As I descended into the dungeon with Ellis…
"Enemy spotted."
Thanks to the soul-sensing ability of my cursed sword, I detected the enemy before it could see us. I used echolocation to pinpoint the enemy's position and details.
I relayed the information to Ellis.
"It's a giant toad. It spits scalding oil at a terrifying speed," Ellis explained.
"A long-range attacker, huh?"
That ruled out creating a safe zone using my skill [Immunity], as it only prevented physical intrusion by monsters, not their projectiles.
"It's better to avoid sniping, too. The toad's skin is covered in oil, so bullets won't penetrate easily."
"So, swords won't work either?"
"Yes, trying to engage it in close combat is dangerous."
...It's pretty handy being able to strategize with someone else like this. Especially with this ditzy elf—despite her Intelligence stat being just 65, her experience as an adventurer gave her a wealth of knowledge.
Without her, I might have been in serious trouble.
"What should we do, darling?"
"We'll attack from a distance using magic. You can use fire magic, right?"
"..."
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, nothing! Let's go with that plan!"
…Why did she hesitate? I was curious, but the enemy came first.
"I'll grant you [Ignore]. Get close enough for your magic to hit."
"Okay, darling!"
I activated [Ignore], rendering Elferis invisible to the enemy. Strangely, I could still see her.
'The skill creates a link between the souls of the caster and the recipient, allowing the caster to sense their location,' my sword explained.
I didn't fully understand, but being able to keep track of Elferis was convenient.
The ditzy elf approached the giant toad and prepared her spell.
"[Flame Strike]!"
A huge fireball erupted from her hands, hitting the giant toad. Its skin sizzled as it began to burn.
Looks like we got it.
"Darling! Look out!"
…What?
For a moment, I didn't understand what was happening.
Sizzle!
The sound of burning flesh. The smell of searing meat.
"Ah!"
Elferis collapsed. Her right arm was scorched.
What?
'The giant toad wasn't dead. It shot boiling oil at you like a bullet. Elferis shielded you and took the hit on her arm,' the cursed sword explained.
"Ellis!"
You idiot!
What were you thinking, getting hurt to protect me?
I quickly used my [Healing Bullet] skill on her, firing a round infused with [Untouched] into her arm.
In an instant, her burns vanished.
"Thank you, darling…"
"You idiot! What were you thinking?!"
"You… you called me an idiot twice…"
"That's because you are an idiot! Who told you to protect me?!"
Elferis lowered her head, apologizing.
"I'm sorry, but I'm glad… that you didn't get hurt, darling."
What are you smiling about?
You're the one who got hurt. Damn it!
'Incoming attack!'
I aimed my gun, Trigger Happy, at the giant toad and fired.
The bullet hit its mark, blasting the toad apart. Its oily skin had evaporated from Elferis' fire spell, allowing the bullet to pass through.
"We did it, darling! We defeated it!"
This idiot.
She just went through intense pain, yet she's smiling.
Why is she smiling? Damn it…
It was my mistake. She must have known, before we even engaged the toad, that her magic wouldn't be enough to kill it.
But she didn't object to my plan. Even though it failed spectacularly, she didn't blame me.
…Maybe she's a good person.
And yet… because of me…
"Darling? Why are you crying?"
"I'm… I'm not crying, idiot!"
I wiped at my eyes. Damn it, I really was crying.
Why am I crying?
"Darling, I'm so happy. I feel so loved right now."
Elferis smiled warmly.
"You don't need to worry, darling. The only idiot here is me for not speaking up earlier. Besides, I'm used to getting injured as an adventurer."
"…Damn it."
What's wrong with her?
Why won't she blame me? She got hurt, and she's still smiling…
"I'm sorry. That must've hurt."
"Not at all! Actually… being worried over by you, darling, makes it all worth it!"
…She's a strange woman.
I've never met anyone like her, not even in the real world.
…Damn it.
"Next time, if you have something to say, say it. Even if it contradicts my plan. I don't want you getting hurt."
"Wha-what? Darling, you're being nice?!"
"I'm not being nice!"
What the hell is this idiot saying?
Wait, do they even have the word "nice" in this world?
"Understood. From now on, I'll speak my mind freely, even if it means disagreeing with you!"
"Good. Don't hold back anymore. You don't have to take care of me, idiot."
"Hehe, sorry. I'm just a dumb elf with 65 Intelligence, after all…"
…But, I don't mind this kind of idiot.
She doesn't look down on me, and she offers kindness unconditionally. She's…
'Looks like you've fallen for her.'
…Shut up, stupid sword.
'You're not denying it.'
…Shut up.