I calmly told the truth.
"If you've got even a shred of brains, then doing your research beforehand is only natural."
I am a Magus.
A Magus is one who prepares.
For someone like me, the idea of setting foot in the Dungeon without preliminary research—let alone venturing in with a companion—was absolutely unthinkable.
"I also know a fair bit about the profession of a Supporter. Including the fact that most of you are in a rather miserable position."
I had learned that part from the stubborn half-elf girl at the Guild, who had taken it upon herself to teach me all sorts of things.
But there was no need to mention such trivial details.
"So, I figured that if I showed you a glimpse of my abilities, you wouldn't get any funny ideas. I thought it would allow you to relax and focus on your work as a Supporter."
Apparently, the impact had been a bit lacking.
"So, as a courtesy, I showed you a little more. I wanted to make it clear that no matter what you tried, it would be pointless."
But even after the Killer Ant, every single piece of advice Lili gave was wrong.
From the presence of poisonous powder on the Purple Moss and the toughness of the Orcs, to her explanations of the Imp swarms, the weaknesses of the Hard Armored, and the strength of the Silverbacks.
"In the end, you only gave up once I reached the 11th Floor. Though you might have given up long before that and were just trying one last time, just in case."
When things are that far off, even a complete idiot can't help but be suspicious.
There is a limit to how much one can overlook.
"Now then, Miss Supporter. Do you have any objections?"
Lili remained silent.
She merely darted her eyes back and forth with a terrified expression, as if searching for some loophole to escape through.
Though, since this was a narrow passage, there didn't seem to be anywhere for her to hide.
"I take it you have none."
"L-Lili..."
"Well, I'm sure you have your own tragic circumstances."
I sighed and activated the magic circuits in my arm.
"But in the end, I am the victim and you are the perpetrator. You're the one who started this, aren't you?"
So let's agree not to hold a grudge just because I'm venting a little, okay?
Fwoosh
"W-What are you doing?!"
Lili shrieked and recoiled as I sparked a flame at the tip of my finger.
Having witnessed my actions up until now, she had evidently jumped to the conclusion that I intended to burn her alive.
Honestly, I hadn't entertained any such grotesque thoughts.
Does she really take me for a genuine, cold-blooded Magus?
"Ah, it's fine. I'm not going to kill you. I rarely engage in such crude acts. I'm simply establishing the terms of our relationship."
To put it bluntly, I was just going to give her a little flick with a flame.
That much is necessary to soothe my frustration after what she put me through, right?
Naturally, I kept these thoughts to myself.
Besides, judging by her expression, she wouldn't have believed me anyway.
"In a contractual relationship, it's better for both parties if the hierarchy is clearly defined, don't you think?"
"N-No!"
"Good grief. It's fine, really. Why so dramatic before we've even begun? It won't hurt as much as you think. I've done this several times before. Trust me—trust my experience."
The target had usually been Flat.
That cheerful troublemaker was a genius, yet he was strangely weak when it came to things like rock-paper-scissors or simple games of chance.
"I-I'm sorry! I'll never do it again...!"
"Shh, be quiet. It'll really hurt if I miss, so stay still."
"Hiiik!"
Lili's face turned pale as my finger drew closer.
I enjoyed her reaction, not thinking much of anything else at the time.
But the world is a strange place; in this life, amusing coincidences seem to happen in rapid succession.
"Stop right there!"
"Hm?"
An unexpected third party had intruded.
Because I had already scouted the area, I knew this spot was slightly off the regular route.
Lili had only come this way because I had secretly cast a minor hypnosis and confusion curse to muddle her sense of direction; normally, there was no reason for anyone to wander here.
And yet, someone had found us.
"That's enough, you villain!"
"Now this... is a development I truly did not foresee."
And she delivered such a cliché line with impeccable timing.
Perhaps that was why.
Despite the interruption, I felt a strange surge of interest and anticipation.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
"*Sniffle*... Lili is... Lili is...!"
The intruder was a black-haired girl with brown skin, dressed in light, breezy clothing.
She had a bright, cheerful impression—a beauty whose radiance would make anyone instinctively like her.
However, one look at the massive weapon in her hand would send such superficial thoughts flying.
Of course, that wasn't what caught my attention.
"I don't know the details, but trying to bully a child like this? And with that kind of threat? Are you insane? Or are you just some pervert who gets off on this?"
"I firmly and absolutely deny that for the sake of my dignity. Furthermore, my tastes lean toward older women, little lady."
The unknown girl glared at me with hostility at every word.
Yet, the way she shielded Lili from my sight with such gentle consideration only piqued my curiosity further.
In this moment, she looked exactly like a... 'hero.'
Though she seemed underdeveloped in several areas.
Especially in the chest.
"Regardless, this is a matter between the two of us. I believe it's a bit inappropriate for an outsider to interfere, don't you?"
"Yeah. That's true."
I spoke coldly, carefully masking my inner thoughts.
When an unexpected event this entertaining occurs, the only natural response is to go along with the flow!
I gladly accepted the role of the villain.
"But anyone can see you're in the wrong! So I have to step in!"
"How unexpected."
Ah, no.
The corners of my mouth are trying to curl up on their own.
Stop it. That's not cool. Please, hold it back, my inner sadist!
"Truly unexpected. To think I'd encounter a 'champion of justice' in a place like this."
Honestly, my luck today was even better than the luckiest man alive.
"Change of plans. I've developed a bit of an interest in you."
"Eh?! I-I mean, confessing so suddenly is a bit... Besides, you're scrawny and look weak, so you're not really my type."
"What misunderstanding is this? If you won't make the first move, I'll just start on my own."
First, a light jab.
Bang!
"Wah! What was that?!"
A surprise shot of Gand.
Despite being startled, the girl smoothly raised her weapon to block it.
As I had guessed from its sheer size, it was a remarkably sturdy weapon.
Given its dark, dull hue, it might actually be the adamantite I'd heard so much about.
Combined with her impressive reflexes, it was clear she wasn't some mediocre Level 1 or 2 adventurer.
In that case, I could afford to be more aggressive.
"[Flame]."
Fwoosh!
I concentrated mana into both hands.
"[Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Red Cross that drains the blood dry]."
"Fire? You're a mage?!"
"I'm not holding back. Block it or dodge it as you see fit!"
KWAANG!
Crossing my hands as I had before, I launched a cross of fire.
After the attack, I realized Lili had been hiding behind the girl and checked her position, but she was already gone.
Did she run away already?
If so, that's a bit disappointing.
"Ow, hot!"
The girl emerged from the smoke and explosions.
She had endured a fiery strike that would have incinerated upper-floor monsters—and perhaps even some from the middle floors—and she had come out relatively unscathed.
That meant she was a high-level adventurer.
Level 3? 4?
Perhaps she was even one of those first-class adventurers, Level 5 or higher.
"In that case, you're more than welcome."
Though I have been reborn and grown in this third world, I still rely heavily on the knowledge of my previous lives.
Consequently, I often find myself deviating from the common sense of this world.
The same applies to my perception of strength.
Outside of Orario, even Level 2s are rare, so I've had no way to gauge the actual power scale of this world.
And yet, I've stumbled upon a high-level adventurer like this.
One who seems quite sharp, to boot.
"Good. Very good."
I couldn't ask for better luck.
It seems today truly is my lucky day.
Now then, what should I use to test her next?