Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Wielding a massive sword, he danced and felled adventurers one by one.

Oh, and she still smells of Miss Haruhime.

So I wondered if Mr. Bell knew something from what he said.

Finally, I wish you all good health. Although our realm remains unchanged, I've heard that Orario has entered a season of sudden temperature drops. Therefore, please take good care of yourselves. I sincerely look forward to the day we meet again.

Your friend: Rett

3

Ultimately, Aisha had no intention of getting involved.

Whether it can speak human language or is called a "heretic," it is willing to go and help a monster that is an enemy of humanity.

"[This body, having swallowed divine delicacies, is bestowed with divine golden light. The gavel is returned to the earth, and blessings are granted.]"

Despite this, I still wanted to participate in the "Daedalus Siege of Labyrinth City" because of the male I liked, and also because I was worried about my little sister who was with him in the Hestia Familia.

(Do those guys really understand what protecting monsters means?)

Once exposed, there will be no turning back; even being misunderstood will ruin everything. The Hestia Familia is no longer walking a tightrope; they are walking on burning spider silk.

Completely disregarding my feelings, Aisha sighed inwardly as she gazed at the scene before her.

"Grow bigger! — The Magic Hammer!"

The light of 'Level Boost' was bestowed upon a fairy, and golden particles of light enveloped her body.

Ryu, a masked adventurer who had seemingly reached Lv.5, muttered to herself while looking down at her hands.

"This power... is astonishing. I initially found it hard to believe when Mr. Craney and [Lijie] described it... but can I actually control it?"

"Although it happened suddenly, I'm begging you, Fairy Lord!"

Hestia exaggeratedly clasped her hands together in front of Ryu, who was filled with fear and trembling.

Their current location is southwest of Daedalus Road. At the top of a tower built near the entertainment district, Hestia and Haruhime are applying a foul-level buff to Ryu.

Just as the adventurers were on the verge of war against the "heretics," Ryu, who had received a request from Bell—and Aisha along with her—came to the command post of the Hestia Familia.

"The task is to 'hold off [Fiora]'—a difficult problem. I understand that some drastic measures are necessary. Let's try to handle it."

"I'm so sorry, Miss Fairy... I hope you'll take good care of me."

Leaving Haruhime standing aside, Aisha, who was quite skilled in 'Level Boost', thought to herself, 'She should be able to use it with ease.'

This fairy's combat skills are extraordinary. To be frank, it's strange that she's stuck at Level 4. As a member of the righteous Astrea Familia, she's fought her way through the 'Dark Ages,' so it goes without saying that she's undergone special training since childhood. She must be able to utilize her considerable experience and quick thinking to adjust her tactics in battle without being swayed by the power of 'Level Boost.' If she also makes proper use of the terrain, she might actually be able to hold her own against the [Sword Princess].

Having considered this, Aisha considered asking Ryu about his views on rescuing the monster—but then changed her mind. The masked fairy's actions were clearly based on information exchanged with the Dark Faction. Because of a mission to be completed first, she was prepared to risk her life.

Furthermore, because she possesses a fastidiousness and strong sense of loyalty that Aisha cannot match, the option of abandoning "friends" simply doesn't exist in her mind.

"Then I'll be going. I need to get back to Mr. Crannie as soon as possible."

Undeterred by the impending battle between first-tier adventurers, the masked fairy departed from the top of the tower.

A fleeting glance at the figure dancing in the sky above the labyrinthine street, and Aisha appeared before Hestia and the others as if she had taken over from Ryu.

"Then, please take care of my matter as well."

"Wow! Amazon-kun?"

"Miss Aisha!"

The goddess and the fox spirit were startled by Aisha, who had been hiding in the shadows. Aisha shrugged, deciding to prioritize the enhancement for the time-sensitive Ryu while keeping herself in hiding.

"Unlike [Gale], which was commissioned by Bell Crane, I will follow Andromeda's orders as planned... and obey the [Family's] instructions."

"What...what does that mean?"

"It's about 'protecting' talking monsters. Ah, I don't mean the main force that's all gathered together, but the ones scattered in different places."

Intelligence received from Asfi indicates that besides the main force consisting of Fels and Reid, there are some stray heretics. Aisha's duty is to contact them and "protect" them.

Most of the Hermes Familia members scattered along Daedalus Road were assigned to monitor the ever-changing battle situation, while the combat faction led by Aisha and the tiger-man Falgar was assigned to the execution force here.

"Like, everything's been roughly decided—meeting at the agreed-upon location, signaling, etc.—right? Tell me all that. I don't want to be searching this ridiculously wide 'Daedalus Road' aimlessly."

This is the reason why I made a special trip to Hestia.

Despite the Hestia Familia's extensive network of informants and sheer numbers throughout the labyrinthine area, any delay in relaying the message will inevitably hinder the plan's execution. As long as they must act before the other adventurers and the Loki Familia, speed is crucial. Rushing in only after noticing the commotion will certainly be too late.

Since that's the case, let's just 'cheate' and be up to no good,' Aisha thought to herself, all for the sake of being open and aboveboard.

Aisha didn't have any of the convenient communication devices or magical artifacts that Bell and the others possessed. Coming directly to ask them would be the easiest solution.

"Hmm... I understand."

Hestia groaned at Aisha's insight, and after a moment's consideration and a glance in Haruhime's direction, she agreed to the request.

It was probably because they considered that the more combat power the better, and judged that Aisha would not do anything to harm Chunji that they made the decision.

"East of Daedalus Road, '277th Street.' We've decided to meet up with the scattered heretics there. If the 'work' goes well, I expect Supporter will also find an opportunity to go there."

"Hey—, that little one."

Recalling the little girl who had completely fooled her on the 18th floor, Aisha completed a simple intelligence sharing session. It seemed she planned to have the successfully reunited heretics join the main force if possible, and if that seemed difficult, to use the 'key' held by one of the scattered members to attempt to infiltrate the artificial labyrinth Knossos from another route.

After absorbing the necessary information, Aisha was about to leave.

Miss Aisha

It wasn't until Haruhime, who had been silent until now, called out to stop her from leaving.

"Please don't worry about my daughter, and instead help those heretics."

Aisha was somewhat surprised to be told this. No, to be precise, quite surprised.

When Haruhime and Heretic were weighed together, Aisha would prioritize the former, a fact the fox-girl noticed. Furthermore, she also noticed that Aisha had no intention of participating in Heretic's rescue.

Even so, I hope you can do something for the heretics; that's what Haruhime was trying to say.

(This is a gaze I've never seen before. At least it's different from Haruhime's when she was depressed in the entertainment district.)

Should that 'change' be regarded as 'growth'?

Should we be happy, or should we lament?

Seeing the new side of the girl she had been watching over, Aisha narrowed her eyes.

(The monsters that can make this silly fox make such an expression... are really getting more and more incomprehensible.)

At the same time, interest also arose.

At first, I doubted Belle and Haruhime's lack of a sense of crisis, but what kind of heretics could make them work so hard? Like this.

"...I've got it. But Haruhime, you have to listen to me too."

"What is it?"

"If things get bad, shout out. Go and ask for help. You're still very weak, so don't try to put on a brave face like you did before. It's just that stupid fox making a sacrifice; it doesn't change anything."

"!"

Aisha made the exact opposite request to Haruhime.

I will take care of the heretic, so you better take good care of yourself. That's what she meant.

With her green eyes wide open, Chun-hime revealed a smile full of joy—like a geisha in her own right, she offered a deep bow with graceful movements.

Aisha said nothing more and turned away.

Because Hestia's seemingly approving gaze upon their sisterly bond infuriated her.

Then he jumped and left from there.

"Really, I've been so lenient with Haruhime."

Although it was his own business, he felt speechless. He smiled slightly and then changed his expression.

Just as he put on a serious face and decided to land on the roof of the building, a monster's roar echoed through Daedalus Road.

Oh oh ...

The terrifying howl of a monster echoed through the labyrinthine streets, reverberating in every corner of the city.

That must be the 'signal' Hestia and the others were talking about. Through the instructions issued by the main force, the heretics scattered in various locations can also share the combat information.

The monster's roar echoed from all directions, causing a stir among the adventurers.

As the curtain of the long night rises, the first thing to be played is the 'preliminary battle'.

"Then, let's go!"

Just as Daedalus Road suddenly became agitated, Aisha headed east.

His gaze swept across the street, now a chaotic mess, and he deduced his location and route forward before leaping into a small alley.

The destination is '277th Street'.

While it would be faster to move from rooftop to rooftop and leap between buildings, that would be too conspicuous. With the Loki Familia's heroes having laid a trap, heading straight for the destination without hesitation would be like telling them, "Something's wrong here." Although it would take some time, using the numerous alleyways would be the safest and most prudent option.

Of course, navigating the labyrinthine "Daedalus Road" without a map is extremely difficult. Those unfamiliar with the area might not only fail to reach their destination but could easily get lost and never find their way out. Therefore, Aisha frequently glanced at the adventurers passing by, checking their bearings from rooftops or high platforms before selecting landmarks for her next route.

Strange buildings, uneven and jagged like building blocks on the verge of collapse, and a plaza surrounded by ultra-old-fashioned magic stone streetlights that could be mistaken for antiques—the journey continues eastward unnoticed, passing through these chosen routes.

"The unicorn rabbit has appeared!"

"I've lost track of Bell Craney! Where is he!?"

The voices of adventurers could be heard all around.

It seems Lily's "disruption" and Bell's "feint" and "covert operation" are already taking effect. Not only lower-level adventurers, but even higher-level adventurers are caught in the chaos. Despite having limited usable pieces, they're incredibly capable. Thinking this, Aisha smiled secretly.

(Speaking of which, although I made a promise with Haruhime... I'm still a little concerned about Andromeda's instructions, no, the 'divine will' of the main god.)

Asifi did indeed issue the order to protect the stray heretics.

However, Aisha naturally felt doubtful. Would our cunning and cautious Hermes Familia engage in charitable activities "for the sake of monsters"? — No. There were considerations and calculations involved.

The 'protection' after weighing the risks of being witnessed by other adventurers... in other words, it's 'capture'.

The real purpose is probably the 'key' to the man-made labyrinth of Knossos.

Aisha had also heard about the remnants of the Dark Faction. Knossos, the man-made labyrinth that was also used as a hideout by the hunters of the Icarus Familia, was a major concern not only for the Hermes Familia but also for the Loki Familia.

Hermes, caught in a dilemma with Uranus's camp sharing the same intentions, supports Bell and his companions while also intending to use the heretic as a bargaining chip. At the same time, it is also clear that he is acting in order to achieve some kind of "divine will."

"What an annoying god," Aisha scoffed, then added vehemently, "Neither Ishtar nor Hermes, not a single one of the gods they've made a pact with is decent."

Who would have thought that the "divine will" of that chief god was to offer the captured heretics as "sacrifices" in order to bring back the scattered heroes? Aisha, who had not anticipated this, continued to move on and on.

"274th Street...we're almost there."

After determining their location from the barely legible sign hanging on the smoke-stained pillars, Aisha switched from a brisk, swift pace to a stealthy, nimble movement. Like an assassin, she leaped from one concealed spot to another, leaving only her shadow for company against the walls and stone slabs.

Quite some time has passed since the heretic's cry of war was uttered.

Ryu should already be engaged in battle with [Sword Princess] by now.

It's time for me to complete a task that will boost my reputation.

"—!! That sound, are people fighting?!"

The metallic clanging sound she heard prompted Aisha to quicken her pace.

Is it a fight between adventurers, or a clash between the remnants of the Dark Faction and the Loki Familia? If possible, she hoped it was one of the two. Just as she clicked her tongue in this wishful thinking, she stepped into the labyrinthine alleyways of '275th Street,'

"Great, found them! It's a goblin and a centaur!"

"Ugh, ahhh!"

"Surround it! Surround it! Don't let it escape!"

A group of adventurers, numbering far more than 10, was fighting there against the battered and bruised goblins and centaurs.

The sight made Aisha want to sigh to the heavens. Contact with undiscovered heretics would be one thing, but to be 'protecting' a monster discovered by her own kind was simply absurd. She hid in the shadows of the second-floor platform of the tiered building, frowning and trying to suppress her headache.

(Leaving aside the 'goblin,' the 'half-human bird's' abilities are clearly different from ordinary monsters... Is it an 'enhanced species'?)

It was unclear where such immense strength resided within that small body, but the little goblin in the red hat effortlessly sent several adventurers flying with a single swing of its giant axe. The half-human bird, refusing to land and fearing capture, flapped its wings, launching feather projectiles that destroyed weapons and armor.

The adventurers, centered around orcs, appear to be a patchwork of different factions. The highest level they've ever reached is Lv.2.

For the heretic before them, adventurers of that caliber should have been no problem at all.

(It seems like it consumed a lot of energy.)