Probably over an hour since arriving on the 30th floor.
We've advanced steadily while fighting repeatedly.
Slower pace than last guided expedition—inevitable.
Last time followed seniors' orders. Now—all decisions ours.
Still—cleared about 80% of route.
If continues—reach boss area soon.
"About to enter wide area—focus."
Three of us—so chose narrow paths for grouped combat.
But unavoidable wide spaces exist.
Combat there—numbers advantage huge.
Heard 30th no groups over six—but no slacking.
"Ahh~ So tired. Right after town... why we gotta do this?"
"Can't help. South Great Labyrinth—unregistered crystal entrances. So from layer 1. Already no motivation—don't complain more."
Entered wide area—encountered another explorer party.
"Other party. Log—what do?"
Common to meet others in labyrinth.
Lower layers—vast, few explorers, rare encounters.
Upper/mid—opposite.
Meeting others—coordinate separate routes.
Same route—compete for stones/materials, pointless fights.
—Orun-san taught.
"First—ask purpose. If exploration—ask them yield our route. ...Hello! Mind a moment?"
"Yeah? Kids?"
Log spoke—muscle-bound giant replied lazily.
...Kinda scary.
Three more.
Four-person party. Opposite giant—skinny man, woman, last hooded loose robe—gender unclear.
"We're here for 30th conquest. If you're exploring—yield that route?"
Log requested planned route.
"Sure—do what you want. No business with brats."
Rude—but yielding route. Better leave quickly.
Don't engage such people.
"Thanks. Then we—"
"Wait."
Skinny man stopped as Log thanked and moved.
"...Yes?"
"You *Silver Rabbit* explorers?"
Why ask that?
Recognized from clothes?
"*Silver Rabbit*? Heard somewhere. Where?"
"You idiot? Brain all muscle?"
"What?!"
"*Silver Rabbit*—has 'Dragon Slayer' right?!"
Dragon Slayer—Orun-san?
Famous.
Impressive...
"Yeah! Hey—you know Dragon Slayer?"
"""..."""
All three silent.
Orun-san said info important.
Until know why asking—better not speak carelessly.
"Silence = yes?"
Skinny man pressed threateningly.
"Zuriel—confirm."
Hooded one spoke first time.
Clear beautiful voice.
Probably woman.
"As you wish."
"—!?"
Man spoke—Log gasped.
...What?
"Bingo. This boy—Dragon Slayer's acquaintance. More like master-disciple. Use them as bait—hook Dragon Slayer."
"Why...!?"
Log panicked.
Said nothing—how know!?
Mind-reading ability?
"Hahahaha! Lucky us! No need for annoying labyrinth conquest!"
Four gave off bad vibe.
Something I felt daily as child—**malice**.
But not just malice—killing intent too.
Why malice toward us—unknown.
But escape better.
They're stronger.
"Carol! Log! Reverse route—run!"
Proposed—immediately loud noise behind.
Turned—path we came blocked by wall.
Not just that.
Other two paths blocked...
"Won't let you!"
Apparently giant's magic.
Looks aside—can use magic.
"Why do this!?"
"Simple. You're close to Dragon Slayer. No need you know more."
Skinny man—threatening.
"Hey! You lot stay back. I'll handle these. Pent-up rage!"
"Me too! But fine—give 'em to you. Save fun for killing Dragon Slayer."
Kill Orun-san...?
Why!?
"Can't escape. Two—break walls! I'll buy time!"
Carol charged giant.
"Idiot! Don't rush alone!"
Log ignored—Carol attacked giant.
"Scared two! Won't forgive!"
"...Huh?"
—Eh?
Carol—who charged giant—suddenly blown back—crashed wall behind us.
"Carol!?"
"...U... ugh..."
Realized—giant's greatsword caused it.
"Hmph. Back-jumped to reduce impact—good reaction. But she's done."
Giant right—Carol unconscious after wall slam.
No visible wounds—but maybe broken bones.
"—! Sophie! Switch! Rear three won't act! Focus this guy!"
"Y-Yes!"
Log's call—shifted focus.
Worried for Carol—but breathing.
Carol has **Self-Heal**—probably fine.
Need escape plan before Carol revives...!
Scary—but must fight or die!
Don't wanna die here!
"**Thunder Shock**!"
Matched Log's move—cast attack spell.
Log attacked boldly—but giant evaded with agility mismatched to body—ignored attacks.
"Gah!"
Log blown back—fell near me.
"Log—okay!?"
No visible wounds—but cast **Heal** anyway.
If only parallel construction worked...
"...Blown-away one good too—but you move nice."
"Compared to Master—your moves obvious! Bad sword handling?"
Log stood using spear as staff—mocked giant.
"Huh?"
Light jab—but Log trembled. Scared.
Natural.
(Knew but... can't win... This way... —No! Don't give up! Orun-san said 'always think'! To break this—)
While thinking—Log and giant closed again.
"Hahaha! Nice! But—too weak."
Like Carol—giant swung greatsword sideways.
Log reacted—blocked with spear—but spear snapped—blade continued.
Toward Log.
"Nooooooo!!"
My answer—gamble—but desperately interfere.
—The true nature of discomfort felt.
And I won that gamble.
"...Wha!? What—body won't move...!"
Greatsword stopped right before hitting Log.
(...So that's it.)
Instantly understood my ability...
"Then... Fly back!!"
Interfered with giant—blew him far back.
Wanted slam wall—but distance short.