The Death Bat Sneering at the End of the Slaughter

The second floor was swallowed in darkness.

A swarm of bats appeared, exerting a pressure so heavy it was tactile, while the echoes of a man’s laughter filled the air. Thanks to my night vision, I could see exactly what was happening. It was a miserable scene of carnage... The heads of every monster in the room were being lopped off.

As the flying swarm engulfed them, the enemies were decapitated from the edges inward. Within seconds, the [Oni] in the vicinity were dead. Then the darkness dissipated, leaving only a heavy silence in its wake. A humanoid figure took shape at my side.

He had dark brown skin and silver hair that reached his waist. Claw-like weapons were fixed to his feet, and sickle-like wings sprouted from his back. With blue tattoos etched across his rugged face and his torso mostly bare, he looked like a wild primitive.

"Kuha! It has been a long time, my sworn friend. Well? I have finished the slaughter."

"Yeah, you were a big help, Shibaru. Thanks for coming."

Shibaru Camazotz.

His original [Scripture] defined him as the bat of death from [Mayan Mythology] who dwelt in a certain house. This was a man who lived for the sword and viewed decapitation as the ultimate act. We were in a tight spot, but having a specialist in crowd control like him show up was a godsend.

"So, woman," Shibaru said, glancing at Tsubaki. "Why have you been staring at me?"

"No, I was just thinking how strong you look. Also... are you not cold?"

"...I am not cold. You concern yourself with strange things."

"If that is the case, then that is good. Also, thank you for helping me!"

Shibaru was taken aback—or rather, he wasn't used to face-to-face gratitude. He fell silent for a moment, but he quickly accepted her words and readied his weapon again.

The reason was simple: more monsters had spawned. What emerged was a three-meter-tall [Red Oni] with crimson skin, brandishing a massive black club.

"A [Red Oni]!? As expected, today’s [Dungeon] is incredible. So many strong enemies!"

"Hoh. You're a regular heroine, aren't you? Sworn friend, leave this one to the woman and me. Let us offer that head to you."

"...Understood. But let me provide at least some support. I want to see how this plays out."

Shibaru took to the air, his sickle-like wings flapping. He charged straight ahead, shifting the claws on his feet into blades to go for the kill. The [Red Oni] tried to respond to Shibaru’s rapid approach, but it was forced to retreat as Tsubaki moved in to attack simultaneously.

"That’s a bad move."

I was here too, and my main role was support. The moment the monster stepped back, I sent a trail of ice racing out from [Dainsleif], freezing its feet to the floor and cutting off its escape. Its balance buckled with its feet frozen; the creature was forced to pick which attack to block. Driven by instinct, it swung its club toward Shibaru.

"There is no way a blunt toy like that can stop my claws!"

Using the sword on his foot like a snap-kick, Shibaru bisected the approaching club. The strike was so sharp it split the giant lump of iron clean down the middle, and his left leg followed through, slicing the creature’s arm off in the same motion.

"Finish it, woman."

"I am not 'woman,' I have the name Tsubaki!"

She leapt.

A single flash.

Tsubaki’s blade passed through the opponent in one fluid motion, the edge carving through its torso. Blood sprayed, followed shortly by the clatter of a large red magic stone hitting the ground. Tsubaki held her zanshin for a moment before sheathing her blade.

"—As I thought, Reima-dono’s [Summoned Beasts] are powerful."

"Well, they’re the comrades I’m proud of. Honestly, Tsubaki, has your magic power manipulation improved?"

"You noticed! Lately, I have been studying under Laura and practicing my control... Though, I still find what Shibaru-dono did to be utterly incomprehensible."

"That’s just Shibaru. When it comes to the act of [Tomesis] or tearing things apart, he’s in a league of his own."

"He really is outside the norm. I shall have to ask for another spar sometime... Also, Reima-dono, the honorifics are unnecessary."

"No, but, you’re older than me..."

Besides, she’s a type of person I’ve never really dealt with before. I have a genuine level of respect for her swordsmanship. As I was thinking that, she puffed out her cheeks in clear dissatisfaction.

"It makes me feel so alienated when I am the only one you use formal speech with. It is lonely... Besides, we are comrades, are we not?"

"...Ah. Right. I’m sor—sorry. I’ll stop."

"I am glad to hear it! Hehe, I really wanted to get that across today, so I am glad I could!"

"...Was that the only reason you came?"

"Of course! We do not get to talk much normally, and I wanted to dive into a [Dungeon] with you, but there were things I had to say!"

Things she wanted to say?

She was always straightforward. She paused for a beat, as if steeling her resolve, and then continued.

"Reima-dono, I am truly grateful that we met you, and for everything you have done to help us!"

"...Where is this coming from?"

"I was just thinking. You saved us during the [Behemoth] battle, and then again with [Perseus]... You saved Laura’s heart and granted her dream. I am buried in debt to you. That is why I wanted to thank you."

"............"

"Today, in the past, and from now on... we are your allies. I want you to rely on us more. And... I would like to see you smile a bit more."

When she said that, one thought entered my mind.

Come to think of it, when was the last time I actually laughed? Since I came to this world—no, even back in the other world, when was the last time?

"Reima-dono is amazing. After all, you saved an entire world! I just wish you would acknowledge your own worth a little more."

"Reima... Listen to the heroine. She sees more of you than you think," Shibaru added.

I fell silent. I couldn't just accept it immediately... but I realized then that there were people who felt that way about me.

"...Maybe so."

"It is so! I will say it as many times as it takes: Reima-dono is incredible! You are a strong, caring, big-hearted fool who took the lead for our sake during our very first battle... You are a truly precious comrade. That is why I want you to rely on us. Leave things to us."

Once the dam broke, Tsubaki started pouring out embarrassing praise. It was reaching my limit, so I tried to tell her to calm down, but...

"Hmph! If you want me to stop, then Reima-dono must praise me too!"

She had completely blocked my retreat. She’s tougher than she looks, I thought.

The people in this world were truly kind. I might disappear one day. A parting might come when the original Reima’s consciousness returned to this body.

But until then... I felt like it might be okay to rely on them a little more.

"Now then, on to the next floor!"