Arata: “We should proceed.”

 

I decide intuitively.

Ignoring this now and letting it develop into an uncontrollable situation later would be more troublesome.

In fact, in the story, if you miss this opportunity, you might never get your hands on a certain item again, or the enemy might enter a strengthened route.

If we can handle it, good.

If not, we’ll run away with all our might.

 

Arata: “I think we should at least check it out.”

Aya: “…I’ll go too.”

 

Aya-san seems reluctant, but it appears she will accompany me.

Honestly, I’m relieved that she volunteered.

The chances of survival are higher with two people than one, and as long as one of us escapes, we can convey the information.

 

Garcia: “I’m sorry, but I’ll stay here.”

 

Looking at Garcia-san, he was biting his lip in frustration.

Perhaps he sees the overlap between us and his lost subordinates.

Given Garcia’s character as an NPC, he should be willing to act together even in a dangerous zone.

But now, not being in perfect condition, he probably understands that accompanying us on the investigation would only be a burden.

 

Arata: “Then, Garcia, please take care of everyone here.”

Garcia: “Yeah, be careful.”

Aya: “…Shall we go?”

Arata: “Yes.”

 

Aya and I step beyond the iron door.

While the previous dungeon had floors and walls made of hewn stone and was minimally maintained, from here on, passages exposed with soil and gravel stretch out.

It seems like a hastily dug tunnel.

 

Arata: “It’s longer than I thought.”

Aya: “Yes. What exactly are they hiding?”

 

With each step forward, I experience an illusion of feeling a stronger presence ahead.

Curses, resentment, wailing…

Grief, anger, hatred, sorrow…

Such negative emotions are swirling around.

As the short yet long corridor ends, there’s another door.

However, this time it’s a simple wooden door, resembling a barricade made of plywood.

 

Arata: “…I’m opening it.”

Aya: “…Yes.”

 

Holding a weapon, I carefully open the door.

—It’s dark.

There was definite darkness there.

Nothing can be seen.

—No, there is something.

It was definitely there.

A thick metal stake driven into the bedrock.

Chains extending from it.

Bound to it was a member of the angel race.

Around 10 years old, perhaps?

A beautiful girl resembling a doll.

Even in the darkness, her silver hair seemed to give off a light that could be mistaken for shining.

Her porcelain-like white skin was only covered by a single piece of ragged cloth.

And from her back peeked black wings.

However, where there should have been a pair of wings, only the left one was present.

No, there shouldn’t be any characters with black wings among the angels.

Even in player character settings, and among the NPCs that appear, there are wings of red, blue, and the typical white, but no wings with a mixture of black.

Except for one character—

The angel’s eyes open.

The eyelids flicker several times, and then they focus on us.

 

Unidentified voice: “Ah!”

 

Was it me who involuntarily gasped, or was it Aya?

Bright golden eyes.

For a moment, I saw an immensely dark presence lurking deep within them.

Before I knew it, I was holding the Kurikara in a defensive stance.

The girl and I lock eyes.

 

Mira: “…i, ….—”

 

A voice that couldn’t form words is woven.

Is it a magic incantation?

I brace myself thinking so, but contrary to our caution, the girl lost consciousness.

The oppressive sensation we felt on our way here had dispersed unknowingly.

 

Arata: “…Who is she?”

Aya: “I don’t know. But I didn’t feel any malice.”

Arata: “At first, she seemed defensive, showing hostility, but she didn’t show signs of attacking, did she?”

 

As Aya said, I felt hostility.

But it seemed to stem from fear.

It’s only natural for a young girl imprisoned in such a place.

 

Aya: “What shall we do, Arata? At the moment, she hasn’t harmed us, but… honestly, I think it’s dangerous.”

Arata: “Yes, that’s true…”

 

That oppressive sensation.

I think it was due to a curse or a magic skill of the curse type, but it was an ability I hadn’t seen before.

I don’t know its effect, but it seems highly dangerous from what I felt.

But—

 

Arata: “…I intend to help her.”

Aya: “Are you sane?”

Arata: “Yes. From what I see, she is severely weakened, and I don’t think she has much time left if left like this.”

Aya: “But…”

Arata: “Besides, I feel like I would have a bad conscience if I abandoned a child.”

 

Saying this much, Aya reluctantly granted permission to help.

Having received permission, I cut off the shackles on the girl’s wrists and the chains extending from them.

Though they were made of mithril and were remarkably sturdy, I could destroy them without a problem.

Having freed her, I ask Aya to check the girl—Mira’s condition.

Since 【Appraisal】 only revealed her weakness, it’s best to have someone with some knowledge to examine her.

What worries me most are her wings, but there doesn’t seem to be any visible injuries on her back.

Was she born with only one wing?

 

Aya: “Rather, the fact that she’s so thin that her ribs are showing is more pitiful.”

Arata: “Are there any other problems?”

Aya: “I can’t find any external injuries. If we improve her nutritional state, she should be fine.”

 

For now, a bit of relief, I guess.

I take out a robe from the pouch via the inventory and let Mira wear it.

It’s my spare, but it should be better than the cloth resembling a rag.

 

Arata: “Shall we go back?”

Aya: “Yes. We need to get back quickly and submit a report.”

 

I take Mira from Aya and return to the dungeon where Garcia is waiting.

But at that moment,

The moment Mira and I made eye contact.

Did I imagine that the corners of her eyes seemed to soften?

 

_________

 

*This is her status as well as a hint*

 

Name: Mira

Race: Angel Race

Lv. 4

Health: 100

Magic Power: 100

Stamina: 100

Strength: 10

Defense: 10

Agility: 10

Magic Attack: 10

Magic Defense: 10

Skills: ——