The next day, the group that Shinji took to the second floor returned early in the morning. Observing their state and expressions, it was easily visible that things were not going well. Saemi's face clearly showed that she wasn't the least bit interested in going back again.

"So, how was it?"

I telepathically asked Saemi, Fujiwara, and Aoi-sensei, hearing my voice in their heads. The three looked at me.

"We didn't find anything like that the first time you and I went"

Saemi said.

"We spent most of the time walking, and strangely, the few monsters we found didn't attack us. I don't know why, but that walk gives me a bad feeling"

Aoi-sensei said.

"I don't like that place at all. We have walked so far that I am sweating, and that water is disgusting"

Fujiwara said.

"Well, that place is more dangerous than it looks. Be careful when you go back there"

I said in a disinterested tone. Hearing my words, Saemi inflated her cheeks and made a cute gesture.

"Gee, you could be a little more bothered by this, you know"

Saemi said, looking annoyed. Hearing her words, I raised an eyebrow while having a soft smile on my face.

"Why should I? When it was just you and me here, I had to defeat the second-floor boss by myself after you were poisoned. You should really be thanking me"

I said in a cocky tone. Hearing my words, Aoi-sensei and Fujiwara were surprised by what I had said.

"Wait a minute... you defeated a boss all by yourself?"

Fujiwara asked.

"Well, yes... he has some pretty annoying skills, but it wasn't that hard... I guess, just watch his language"

I said nonchalantly. Hearing my words, Aoi-sensei's voice echoed in my head.

"What floor have you reached after all, Makoto?"

Aoi-sensei asked. Hearing his words, I quickly answered.

"Me and Saemi are on the 4th floor... although we haven't been there yet, for now, we don't know what it's like or what we'll face on the 4th floor"

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

I said normally.

After the small talk between the four of us, Shinji and the others went back to the 2nd floor after eating breakfast. Although I really didn't know if it was possible to call it breakfast since we ate the same thing for lunch and dinner as well. As soon as Shinji's group left, I was again told to get water from the lake, but honestly, I didn't care about that, to tell the truth.

After a few minutes of walking to the lake, it was finally possible to see it at a short distance from where I was standing. And just as you could see the lake, you could also see a silver hair swaying in the wind while a beautiful girl was lying there apparently sleeping.

(So, she came to this place again)

I thought as I looked at her, the place was pretty quiet, and there was hardly any noise around. I was just a little curious about how she managed to sleep here without attracting some monster. As I approached the lake, I started to get some water since that's what I came here to do in the first place. While I was getting water, I heard footsteps coming from behind me, causing me to turn around. Just as I was expecting, Ana was coming towards me.

"What are you doing?"

Ana asked as soon as she approached.

"Getting water... and you?"

I asked without looking at her.

"Sleeping..."

As soon as she said that, her stomach rumbled, indicating that Ana was hungry.

"Now... eat"

Ana said. Her way of talking was quite cute, not that she didn't know how to talk, but rather it seemed that talking was too tiring for her, so she would probably boil everything down to the main topics. Thinking about this, something came to my mind, and I decided to ask.

"Can I ask you something?"

I said, turning to her. Ana said nothing and just nodded.

"What do you think of Shinji and his friends?"

I asked, looking at her. Hearing my question, Ana didn't seem particularly interested or anything.

"I don't like them... they're mean"

Ana said indifferently. She really didn't seem to care much about the subject, but that made me wonder why she didn't know me but knew Shinji.

"Didn't you say you had no interest in the second year? How do you know who Shinji is?"

I asked, confused. Hearing my question, Ana looked at me and answered.

"He is bossing everyone around... he is arrogant... I don't like arrogant people"

Said Ana. Listening to her words, I was convinced that Ana was telling the truth.

"Okay... can you turn around for a second?"

I said, causing Ana to raise an eyebrow.

"Why?"

Ana asked.

"It'll be quick, I promise. I'm sure you'll enjoy it"

I said with a smile. Still not understanding, Ana turned around so her back was to me. Taking this chance, I opened my storage and took out a rabbit that I had killed.

"All right, you can look now"

I said. Hearing my words, Ana turned around, and soon her eyes widened as she saw what was in my hand.

"How..."

Ana said, confused. Seeing her confusion, a smile appeared on my face.

"Secret"

I said, smiling. After that, I started to roast the rabbit again while being watched by Ana. While the rabbit was roasting, Ana approached me and sat beside me. We stood for a few seconds in silence, watching the fire.

"Do you hate him?"

Ana suddenly asked beside me. I thought for a few seconds about Ana's question and whether or not I should tell her. After thinking a bit, I decided to tell her. Ana doesn't seem like she would tell anyone, or rather, she doesn't even seem to be interested in the subject really. I think she is just asking out of politeness.

"Yes... I hate him"

I said seriously. Ana didn't say anything for a few seconds after hearing my words.

"I understand"

That was the only thing she said after a few seconds of silence.