As I stood in front of the open inner door of the vault, Ji-woo walked up to me. She smiled at me quickly, her eyes swept over me.

"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" She asked, and I shook my head as I adjusted the strap of my backpack, an ice axe sticking out from the top.

After I applied the healing ointment and changed into clothes, I invited the police in. Thankfully, neither cop commented on my hoodie, ha, even though Ji-woo turned her back to me for the time being, her shoulders trembling suspiciously.

They have some tips on how to do it quickly. For the first time, I was able to observe a bullet up close in good lighting. Bright silver, but the shells are all shiny metallic black. Well, except for the silver crescent moon and rabbit head badge that Selina decided to put on them.

Sergeant O'Malley seemed to have a different attitude towards me. It's not bad, but I've noticed that he looks more distant, just calling me "Miss". When I asked Selina, she said that it was an honorific for magical girls, while male guardians used "sir".

In fact, both Sergeant O'Malley and Ji-woo will be waiting in the command center, monitoring the situation and waiting for me to return.

Sergeant O'Malley brought me his gun. Of course, it didn't fit, but I fixed it. We removed the pistol holster and instead installed as much ammunition as possible. In total, I had six magazines strapped to my waist. I tucked the other two into the pocket of the hoodie and found a tight pouch inside that I could tuck each end into, but definitely better than nothing.

When it comes to clothes, they are loose and comfortable. Its interior is also lined with something incredibly soft, some fluffy wool-like material. At the same time, jeans are tight, but they don't need a lot of shaking to get in. Oddly enough, the jeans still allow me to move easily, keeping them tight without restricting my movements. Combat boots snug against my feet.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. The clothes that finally fit are much lighter and lighter, ha

When the shelter door opened, I adjusted the hood on my head. Finally, why she thinks bunny ears are a good idea. It wasn't a big deal, so I just gave up and just made a mental note and carefully explained what I wanted to summon from now on. Also, this hoodie does look cute...... It's just that I won't wear it in a million years.

"Well, I guess that's where we broke up," Ji-woo whispered as the door opened.

I looked at this woman and felt a little uncomfortable. I don't know why she seems so worried about me

"I'll be careful," I said, making her wink, then looked at me with a forced smile.

"I know it's yours...... work," she said. "But as soon as there's a sign of trouble, there's always something you can turn back on that you might not be able to handle, okay? Saving these people is important, but risking yourself to get hurt won't help them. ”

A warm feeling hit. It was a small thing, but it was powerful, as if it had been condensed into a small, burning ball...... It tightened my throat, so I just nodded to Ji-woo and walked forward into the airlock chamber, Selina jumping around me.

When the outer door opened, my eyes were drawn to my health bar and I frowned.

"Selena, why is my health only 84%?" I thought as I walked out the door and aimed my gun at the empty hallway.

[The damage from your first encounter with the curse has not yet been fully repaired," Selene responded.

In retrospect, I shuddered as I pushed myself towards the stairwell door, aiming for the staircase leading to the first floor. Thankfully, there were no enemy beasts coming down, and we were able to slip into the stairwell without any problems.

Soon we reached the bottom of the stairs. Without hesitation, I reached for the door, opened it wide enough for Selina to get in, and I carefully closed the door. Then, I waited, sweeping my gaze to my minimap.

I tried to ignore my nervousness, but the hand holding the gun began to sweat.

I focused my attention on the map. Judging from its current shape, the basement is indeed a labyrinth of long, narrow corridors, and the architect is thinking about something. A mall of random design? Fuck.

A blue dot seemed to finish scouting in five minutes, turned back and began flying towards me. When that spot appeared outside the stairwell, I opened the door and let Selina jump in.

"How does it look?" I whispered.

[Only a handful of cursed people patrol the corridors, most of them of the type you've already encountered.] Some of the larger offices have more people, but these people seem to stay still. We have a relatively clear direct route to the generator room, although I can't scout the generator room itself. The door there is intact, which is usually not a problem, and this door is made of mana materials. ]

"Wait, you mean there's no problem with the normal door?"

[I can walk through most solid objects step by step,]

"Oh...... "I switched from one foot to the other and mentally changed the trajectory." Have you found any traces of the group they sent earlier? ”

[I found bullet casings and blood...... There are cursed people, and there are humans. Although there were no bodies, it did not indicate any positive results. ]

"If there were no corpses...... "My voice faded, and I glanced at Selena quizzically.

[Ah...... There are no corpses, as the curse feeds on mana, and humans, although they can't use it, still produce a small amount of mana. Their bodies will be devoured as a source of strength. That, or be taken to a nest, where their biomass can be transformed more directly. ]

I turned pale, trying not to think about the picture of her explanation.

"Okay. Have a suggested route? ”

[Indeed.] Fewer encounters get there. ]

I stopped. This is ideal, but at the same time......

"How about taking out some Cursed Patrols when we go?" I looked at her nervously. "I mean, only those who are lonely. The corridor is narrow, so I have an advantage and I can get more points and experience......"

[Good idea,] Serena's tail wagged excitedly. [It's always wise to get as simple a score as possible]

"Alright, let's do it then."

I reached for the door and followed Selina as she began to jump down a path.

It was pitch black, bathed in the dim scarlet glow of the emergency lights. Light white walls and bleached tiles often give hallways a sterile, almost hospital-like look.

The ground reflected a red glow, which was slightly eerie. The fact that some of the doorways we passed through were broken didn't help either. Coupled with the fact that the narrow corridor is only big enough for two people to walk down, the atmosphere adds a claustrophobic feeling.

When Selina started to take me through the maze, it didn't take long for her to stop me around the corner.

[A hound is about twenty meters ahead, facing into the distance.] ]

I looked around the corner and saw the creature walking away from me. I held my breath and walked down the hall, slowly aiming with both hands. Since the hound had its back to me, I could only aim in one place. Although it doesn't look like a particularly significant area, I'm pretty sure that a bullet entering its back and moving along the length of its body could have devastating consequences.

I tried to keep my breath and my hands steady, and then pulled the trigger.

The Silence Enchantment was activated, and when my bullet hit me directly, the Cursed seemed surprised as well, stumbling to the ground. When it turned to me, it crawled, its paws slipping on the tiled floor. When it was halfway around and showed me its entire side profile, I fired another shot.

A jet of black blood. The hound turned to face me and began to cut the distance in a clumsy, limping running style. Aiming at its head, I started shooting,

The first shot missed, and the second hit one of the legs, causing it to fall to the floor and lose power. I fired a third shot before it could stand up.

Black pus splattered from his head, and the hound fell to the ground motionless.

[Defeat (Giant Hound - Level 3)]

【Reward: 10 points】

I let out a sigh of relief, excitement welling up in my heart.

Five bullets. Only one out of five shots missed! If I can maintain this level of accuracy, the ammunition ends up costing too much. Ha.

[Great," Serena said, wagging her tail. [Well done, don't panic when turning.] Your sense of discipline is improving significantly. Shall we move on to the next chapter, like writing a novel? ]

With the warmth of happiness, I nodded to Selina and smiled. After I took the bullet out of my hoodie pocket and exchanged it for a copy, we set off.

She took me to another hound, but it was coming towards me. The moment I raised my gun and turned the corner, it began to run a distance of about thirty meters. Thankfully, the hallway is long, and I tried to center it on its head. The slight swing of the hound's body as it runs, making it difficult, and when it reaches the halfway point, a wave of panic prompts me to start shooting.

I fired five shots in quick succession, my ears ringing. The hound collapsed to the ground, its limbs spread out, leaving a black trail of blood on the ground.

[Defeat (Giant Hound - Level 5)]

【Reward: 10 points】

Bonus points. I frowned and turned to look at Selena.

"Why don't you kill a higher-level curse and don't have more points?" I thought as I reached into the pocket of my hoodie and pulled out my half-used magazine.

[A complex subject,] Selina watched as I popped up my current magazine. I worked quickly and began to remove the bullet from another magazine, and Selina began to explain.

[The simplistic answer is, 5 to 10 levels.] For example, after reaching level six, it will level up and reclassify it as a Great Giant Hound. This new type naturally has a higher point value. ]

"What's the difference?" When I finished filling out the magazine, I asked. I put the full one back into the gun.

"So...... The name is the only thing that really matters when it comes to point rewards"

To put it simply, the experience you gain is not as average as the points. Defeating a higher level Cursed will always give you more experience than defeating a lower one. ]

I think that makes sense. This can be said later

I turned my attention to my minimap.

"How many more solo patrols?" I asked, looking down the winding hallway.

[There are only two left.] The rest of the people are in groups]

"Okay. Lead the way. ”

Next is a ghoul, standing motionless in a dark corner, head tilted at an uncanny angle. I don't think I would have noticed it at a glance if it hadn't been for Selena's forewarning. Luckily, it looked down the other hallway, not at me. I moved slowly, and the distance was just over twenty meters, about the length of a tennis court.

The circle of targets eventually narrowed to encompass only the ghoul's head. I slowly pulled the trigger,.

A shot broke the silence, black pus spraying on the wall behind its head.

[Defeat (Forgotten Ghoul - Level 8)]

【Reward: 10 points】

Only one bullet was used. Strong! In a way, like the games I've played, the four levels aren't much different, especially when it comes to how solid things are.

I shook my head and moved on, following Selina to my final destination.

The final curse was another ghoul, this time shuffling down the hallway towards me. As I looked out and aimed, I covered most of my body behind corners, and it only took a short time for me to fire at its center with a quick barrage. From fifteen meters away, it didn't stand much of a chance, barely had time to react, and the bullets shredded it, and the hallway was splattered with blood. On my sixth shot, it shook violently and fell to the ground.

[Defeat (Forgotten Ghoul - Level 7)]

【Reward: 10 points】

Ecstasy welled up in my heart. Ha, it's amazing how different that feeling is compared to when Brian and I were together. I feel much calmer.

Why does this feel so different? Is it because although there is more pressure and more people to rely on, this time I am ready? Looking forward to it?

So there is nothing to worry about. I'm going to live, the people in the shelter are going to live, Lily is going to live, is that all I'm willing to accept?

I shook my head. I crouched down, took off my backpack, opened my pocket, and took out the box of ammunition.

"Selina, can you scout this road again?"

[Of course.] ]

She was gone, and I hurried to do my mission. There are 16 shotguns in the box, and I can fill the two magazines that have been used so far, and I sit in nine magazines for a total of fifteen rounds.

Serena came back before I was done, but she told me to concentrate quietly on my work. When I was done, I put on my backpack and looked at Selena.

[The road is clear.] ]

I nodded and followed her out of the car. We meandered through the maze for a while, but we finally reached our destination safely. The door itself is made of silver metal with a strange sheen that looks a little familiar. After a second, I realized that it looked exactly the same as the material of my silver bullet. Silver mines, huh?

There is a handprint and key card scanner next to the door. I put my hand on the scanner and there was a low buzzing sound, then a "beep", the screen turned green and there was a loud bang on the door. I reached for the doorknob and pushed the door open a crack for Selina to squeeze in.

I'm not sure what will happen to the room inside, but my minimap tells me that it actually opens up a rather large room. Interestingly, there are also things on both sides that look like pillars -

Selina stepped back from the opening, stopping frantically.

[Close Now!] Quietly! Her whisper reached my ear.

My muscles tensed immediately, and I carefully followed her instructions, closing the door and gently releasing the handle until the lock "clicked" shut again.

"What's wrong?" I turned to her worriedly. "What is it?"

Selina sat on the ground, her tail wagging excitedly. She didn't react for a moment, it just made my heart beat faster.

[There is a curse," Selene finally replied. [It's so big that you can't get through it even if you open it.] Very strong. It must have been absorbed by the ambient magic in the room when the generator was turned off. ]

"Okay," I swallowed. "So what are we going to do?"

Selene turned to me, her tail curling downward.

[I don't think you understand," Celine said gently. [Regarding curses, there is a general rule when comparing powers: if they are within five levels of you, then the difference is negligible.] If they're six to ten levels higher than you, they'll be a tough opponent to deal with. On levels eleven to fifteen, you will face a challenging opponent and you will have to be well prepared. At levels sixteen to twenty, you're basically facing a boss monster, and it's a deadly serious fight. 、]

"Okay......" I nodded slowly. How high is the level of this curse? ”

[There are no kill notifications, although I suspect it's low-end.] Even so, it means that it may be sixteen to twenty-five levels higher than you. ]

A chill snorted. Even though I have astral shifts, it's almost impossible to be in range. Because it's...

[Besides, I think you're all too familiar with how dangerous it is.] ]

I blinked and looked at Selena in confusion.

[Do you remember when you talked to Lily about her performance in Magical Girl Sunset: Rebel?] About the boss she's trapped in? 】

I frowned thoughtfully, and then felt my eyes widen involuntarily. She's still in the third dungeon, which means ......

"Spider ......," I whispered in growing fear, and Selina lowered her head in acknowledgement.

I stood there, thinking about what it meant. It's a tough boss to deal with, and the first time I defeated it, it was a fierce battle, even with other players helping me....

There was a click, and I felt like I was having trouble breathing for a while. Slowly, my heartbeat began to calm down and become controllable, and I found myself looking at Selina.

[Due to what a complex creature the spider is, I suspect it may be fairly limited to its observed behavior, but it will still far outperform you-]

"Selene," I interrupted. "How many times did I fight Spider-Man in Magical Girl Sunset: Rebel? How many times have I fought alone and won? ”

Selina hesitated to switch from one foot to the other.

[Six times,] Selene admitted. [The last two times you managed to do it without taking any damage.] ]

"The only reason I'm no longer pursuing it is that it no longer offers good enough rewards. Selene,

A single blow, a simple mistake, can have catastrophic consequences. Even if you dodge, you will get tired, but you will face the higher-level curses completely alone. ]

"Yes, I will," I paused and took a deep breath. "I know it's not a game. That's exactly why I have to. If I don't, hundreds of people will die. ”

Selene's tail drooped down and his head bowed.

[Dance...... It's too dangerous to go it alone. Think again. ]

I gave Serena the most reassuring smile.

"I know you're worried about me, but it's something I have to do. And...... I think I have a plan that if it works, then at least half of the fight is not even a challenge anymore. ”

She seemed to perk up and raised her eyes to meet me.

"Besides," I whispered, giving her a gentle smile. "I'm not doing this alone."

At this point, Selina remained motionless. Then, she lifted her tail and nodded deeply at me.

[I don't think I can quite refute that,] Selene sighed, her tail flicking slightly. [Oh well.] Let's figure out how to beat the boss. ]