Hajime and the others are currently on 20th floor, where the magic circle brought them.

Currently the group walks vigilantly ready for any surprise attacks, they already reached 70th floor but they can't just let their guard down just because they already defeated much stronger enemies, the monsters in this floor were quite troublesome afterall. The monsters here can hide their presence and also likes to attack in group so Kouki and others can't let their guard down.

The positioning of the entire party were like professionals, no openings that can be seen. The frontliner consists of Kouki(Hero) as the main vanguard, Shizuku(Swordmaster) , Ryutaro(Monk), Nagayama Jugo as follow up,Tsuji Ayako and Yoshino Mao as support. Tsuji Ayako is a priest who can heal and cast support magic, but unlike Kaori who trained a lot for a certain reason, her healing magic were just average or better than this worlds residents. Yoshino Mao is a Rejuvenist who excels on support magic, and can also cast buffs spells on fast pace. Nagayama Jugo is a Heavy Knight, he's basically a tank, but because of his personality, he tends to be cautious with his actions.

The rearguards were composed of Kaori(Priest), Suzu(Barrier master) Eri(Necromancer), Saito(Aerothurge), Nomura Kentaro, and Nakano(Pyromancer). Nomura Kentaro is a Geomancer which specialize on earth magic, unlike Hajime who can craft, his focuses on offensive. Eri actually had never used necromancy yet, because of her moral as a Japanese, but she trained herself on fire magic instead to be useful for the party. Kaori and Suzu were the rearguards support, but because of how powerful the spells they can cast, the two of them often acts as the mains support for the entire party.

Hiyama(Light warrior) and Kondo(Dragoon) are the flanks, Kousuke(Assasin) were also one of the flanker, but because of his job, he always acts as the party's scout. Meld and the rest of the knight were acting as bodyguard during expedition for the entire Heroes party, but since they are in 20th floor, for now they lead the way forward and eliminate the monsters they would encounter.

Hajime and Yue were walking far behind. They look like they aren't doing anything but actually, Hajime were discussing their plans after reaching the kingdom with Yue, using Telepathy Stone imbued on her accessories. Kaori were stealing glances once in a while to Hajime, same goes for most of the boys, but their forcus were on Yue, admiring her beauty. Only the vanguard group were on there right senses to be on their guard, ready for ambushes. Shizuku still have lots of questions regarding Hajime, or rather, she's full of doubts if he really is him, so she ask her best friend, Kaori, a girl who knows him best to confirm her suspicions.

[ Uhhm.. Kaori, are you really sure he's Nagumo-kun? ]

[ Huh?.. What do you mean by that? ]

[ Because... of what happen earlier, you felt it too right? that pressure he released.

[ Yes, I dont quite understand it myself, but I know he really is Hajime, I can feel it, on my heart. ]

Shizuku just stare on Kaori for a few seconds, and let out an exasperated sigh. Lovestruck maidens really are complex and unstoppable, but Shizuku knows Kaori's thought process enough that she can't leave her alone on this, that's why she'll be by her side to support her wholeheartedly... or stop her from doing something stupid.

During this conversation between Shizuku and Kaori, Hiyama and his gang approached Hajime and Yue with cynical smile pasted on their faces, or more accurately only the three approaches him, Hiyama seems out of himself for some reason. Since everyone is distracted they take this chance for getting back at him for what he did earlier, they won't let go Hajime unscathed no matter what.

[ Nahh, Nagumo that was something ehh? where did that come from anyway? ]

[ You got some guts now huh... wanna go? ]

[ Don't worry gross otaku, we'll go easy on you... though, our level and stats are higher than the last time we did this to you, so it might still hurts a lot. ]

All of them starts laughing loudly, which attracts the attention of all the students. Shizuku clicks her tongue and glared at the trio, she's ready to stop them before they do something bad to Hajime. Kaori were just starring, she wants to interfere but she can't even move her feet for some reason, it seems like she lost her confidence cause mainly of Yue. The other students saw this and ignore it as usual, but surprisingly, some of them seems opposed and also glared at the trio. Kouki who noticed this, brushed it off and thought that it's only a friendly conversation.

Hajime ignored the trio and walk relentlessly. Which makes the three angrier, but that anger on their faces transform into disgusting smile, they seem to got an idea and shared a look with each other, Nakano signaled Kondo, which he took action and he starts reaching toward Yue, but before his hand even touched her hair. it suddenly fall to the floor with a dull sound.

[ Ehh?... W-what happened? ]

Saito and Nakano's faces pales instantly, they took a step back while screaming not fitting for their gender. Kondo has't realized it until her comrades starts screaming, the blood that was pouring out were beyond his imagination, he start screaming himself and hurriedly picked up his severed hand. Most of the students saw it but really dont understand what happened, the screams of the trio bring them back to senses and they also start rushing to his side. Everyone ready their weapon, and the others wad already chanting their spells. None of them were able to see what exactly happened, even Shizuku who specialize on speed didn't even caught a glimpse of it.

Hajime and Yue was just talking using telepathy, but they're still aware of their surrounding which was why Hajime caught their intention even though they were behind him. He enhanced his prosthetic finger with Gale Claw and slice Kondo's hand with a speed, normal humans can't even perceive.

While everyone were on guard from the unknown attacker, Meld knelt down and examined Kondo's wound.

[ ...What happened!? Kaori!! hurry up and heal him! he's losing to much blood! ]

Kaori were still in daze the whole time and can't even process the current situation. She picked up the pace and ran toward her comrades but... suddenly, she noticed Yue right beside Hajime, they walk past them regardless of the situation. That wicked smile on her face, bring shivers down Kaori's spine, she unconsciously stop her chanting, but return to her senses cause of her classmate, yelling out her name.

While Kaori were healing Kondo, Meld asked again about the situation.

[ ... What exactly happened?.. can someone tell me? especially those near to him before this happened. ]

Nakano and Saito tried to answer, but they can't speak anymore cause of too much fear. Shizuki answered for them, even she herself don't exactly know what occur.

[ I neither see it Meld-san... it was too fast.. the only thing I noticed was something cutting through the wind. ]

[ Huh? did you see someone cast or chant that spell? ] Meld asked.

[ No.. I didn't. what do you think happened Meld-san? ]

[ Hmm... Based on the tiny information we have, there's are few possibilities I can think of. First is that, it's one of the labyrinth's trap, but the probability for that is too low, considering we've already explored this floor. Second, monsters attacked without us even noticing, since monsters here in this floor are specialized at hiding their presence, but still the odds are pretty low. When I examine his wound, I'm surprised of how clean the cut is, that thing, it used something pretty sharp if we factor up his defence stat, and no monsters exist in this floor that could do that clean swipe, which bring us again to the 1st conclusion. And lastly someone used... a one word chant. ]

Everyone were suprised when Meld stated the latter. The other two theories were still credible, but they haven't see or heard someone who can do a one word chant.

[ Is that even possible Meld-san!? ] Kouki shouted.

[ Yeah.. There are even few races who could even cast magic without chanting, but they've been brought to extinction hundred of years ago. ]

They all talk until Kaori finished healing Kondo. The fact that she can heal a severe limbs were the proof of her bloody training. Kondo's tears were still flowing even the wound were already fixed up, he's crying this whole time though.

Kaori who's been quiet this whole time comes up with a conclusion, but before she voice out what's on her mind, there is an ear splitting noise coming up ahead. There should be an open area at the end of this corridor, which nesting up with a lot of monsters.

[ Hajime-kun! ]

Kaori sprint up without second thought toward to where the sound come from. The others also returned to their senses and followed up after her.

The moment all of them reach the end of the corridor, everyone we're dumbfounded, tons of monster corpses were littered everywhere, some were missing their head or completely scattered into pieces, there's also some that were burn to death. Standing in the middle of of these corpses were Hajime, on his side were Yue pointing her palm against the party, she hadn't still used to there presence yet, or more likely that she's holding a grudge for them. It seems like both.

Looking at Hajime's back they noticed something odd, since the time they reunite with him, something were obviously different and that is... that they can't feel any emotions from him except when he's talking with Yue. No joy or excitement from achieving such feat. In the past they haven't seen him make other expressions except his troubled smile, but they have to admit that it was't so bad.This time though were something incomprehensible, it's like looking at a Mountain... firm, and unshakeable, but also intimidating.

When they were observing Hajime, they noticed a weapon all of the students were familiar at, holding on both hands were something that shouldn't existed in this world. Meld and the knights were also confused but for different reason. They haven't see something like this before, afterall, it doesn't belong in this world.

While they were in daze Hajime spun his weapon and put it in its holster.

Donner and Schlag, Hajime's most trusted weapon. The moment he throws he's humanity and be reborn, his Donner was born. After thousands of attempts to acquire power to grant his dearest wish, his partner were successfully crafted, which helps him conquer the whole labyrinth. At the end of the dungeon lay Oscar's Hideout and grant Hajime one of the Seven Ancient Magic called: Creation Magic. This magic allows him to imbued magic to any kind of ore and be able to craft Artifacts. He had created dozens of Artifacts during his stay on the hideout, and one of them were Donner's twin sister, Schlag, which hold holds the same power as the former.

Kaori rush to Hajime regardless of the scene, she's more concerned to Hajime more than anything. Yue sigh, put her hand down, and cling to Hajime's arm. Kaori stop in front of him and examine his body, searching for injuries. Obviously she found nothing but she have to confirm it regardless.

[ Hajime-kun. Are you okay!? Did you get hurt!? ]

Hajime look at her above his shoulder without even facing her properly, and replied.

[ Ooh Shirasaki. Thank you for you concern though, but I'm fine. ]

[ Nnn.. These monsters are weak anyway. Considering their numbers it might be troublesome, but not for us. ] Yue said concietedly.

Kaori sigh in relief, but still... She can't shake off her frustration, cause Yue was the one fighting along side Hajime.

The others come walked toward Hajime as well. Fear and curiosity were mingling together, the fact that he's Hajime they knew, were also fueling their confusion.

[ Nagumo... Was that... guns your holding? ] Ryutaro asked.

[ Wha-! you know what that is kiddo? ] Meld said.

[ Yes, Meld-san. It's a weapon from our world called Gun. ] Kouki interjected.

[ Where in the hell did you get one of those shonen? ]

[ Yeah, Nagumo! How did you get that kind of weapon in this world!? ]

Everyone were also curious, how to acquire this weapon. Having this kind of weapon in a wolrd only sword and magic existed, was already cheating. Winning will be much more simple, and they would go home in no time.

[ What are all of you saying? Of course I made it myself. ] Hajime stated. Keeping it secret wasn't really necessary though.

[ Wha-! You mean... by yourself? ] Shizuku asked.

[ Yeah, of course. Is there someone out there from this world know what this is anyway? Yaegashi.]

[ Now that you mention it, that makes sense but ...Guns are pretty complicated mechanisms right? How did you manage to make it? ]

[ I practiced obviously. I have tons of time down there, and my stats won't do me good, so I have to create something that pack enough punch to obliterate those bastards with ease. ]

With this everyone finally understand how Hajime had manage to explore this dungeon by himself. Its only the tip of the iceberg though.

[ Anyway, we're in a hurry right? Meld-san is it fine if I lead the way. ]

Before Meld could even gave his answer, Hajime relentlessly walked forward. Everyone followed suit without any complains.

On there way to the surface, they witness the power of Donner and Schlag. Meld and the knights were admiring its power, the fact that it only used small amount of mana, only brings them to excitement. Mass producing this weapon will help humans with their war against Demons, considering that it looks pretty easy to use, they could use their number as an advantage to subdued their foes. The students have different opinions, some were happy and in admiration but there's also some that were jealous, specially Hiyama and his gang. Kouki should be happy with Hajime's new found strength, his comrade acquired power to be useful for everyone should make him satisfied... but he can't, there something inside his heart he can't explain, something he never felt before. Kouki chucked it on his imagination since he literally have no idea what inferiority feels like.

As Hajime lead the way, their chance to fight decrease drastically. They didn't even noticed that they are already on 1st floor and ahead of them was the entrance of the Labyrinth. It's already sunset as soon as they step outside. Orange sky, fluffy clouds, sunlight, and fresh wind, this trivial things were something Hajime and Yue were longing for so long. They look at each other and smile happily. Yue jump on Hajime to hug him, which he receive wholeheartedly, they cling to each other and yell multiple times until they tire themselves out. This attracts a lot of attentions from the bystander, same goes for everyone from the Heroes Party. They can't understand why Hajime and Yue were like this but some weren't stupid enough not to picked up their feelings, this two must had endured alot.

After cheering loudly like there will be no tomorrow. Hajime let go of Yue and walk near the entrance, there was an engraving that can be found, Oscar Orcus's Great Labyrinth were written and small symbol beneath of it. Hajime tookout a ring with the same symbol and pointed it on the tablet. There's a light comes out from the ring, and suddenly the stone tables slid open and inside was what everyone expecting, a treasure, but they didn't know what exactly are they looking at, except Meld and the Knights. Their mouth were gaping open, and they can't even word out their thoughts. Meld who was surprised among everyone else questioned Hajime.

[ Shonen... is that what I think it is? ]

[ Oh this? It's Divinity Stone though. Is there something wrong? ]

On Hajime's palm were a palm size Divinity Stone. An ore that takes thousand of years to take form, Meld and the others couldn't believe that they would be able to see one. The beauty it holds was something none of the students haven't seen before, they stare on it, admiring its glory. Hajime who had seen much bigger than this, can't really sympathise with them, he put the ore on his coat, and walked towards them, ignoring everyone's gazes directed on him. Hajime used this trick to hide his Treasure Trove's existence.

Kaori, who's the same state with everyone else, step forward in front of Hajime.

[ Hajime-kun, how did you know that, there's something in there? ]

[ Huh? Ohh.. I just read it on the books. ]

[ I see, it's so beautiful isn't? Where are you gonna use it? ]

[ Creating artifacts of course, they are very useful as mana tank afterall. On top of that, it's gorgeous, so making accessories with it is outstanding. ] Yue replied. She do this while showing off his earings, necklace and the ring on her ring finger.

Kaori who saw this snapped back her gaze back to Hajime, the light on her eyes were missing, and her aura suddenly changed. Shizuku sigh and clap Kaori's shoulder, which all it takes to returned her back to her senses. She frowned and looked down dejectedly.

Meld rally up everyone and head straight to their inn, they need to depart tomorrow morning, and all of them was obviously worn out.


Under the fullmoon, Hiyama can be found near Haraud's public plaza. He drove his fist on one of the trees surrounding him while cursing with low but vehement voice.

[ Shit! shit! shit! How is that guy alive!? HOW!? ]

There's another silhouette can be found near him, but this guy's identity were completely concealed.

[ Stop causing some ruckus already, someone might find us here if you're that loud. ] Hooded guy says.

[ What do you expect me to do!? That guy... that guy! knows something obviously! He can reveal anytime about what happened on that day! There's no way I can stay calm! ]

[ Relax, if that guy really planned to expose you, he should have done it when we reunite. There's no merit for him if he revealed your crime anyway, but... just to be sure, we're gonna try to convince our classmates not to believe any single word he would say. ]

[ Do you think we can do that? ]

[ Definitely. we can use Kouki-kun especially for the time like this. ]

They talk the rest of their plan on that night and later on returned to inn unconspicuously.

The rest of the Heroes party were currently resting. After finishing up their dinner, Meld ordered everyone to rest immediately. One girl was an exception, she's currently standing on front of the door, that were dimly lighten, she takes a few deep breath and take actions. After knocking to the door, the person inside open it like they already know she was there. The mood of the room owner seems annoyed for some reason.

Hajime already sense the owner of this particular presence. He's currently sorting out their loots and putting on separate it pouch, when he suddenly sense her presence in front of their room. He already knew her reason to be here so, he reluctantly open the door and greet the girl in front of him.

[ What is it Shirasaki? ]

Kaori flinched to his annoyed tone, but she gathered her resolve and greeted Hajime back.

[ Good evening, Hajime-kun... There's... just something I just want to talk about, if its fine? ... ]

Hajime and sigh and replied [ Come in for now, and be quick with it, I still have something to do. ]

Kaori smile sadly and walked behind Hajime. Once inside she spotted Yue sleeping and lots of stuffs on the desk near window. Hajime walk toward Yue, he ran his hand on her fluffy golden hair and kiss her forehead. Kaori who already know what kind of relationship they had was frustrated, cause she herself didn't had a chance to saw this kind of emotion comes from Hajime before. She sat on the available chair while Hajime were preparing their tea. Normally he wouldn't bother to do this for anyone, but Kaori was someone different.

[ So what do you want to talk about Shirasaki? ]

[ Uhhmm... I just want to know what happened down there. I really need to know, I can't even sleep thinking about you. ] Kaori said.

Hajime approach her and hand her a cup of tea. As expected he really have no idea how to make it properly, but Kaori feels nostalgic from this tea, regardless of the taste she drank it without hesitation. The taste was the same as before, Kaori didn't even noticed that she's smiling. Hajime scratched his head awkwardly and started talking.

[ I know it doesn't taste good, so you don't really have to force yourself though. ]

[ No... That's fine... really. Anyway can you please tell me your story now? ]

[ *sigh*... You know there's really nothing special happen to me down there, I just fight monsters, craft artifacts and find my way outside. I just accidentally find Yue who were sealed, and freed her on a whim. Hahaha when I'm recalling that scenario, it was really funny how I try to abandoned her first place. ]

[ Wha-! Why would you abandoned her? ]

[ What do you expect me to do. The monsters down there was much stronger you know, I'm cautious, afterall, letting my guard down would lead to my instant death. ]

Kaori just stare at Hajime, his iron will was the same as always, and its quite admirable.

[ You know... When you fall on that bridge, I realize something. Something I'd never thought before. I... I love you... I always does since that day, I want you to look on me... and me only. That's why I did my best for you to noticed me, but backed then, I have no Idea what kind of feeling I have for you, I guess Shizuku-chan does, that's why she supported me. I'm so happy knowing you survive, but then Yue-san is with you now, I'm so pathetic am I? I can't even protect someone I love. That's why I trained so hard for the day we met again, and then... I will definitely protect you this time. ]

Kaori started sobbing during her monologue. Tears streaming down her face and her sleeve was already wet with tears.

[ Shirasaki... seems like I make you worried. As you can see I'm alive ... so stop crying. ] Hajime who receives Kaori's confession, don't really have any idea how to comfort her. He approach her, pat her head and said those words.

Kaori look at Hajime, still tears streaming down from her eyes. What she saw suprised her, that nostalgic gaze.

When he tried to come up with solution to reassure her backed then, he requested Kaori to protect him, he wore the same expression back then when she talked to him and warned him about her dream. That was enough to bring Kaori's emotions to overload. She hug him tightly and kiss his lips. Hajime didn't expected that to happen, so he didn't had time to react to dodge her kiss.

It only lasted for few seconds but it feels decades had passed instantly. Hajime separate his lips from Kaori and try to calmed her burning passion. If he was the same backed then, he would lose control with his own emotions too, but he brushed it off like nothing and get backed to his own seat. Kaori finally returned to her senses and her face was bright red like a tomato, but she looks sad cause she thought she didn't have enough charm to move Hajime.

Hajime change to topic and avoid talking about the kiss, which makes Kaori's mood better. Like that they talk random topic until Kaori returned to her own room. Shizuku who hasn't slept yet questioned Kaori regarding her errand, with a teasing smile. They didn't even noticed the time and it's sunrise already outside when they finished talking. They took their belongings and head outside where the carriage were should be waiting.