Chapter 14: Ominous Changes, Unease, and a Contact

Karen-san stood ready with her kunai in hand, facing the two 《Archangels》. Her stance was flawless.

“Satou-san, please use this.”

Noticing that I didn’t have a weapon, Karen-san pulled a short dagger from within the folds of her gothic lolita outfit and handed it to me.

“Ah, thank you.”

“This is my sub-weapon. I believe someone like you can handle it perfectly.”

The dagger had a beautifully etched blade—clearly a masterwork. …It felt slightly warm, but I decided not to dwell on that.

The two 《Archangels》 were still some distance away, seemingly unable to pinpoint our exact location yet.

“Karen-san, you know how to deal with them, right?”

“Yes, of course. You aim for them during their incantations. Their weak spot is the back of the neck.”

After saying that, she glanced at me with an expression radiating the desire for praise.

“Impressive. Then, Karen-san, please take the Archangel on the left.”

“Y-yes… Satou-san praised me… ufufu…”

“All right, let’s go on my signal.”

“Understood!”

I signaled Karen-san and observed the 《Archangels》 carefully.

It was my first time teaming up with someone. My first battle as part of a team. My heart raced, and sweat formed on my palms.

—Could I, who had always been alone, synchronize with someone?

A quick sideways glance at Karen-san revealed her face, now entirely focused and devoid of its earlier playfulness.

We held our breaths, waiting for the right moment. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting…

—Now!

With a nod of my head, I dashed forward.

At the exact same moment, Karen-san disappeared like the wind, leaving only a faint trace behind.

—Fast.

In an instant, Karen-san was behind the 《Archangel》, hurling her kunai straight at its weak point with precision. Her movements were impeccable.

She should be fine on her end.

Relieved, I turned my focus to the 《Archangel》 in front of me. I couldn’t afford to lose either.

Gripping the dagger Karen-san had given me, I felt an unexpected familiarity with it, as though it had always belonged in my hand. It must have been well-cared for.

“Your opponent is me.”

As the 《Archangel》 raised its hands, radiating murderous intent, I swung the dagger in an upward diagonal slash.

The air itself seemed to split with a sharp hiss.

For a moment, silence reigned.

Time appeared to freeze before the 《Archangel》’s body slid apart.

Its bisected form dissolved into particles of light and vanished.

“That… that was amazing!”

Karen-san’s voice reached my ears, filled with awe.

“T-Taichi-san, how did you do that?”

“Uh, normally?”

I just… slashed straight at the weak spot, really.

“That’s not normal at all!”

“Well, honestly, it’s thanks to this weapon. Which means it’s all thanks to you, Karen-san.”

“R-really? Did I manage to help you, Taichi-san?”

“Of course. We were perfectly in sync.”

As I responded, I noticed my hands trembling.

My first time fighting alongside someone else.

It seemed that, deep down, I was happier about it than I had expected.

Fighting alongside someone… feels nice… yeah.

“Ehehe… ehehehe… We’re the best partners, aren’t we?”

Karen-san, too, seemed to share my feelings. She gave me a charming smile. I debated whether or not to address the fact that she was suddenly calling me by name… and decided to let it slide.

“…Hmm?”

“What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s just…”

I bent down to pick up the 【Magic Crystal】 that had dropped when the 《Archangel》 dissolved.

At that moment, a sense of foreboding washed over me.

I raised my head.

The ominous feeling seemed to be emanating from the direction of the stairs leading to the second floor ahead.

A sense of foreboding unlike anything I’d felt before. Could something unusual be happening in the dungeon…?

Thinking back, today’s dungeon felt off in more ways than one.

I didn’t notice at first, being on the seventh floor for the first time, but now that I think about it, the sheer number of monsters was far greater than usual.

If that’s not normal… then perhaps—

“Taichi? Are you okay?”

“Ah, yeah…”

Karen-san, now casually calling me by my first name, called out to me. Her boldness in closing the distance was… surprising, but appreciated. A loner like me struggles to gauge those boundaries, so this kind of help is oddly comforting.

I decided to share my observations with Karen-san.

“Something feels strange about today’s dungeon.”

“Strange… how so?”

“The enemies’ behavior is off.”

The signs were there earlier, when I saved the two members of 【Luna Stars】.

The 《Archangels》—which normally never coordinated—had exhibited deliberate, organized movements.

And now, two more had appeared in unison, attacking simultaneously, as if coordinated.

These small irregularities might not be noticed unless you’ve been delving into the dungeon and observing for a long time. But this feeling… I’m almost certain it’s real.

‘—Dungeons are always changing, as if they were living things. Always stay vigilant, never ignore even the smallest shifts. That is the work of an explorer.’

My master’s words echoed in my mind, words I had heard countless times in the past.

It was with these principles that I had explored dungeons, meticulously gathering information and missing no detail.

However, with the rise of dungeon livestreams, this meticulous approach seemed to have faded away. Dungeons had become convenient entertainment, always available and easy to enjoy.

Yet, the two members of 【Luna Stars】 were different.

Shion was bold yet maintained her composure, while Kanade was cautious yet capable of daring strategies when necessary. They constantly analyzed the situation and never let their guard down.

Their livestreams showed how they supported each other.

“Taichi, were you just thinking about another girl?”

“…No?”

“Are you sure?”

“…”

Karen-san gave me a sharp, questioning look. How did she know?

Silence was my best answer, so I decided to stay quiet.

For now, I’d need to report the dungeon’s anomalies. Tomorrow, I’d head to the Dungeon Association and share my findings with Minase-san. I’d bring Karen-san along as well; my report alone might lack credibility.

“Karen-san, are you free tomorrow?”

“Y-yes! Of course!”

Karen-san’s eyes sparkled as she closed the distance between us. I subtly handed back her dagger while stepping away, but she closed the gap just as quickly.

“Is it… a date? It’s a date, isn’t it!?”

“No, it’s not.”

“Eh?”

“Eh?”

“It’s not a date?”

I wish it were, but this is just work.

“I want to report today’s anomalies to the Dungeon Association. My account alone might not be enough, so I’d appreciate it if you could come with me.”

“Of course! I’d be happy to help. The nearest branch would be Okutama, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“In that case, I’ll contact Elena to make arrangements.”

“Thanks, that’s a big help.”

With Karen-san involved, things should move smoothly. That’s a relief.

I pulled out my smartphone to jot down the details of today’s events.

At that moment, I noticed Karen-san fidgeting, glancing at my phone with a hesitant expression.

“Um… Taichi, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Well… could I have your contact information?”

Ah, I see. So that’s what this is about.

Having never exchanged contact information with anyone, the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. Such is the life of a loner.

“Of course.”

I tried to maintain a calm facade as I opened a messaging app I had installed but never used. Crap—I had no idea how to use it.

Noticing my struggle, Karen-san offered, “May I?” and handled the registration for me. Thank goodness.

And so, for the first time, a contact was saved on my phone. Could this mean I’ve graduated from being a loner?

Afterward, we left the Garden of the Gods and parted ways at the dungeon’s entrance.

Karen-san was still eager to visit my home, but I politely declined.

…Maybe I should tidy up my room when I get back.