Splish, splash—multiple sounds of water being stirred echoed around.

No one said a word.

The opposite shore was still not in sight.

“……”

The water of the underground lake was cold enough to seep into the bones.

Indeed. Just as Riona had said, swimming across was out of the question. Forget about the legs—once the whole body was submerged, one would sink before making any real progress.

“Still can't see the far shore. This thing’s pretty damn wide.”

We moved forward cautiously, tracing the wall of the underground lake area with our left hands, with Void in the lead. Following him were me and Riona, then one of the classmate teams, with Oujin taking up the rear.

For the record, everyone was barefoot. Getting shoes and socks wet would only lead to regrets later, so they were all packed away in our bags.

That probably contributed to it.

Riona murmured quietly.

“My feet are starting to go numb… El-tan, are you okay?”

“I-I-I’m f-f-fine.”

Currently, the water reached from just above Void’s knees to just below his thighs. For someone like me—shortest in the class—that meant waist height.

It hadn't reached my upper body yet, but my blood flow was already cooling, and I was starting to shiver.

Pathetic. This child’s body, honestly.

“Want me to carry you?”

“N-No! I-I-I might s-slip and fall!”

Riona was visibly anxious seeing my complexion. Apparently, I was deathly pale.

Her voice of concern was faint and trembling.

“Don’t worry about me…”

Still, I didn’t ask Void to carry me—because of the slim chance, however small.

Bernald had said there were no creatures in the underground lake, but that was only a theory.

For example, aquatic races like mermen or mermaids sometimes venture to the land in search of food and return underwater. Conversely, land-dwelling lizardmen have been observed diving into water for prey.

It wasn’t impossible for such monsters to be lurking here.

Void at the front and Oujin at the rear needed to remain ready for such threats at all times. I was second in line precisely because I shared that duty with Void—but look at me now.

Utterly useless. I hate this tiny, beloved body. So alluring, yet so powerless.

Ilga, walking just behind us, must have had enough. He slid his arms under mine.

“I’ll carry you.”

“Y-You idiot, baldie! L-Let go of me!”

Flailing my arms in protest, I resisted. Riona raised her voice.

“El-tan! If you’re shivering that badly, you’re not only unfit to lead, you’ll be a burden if a monster shows up! Just be quiet and let him help you!”

“Ugh…!?”

Riona turned her gaze to Ilga.

“Ilga-kun, can I count on you?”

“…He called me baldie…”

“S-S-Sorry. It just slipped out, I didn’t mean to…”

Annoying. Acting all wounded like that. Fine, I’ll fix it for you.

“Y-You’re f-f-fine. Y-You’re just t-t-thinning a bit.”

“…!?”

“El-tan…? If you don’t shut up, you might really get tossed into the lake.”

Why? Why would Ilga do such a horrible thing to an adorable child like me?

Suddenly, a large hand grabbed the collar behind my neck and lifted me up. Bernald.

“Then I’ll carry him. Ilga, your role is with Eremia. Support Void. Riona, keep scouting.”

“Got it. I’ll handle it. —Oops, all that fuss splashed some water on my face, didn’t it!”

Ilga wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Hope he’s okay.

Bernald hoisted me onto his shoulders and started walking without pause.

He’s… really warm.

“Hold onto my head. Don’t fall.”

“O-Okay.”

It suddenly came back to me.

One day, when we were little, Lili told me something. That Blythe had a much higher body temperature than others.

When I asked, “Why do you always cling to him when sleeping?” she answered, “Because he’s warmer than anyone else.” She added, “Oh, I don’t mean emotionally.” That stung more than she knew.

What a ridiculous memory.

As we continued onward like that, I gradually regained feeling in my feet. Bernald was unfazed, but the classmates around us didn’t look good. Especially the slender Riona, the small Oujin, and even Seneca were nearing their limits.

This isn’t good. Maybe we should turn back and come better prepared next month.

Just as that thought crossed my mind, Void shouted out.

“Hey! I can see the other side! Just a bit more! Keep it up, you lot!”

Immediately, everyone’s pace quickened.

Eventually, we all managed to reach the opposite shore together.

After setting me down, Bernald quickly began assembling a campfire. Fix ignited it with magic, and everyone gathered around it.

Everyone stretched out their feet toward the fire, visibly relieved.

But Bernald spoke calmly.

“This is the last of the firewood we prepared. There’s none left for the trip back.”

Oujin responded while pulling on his socks.

“It shouldn’t be a problem. We can exit quickly using the rope ladder on the fifth floor. There’s plenty of burnable material around the dungeon’s exterior. Just a little patience will suffice. It’s thanks to Letis and Team Five.”

Letis grabbed her twin braids with both hands, cheeks blushing with joy.

“Ahaha, being praised by Oujin and Team Three is kinda embarrassing~”

But at that moment, Oujin had yet to realize it—Monica was staring at him with a terrifying gaze through the gap in her bangs, having just seen him praise another girl.

…Not that I particularly care, though.