After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
The battle against the former Dark Elves was fierce in the extreme, and although we struggled considerably, we somehow managed to come out victorious.
"Is everyone okay? Any injuries?"
"We're fine!"
"No problem!"
Marina and Nene, who had been on the front lines, turned back and smiled.
There were some dangerous moments, but it looks like we managed to support each other well enough.
"What the hell were those things...?"
Jamie let out a small sigh as she stared at the former Tymus, now reduced to what looked like rotting logs.
Transformed into tree spirit-like beings resembling Treants, they had been formidable enemies.
Wielding advanced elemental magic and attacking in coordinated strikes with unexpected agility, they reminded us that they had once been the guardian rangers of the Amber Forest—despite their altered appearances.
It must have been stressful for Marina and the others, having to fight former acquaintances turned enemies.
"Yuke!"
Rain, who had been at the rear, called out to me.
"What is it?"
"Saisaria’s gone."
Rain looked a bit flustered as she said it, and I glanced around too—but there was no sign of Saisaria anywhere.
"Was she caught up in the battle...?"
"I don’t know. I just noticed she was gone."
"Nene! I hate to ask this right after the fight—"
Before I could even finish my sentence, Nene took off running, saying, "Already on it!"
As I watched her dash off, I reached into my magic bag and pulled out the Footstory, a magical item that reveals footprints, and spread it around the area.
"Activation check."
In response to the keyword, the magical sand lit up our footprints... but there were no signs of Saisaria’s.
It was as if she had never been here to begin with.
"What’s going on…?"
"The Seeker’s Compass isn’t working either. Maybe... the Amber Forest is getting too close to the Abyss."
That theory was probably correct.
This forest, born from the World Tree—a cradle meant for crossing dimensions—is especially susceptible to the effects of the "Invisible Darkness."
The changes in the forest’s plant life likely point to the beginning of a world-blending phenomenon similar to the Achromatic Darkness.
The Seeker’s Compass is a magical artifact that shows the direction of something in our world—a two-dimensional pointer, essentially.
But here, in the Amber Forest, which is beginning to merge with an outer world, its power might not be reliable.
"No sign of Saisaria in the nearby area," Nene reported as she returned.
"I see..."
I listened to her report, my mind racing through the options.
Should we go after Silk, or try to reunite with Saisaria?
Either way, without a guide, is that even possible in this forest?
"Nene, is it possible for you to lead us to track Silk?"
"Honestly? Tough. We’ve got no clues to go on."
Nene drooped her ears and shook her head.
"Even with our magic, tracking’s gonna be tough."
"Sorry, Yuke. I don’t really know any good search spells..."
Rain and Jamie had been trying to think of ideas too, but it looked like we were at a dead end.
I was no better off—completely cornered, no ideas coming to mind.
"Hey, everyone! Biblion!"
"…!"
When I turned, I saw a small white snake poking its head out from Marina’s red hair.
Normally, he hides in Silk’s hair... So why is he with Marina now?
"Biblion, do you know where Silk is?"
"──……”
A whisper-like voice echoed in my mind.
It was brief, but more than enough to guide our next move.
"I'm worried about Saisaria, but we're going after Silk."
"You sure about that?"
"She didn’t seem to get caught up in the battle. It’s more likely she’s moving independently."
I couldn’t say I wasn’t worried at all—but it was a matter of priorities and certainty.
I’m the leader of Clover, and also one half of Silk.
I can't afford to stand here hesitating forever.
"Biblion, show Nene the direction Silk went."
"……──"
With a faint whisper, the small white snake spirit slithered through the air and gently coiled around Nene’s neck.
That he could move so comfortably in this Amber Forest, thick with twisted spirits, was a testament to being a spirit that had crossed beyond twilight.
"Okay, got it."
Nene nodded lightly to Biblion, then turned to face us.
"Biblion knows where Silk is. I’ll scout ahead and make sure the path is clear and efficient. Follow after me."
With that, Nene took off running.
Just as I moved to follow her, I noticed Marina standing with her head slightly lowered.
"Sorry… I didn’t know Biblion was with me."
"It’s nothing for you to feel bad about. Thanks to that, we got help."
"Yeah, but still..."
To begin with, Biblion is a spirit contracted with Silk.
For a spirit to willingly approach someone like us—without the ability to communicate with spirits—is already an irregularity.
Why Silk left Biblion with Marina is unclear, but thanks to that decision, we managed to gain a valuable lead. That’s pure fortune.
"Hey, Marina."
I gently pulled the downcast Marina into a hug and kissed her on the forehead.
"If you're feeling down like that, it throws me off. I’m sure Silk would feel the same."
"...Yeah!"
Marina gave me a strong, warm hug, then stepped back with a bright smile on her face.
"You’re right—this isn't like me at all! Thanks, Yuke. I feel better now!"
"Glad to hear it. We’ll be needing our strength from here on. I’m counting on you, Marina."
"Leave it to me!"
Striking a small guts pose, Marina cheerfully dashed ahead to take the lead.
Yeah—that’s the Marina I know.
"Still as much of a flirt as ever, huh? Yuke."
"Come on, don’t say it like that, Jamie. You were about to step in too, weren’t you?"
"Well, I am your senior. Gotta act like it sometimes."
Jamie smiled slyly and laughed as she ran after Marina.
With Silk gone, I was more than happy to rely on that “senior presence” of hers for now.
"C’mon, Yuke. We’ll fall behind."
"Right. I’ll take the rear."
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