Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. Sweet deals always have a catch. Lately, there have even been elaborate scams mixing in slightly bitter stories, probably to trick more cautious people. And it seems that even in another world, there are people who try to lure others in.
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“Mia, when I give the signal, create illumination with spirit magic. Arisa, cast a silent fireball simultaneously targeting the center of the cockroaches. I’ll use a fireball to drive the cockroaches away from the other explorers, so Liza, Pochi, and Tama, I want you to charge in and take down the cockroaches one by one.”
“Master, wouldn’t it be better to call out to them before we light up the area?”
Liza raised her hand slightly and voiced her opinion. Indeed, she was right.
“We don’t want to be mistaken for bandits when we come to help.”
“Right. Liza, you take care of calling out. Mia, only cast the magic once they agree or on Liza’s signal.
Arisa, sorry, but no silent casting except for the first shot, and hold back on space magic. Lulu, since gun-type magic is flashy, focus on arcane magic this time. Nana, you’ll stay with me and watch the base.”
“I protest this indignantly.”
Too bad, Nana will have to play the shield role this time. After all, officially, Nana and I don’t exist in the labyrinth.
After everyone agreed, the operation started.
Positionally, the cockroaches were surrounding a corner where the explorers were. We would be attacking from the side of the cockroaches.
“This is Pendragon. We’re coming to assist!”
“Thanks, man! If we survive this, drinks are on me, tavern and all!”
I thought there would be some trouble, but the leader on their side immediately accepted our support. They must have been pretty cornered.
First, a glowing orb created by Mia’s spirit magic illuminated the battlefield from near the ceiling. Without hesitation, Arisa’s fireball hit the center of the cockroaches, exploding. The cockroaches caught directly burned fiercely, spreading flames to those nearby.
Using the blast as cover, I used Magic Hand to toss the cockroaches that were pressing the explorers a bit further away.
“Ugh, gross!”
“Hmm…”
I understood Arisa and Mia’s feelings well. I felt the same. I didn’t expect them to stabilize midair and keep flying after being thrown. Truly, they are cockroaches.
Three beast girls charged in, trailing red light from their demon blades.
It was a one-sided massacre.
Pochi’s Magic Short Sword strikes completely drained the cockroaches’ stamina. Tama’s Twin Blades slashed them mercilessly. Even considering the damage from Arisa’s fireballs, it was impressive.
Liza, on the other hand, sliced the ground cockroaches with her demon blade and shot down flying ones with her demon blade cannon. She truly embodied effortless dominance.
“Wow, she’s easily cutting through that slippery carapace.”
“Damn, if only I had a magical weapon, I could do that too.”
“No way. My mantis sword is a kind of Demonic Sword, but as you can see, it’s pathetic.”
My eavesdropping skill picked up their party’s voices.
Because I was restricting the cockroaches’ paths with Magic Hand to keep only a manageable number going to their side, they had the luxury to talk.
From the conversation, it seems the leader’s weapon, made from monster materials, is also a type of Demonic Sword. Since it didn’t emit a red glow, I hadn’t noticed. It looks like such weapons can be made from mantis-type monsters’ scythes, so I’ll try making one when I have time.
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Of course, it wasn’t just the frontliners; Arisa and the rear guard also shined.
“Hahaha! These cockroaches are like trash! The name ‘maze cockroach’ fits—they burn so well! Alright, one more fire circle!”
Arisa’s enthusiasm was a bit dangerous.
Still, she did cast after chanting, and she was careful to avoid hitting the beast girls or the opposing party.
While Arisa’s flashy fireballs and Flame Orbs caught the eye, Lulu’s Javelin steadily took down cockroaches.