In front of the dungeon, we were at a loss.

“We found the dungeon…”

“Yeah.”

Wait, are we supposed to conquer this?

Just the two of us?

With a debuff throwaway and a timid Toa-chan?

“Oh, the magic depth is around D. The difficulty might not be that high.”

“Is that so?”

Toa-chan, who was measuring the magic at the dungeon entrance with the Dive Gear, looked somewhat happy.

Indeed, if it were rated B, we’d be in trouble. If I were alone, I could just cross-dress and come back, but Toa-chan is here…

While thinking about this, I sensed someone behind us.

A fellow adventurer? I thought, turning around, only to see a straight sword flying at me.

“!?”

A red armband appeared from under my long sleeves, enhancing my dynamic vision.

I dodged the sword and swung a dagger at its holder, but they evaded it just before it hit.

“Ah, missed.”

“Quite a greeting, isn’t it?”

I stood in front of Toa-chan, brandishing my dagger.

Three students stood before us. Their unfamiliar uniforms suggested they were mob characters not appearing in the original story.

What to do, should I beat them up?

“Well, could you give up this dungeon for us? We have a quota to meet.”

“Not my concern. If you want it, buy it from us.”

“If you had the official right to conquer it, we would. But you haven’t set up a beacon yet, have you?”

The beacon, indicating dungeon conquest rights, was frequently mentioned in the original story. It shows which academy is conquering the dungeon, the number of people, and names. It can also relay communications between the dungeon and the outside world, sending out distress signals if needed.

Setting it up at the entrance grants the right to conquer the dungeon. But we were still undecided and hadn’t set it up yet.

Besides, I don’t have Fectom Academy’s beacon. It costs money.

“Toa-san, do you have a beacon?”

“Yes, but not in this situation.”

We can’t set it up now.

So, we either fight or run.

“You guys look weak. It’s better to run than face the three of us.”

“Haha, Yu-kun, you’re scary. This guy is really strong. Better not mess with him.”

Classic mob lines…

Should I just charge in and get blown away again? That way, I can become Sorciera.

But then…

“Ugh…”

Toa-chan trembled, hiding behind me.

I can’t leave her alone. She’s different from Mizuki-senpai.

Surrendering would be the safe choice. The dungeon, estimated to be D, isn’t that profitable.

For Fectom Academy, it’s a significant loss, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a big deal.

“Alright, I understand.”

“Good, I like reasonable guys. Now, I have no interest in men, so get lost.”

“What?”

What? I may be a pretty girl at heart.

“We only have guys here, so we want some flower power. If you let the girl come with us, we’ll give you a magic stone. How about it?”

“Haha, Yu-kun’s at it again! Heartbreaker!”

“Hey, those girls left him, not his fault!”

“True. Haha!”

Ah, they’re just mob characters and brain-breaking elements.

Then, can I kill them?

“—”

“What the hell!? Why is he suddenly swinging a weapon!?”

“Damn it, our attacks aren’t landing!?”

I won’t allow the destruction of yuri. I’ll kill you and then die as a man.

Or make you all women too.

“You shouldn’t exist.”

“That’s too harsh!”

“Yu-kun, this guy’s dangerous!”

I swung my dagger relentlessly at their throats. I’m not skilled with the sword, but I’m determined to hit.

“This guy’s strong! Yu-kun, use your ability!”

“Got it!”

The leader’s surroundings distorted with heat. In the next moment, flames erupted from his body.

I quickly leaped back and readied my dagger.

“Haha, once I use my ability, it’s over! You can’t get close with these flames around me!”

Indeed, a bit troublesome.

‘■■■■■’

Well, I could win by unleashing you, but no cross-dressing.

“Also! I have ties with Kisou Academy. Opposing me ends your explorer career.”

“I see.”

That Kisou Academy will be weakened by the next War Festival (spoiler). Main character Tōraku is impressive.

“The flames don’t mean my blade can’t reach you.”

“Then how about this!”

The leader charged at me.

Haha, such a weak charge. Compared to avoiding Rokkaku-san’s attacks, this is baby level.

I dodged to the side.

“Fool, you’re not the target!”

“Huh?”

The leader didn’t slow down, heading for the frightened Toa-chan.

“Toa-chan!? Damn it!”

Coward! Such a typical villain move…

I tried to rush over, but two students blocked my way.

“Think we’ll let you through?”

“Yu-kun’s hugs are passionate. You might get burned.”

“Huh?”

Burn Toa-chan?

That’s unacceptable.

‘■■■■■’

No time for cross-dressing.

But I can’t ignore this surge of emotion.

‘■■■■■’

I know. I’ll slice them to pieces.

“—Hah.”

I exhaled.

One second.

Then, I spoke.

“Sorcie—“ “Wait a second!”

‘■?’

A voice stopped us. The leader kept approaching Toa-chan.

“Ribbit.”

A mechanical frog appeared before Toa-chan.

“Haha, I win!”

The leader tried to step over it, and the frog exploded. Screams echoed from the rising flames.

“Ahhhh!!”

“Yu-kun!?”

The leader, blown away, rolled on the ground. The distance he flew indicated the explosion’s power.

“Toa-chan!”

I rushed past the stunned students to Toa-chan.

“Cough… Kei-kun.”

Toa-chan, despite the explosion, was unharmed except for some dust. It seemed she was right next to the explosion.

“Mah-chan’s explosions are unique. They’re directional, making them one-of-a-kind.”

A girl’s voice spoke.

Someone new appeared in the wilderness.

A student in a black Kisou Academy uniform, with flashy blonde hair and purple highlights. We knew her well.

“At the name of Kisou Academy, I arrive instantly! I am Kisou Academy’s specialized exposer streamer—Joka-chan!”

She was the cause of Fectom Academy’s troubles and the reason for Sorciera’s rising fame.