "Four fifths of me,
at the very least." I gave a snort at the statement, examining the fork, knife, and spoon that
Grande set at my spot before beginn Hmmm… maybe I could get a prosthetic just for the normal
matters? The prospect of paying millions of Valis for an inadequate limb seemed more ap "Or, is
your vision failing you at your old age, Grande-sama?" "Never change, Hikigaya. Never change."
Grande gave a final chuckle and shook her head. For a moment my dwarven landlady was silent,
simply co familiarity of the occasion, despite the notable lack of other customers and servers,
allowed me to keep my worries at bay. Talk, eat, and relax. Good methods to reacclimatize myself
to living once more. A few moments passed by in comfortable silence, but she began to speak
once more. "So, I sup curious as to how long you've been gone and what's happened since then?"
"I'd appreciate it." I gave a short, sharp nod as a plate was placed before me. I didn't pay attention
to what it was, but it was just a simple soup. I w someone just used Nourish on me while I slept.
There was no bedpan, or a diaper wrapped around my waist, so I supposed I hadn't been
humiliated be cleaned after defecating on myself. Thank you very much, oh wise sage who
constructed such magic. May you live happily forever. You have save pride this man has. "The last
thing I remember was rescuing Cranel and finishing off the Calamity." "It's the first day of the
Denatus. You've been asleep for about a week now." Grande, as a former adventurer, knew how
to get straight to the point. in appreciation as I did my best to pace myself. Still, when I finished my
bowl, another one was placed before me soon enough. Nourish made hunge but having a stomach
with nothing in it wasn't pleasant to say the least. I noticed I was given more solid food this time
around. Standard starvation supposed. "Closed the Inn for the week, gave the girls and everyone
else the week off. Your entire party came back in one piece, by the way. Good j Hikigaya." "Shorter
than I thought, but still longer than I would have liked." Considering the amount of money I could
gather with Cranel and Arde in a day, an almost a hundred million Valis down the drain. That's not
even considering the amount of reports I had to read, informants to check, and people to s since
Denatus was taking place and Orario was in a period of festivities, I could probably have more
work done within the city. Shaking my head, I fo to focus on Grande's last statement. "Even
Hiryute, Viridis, Challia, and Yamamoto? I knew Crozzo and my students were fine but…" "And
you're asking if I'm going old and senile? Don't you always say never ask stupid or redundant
questions?" Grande gave a snort and shook her h dwarven landlady crossed her arms. However,
the smirk on her face made a slight, very slight one form on my own. I walked into that insult
myself, I'll weather it with a straight face. "I said everyone you took into that pit came out better
than you did, Hikigaya. I'm fairly sure that head of yours d me to spell it out for you." An earnest
chuckle left her lips. Her eyes curled with her smile. "Like I said already, Hikigaya. You did an
excellent job." The door, as I expected, opened at that particular, perfect statement for an
episode. Huh, maybe I missed an entire Light Novel? Two or three episod it was all just pointless
fanservice, beach episodes, or filler. Who knows, maybe with the need to pad out twenty-four
episodes and Zaimokuza's terri style, actual anime writers made something worth watching? Still,
just this once, I didn't mind. My students, my allies, and all who I took along into the Dungeon had
survived. I was alive. Though I lost a week hundred million Valis, and my left arm, there was no
doubt in my mind that it was a light price to ensure they all returned. Honestly, I expected the
door to admit Cranel. However, instead of the protagonist, I instead met the gaze of probably the
last person I wanted to m moment. Grande disappeared to the back of the shop. I didn't miss the
smile on her face. Ryuu Lyon stood in the doorway. Though she seemed fine, there were small
things off about the elf that one tended to notice. I wasn't paying her an attention than I usually
did, but given the fact we interacted with one another nearly every day, such small differences
were easy for me to notice. S purple ringed the bottom of her eyes. There was slight wrinkling to
her uniform. The aura of alertness that the blonde elf usually exuded was greatly Her shoulders
were sagging. Most of those, however, faded away the moment her gaze met mine. "Hikigaya-
kun…" A myriad of emotions passed through Lyon's eyes. Anger. Relief. The blonde elf seemed to
stand straighter, though the wrinkles in h remained alongside the signs of sleepless nights. Grande
had said that she gave her employees the entire week off starting today. Yet, here she was
morning, supplies in hand, and dressed for a day at work… or someone's bedside. Ever so slowly,
the anger in her arms faded and relief dominated h She took a shuddering breath, almost leaning
against the doorway for support. "…I'm so glad…." Really, there's a limit to how far I can lie to
myself about anyone. Typically, I was able to do so for a very long period of time. It was for
everyone's s an entirely selfish thing to do. I chose to refuse to acknowledge the fact I was close to
anyone, that I'd never grow close to anyone, for both my sake who I would meet, interact with,
and come to know. However, after risking my life to save Cranel, ignoring how I was hurt when I
heard the protests of my students as I ran headlong into danger, and fi watched Ryuu Lyon hold
herself back from crying in outright relief… I was before her already. I hadn't noticed standing up
or walking towards her. I placed a hand on her shoulder and she lifted her gaze up to meet mine.
There was an intense fragility to her gaze that made me more uncomfortab ever been before in
my life. I offered the only thing I really could. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Lyon." I apologized. It
would be the first of many apologies, I was sure. Each one was going to be difficult. I was going t
myself that I cared for them. That I would lose them when I returned home. However, I knew that I
had to. I did care for them. And, someway, som cared for me too. I'm fine with allowing myself to
be hurt. But, not them. Never them. "You shouldn't have had to do so much for me. I… I know my
doesn't count for much but…" "Don't. Just… don't talk." Ryuu Lyon walked forward. Closer to me.
There was a large space between us, but it seemed fitting. Her hands did not leav held close to her
chest, she averted her gaze from mine by looking downward, but the distance between the two of
us was short nonetheless. We sim together, close and yet apart, as she righted, balanced, and
corrected herself. "You… you ruin too much by talking, Hikigaya-kun." Still familiar, despite all the
changes. Lyon Ryuu, however, remained herself. "…Alright." I managed a chuckle in reply.
Everything about my current situation was strange. However, I had to admit that I'd never been so
close to before. I could tolerate something as odd as this, if only for a few moments. Still, I knew I
had to say something else before I acceded to her deman small, slight bow towards her, despite
the fact I was sure she couldn't see my face. "…Thank you, Lyon." Time passed slowly, carefully,
and for a few, long moments, I only listened to Lyon breathe. Then, with the faintest whisper, she
spoke again. "You're welcome, Hachiman."