It was not without its issues, of course. If the resistance threshold was crossed, then all of the shields would break. It was ultimately just a Shooting Star Shield for everyone. While offering some resistance from attacks, it also caused issues with attack range when those with the shield active tried to engage in close combat. When used with a sword or other in-your-face weapon, the barrier would push the enemy back, making it harder to close in on them.

In any case, deploying Shooting Star Wall provided some respite from the water pressure.

“I thought . . . I was about to be crushed,” Ethnobalt managed around gasps and heavy breathing.

“Me too,” Ruft added. Both of them were spitting up blood. They couldn’t hack it, as I had feared. I proceeded to cast some healing magic on them both. The rules in this world were different, and Raphtalia, S’yne, and I hadn’t really been bothered by it, but high-speed diving into the ocean clearly caused some damage at low levels. Seriously, it could have even killed them.

“I’ll keep Shooting Star Wall up, so let’s continue deeper while raising our levels,” I said.

“Oh my! All your demands, Little Naofumi, it’s making my head spin!” Sadeena jibed.

“I could use wind magic to gather some air and alleviate the pressure . . . You could also put them behind you, sweet Naofumi.” Shildina was being far more practical when compared to her sister, who was joking around.

“We also have to keep an eye on our remaining oxygen,” I reminded them. “Take care as we dive.” Something else I’d discovered on this hunt was that adding points to the underwater skill Bubble Shield not only increased the volume of oxygen it provided, but if I allocated at least three points, it created a kind of bubble membrane . . . basically creating an air bubble version of Shooting Star Shield.

As it turned out, it was a pretty convenient skill.

With that, we reached the ocean floor, and the killer whale sisters hunted down even more monsters than last time.

“Our limitations have been lifted! We are unleashed! Let’s do this, little Shildina!” Sadeena was in full flow.

“You don’t get to order me around. I can handle myself better than you!” her sister retorted.

“No fighting,” I interjected. While watching the killer whale sisters swim along, I walked the ocean floor. Ruft and Ethnobalt were with me. Perhaps thanks to his increased level while we’d been down here, Ethnobalt had started illuminating his surroundings using his own magic.

“Those two seem very strong,” Ethnobalt commented.

“They sure are. They joined me after I last saw Kizuna. They are definitely in the top five, not counting the heroes,” I explained.

“I see. You have been bolstering your fighting forces considerably. I am relieved to hear it,” Ethnobalt responded.

“I do what I can,” I replied. Looking back now, I realized it had definitely been a long road since I said farewell to Kizuna and her allies. With days so packed with stuff going on, it was hard to believe it had just been four months.