《I Will Parry Everything to Become the Greatest Adventurer!》


 1-01 A boy without talent

    I grew up in a cabin with my mother, tilling the fields.


    My father, who was very weak, died when I was very young, and for a while our life was peaceful, but when I was twelve years old, my mother also fell ill.


    I did my best to take care of her, but she grew weaker and weaker, and one day.


    "I''m sorry I couldn''t do anything for you. At least, live the life you want.


    She handed me a leather bag with some money in it.


    Those were my mother''s last words.


    The next morning, my mother was cold.


    And I was left alone.


    I finished building my mother''s grave next to my father''s and decided to leave the mountain and go to the city.


    I''m sure I can live as I am now.


    This is a rural area where you can''t even call a doctor, but there are good fields and livestock.


    In the forest, there are plenty of berries to eat and prey like wild rabbits.


    There is no need to worry about food.


    But...


    I''ve decided to leave my familiar little home.


    There was something I really wanted to do.


    I wanted to be an adventurer.


    An adventurer like the heroes my father had told me about when I was little.


    With my friends, I defeated a giant dragon... obtained a treasure, and challenged further adventures.


    He learns magic from an old sorcerer, breaks a curse on the forest, and obtains an elixir from the King of Spirits that heals all diseases.


    My father would tell me over and over again about these exciting adventures.


    The elixir that heals all diseases.


    If such a thing really existed, my father and mother might not have died. That''s what I imagined.


    But there''s no guarantee it actually exists.


    Maybe it was all just a story my father made up to entertain me when I was young.


    I wanted to find out.


    I wanted to find out how much of my father''s story was true and how much was a fairy tale.


    No, maybe the truth didn''t really matter.


    I was simply longing to be a character in a story.


    The "hero" of the stories my father told.


    I wanted to be the hero of the story my father told me, the one who swung his sword for his friends, for the weak, no matter what the odds, and in the end always won and brought the story to a happy ending.


    I wanted to be like that.


    I simply couldn''t suppress my longing to be such a hero.


    So I descended the mountain for a few days and went to the Adventurer''s Guild in the city.


    I had heard that if I went there, I could become an adventurer.


    It was easy to reach the guild building.


    I asked a guard where it was, and he showed me right away.


    Yes, it was easy to get there.


    But when I entered the adventurer''s guild, a strong man came out and said.


    This is no place for a child. Go home.


    When I went home, I didn''t have a family anymore.


    I managed to explain my situation to him.


    I managed to explain my situation, and he said, "Oh, you''re parentless. ...... No wonder. If that''s the case, do you want to go to a training school for your profession (class)?��There''s no precedent for a child like you to go there. ...... If you want to, I''ll take care of it.


    The uncle scratched his head and began to talk about it.


    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask your doctor.


    This was decided by law by the current king in order to prevent fatal accidents among new adventurers.


    It is also said that anyone can take it for free.


    Not only that, but you are guaranteed food, clothing, and shelter for the duration of the program.


    All the expenses will be paid out of the taxpayers'' money.


    This is something I could never have hoped for.


    Of course, I jumped at the chance.


    "If you really want to be an adventurer, go to the training school and learn whatever skills you can first.


    I didn''t know what he was talking about at the time, but that''s what the guild official said.


    ��Skill��.


    This was the first time I learned of its existence.


    It is said to be a sign of strength and competence in the world.


    According to the uncle of the guild, every person has one or two outstanding [skill] talents.


    The training school is there to identify the talents of those [skills].


    In this country, there are training schools for the six basic professions (classes).


    It is said that anyone can receive training in any profession (class) of their choice if they wish, and once they have trained, they can quickly find out what kind of [skill] they have and what kind of profession (class) they are suited for.


    So I decided to follow the advice of my uncle at the adventurer''s guild and take some training.


    I thanked the man at the guild''s reception desk for showing me where to go, and I headed straight for the training center for my profession (class).


    Swordsman.


    It''s a job I''ve always wanted.


    The heroes of my favorite adventure stories used to reap a dragon as big as a mountain with a single swing of their sword.


    I''ve always wanted to be like that one day.


    I know it''s just a story, but maybe I can be like him.


    No, I''ll definitely become like that.


    That''s why I knocked on the door of the training center.


    But...


    After a few months of training under the guidance of my instructor.


    I had no talent with a sword.


    Hopelessly so.


    A swordsman''s role is to attack.


    In other words, skills suitable for attack are required above all else.


    However, even though I trained to the limit of my training period, I never developed any skills that were effective in attacking.


    On the contrary, I could not acquire any skills that I could have acquired through normal training.


    The training period was almost over, and I couldn''t give up, so I asked my instructor to extend the training period.


    But he told me, "If you just swing a sword without any skills, you will be of no use to your friends as a swordsman. You''re just wasting your time." I was disappointed, but decided to train for the next job (class).


    If I can''t become a swordsman, then...


    The next place I went was the Warrior training school.


    Warrior] is a profession in which you put your body on the line to shield your friends (party) and use all kinds of weapons to be active on the front line.��This is not as good as a swordsman, but it is close to the image I had in my mind of an adventurer.


    It seems I don''t have any talent with a sword.��Then it doesn''t have to be a sword.��I want to be strong enough to live as an adventurer, whatever that means.


    And so I entered a warrior training center and trained for months, coughing up blood, with other strong adults.��But I struggled to keep up with the training, and by the end of the training period, what I finally developed was a very basic skill that anyone can use, just a slight increase in physical ability.��I was told that I would not be recognized as a full-fledged Warrior.


    Apparently, I didn''t have the talent to be a warrior.��The training instructor was kind enough to help me, but he said, "If you continue like this, you will soon lose your life," and advised me to find another profession.


    I was even more depressed, but I kept my hope alive and entered a training school to get a different job.


    The next place I went was a training school for hunters.��I thought that if I couldn''t get a job as a melee fighter, then fighting with a bow wouldn''t be so bad.��Besides, I had some experience in the mountains when it came to hunting.��I can set traps and throw stones to drop birds.��So I thought I might have a chance, so I started training.


    But that didn''t work either.


    No matter how hard I tried, I could only develop [stone throwing], a skill that anyone could learn, even a child could use.��On the contrary, the training period ended without me being able to even handle a bow properly.��According to the instructor, I was "hopelessly lacking in the sense of handling delicate tools.


    After I left the hunting school, I was very depressed.��It seemed that I couldn''t be the hero of the adventure story I had imagined.��I have no aptitude for a career in which I have to carry a weapon and fight with gusto.


    Then I decided to change my mind with .......


    Anything is fine, as long as you can keep up with the adventure.��I''ve decided that I don''t need to be the hero, but I can be useful as an assistant.��I don''t care if I don''t look like a hero in an adventure story.��I''ll do whatever it takes.


    And so, half desperate, I entered the training school for the [Thief] profession.��With a faint hope that I might be able to make a difference here.


    But in the end, I was wrong.


    In the end, the only skill I developed was the ability to reduce the sound of footsteps.��The man in charge of the training, a thief, said.He said, "A scout who can''t even open a trapped treasure chest and doesn''t have any sense of smell is nothing to talk about. I was told in no uncertain terms that I had no talent at all and that I should find another job.��I thought this was my last hope, so I persisted, but in the end I was kicked out.


    I was at a loss.


    That was really the last thing.


    The only thing I thought I could do.


    The only thing left was the magic profession.


    But I had given up on that when I first heard about it from the guild''s uncle.


    He said that magic takes shape only when the nature of one''s natural magical power (mana), a vast amount of knowledge, and diligent training all come together.


    Becoming a magician is not an easy task.


    It is said to be much more difficult than other professions such as swordsman and warrior.


    That''s why I didn''t think it was an option.


    But I have to do it.


    There''s no other way for me to go.


    I''ve decided to enter the world of magic, a world I''ve never seen before, a world I''ve only heard about in fairy tales.


    I know it''s reckless.


    But maybe there is a hidden talent.


    With that in mind, I knocked on the door of a [magician] training school.


    As a result...


    I couldn''t do anything about it.


    It was completely useless.


    When I knocked on the door of the training school, the old magician who showed up said, "Well, just give it a try," and let me in, but in the end, all I acquired was the skill to light a candle at the tip of my finger.


    This is a very rudimentary skill that even the least talented person can learn after three days of instruction, and I spent the entire training period just learning it.


    In a word, I had no magical talent at all.


    The old sorcerer who taught me said


    The old wizard who taught me said with a curious look on his face, "It''s rare for a person to have so little talent in magic.


    The old sorcerer who taught me looked at me with interest, but in the end he said.


    "This is no place for you. You should look for another way.


    He gently told me.


    I couldn''t say anything else, and that day I gave up on leaving the training school and becoming a sorcerer.


    And then...


    There was only one job left to try at the Adventurer''s Guild.


    The even more reckless magic profession is the [Cleric] profession (class).


    A monk is no more than a sorcerer, and not everyone can become one.


    Healing is an occupation for those who have earned the grace of the gods by nature, and after a long period of training from an early age.


    I was told by an uncle in the guild, "You can''t become a [cleric] even if you want to.


    I agreed with him.


    But...


    I couldn''t become a swordsman, a warrior, a hunter, a sorcerer, or even a thief.


    There was no other hope.


    That''s why I went to the training school to try my last hope of becoming a cleric.


    What I arrived at was a large, massive stone temple.


    When I knocked on the gate, a tall priest came out from inside, and when I explained what I wanted to do, he told me in no uncertain terms, "You can''t do it if you don''t have any background.


    I knew that.


    But I didn''t want to give up.


    I told the priests that I would not move an inch from the gate until I was allowed to train, and I did so.


    After a day, two days, and then a third day, the priest finally gave in and allowed me to learn from him.


    That''s how I ended up training as a monk.


    However, after a full and bloody training period, I acquired [Low Heal], a skill that is an even worse version of [Heal], the lowest level spell for monks. As a monk, it is a skill that does not matter if you have it or not. That''s all I got after a lot of effort.


    In other words, it proved that I had no talent here either.


    My training instructor, a priest, consoled me by saying, "It''s amazing that you can make it this far without a childhood blessing," but other trainees my age had acquired many more amazing skills, and they were growing at a much different rate.


    It was clear to me that I was useless.


    In the end, it all went wrong.


    So I reported to the guild official that I had no useful skills and was considered "unsuitable" for all the professions (classes).


    I couldn''t learn any useful skills.��Then you''re going to die in the wild even if you become an adventurer. Just quit and go back to the mountains. Or do you want me to find you another job?


    Of course, the guild leader told me to give up being an adventurer.


    Being an adventurer is a dangerous job.


    I know that.


    What the uncle said made a lot of sense to me.


    But I couldn''t give up.


    So I left the city without saying a word.


    I have no talent.


    I really don''t have any talent.


    That much is clear.


    But then...


    I had an idea.


    If I don''t have any talent, why don''t I just work harder and train harder?


    That thought crossed my mind.


    I just couldn''t give up.


    Because the training instructor of the Swordsman had told me one time that if you train a skill you have acquired for a very long time, you can acquire a new skill, though it is very rare... .


    That''s it, that''s it. I clung to those words.


    Those words were my last hope.


    Maybe it was too short a time for me to find out.


    Maybe with more training, I could.


    I''m sure I can develop good skills and become an adventurer.


    Well then, I''ll train.


    When I get back to the mountains, I''ll train myself thoroughly.


    And so, still wanting to be a swordsman, I went home, made a makeshift wooden sword, and began training to beat the wooden sticks hanging from the trees around my house with a rope.


    Just keep playing.


    Just play by hitting a wooden stick swinging in the air with a wooden sword.


    That''s all there is to it.


    "Parii.


    The only swordsmanship skill I''ve acquired in the training school for swordsmen is the lowest level skill that no one needs.


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but it''s a great idea.


    I''m not a fan.


    And so, one year later.


    "Parry.


    I could finally play ten sticks at once in one breath.


    I can see the growth in myself.


    But I still haven''t figured out my next skill.


    I don''t know when I''ll be able to figure out my next skill.


    But I''m sure it will.


    If I keep working at it.


    I might be able to learn a new skill and become a full-fledged adventurer.


    That''s where my adventure begins.


    That thought makes my heart pound.


    I was looking forward to every day with hope for the future.


    I''ve been looking forward to every day.


    Three years have passed since then.


    Except for the time I spent working in the fields and hunting, I continued to train from morning until night, until I fell asleep exhausted.


    I had long ago replaced the wooden sticks I hung with wooden swords of my own making.


    I thought it would be better for practice.


    So, I just played.


    I played the countless wooden swords in the air and trained myself. And so on.


    And then...


    "Parry.


    Now I can even play a hundred wooden swords in one breath.


    I can even do it with my eyes closed.


    But there''s still no sign of the next skill.


    I guess I still need more training...


    I think I''ve gotten a little stronger, but the last time I went down a mountain, I was taught that skill is everything in this world.


    And still, I haven''t picked up any skills since then.


    As it is, I''m not even at the level of a novice adventurer.


    At this rate, I''ll never be able to go on an adventure.


    You''ll be able to get a lot more information on the web.


    I''m sure you''ll agree.


    Then another ten years passed.


    I continued to train hard, not missing a day.


    The number of wooden swords flying in the air increases every day, and I haven''t counted them since a few years ago, when the number exceeded one thousand.


    Anyway, I play them.


    I''ve been training myself to play the wooden swords hanging in the air.


    That''s all I''ve been doing, mindlessly and repeatedly.


    "Parry.


    Now I can even play a thousand wooden swords without wielding a sword.


    But there''s still no sign of the next skill.


    "I wonder how much training all the swordsmen in the world have...


    I can''t even imagine it anymore.


    I can''t even imagine what it''s like to be an adventurer.


    I don''t have a shred of talent. I know that.


    That''s why I''ve come this far with the intention of making up for it, but... I''ve finally begun to feel my limitations.


    I''m twenty-seven.


    I''m not getting any younger.


    I was told that I should acquire skills to become an adventurer, but I haven''t acquired a single skill since then.


    It seems that no matter how hard I try, the skills required to be a normal adventurer are out of reach.


    But I have a dream.


    But I have a dream... to be an adventurer and see the whole wide world...


    "...... reckless dream, huh?


    I thought I knew that.


    Maybe it''s time for me to find a different way of life.


    Still, I couldn''t give up...


    I went down the mountain again and knocked on the door of the Adventurer''s Guild in the royal capital.

 2-02 Adventurers Guild

    I visited the Adventurer''s Guild in King''s Landing for the first time in over a decade.


    The interior hadn''t changed much, but it felt much smaller than it had when I was a kid, and the whole place looked older than I remembered.


    "Can I help you with something in our guild?


    As I casually looked around, I noticed a small young woman in the reception area.


    Rather, a girl in her mid-teens approached me.


    She was the only one sitting in front of the reception counter.


    She seemed to be the only one sitting at the counter, and the man who had dealt with me before was not there.


    I''d like to register as an adventurer.


    The girl at the desk immediately took out a sheet of paper.


    Please fill in your name and skills here.


    If you can''t write, please let me know. I can write for you.


    My father and mother had taught me to read and write in one form or another.


    I looked at the form that was handed to me, but it seemed to be just a form to fill in the name of the adventurer and the skills he possessed.


    I honestly filled out the form with the skills I had.


    ------------------------


    ��Adventurer Registration Form


    [Name] Noor


    ��Skills you possess.


    [Swordsman] Lineage - Parry


    [Warrior] Lineage - Strengthening muscle


    [Hunter] Lineage - Throwing stones


    Thieves - Stealth


    Mage - Petite Fire


    Monk System - Low Heel


    ------------------------


    Each line has one of the most rudimentary skills.


    Total of 6 skills.


    This was all I had now.


    Is that okay?


    Yes, thank you. We''ll be in touch with you shortly.


    I''ll be with you in a few minutes. ........................ What?


    The girl at the reception desk seemed to be puzzled about something as she checked the form I gave her, holding a thick book called "Skill Performance Evaluation Dictionary" on the counter.


    After a while, he asked me a question, looking a little uncomfortable.


    Are you sure this is correct?��If there are any omissions...


    That''s all.


    "............ What?


    At my simple reply, the girl''s expression changed from confusion to impatience, and she began to hurriedly flip through the pages of the notebook-like booklet at hand. She seemed to be looking at something that looked like a response manual.


    "I''m sorry, ......!��So, ...... are you familiar with the system of the "training school" in the capital?��Here in the capital, anyone can receive training in the six basic professions from excellent instructors, and gain new skills...


    I already know that. I''ve taken them all. I''ve taken all of them. That''s why I have this skill set.


    "What the... ......?


    The girl at the reception desk made a small sound of surprise this time.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace.


    He flipped through the pages of what looked like a manual again, checked it for a while, then looked up at me apologetically.


    "You can''t register as an adventurer?


    "...... Yes. You don''t meet the guild''s minimum requirements for adventurer registration. ...... I''m really sorry.


    No, you have nothing to apologize for.


    I''m not going to be able to register as an adventurer with my skill set - I knew that.


    The girl seemed a little relieved by my words, but her color changed again with my next words.


    But I still want to register as an adventurer. Is there any way you can help me?


    ".................. eh .........? ...?


    At my question, the girl''s hand trembled as she held the manual.


    The girl''s hands trembled as she held the manual, and her eyes darted back and forth between my face and the manual.


    Her face, which was almost half-crying, turned bright red.


    I wonder if I''ve annoyed her that much. ......


    "Is it still not working?


    "Oh, no, ......, but ......!��I''m not sure what to do.


    I was starting to feel sorry for her.


    The girl at the reception desk left her seat.


    "Ma, Master! He ran to the back of the guild, shouting, "Ma, master!


    "What''s up, Aria ......, with such a red face?


    "That ......!��That person...


    He seemed to be explaining something about me to someone who called me Master.


    Then, a large, strong man came slinking out from the back.


    I know this man.


    He had a few more gray hairs on his head than before, but it was a familiar face.


    You can''t be too hard on our new guy. ...... Who are you?��You don''t look familiar. ......?


    The guy didn''t seem to remember me.


    He glared at me with sharp eyes, as if he thought I was suspicious.


    But I was happy to see a face I hadn''t seen in a long time, so I called out to him.


    Uncle, it''s been a while.


    "What?��What''s up with you?��I don''t know you...no. Wait a minute.


    The man tilted his head back as he ran his hand over his beard, but after taking a long look at my face, he seemed to realize something.


    "You. I don''t think so. You''ve grown a lot taller. .......


    You''re not the same kid from that time, are you?


    Yes, I am.


    The uncle remembered me, too, apparently.


    He even remembered my name.


    The girl at the reception desk, who was watching the exchange, stared at us alternately with anxiety and confusion.


    "Oh, um, do you know ...... Master?


    "Yeah, something like that. That''s enough, Aria. I''ll handle this one. You go do something else.


    "Yes, sir!


    As I watched the girl take a seat at the reception desk and begin to attend to the other visitors, the guild uncle spoke to me with a different expression, one of happiness.


    I''m sorry, man. It''s part of our business to remember the faces of our guests, but you''ve changed so much I didn''t recognize you.


    "No wonder. It''s been more than ten years since then. I''m surprised you remembered my name.


    Heck, I couldn''t forget even if I wanted to.


    You''re the only person I''ve ever heard of who, at that age, took all six of the hardest training courses even for adults in a full period of time, and didn''t acquire a single skill.


    You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it than you might think.


    Oh, no, I don''t mean to pry.


    He scratched his head and asked me what I had been doing since I left town.


    I had nothing to hide, so I told him that I had returned to my house in the mountains and had been training alone.


    He said, "You''ve been training to acquire skills by yourself for over fifteen years?��I can''t believe someone would do that. ...... No, you could do that. ...... So, what are your skills?


    In the end, I didn''t acquire any skills.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    In the end, I did not acquire any skills.


    It was true that the instructors had told me I had no talent.


    "Well, I guess so.


    The training instructors of the Royal Training Center are not to be trifled with.


    Even here in King''s Landing, the holy land of adventurers, we have the best of the best.


    Yeah, well, you can''t go wrong.


    If they say it''s a bad idea, then it''s probably a bad idea.


    ...... I''m sorry for you.


    "Yeah, you''re right. I thought I was doing my best, but I wasn''t.


    The moment you acquire a skill, you have a special feeling.


    It''s a feeling that others can''t understand, but for you, it''s obvious that something has changed.


    I learned that feeling when I went to the training center and learned the first skill.


    But since I left King''s Landing, I haven''t had that feeling once.


    That means I haven''t acquired any skills.


    I thought I made a lot of effort, but .......


    "Well, don''t be discouraged. Everything doesn''t work out that way.


    There are plenty of other ways to live besides being an adventurer. ...... No, wait a minute.


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    ...... Are you sure that the adventurer registration form on your desk is your ......?


    I want to be an adventurer, after all.


    I know I''m talking out of my ass.


    But is there any way you can help me?


    Are you serious, ......?


    The old man stared at me for a while, frowning, then shook his head as if he had given up.


    You can''t blame him. ...... It''s my job too, so I''ll explain it to you from scratch.


    He scratched his gray-haired head and began to explain.


    The first thing to remember is that being an adventurer is a dangerous profession.


    First of all, being an adventurer is a dangerous job.


    Sometimes you have to go on a mission to defeat them. ...... A lucrative job always comes with the risk of death.


    In other words, adventurers are high-risk, high-reward, risk-loving, curious people.


    It''s a job for the risk-loving and curious, or those who are very confident in their abilities.


    ...... So far so good?


    "Yeah, I''m good.


    Of course, I knew that, so I nodded.


    "Well, the point is.


    It is the job of an adventurer to go out of his way to put himself in danger.


    That''s why, from the perspective of protecting human life, there is a common standard of ''rank'' for all certified guilds in the world, not just in King''s Landing.


    The goal is to reduce the number of people who die from recklessness, even if only a little.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    ------------------------


    ��Adventurer Rank Certification Criteria


    Rank S - Platinum: A person recognized by the Adventurer''s Guild Association as possessing exceptional abilities.


    Rank A - [Gold] A person who has been recognized as exceptionally capable by a designated organization and has a proven track record.


    Rank B - ��Silver�� A person with skills recognized as exceptionally capable by the designated organization.


    Rank C - Bronze: Possesses skills recognized as capable by the Adventurers Guild Association.


    Rank D - Iron: An adventurer with excellent skills.


    Rank E - ��Beginner�� A person who possesses the minimum skills for an adventurer.


    ------------------------


    There are five basic ranks for adventurers, from A to E. The exception is S, which is the platinum rank.


    As an exception, there is an S-rank (Platinum), but this is an honorary rank that can only be granted in exceptional cases. Don''t worry about it.


    Normally, you start at "E" and work your way up to "A".


    The rank rises as your abilities are evaluated based on your work performance. ...... First of all, you must be recognized as having the "minimum skills for an adventurer" as specified in the rules.


    Only then will you become a rank "E" adventurer, a beginner.


    I think I heard that explanation when I was a kid.


    The requirement for the lowest rank, "E," is "at least one useful skill.


    It is supposed to be a fairly loose standard, but ...... it has become a barrier for you.


    But this is a guild agreement.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.


    ...... Sorry about that.


    The man scratched his beard apologetically as he said this.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I guess it''s time for me to give up and become an adult.


    In my rational mind, I think I understand ......, but I''m still in shock.


    I''ve always wanted to be an adventurer.


    It''s not like I''m going to suddenly change my mind just because I realize it''s impossible.


    But .......


    I''m not sure if I should give up. ......


    I couldn''t help but drop my shoulders and sigh.


    The uncle, who had been watching me in silence, scratched his head and said something like this.


    "Well, if all you want is to become an adventurer... there''s no way around it.


    At these words, I looked up at him.


    "Is there?


    "I''m not saying there''s ....... But that doesn''t mean there isn''t.


    Tell me.


    He began to speak slowly.


    "Strictly speaking, there are ranks with criteria lower than ''E''.


    It''s not widely known, but there''s an extra rank (?????) called ''F''...


    Also known as ''Novice''.


    It''s a rank even lower than beginner, which is generally considered the lowest rank.


    It''s a special rank exclusive to King''s Landing.


    If that''s the case, you can register without any ''useful skills''.


    There''s no rule about whether or not you have skills.


    "Well, then...!


    I couldn''t help but lean forward to the guild''s reception counter.


    I was starting to feel hopeful.


    But, listen to me calmly.


    What I''m about to tell you is important.


    There''s a reason why that rank is practically considered ''nothing''.


    "Novice" can be registered by anyone, sure.


    Even you. But there is a condition.


    "...... conditions?


    You may not accept any "defeat requests" or "gathering quests" outside the city (????).


    That''s a condition. It''s dangerous for those who have no way to protect themselves.


    Instead, you are only allowed to do miscellaneous quests in the city.


    That is, you can do things like scavenge in the city, haul dirt from construction sites, find lost cats, etc. ......


    The rank of "Novice" is a special rank (?????) that only accepts such requests.


    "Chore quests around town, .......


    But who would be foolish enough to become an adventurer just to take on such menial tasks?


    The guild that offered you the job would take the commission.


    If you''re going to do that, you might as well just get a regular job.


    In the past, it was used to give jobs to the beggars in the streets. ......


    It''s a forgotten system that no one uses now that the economy has stabilized a bit.


    The law was only made a long time ago, and there is no evidence that it has been used for at least the last hundred years.


    In fact, I don''t think there''s any advantage to registering with it.


    So, I''m not going to say anything bad...


    "Okay, that''s fine. Just register it.


    ...... What?��......, did you hear what I just said?


    Yeah. You''re not allowed to accept requests to go outside of the city, right?��That''s fine. Sign me up.


    The uncle scratched his head again.


    You know, ....... ��No, you''re not the kind of guy who listens to others once they start talking.


    I''m sorry, but please.


    All right?��I''ll issue you a registration card, but if you ever want to quit, just tell me.


    If you ever want to quit, just tell me.


    I''ll get you a job any time I can.


    ...... is good, okay?


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    If you understand, take this.


    "This is...?


    "This is your F-rank registration, your adventurer''s license.


    Like I said, it''s limited.


    Don''t show it off too much, okay?


    It''s nothing to be proud of.


    "Oh, thank you... I owe you, Uncle!


    And so I took the first step towards my dream.


    I got my F rank "Novice" adventurer''s license.

 3-03 Long-wishing adventurer life

    "Thanks for everything, Noor!��Thanks for the help.


    No, thank you. I''m always grateful for your help, Aunt Stella.


    As usual, I completed the request for the "ditch cleaning" quest.


    I got a sign of accomplishment from the client lady, and ran to the next client.


    I remember well the first time I visited my aunt''s house.


    It was my first job as an adventurer, a memorable one.


    This is a part of the city of King''s Landing, but it is quite close to the outside.


    Unlike the central part of the city, where the government provides a thorough cleaning service, the residents clean the city themselves.


    But my client, Aunt Stella, has bad legs and eyesight, her husband and son are dead, and she lives alone. She lives alone. She has no relatives to rely on, so she is unable to do the cleaning.


    As a result, the gutters around her house, which had never been cleaned, began to emit a rotten smell.


    The woman was so troubled that she made a request to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    She wanted someone to do something and help her.


    However, no one would accept her request.


    It seems that the reward she offered was not attractive to ordinary adventurers.


    The guild gave priority to requests for demon slaying and urgent gathering.


    I guess the guild felt that the cleaning of the city gutters could be done by anyone who was available.


    That is why they have been neglected for a long time.


    When he was at a loss for what to do, I happened to show up.


    When I finished the job, he was very grateful.


    Since then, he has been a client of mine.


    They are always very happy when I finish the cleaning.


    So, I tend to do more than what they ask me to do.


    In fact, as I become accustomed to cleaning, the area of the gutters that I am asked to clean will soon be finished, so each time, I expand the area a little bit and do a little extra.


    The people around me appreciate it, and I don''t feel bad about it.


    This job certainly does not pay much.


    But I find it very rewarding.


    It''s nice to see the smiles on people''s faces.


    Above all, it feels good to see the city being cleaned up little by little by my hands.


    However, it seems that I worked too hard today.


    I''ve been working so hard that I''ve lost track of time, and I''m late leaving for the next site.


    "Can you make it ......?


    I rushed through the streets of the city, turned two corners, and arrived at the construction site where I was greeted by the foreman.


    The second client of the day.


    "Oh, you''re right on time, Noor. You''re right on time, Noll.


    I''ve been working as an earth mover at this construction site almost every day since the morning dumping.


    The capital has long been famous for its huge labyrinths and is called the "Holy Land of Adventurers".


    Recently, the roads in front of the labyrinth are being expanded, and a large number of workers are needed.


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    The foreman of this construction site likes me, and he talks to me like this every day.


    But I''m not.


    It''s nice of you to say so, but ...... I''m fine the way I am.


    It has become customary for me to refuse such offers.


    It''s a shame, really. ......


    I feel sorry for the disappointed director.


    However, it seems that he can''t give up his dream.


    It''s like a habit.


    I still want to be an adventurer.


    I want to have adventures like heroic tales.


    Even if it seems almost reckless.


    And so, as I diligently carried the earth, it quickly became the end of the day.


    The day''s work is done.


    Thanks to you, we''ve got a lot of time to spare.


    I''ll see you tomorrow, Noor. Good luck.


    "Yeah, take care of it.


    I''ll get the client''s signature on the request form as usual.


    After I report to the guild and get paid, I''ll take a bath and go back to the vacant lot for my usual training.


    That''s when I was about to leave the site.


    At the back of the construction site where I was working, towards the entrance of the Labyrinth of No Return, I saw something glow for a moment.


    A strong, reddish-purple light.


    "What is it?


    And at the same time.


    "Somebody help me...


    At the same time, I thought I heard someone''s fading scream from somewhere.

 4-04 Ill Pari the Cow

    I saw a strange reddish purple colored light for a moment.


    Then I heard what sounded like someone screaming, and I ran in that direction.


    "What the hell is that?


    I turned a corner and saw a huge creature standing at the entrance to the labyrinth.


    A huge cow standing on two legs.


    That was my first impression.


    But I''d never seen a cow like that before.


    It was so big that its head could have reached the roof of a house.


    It was holding and wielding a huge metal axe, bigger than its body.


    Surrounding it were several figures.


    Some with swords, some with spears, all dressed in silver armor.


    I''ve seen that outfit before.


    I think they''re the guards of King''s Landing.


    The guards form a formation of several men and stand in front of the bull.


    The cow swung a huge axe at them.


    It''s dangerous...


    At the same time as I thought this, the bodies of several of the guards popped.


    It was a massive swing of the axe.


    If it hits, there''s not much left.


    Behind them, splattering with blood, I saw the figure of a girl, no more than a year old.


    It''s not safe for her to stay there.


    But she looked up at the cow and just sat on the ground in a daze.


    The guards seemed to be trying to protect her.


    But each time the cow swung her axe, the guards scattered one by one in vain.


    Protect...!��Protect...!


    The guards were shouting something, but in the meantime, the bull swung his axe, and one by one, they lost their lives.


    The sword of the guard whose body had been torn off, armor and all, was flicked off and sent flying at my feet.


    The guards who were guarding me looked like amateurs.


    Even from my point of view, they were moving very slowly.


    They must have been new recruits with little or no training.


    While I was thinking this, the last of the guards dispersed.


    Then the bull raises his axe high above his head and is about to smash the girl in front of him.


    That''s dangerous.


    I picked up the guard''s sword at my feet and ran as fast as I could. As I ran, I picked up a pebble on the ground and flicked it away with my finger.


    "''Throwing stones''.


    I quickly used a skill I had acquired when I failed to become a hunter.


    The pebble I threw flew through the air and hit the bull in the eye as I had planned.


    The cow was a bit flustered by the sudden attack, but of course it was undamaged.


    "GUMMOOOOOOOO!!!!


    I just pissed them off.


    An earth-shaking yell echoed around the area, and the cow''s attention turned from the girl to me.


    But... yeah, that''s good.


    The girl''s life would be spared if I could just direct the cow''s hostility toward me.


    Let''s just hope she can get away while I''m trying to get her attention.


    Now I just have to figure out how to deal with this cow...


    The cow swung her axe again and charged at me, stomping on the ground, trying to hit me with all her might.


    As you can see, it''s very muscular and fast.


    He quickly closes the distance between us, and a huge axe is swung at me from a height that makes me look up.


    If it hits me, I''m sure I''ll be reduced to a pulp.


    But...


    "Parry.


    With my only sword skill, "Parry", I sidestepped the bull axe as it fell toward me.


    Instantly, sparks fly.


    Then, with a dull metallic sound, the massive axe fell to my side, shattering the cobblestones like candy.


    The impact sent a violent vibration through my legs, and I almost staggered.


    I looked and saw that the bull''s axe had plunged deep into the ground.


    "GUMMOOOOOOOO!!!!


    But the bull pulls his axe out of the cobblestones with all his might and swings it sideways in a continuous attempt to kill me.


    The blade of the huge axe, more than the size of a man, came straight at my torso.


    Just by looking at that black axe, you can tell that it has tremendous mass.


    If I touched the tip of the blade, my body would be scattered.


    Like the guards before me, my organs would be blown away and I would die.


    But this time... I cleave the sword vertically and flip the axe.


    "Parry!


    Sparks fly even more violently than before, and the axe is launched, cutting through the air and flying over my head.


    A strong wind blows against my face.


    It''s really powerful.


    I thought I had trained hard at the lodge, but my arms were getting numb.


    And one huge axe after another.


    There''s no end in sight.


    It''s really scary.


    Every time I land a blow on a cow, I am reminded of my ignorance and naivet��.


    This cow looks very strong, but it''s probably not even a demon.


    It''s just a cow in the middle of a city that is considered relatively safe.


    This cow must be a creature that can be defeated in a matter of seconds by a skilled adventurer, let alone by ordinary citizens or poor soldiers who were scattered before they could be trained.


    The fact that I''m having trouble with such a creature tells me that I''m not strong enough.


    How many powerful creatures are there out there?


    I can''t even imagine.


    It''s only natural that the uncle of the adventurer''s guild would try to make me give up the path to becoming an adventurer.


    I was just a frog in a well.


    Every time I hit one, and then another, I think.


    "The world is a big place.


    I''m reminded.


    I thought I was getting a little stronger.


    But the reality is...


    Even the nearest creature to my birthplace in the city was a threat to me.


    "N-mm-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!


    Not caring for my remorse, the cow swung her greataxe and attacked me.


    Each blow was so heavy and fast.


    As I desperately fought off the attacks, the cow swung her axe like a madman, one after another.


    I have no chance to fight back.


    But if I can find an opening...


    No, no, no.


    If there is an opening.


    I''m not gonna have a chance in hell.


    I have no way to attack.


    Because I don''t have the skills to fight.


    I guess I was reckless.


    I think as I block one of the cow''s attacks, which is sure to be lethal.


    Perhaps I had no chance of winning this fight with the cow in the first place.


    I have no talent whatsoever.


    No matter how hard I tried, I was never good enough.


    I thought I could help someone.


    I may have been conceited.


    But still, ������������


    "Parisi.


    Even if I can''t be a hero.


    Even if you can''t be a hero, at least you can protect the girl who sits in front of you and is scared.


    Because no matter what the situation, I''ll always protect the weak... that''s the adventurer I''ve always wanted to be.


    I want to be like that someday, no matter how long it takes.


    If I abandoned her here, how would I ever fulfill that dream?


    All I can do is repel the bull''s attacks.


    It was all I could do now.


    "NMOOOOOO!


    The cow swung her axe down again.


    But this time it wasn''t for me.


    The girl hadn''t moved from her spot.


    She was just staring at me.


    Apparently, she didn''t have the energy to run away.


    The cow must have noticed this and decided to crush her.


    The axe swung straight down.


    It''s on a trajectory to avoid me in the way and smash a single girl.


    But ��������


    "Parry.


    I slip in front of the girl and pop the bull''s-axe again.


    Just in time, just in time.


    The axe goes high, and the cow staggers a little.


    "GEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


    So the cow is furious.


    I guess he thinks I''m a nuisance now.


    The axe becomes more powerful.


    I can feel the anger, the excitement, in every swing of the axe.


    Each blow is much heavier than the last.


    The arm holding the sword is already screaming.


    But no matter how many times it comes.


    I''ll play it again and again.


    I won''t let you swing.


    As long as I''m alive, I''ll flip it back again and again.


    Even if I can''t win, until I die I''ll at least protect her.


    That was the plan.


    But my limit came quickly.


    The sword in my hand screamed first.


    The sword the guards were using was much better than the wooden sword I had been using for training in the mountains, but there was a clear difference in mass compared to the ox axe.


    With a cracking sound, the sword shattered into pieces.


    Perhaps seeing this as an opportunity, the bull axe swung straight down at my neck.


    If I take it, I''m sure to be crushed along with the girl behind me.


    ������������, but...


    Not yet.


    The sword still has a small portion of its hilt and blade left.


    If I use that part, I''ll be able to pop the axe one more time.


    That would be the last time I would be able to use this sword to hit the axe.


    With that in mind, I concentrated my consciousness to the utmost limit and shifted the trajectory of the bull axe to where I wanted it to go... in order to do that, I put everything I had into this moment and played it with all my might.


    "Parry.


    The axe I hit spun around, left the cow''s hand, and plunged straight into her neck.


    And just like that, the axe blade passed through the cow''s neck and into the building behind it.


    The cow, having lost the axe, stood there silently.


    A moment of silence.


    Not long after that, the cow''s head fell to the ground with a heavy thud.


    "�������� did it.


    When I saw that the cow did not get up, I let my heart go out to her.


    The sword in my hand was shattered from the base by the blow.


    It shattered, leaving not even the handle behind.


    That was really the final blow.


    That was close.


    No, it wasn''t just the sword.


    My body was already at its limit.


    I found my arms, legs, my whole body screaming.


    I''m dizzy, I''m exhausted.


    It''s really pathetic.


    I''m dealing with a cow in the city.


    This is not enough to make me dream of traveling the world and having adventures.


    ...... Thank you, thank you for saving my life... Who the hell are you...


    The girl staggered to her feet and thanked me.


    I''m glad you''re okay.


    Behind her, I can see the guards running towards us.


    "You still have a lot of training to do...


    I was too embarrassed to tell them my name, so I decided to leave the rest to the guards, and hurried to the Adventurer''s Guild to report the completion of the request for the construction site.

 5-05 Assassination of a Princess

    On that day, there was a shock in King''s Landing.


    It was said that the Minotaur, a demon from the Abyss, the deepest level of the Labyrinth of No Return, the oldest labyrinth in the capital, had suddenly appeared in the city.


    At the moment the demon appeared, all of the senior guards guarding the entrance to the labyrinth were killed.


    Princess Linneburg, a talented princess who had just returned from exploring the middle level, was also on the verge of losing her life.


    Are you sure?��Are you sure that the Minotaur appeared at the entrance to the labyrinth?


    Yes. According to the testimony of the only eyewitness to the moment of occurrence, that is, the survivor, Lady Linneburg, there is no doubt. I think it was a summoning spell activated by someone.


    The prince bit his teeth as he received the report from Dalken, the chief of staff of the Royal Knights.


    So, the appearance of the Minotaur was man-made?


    "Probably. You can find a lot more information on this topic on the web. We were able to recover the wreckage along with the body at the scene. It is made of an extremely pure magic stone. It''s not something you can buy on the market, it''s out of the ordinary.


    Chief of Staff Dalken said and pulled out a piece of reddish purple gemstone.


    "I see. So we have some idea of where it came from, right?


    It is a very advanced technology, requiring a precise magic circle engraved by a high-ranking magician and a high-purity magic stone.


    In the event that you have a lot of money to spend, you should be able to buy and sell it.


    The number of people who can prepare all of them is naturally limited.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do. He said that the wavelength of the magic stone is similar to that of the magic tools manufactured at the most advanced magic tool manufacturing facility in his country. And using a magic stone of this purity, it should be possible to trap the Minotaur in a ring-sized ward.


    The prince''s face clouded as Dalken''s report continued.


    The three surrounding countries surrounding the Kingdom of Crace.


    Mithra, the Holy Church in the west.


    Derridas, the Magic Empire to the east.


    Sarenza, a commercial autonomous region in the south.


    Among them, the magic empire of Derridas, located in the east of the kingdom, is now the most powerful country in the continent.


    And it''s a country that''s been putting pressure on us at every turn.


    It''s possible that it''s in retaliation for that incident,......?


    In the past few years, the Magic Empire of Derridas has expanded its armed forces against the backdrop of a rapidly developing magic tool manufacturing technology.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.


    In such a situation, they have come to my kingdom as well.


    In such a situation, they demanded that my kingdom give them the rights to the labyrinth in exchange for lending them our military power.


    We knew that such a request was impossible, but we demanded it.


    My kingdom is a small country that relies only on its abundant labyrinth resources and the human resources that gather around it.


    If that foundation were taken away, the nation would not be able to operate in the first place.


    Naturally, my father refused, saying that he would take care of his own defense.


    But the Emperor of the Magic Empire, Sigurd Derridas III, is not a man to be satisfied with that.


    So he responded to my country''s rejection with retaliation and threats.


    That makes sense.


    No. That''s not all.


    We''ve been harassed before.


    But not this time.


    My sister is in the middle of a trial for the throne, according to kingdom law.


    In some situations, she''s alone and vulnerable.


    He took advantage of that and tried to kill her.


    When the Minotaur was summoned, the princess was simultaneously warded to prevent her actions.


    Clearly, the intention was to eliminate her.


    Furthermore, they left behind blatant evidence, as if they didn''t care if they were exposed or not.


    This has not happened in decades.


    In other words...


    The assassination attempt on my sister, Linneburg... The purpose of the assassination attempt on my sister, Linneburg, is not so much to threaten us as to induce us to wage war against her.


    I think you''re probably right.


    If my sister, the first princess of Linneburg, was assassinated, the whole country would be forced to search for the culprit.


    Even if it was an assassination attempt, it would be the same.


    And this time, the evidence was so blatantly left behind.


    It was as if they were trying to claim who did it.


    Or as a show of force.


    It''s easy to identify the person who did it.


    It''s as easy as coming forward.


    But if you use that as an excuse to question the other side you are setting yourself up for war.


    That''s what they want, I''m sure.


    They want to lash out, crush us head-on, steal our resources, and they''re not even trying to hide it anymore.


    An obvious provocation.


    If you can do it, you can do it.


    It''s clearly unjustified interference, and the fault lies with the other side.


    But appealing to neighboring countries about it...


    I guess it''s useless.


    Until now, they''ve been at odds with each other.


    The kingdom of Crace in the center of the labyrinth resources.


    In the northeast of the mountains, the magical empire of Derridas.


    Mithra, the Holy See, northwest of the forest resources.


    Sarenza, a commercial autonomous region in the south for marine resources.


    Each plays its own role.


    What they lack, they make up for through trade and negotiation.


    They have maintained peace for hundreds of years.


    However, the good relationship that had been balanced for a long time has been fragilely shattered by the recent rise of the Magic Empire.


    When the Magic Empire captured the labyrinths of countless small countries in the vicinity through wars of aggression, the three surrounding countries aligned themselves and began to make unreasonable demands on our country, which is in a weak geopolitical position.


    The goal of the Magic Empire is clearly "labyrinth resources".


    They seem to want it desperately.


    Relics from the Labyrinth of No Return to gain even more power.


    There are probably no allies around.


    The three nations have probably already negotiated their share after the invasion.


    From the kingdom''s point of view, it is surrounded in all directions, and all the neighboring countries are becoming enemies, which is the worst situation.


    I can''t help but understand what your father is thinking.


    My father, a strict and inflexible man, has always rejected their unreasonable demands.


    Anything that seems unethical, from the most important to the most trivial.


    It''s a natural attitude for a king.


    I understand the logic of it, and I think it is right.


    But that is why there is friction.


    The relationship with neighboring countries is deteriorating every moment because of the reasoning.


    This incident is a threat to my father, the current king, who has not yielded to pressure.


    The other side is no longer going to hide it.


    And perhaps other neighboring countries are also aware of what is going on.


    What it means is: .......


    We''re in a real crisis, aren''t we?


    The situation is so urgent that there is not a moment to lose.


    That''s the impression the prince got.


    "Dalken. I don''t think this is the only sabotage. It''s possible there are still other tricks being played in the country. Investigate that as well.


    As you wish.


    And...


    There''s another problem.


    The man who rescued Lean...


    "Lean" was Princess Linneburg''s childhood name.


    The prince still calls his sister by that name.


    The prince still calls her by her nickname.


    She told me that there was a man who had single-handedly defeated the Minotaur, the demon of the abyss.


    But it was a very hard story to believe.


    The prince himself heard the story from the princess, but it did not make sense.


    The man was said to have easily defeated dozens of heavy blows from the Minotaur.


    With a single mass-produced broadsword deployed by the guards.


    Moreover, it was a quick attack and defense that lasted only a dozen seconds (??????).


    It''s impossible.


    That was my impression when I first received the report.


    It was unbelievable, at least from my own knowledge and common sense.


    But as I continued to listen to him, it became even more unbelievable.


    In the end, the man used a broadsword with a broken handle to repel a siege axe made of magic iron, and cut off the head of the Minotaur with the axe.


    It was impossible to imagine such a thing.


    Let''s suppose there is such a man.


    That is to say, there is a man who has a better fighting ability than the six saints who once faced the Minotaur in the depths of the earth - the party of six.


    The Six Saints, a party made up entirely of S-rank adventurers.


    These are none other than the six people that the current king, my father, once led to explore the depths of the Labyrinth of No Return.


    When they encountered the Minotaur in the depths.


    When they encountered the Minotaur in the depths, even Dantarg, the legendary warrior (tank) of the party, prepared to die.


    His entire body is covered with muscles harder than steel, and even his eyes are unharmed by arrows or swords.


    Although it seemed to be a good thing that the magic of the [Demon Saint] Oken and the king''s labyrinthine relic, the Black Sword, barely worked, everyone exerted all their strength and finally killed one of them, gave up all the treasures in front of them, and ran back.


    The Minotaur is that much of a threat.


    And yet, he was able to defeat it single-handedly...


    It was as if a hero from a fairy tale had stepped out of the story.


    It was unbelievable.


    My sister must have been a little confused. You should calm her down now. Then maybe we should talk to her again.


    Her life was in danger.


    Even a talented young lady who has risen to the rank of [Silver Class] at the age of only 14, much earlier than herself who was said to be the most talented person in the kingdom, would be confused.


    This must be the first time for my sister. No wonder.


    Or, there is the question of whether it was really the Minotaur.


    But that question has already been answered.


    Because one of the Six Saints, Sig the Sword Saint, confirmed the demon''s corpse and said that it was definitely the Minotaur.


    It didn''t add up.


    There is no other way to think about it than to believe that someone as dreamlike as my sister says actually exists.


    Did you find out where he is?��You must have seen him at the scene.


    "Well, that''s the thing. I saw what I saw, but...


    I saw what I saw, but what?


    "According to the witnesses who rushed to the scene, he ''vanished before their eyes like a phantom. I haven''t been able to track him since.


    What the hell is that?��What do you mean?��A highly trained reconnaissance unit lost track of him?��What the hell is the...


    The prince was about to say what the elite were for, but then he remembered that they were his very best men, so he shut his mouth.


    I understand what you''re saying. I understand what you''re saying, but I''m telling you that I saw a man. And then he just... disappeared without a sound.


    So you''re saying they''re too good to track, even with their sensing abilities.


    ".......


    Who the hell is that thing?


    A man who easily defeated the Minotaur by himself, and whom even the elite troops of our country could not track down.


    And he''s hiding in the country?


    The friction with the surrounding countries is growing.


    Something''s starting to happen.


    All right, that''s enough. Get to work. Let''s not waste any more time.


    Sir?


    The older man bowed briefly and strode away.


    We''ll have to take action on many fronts at the same time.


    The other man had taken a bold step.


    The other party took a bold approach, as if he didn''t care if he was discovered or not.


    That can only mean one thing.


    I think we''re getting close.


    There''s going to be a war soon.


    Or maybe it''s already happening.


    The king needs to be advised.


    But my father is a man of intuition.


    He''s probably already noticed what I''ve noticed, and he''s already made arrangements...


    But still...


    I can''t stop thinking about that man.


    If he''s not an enemy, there''s nothing more reassuring than that.


    He saved my sister''s life, so I hope he is.


    But as it stands, he is an unknown entity.


    Why he left without telling us his name, and why he ran away, remains a mystery.


    Even with that, it''s hard to imagine him as an ally.


    "We shouldn''t get our hopes up.


    This situation...


    It''s tempting to cling to naive expectations.


    But the prince shakes his head.


    "If only all the stories my sister told me were true.


    If only all the stories my sister told me were true.


    It''s like her story.


    Whenever there is a crisis, a hero will come from somewhere and solve it all.


    It was like a common fairy tale.


    I''ll have to calm down and think about it.


    There was one more element running through his mind.


    The prince sat down in his chair to sort out the board, and sank into a sea of deep thoughts.

 6-06 Request completion report

    I had come to the Adventurer''s Guild to report the completion of today''s order.


    On the way, some men in light armor were chasing me, but they were creepy, so I scattered them.


    Thanks to them, it took me a while to get there.


    It was already getting dark.


    "Oh... Noor. I was worried about you. Are you okay?


    When I entered the guild, an old man called out to me.


    "What''s going on?


    Didn''t you notice the commotion?��It seems that a demon from the depths has sprung up near the entrance to the labyrinth. You don''t see that sort of thing around here. There''s a big commotion. I heard it was near the construction site you were sent to, so I was worried.


    "Demon ......?��No, there was no one that looked like that.


    The only thing I saw was a cow.


    I didn''t think there was anything like that in the city.


    Yeah. Well, you''re in luck. The story goes that the Minotaur was defeated by an unknown entity, but it''s a monster that even a party of S-level adventurers would have trouble with.


    Such a terrifying creature can be found in the city at ......?


    I can''t believe that happened while I was fighting a cow.


    Lucky for you. The whole city could''ve been destroyed. You should be thanking that man in the street.


    Oh, there are some amazing people out there.


    After all, I''m still weak.


    I have to be aware of that.


    "...... alone against a monster that even a party of S-class adventurers would struggle against? Who is this person?


    I don''t know. ...... If he''s that good, he should be well known, but I don''t know him either. Well, I''ve heard that the Guards are doing all they can to find out, so we''ll find out soon enough.


    "I see.


    The old man chatted with me like this, quickly completed the request, and handed me a leather bag with the request fee.


    "Here, take it. That''s for your work. You''ve earned it.


    "Yeah, I did. Thank you.


    So, Noor. Are you ready to get a real job?


    "What do you mean, a decent job?��I''m already working as an adventurer, aren''t I?


    "Huh, I''ve told you that before. You''re on the margin, you know.��If the guild hadn''t been involved, you''d be making 30 percent more than you are today.


    Yeah, I know, I know.


    That''s what the foreman''s father said. The foreman''s dad said he''d love to have him. He''s got several other offers. You''re in high demand. Don''t think this happy situation will last forever.��While you''re at it, find a good place and get ready to have a stable family...


    The uncle''s usual long sermon began.


    I don''t know how many times I''ve heard this.


    Recently, he even went out of his way to tell me that he had a good job offer and to introduce me to a place of employment. I''ve refused many times, saying I don''t need such a job. ....... My uncle and I don''t agree with each other at all, but strangely I don''t feel bad about it.


    I can tell that he is thinking of me.


    Well, I''m not going to give up on my adventuring career, and in the end I''ll refuse everything.


    As I listened to my uncle''s words with a smile, I suddenly heard a voice behind me.


    I suddenly heard a voice behind me saying, "I''ve finally found .......


    I turned around and saw a small, female-looking person in a robe.


    When she removed the hood of her robe, the face of a familiar girl appeared.


    I think...


    "You''re not the ...... one who came in here wearing that, are you?


    "...... Yes, I did. I didn''t mean to be rude, but I had to see you.


    This is the girl who was attacked by the cow.


    But how did she know where I was?


    I thought I had dispersed the suspicious men who followed me.


    I didn''t notice any sign of this girl.


    I thought my [shinobiashi] skills had improved to the point where I could hunt wild animals like rabbits and wolves in mountain forests without being noticed at all, but I guess I''m not ready for ...... noticing a kid like this... ....


    No, no . This kid probably has skills .


    "Oh, yeah, [skills]. So you figured it out, huh?


    "Yes. I was trained as a thief in a training school. I''m sorry, but I used my remote detection skills to find you. It was quicker that way. ......


    It''s amazing.


    I never thought I''d be able to acquire such a useful skill at my age.


    So you''re a thief, right?


    ...... No, my specialty is essentially magicians. ...... I have skills in all six systems, I guess.


    I''m not sure what to say.��That''s amazing.


    It''s a family policy, a kind of tradition. Our family policy is to learn everything we can. ...... But all of them are like extra skills. I''m embarrassed to say this in front of someone like you. ......


    No, no, no, it''s great enough.


    I''m not sure how many [skills] I have at my age.


    I''m sure she''s not that much older than I was when I got off the mountain, by the looks of it.


    Even after all this time, I can''t help but feel inferior to her.


    "Um... why don''t we talk outside, since we''ll be seen?


    Unsure of what to do, I looked at the guild''s uncle.


    The man looked a little reluctant.


    "...... Hey, Noor. What the hell did you do to ...... me?


    No, I didn''t do anything you can blame me for.


    It''s okay. ...... There''s no one around now, and I''ll use soundproofing and concealment to make sure nothing gets out.


    That''s [skill] too.


    That''s amazing.


    It''s hard to believe that such a thing is an extra skill.


    But why would he do such a thing?


    "Go ahead, ......, but you''re dealing with an opponent. Take care of yourself.


    "......?��Yeah, okay.


    Don''t be rude. ......?


    What the hell does that mean?


    I''m not sure, but I did as I was told and went outside.

 7-07 The Central Square of the Royal Capital

    We walked to the central square of King''s Landing.


    There was no sign of people around.


    Occasionally, we saw guards looking for something, but they didn''t seem to notice us.


    So this is the power of her skill.


    It''s amazing.


    Once the guards had left and we were alone, she began to talk to me.


    ...... First of all, let me apologize. First of all, let me apologize for the way I followed my benefactor. But I really wanted to see you again.


    She bowed deeply.


    I also must apologize for what happened in the guild. I was just talking to the guild leader (guildmaster) and suddenly asked him to go outside. In my position, it is not advisable for me to appear like this in front of the public, and since you also seem to have some sort of situation...


    No, I don''t mind.


    No, I don''t mind.


    So, what do you want from me?


    Why did you come after me?


    I don''t know.


    Did I unwittingly do something wrong?


    I have one thing to do. I want to thank you. Thank you for saving my life... thank you so much.


    The long-haired girl bowed her head again.


    The girl with long hair bowed again.��I thought you already thanked me earlier.


    No, that was not a thank you. You have saved not only my life, but the lives of many of the royal people as well.


    You''re exaggerating just because you restrained a rampaging bull.


    It''s true that I felt sorry for those guards, but if I had made a mistake, I would have been like them.


    Now that I think about it, I was reckless without any skills.


    Besides, she has excellent [skills]. It''s possible that she could have done it on her own without my help.


    That''s right.


    I don''t know why I didn''t notice.


    I knew it was strange that she was sitting on the ground forever.


    It''s not that she didn''t run. She didn''t need to run.


    "No, I don''t mean that in a caring way. I may have done something completely unnecessary. I''m sorry I''ve been so rude to you.


    No, you''re not!��I''m just so grateful. I don''t know what would have happened to me if you hadn''t rushed over to ......!


    Apparently, she''s a very loyal girl.


    Not bad for a girl her age.


    "I see. In that case, I''ll just accept your kindness.


    I''d like to give you as much credit as I can for what you''ve done for me. ...... Please feel free to ask. My father is also very grateful to you. I''d like to give you a heartfelt thank you for mobilizing the family fortune.


    "What?


    Mobilize the family fortune?


    What the hell are you talking about?


    No, no, no, what you just said is enough. I really don''t need more than that.


    No, I want to thank you for what you did. My father and brother would very much like to meet you and thank you for what you''ve done for them.


    No thank you is necessary. I really don''t want to thank you.


    No, I can''t do that!��I''m a man of position. I''m a man of my position. I owe him my life. I can''t just sit here and do nothing. ......!


    No, I don''t want that.


    I''m not sure what her position is, but my position is that I don''t want to be given something I don''t need.


    ...... No, that''s not a good look for me either!��By all means, give me a house-wide gratuity ......!


    No thanks.


    So, is there anything you need help with?��The whole house will support you in any way we can. ...... If you want, I''m sure your father will be able to help you with your territory.


    I don''t want that either.


    What?


    Why are we talking about territories and such?


    I''ve got a house and a farm in the mountains.


    I don''t want it.


    But ......!


    I noticed that she looked like she was about to cry.


    Why?


    I''m just saying the words are enough.


    I''m sorry, but you really don''t have to thank me.


    "...... No, sir. You owe me a thank you. ......!


    ...... Obligation?


    I don''t think a thank you should come with such a thing. .......


    ...... Whatever you say, you don''t want what you don''t want, okay?


    I won''t move here until I hear back from ......, where I''ll accept your thanks.


    No matter what I say, he won''t back down.


    He''s serious.


    I''m already half-crying.


    You''re a kid. .......


    No, a kid.


    She''s got a stubborn streak too.


    Reminds me of myself back in the day.


    A decade or so ago, I visited a [monk] training center, and even though I was turned away at the door, I was stubborn and said, "I''m not leaving until I''m trained.


    She seems to be serious, too.


    I don''t want her to wait three days and three nights without eating or drinking like I did.


    I can''t help it.


    I guess I should at least accept her sentiment.


    "...... Okay. If it''s just to meet your father and brother.


    ...... Are you sure?


    I don''t need a big thank you.


    I just fought off a rampaging bull in the city.


    I didn''t expect city cows to be so ferocious.


    I didn''t think cows in the city were that ferocious, but I guess this kind of thing is common in King''s Landing.


    I''m not familiar with the culture of the capital, but maybe there is a custom that says, "If you''re attacked by a cow and you''re rescued, do your best to be hospitable.


    It can''t be helped.


    I guess it''s called "follow your hometown.


    But you really don''t need to make such a big deal out of it.


    Yes!��Let''s get going. Would you mind following me? I don''t want to be seen too much, so I''m going to use a number of things like [Concealment] and [Detection Blocking] to hide myself.


    After saying that, she began to walk quickly.


    Her face, which had looked like it was about to cry, turned into a clear smile.


    I wondered if she had been crying falsely.


    She may be a child, but she may be a schemer.


    I had no choice but to follow the light-footed girl as she walked through the city at night.

 8-08 Leannes House

    "This is ...... your house, huh?


    I was expecting to be taken to her house.


    What we arrived at was a castle-like building.


    It had solid stone walls and a large, massive gate.


    There were gatekeepers on either side with spears, guarding the gate.


    Rather than a house, it looked like a castle of a king in a fairy tale.


    But if you were brought here, you must be .......


    ...... Yes. I know it''s a little out of the ordinary, but this is my house. ....... Please come in.


    And with that, she slipped past the gatekeepers without a care in the world.


    Are you going to keep going?


    Yes, I''m in a hurry. Besides, I don''t want to interrupt their work.


    If anything, I thought their job was to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious.


    But the gatekeepers don''t even look at us.


    It''s probably because she''s using a skill called [Concealment].


    We walked into the castle-like house as we were told.


    We were told to go into a castle-like house, "By the way, you haven''t told us your name yet. If you don''t mind, I''d like to know .......


    Is that me?��Noor.


    "Mr. Noll, right?


    I answer as I walk.


    But when she said my name, I remembered that I didn''t know her name.


    So, what''s your name, ......?


    "Oh, ......!��I''m sorry, I completely forgot to tell you my name.


    She stopped, turned to me quickly, put her right hand on her chest and bowed lightly.


    My name is Linneburg Kreis. My name is Linneburg Crace, which is a bit long for the world, so I''m going by Lean for now. Please feel free to call me Lean.


    "Right, Lean. Okay.


    You''re right, Linnea ...... something is a bit long and hard to remember.


    Lean would be more convenient.


    Short and easy to remember, good name.


    It''s a good name, short and easy to remember. "Let''s break the cover from here. We''re already in a safe place, and it''ll look suspicious.


    Okay.


    And so, we walked deeper again.


    It''s a really big house.


    I felt like I had walked a long way, but there was still more to go.


    From the looks of it, her family must be quite wealthy.


    Or is she what we call a noblewoman?


    I guess this is why the adventurer''s guild uncle told us to be careful.


    But that doesn''t mean I know what to do.


    I''ve never had any experience with the manners of aristocrats and wealthy people.


    That''s ...... just fine. Let''s ask her where your father is.


    After walking down a very long and wide aisle for a while, a woman with long, golden hair appeared.


    She wore a skirt like a maid''s uniform, but on top of that she wore a heavy silver armor.


    "Welcome back, Miss Linneburg.


    "Ines. Thank you for coming. I''d like to see your father in the audience hall at this time?


    The man there is ......?


    The woman in armor narrowed her eyes and looked at me before answering Lean''s question.


    It''s like she''s judging me.


    Apparently, she wasn''t feeling very welcome.


    "Inez. This is my guest. ...... Please do not be rude. He was the one who saved me from the attack.


    "......!��Yes, sir. I''ll lead you in.


    I wonder if this person is a maid of this house.


    She is wearing a very heavy armor, which makes it difficult for her to do cleaning and laundry. .......


    I''ve been looking at her curiously and our eyes met and she glared at me hard.


    She seemed to be very wary of me.


    Well, that''s understandable.


    I guess they think I''m an out-of-place person in such a luxurious house with many servants.


    That''s what I think, too.


    "Come in. Through this door.


    The armored woman called Inez said, opening a heavy metal door at the end of a long hallway.


    At the end of the door stood a man with a beautifully ornamented golden spear.


    The man looked at us with a swarthy air and held up his spear, looking at ...... me alone.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. You too, Linnea. What''s wrong with you at this hour?��...... Who''s that guy over there?


    The man asks me a series of questions in a somewhat light tone, but his gaze is sharp.


    The tip of his spear is pointing straight at me.


    It''s as if he wants to be ready to stab me to death at any moment.


    As I thought, this man is also wary of me.


    This is a dangerous house.


    Lean''s house.


    Gilbert. Go through there. This man is an important guest of the Linneburg lord. Don''t be rude. And you''re coming with me to the audience.


    "My guest. So you are the one ......?��...... Okay.


    For a moment, the man''s gaze seemed to sharpen.


    For a moment, the man''s gaze seemed to sharpen, but then it quickly returned to an ambiguous, swarthy mood.


    We followed Inez through the doors and soon reached the "audience chamber".


    As we opened the heavy door again, we saw a young man talking to an older man on the platform.


    "Brother?


    Is that Lean from ......?


    The young man seemed to be Lean''s brother.


    He seemed to be around 20 years old.


    He seems to be around 20 years old.


    The robe is the robe of the hermit,......?��I don''t think so. You''ve been out?��I thought I forbade you to go out for a while. ......!


    I''m sorry ....... But I really wanted to look for the benefactor on my own.


    ...... Who is this man?


    "This is the man who saved my life.


    ......!��This is ......?


    Lean''s brother looks at me and is quite surprised.


    Well, I suppose it''s understandable.


    I spent the early hours of the morning scavenging, worked as an earth mover until late in the evening, killed a cow, and chased after some strange men on my way to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Thinking about it, a lot has happened today, and I''m looking pretty dirty.


    If I had the time, I could have gone to a public bathroom and cleaned myself up.


    I didn''t expect to be taken to such a luxurious house later that day.


    I''m sorry to be dressed like this. Leanne wanted to hurry.


    I apologized for my behavior.


    Lean''s brother was staring at me and smiling silently, but Inez was glaring at me so hard she looked like she was about to jump me.


    ...... Maybe I just did something wrong.


    I don''t care how you''re dressed. In fact, I''m the one who said I wanted to meet you in a hurry. I''m sorry for the trouble I''ve caused you.


    A low voice echoed in the large room.


    The voice was so dignified that I could have been convinced that it was the king of some country.


    It''s the kind of voice that naturally makes you feel taller and more comfortable.


    Inez and the man with the spear, Gil ...... something or other, dropped to one knee and bowed their heads.


    So the owner of the voice would be the landlord ......, or Lean''s father.


    "So you are the man who saved my daughter''s life... you are younger than I thought. Let''s talk closer.

 9-09 During the Audience and the Black Sword

    You''re the man who saved my daughter''s life... you''re younger than I thought. Let''s talk closer.


    Lean''s father got up from the heavy chair on the platform and walked slowly towards us.


    I was told that he was younger than I expected, but on the contrary, Lean''s father looked a little older than I had imagined.


    Perhaps it was his dignity or his fine bearing that made him look that way, or something.


    I''m not a nobleman or anything. I may do something that will be disrespectful. ...... Are you okay with that?


    I''m not familiar with etiquette, so I''ll go ahead and say it.


    Inez''s eyebrows twitched as she knelt down.


    I''m not a fan of politeness, so I''ll go ahead and say it. ...... Did I do something wrong with that?


    I''m not sure. Only the aristocracy would be concerned about such things. In fact, it''s easier to talk about it that way.


    "Well, that''s very kind of you.


    Lean''s father stood quietly in front of me and said.


    Lean''s father stood quietly in front of me and said, "I''m the one who should be thanking you.


    Lean''s father stood quietly in front of me and said, "It is we who should be thanking you." He grabbed my hands in his wrinkled and scarred ones and bowed deeply.


    "Let me thank you again. If it weren''t for your work, my daughter wouldn''t be here today. No amount of thanks will ever be enough. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.


    I don''t know the etiquette of a nobleman, but I could feel his heartfelt gratitude in every movement he made and in every word he said.


    "Oh, it''s nothing. That''s all I need to say.


    Lean''s father nodded in satisfaction at my words.


    ...... Okay, now you''ve been thanked.


    I glanced at Lean and said, "You can leave now. .......


    But you can''t return a benefactor who has done you a great favor empty-handed, can you?��I''ll give you what I can. I''ll give you what I can. Is there anything you want?


    "...... No, I don''t want anything. I''m sorry, no.


    I feel like I''m repeating myself with Lean again.


    I wonder if it''s a family thing?


    But all I want is to become strong, acquire skills, become a full-fledged adventurer, and go on an adventurous journey.


    It seems that this desire is very far away and difficult. .......


    At least, it''s not something that money can buy.


    ...... I see. You don''t need money or land? ......


    Lean''s father thought for a moment and then said.


    "Then how about the treasure from the labyrinth?


    Our country, as you know, is home to the world''s oldest labyrinth.


    In the treasure hall, there are all kinds of labyrinthine curiosities that have been excavated over hundreds of years.


    Some of them may be useful and cannot be obtained with money.


    ...... If you want, you can take half of what I have stored away. How about that?


    "Oh, Father, you can''t go that far...?


    Lean''s brother looked at his father with a surprised look on his face.


    To tell you the truth, I''m not too happy about it.


    I don''t know how much there is in the treasure house, but I honestly don''t need it.


    I''m sure I don''t need any of it right now.


    I''m happy with my life as it is now.


    First of all, even if I got them, there would be no place to put them.


    "No, I don''t need that either.


    "No, I don''t want that either." "Well, then what do you want?��It would be more helpful if you could tell me what you want.


    No, I really don''t want a fancy thank-you gift. What you just said is more than enough.


    You didn''t do much more than rescue Lean from a raging bull.


    I''m sure that with all the skills she has, she could have managed to do something like that.


    I was just showing off.


    What a loyal father and son.


    I wonder if that''s the culture.


    "...... nothing needed". Hmm. Then what would you like ......?


    Lean''s father was looking up at the ceiling, pondering.


    ...... I really don''t want anything.


    I''m not sure what else would be worthy of the debt you owe me for saving my daughter''s life.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    He picked up a black sword on the wall behind him.


    Then he came back to me and handed me the old black sword.


    "This is the sword ...... or ......?


    "Yes. It''s a bit of a mess, though.


    When I picked it up and looked at it up close, I was a little unsure if it was really a sword or not.


    It definitely had the shape of a sword.


    But it was so battered, so blackened here and there, and so damaged in places, that it didn''t look like it would cut at all.


    Moreover, if you look closely, you can see that it is deformed in some places.


    In a word, it is not a sword but a flat piece of metal.


    And I don''t know what it''s made of, but it''s pretty heavy.


    The moment I held it in my hand, it was so heavy that I almost dropped it.


    It was as if everything was made of a metal heavier than lead.


    "Father, is that...?


    "That''s good, Rain. Now that I''m no longer on active duty, it''s just a decoration. You have a replica of this one that you made before, just for looks. If you replace it with this one, I''m sure no one will notice.


    But...!


    Inez. Gilbert. You''re not to tell anyone.


    As you command.


    "......, understood.


    As I watch them interact, I look at the flat, black piece of metal in my hand, which I can''t tell if it''s a sword or not.


    I wonder if this is really something I should accept.


    "Isn''t this something important?��If so, I can''t accept it.


    "No, no, it''s just something I picked up on my travels. It doesn''t belong to anyone. I just happened to like it enough to use it for a while.


    "Found on the road, huh?


    Well, it''s my hand-me-down. Will you take it if it''s that good?


    I looked again at the black sword in my hand.


    Leanne''s father''s secondhand.


    The more I look at it, the more rugged it seems.


    The more I look at it, the more rugged and shabby it looks.


    The more you look at it, the more you see that it is a rude and shabby sword. It is heavy anyway, but if you think of it as a training sword, it seems like a good one.


    ...... It might be just right for stake driving at construction sites.


    I''ll take that as a thank you.


    Lean''s father smiled as I said this.


    "Give it a try.


    "...... like this?


    I did as he asked and swung the black sword with one hand.


    It was still heavy.


    But it''s not so heavy that you can''t swing it.


    It''s not a problem if you''re using it to strengthen your muscles.


    "How is it?


    "It''s heavy. But not too heavy to swing.


    "Hmm, so you can wield it with one hand. The sword may look a little poorly made, but it''s ...... really sturdy. It''s saved my life many times when I was in danger...


    Lean''s father looks somewhat nostalgic.


    I''m sure it''s very important to you.


    But once you''ve been given something, you can''t give it back, can you?


    "Then I''ll take good care of it.


    "Yes, please do.


    Lean''s father smiled happily.


    And about my daughter, ...... if you don''t mind, could you give her a little training?��There''s a lot of trouble everywhere these days. ...... I''m a little worried.


    You''re worried about Leanne?


    Me?


    Another abrupt .......


    No, I don''t think there''s anything I can tell you. I don''t think there''s anything I can tell you, and I think it''s up to you to decide for yourself - it''s not good for parents to interfere too much with their daughters, you know?


    That''s true.


    Lean''s father laughed.


    He is a middle-aged man who smiles a lot.


    But the faces of everyone around him were tense.


    Inez, in particular, is staring at me with a terrible glare.


    Did I just say something wrong?


    "...... Did I say something wrong?


    "No, no, no. No, not at all. It''s been a long time since we''ve had this conversation.


    Okay, well... can I go now?


    Yeah, I''m sorry to keep you. As Lean''s father, I''d like to thank you again.


    It''s nothing. It''s nothing. I''m sorry I got you such a big reward.


    I really didn''t want anything.


    I really didn''t want anything, but you gave me something that seemed important.


    But in the end, it might have been a good thing.


    This black sword looks beat up, but that''s why I can accept it without hesitation.


    It seems to be sturdy, and its weight may be very good for training.


    It''s also very wide, so it will be useful for cleaning out the gutters.


    ...... I''ll try it out tomorrow.


    I''m going to go home now.


    And so I did.


    I said goodbye to Lean and the others, and left the castle.


    I was rushing home to wash off the day''s sweat at a public bathhouse...


    I was going to .........


    I need to talk to you. I need you to follow me.


    Inez, a vassal of Lean, stopped me.

 10-10 Shin shield innes

    We followed Inez and were led to a plaza-like area in the compound.


    There was no one else in sight but us.


    Inez said, "...... around here, okay?


    Inez said, and suddenly.


    Inez said, then suddenly dropped to one knee facing me.


    Inez then suddenly knelt down on one knee facing me and bowed her head with one hand on the ground.


    ...... First of all, let me apologize for my rudeness.


    The way I had behaved earlier was not the way I would have behaved to a benefactor like Mr. Linneburg.


    I''m sure you felt uncomfortable with the way I was judging you.


    I hope you will forgive me.


    Inez bowed her head deeply to the ground.


    Her long blond hair spread out on the cobblestone floor.


    No, I don''t care about that. No, I don''t mind. Don''t mind me so much.


    I thought he was going to be angry with me for what I had just said and done, but .......


    I didn''t expect him to apologize.


    But I don''t remember anyone ever going so far as to apologize to me.


    I was a little concerned about the way he reacted to my words and actions, but I''m sure it was because I was rude in some way.


    I still don''t know much about this culture.


    I''d rather know what''s wrong with it. .......


    I don''t remember anyone doing anything to me to make me feel that way. Just look up at me.


    At my words, Inez raised her body and slowly stood up.


    Inez stood up slowly. "...... I see. Thank you for accepting my apology.


    I apologize again for my rudeness.


    But our job is to protect the people of House Crais from all danger.


    That takes precedence over everything else. You must understand that hospitality will take a backseat.


    Protecting the people of the house from danger?


    Come to think of it, she''s wearing a heavy armor over a skirt that looks like a maid''s uniform, and I thought she was unfit to do domestic work.


    So that means...


    "So, ...... you''re not a maid?


    When I asked her that, she blinked.


    ...... I haven''t introduced myself yet.


    I am Inez Harness.


    I am a member of the Warrior Corps under the House of Crais and I am the Vice Commander.


    It seems that she is not a maid after all.


    She''s also the vice-commander of something.


    I don''t know what it is, but it sounds awesome.


    In addition, since childhood, she has been called the "Divine Shield" and has been asked to serve as Linneburg-sama''s "shield.


    Although I am no longer in charge for some reason, it was originally my duty to protect Lord Linneburg at all costs.


    And you did it for me.


    I can''t thank you enough for that.


    Then she looked me straight in the eye and said.


    "Lord Linneburg is the one I would give my life to protect.


    If you are the one who saved my life, you are as good as saving me.


    I want to show my heartfelt gratitude.


    Inez placed her right hand on her silver breastplate and gave a small bow.


    It wasn''t a big movement, but she bowed her head quietly, and I could feel the sincerity in her voice.


    It seemed that she was telling the truth when she said that Lean was more important than her life.


    I''ll help you as much as I can from now on. If you need help, just let me know.


    You''re really overreacting.


    I was only there when the cattle were on the loose.


    But I''ll take the sentiment.


    Otherwise, I don''t know what I''ll be forced to do.


    Yeah, we''ll be there for you if you need anything.


    Inez smiled gently at my answer, but then quickly returned to her stern expression.


    But don''t get me wrong. But don''t get me wrong, I haven''t accepted everything about you yet.


    I''ll give you some advice.


    The manner in which you have behaved until now... Mr. Linneburg seems to have forgiven you, but your behavior in the audience room is disgusting.


    "Feel free to lean on me.


    That kind of condescension is unacceptable.


    I see.


    I kind of understand why she was giving me such a hard time.


    She had called Leanne ...... something-sama.


    So I''m sure she wants me to call her that, too.


    It''s okay this time.


    But if this happens again in the future, the rudeness that has been overlooked will not be overlooked.


    Especially not in front of so many other retainers.


    I called him "Lean" because he asked me to call him that, but in this family, it is better to call him "Lean" for a long time.


    You can''t understand such a culture without being told.


    Yeah, thanks for the tip.


    It is our duty as vassals to advise outsiders of such things. ...... I thought I should tell you that.


    But don''t tell me you didn''t ...... go to the trouble of calling him off to tell him that?


    It''s really a lawful thing, the people of this house .


    I also want to remember the name of my benefactor. If you don''t mind, I''d like to know your name.


    Inez''s face broke into a smile again.


    By the way, I haven''t told you my name yet.


    I''m kind of getting asked my name a lot today.


    "Is it me?��Noor.


    "...... Noor. ......?


    Inez''s smile instantly faded from her face.


    ...... What''s wrong?


    ...... Did I offend you in any way?


    No, ...... no. I''m talking about here. ...... I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to leave you here.


    I don''t know.


    Did he suddenly feel bad?


    Inez walked away without looking at me.


    But just as I was thinking that I could finally go home and take a bath, I was approached from behind again.


    Oh, you''re leaving already?��In the event that you''re looking for a great deal more information on this, there are many databases you should consider investigating.


    A man with a spear emerged from the darkness.


    I hadn''t seen him before, but I knew he was near us.


    I think his name was Gil ......?


    No, no. .......


    ...... Yes, Albert.


    I don''t know what the hell I''m supposed to be going out with.


    What do you want me to go out with?


    Well, let''s just say it''s real-world training, mock combat.


    A mock fight.


    This man may be a soldier in the employ of the house.


    I''m curious to know what kind of training he''s doing.


    Well, now''s your chance.


    I don''t know how much of a match I''ll be for him, but I''ll try to ...... take him on.


    Yeah, I''d love to go out with you then.


    The barracks are just around the corner. Follow me.


    And so I followed the spearman, Alba ......, no, no.


    I followed Halbert to the training grounds.

 11-11 Spear St. Gilbert

    There were still a few people in the barracks where they had been brought.


    I wondered if they were soldiers hired by the Lean family.


    They''re training until this late at night.


    They''re enthusiastic.


    Some of them must have come to exercise after work.


    "...... is a good place for a mock battle.


    The spearman called out to a soldier there and borrowed a training spear with a wooden tip.


    I also borrowed a wooden sword at the entrance.


    I have a black sword that was given to me, but for now, it''s a mock battle, so I''ll just use the wooden sword.


    And so, Gil ...... or Al ...... anyway, Bart managed to hold up a wooden spear for training.


    You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.


    Yeah, it''s my pleasure.


    Let''s go.


    Immediately, the training in the form of actual combat began.


    Immediately, the mood of the man with the spear changed.


    His eyes were as sharp as when I first met him.


    His body movements also changed from slow to rapid... a remarkable change.


    You can see that he is no ordinary person.


    What follows is a sharp thrust.


    The refined kata is beautiful.


    The refined kata are beautiful and show the accumulation of extraordinary training.


    I ducked, admiring it.


    But there''s something wrong.


    You''re too slow...


    No, no.


    He''s taking it pretty easy on me.


    He''s probably already figured out what I''m capable of, so he''s slowing down.


    I know you''re taking care of me, but... you don''t have to take it so hard.��I can keep up with you at that level.


    What?��...... Well, I''m sorry about that. So... how about this?


    And the man''s movements became much faster than before.


    His movements are leaner and more fluid.


    But... still slow.


    You can duck without much concentration.


    He''s still taking it easy on me.


    No, you''re still good. You look slow.


    "...... Really?


    The man''s mood changed even more.


    His whole body radiates an intensity that could be described as murderous.


    Its eyes seemed to pierce through me.


    The spear danced through the air more than before, undulating like a living thing.


    And it uses feints skillfully to exploit my blind spots.


    It''s like that of a master.


    But...


    I''m not so sure they appreciate me yet.


    I still feel slow.


    It''s a little faster than before, but not unavoidably so.


    On the contrary, at times it seemed as if he was daring me to attack by showing me an opening.


    The moment he thrusts and I duck, I''m defenseless.


    That back of his seemed to be saying, "Go ahead and hit me.


    That''s what I thought he was saying.


    He''s doing it on purpose, isn''t he?


    No, but... is he really?


    What if this is what he''s really doing, what he''s capable of?


    How is that even possible?


    But maybe, just maybe, if that''s the case, I''m actually getting a little stronger.


    At the very moment I thought of this...


    "Draggrave.


    The man''s sense of intimidation exploded, and his movements blurred for a moment.


    Just as I thought that, I lost sight of him.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    Oh no, ��������, I''m going to get hit.


    I thought.


    I let my guard down.


    What appeared to be a slow attack was all a feint, a prelude to this strike.


    A preliminary move to get you accustomed to slower movements. �������� I didn''t notice it until too late.


    The spear is coming straight for my throat.


    It''s incredibly fast.


    Even a wooden spearhead would be powerful enough to pierce a rock.


    That means I have to avoid it or ��������


    �������� die.


    The moment I realized my mistake, I dodged with all my might.


    Fortunately, I was able to move behind the man before the tip reached my throat.


    That was a really close call ��������.


    Did this man really just come here to kill himself?


    �������� No, no.


    The difference between me and the guy was obvious from the start.


    The man had seen through it.


    I''m sure this guy was very careful to avoid hurting me, and he was just fast enough to avoid me.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    That''s all I could think of. ��������


    Now, the man seems to be exposing his defenseless form in front of me.


    But even that is probably the same as the feint he just made.


    He''s trying to say.


    "Don''t get carried away just because you beat a cow.


    �������� Pride leads to instant death.


    He''s trying to warn me.


    "�������� All right. I''ve lost.


    He saw through my pride.


    He even went to the trouble of stopping me. .......


    I didn''t know you''d go so far as to tell me about my flaws.


    Inez and this man are both very kind-hearted people.


    "There''s no point in continuing now. That''s enough.


    "What? What?��What the hell do you know about ......?


    He''s still trying to teach me.


    But I''ve learned enough. I''ve made up my mind.


    I''m still weak.


    "�������� I look forward to seeing you again.


    Someday, when we do.


    I hope he''ll take me seriously.


    I was out of my mind, wanting to take a bath and go to sleep.


    I guess I''ve been slack for a while.


    I need to work out even harder. ��������


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that if I were you.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    I was curious to know what kind of a man he was.


    If he was so strong, he might be an interesting guy with ambition.


    As I was thinking that, the man came from the other side.


    He was accompanied by Princess Linneburg, who immediately showed herself.


    The man was surprisingly humble.


    He wanted nothing: no gold, no shelter, no glory, no mountains of treasure.


    He was crude, but his manner was stately, and there was nothing disagreeable about him.


    In terms of age, he is not so different from me.


    In terms of height, he was a bit bigger than me, but


    I didn''t feel that he was strong enough to kill the Minotaur by himself.


    I wondered if this man was that strong.


    When I saw him, I wondered.


    Gilbert himself was strong, anyway.


    He was given the title of [Spear Saint], the same as [Sword Saint], and was counted as one of the strongest in the kingdom.


    That''s why he was bored.


    There was no one to compete with...


    Such a situation.


    There are not many people in the country who can compete with me.


    The only one who acknowledged that he was still unbeatable was a half-legendary figure, the [Sword Saint] Sig, who was also known as the [Thousand Swords], and other than that, he was no match for him.


    It''s boring. They''re all too weak.


    Gilbert was bored.


    So he wanted a partner.


    He wanted someone his own age, someone he could compete with, someone he could talk to on equal terms.


    He knew that this was just selfishness, but somewhere in his heart he was always looking for it.


    This man is strong.


    If he defeated the Minotaur, he must be incredibly strong.


    This man might be able to compete with me on equal terms.


    But this guy doesn''t look very strong to me.


    Then let''s see for ourselves...


    That''s why I called it a mock battle and challenged him to a match...


    The game began.


    But no matter how hard we tried, the other side wouldn''t attack.


    Gilbert was wondering what was going on.


    I know you''re taking care of me, but you don''t have to go that easy on me.��I can keep up with you just fine.


    That''s what the man in front of me said.


    The man in front of him seemed to feel that he was being skimped on.


    He had never done anything like this before.


    A lot of things would be taken care of long before Gilbert could show his true colors.


    So perhaps Gilbert himself had unwittingly cut corners.


    �������� Now, I didn''t mean to do that.


    What?��...... Well, I''m sorry about that. So... how about this?


    Gilbert threw away all hesitation and attacked the opponent with all his might.


    The spear strike he delivered was surprisingly violent even to himself.


    It was the first time he had ever wielded a spear in such a brisk fashion.


    I was able to unleash a barrage of blows so sharp that I could almost say it was my fastest.


    And yet...


    What''s going on?


    There is no sign of any action on the opponent''s body.


    On the contrary, the opponent does not even try to use the wooden sword in his hand.


    Gilbert, on the other hand, was exerting himself to the limit.


    No, he was already moving beyond his limits.


    But still, he could not reach this man.


    Not even a single blow could be delivered.


    This had never happened before.


    And the man in front of me said.


    "No, you''re still okay. You look slow.


    "......, yeah?


    All right, then...


    Gilbert laughed in his mind.


    Something snapped inside him.


    I''ll go as hard as you want.


    "Draggrave.


    The most powerful blow in Gilbert''s hand that killed the Thunder Dragon that danced with lightning speed.


    This is the most powerful blow in Gilbert''s hand.


    This was the first time he had ever fired it at a person.


    It was supposed to be a technique that should not be unleashed.


    �������� but...


    Gilbert unleashed it immediately.


    It wasn''t something he thought about.


    It was a natural choice of the body.


    His battle instincts, trained to the extreme and sharpened to the highest degree, made the decision faster than he could think.


    He knew that his spear would never reach this man except through �������� this.


    When Gilbert realized that the tip of his spear was about to reach the man''s throat.


    It was the fastest blow he could make, and he couldn''t even catch up with his own consciousness.


    Oh, I almost got my spear to that man.


    That was all Gilbert could think about.


    �������� Thank God, it got there.


    Just as he thought that, the man''s body disappeared like an illusion.


    When he came to, the man was standing behind Gilbert.


    It was as if I had no idea what had happened.


    I could only be stunned.


    But before I could be disappointed, I noticed something strange.


    There was a crack in the cobblestone floor in front of me, and it was caving in.


    This was the spot where the man had just been standing.


    Why is there something like this?


    There were no cracks like this before.


    This floor must have been caused by something that man did.


    Looking back, I can see shattered cobblestones everywhere.


    There must have been a lot of impact there.


    And yet, there was no sound.


    What in the world is this...?


    �������� I''m beat. I''m losing.


    The man standing behind him said, as Gilbert was puzzled.


    There''s no point in continuing now. That''s enough.


    "What?��What the hell do you know about ......?


    In terms of content, Gilbert had lost.


    For Gilbert, it was the first time he had been completely and utterly defeated in a straight fight.


    But the man said, "I''ve lost.


    The man had "lost" on purpose.


    His own men were still training on the battlefield.


    Consider their gaze.


    He was defeated and cared for.


    The man walked toward the exit of the barracks, and ��������


    As he passed me, he said.


    "I look forward to seeing you again.


    The man then left without looking back.


    He took mercy on me and gave up the fight.


    It was the most humiliating thing for a man of war.


    Gilbert, left behind on the battlefield, was shaking with defeat for the first time.


    But more than that, he was �������� jubilant.


    You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best in the world.


    When he found out, Gilbert was smiling ferociously and whispering to him.


    "Yeah, I guess so. It''s going to be fun from now on.

 12-12 Princesss Wishes

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    ���Ω`�똔�����Ϥ褦�������ޤ�����ͻȻ�����ߤޤ���. ����ɤΥޥ����`�˽��դϤ����ˤ�����������Ťäơ������Ի�Ǥ���������


    "No, it''s not really a nuisance, but how did you get here ......?


    It''s on a steep cliff.


    I grew up in the mountains, so climbing is not a problem for me, but it''s not an easy place to come.


    I told the guild uncle about this place, but I didn''t tell him the exact location. .......


    By the way, she has a skill that allows her to know where other people are.


    I don''t think it''s very commendable to follow people, no matter how many skills you can use. .......


    Why are you following me again?��I thought you were done with your business yesterday.


    "Yes, thank you very much for yesterday. I''m here today to ask you for something else.


    A favor?


    The matter my father was talking about the other day, ......, I''d like to ask you for a favor.


    What''s that?


    The ...... you were talking about yesterday?


    What was it?


    I want you to make me your squire.


    "...... What do you mean, ''squire''?


    I don''t think that came up yesterday.


    "A squire is a person who takes care of your personal affairs and asks you to teach him your skills and knowledge.


    In other words, it is similar to being an assistant in a magic research institute, or an apprentice in a craftsman''s apprenticeship.


    It''s enough for me to have you by my side.


    I''ll try not to cause you any trouble, so if you''ll allow me...


    With that, Lean put his hand on his chest and bowed his head quietly.


    I feel like I''ve seen this action many times yesterday.


    I guess this is the way people in this town act when they sincerely want to convey something.


    It''s quite pleasing.


    But...


    "No.


    "What?


    I guess she didn''t expect me to say no.


    She looked at me with an impatient expression.


    ...... Or rather, why did she think I wouldn''t say no?


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.��I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.��I''m sure I showed my embarrassment yesterday, but if you keep me by your side, I''m sure I can be useful in some way. Even with this, I still managed to achieve the best ever results in all six of the royal capital''s training camps...


    "No, that''s not it.


    I''m not talking about her or anything like that.


    I''m just trying to do my job and make myself stronger.


    I can''t see myself making someone my disciple.


    I don''t have anything to teach you in the first place.��And I don''t want you to be useful. I can take care of myself.


    Since I have lived alone for a long time, I can do most of the things in life by myself.


    I only ask the lady of the inn to do my laundry.


    That''s enough for now, and I don''t need more.


    So, we will give you a generous reward for your guidance.


    No, thank you.


    Then you may use me as you see fit. I can assist you with the Adventurer''s Guild''s requests, do miscellaneous tasks...


    I don''t want that either.


    Well, then...


    No thanks.


    ......!


    Her face is getting redder and redder, and tears are welling up in her eyes.


    I guess she really didn''t expect me to say no.


    But no matter what I say, I don''t want what I don''t want, and I can''t do what I can''t do.


    I''ll be of use to you, I promise!��Can you believe that I can be of any use to you?��Now, if you''ll excuse me...


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve seen it before.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand.


    The air in the area instantly cooled down as if frozen, and dozens of ice blocks appeared in the air.


    Each one of them was about the size of a man and had a sharp tip.


    They looked like sharp blades.


    Then, almost as soon as they appeared, they fell with tremendous force.


    Where it fell...


    Lean, right underneath it.


    "Hellflare.


    I thought it was dangerous, but when she raised one hand, flames shot out from her palm with great force.


    It grew in size as quickly as it was seen, and the dozens of ice blades that had fallen towards Lean were instantly swallowed up and vaporized.


    Above her was a huge mass of scorching flames that could have swallowed an entire house.


    The heat was so intense that it seemed to burn the entire area just by being there, but when she lightly waved her hand, the mass of flames disappeared as if nothing had happened.


    This is one of the highest level magic skills I can use, the [Hellflare]. And...


    She attached the small cane to her waist belt with a familiar motion, and


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    Oboro-gatana.


    A large tree behind her slid noiselessly to the side and fell.


    This is a [Thief] system technique. It was taught to me by a teacher of the [Hidden Sage].


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    "Divine Slash.


    Her sword released a flash of light and sliced right through the fallen giant tree, the cut covered in pale flames.


    It''s a special technique that is especially effective against undead. It''s a special technique that''s especially effective against undead, and...!


    "Enough is enough.


    I shook my head quietly.


    I shook my head quietly and stopped Lean from showing me one amazing skill after another.


    You''ve done enough for me.


    She''s very talented, very good.


    She is so talented and so good that it makes me feel sorry for myself.


    I mean, wouldn''t she have been able to defeat that cow easily?


    For some reason, she was looking at me with an expectant expression.


    "So, ......!��Permission to become your apprentice...?


    No. I have nothing more to teach you.


    When I said no again, Lean looked astonished.


    ...... Why not?


    If she''s this great, there''s nothing more I can teach her.


    I''m not!��I''m not sure what to do, but I''m not sure what to do.��I''m sure I''m not even close to Noor-sama''s level yet, but please...!


    I know you''re good at what you do. But...


    Somehow, I don''t know how, but you''ve mistaken me for someone who''s worthy of being taught.


    How could I have misunderstood that? ......?


    I hope you understand that I''m not very good at explaining things.


    The best way is to show it to them and convince them.


    "You showed me some amazing [skill] just now, but let''s take a look at my [skill].


    I focused my attention on my fingertips, and when I put all my energy into it, fire came out.


    The fire was roughly the size of my fist.


    ��Petite Fire��.


    When I first learned this skill, the fire at my fingertips was about the size of a small candle.


    However, I thought that if I continued to train, I might be able to acquire ordinary [Sorcerer] type skills, so I continued to practice [Petit Fire] in my spare time.


    Except for when I was sleeping, I focused on my fingertips and kept emitting flames from them.


    The result was this.


    Indeed, the fire became bigger.


    However, the fireball that my instructor showed me when I was in training school was about ten times larger than this.


    That was the lowest level of attack magic.


    It''s not even close to that.


    Compared to the skill Lean had just used, it was almost nothing.


    Of course, I can''t make it fly like a [fireball].


    No matter how hard I tried, all I could do was light a fist-sized fire at my fingertips.


    This was my limit.


    It took me about 15 years to get to this point.


    It''s very useful for boiling and cooking. ......


    ...... This is my only [sorcerer]-type skill, [petit fire]. The other six systems are, well, similar. You know what that means, right?


    None of my skills can compare to the skills that this girl Leanne just showed me.


    There is such a difference in talent that it is ridiculous to compare them.


    However, the skills she just showed me were all very impressive.


    At my age, this is it.


    This is the kind of person who has talent, or perhaps "genius".


    I still have nothing to teach him.


    That''s what I mean when I say I have nothing to teach you.


    "That''s what I mean when I say that I have nothing to teach you." Not only can he not teach you things, he can''t even explain them well.


    I have no choice but to show my shame in this way and convince you.


    When Lean saw my [petit fire], he suddenly turned his head and began to tremble.


    She seemed to be quietly pondering something.


    But perhaps now she realized the misunderstanding.


    "......, do you understand what I''m saying?


    "Yes. Yes, I understand.


    Then Leanne looked up, looked me straight in the eye and said.


    "My pride ...... and inexperience.


    .................. What?


    You''re right... I was far too presumptuous to ask you to make me your apprentice.


    It''s no wonder that you can''t accept me as I am now. ....... So...


    Then he straightened up, put one hand on his chest, looked me in the eye and said.


    "Until one day I can be recognized as your disciple, ...... Master Noor.


    No, Master Noor.


    Until then, I will always follow you.

 13-13 The Boy Without Talent

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    In other words, this person is at a point where even the world''s greatest sorcerer, the great sage Oken, could not have reached - in addition to that sword technique that defeated the demon of the abyss, the Minotaur, with a single mass-produced one-handed sword.


    I don''t know how much he''s learned at his age, but I can''t tell you how much he''s learned.


    But his ability is clearly visible in this [petit fire].


    And as he showed it to me, he asked me this question.


    "Do you know what this means?


    And...


    That''s when it hit me.


    What did I just show him?


    Wasn''t I just showing off a new high-level skill I had just learned?


    I was ashamed of myself.


    And then the person in front of me said to me.


    "That''s what I mean when I say I have nothing to teach you (?????).


    In that moment, I understood everything.


    He had corrected my fundamental misunderstanding with a single word and a single action.


    I became aware again.


    I realized once again my folly in simply using the high-level skills I had just acquired.


    And I understood at the same time.


    It was this person after all...


    This is the person I should be following right now.


    The [Swordsman] instructor, Mr. [Swordsman] Sig, said to me after I had mastered all the [skills] that could be acquired in the one week curriculum.


    He said, "Everyone recognizes your talent... no one in this capital can match you. Especially in terms of talent. But someday there will be someone who will surpass your talents, or who will guide your way of life, even if he can''t quite match you. So don''t be too proud.


    I didn''t know what he was talking about at the time and took it as just words of encouragement. .......


    At the time, I didn''t know what he was talking about and took it as just encouragement, but I think he was talking about this person who is right in front of me right now.


    I''m witnessing the tremendous power of this person.


    The moment the summoning spell was activated, I was warded with a [action block].


    How, I don''t know.


    I was on my way back from the labyrinth, and I was completely off my guard.


    It only lasts a few seconds.


    But it was enough to kill me.


    In the meantime, the guards who were trying to protect me were quickly dispersed.


    The Minotaur swung his iron siege axe, and I was ready to die.


    Or maybe I wasn''t prepared at all.


    Because I couldn''t help but scream.


    If I die, it will all be for nothing.


    All the days I spent training for this country.


    The days I spent with my mother, father, and brother.


    All the conversations I''ve had with people I''ve met.


    So many memories.


    I''m connected to so many people.


    All of that would come to nothing if my body was torn apart...


    I''ve never experienced such fear before.


    Even if the [inhibition] had been lifted, my body and head would still have been rigid.


    The last of the guards had fallen.


    I still can''t break the inhibitions.


    At that moment, my face must have been twisted in fear as I realized that this was where it was going to end.


    But at that moment...


    Something came flying at me at high speed.


    It made a slight scratch on the Minotaur''s eyeball, which was said to be harder than iron, and attracted the Minotaur''s attention.


    Ahead of him was a figure.


    He was dressed in the muddy clothes of a construction site laborer, holding a one-handed sword that belonged to one of the guards.


    The Minotaur lunged for him.


    With tremendous speed.


    It was difficult to even follow with the eyes, and a normal person would have died instantly just by touching it.


    It swung its siege axe, which was as big as three people, towards the man.


    No, it''ll kill him too.


    You should''ve run away sooner instead of worrying about me.


    Another man will die because of me.


    I felt like crying.


    But then...


    The man played.


    The siege axe.


    With a single, thin, one-handed sword.


    After that, the battle was repeated over and over again, and the roar of the siege axe crushing something echoed around the area.


    A battle so fierce that I could not even follow it with my eyes.


    Before I knew it, the man was standing in front of me as if to protect me...


    When I came to my senses, the head of the Minotaur had fallen off.


    The man who saved me then left without telling me his name....


    I wondered who he was, and searched for him desperately.


    He saved me when I was in danger.


    I couldn''t help but feel indebted to him for saving my life.


    But regardless of this, I may have begun to take an interest in the man himself.


    Yesterday, my father handed over to this person the Black Sword, a labyrinthine relic that he used to love.


    I don''t know what my father saw in this person.


    But...


    I''m sure he felt something too.


    Something about this man.


    He got rid of everything.


    The Minotaur, the one who attacked me through a plot by another country.


    All the dazzling treasures, status, and honor that were offered to me one after another.


    I''m proud to say that I''m a very useful person if I wanted to be.


    My father says that he has been reluctant, but there are many political marriage proposals.


    Even if I had asked for a squire, I would not have been taken seriously.


    No matter what I offered him, he said he didn''t want or need any of it.


    In a word, this man is strong.


    Not only in strength but also in spirit.


    He has the strength to live on his own, he doesn''t need anything.


    He doesn''t give in to anything.


    Not only that... he has the strength to help others.


    This person is an adventurer who takes on daily quests to clean up ditches.


    Despite having so much power, he is doing a job that no one else wants to do.


    He has so much power, yet he doesn''t use it for himself.


    Maybe what he did to help me is really "nothing" to him.


    That''s everyday life.


    It''s normal.


    Maybe I just happened to be one of them.


    I''ve never seen anyone as strong as this man before.


    I''m in a position to lead this country with my brother in the future.


    It is the sole family motto of the House of Crace that those who are of royal blood should be strong.


    Then I need to learn his strength more than anything else.


    That''s what I''ve come to understand.


    "Yes. I understand now... my pride. And immaturity.


    I still haven''t been accepted by this person.


    But I''ll never give up.


    Not until he does... and I truly understand his strength.


    "It was really too presumptuous of me to ask you to be my disciple. It''s no wonder that you can''t accept me as I am now .......


    My feelings may not be understood.


    I may be shunned.


    But... even if it takes a lifetime, I''m going to follow this person.


    That''s what I decided.


    "Until one day I will be recognized as your disciple, Master Noor. No, Master Noor. Until then, I will always follow you.


    The answer I''ve been seeking...


    No, the supreme strength that we of the House of Crace have sought for generations.


    It must be in this man.

 14-14 The Princes Melancholy

    The prince sat sorrowfully in his chair in his office.


    There was so much to think about.


    But for now, one thing was on his mind.


    "What was my father thinking when he gave the Black Sword to that unknown man?


    On second thought, it would have been much better to have given him half of the labyrinthine relics that lay in the treasury.


    It was something that had been accumulated over a long history, but in other words, it was something that was never used.


    It has a considerable monetary value, but it is unnecessary.


    At best, it is a modest utility item or a work of art.


    But...


    "Really, of all things, that sword...


    The Black Sword, on the other hand, is different.


    It''s a piece of utility.


    It has no value whatsoever compared to the mundane treasures that lie in the treasury.


    Before the prince was born, when the current king was an adventurer, he and his party of six saints ventured into the depths of the Labyrinth of No Return, and returned from a life-threatening journey that took several years.


    The black sword would not be damaged by mithril, orichalcum, magic iron, or any other metal, no matter how hard you tried to scratch it.


    Once, as a test, I struck it with the Dragon''s Hammer, a hammer said to have been made from the tusks of an ancient dragon and used by the Dwarves to forge Orihalcon weapons, and the hammer shattered miserably.


    The material is completely unknown. It was an unknown substance.


    After the sword was brought back to Japan, every possible investigation was conducted.


    The conclusion that was drawn was that no known technology, skill, or magic (???????) could make even a hairline wound.


    As far as is known, there is no metal in the world that is harder than that.


    It is also unclear why that material, which is supposed to be "unharmed by anything," was damaged to such an extent.


    What happened in the past in the innermost part of the labyrinth, and what was the labyrinth all about?


    This is one of the most important artifacts in the world.


    It should be at the top of the list of "national treasures".


    Other countries drooled over it, wanting to catch a glimpse of it.


    Other countries would drool over it and even pay huge sums of money to have it.


    Until now, my father had refused them all.


    And to hand it over so carelessly to a mysterious man whose identity I don''t know.


    I really don''t understand.


    I know you''re clinging to straws, but...


    Who the hell is he?��That man...


    Apparently, he''s the real deal.


    Gilbert tried to fight him in a mock battle and he was outmatched.


    The question is, is he really on our side?


    That guy.


    Some unknown character named Noll.


    Apparently, it''s true that he saved her sister from the Minotaur.


    That''s why I can understand why my strict father offered it to Lean as something worthy of his life.


    But even though he is my sister''s benefactor, there is too little information for me to trust him.


    The princess happened to be there at the time of the attack by the Minotaur...?


    He appeared under unnatural circumstances and left without identifying himself for unreasonable reasons.


    In addition to his out-of-the-ordinary strength that seems to have come out of a heroic tale, he has that attitude in front of the king of a country.


    Call him crude and ignorant, but he has no loyalty to his country.


    Lean seems to be quite smitten with that man.


    Under the circumstances, it''s understandable.


    But I really don''t think I should let that man near my sister...


    The fact that he has the power to defeat the Minotaur...


    In some cases, he could be a tremendous threat.


    We don''t have enough to trust him yet, but...


    But the fact that my father approves of this man is significant.


    The king is the highest authority.


    My father''s decision is absolute.


    At least as far as the people of the House of Crace are concerned.


    If I''m told to trust the man, I have no choice but to obey.


    But that kind of order hasn''t been given yet.


    That''s why I don''t think my father fully trusts the man at the moment.


    "Does he know what''s going on?


    No, it''s still my father.


    He must have sensed it.


    He''s aware of the unsettling atmosphere that surrounds this country.


    And if that''s the case...


    A bet against it...


    A last-ditch gamble in a difficult game.


    In that light, the other day''s inexplicable decision makes some sense.


    Perhaps my father bet on that man.


    A bet on something to come.


    Whoever that man is, he can wield that sword...


    There''s no difference in that.


    Even the [Immortal] Dundargu, who is known for his monstrous strength, groaned when he swung his sword.


    Sig of the [Thousand Swords] refused to accept it, saying it was too heavy to wield.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    He wielded it with one hand.


    It''s certainly a good place to keep it now.


    But it''s a double-edged risk...


    Something''s going to happen.


    Disturbing movements in the surrounding countries.


    The use of summoning magic in the heart of King''s Landing.


    A blatant terrorist attack on the lives of the royal family.


    What will they do next?


    If I''m in their shoes, it''s now or never.


    I''m sorry Lean, but I think it''s a good idea to have him stay with us.


    If he''s not an enemy, then he''s got enough guards to slaughter the Minotaur by himself.


    On the other hand... he could kill him at any time if he wanted to.


    At the very least, if they don''t do that, then they''re not our enemy yet.


    I like to think so.


    "Not enough time, not enough people.


    There are too many uncertainties with that man.


    But we have to believe him anyway.


    That''s how desperate the situation is in this country.


    Right now, this country is at peace.


    But that''s just on the surface.


    Underneath the surface, things are progressing rapidly.


    We have a critical shortage of manpower... and there''s no time left to wait and see what the enemy will do.


    "We must gather information.


    The prince muttered and put on his gray coat, which was hanging on the wall, and left his office and headed for the city.

 15-15 Get rid of the first goblin

    Good luck with that, doctor!


    "...... Yeah, sure.


    Lean and I had lunch at one of the stalls around the corner, and then we went back to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    As soon as we entered the guild, an old man saw us and called out to us.


    "Hey, Noor, you. Why are you with Master Linneburg? ......?��...... And what''s a teacher?


    "Master. As an adventurer, I am ''Lean''. And I don''t need a teacher.


    "Oh ...... yes, yes, yes. I''m sorry, Lean.


    I''m sorry, Lean." The uncle apologized to Lean, then looked at me and whispered.


    "...... Noor. What happened to you, ......?��I was looking for you this morning. Did something happen to you yesterday, ......?


    "...... is very difficult to explain. ......


    I looked at Leanne''s face, trying to figure out how to explain it.


    When our eyes met, she smiled at me.


    No, she didn''t smile at me. .......


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... No, it''s a rule here not to pry into other people''s affairs. Sorry. Forget about that.


    I''ve got nothing to hide.


    As for me, I don''t mind you prying into my affairs, in fact, I even want you to consult with me...


    So, what do you want?��You said you were going to the woods, so I thought you wouldn''t be coming here today.


    I had a change of plans. I was wondering if you could help me with a client.


    A client?


    Yeah, something we can do together if at all possible.


    "Just the two of us." ......


    He glanced at Leanne, who was standing behind me.


    She''s been in a good mood ever since, but I still can''t figure it out.


    Why does she want to follow me like this?


    I tried various ways to clear up the misunderstanding, but somehow, it seems to have given her a more serious misunderstanding.


    As a result, she is telling me that she will follow me anywhere.


    ...... What was wrong with ......?


    Honestly, I''m very confused.


    I was going to do my usual training today, but I couldn''t take my eyes off Lean, who hadn''t left my side for a long time, so I decided against it.


    In the event that you''ve got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with your loved ones, you''ll be able to call us at the web site.


    ...... There''s no way around it.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    That''s why I came here looking for a job that might be just right.


    I''ve been looking for a job that might be just right for me. "Can I introduce you to ...... Lean was a ''Silver Class''. If you have a party, you can at least take on a request to kill goblins in the area around the royal capital.


    "...... goblin extermination ......?


    I was so shocked by the uncle''s answer that I turned my head away.


    Goblin extermination?


    I thought that I would never be able to accept a request to kill a goblin.


    I thought it would be a long time before I could take it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to accept ....... ......!


    Really? ......?


    Yeah, if you have a silver level party member, you can get a silver level commission. In the event that you''ve got a lot of money to spend, you''ll be able to get a lot more than you would like.


    So, ......, what is the danger rank of the goblin exterminator?


    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    You have to make sure you know what you''re doing.


    It is true that goblins are the weakest demons that novice adventurers can defeat to test their skills.


    But I''ve also heard that defeating them can be dangerous.


    I wonder what the level of danger is. ...... In some cases, I may be putting Lean in danger by going with him.


    "Goblin slaying?��A novice. That''s three ranks below silver class.


    "Well, then...


    Three ranks below. Good.


    I shouted, unable to contain my anticipation.


    But then I suddenly realized something.


    That''s just a way to take advantage of Lean''s adventurer rank.


    She had been so annoying just a moment ago.


    I''m a cash cow. .......


    This is a little embarrassing.


    Besides, before I could accept the request, I had to party with her.


    Will she be okay with that?


    If she says no: .......


    I glanced at Leanne''s face.


    I glanced at Lean''s face. "...... How can I help you?


    She looked at me uneasily, as if she could see my expression.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine.��As for Lean. I''m going to be relying on you to help me with this story. ......?


    I felt guilty, as if I were taking advantage of her, so I whispered a little.


    But Leanne laughed and said, "Oh, I don''t care.


    Of course, I''m fine!��If I can be of any help to you, please use whatever I have. I will follow you wherever you go, so please feel free to ask me anything.


    "Oh, I see. ......


    She said it was okay.


    It''s a bit deceitful and shameful to rely on such a young girl, but still, this is one of my dreams.


    I''d love to go to ...... and kill goblins.


    But would I be able to handle such a job?


    I glanced at the uncle''s face.


    ...... Don''t look so worried. Well, with a silver-grade lean, you''ll be fine. But take it easy, okay?��I''m sure you''ll be fine.


    "...... Yeah, I think I know what I''m capable of. No pressure.


    Thanks to the uncle''s words, I felt somewhat relieved.


    But I''ll keep my head up.


    It''s going to be an unknown adventure for me.


    So you''ll take it?


    "Yes, please.


    When I answered, he pulled out a map from his desk and showed it to me.


    He showed me the map and said, "All you have to do is report the amount of hunting you did in the areas on this map. The part to prove your kill is your right ear. Don''t forget to bring it back with you.


    Okay.


    Well, there have been reports that their numbers have been decreasing recently for some reason, so maybe you won''t find any of them... but in that case, pick some herbs and come back. You can buy those too.


    The uncle laughed, wrote some papers, and stamped his hand.


    You can go now. But be careful, you might get hurt.


    Yeah, I know.


    Be back by dark.


    Yeah, I''ll be there. Come on, Leanne.


    Okay.


    And so we headed for the Forest of Monsters near the royal capital, where goblins were said to live.

 16-16 Forest of Demon Beasts

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    Yes, I''ve heard that there are a lot of old trees in this area and it''s hard to get sunlight. Goblins prefer these places.


    I think the sun is still high in the sky, but it''s dim here.


    Goblins are nocturnal and do not like brightly lit places. They live in these dimly lit forests, and during the day they often sleep in dimly lit caves.


    The most efficient way to kill goblins is to find the caves where they sleep and kill them by surprise, but it is difficult to find caves if you are not used to them.


    So, most of the time, you''ll have to kill hungry goblins that roam around during the day, looking for prey.


    No wonder they are so ferocious.


    Goblins have low intelligence, and unlike humans, they rarely gather in groups, but they do congregate in areas with lots of nuts. If you are unlucky enough to run into one, the danger level rises.


    I hope we don''t run into such a situation.


    With Lean, we know it''s unlikely.


    But we are getting closer and closer to the presence of the demon.


    ...... I''m a little nervous.


    What''s that?


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    What is it, Leanne?


    No, no, there was definitely a hint of a demon around here. ......


    What was it?


    It''s gone. ......


    Gone?


    Gone? - Yes. You could say that it just happened to be defeated by someone. ...... But there was nothing around it. ...... Why ......?


    Leanne twisted her head in wonder again.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    Yes, that''s true. Yes, I think that''s a possibility. Anyway, if you go to the place where the presence disappeared, you should find the body. If he''s just died, you can take his body parts and exchange them for cash.


    That''s right. Since we''ve come this far, let''s stop by.


    Somehow, it seems that today is not a good day for goblin slaying.


    I''m a little disappointed, but it can''t be helped.


    Let''s just see some real goblins.


    Actually, I''ve never seen a goblin before.


    I''ve never seen a goblin before, but I think that''s enough for a first day adventure.


    It''s not good to be too greedy.


    But it''s really strange. ...... The forest is too quiet today. There should be some kind of other creature in there. ......?


    Indeed, I can''t hear any birds singing, let alone any sign of animals.


    I wondered if this was the kind of forest I was looking for, but I guess not.


    I thought this was a forest, but it''s not. I heard that it has a rich ecosystem, so there should be many more creatures.


    But I haven''t seen any today.


    I wonder if that''s possible.


    While we were thinking about this, we arrived at our destination.


    I''m pretty sure it''s somewhere around here...


    I''m sure it''s around here..." Leanne scanned the area, but there was nothing of the sort.


    "There''s nothing at ......, is there ......?


    Oh, yes... no, wait.


    It is true that at first glance, there are no creatures around here.


    However, I felt a strong sense of discomfort in my vision.


    "...... What is that, ......?


    When I looked closely to find the cause of the strange feeling, I saw something (...) in the air.


    In what seemed to be an empty space, a small green foot was floating in the air, as if it were faintly transparent.


    As I was looking at it, the foot went up into the air as if lifted by something.


    As I looked up at it, the foot went up into the air as if lifted by something, and then disappeared as if swallowed (??????) by something.


    A watery splash came from it and landed on my face and Leanne''s face.


    I''m not sure what to say.��You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    Leanne noticed something and hurriedly activated her skill.


    Then...


    "......?" "......?


    "...... What the hell was that?


    As if a transparent veil was lifted, a strange being suddenly appeared in front of us...


    It was a giant with green skin, standing on two legs.


    At first glance, it looked like a human, but its arms were long enough to touch the ground, and its legs were as thick as three of the largest trees around.


    It could hardly be called a man.


    On its head is a beautiful reddish-purple jewel, and it is looking at us with beastly eyes.


    It was wriggling its fanged mouth, and blood was dripping from the edges of its large mouth.


    What the hell is this creature...?


    This can''t be...


    "Oh, that''s a ...... goblin ������������!


    Lean looked up at the huge body and said with an astonished expression.


    "So that''s the goblin .......


    ...... was unexpected.


    It is much bigger than I had imagined.


    There is a big difference between seeing and hearing, as the saying goes.


    I had thought that it was a smaller demon, since it was called the weakest demon.


    But what I''ve heard about it agrees with what I''ve seen.


    They have green skin, they walk on two legs like a man, and their eyes are sharp like a beast.


    And they use tools.


    Right now, that goblin is pulling out a large tree with one hand.


    He''s going to use it like a club.


    It''s terrifying. A demon with intelligence...


    They say goblins have low intelligence.


    But that''s compared to humans.


    They are not lacking in wisdom.


    In fact, I''ve heard that they''re sometimes more intelligent than other demons.


    A demon with such a huge body and yet such intelligence...


    It''s hard to believe that it''s considered a small fish by the adventurers of the world.


    But what you see in front of you is the reality.


    No matter how hard you try, you have to accept it.


    I flinch.


    It''s much bigger than the cows in the city that I had such a hard time taking down.


    Lean''s face is tense.


    No wonder.


    She''s knowledgeable and talented, but I''m sure she doesn''t have much real-world experience.


    "Don''t be afraid, it''s just a ...... goblin.


    I said to myself as I called out to Lean.


    A normal adventurer would have to hunt these to reach the threshold of becoming a full-fledged adventurer.


    I''ve heard that these monsters are the gateway to success for beginners.


    But for me...


    It looks like a huge wall that''s hard to overcome.


    A green cannibal known as a goblin, the weakest monster in the world.


    Even the weakest of monsters is a formidable foe for a novice like me.


    But by defeating him, I will surely be able to take the first step toward my dream of becoming an adventurer.


    I''m sure I can defeat him.


    Not if it''s just me, but with Lean.


    "I''ll beat you, Lean.


    I quickly shook off the thoughts in my head and readied the Black Sword.


    Fear, trepidation...


    Fear and trepidation... they are only shortcuts to death.


    "�������� Yes, sir.


    And so the fierce battle between us and the weakest demon of all - the Goblin - began.

 17-17 Goblin Emperor

    "Oh, that''s a ...... goblin ������������!


    I looked up at the monster that appeared in front of me.


    I looked up at the monster in front of me and choked on my words in surprise.


    That''s the Goblin Emperor.


    The goblin emperor is a subspecies of the highest goblin species, called so to distinguish it from the goblin king, a naturally occurring disaster-grade monster.


    Goblin Emperors do not occur naturally.


    In other words, they are "artificially generated" demons.


    It is known that goblins can mutate through artificial manipulation.


    Findings obtained through the research of the now banned external laws that were conducted long ago...


    A magic stone is implanted in the goblin''s outer skin, and magic power is poured into the body through it.


    Normally, if a goblin or other demon is infused with more magic than it can handle, it will burst or die.


    However, occasionally, though very rarely, there are goblins that can adapt to such excessive magic.


    If you keep pouring magic power into such individuals, they will continue to expand like balloons - and if they can withstand it, they will take the magic power as their own.


    The goblins that acquire this vast amount of magical power become as large and powerful as the "Goblin King", a "Class A" disaster-grade threat.


    For this reason, the Goblin Emperor is considered to be a threat on par with the Goblin King.


    But that goblin is incredibly large...


    It''s at least twice the size of the Goblin King that I know of.


    Depending on the amount of magic power you put into it.


    It''s said that the results will vary depending on the amount of magic power that''s poured into the body and the quality of the magic stone that''s embedded in the body...


    I wonder if the size of that goblin is due to the magic stone.


    The magic stone shining on that goblin''s forehead... that''s out of this world.


    You can see it.


    Outrageous size.


    Ridiculously pure.


    The Demon''s Heart, a top-grade magical stone that I saw in the Holy Mithraic Kingdom where I studied in the past.


    It may be of a similar class.


    That kind of thing is embedded in that goblin...?


    The Goblin King can''t possibly compare.


    The Goblin King''s threat level is said to be Class A.


    A party of gold level adventurers can barely handle it.


    And yet this goblin is... too big.


    And it''s a "kindred spirit eater.


    Kindred Eaters take in the magic of their own kind and grow even stronger.


    There''s no telling what kind of threat it might pose.


    Why is there a monster like this here...?


    I''m certainly no match for it...


    In addition, it was hidden (sealed).


    I don''t know if it was caused by a magic tool or what, but of course it was man-made.


    No wonder there were no creatures in the forest.


    They were all eaten by this demon without anyone knowing.


    Maybe people were eaten, too.


    What if the doctor sensed this and came here...?


    No, that''s the only thing I can think of.


    I thought it was strange that someone of Dr. Noll''s stature would want to go "goblin-busting"...


    I thought it was strange that someone as powerful as Professor Noll would say such a thing.


    The reason he seemed so innocent and happy at the time was because he was trying to eliminate a crisis.


    Is this a way to eliminate the danger without people knowing?


    Is this how you always help people ......?


    I''m ashamed of my shallowness.


    When I think back, that time at the Adventurer''s Guild when the doctor looked at me with a worried expression on his face.


    It may have been in anticipation of this.


    I wondered if it was really okay to take this child with me.


    In fact, I was just a slow learner...


    I remember the fear I felt when the Minotaur attacked me.


    I shuddered involuntarily.


    My legs were weak and I felt like slumping to the ground.


    "Don''t be afraid, it''s just a ...... goblin.


    But the teacher insists.


    It''s just a goblin.


    Yes, fear clouded my judgment.


    Calm down.


    ...... It''s gonna be okay.


    I''m not alone now.


    I''m not alone right now, because beside me is the man who faced the monsters of the abyss and won.


    I''m sure he''ll bring me here.


    I''m sure he brought me here for a reason.


    I''m sure he had something in mind when he brought me here.


    "Let''s take him down, Lean.


    He called my name.


    He called my name.


    That''s what it felt like to me.


    Yes, maybe there''s something I can do.


    Now is not the time to be trembling.


    I''m going to fight with him.


    And that''s when my shaking stopped.


    "�������� Yes, sir.


    It''s a very strange feeling.


    Just a moment ago, I was so terrified that I couldn''t even stand up.


    I was so close to death, so close to despair.


    And now we''re about to face a demon that can''t even be compared to a disaster.


    Now, I was smiling a little.


    I was smiling as I looked at my teacher''s back.

 18-18 Ill parry the goblin

    The goblin held a large tree in both hands and stared at us with the eyes of a fierce beast.


    A reddish-black tongue peeked out from its long fanged mouth.


    There was no sign of an immediate attack.


    It was as if it was sizing up its prey.


    I wondered if I could really fight such a monster.


    But just as I was about to ask myself that question.


    The goblin suddenly raised the large tree in his hands into the air...


    The goblin suddenly swung the large tree in his hands up into the air and swung it down at us in one swift motion.


    He was that big and that fast...


    In an instant, a shadow fell over our heads, and the rough skin of the tree loomed over us.


    It was much thicker than it looked from a distance.


    If we were struck by one of these things, of course we''d be dead.


    But...


    "Parry.


    I used my black sword to cleave the large tree that was swinging down above us.


    I felt a strong impact on my hand.


    The goblin''s downed tree''s trajectory shifted slightly.


    It fell right next to us...


    It gouged out the earth and sank deep into the ground.


    Somehow, it popped.


    Thank God.


    Lean was right behind me.


    That''s when it happened.


    The goblin strikes again.


    Another huge tree in his other hand flies towards us.


    Next, a sidewise cleave.


    The goblin forcefully cleaves down the surrounding trees, scraping off the entire forest ground and swinging the huge tree at us with all his might.


    The goblin is an intelligent demon.


    He''s an intelligent demon, and he knows that this attack will make us jump.


    He''s probably trying to knock us down when we jump up unprotected.


    The next big tree is already in his right hand.


    The monstrous power with which he swings the trees is terrifying.


    But what''s more frightening is the calculating look in his eyes.


    But I''m not going to let him get away with it.


    "Parry.


    Instead of dodging, I stabbed my black sword into the ground and forced a large tree to leap over my head.


    The goblin''s huge body stumbles for a moment, as if it wasn''t expecting it.


    T?m, now!


    There''s an opening for a counterattack.


    I don''t have the means to attack her.


    But she does.


    "Lean, please.


    "Yes, sir... [Wind Cutter]!


    The countless blades of wind created by Lean''s skills


    The numerous wind blades created by Lean''s skill turned into a storm-like vortex and headed towards the goblins.


    It ran through the forest, shredding the surrounding trees, and reached the goblins like a gust of wind.


    But then...


    "Ggagh!


    The goblins easily avoided the storm of blades that Lean had unleashed.


    "...!��[Icicle Dance]!


    However, Lean continued to create dozens of ice cubes the size of a man and launched them one after another at the goblins.


    It was as if she had no chance to escape or fight back.


    Each blow is like a cannon.


    It was an attack of tremendous power.


    The trees in the area are shattered from the moment of impact, and the ground is frozen.


    But it''s not hitting.


    He''s too quick.


    I didn''t think they''d get this far...


    It''s true, I''ve heard that goblins are very fast.


    I''d heard that goblins were fast, but never this fast.


    He weaves his way through the trees, avoiding Lean''s ice blocks and throwing fallen trees at me.


    It''s all I can do now to knock them down so they don''t hit Lean.


    I can''t go on like this.


    Lean''s attacks are barely hitting him.


    I''m out of options.


    And on top of that...


    Why are you...?��The wound is regenerating: ......!


    Lean''s skillful onslaught was slowly inflicting wounds on the goblin.


    However, for some reason, the wounds he had inflicted earlier had disappeared cleanly.


    Lean''s attack had indeed torn off part of the goblin''s arm, frozen his toes, and shattered them slightly.


    And yet...


    But the wounds were gone before I knew it.


    "What if that magic stone...?��Oh, it''s because of that...?


    Lean is staring at the goblin and mumbling something.


    The magic stone.


    I think it''s the reddish purple stone on the goblin''s forehead.


    It seems to be shining brighter than when I first saw it.


    What''s wrong with that?


    "Perhaps it is the source of the goblin''s power. We have to get rid of it somehow. ......


    "Weakness, huh?


    The weakest demon in the world has a weakness in an obvious place.


    The problem is how to get that close...


    He''s very fast.


    It won''t be easy to get close.


    Even if I ran as fast as I could, I''m not sure I could catch him.


    What the hell do we do?


    The goblin saw our lack of movement as an opportunity to attack, and launched his next attack.


    A large number of large pieces of wood were scattered in the sky by his hands...


    All at once, they came pouring down on us.


    At the same time, he grabbed all the broken trees on the ground and threw them at us.


    Oh, no.


    He got me.


    That goblin has been watching us with those beady eyes.


    I''ve been knocking down every one of his attacks with my black sword.


    He''d seen it all.


    One by one, I was knocking down...


    It''s hard to knock down a dozen trees at once with this heavy sword. At most, I could barely knock down two or three trees.


    Even if I had a lighter sword, it would be the same.


    It is not as easy to hit the thick wood that grows in this forest as it is with a light wooden sword.


    ...... I can''t play more than one at a time.


    A lot of huge trees coming down.


    I can''t shoot more than one at a time.


    It''s not enough to protect her.


    But...


    But...!��[Wind Blast]!


    Lean immediately created a tremendous storm.


    The whole area trembled, and the shock was so strong that it seemed like an earthquake had occurred...


    The wind pressure caused countless trees to be blown away and scattered.


    As expected of Lean.


    As soon as I thought that...


    At the same time I was thinking that, I saw the skill she had unleashed and had an idea.


    "Lean. Can you hit me in the back now?


    "Wind Blast"?��I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure what to do. Please, I think this is the only way to catch up with that fast demon.


    ...... Okay, if you say so...


    Then I put the black sword to her back and she put her hands on it.


    "Now, please.


    "Here I go... [Wind Blast]!


    I feel a strong impact on my back.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get rid of the problem.


    It was fast.


    It''s still much faster than when I started running on my own feet.


    The surrounding scenery passed through my field of vision as if it were flowing.


    And at the same time, when I activated [Shinobi Ashi], the wall of air that covered the front of my body disappeared - and my body accelerated even more.


    At first, I thought that [Shinobi-Ashi] was a skill that could only muffle the sound of my footsteps.


    But one day, I suddenly realized that this was not the case.


    During training, there were many times when I wanted to move fast, but the "wall of air" got in the way.


    In such cases, when I used ��Shinobiashi��, somehow the "air barrier" would disappear along with the sound.


    So when I want to move quickly, I use this skill... .


    But I''ve never been so fast before.


    The next step feels so far away.


    I have to be careful not to lose my balance.


    Then, I focus on the next step and kick the ground using the [Strengthen Body] with extreme force.


    The ground I stepped on cracked loudly, and at the same time, the muscles of the leg I stepped on creaked.


    The bones also felt as if they had cracked.


    But... this level is not a problem.


    Because with my [low heels], I can instantly repair the cracks in the muscles and bones.


    He then took the next step, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next, and so on.


    And so it goes, over and over again, and I accelerate even faster.


    The goblin noticed my approach and jumped back to escape.


    It''s a very fast reaction time... he''s moving at an incredible speed.


    But...


    I''m faster than him now.


    I catch up to the goblin and I touch the stone on his forehead.


    And then I hold on to the goblin''s face.


    I grab the red stone with my right hand...


    I forcefully pull it out of the goblin''s forehead.


    "G-G-G-G-G-G-GHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!


    Fresh blood spurted from his forehead, and the goblin screamed in agony.


    The goblin screamed in agony as it struggled in pain, rampaging madly and knocking down the surrounding trees with all its might.


    The goblin''s intelligence was already gone.


    Now that he had lost the stone in his forehead, it seemed that the wound would never heal.


    Even though I jumped away from him, he was still suffering as he rolled on the ground, hitting me everywhere.


    I feel a little sorry for him, but he''s a man-eater.


    I think we should kill it here and now.


    "Leanne ......, can you do the rest?��I''m sorry, but ...... try to make it as painless as possible.


    "Yes, I understand. ......[Hellflare]


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    While their bodies were being burned, they didn''t even try to escape from the flames.


    They were screaming and didn''t even seem to know what was going on.


    "Forgive me, goblin.


    And so the goblin struggled and moaned in despair... and ended.


    When Lean stopped activating his skills, the huge, charred body sank to the ground.


    It was the first time I ...... had defeated the weakest demon of all, the goblin.

 19-19 Disturbing movements

    The prince was sitting at his desk in his office, wearing a gray cloak for going out, with a difficult look on his face.


    Just a moment ago, the prince had gone into the city himself to gather information.


    However, he had not been able to obtain any useful information.


    What he saw of the royal capital was peaceful.


    But...


    "We have to get a clue and take action as soon as possible...


    The prince thought.


    Something will definitely happen now.


    We have to look for the signs.


    I''ve instructed our intelligence officers to gather as much information as possible.


    Don''t miss even the smallest anomaly that''s happened recently.


    Pick up bits and pieces of important events from the trivial information lying around the city.


    That''s what I''m doing now.


    Ever since I came of age seven years ago at the age of fifteen, "You understand the situation in the country better than anyone else, and use your subordinates to deal with it appropriately..." That is the only thing that my father, the king, has ordered me to do.


    What we''re doing now is canvassing the public.


    It''s a solid procedure, no doubt about it.


    However, I''m not sure that such a leisurely investigation will produce results in this tight situation. ......


    I don''t have enough time. We need more hands.


    The prince was now in a hurry.


    "Someone''s coming .......


    The prince suddenly felt footsteps in the hallway and put the classified research material he was reading back on the shelf.


    These light footsteps were not Dalken, the chief of staff.


    If so, it was someone from the intelligence unit that had ordered the investigation.


    After a short wait, he heard someone knocking on the door.


    I''m here to report an emergency.


    Come in.


    Come in.


    The man opened the door, walked into the office, saluted, and opened his mouth.


    I''m ....... The Goblin Emperor has appeared in the Forest of Monsters.


    Surprised by the report, the prince stood up and removed the hood of his robe, which was still on.


    "A goblin emperor? ......?��The damage is ......?


    The goblin emperor has already been defeated by the hands of Lord Linneburg and Lord Noll. So, no obvious damage has been confirmed. A watchman who was standing by nearby has rushed to investigate and deal with the situation.


    "Leanne and that guy from ......?


    The Goblin Emperor is at least classified as a Class A danger, the same as the Goblin King.


    The goblin emperor is at least as dangerous as the Goblin King, and can only be defeated by a group of gold-level adventurers.


    Certainly, it would not be surprising if he could be defeated by the same man who killed the Minotaur.


    But if I had been alone...


    If Lean had been alone, he would have been killed.


    A cold sweat ran down the prince''s forehead.


    After that, we also made contact with Mr. Linneburg to confirm the situation, and he handed us this. It was embedded in the goblin''s forehead. It''s the same high-purity magic stone as the other day.


    The goblin emperor''s forehead was implanted with a magic stone to give it power... Wait, what is this ......?��I''m not sure what to make of this.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    The prince had some knowledge of this.


    But what he found was a magical stone of such purity and size that he could hardly believe his eyes.


    I''m sure you can imagine how powerful a goblin emperor this would be,.......


    "Well... I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    "I''ll bet. This is... abnormal.


    It''s not every day you see a magical stone like this.


    The other day, the magic stone in the sorcerer''s ring used to summon the Minotaur was also of ridiculously high purity, but the size of this one is off the charts.


    Both are of the highest quality, rivaling those used in national treasure-grade magic tools.


    How did they get hold of these magic stones?


    And to implant them in goblins, as if they were disposable...


    Who... did this?


    The incident was led by the Magic Empire.


    I don''t have to think about it, but I can figure it out from the situation.


    However, a magic stone like this - the only one known at present is the Demon''s Heart, which is rarely produced in the Holy Mithraic Kingdom.


    Are they really in league with each other?


    No...


    It''s not a good idea to think about it now.


    "...... must have been a serious threat. I don''t know how the two of you were able to defeat it alone.


    I''m sorry. In addition, the demon initially hid itself with a high level of concealment, hiding in the Forest of Monsters without anyone noticing. According to Linneburg-sama, it''s probably been there for a few days or even longer.


    "...... What?��What do you mean by hiding ......?


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    What in the world is going on?


    I''m not sure if it''s because of the unknown magic tools that the Magic Empire is developing with the knowledge from the labyrinth relics.


    In the first place, how did they get such a huge body to this country?


    It''s not like they loaded it onto a carriage.


    You don''t think he manipulated the demon to walk?


    No, it''s possible.


    But how?


    Or... no, there''s too many things to think about and I''m getting nowhere.


    It''s a bad habit of mine to get hot-headed at times like this, the prince thinks.


    It''s at times like this that you need to keep your cool.


    I''ve been in hiding for a few days now, or ...... something, have there been any signs of that?


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.


    However, the master of the adventurer''s guild said three days ago, "The number of goblins in the Forest of Monsters is decreasing, so I request an investigation. Depending on the results, I would like to limit the number of requests for goblin extermination", he sent a report to the Royal Guard.


    Since it is common for goblin populations to decrease depending on the time of year, it is likely that the matter was put off until later.


    Three days ago. ...... It''s possible that the same thing is happening in other areas.


    I haven''t sorted it out yet, but I''ve compiled a report on the missing persons and suspicious incidents that have occurred in the last few days, as you requested.


    Thank you. Let me see.


    Here it is.


    The prince took the thick stack of documents that the man had presented to him, and looked through them, flipping through them quickly, one by one.


    At the same time, he carefully read each report and organized them in his mind.


    At first glance, they were all seemingly unrelated stories.


    I couldn''t sleep at night because of suspicious noises.


    The number of lost cats and dogs is increasing.


    My grandfather went for a walk yesterday and never came back.


    The forest in the neighborhood has suddenly become quiet.


    My husband, who had been very serious, has suddenly disappeared.


    For the past few days, the livestock have been unusually frightened and troubled.


    The prince carefully read them one by one and drew the places where the events occurred one by one on the vast map of the royal capital spread out in his mind.


    At first glance, there seemed to be no connection between these countless events.


    But as he sorted them out with a skeptical eye...


    Little by little, a coherence begins to form.


    Each of them is happening around a certain place in the neighborhood... and gradually, it becomes clear.


    A bunch of reports of unusual and inexplicable phenomena that have been occurring in recent days.


    When the information gathered by the agents is superimposed on the map...


    Over the past few days, there have been "dozens (????)" of locations in King''s Landing where unexplained phenomena have suddenly increased.


    The prince''s skin flushed when he realized what it meant.


    I want you to form a team that can use [Concealment Detection] and [Concealment Removal] and dispatch an investigation team immediately to the locations I''m going to tell you about. Also, call the [Six Saints] ...... for an emergency meeting. As soon as they gather, I''ll ask for the king''s judgment on the situation. Understood? ......?��All right, hurry up!


    "What?


    As soon as the prince raised his voice, the man immediately left the office and ran down the corridor.


    The prince could not help but shout loudly.


    A man in his position must keep his cool.


    Even so, the prince was now extremely irritated.


    "d*mn it!


    The prince raised his fist and slammed his desk with a stack of documents.


    Blood seeped into his fist.


    This was unusual for the prince, who always tried to act calmly in public.


    But the prince could no longer remain calm.


    How can anyone be calm in front of this situation?


    Why didn''t I see it sooner?


    If I had known sooner, I could have taken care of it.


    But this...


    In this situation.


    We''re behind on everything.


    Even if we take the fastest action now...


    It might all be too late.


    Anxiety and anger welled up in the prince''s heart.


    This anger was directed at the prince himself...


    And the person who caused it.


    The prince''s frustration reached its limit in the empty office... and exploded.


    "What the hell, what the hell is this ......?��What the hell are they doing here?��What the hell have we done?��What do they think they''re doing to human life?


    I was aware that the Magical Empire wanted the relics of the Labyrinth of No Return.


    But to go this far...


    Until now, I thought that although their demands were troublesome, they were someone that I could negotiate with at least at the same table.


    But I was wrong.


    The other party no longer thinks of us as someone they can talk to on an equal footing.


    Do you really want the resources of the labyrinth so badly?


    The location of the potential threat in the prince''s mind.


    And what does that mean?


    It means...


    "This is not ......, this is like ......!


    The prince plopped down on his desk with his bloody papers and muttered in a voice of despair.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.

 20-20 Subjugation Report

    Soon after that, some men who said they were Lean''s brother''s men showed up and talked with Lean for a while.


    When I showed them the reddish-purple stone I had pulled out of the goblin''s forehead, they were very surprised, but they said they needed it to do some research, so I gave it to them.


    They thanked me and left, but by then it was getting a little dark.


    We forgot about the passing of time and concentrated on fighting the goblins.


    It is said that when it gets dark, night monsters become active and the forest becomes more dangerous.


    We left the Forest of Monsters in a hurry...


    We left the Forest of Monsters in a hurry, rushed to the capital, and finally returned to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Of course, it was to report on the "goblin extermination".


    "Uncle, he''s back.


    "Hey, Noor. Why are you in such a good mood?


    The uncle of the Adventurer''s Guild seemed to have noticed the difference in my mood, as if we had been seeing each other every day.


    Yes, it''s true that I''m feeling a little carried away right now.


    But I suppose that''s to be expected.


    My first kill of a goblin.


    It may be a small thing for most adventurers, but for me, it''s a big step.


    I was able to defeat it.


    The goblin is said to be the gateway to adventure for beginners.


    My joy naturally shows on my face.


    "Yeah, I managed to kill a goblin.


    Really?��...... You didn''t do anything rash, did you?


    Yeah, I was going to, but ...... it was a lot harder than I thought.


    With Lean''s help, we managed to defeat them, that''s about it.


    In fact, it was quite a dangerous fight.


    The goblins were too strong for me to fight alone.


    It was only because Leanne was with me that I was able to find and defeat them.


    I owe her more than I can ever thank her for. .......


    In fact, Leanne did most of the work for me. ...... It''s amazing what the silver class can do. I''m not sure what I would have done without her. If it weren''t for her, I don''t know where I''d be now.


    I was just helping my teacher. ......!


    Leanne looked somewhat flustered and red.


    You don''t have to be so modest.


    But I guess that''s what''s really great about her.


    Even though she has tremendous ability, she is not conceited and treats everyone with humility.


    At her age, she''s such a good person that I''d like to learn from her.


    "Well, I''m glad to see you''re not hurt. Even though they''re just goblins, they''re still a threat to a beginner. ...... It was a good experience, wasn''t it?


    "Yeah, that''s really true. Everything is an experience. I never thought that goblins were like that until I saw them in person, and I never thought that goblins had stones buried in their foreheads that made them vulnerable.


    The uncle made a funny face when I said that.


    "Hmm?��A stone ...... on your forehead?��What''s that ......?


    No, it''s a beautiful reddish purple stone. ......


    Oh, you mean the magic stone. But the magic stones that are produced in the goblin''s body are usually buried near the heart, throat, or near the center of the body. ......?


    "...... Is that so?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.


    I''m sure it was a goblin.


    I''m sure it was a goblin. ...... Isn''t that right, Leanne?


    "Yes, if you say so, ...... it was a goblin. I don''t care what anyone says.


    I''m not sure what you mean by that. ...... What do you mean?


    Well, she says it''s a goblin, so it must be.


    The uncle still had a strange look on his face when he heard Lean''s words, but he seemed to be convinced.


    "Well, I''m sorry for doubting you. There are many kinds of goblins. I just wanted to make sure.


    ...... Don''t goblins usually have stones in their heads?


    Well, usually, yes. It''s not always the case, however. ...... It''s not unheard of to have a stone buried around the head. There might even be one buried in your forehead. I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    "I see, individual differences in goblins... there are such things? That''s interesting.


    After all, there''s nothing better than experience.


    But even if I fought him again, I''m not sure I could beat him.


    I managed to defeat him because Lean was there, but there''s no guarantee that something unforeseen won''t happen.


    It was a good thing that we only ran into one goblin, but we would have been in danger if we had been surrounded by several goblins of that size.


    But I also learned that goblins are very dangerous creatures. I was lucky enough to win this time because there was only one goblin, but if there are two or three, ...... it will be tough.


    There are many cases where a careless beginner is attacked from behind and gets killed. It''s a good thing there aren''t many of them around.


    "I think I''ll stop killing goblins for the time being. I think I''ll stop killing goblins for the time being. This time I realized that I''m not good enough. ...... It''s better not to be too confident in myself and do something dangerous.


    I think I''ll train a little harder and get stronger before I try again.


    Besides, I''d better get used to handling that heavy black sword.


    I had a hard time dealing with the goblins when they scattered all the large trees.


    It''s not good if you can''t wield it properly at a time like that.


    If you''re not sure, that''s wise. Don''t be reckless. You only have one life.


    "Yeah, I think I know what I''m capable of best. No pressure.


    But I''m not sure I''m cut out for goblin slaying.


    It''s not very pleasant to kill something that takes the form of a person.


    I felt sorry for the goblin as I was killing it.


    Next time, I''ll ask you to introduce me to other demons to kill.


    "Then give me the proof of defeat. I''ll exchange it for cash.


    Hmm?


    What''s that?


    What was that?


    What was it? - "Huh?" No, I said .......��The goblin''s proof of defeat is in his right ear, so don''t forget to bring it back.


    ...... By the way, you burned it.


    The goblin was burned whole by Lean''s skills.


    The goblin was burned whole by Lean''s skill. I was too busy killing it to think about that.


    "Hey, hey, we can''t give you a reward unless you bring us the proof. You can''t give out a reward if you don''t bring me the proof.


    The old man complained and threw me a silver coin.


    What''s this?


    It''s my ''first goblin kill'' gift to you. Take it. You''ve earned very little today.��It''ll buy you a bath.


    Is ...... okay?��I''m sorry for making you feel uncomfortable. I''ll take it then.


    It''s true, I earned very little today because the construction site was closed.


    I feel bad for Leanne who helped me, and I''ll give her this later.


    I''ve got enough money for a bath, and I''m sure I''ll be fine.


    Thanks again for all your help. I''m going home now. See you tomorrow.


    I said goodbye to my uncle and left the Adventurer''s Guild.


    It''s been a tough day.


    I think I had a much better workout than the usual "earth moving".


    After all, slaying demons is hard work.


    I''m going to stop by a bathhouse on my way home to wash off the sweat.


    ...... You don''t think Lean is going to follow you there, do you?


    It''s time for you to go home. ...... Let''s do that.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ......


    ...... Good.


    He''s going home.


    No, you can''t be happy about that.


    She''s been really good to me today.


    You should at least thank her.


    Of course. I really appreciate your help today. I might ask you to do it again if there''s a chance, okay?


    "Yes, if it''s okay with you. Yes, if it''s all right with you, I''ll definitely be of some help.


    Lean smiled, put his hand on his chest, and bowed quietly.


    You do that every time you visit ....... You''re so polite.


    I don''t think you need to be so awed by me.


    "Well, Guildmaster. I''ll leave you to it.


    "Yeah, see you later, Lean.


    We both waved Leanne off as she walked towards the guild entrance.


    The uncle watched Lean''s back with me and spoke to her in a low voice.


    "So, Noor ......, how long are you going to keep doing this?


    What do you mean by this?


    I''m not sure how many times we''ve talked about this, so I''m sure you know. ......


    Today, the master of the building guild asked me to persuade him to join us because he really wants him.


    He seems to like you a lot, doesn''t he?


    It''s not every day that a stubborn old man praises someone so much, you know?


    I hear the pay''s pretty good too. It''s nothing compared to goblin extermination.


    That place has some of the best merchants in King''s Landing, and if you go to that old man, you''ll never run out of food. I''ll guarantee it.


    You''re old enough to have a family of your own...


    I don''t care how many times you say it, it won''t change my mind.


    Yeah, I know, but you know...


    I was about to leave the adventurer''s guild when I heard my uncle start his usual long story.


    I was about to leave the guild, when I suddenly spotted a figure coming into the guild entrance.


    I think it was...


    "Lean. Is Lord Noll here?


    "Brother?


    Lean was a little surprised when he saw the person coming through the entrance of the guild.


    Yes, he''s Lean''s brother.


    When he spotted me, he walked straight up to me.


    The guildmaster''s uncle and I looked at each other.


    "Hey, hey, what''s going on today?��I heard that not only Linneburg-sama but also Rain-sama wanted to see you. ...... Are you sure you didn''t do something wrong?


    "No, I didn''t do anything.


    ......, I think. Maybe.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a great deal more information on the web.


    When we were a little confused.


    Lean''s brother came straight up to me...


    He had a very grim expression on his face and said.


    "Mister Noor. I''m sorry, but I need you to go to ...... tomorrow morning with Lean to a city in the mountains. I will send a carriage and an escort. I''m sorry, but I can''t give you the details right now, but I need your help.

 21-21 Horse-drawn carriage journeys to the mountain c...

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    As I finished loading food and luggage before departure, I had nothing to do but enjoy the carriage ride in a relaxed and carefree manner.


    The scenery from the window of the carriage was peaceful.


    Wheat fields spread out all around, and the harvest season was about to begin.


    This area is close to the road I took when I came down from the mountains where I lived, but the wheat was still freshly planted and green at that time.


    It''s amazing how a change of season can change the scenery.


    Now, as far as the eye can see, there are golden plains - or so it would seem.


    This scenery alone makes me realize how fertile this land is and how rich this country is.


    If I become an adventurer and go on an adventure, I wonder if I''ll see this kind of scenery, or many other scenery even more amazing than this.


    I want to see them.


    To the casual observer, my leaning out of the carriage may look like I''m having a good time.


    Because I am.


    But the person sitting at the head of the carriage has a glum look on her face.


    It was Inez, my bodyguard.


    There are three of us in the carriage, her, me, and Lean.


    "Lord Noor... I''m really sorry for dragging you into this.


    I looked at her and she apologized.


    I think she''s overreacting over a trip, but she seems to have a strong sense of responsibility.


    Perhaps it''s natural for her to treat others this way.


    However, she seems to be looking a little pale today.


    "...... Are you feeling sick?


    "No, I was just thinking about something. ...... I''m sorry. I''m sorry. I''ll take full responsibility for your safety from now on. Don''t worry too much.


    No, I''m not too worried about myself. ...... I''m more worried about her condition.


    I''m not too worried about myself.


    In addition, although Inez says that she will be guarding me, her main role will be guarding Leanne.


    She also holds the reins of the horse that pulls the carriage.


    It''s a lot of work for such a small group.


    She looks like she''s not feeling well, and I can''t let her push herself any harder.


    No, I''m trying to protect myself as best as I can so as not to cause any trouble. ......


    I don''t have much confidence in my skills, but I do have some confidence in my ability to run away.


    I''m not too confident in my skills, but I am somewhat confident in my ability to escape unscathed, even when surrounded by a pack of wolves in the mountains.


    "No... I have my shield. It''s my job to protect the people around me.


    "Shield?


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.


    She''s wearing the same silver armor over her maid-like outfit that she wore before.


    There was no helmet on her head, and her golden hair swayed in the wind.


    But right now, there is nothing around her that looks like a shield.


    I don''t see any weapons, either.


    She doesn''t seem to be carrying anything. ......?


    You don''t have to. In my case. In fact, it''s more convenient for me not to have it.


    "Well, ......?


    I said, but honestly, I don''t know what that means.


    Perhaps sensing my expression, Ines laughed a little.


    "Well... let me demonstrate ...... ��Divine Shield��.


    When Inez held up one hand in the air, suddenly, a huge wall of shining light appeared in the air.


    It seemed to be just a light, but it certainly created a wall there.


    The wind coming from the front of the running carriage completely disappeared.


    "Wow, ......, so this is your ''shield''.


    "Oh, and if anything happens to me, just hide behind this shield of light. It''s impervious to most weapons and magic.


    Yes, I''ll do that.


    I was a little nervous about traveling with just the three of us, but ...... Inez would be a great help.


    She was the spearman who trained me in the training grounds of Lean''s house - I think ...... Al ...... Gil ......?��Yes, I remember now.


    She said he was as strong as Lambert.


    According to what Lean told me, he''s so skilled that he can kill a dragon single-handedly.


    I guess I''m in a completely different league than the one where I''m struggling against a single goblin.


    If that''s the case, then she must be a very strong person too.


    She doesn''t need to be bothered by me.


    So I''ll just take her word for it and rely on her.


    And so I was enjoying the vast wheat field scenery from the carriage, feeling at ease and like a passenger.


    But...


    I suddenly felt something strange in the vast wheat field scenery I was looking at.


    "......?


    If you look closely, you can see a strange path forming in the wheat field.


    I''ve heard that sometimes strong winds cause crops to fall over and cause damage, but it didn''t look like that.


    It was like a path that had been trampled down.


    What the hell is that?


    "What''s ......?��What''s wrong?


    At the sound of my voice, Inez looked around the wheat field, but couldn''t seem to find anything.


    But I could see it.


    What''s that?


    Leanne, who had heard our conversation, came out of the wagon and looked around the wheat field.


    She seems to have seen something.


    Then she looked surprised.


    There ...... is definitely something out there...!��I''m not sure what it is.


    Lean used his skill.


    Just like yesterday when she used it on the goblin, a transparent veil was lifted from the spot where she felt a subtle discomfort, and something appeared.


    And there...


    There was a huge black frog-like creature that walked slowly, pacing, and a small boy standing beside it.


    The boy, who had suddenly appeared in the wheat field, looked around and seemed to be surprised by what he saw.


    The frog and the boy''s eyes met.


    Then the frog raised its fat paws and looked like it was about to attack the boy.


    Before he could think of anything dangerous, his feet moved.


    "Wait, that''s...!


    I hear Inez''s voice from behind me.


    But I had already used all my strength to run as fast as I could to get to the frog and the boy.

 22-22 Black Dead Dragon

    I gasped at the sight of the creature that suddenly appeared due to the princess'' Uncover.


    It''s not ...... a black death dragon ......!


    It looks like a giant black frog, but it''s a true dragon with a ferocious personality - the Black Death Dragon.


    With claws harder than iron, it can tear apart its prey, bite through rocks with its sturdy fangs, and feed on anything that moves, following its instincts.


    Most frightening of all is the miasma it stores in a sac at the back of its throat, which it breathes out.


    In addition, if the miasma is not properly treated, it will stay in the area and continue to burn the soil black, turning the whole area into a barren wasteland.


    The secondary damage will be enormous.


    For this reason, it is called the "Black Death Dragon" as it is the one who brings about the black death, and it is one of the most vicious creatures among the demons that inhabit this continent.


    As a dragon species, it has a high level of fighting ability, but it is also an extremely dangerous species that is treated as a "Class A" threat due to the danger of the miasma breath that causes damage to a wide area.


    However, they are usually found only deep in the poisonous swamps, and are said to be rarely encountered.


    How could it be this close to the city?


    What about the child?


    What does it look like?


    I''ve only heard about it, but I''m sure of it.


    How did the demon race get here?


    A hundred years ago, they fought a great war against the Holy Mithraism, and lost their country. They''re scattered all over the world, and they''re an abhorrent race of subhumans called the Demons.


    They look just like people, but there is a crucial difference.


    They have a special ability that allows them to communicate with demonic beasts at will, and everyone is born with this ability.


    They are born to be close to demons.


    There are records of people who have manipulated ferocious demons as if they were arms and legs, and have plunged many cities into danger.


    It''s common knowledge that everyone who goes to school knows about them, but few people have seen the real thing.


    This was the first time I had seen one myself.


    It is said that the demon race has been hunted to extinction.


    However, they are not completely extinct.


    It is said that the survivors of the Holy Demon War are hiding somewhere, seeking revenge.


    Therefore, it is recommended to kill them as soon as you find them, and if you catch them alive and hand them over to the Holy Mithraic Kingdom, which is the enemy of the demon race, you will receive a huge reward.


    For this reason, it is said that there are even adventurers who advocate "demon hunting".


    I don''t think so... that Black Death Dragon was controlled by that demon tribe to get here...?


    That must be it.


    The Black Death was brought here by a child of that demon tribe.


    If left unchecked, the nearby towns will be destroyed.


    But...


    There''s nothing we can do. Not with this many people.


    A breath of miasma will kill even the strongest of men.


    Approaching it without any countermeasures would be like going to destroy yourself.


    And yet, that man...!


    "Sir!


    "Mr. Linneburg, no.


    The princess was about to run after the man, but I quickly blocked her path with the light shield I created with my [Divine Shield] and forcibly stopped her.


    I feel contradictory and conflicted about my actions.


    It was my role to protect my companion...


    And I just said that I would protect that man.


    But more importantly, I have to protect Princess Linneburg now.


    I have to give up that man.


    That''s what I keep telling myself.


    The man who ran off, Noor, is now flicking the claws of the Black Death Dragon with a one-handed sword.


    It was an unbelievable sight.


    When his own teacher, the [Shield Saint], [Immortal] Dundargu, once had it in his hands, he could barely make a single swing with both hands with all his strength.


    That man is wielding it lightly with one hand.


    And using that "black sword", he easily flicked the claws of the dragon species, which would break any weapon if it was taken seriously, right in front of him.


    Even Gilbert called his strength "a joke," and his ability to defeat the Minotaur single-handedly is real.


    He is undoubtedly a strong man.


    But that''s not enough.


    "That alone is like going to your death.


    The real threat of the Black Death isn''t the claws and fangs that come out of its massive body.


    You should have turned and fled as soon as you saw it.


    There''s nothing we can do with our current strength.


    Go back to King''s Landing and call the main army... no, no.


    All the troops are gone now.


    Isn''t that why I was sent on this mission?


    I have a secret mission from the prince.


    From now on, King''s Landing will be in danger.


    If the news of the destruction of the capital reaches you, you are to immediately defect to the Holy Mithraic Kingdom with Lord Noor.


    You are strictly ordered to protect the life of the princess above all else.


    I was forbidden to explain the situation to the princess.


    He said that if I told her, she would insist on staying in the country...


    I was conflicted.


    I know I''m the best person for the job since I''ve been protecting the princess''s safety since she was a child.


    But it''s frustrating. I feel guilty when I think of the people I left behind in King''s Landing.


    To think that I alone can escape while my colleagues and subordinates are fighting to the death...


    No, this is a mission.


    Protecting the princess and getting her to safety.


    I''m just like them in that I''m willing to give my life for my country.


    That''s what I thought as I drove the carriage here.


    But the Black Death Dragon appeared on our way.


    This was unexpected.


    It was probably guided by the demon race.


    Could the enemy have anticipated the princess'' escape route?


    No, we don''t know that.


    But this route won''t work for exile anymore anyway.


    We have to turn back.


    We have to give up... everything.


    We''re near a mountain city.


    If the Black Death appears anywhere near human settlements, we have to be prepared to lose a city or two at the very least.


    Such a threat.


    That''s what the enemy has unleashed.


    If we let that demon go, it will do a lot of damage to the city.


    But we can''t let that happen.


    We must flee, knowing that the lives of many people in the neighboring towns will be lost.


    No matter how hard we try with this small group of people, we can''t do anything right.


    There''s only one thing we can do now.


    Retreat as fast as we can.


    And yet...!


    "What the hell is that man thinking...!


    In frustration, I couldn''t help but blame the man.


    With that man running out, I completely missed my chance to retreat.


    The man left the carriage and the princess followed him, barely stopping his actions, but they were still far from the carriage.


    Even if she tried to get into position and escape now, it was unlikely that she would be able to leave immediately.


    That man must have taken off without a second thought.


    He probably did it to save the demon boy.


    Stupid, that man.


    I couldn''t help but think that.


    Maybe he doesn''t know.


    That black dragon was brought here by that boy.


    There''s a child about to be killed in front of me, so I''m going to save him...


    It must have been such a simple thought, or perhaps it was such an instantaneous decision that he didn''t even have time to think about it.


    That is understandable, to a point.


    But to go and save the one who is the source of this threat, even at the cost of his own life.


    That act was inconsistent no matter how you look at it.


    If I hadn''t known, I would have gone to save him.


    The next thing that came to mind was a feeling of jealousy.


    Protecting people with their own bodies - that''s what a tank is supposed to do.


    If I saw someone in front of me who was frightened, I would want to protect them too.


    That''s why I chose this job and rose to this position.


    But there is only so much a person who is not a character in a fairy tale can do.


    There are times when defending someone with one''s own body ends up putting someone else in danger.


    And that''s just what''s happening now.


    What a fool that man is.


    The man who called Princess Linneburg "Leanne".


    The man who came to her in her hour of need, who saved her life.


    The man who saved her life and handed her the Black Sword, the king''s favorite weapon.


    I''ve known that man''s name for a long time.


    Every time my respected teacher and nurturing parent, Dundargu the Shield Saint, mentioned that man''s name, I felt annoyed.


    During training, on expeditions to defeat the enemy... that man''s name came up at every turn.


    If only ...... Noor were here at a time like this.


    That''s what he used to say only to me.


    Every time I heard it, I thought.


    I''m right here. Why are we talking about this guy?


    I knew I was having ugly feelings of jealousy towards the man whose name I only knew.


    And when he appeared in front of me, I was even more jealous.


    The man who called Lady Linneburg by her name so casually, the man who stood next to her, the man who was supposed to be my role for so many years.


    When I found out that it was Noor, I felt as if everything had been taken from me.


    I guess that''s why I said that I would protect that man in the carriage who didn''t need to be protected.


    That ugly feeling may have shown its face the moment the man jumped out of the carriage.


    That''s why I delayed my decision for a moment.


    If he had just let the shield appear in front of the man, he would have been able to stop him.


    The reason I didn''t do that...


    If that man had jumped out and lost his life...


    Was I thinking about that?


    No... no.


    Quite the opposite.


    I was thinking.


    Maybe that man, that man who is recognized by the king, by the princess, by Gilbert, by his father-in-law Dundargu, by all the Six Saints, would be able to take care of that evil, the Black Death.


    I hesitated to stop for a moment, thinking so.


    I was hoping.


    I harbored a selfish dream, loaded with emotions that could not be described as jealousy or envy.


    I approved of the man''s actions at that moment.


    Yes, he was a fool.


    He went to his death without knowing it.


    But if you call him stupid.


    I''m probably even more stupid than that.


    Because I''m the one who sent him to his death knowing that.


    I saw the mouth of the black death dragon facing the man open wide.


    In the depths of its throat, I could see a swirl of jet-black miasma.


    The thing I feared the most - it will be unleashed right here, right now.


    "Master Linneburg, the miasma is coming. Be prepared.


    Sir...!


    You have to give up!��You can''t save him now...


    A jet-black miasma breath was released from the Black Death Dragon.


    It hit the man and dissipated like an explosion.


    The whole area was quickly covered in a black mist.


    "Coming... Mr. Linneburg, get behind me. Divine Shield...!


    I immediately activate the [Divine Shield] and create a shield of light as much as I can between me and the Black Death Dragon.


    The light shields overlapped each other to the point where they became a wall of light.


    However, this alone will not be enough to prevent the miasma from coming.


    The princess neutralized the miasma that came through the gaps with her [monk] skill [Purify].


    That somehow managed to protect them and the horses pulling the carriage.


    But... that''s all. That''s all I can do.


    Sir, ......!


    You have to give up... there''s nothing you can do.


    But...


    No!��Right now, all you can think about is your own survival...!


    I bit my lip as I shouted at the princess.


    This was predictable.


    From the moment that man ran off on his own.


    That''s why I''m angry.


    At that man for running off without a second thought.


    And at myself for not being able to stop him sooner.


    As a result, you''re risking the princess''s life.


    In the end, I''m not protecting anyone.


    I''m a failure as a guard.


    The miasma is getting thicker and thicker.


    He''s completely helpless!


    The miasma of the Black Death Dragon is fatal with just one breath.


    It is nearly impossible for even a high-ranking monk (cleric) to cure.


    In such a dense miasma, you won''t be able to live more than a few seconds.


    "Teacher ......!


    The princess is worried about the man''s health.


    But he can''t be saved.


    In fact, we''re in danger.


    The only thing you can think about now is protecting the princess.


    Suddenly, I heard a sound deep in the black mist.


    Perhaps it''s the sound of that man fighting the Black Death Dragon... no.


    He''s resisting with his last bit of strength.


    The sound never stops.


    Every now and then, there''s a sound like something popping and cracking.


    "What''s that sound ......?


    An unfamiliar sound made me wonder.


    Suddenly, a breeze blew across the plain.


    For a moment, the dense miasma cleared.


    In the depths of the black mist, I saw the Black Death Dragon swinging its claws down.


    And the figure of a man flicking it with a one-handed sword.


    Incredibly, the man was still standing in front of the Black Death Dragon.


    spewing blood from every part of his body.


    He''s not going to make it. It''s so badly injured you can see it at a glance.


    And yet he continues to stand in front of the dragon.


    All the while the miasma was slowly clearing...


    As if to protect the demon boy who was sitting behind him, the man stood there, flicking the claws of the attacking black dragon with the sword in his hand.


    The princess and I were both speechless at the sight of him.


    And then we understood.


    That strange sound was the sound of the Black Death Dragon''s claws breaking one by one.


    I couldn''t call it stupid anymore.


    Because it was the image that I had always longed for and pursued...


    The kind of person I''ve always wanted to be, the kind of person I''ve always wanted to be, the kind of person who would risk his or her life to protect someone else.


    That was the ideal defense worker (tank) that I had envisioned for myself.

 23-23 Cursed Child

    Today was the first time the boy had ever killed anyone.


    "Can you ...... do it well, ......?


    The boy was terrified.


    The boy was afraid to see blood, even though he was a demon, a being with the cursed blood of the demon race, which is hated by everyone in this world.


    To see blood.


    Because it was to see his own blood.


    Ever since he was born, he was beaten, kicked, and not treated like a human being.


    If I say something, they hit me.


    If you make eye contact, they hit you.


    Even if he didn''t say anything, just by being there, he would always be kicked.


    He was born that way.


    Sometimes I wondered.


    Why was I being treated so badly?


    I''ve wondered.


    But I never said it out loud.


    Once, when he did, he was beaten so badly that his face changed shape and he was left with only water for three days.


    He was beaten so badly that his face changed shape.


    But he did not want to do it to others.


    Because he knew the pain of doing it.


    It wasn''t that he was particularly compassionate or sensitive to other people''s feelings.


    It was fundamentally different from that.


    The boy "knows" what the other person is thinking.


    If he wants to, he can see what is going on in the other person''s mind.


    Therefore, when this is known, the boy is further oppressed.


    I can''t believe I know what they''re thinking.


    They''ll know how I feel.


    They''d know.


    The secret''s out.


    That''s why it''s creepy, scary, unpleasant.


    A creature that looks like a person, but is really creepy.


    That''s why they''re called .......


    They were shunned and isolated, and the number of times they were beaten severely just for looking at them increased.


    And so the boy was hated and beaten at every turn.


    To be beaten for a reason.


    To be kicked and stomped on for no reason.


    That was the norm.


    Kicked and punched over and over again, on a daily basis.


    The sensation of pain became ingrained in his body.


    So it never occurred to the boy to do it to others.


    He didn''t even want to be hit himself, but he didn''t want to make the other person feel the same thing.


    For a child who could "feel" the other person, it was a double pain.


    So the boy has never hurt anyone.


    No matter how badly he was hit, it was better than hitting himself.


    That''s how I''ve lived my life.


    But today I have to do it.


    I have to not only hurt you, I have to kill you.


    Otherwise, they''ll hurt you worse.


    Not just you, but the other slaves, all of them.


    So you have to kill them.


    "Do as I say, and I''ll give you a good meal.


    Because that''s what the man said.


    So we have to kill them.


    Every last one of them. Every adult, every child. Everyone.


    Then you won''t hit me for no reason anymore.


    And I''ll feed you a good meal every day.


    Because that man promised me that.


    That man beats himself.


    He hits all of us.


    But he''s never failed to keep a promise before.


    If he broke a promise, he got beat up.


    When he keeps his word, he''s praised.


    So I kill.


    Because of a promise.


    I could never read that man''s mind.


    It was like he was using some magical tool to do it.


    It happened all the time.


    But he promised me.


    And today I can be of service to others.


    I''m proud to think that.


    I might die today.


    But I can help my country.


    I''m proud of that.


    You should be proud of that.


    That''s what they told me when I left.


    A country called the Magical Empire that has neglected and oppressed you and us since we were born.


    But the country I was born and raised in.


    If I can be of service to it... perhaps it''s a good thing.


    A lot of people are going to die.


    No, I''m going to kill them.


    Because I''m the one who controlled this hideous demon, the Black Death, and brought it here.


    It is said that the demon race has this innate power.


    It is a cursed power that allows them to communicate with demons and control them as they wish.


    I learned this from a much older demon I happened to meet.


    Long time ago, it was just an ability to control livestock.


    He started using it on demons and killed many in wars.


    That''s why they hated him.


    They said it was inevitable.


    An outcast born to communicate with demons.


    A cursed creature.


    That''s what I was always told growing up.


    But I want to help people.


    Even if I''m a demon, I want to be praised for my usefulness to other beings.


    So, even though I was trembling, I decided that today I would do it.


    Even if I''m scared, even if I don''t want to, I''m going to do it.


    It''s the only thing I can do.


    But the moment the boy made up his mind to do so, all of a sudden, the [concealment] he was wearing was removed.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time and money.


    At that moment, he thought, "Oh no, .......


    The eyes of the black death dragon glared at the boy.


    Now I''ve made a mistake.


    I''ve lost my focus.


    Because of that, the mental manipulation technique on the black death dragon was released.


    Now the black death sees you only as prey.


    This creature has already learned to kill people and eat their flesh.


    Because it was brought to the boy in that state.


    There''s no time for another round of mental manipulation.


    I''m going to die.


    I saw the black death dragon open its mouth wide and raise its huge claws high in the air.


    Oh, it''s going to tear me apart and I''m going to die.


    The moment he realized this, he thought from the bottom of his heart.


    Oh, I''m so glad I died here.


    If I die here, I won''t have to hurt anyone else.


    If I die here, I won''t have to hurt anyone else, and I won''t have to feel the pain I inflict on others.


    At the same time, I felt guilty about that thought.


    Because of my mistake, someone else might get beaten up badly instead.


    But I was only happy to make things easier for myself.


    I''m sorry.


    The boy was apologizing to no one.


    I''ve always been a bad boy.


    Bad boys get punished.


    That''s what I was taught.


    I''m sorry I couldn''t be of any help to you in the end.


    So I guess this is my punishment.


    For being useless.


    For being born with a cursed power.


    And to myself for thinking I''m prettier than other people.


    It''s punishment.


    It''s a punishment for the fact that I, a cursed child, exist in this world itself.


    At the moment when the claws of the fierce black death dragon swung down, the boy was praying.


    Demons don''t have gods, and they are not allowed to have faith.


    But if you die and are reborn, you can live a different life...


    The boy had a little faith in this idea that he had heard somewhere.


    So, he prayed to no one in particular.


    If he could be reborn, he prayed that he wouldn''t be beaten too badly in his next life.


    And that he would be able to help someone, at least a little.


    That was most of the boy''s wish.


    But in the end, he got a little greedy.


    And one more thing, if I could have my wish...


    If I could have one more wish, it would be that I could have a good meal, just once.


    That was all the boy could wish for as he faced death.


    The boy closed his eyes and waited for that moment.


    But...


    That moment never came.


    The claws of the Black Death Dragon did not cut through the boy.


    Because...


    "Parry.


    A stranger appeared out of nowhere.


    That man, with a black sword in his hand, was flipping back the claws of the Black Death Dragon, which were supposed to bring death to the boy, high into the sky.

 24-24 Im parrying frogs

    I thought to myself as I popped the huge claws of the black frog in front of me.


    This frog is not that responsive...


    No, every time I hit it, I feel a violent impact on my black sword handle, and each blow is strong in its own way, but ...... it''s not that difficult.


    Compared to the goblin of yesterday, it is about the same or a little weaker.


    If that''s the case, this frog is probably one of the weaker demons.


    No, it is even weaker than the goblin, which is called ...... "the weakest demon," so it may not even be a demon.


    If that''s the case, I might be able to handle it.


    It''s difficult for me to defeat it by myself without any means of attack, but if I wait for Lean and Ines to catch up, I''m sure I can defeat it.


    All right, then, let''s buy some time...


    I''m also a little confident in my physical strength.


    As I readied my sword, the body of the frog in front of me suddenly expanded greatly.


    Just as I thought something was wrong, the frog''s mouth opened wide and I saw something black swirling in the back of its throat.


    Before I could question it, the frog spat out a mass of black mist with great force.


    I could have avoided it if I had wanted to.


    But if I did, it would surely hit the boy behind me.


    I couldn''t move from the spot, and I was hit head-on by the black mist and got it all over my body.


    Some of it went into my mouth.


    Immediately after, I spurted out a lot of blood from my mouth.


    "Is this poison?


    My whole body hurt like hell and I felt dizzy.


    I knew it when I ate it.


    This is poison.


    It''s a very strong poison.


    And that''s when I finally realized.


    When I ran out, Inez was about to say something. She must have been warning me that this frog was a poisonous frog.


    It''s no wonder that each of its attacks had been so little - the creature''s greatest weapon was not its fangs or claws, which looked so powerful.


    It has a powerful toxin stored in its stomach.


    This is the creature''s greatest offense...


    At the same time...


    I thought, as blood spurted out of my body.


    Well, maybe this is something I can handle.


    Once, when I was living alone in the mountains.


    I accidentally ate a mushroom that my mother told me not to eat.


    The name of the mushroom was "dragon destroying mushroom".


    It''s a mushroom with a poison so strong that it''s said to kill even dragons.


    I don''t know why I came home with such a thing.


    Maybe I was so excited by the huge harvest that day that I didn''t notice that something dangerous was mixed in.


    Anyway, I put it in a pot, boiled it, and ate it for dinner.


    Some time later, my stomach hurt so badly that I coughed up a lot of blood.


    I finally realized that I had eaten something I shouldn''t have, but it was too late.


    It had been a long time since I had eaten, so I couldn''t throw up.


    The poison seemed to have spread all over my body, and I couldn''t even move.


    I just kept applying the [low heel] that I had just put on my stomach.


    It was the only way I could think of.


    Then I felt my stomach slowly heal... but if I let up, I immediately coughed up blood again.


    I couldn''t let my guard down for even a second.


    If I wasn''t careful, blood would gush out from every part of my body, and I kept putting [low heels] on myself, ready to die.


    After that, I continued to suffer day and night, occasionally drinking water, and rolling around on the ground, bleeding again.


    I thought I was going to die many times, but I persevered.


    Somehow, if I kept wearing [low heels], my body was able to move a little.


    So, even though it was very painful, I did not miss my daily routine.


    I decided to do it every day, so I did it.


    I was determined to do it.


    I couldn''t put much strength into my arms.


    Even so, I only wielded the wooden sword while coughing up blood.


    I might die like this.


    That''s what I thought.


    But then one morning, about seven days later, I noticed something strange.


    My stomach didn''t hurt at all.


    The hematemesis had stopped.


    And my body felt surprisingly light.


    Well, I suppose that''s true.


    I haven''t eaten right in a week.


    I went hunting for a nutritious meal.


    I could kill a wild boar in my current condition, I was hungry, and I wanted to eat meat.


    With this in mind, I went into the forest, but I made a mistake here too.


    I was bitten by a big viper.


    I thought I was going to die there.


    I managed to get rid of the viper, but I thought I was just going to die, so I lay down in the forest with my eyes closed.


    But the funny thing is...


    But the funny thing is... I don''t feel the poison kicking in.


    I didn''t feel any pain anywhere in my body.


    I got up, wondering why, and took the snake home, cooked it and ate it.


    I had heard that I couldn''t eat the snake because it was poisonous - but I was really hungry.


    The snake''s venom didn''t seem to have any effect on me, so I guessed the snake wasn''t very poisonous.


    Maybe it''s not really poisonous.


    Then it''s safe to eat.


    I was just a kid, so I guess I thought it was easy.


    But when I tried the snake, I was shocked.


    ...... It was incredibly delicious.


    It was much juicier than the meat of a mountain chicken.


    It had more flavor than any mushroom I''ve ever eaten.


    It had a sweetness that permeated my entire body.


    More than anything else, it was nourishing, and my body recovered remarkably quickly.


    After eating the snake, I started looking for it again.


    Once you eat it, the taste becomes addictive.


    That''s how good it is.


    Somehow I managed to find the snake again...


    But when I saw it again, I wondered.


    It was, after all, the poison spike that my mother had taught me not to eat, no matter how hungry I was.


    I wondered.


    Up until now, I had mostly followed what my mother had taught me.


    That knowledge had been correct.


    But when I ate the poison spike in front of me, I didn''t feel a thing.


    Why?


    While I was wondering, I let my guard down, and the snake bit me again, and I realized.


    It''s not that the snake is not poisonous - it''s just that it doesn''t work on me now.


    I don''t know the logic behind it, but it seems that I have developed a certain level of resistance to the poison from the "dragon annihilation mushroom" I ate before. For that, the [Low Heel], which I thought would be useless, came in handy.


    It may have some effect of nullifying the poison, though only a little.


    When I realized this, I was delighted.


    I wondered if this could be used to gain a new [Skill].


    So I tried every animal and plant in the mountains that were said to be poisonous.


    Sometimes some of them were more toxic than I expected, and I ended up vomiting blood violently - but mostly I was able to get by with [Low Heel], and none of them were much worse than the Dragon Annihilation Mushroom.


    In the end, though, I didn''t get any of the [skills] I was hoping for.


    Instead, I discovered.


    Poisonous plants and animals are usually tasty.


    There are exceptions, but they all seem to be nourishing.


    They are probably hoarding nourishment, thinking that the poison will keep them from being eaten.


    That''s why I started to prefer eating plants and animals that are said to be poisonous.


    If you can get rid of the poison, it is a very good food.


    Even if I can''t do anything about it, it''s no problem because I have [low heels] that slowly nullify the poison. Eventually, if you are patient enough, you will develop a tolerance to the poison.


    Because of this, I am used to being poisoned.


    I''m not proud of it, but I''m pretty strong against poison now.


    It''s one of the few things I''m good at.


    The lump of black mist spewed out by the frog in front of me right now - this was a very strong poison.


    It''s as potent as the dragon''s death mushroom.


    You''ll know it when you feel it on your body.


    But...


    I''m sure I can withstand that much.


    The dragon''s death mushroom was actually quite tasty.


    I''ve tasted it in the pot many times since then.


    I''ve coughed up a little blood each time, but that''s all.


    It''s hard to resist the allure of good food when you know it''s going to be okay.


    That''s why this frog''s poison won''t work on me.


    I antidote the poisonous mist with [Low Heel] and nullify it.


    At first, the antidote won''t work in time, and some blood will spurt out, but this level is no problem in my experience.


    The wound will soon close up and you will be as good as unharmed.


    The black mist has scattered all around, but it seems that my low heels have detoxified in time, and the boy right behind me seems to be safe.


    I''m glad.


    It''s a good thing that the boy behind me is okay.


    I guess my black sword is harder than his.


    The frog''s claws shatter more and more with each flick.


    It''s really a great sword.


    It''s heavy, but it''s sturdy.


    I underestimated its value because it looked so beat up, but I think I got a really good one.


    I thanked Lean''s father and smashed the frog''s sharp claws one by one.


    Before I knew it, the frog had lost its claws, opened its big mouth, and tried to bite me with its sharp fangs.


    But that''s the same thing.


    Repeatedly attacked and repelled, it crushes my fangs to bits.


    A truly ferocious frog.


    All its claws and fangs have been crushed, but it still tries to attack.


    But it''s clearly too weak.


    It must''ve used up a lot of energy spitting out the poison.


    If it keeps going like this, it might just collapse on its own.


    Just when I thought that...


    The frog''s body swelled up again.


    The frog''s body swelled up again, and it opened its big mouth to spit out that lump of poison.


    And it''s much bigger than the first time it swelled up.


    Next, this frog''s life-or-death blow...


    I think it''s going to be a much more powerful poison.


    But I won''t be dealt the same blow twice.


    I raise my sword.


    The poisonous toad swells even larger and opens its mouth to spit out a mist of poison.


    "Parry!


    I launched the frog''s lower jaw as hard as I could.


    The frog''s large mouth slammed shut with such force that the mass of poison and compressed air that was about to be spat out had nowhere to go and flowed back into his body at once.


    And then, explosively, his body swelled...


    The frog exploded from the back and splattered all over the place.


    "This is... this is terrible.


    Even for a frog that had tried to attack a man, it was a horrible way to die.


    But as I looked at the pieces of frog flesh scattered around with the poison, I realized something.


    And once I thought about it, I couldn''t stop thinking about it.


    Maybe this frog...


    This frog... might be quite tasty.

 25-25 Son of a Demon Family

    I managed to wrestle my consciousness away from the splattered pieces of frog flesh and turned around to see the boy sitting on the ground, covered in mud.


    Thank God, he''s all right.


    Are you okay?


    "...... yeah ......


    The boy got up slowly as I called out to him.


    He looked pale.


    Perhaps he had inhaled the poison from the frog earlier.


    But seeing as he couldn''t stand up, he wasn''t in too much danger.


    I''ll ask Leanne to take care of him later and he''ll be fine.


    She''s capable of anything.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine if you ask Lean to treat you later." "That was a really close call, though. ...... Did you come all this way by yourself?


    The boy''s shoulders shook a little at my words.


    "No,......, no,......, that was ............ me that brought him here. ......!


    Brought?


    This kid brought that ferocious frog?


    Really, it''s ......?��Why did you bring that thing ......?


    The boy''s shoulders shook with fear again.


    "Because ......, I promised ......!��You promised to take me to that town. I was told to take you to ......!


    "To that city ......?��............ No way.


    It seems this boy was carrying the frog to town at the request of someone.


    He looks very young, but I guess he was on his way to a delivery job.


    But why such a poisonous frog?


    Why would he bring such a huge frog all the way to town?


    I see.


    I had a hunch.


    Poisonous creatures are usually tasty... Based on my rule of thumb, that frog''s meat should be quite tasty if the poison can be managed.


    That''s for sure.


    I don''t know much about things, but I can tell you that, so it must be known to the public.


    It''s no surprise that a large city would have the technology to deal with that poison.


    So... that frog...


    "Was it a foodstuff?


    Everything makes sense when you think about it.


    Even a single frog of that size would have a considerable amount of meat, but when it comes to transporting fresh meat, the best way is to transport it alive.


    Initially, it was hidden from view, probably because of the danger to the surrounding area and the possibility of theft of meat.


    I see, so that''s it.


    If that''s the case, then I''ve ruined the important goods that this boy was supposed to deliver to the city by exploding them.


    What a mess.


    I didn''t think that far ahead.


    "Well, I''ve done a terrible thing. ...... I''m sorry. I''m sorry. I''ve done something really bad.


    "............What ............?


    The boy''s eyes widen as he looks at me.


    ...... Did I just say something wrong?


    "Maybe it was ...... better ......?��Even if you ruptured it.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    ...... Good.


    Apparently, he''s going to forgive me.


    I''m not sure why he was almost attacked, but I guess he thinks it''s unavoidable in that situation.


    But how did they get such a ferocious creature up here?��It''s not like he dragged it here.


    The boy''s shoulders shook again and he said in a strained voice.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    "Well, I can control demons. ......?


    I couldn''t help but squirm in surprise.


    This girl just said that she can control demons.


    How is that even possible ......?


    A little kid like this can control a giant frog like that ......?


    And at this age?


    I wonder how he can acquire such a great skill.


    It''s a great skill to have. ...... Is there such a thing in the world?


    "......What ......?��Skills ......?


    "No ......?


    The boy stiffened at my question.


    What is he scared of from earlier?


    I was born with the ability to do that ...... because I''m a demon .......


    "Oh, I was born with ......?


    I was even more astonished and winced.


    I didn''t know there were people who were born with such power.


    After all, the world is a big place.


    The world is full of things I don''t know.


    To meet such an interesting person out of the blue, you have to go outside the city...


    "...... are you born with the ability to do that ...... is amazing. It really is a gift from heaven.


    "......What ......???


    The boy seemed to be upset about something.


    Oh, that ...... I''m a demon tribe ......!


    "Oh, so you''re saying that the Ma tribe is a tribe that has these abilities, and it''s normal there?��I''m a member of the ...... tribe. I can''t tell you how many times I''ve wished I had that ability. ......


    In the past, caring for livestock in the mountains was both fun and hard work.


    The livestock could be left alone in the daytime when the weather was fine, but at night they had to be brought back to the hut because they might be attacked by wild animals.


    It''s a lot of care and management.


    Even when I ask them to help me in the fields, it''s hard to get them to listen to me when I''m raising new animals, even if they''ve been with me for a long time.


    At such times, I used to think that it would be much easier if I could talk to the animals.


    I never imagined that there was actually someone who could do such a thing. ...... The world is really big.


    The world is really big.


    Just because I go outside of King''s Landing a little bit, I can meet so many unknown things.


    Perhaps the real thrill of adventure lies in the places around us....


    I was deeply moved by this thought.


    "............ eh ............


    The boy''s eyes widened and he looked at me with a look of surprise.


    ...... Did I say something funny?


    I didn''t mean to do that at all.


    I''m sure you''re not afraid of my ...... demons, are you?��Don''t you hate my ......?


    "...... No. I don''t think I''m scared of them,......?��I don''t like ......?


    I feel like I''m not really on the same page with this boy.


    To be honest, I don''t understand half of what he''s saying.


    I don''t know where he gets the idea that he''s afraid of this little boy.


    Also, I don''t understand what you mean about disliking new people.


    Leanne was a very strange girl, and I couldn''t understand her, but this girl is also a very strange girl.


    Perhaps sensing my curious expression, the boy explained a little.


    "Some people are afraid of ...... this power and some people don''t like ...... it," he said.


    "I see, so that''s what you''re talking about... some people are strange.


    I can only answer that way.


    I''ve never heard of this type of animal hater.


    I''ve heard that there are a few of them. .......


    Anyway, it''s a kind of thing I can''t really understand.


    I don''t think that''s anything to be concerned about.��I don''t care what anyone says, it''s a very useful skill. No matter what you think.


    "...... useful...?


    Yeah, you can help with the livestock, find a lost cat, ...... anything.


    It''s also good for getting people to help you with your farm work, and if you can use birds, delivering letters?��...... There are many other things you can do.


    As I was saying all the things I could think of, for some reason, the boy began to cry raggedly.


    "I wonder if ...... I can ...... help ...... anyone, even ...... me. ......?


    The boy continued to cry as he looked at me, tears streaming down his face.


    I wondered if he had recently been through something difficult.


    Maybe he''s not a very good ...... member of the tribe, or something.


    But it''s a big world.


    But it''s a big world, and you can''t really rely on such internal evaluations.


    Anyway, can you help ......?


    I think this girl underestimates herself too much.


    She''s got such a great talent.


    It''s not surprising.��You have such a great talent, but you don''t have to be so despicable.


    I have no talent whatsoever, but I''m still able to get by like this.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to do it. ...... Are you really ......?��You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing. I don''t know.


    The boy kept crying as he faced me.


    ...... Why do I think like that?


    It''s really an enviable talent to have.


    It''s a shame that you don''t realize that you are blessed with talent.


    He''s a boy with a kind heart who''s willing to forgive my mistakes...


    Maybe he''s not in that situation right now, but I''m sure there will come a time soon when he''ll be needed by everyone.


    Everyone knows it, even I know it.


    So I waited until the boy stopped crying...


    I waited until the tears stopped.


    I put my hand on his head and said firmly and audibly.


    "Yes, of course... much more than I could... if you wanted to.

 26-26 Role of the Princess

    After watching him defeat the black dragon, I worked with Inez to remove the miasma using wind magic combined with purification magic... After a while, we were finally able to move around.


    Until then, we had been unable to move at all, protecting the horses pulling the carriage - but we had witnessed the entire battle from afar.


    It was a battle that could only be described as horrific.


    The earth was gouged out by the rampaging black death dragon, and the claws that were madly launched at high speed made a roar that sounded like the earth shaking every time they were flicked and shattered.


    It was hard to believe that this was a battle between a man and a dragon.


    Not a single step was taken, and it was a head-to-head battle... and the last person standing was a man. And the last person standing was the man.


    Who would believe him if he told such a story?


    Surprisingly, after the battle, the doctor took the boy he had saved and walked over to us as if nothing had happened.


    "Sir! Are you okay?


    Yeah, I''m fine.


    But there''s blood all over me...!


    When we got closer, we saw that there was so much blood that it was a wonder he hadn''t bled to death...


    There''s no way this isn''t a problem.


    We''ll have to start treatment right away.


    "Oh, you mean this blood?��This is nothing. It''ll go away if we just let it... or at least it will.


    "No, that can''t be... doctor, you have to treat it right away...?


    I ran over and touched the doctor''s body for treatment.


    But when I looked for the ...... bleeding spot, I couldn''t find it anywhere.


    "Are you sure it''s healed?��Not a scratch...


    I told you, didn''t I?��I told you I was fine.


    I can''t believe it.


    Apparently, the doctor didn''t feel any discomfort from the loss of blood.


    Even the miasma didn''t seem to have any effect on his body at all.


    It''s hard to believe, but that''s the truth right there in front of me.


    "I''m sorry, sir... you really seem to be all right.


    "Well, I''m not proud of it but I''m pretty good with poison.


    I''m not proud of it but I''m pretty good with poison.


    That was definitely the miasma.


    Not only was it a deadly poison, but it was the ultimate poison that could even consume the earth.


    It was almost like a curse tinged with the magical power of a dragon species.


    There''s no way I could take a direct hit like that and be so calm...


    No... there''s one thing I can think of.


    The strangely serene feeling that''s coming from you right now.


    I''ve seen something like it before.


    It''s a sign of the same quality as the one that Sein-sensei of the [Healing Sect] once showed me when I was in training school.


    Do you have holy spirit?


    It is produced from a body and mind that has been sharpened to the point of being considered a saint, and is said to purify everything it touches and heal any wounds in no time at all.


    However, it is not a skill that can be acquired easily, but rather a skill that can only be attained after an unbelievable amount of training, such as overcoming multiple deaths, and only a few saints in history have been able to attain it.


    Even the [Healing Sage] Sein, who is said to be a "living legend" in the clergy circles, spent more than forty years to completely master the [Holy Qi].


    And this person has already mastered it...?


    And at such a young age, ......?


    No, it''s possible that this is Dr. Noor.


    What kind of a man is this?


    Leanne, I need you to take a look at this boy. He''s looking a little pale.


    As I stiffened in surprise, the doctor put his hand on the shoulder of the child standing next to him.


    I''m pretty sure this kid is...


    "Don''t worry, I''m ...... fine, too.


    But you look a little pale.


    The doctor''s words startled me.


    This is a characteristic of this child.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''ve seen it before.


    "That''s because I''m a demon. ......


    I see.


    I''m sure you''ll agree that this girl is a demon.


    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them in the market.


    I''ve heard that there are very few of them left. .......


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    Yes, he is. How did you know, Leanne?


    Yes, I knew exactly what I was talking about.


    You knew that, too.


    So you''re here to help him?


    What do you intend to do with the boy, ......?


    "I''d like to put him in the carriage with you... no?


    I was a little surprised.


    The demon race is a dangerous race that many countries recommend defeating.


    Even if we help them here, after that...


    "......!��Are you sure you want to do this?��That child is a demon. ...... The demon I was carrying just went on a rampage a few minutes ago...


    You''re right, but we didn''t suffer any damage, did we?


    It''s a shame that the wheat fields around the area are a bit ruined,......, but if anything, we''ve taken away his work.


    I thought I''d do something about it.


    I was surprised again.


    He said that he hadn''t done anything serious.


    The doctor was obviously physically damaged - as if he was trying to pretend that it all didn''t happen.


    "Work ......?��What the hell was that kid doing there?


    He was carrying that poisonous toad into town.


    The Black Death was on its way to the city. ......?


    He called the Black Death Dragon a "poisonous toad" just as he called the Goblin Emperor a "mere goblin".


    If you''re as strong as you are, there may not be much difference between a black death dragon and a poison toad, but we''re different.


    Normally, when a black death dragon appears in a city, the people who live there will not be safe.


    But this boy must not have been safe either.


    What is this boy...?


    You said you were doing it because you were told to.��Who was the client?


    In response to Dr. Noll''s question, the demon boy looked down and shook his head.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.


    Inez stepped forward to speak to the boy, who remained silent.


    I''m sorry, but it doesn''t do any good to hide it in this situation. ...... It would help us if you were honest with us.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: .......


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea.


    I thought it might be possible, but I''m pretty sure it''s not.


    This child is a slave.


    Slaves are not very common in the Kingdom of Crais, but they are common in other countries.


    In addition, this child is probably a disposable boy soldier who takes advantage of the weak position of the demon race as a species.


    Is the Magic Empire even involved in such things?


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.��Can''t you get home by yourself?


    ...... I don''t know that either. ...... I was brought here blindfolded. ......


    In other words... you can''t go home.


    This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on this.��If possible, I''d like to give him a ride to safety.


    After hearing that much, I finally understood the teacher''s intentions.


    He was trying to save this poor boy, knowing that he was a demon.


    He is trying to save him even though he knows that if he sides with him, he will be in conflict with everything.


    I''m ashamed of my own small capacity.


    How can you call yourself royalty?


    I was very timid just because I was dealing with a demon.


    My father had admonished me at every turn, telling me to believe only what I saw with my own eyes and not to be misled by knowledge and rumors.


    I also don''t believe that this boy is as evil as he has been told.


    In my eyes, he''s just a boy who has nowhere else to go.


    If you can''t save one boy like him, what kind of family are you if you''re an adventurer king?


    "Inez ......, I''m asking you too. Can''t you give him a ride?


    "Mr. Linneburg, but right now...!


    Inez''s gaze traveled back and forth between me and the demon boy.


    She seemed to be lost.


    Her job is to keep me safe, I understand that. But...


    "There''s still room in the carriage. I think it''s safe to board. Is there a problem?


    Dr. Noll''s words were met with a bitter look from Inez.


    There is certainly room in the carriage, and normally a soldier like me would take care of a man like him.


    But it would be difficult to take him with us in this situation. In the first place, the Mithraic Kingdom is inaccessible to demons... it''s best to leave him here.


    What Ines said certainly made sense.


    This boy is the kind of person who would normally be held as a prisoner of war.


    If we take him with us to Mithra, the worst that can happen is that we''ll be accused of a crime.


    We can say that we''re going to Mithra to offer the bounty on our heads, and maybe we can even get in, but...


    I don''t want to do that, and I''m sure my teacher won''t allow it.


    Even if we left him in the middle of the city it would probably be difficult for him to survive on his own. ...... I''d rather leave him here in the middle of nowhere.


    "Well then, how about we go back to the capital?


    You''ll be able to get a lot more than just a few of these.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.


    Oh, yes. I''ve heard that you can''t go with them, and I thought it might be a good idea to send them back to King''s Landing.


    "...... No. ......


    The boy held his shoulders and began to shiver.


    "What''s the matter, are you cold?


    No, ...... no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    What do you mean?


    He told me we were pawns to draw the soldiers away from King''s Landing.


    After all, what this boy was doing was a diversionary tactic to draw the forces away from King''s Landing.


    My brother''s reading was correct.


    It seems that he was lucky enough to prevent the Black Death Dragon from running rampant in the neighboring cities, but...


    Perhaps a similar situation is developing in other places.


    Then we should go home even more.


    No, ......, that''s not what I mean. ......!��It''s dangerous. ......!


    Dangerous?


    "I heard that guy ...... say that the biggest guy in the city is going to King''s Landing ...... and when he does, "it''s all over for that city. ...... I heard him say that.


    ...... "It''s a spectacle that''s nothing compared to the Black Death Dragon," ...... he said, laughing. ......!


    What are you talking about, what is it?


    What are you talking about? ...... That''s why you shouldn''t go there. ...... I''m sure ...... you''ll die too... ...!


    The three of us looked at each other.


    The boy was crouching, shaking.


    "Ines... we must return to King''s Landing at once. Doctor, may I?


    "Yeah, I don''t know what''s going on, but I don''t think this is the time to be traveling around aimlessly.


    ...... Wait a minute. I don''t agree with you. ......!��I am...


    "Ines...


    I interrupted Ines.


    "I know. Your brother told you to do this, didn''t he?


    If anything happens to King''s Landing, you are to take me and flee to Mithra.


    "Mr. Linneburg, ...... why do you know that?


    You don''t have to ask me that.


    I''m her sister too, so I can guess what my brother might be thinking.


    Well, then, why...


    I thought it might be better that way.


    My brother is not the kind of person who gives orders without thinking.


    I think he has an agenda that I can''t fully understand.


    Then there''s ......!


    But... not now.


    We''ve gotten information from this boy.


    We should go back and tell him right now.


    There''s a crisis in King''s Landing.


    ...... Mr. Linneburg.


    I understand how you feel.


    I understand how you feel. But for now, you must think only of your own safety.


    I''m sure Master Raine had to make a difficult decision. ......!


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.��I''m sure you''re aware of how the demon tribe lost their country, right?��I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.


    Even if you can escape, you will probably end up suffering the same fate as them.


    Inez crouched on the ground and stared at the trembling demon boy as I spoke.


    I understand. Let''s go to King''s Landing. But, Miss Linneburg. But, Linneburg-sama, please do not leave my side... As a [divine shield], I will protect you with my life.


    "Thank you, Inez.


    ...... Speaking of which, what''s your name?


    The teacher called out to the trembling demon boy.


    The boy looked up and muttered.


    "......Rolo.......


    Lolo, or ......, is a nice short name. Very easy to remember.


    The teacher laughed, perhaps as a joke.


    The teacher laughed, perhaps as a joke, and then asked the boy.


    What about you, Rollo?��I heard that if you are afraid to go with me, it would be better to leave here.


    The boy looked a little lost, but shivered and muttered quietly.


    I''m going with you, .......


    The answer was a little surprising to me, given the way he had been acting.


    "I may not be able to do ...... anything, but I''m sure it''s my ...... friends who are doing it.


    I see.


    The teacher was silent, as if thinking about something, and turned around.


    He looks at the wreckage of the Black Death Dragon, occasionally looking sad, and shakes his head quietly.


    I''m sure he''s thinking about the boy''s background right now, and it''s hurting him.


    I didn''t even notice that, I was just worried about myself.


    The four of us quickly got into the carriage.


    As Roro, the demon boy, had said, there would probably be great danger awaiting us in King''s Landing.


    I feel uneasy.


    But... or if this person, Dr. Noor, is here.


    He might be able to break through this difficult situation.


    That''s what I''m hoping for.


    Well, my job now is not to run away.


    I have to send this person, who seems to have jumped straight out of this heroic tale, back to King''s Landing.


    Even if it costs me my life.


    Inez, hurry as fast as you can.


    "Yes.


    We drove the carriage in the opposite direction from where we came and headed for King''s Landing.

 27-27 The Visit of Ruin

    The prince has been running around the capital tirelessly.


    The dozens of "threats" that had been hiding in the capital became a reality.


    Starting with the appearance of one of them by the investigation team''s ��Cloaking Removal��, powerful demons appeared one after another, and as if the calm of this morning had been a lie, the capital was in great confusion.


    Fortunately, soldiers had already been dispatched to most of the hiding places, and the members of the Royal Sixth Army led by the Six Saints and the Adventurer Mercenaries organized by the Royal Capital Adventurer''s Guild were scattered throughout the capital to deal with the demons that had appeared.


    The battles were hard fought, but if it weren''t for the information brought by Lean, that man, and Noor, the situation would have been much worse.


    I can say that we are fighting the good fight because we had a party that had taken countermeasures in advance.


    There have been a lot of injuries, but fortunately there have been no deaths yet because the [monk] lineage was dispatched in time.


    All citizens within earshot have been evacuated to areas on the edge of the royal capital where safety has been confirmed.


    Not much damage has been done so far.


    Hundreds of buildings may fall, walls may fall, churches may fall, but as long as people remain, King''s Landing can be rebuilt.


    The loss is not great.


    Not yet.


    But not yet. There''s always next time.


    Perhaps the raids up to this point have been a diversion, a stepping stone for their next move... in which case, they''ll make their move here.


    When our pawns are confused, exhausted, and worn out, they will launch the next big wave...


    I know that.


    The problem is, we don''t know what that is.


    "Where is it?��Where is it coming from?


    The prince''s head spins frantically.


    He has been giving orders to his men without a break since last night, and he himself has been running around gathering information.


    But I don''t understand.


    I can''t gather any information at all.


    Right now, a covert army led by the Hidden Sage is searching the perimeter of the capital with all their might.


    They are scouting with a ferocity that lives up to their name, and it seems that they have already searched almost all of the land around the royal capital.


    And yet, they found nothing...


    There''s a high probability they''ll attack.


    But from where?


    Where is the enemy placing their pieces?


    The prince was at his wit''s end, looking up at the sky... when he noticed something.


    "What the hell is that?


    It was a slight feeling of... discomfort.


    A part of the sky was shimmering slightly.


    The discomfort seemed to be growing as he watched.


    "No way, it''s coming from the sky!


    I thought, "Oh no.


    This was not the time to be running around on the ground.


    I hadn''t ruled out the sky as a possibility.


    I thought I had instructed him to be alert.


    But only as far up as I could see.


    And if we go any further...


    There''s nothing we can do about it.


    The enemy was sending something from far above the alert range.


    "Concealment Removal...?


    The prince, needing to see the enemy as soon as possible, ripped off the transparent membrane that covered the "something" with [Cloaking Removal].


    Then...


    In the blink of an eye, a huge shadow fell over the royal capital.


    "What the hell, ......?


    It was the shadow of a creature.


    It was a creature that everyone knew about, but no one had ever seen before, but no one was allowed to see (???????).


    "No way... that''s ......?��No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!


    The prince could not immediately believe what he saw.


    No, he knew what he saw was real, but his instincts refused to believe it.


    Because the fact that it was there meant...


    It meant the destruction of King''s Landing.


    That''s absurd.��What the hell are they thinking?��What the hell were they thinking, using something like that in human flesh!��Are they really out of their minds?


    The prince was shouting in confusion.


    The prince was screaming in confusion, he couldn''t believe they were sane.


    No... they must be insane.


    If he wasn''t crazy, he couldn''t have done this.


    "I didn''t expect him to hit me with ...... something like that...!


    The prince looked up at the sky and fell to his knees on the ground without effort.


    The presence in the sky and the despair that rushed through his body took away his ability to even stand.


    It was a natural reaction for anyone who knew what it was.


    It was... the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune].


    A living myth that has lived for thousands of years and has been passed down through many legends.


    But it is undoubtedly a supernatural creature that exists in reality.


    It does indeed exist in reality... a nightmarish fairy tale.


    The many gouged mountains, the plains that were once great cities but were leveled overnight, the villages that were gouged, reshaped and turned into lakes... are proof of this history.


    "Why is this happening now?


    But the prince wondered.


    According to the records, the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] has only been asleep for about one hundred and fifty years.


    Normally, the active period is still a long way off, and it should be asleep for at least another two hundred years.


    So that means...


    You mean you woke them up with ...... your own hands?��Have they not learned anything from the tragedies of the past?


    Perhaps the dragon was awakened.


    By the hand of man.


    What a stupid thing to do ......!


    What a stupid thing to do ......!


    It''s definitely not something that should be touched. ......!��Why can''t they understand that?


    A tragedy that happened hundreds of years ago.


    The dragon, angered by the disturbance of his sleep, rampaged for ten years and turned the whole area into a scorched earth.


    No witnesses have survived, but there are many legends and anecdotes that have been passed down as historical facts, so everyone should know the history.


    In order not to repeat the foolish act...


    To prevent the repetition of foolishness.


    And yet...


    And yet...


    How could they be so foolish as to use it in a war between people?


    It''s not something that can be managed by human hands.


    Encounter is death.


    Its appearance means the annihilation of the whole area.


    That giant dragon is also known as the "Demon Dragon of Country Collapse," and there is no shortage of anecdotes of countries being destroyed by it.


    Such a legendary existence - the most forbidden of all abominations that people must not touch - is now flapping its wings leisurely over the royal capital, heading for the royal castle where my father still remains.


    "It''s over, everything is over...


    The anger that had risen in the prince''s body was quickly swallowed up by despair.


    This is the end of King''s Landing.


    There''s nothing I can do.


    There is no one who can manage this situation.


    There can''t be.


    This is real, not a fairy tale.


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    The prince mustered his last remaining will and managed to stand his ground.


    But not everything is hopeless.


    There is still something we can do.


    There are things that need to be done right now, at this moment.


    The prince stood by his side and instructed his liaison officer, who had gone rigid.


    "Evacuate all those gathered in the shelters to the outside of King''s Landing right now.


    If any of them try to stay, forcibly remove them and take them out...


    Remember, not a single person is to be left in King''s Landing. ......!


    Ha...!


    The liaison officer who received the order immediately rushed to send a message.


    At the same time, the prince, in order to give the order himself...


    At the same time, the prince ran as fast as he could, feeling the huge shadow above his head.


    It was no longer a battle to protect the capital...


    The battle to abandon the capital and survive was about to begin.

 28-28 Return to the Royal Capital

    We were driving the carriage towards the capital.


    Up to this point, we had maintained full speed, knowing that we were pushing the horses too hard.


    Thanks to our efforts, in less than half the time it took us to get to Mithra, we were back within sight of the walls of the capital and the spires of the royal castle rising in the center.


    But the sky over the city was dark and hazy, a far cry from when we had left in the morning.


    "I didn''t expect it to be this bad...!


    Inez, who was controlling the reins of the carriage, stared at the sky of King''s Landing with a tense expression.


    Black smoke rising here and there...


    The smell of something burning wafting in the wind.


    The smoke wasn''t coming from one or two places.


    There were dozens of them, from one end of the city to the other...


    It was as if all of King''s Landing was on fire.


    I could understand why my brother wanted to keep me away from King''s Landing.


    But to think that we were willing to run away on our own at a time like this...


    Even after all this time, I''m still ashamed of my lack of forethought.


    "Hmm?��What is that...?


    At that time, Dr. Noor muttered as if he had found something.


    "What''s wrong, ......?


    The doctor was quietly looking up at the sky.


    He was looking up at the sky, almost straight up.


    I have a feeling something''s coming from up there.


    "Up there...?


    I tried to stare at it, but I couldn''t see anything.


    The doctor pointed far up in the sky, just above King''s Landing.


    There, right there. Can''t you see it?


    "No, I don''t see anything...!


    As I stared in the direction he was pointing, I gradually saw that something was indeed descending from the dim sky above the capital.


    It was a minute flicker that could only be described as a slight discomfort.


    But that flicker was too big.


    It seemed to cover almost the entire sky of King''s Landing...


    It''s hard to believe that it''s the size of a single organism.


    The next person to speak up was Inez.


    At the same time, everyone in the room gasped.


    "Oh, my God...!


    As all of us stared up at the sky in amazement, the "thing" appeared.


    Perhaps someone had used the [Concealment Removal].


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    "...... eh ......?


    I was rendered speechless by the sheer size of the thing.


    I had never seen a creature that large before.


    But I''ve seen him before.


    It''s a legendary being that''s been depicted in all sorts of lore - picture books, illustrated books, grimoires, history books.


    It''s a legendary existence that''s been depicted in all kinds of books.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure if it''s really ......!


    I couldn''t believe what I saw with my own eyes right away.


    I was stunned when I saw the figure floating in the sky of the capital.


    Both Inez and Rollo seemed to be at a loss for words when they saw what appeared before them.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    In the event that you do not know the legend of the evil dragon, and even if it is not the evil dragon, it is obvious from the scene in front of you.


    The dragon seemed to be heading straight for the royal castle.


    "Father...


    I muttered to myself.


    Perhaps my father is there now.


    The Royal Castle of the Kingdom of Crais serves as a command center in times of emergency.


    In the event of an emergency in the capital, the king, the supreme commander, is supposed to look over the capital from there and deal with it.


    The one who sent it must have known that and sent him to the royal castle.


    No matter how brave my father is, he can''t take on something like that.


    What awaits him there is certain death.


    The destruction of King''s Landing, the death of the king.


    In other words, it''s the country''s...


    "Lean.


    My mind was full of thoughts, but I came to my senses at the sound of my teacher''s voice.


    "That''s... not a very good situation, is it?


    The doctor asked me quietly.


    "Yes, very much.


    I tried to keep my voice as calm as I could in my confused head.


    It seems to be the very existence of the legendary [evil dragon of disaster].


    And that''s where your father is. If that dragon gets there... and if it gets into the capital... the capital, the capital...


    But he couldn''t say anything else.


    I don''t know what the hell I''m talking about.


    What would be the point of telling Dr. Noll such a thing?


    We''re a long way from King''s Landing now.


    There''s nothing we can do from here.


    Even if we could get there, what the hell could we do...


    Then we''ll have to do what we can to help. If we run now,......, we might be able to make it. Can you do what you did with the last goblin?


    "......Eh, ......?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    That''s where I''m going.


    And by "that"...


    You mean "windblast"?��If that''s the case, then yes, I can do it if I want to, at ......, but...


    I''m sure I''ll just get in the way, but ...... maybe I can buy you some time. I''ve been indebted to that town and to Lean''s father, and I want to be of some help.


    He said calmly, as if it was nothing at all.


    Then he smiled at me.


    That''s when my doubts were lifted.


    I might not make it.


    It couldn''t be.


    Because...


    Dr. Noll said I could make it.


    So I made a quick decision.


    I''m going to do everything I can to get him there.


    Wind Blast, an advanced wind-based attack spell.


    It''s not something you would normally fire at a person.


    It''s so powerful that if you hit it directly, ordinary demons will be scattered to dust, and if you hit a house, it will blow down several houses.


    That''s why I hesitated when I fired at Dr. Noor''s back in the previous battle.


    If I had injured him,......, I''m sure I wouldn''t have used even half of my full strength.


    But... I didn''t hesitate anymore.


    Because I knew I didn''t have to.


    The doctor didn''t seem to have sustained any damage after that.


    Not even a scratch...


    Normally, this would be unthinkable, but for him, it must have felt like a gentle breeze.


    Everything about him is out of the ordinary...


    So in order to live up to his expectations, I decided to put all of my energy into shooting [Wind Blast].


    There is no need to hesitate or go easy on me.


    The one who is in front of me right now is none other than Dr. Noor.


    "I understand, Inez. I need your help.


    Yes.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can call us at our own website.


    Point it horizontally in the direction of the royal capital, and have your teacher stand at the tip of it...


    I put my hands on the other side of the "tube of light".


    Then... let''s go. The impact will be far less than before, so please bear with me.


    "What...?


    I instantly focused my consciousness and began to prepare to fire all my magic power at Dr. Noor''s back.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    At the same time, in order to further increase the energy of the [Wind Blast], which is powerful enough to blow away a citadel with a single blast, I activate the [Multicast], which was handed down to me by the [Demon Saint] Mr. Oken.


    My limit is three chants with each hand.


    With both hands, it''s "sixfold chanting"...


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''ll use that power to push Dr. Noor out of the way...


    This is the best I can come up with on the spur of the moment - the maximum I can do right now.


    I finished all the preparations while taking one deep breath.


    I can only do so much.


    At most, I can break the speed of sound.


    There''s no way I can reach the dragon with that.


    But sir...


    If it''s Mr. Noll...


    "Here I go... [Wind Blast]


    This is the first time that I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    It''s also a great way to make sure you don''t get caught in the middle.


    You''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.


    Even after deploying all the defensive magic to withstand the impact, it was still this powerful.


    Taking this hit on his back, Sensei...


    He... disappeared without a sound.


    At least, to my eyes, it looked like he simply disappeared.


    But immediately after, the road leading to the capital caved in.


    And just like the footprints of giants, the road was punctured with one big hole after another, and from there, the ground split wide open. The cracks gradually extended towards the royal capital...


    Suddenly, the earth shook violently.


    A tremendous earthquake...


    It was as if a huge meteorite had struck the earth.


    At the same time, far in the distance, I saw something jump up.


    It looked like a figure holding a black sword in its hand...


    "Sir... good luck.


    The shadow seemed to be sucked in by the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] floating in the skies of King''s Landing, and instantly disappeared from sight.

 29-29 The End of the King

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    It''s one thing to keep a tight rein on power that''s beyond your control, and it''s another to not dare to use it.


    The king said this, and the man laughed mockingly.


    That''s why you''re still king of a small country, you''re not fit to be king.


    And...


    "''Your country is easy to crush by force. If you can''t accept our terms to let you live, then be prepared to die. He''s really living up to his threats, isn''t he?


    I knew what to expect.


    I was aware that he was dangerous.


    But I was naive... so soon.


    I didn''t expect him to do it on such a large scale and without hesitation.


    Somewhere deep down, I underestimated him as a man.


    He only wants the labyrinth that lies beneath the ground.


    He doesn''t care about the people, culture, or history above it.


    He''d said it so clearly.


    Perhaps the man was right, and I was never meant to be a king.


    He''s a simple-minded man with no aptitude for politics.


    It is more suitable for him to wield a sword without thinking than to lead his subjects.


    Just a few days ago, the king himself took care of the demons that suddenly appeared and killed three goblin emperors that were running rampant in the city.


    But with his aging body, that was all he could do... He left the rest to the prince and his vassals, and served as a liaison and coordinator on the spires of the royal castle, watching the battle and giving orders...


    Now, his son, Prince Rain, is practically in charge of everything on the ground.


    In the event that you are a 15 year old adult, you may want to get some experience as the next generation of the country''s leaders. ...... I entrusted him with the handling of intelligence units and internal affairs, and he quickly achieved more than I expected.


    If that is the case, I gave him the command of the [Royal Capital Six Corps] led by the [Six Saints] and sent him to defeat the thunder dragon, and he completed the project with great, no, unimaginable skill.


    That son of mine is now far more capable than I am as king...


    This country will run smoothly even if I''m no longer here.


    His advance warning of the crisis was excellent, and his order to evacuate everyone was perfectly swift.


    The human casualties were controlled, and although they struggled to deal with the demons that appeared, they made steady progress and regained the upper hand...


    And yet, the king was in this mess.


    "This is all my fault... I can''t even ask for forgiveness.


    The worst possible outcome is that I misjudged the course of negotiations with the emperor.


    This is the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] that is now looming before our eyes.


    It is the symbol of doom that has been passed down throughout the continent, and the embodiment of despair itself.


    It''s a great way to make sure that you don''t end up in a situation where you can''t get out of it.


    [Sword Saint] Sig.


    [Shield Saint] Dundargu.


    [Archer] Mianne.


    [Sage] Karou.


    [Saint of Magic] Oaken.


    [Healing Saint] Thane.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I can trust them more than anyone, my friends.


    If they had all been here, things might have been a little different.


    But now, all the [Six Saints] have left for various places in the capital.


    In order to quell the chaos in the capital as soon as possible, they are scattered in various directions and are taking command in their own places.


    It''s different from the past.


    They are already important positions within the framework of the nation.


    We can''t keep them all in one place.


    Besides, the series of disturbances that have engulfed the entire capital was probably a large-scale diversionary tactic to disperse their power, which is the main force of the Kingdom of Crais... I know that, but I had to take it in order to protect the lives of the people.


    So I have no regrets in ordering the king to scatter and deal with it himself.


    It''s just that the enemy was one or two steps ahead of us.


    But to think that they would go to such lengths, and with such impunity.


    I''m really, really sorry.


    I''m so sorry.


    To the people who followed this foolish king.


    To my son and daughter for not giving me the country I love.


    And for the long history of the country that he has cut short.


    The king drew his long sword and quietly held it up, deeply regretting that he had brought all of this to such a crisis through his own fault.


    I''m not going to go so far as to atone for my sins, but I''ll at least take one of your eyes.


    It''s the one eye of the legendary [Demon Dragon of Misfortune].


    If you''re willing to bet your life on it, you can do that.


    You can''t defeat it, but you can at least leave a mark on it.


    Even in the face of death, the king felt his blood boil.


    It was a nostalgic feeling from when he was an adventurer diving into labyrinths with his friends.


    When he became aware of this, the king smiled.


    I''m not fit to be a king after all.


    I''m much better suited to holding a sword like this.


    Even if you are such a foolish person, you can still take revenge by changing your body.


    My hand grasped the sword with strength.


    The king took one step at a time toward the edge of the balcony to deliver the final blow.


    But...


    The jaws of the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] opened wide.


    When he saw something shining behind it, the king stopped his steps.


    "I thought I could at least strike a blow, but... I was hoping for at least a blow, but I didn''t realize that I wouldn''t even be allowed to get a shot off.


    What was about to be unleashed from the mouth of the demon dragon was the legendary "Breath".


    It is said to have blown away many mountains, burned countries, and returned cities to the plains [light of destruction].


    You can''t just laugh it off as just a legend.


    You''ll know it when you see it.


    The magic density is so abnormal that the surrounding space appears distorted.


    If I let it loose, not only my life but the entire city''s in danger.


    What it will bring is ''absolute destruction'' as the legend goes.


    No matter how many magical barriers you put up, it won''t help.


    The king instantly gave up his resistance.


    "I''m sorry, Leanne.


    In the face of death, all he cared about was his daughter, Leanne.


    His son, Rain, seemed to be worried about his sister''s safety and decided to send her to Mithra, where she had studied as a child, but...


    Even if he manages to escape to Mithra, there will be many difficulties waiting for him.


    His country is also in league with the Magic Empire. It''s probably only a little better than the other three surrounding countries.


    The path taken by the exiled royal family is well known.


    But that man, the man who received the Black Sword, Noor...


    If he was with him, then...


    That''s what the prince must have thought.


    He sent her with Inez, who has been Lean''s bodyguard since she was a child.


    Hopefully, she will survive and live a happy life. That''s all I can think about.


    I''m appalled.


    At a time like this, when the country is on the verge of extinction, the head of the kingdom is only worried about his own daughter.


    I guess I''m not fit to be king after all.


    But at least for the last time, I must be true to my duty.


    The king threw away his beloved long sword and grabbed one of the labyrinth relics, the Demon Sword of Explosions, and poured all of his magic power into it.


    To put everything into the next blow.


    The king began to prepare to jump into the mouth of the dragon in front of him.


    Even if I can''t get the other eye, I''ll at least stop that breath from going off before it kills me.


    The rest of the way, my excellent son and his vassals will surely pave the way for me.


    I have to believe that.


    Come on. I''ll show you what people are made of.


    And so, the depths of the dragon''s mouth shone brightly, and the space around it distorted greatly...


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.


    I saw something jump into the corner of my eye.


    "What...?


    It flew straight towards me without a sound.


    It flew straight towards me without a sound, and with a tremendous speed, it was sucked into the head of the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune]...


    "Parry.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    At the same time, the vast amount of magic power condensed in the mouth of the [evil dragon] became a ray of light and was released into the sky of the royal capital.


    The streak of light drew an arc in the sky, tearing apart the clouds, and fell like a meteor on the plains beyond, dyeing the entire area white with light.


    The blast came late.


    An unbelievable storm that threatened to blow away even stone buildings...


    Houses made of wood and brick were crushed and collapsed in an instant.


    But in the midst of the raging light and wind, the king saw.


    He saw the dragon''s head fall to the ground and a man he knew from somewhere.


    That man, with the Black Sword in his hand that the King himself once carried on his adventures...


    In the midst of the debris dancing in the wind, he fell far downward along with the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune].

 30-30 Ill parry the dragon

    The dragon was puzzled as it fell.


    Why am I falling from the sky?


    Why is he falling towards the ground?


    I was sure I was going to shoot the light at those wise little people.


    And the light was released.


    I thought so.


    No, it had to be.


    Because the light that will destroy everything is shining right in front of me.


    Then why?


    I thought I shot the light straight at the little ones with the intention of feeding it to them.


    Why is it in the sky?


    And why am I falling as I look at it?


    The dragon wondered.


    As he fell, his back, covered with scales harder than crystal, crushed stone structures one after another, breaking the earth with a roar and sinking his body into the ground - the dragon still did not understand.


    What the hell was going on?


    He wondered.


    This is not right.


    It was as if he had been flung away (???????) by something.


    In the midst of the dust and debris flying high in the sky, as he wondered and tried to raise himself up, the dragon suddenly saw the figure of an object.


    A small being with a black needle-like object in its hand.


    It was the same thing he had seen just before he had tried to shine his light.


    It stood quietly on the stormy ground, staring at the dragon''s figure.


    Oh, that''s it.


    Is it because of this?


    This is what made me this way.


    This is the one who covered my scales with dust.


    So this is the one who did it.


    The dragon was furious when he realized it.


    There was no pain or injury to the body.


    But I couldn''t forgive it.


    I don''t know how this little one did it.


    I don''t know what tricks he''s played.


    But... he did something.


    And that''s what got in the way of what I was trying to do.


    That''s what the dragon believes.


    I''ll never forgive him.


    The dragon''s roar of anger resonated with the earth and shook the sky.


    There was no particular reason for his anger.


    I will crush anything that stands in my way.


    Those who resist will be torn apart and chewed without mercy.


    It was like an instinct etched deep within the dragon''s body.


    If the dragon wanted to, there would be nothing left of the bodies of the little ones.


    That was the absolute result and the whole experience of the dragon for thousands of years.


    So the dragon swung its proud claws, which were several times the size of the little one''s body, at the unpleasant creature in front of it without hesitation.


    But...


    "Parry!


    The dragon didn''t understand what was happening at first.


    The dragon''s claws did indeed swing down.


    The dragon''s claws, which had torn apart mountains, crushed the petty castles of the little people, and torn apart his own kind, slammed down with all the force they could muster.


    With a roar, the earth cracked and sank.


    With a roar, the earth cracked and sank, crushing the smaller ones into a single stain.


    It was supposed to.


    But somehow, the little being is not crushed by his claws.


    On the contrary, it seems to be passing through (???????).


    That would never happen.


    With that in mind, the dragon turned around to take a tail strike with its long tail, which boasted an even greater mass.


    With this, the dragon has smashed and shattered even the hardest scaled of his kind.


    Those clever little bastards are nothing to me...


    With that thought in mind, he turned his body and spun his tail with all his might.


    In the process, hundreds of dwellings built by the little ones and several masonry walls were crushed and broken one after another, sending up a cloud of dust.


    The dragon listened to the rumbling sound and swung its proud tail, covered with scales much harder than iron, as hard as it could to strike the annoying little ones.


    This time, it would not be able to stop him, he thought, filling his mind with feelings of pleasure.


    But...


    "Parry!


    Immediately after, the dragon felt a strange sensation in his body...


    The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground on his back.


    When he looked up, he saw his long tail flying high in the sky.


    "��������? ��������


    The dragon did not know what had happened.


    And then...


    You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


    He just held a black object in one hand - that meaningless little needle thing that the little ones always like to hold in their hands - and stood there quietly as if nothing had happened.


    What the hell is this?


    What the hell is going on?


    The dragon wondered.


    It''s as if... the little guy had just knocked off his own tail (?????).


    No, no.


    That''s not possible.


    That must be some kind of mistake.


    Yes.


    I should''ve done that from the beginning.


    Unleash your most prized means of destruction, the light, the breath.


    With that thought in mind, the dragon opens its jaws and rapidly concentrates the vast amount of magic power it has stored up over hundreds of years of sleep into its throat.


    Then, the space around it distorts as if it were cracking.


    The magic power increases in the back of his throat, and he feels it getting very hot.


    The dragon, who has no facial muscles, laughs in his heart.


    Yes, this is it.


    This is the way to go.


    There is no way you can make a mistake.


    There''s no way...


    Because there has never been a creature that didn''t disappear by doing this.


    The dragon reawakened thousands of years of memories and confirmed its own righteousness.


    And it concluded.


    This is the end of the little guy.


    This is the end of the fool who defied the dragon, the pinnacle of all living things... the dragon never doubted that.


    Immediately, a huge amount of magic power converged in the back of the dragon''s throat... reaching critical mass.


    And so...


    And so it was that the dragon was able to destroy the lands of the little princes without a trace.


    Crumbling mountains, changing the shape of the earth.


    The dragon''s prized light, which has burned away all manner of unsavory enemies for thousands of years...


    The dragon''s vaunted "light", which has burned away all sorts of unwanted enemies for thousands of years, is now unleashed on a single "little thing".


    In an instant, the area turns white, and a line of magic, promising certain destruction to anyone who touches it, shoots from the dragon''s mouth... straight to the little annoyance.


    Now, no matter what happens, it''s over - the dragon narrowed his eyes with certainty.


    But...


    "Parry!


    The light that the dragon was so proud of, that he had shot with all his might, was easily flicked upwards and out into the sky, making a meaningless dent somewhere in the distance.


    Why?


    Why is this happening?


    But the dragon finally understood.


    There''s no doubt about it.


    It''s him...


    This is the one that interfered with the breath that I tried to release in the air.


    It''s because of him that I couldn''t satisfy my desire to destroy and overrun.


    The dragon finally admitted it.


    This... this little one is the enemy.


    A nasty little thing with the power to interfere with him.


    That''s how powerful and unpleasant he is.


    A small thing.


    He is standing in front of you, the dragon, as your "enemy".


    Knowing this, the dragon became even angrier.


    That was unacceptable.


    I don''t care what happens now.


    I''ll make you disappear completely!


    I''m gonna lay you out again and again and again.


    Not a single piece of you, not a single piece of flesh, not a single bone will be allowed to exist.


    Complete and utter annihilation.


    That is the end and the inevitable result of those who defy the dragon.


    There are no exceptions.


    And so will this little one.


    We will.


    I can''t help it.


    The dragon''s instincts of destruction and violation awakened.


    The dragon''s instinct to destroy and ravage is awakened. From there, it unleashes all of its power into every attack in order to crush the annoying existence.


    It no longer cared if its own body was hurt.


    The only thing that mattered was that the unpleasant little person in front of me would scatter and disappear.


    With each blow, the ground was gouged, the earth was shaken, and all of the little one''s structures within sight were smashed.


    The dragon''s instincts dictate that it destroys everything it sees.


    The only thing left to do now is to let go.


    Before you know it, it''s all over.


    All that''s left is an airy plain of rubble.


    Then, after you''ve destroyed everything and you feel better, you go back to bed... and sleep. For hundreds of years.


    It would happen again this time... it had to.


    The dragon didn''t have to think about it, he was sure of it, and once again, a feeling of pleasure filled his heart.


    But...


    But as he continued to attack the little one over and over again, his anger and pleasure were gradually transformed into something else.


    Doubt. Doubt.


    And... confusion.


    The dragon thought as he watched the little one holding the small black needle in front of him.


    Why is this little one still alive...?


    Wasn''t he supposed to be attacking with all his might right now?


    Why isn''t it dead?


    Why is it moving?


    And...


    Why are my claws and scales so damaged?


    The dragon''s prized claws and scales, which were supposed to be unharmable, harder than iron and crystal, even vajra would be hard to damage.


    They are as fragile and damaged as if they were pieces of wood or something.


    This has never happened to me before.


    And then the dragon noticed something else.


    This little thing had no intent to kill him.


    Not once did it even show any sign of attacking.


    It''s as if it doesn''t even recognize the dragon as an enemy.


    Even though the dragon, this dragon, has properly acknowledged this little one as an enemy.


    This situation is familiar to me.


    The dragon always dismissed as insignificant those who came at it with hostility.


    Their hostility and "attacks" are nothing to itch for the dragon.


    You can let them do whatever they want to you - just smash them whenever you feel like it, whenever you feel like it.


    Because they are weak.


    They''re not even the enemy.


    That''s why the dragon was never hostile.


    But now...


    The situation I''m in right now, wielding my claws...


    This is like...


    This situation is like...


    Isn''t this just like the weak waving their claws at the strong?


    The dragon was furious.


    That''s not acceptable.


    I will not tolerate such arrogance from the weak.


    Only you, the strong, are allowed to be arrogant.


    The dragon''s pride is engraved deep in his body.


    The instinct of the absolute.


    And so the dragon pounced with his prized fangs, harder than anything else, which could bite through a vajra.


    But the little one waited quietly for the dragon''s bite... and then...


    And then he grasped the black needle-like object in his hand...


    "Parry.


    The dragon''s bared fangs were smashed and its neck was bent... and it was rolled to the ground once again in a heap.


    "��������? ��������


    The dragon crushed the earth with its own momentum, and as it sank into the ground it ruminated on what had just happened.


    The anger had passed.


    Next came the question.


    And then... he was sure.


    The dragon realized.


    It had to.


    �������� The world is ruled by the strong. ��������


    The strong rule the weak...


    The "weak" must obey the "strong.


    This is the principle and instinct of the dragon.


    It''s the only logical way for a dragon to live.


    So the dragon, being the dragon that it is, has no choice but to acknowledge its instincts.


    Now the "weak one" is himself.


    That he is now the loser, the one who is forced to submit.


    And once he understood that, his instincts told him what to do.


    He did what his instincts told him a loser should do.


    That is to say, lie on the ground on your neck and stomach, rub your head against the ground, close your eyes...


    The dragon then crouched down with his head in front of the little one.


    For the first time in his life, the dragon assumed a posture of submission.

 31-31 Battle of Wang City

    We abandoned the carriage, and the three of us mounted our horses and hurried to the Royal City.


    We were a few minutes behind Dr. Noor.


    By the time we were about to enter the city, debris was flying around the center of the royal city, and the towering royal castle had crumbled into fragments.


    The fumes rising all around the area - right now, the teacher is fighting against the [evil dragon of disaster] on the other side.


    You can''t see him directly, but it''s a tremendous sight.


    Every time the demon dragon makes a move, an earthquake occurs, the buildings in the eastern section of the royal capital are destroyed in the blink of an eye, the houses in front of us fall down, and the area is turned into a clearing one after another.


    Above all, from time to time, the dragon would release a tremendously powerful magic ray - that was the legendary "Breath" of the demon dragon - the "Light of Doom".


    A few of them fell on the distant plains and made holes in the ground.


    There is a battle going on over there that could change the surrounding terrain.


    It''s hard to believe that this is a battle between man and dragon.


    But Professor Noor is indeed fighting that demon dragon.


    The dragon''s relentless attacks are proof of that.


    He''s like a real hero out of a heroic tale...


    Something''s coming...!


    At the sound of Inez''s voice, I turned around, and for a moment my body froze.


    There they were... the three Goblin Emperors.


    The three giants were running towards us in a swarm.


    "...?


    One of them scooped up debris from the ground with its huge hands and threw it at us one after another.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.


    You''ll be able to''t get rid of it.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    But there is no way to prevent it - the horse is struck by debris and its head is crushed.


    We lost our horses and were thrown to the ground.


    "Stay close to me, please.


    Inez creates the Shield of Light in front of us again.


    The Goblin Emperors approached us in an instant and struck us all at once, but the Shield of Light blocked them.


    "Thank you for your help, Inez.


    But if you don''t...


    Inez''s voice is strained.


    I know.


    We''re surrounded now.


    There''s nowhere to run.


    There''s no way out.


    The Goblin Emperor is a monster, but even Dr. Noll had a hard time with it.


    If we, the helpless ones, were to be surrounded...


    Surrounded by a monster of such stature that I could barely move, my legs cowered in fear.


    But I can''t just run away here.


    There is no escape.


    What would you do in a situation like this?


    If you were here... what would you say?


    "Don''t be afraid, he''s just a goblin...


    I''m going to try and say that.


    As soon as I said it, the trembling in my legs mysteriously subsided.


    That''s right.


    What are you fighting now, doctor?


    He''s fighting to the death against that legendary [evil dragon of disaster].


    If I''m going to become a disciple of someone like that... and I''m cowed by a mere goblin...


    I''m sure my teacher will be disgusted with me again.


    Let''s deal with them calmly... first, we''ll stop them one by one.


    Yes, sir.


    I''m going to stitch them to the ground with ice... [Icicle Dance]


    I will create countless blocks of ice and throw them at the Goblin Emperors.


    But they are quick.


    No matter how many times I repeat it, I can''t hit them.


    I don''t care if it''s Mr. Noll, there''s no way I can keep up with that speed.


    A cold sweat breaks out on my forehead.


    I''ll stop it. ......


    The demon boy behind us, Rollo, stepped forward and opened his mouth.


    "Don''t move...


    "Gegah.


    At that moment, one of the Goblin Emperors stopped moving.


    Now. Now.


    "Icicle Dance.


    At the feet of one of the goblin emperors that stopped moving, I shot a block of ice at once.


    I hit it.


    The ice blocks I created froze the Goblin Emperor''s legs, destroying them and sewing him to the ground.


    It will heal quickly... Inez, finish it with the sword.


    "Yes.


    Inez released the shield of light that had been covering us and created a long sword of light in its place.


    He held it silently and swung it out horizontally.


    "[Divine Sword]".


    A ray of light flashed horizontally, and the goblin''s head flew off.


    At the same time, all of the surrounding houses cracked horizontally... and collapsed with a resounding crash.


    "First of all...


    Inez confirmed that the goblins had stopped moving and removed her sword from her hand.


    Inez, the divine sword.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time with your family.


    In addition to the absolute protection of the Shield of Light, Inez can also handle the Sword of Light.


    A sword of absolute severance that will surely cut through even the armor of an orichalcon if it strikes.


    "Two more...


    We looked up at the sky.


    The remaining Goblin Emperors had avoided the Sword of Light and were leaping high into the air.


    That''s a hell of a reaction time.


    As the goblin emperors attacked us from the air, Inez caught them with her Shield of Light... and just as they landed, Rollo stopped them again.


    "Don''t move...


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    It''s hard to believe that this is the same child who was so frightened of us just a few minutes ago.


    I can understand why demons are feared all over the world as a race.


    But this child must be...


    I''m sure she came all this way to save Professor Noll.


    She was so afraid of him, yet she''s standing here with all her courage.


    "Cocytus.


    I activated the skill to freeze the ground and turn my opponent into an ice statue.


    I stitched him to the ground with ice, and Inez cut off his head... And just as we were finishing off all of the Goblin Emperors, the roar in the area suddenly stopped.


    "Doctor...?


    It''s over.


    The battle between the demon dragon and man is over.


    If the noise has stopped, it means one of them has won and one of them has lost.


    Let''s hurry. Maybe you need our help.


    "������������ Yes.


    We have to get rid of the demons.


    We hurried to the heart of the city, where the dust was still rising.

 32-32 Dialogue with dragons

    "�������� thought I was going to die.


    I really thought I was going to die.


    As I was being blown here, the sheer force of Lean''s magic knocked me out for a moment.


    And when I came to, there was the ground in front of me.


    I immediately understood the meaning of the situation, that my body was flying horizontally in the air.


    (�������� If I crash like this, I''ll die.)


    No, maybe not deadly, but at least I would not get away with it.


    I desperately kicked the ground and took a few steps, running with the same momentum, and managed to avoid crashing.


    However, my relief was short-lived. �������� Now the walls of the royal capital loomed in front of my face with tremendous force.


    I almost collided with the wall, but I immediately stepped on the ground with both feet and leapt �������� to my death.


    The next thing you know, you''re over the wall and you''ve managed to save yourself.


    The dragon''s head appeared in front of me. It had seemed so far away just now. But now it was right in front of me.


    Those scales look solid. If I hit it, I''ll be in worse trouble than the city walls.


    I thought, and swung the black sword with all my might.


    I managed to kill the momentum of the dragon''s head without my body hitting it, and avoided a collision.


    Also at ��������. Then came the hard part.


    The next thing I knew, I found myself on the ground, facing the dragon, with debris flying in the wind storm.


    (�������� What the hell is going on here?


    I was confused anyway.


    It was too much of a blink of an eye for me to really understand what was going on. ...... But more than that, I looked at the huge creature in front of me and couldn''t understand why I was here.


    �������� Yes, that''s a dragon.


    I know that even I know that it is a supernatural monster that always appears in fairy tales and legends.


    I''ve never seen one before, but ...... it''s really, really big.


    I''ve never seen anything like it before.


    It looks much more fierce than I imagined, and much, much bigger than it looks from a distance.


    I can see its heaven-shattering body raising its claws in an attempt to crush me.


    But I was watching the movements of such a huge creature with a strange feeling.


    Man and dragon. The difference in size was more desperate than I had imagined.


    I should have been more terrified to face such a thing, but...


    Strangely enough, the dragon in front of me didn''t seem that scary.


    After being blown away so fast, and feeling death over and over again, I wondered if something had paralyzed me.


    The dragon''s movements felt incredibly slow.


    The dragon is certainly big, but it''s also big enough to know exactly what it''s going to do next.


    Then �������� you may not be able to fight it properly, but you may be able to avoid it.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to be doing.


    "Parry!


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    �������� It was surprisingly easy to pass it off. Of course, it is incredibly heavy.


    Of course, it was incredibly heavy, far more powerful than a raging bull or goblin.


    But I felt it was not as heavy as I had imagined.


    In terms of impact strength, Lean''s blow that had blown me this far was much more powerful.


    It really felt like I was close to death, but ...... even with that blow, I''m still alive.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s not afraid of the dragon''s claws. ��������


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time and money.


    I ducked and dodged their attacks with minimal movement, and avoided the occasional debris and rock fragments that flew at me.


    It''s a repetitive process, but once you get used to the fact that dragons don''t have many different ways of attacking, it''s not that difficult.


    Once you get used to them, it''s not that hard. ...... The occasional blow from their huge tails was really scary, though.


    I''ve been wondering about this for a while.


    I''ve been wondering about this for a while, but no matter how hard I hit it, it doesn''t seem to cause any new damage.


    "�������� gua......


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    Suddenly, the dragon in front of me stopped attacking and became quiet.


    I was at the end of my strength, so I was relieved and thought, "Thank God. That was my first thought.


    But then I looked at the dragon crouching in front of me and wondered.


    What the hell is going on ......?


    This dragon''s posture.


    It looks like it''s sleeping, but its eyes are open and staring right at you.


    It was as if it was in a defenseless position, as if it wanted to kill or kill me at will.


    I was puzzled, but then I thought.


    Perhaps this is a chance of a lifetime, I thought.


    The dragon''s head was suddenly presented in front of me.


    The hero of the adventure story that I was familiar with as a child chopped off the head of the evil dragon that confronted him and won the battle, becoming a being praised as a "dragon slayer.


    The scales, claws, fangs, bones, and other parts of the defeated dragon became materials for high-quality weapons and armor, and brought great prosperity to the land.


    My father used to tell me stories of such heroes when I was young.


    I don''t know how many times I wished I could be like him, the hero of the dragon slaying story.


    Now, if I can slay this dragon, maybe I can become the hero of the heroic tale I''ve always wanted to be.


    But ��������


    "...... I''m not going to be a hero, you know.


    I looked at the docile dragon and shook my head.


    This dragon is definitely a ''bad dragon''.


    I''m sure it''s not the only one.


    But right now, this dragon is holding out its head to me as if it wants me to kill it.


    It''s not trying to resist at all.


    On the contrary, when I make eye contact with it, I feel as if it is pining for me.


    ...... I couldn''t stop thinking about it.


    I''m starting to feel sorry for killing this dragon.


    "I can''t �������� kill this thing.


    I gave up and relaxed my grip on my sword.


    I don''t mind killing prey for food, vermin that destroy fields, or animals that attack me.


    However, killing an animal that is showing signs of obedience like this is still not my favorite thing to do.


    I don''t care if it''s a dragon that''s just been rampaging.


    ...... Anyway... I''m not sure why it changed so abruptly.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    It''s as if they were ordered by something, suddenly.


    Suddenly, I felt the presence of someone behind me, I turned around and finally understood the situation.


    So that''s what it was.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had a bit of trouble.


    "�������� sir!��I''m sure you''re fine. Are you hurt, ......?


    Yeah, I''m fine. It''s just a scratch, but it''s healed.


    ............ What?��...... healed?


    The impact of Lean''s magic may have caused some cracks in the bones, but they healed while we were fighting.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    �������� Rollo. Thank you so much for saving my life. Thanks to you, I''m alive.


    "............What?


    This time, Rolo looked at him strangely.


    "No, ...... not Rolo?��I''m not sure what to do.


    "No ......, no ......, this is not me. ......?


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.


    What?��No?��...... really?


    He now bobbed his head vertically.


    ...... Are you sure?


    No, I''m sure it''s not.


    He was frightened earlier when he said that some people feared his power.


    That''s why she doesn''t want others to know that she controlled such a huge dragon.


    Maybe he thinks we''ll be scared of him.


    But you can''t hide something like that forever.


    Above all, there is no way that such a wonderful talent should be buried, much less belittled.


    He doesn''t want to admit it, but I honestly think it''s a shame.


    Well, whatever. That''s all right, Rollo. I need a favor.


    ...... A favor?


    Can you send the dragon back to where it came from?


    Back to where it belongs. ......?


    That dragon will probably be killed by someone if it stays here.


    It''s probably some kind of vermin, and that''s probably for the best.


    But ...... if possible, I''d like to let him go before that happens.


    I thought this was a bad idea, but I felt a strange emotion.


    I know I''m talking out of my ass, but ...... I don''t want to kill this dragon if I can help it. I''m not saying you have to.��I''m not saying you have to.


    I''m not sure if he''ll listen to me or not.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    He''s going to do it somehow.


    He pretended to be somewhat unsure of himself.


    You don''t even have to act like it.


    But if you think about it, he''s rather admirable.


    Rollo has such a great talent, but he never tries to be proud of it.


    It is truly amazing that he can live with such humility at his age.


    A boy of his age could have been a little more ambitious, but he does not try to put his abilities to shame.


    Although, in his case, he should have been more dignified.


    "Okay, here we go.


    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your time.


    "What?


    Rollo suddenly let out a small cry and looked at me.


    "What''s wrong?


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it. ...... ''My Lord'' ......?


    That''s great. That''s great.


    I flinched a little at that. I had no idea he was that powerful.


    I had no idea that his power was that great. There was a terrible person who was suddenly worshipped so much by this huge dragon.


    "Then can you please tell the dragon to go back to its home quietly, Rollo?


    "......Uh, yes .......


    Rolo faces the dragon and closes his eyes for a moment.


    He''s trying to tell you something with that.


    Then the dragon growls low and immediately lifts its huge body.


    And just like that, the dragon took off into the sky with a stormy wind.


    "...... is amazing.


    I''m not sure if this is really possible...


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.


    And Rolo.


    "There you go.


    "...... Yeah, .......


    We stared at the dragon for a while in silence.


    The big danger was over now.


    We were a little relieved at that thought.


    Suddenly, however, there was a flash of intense reddish-purple light in our vision, and in an instant the sky turned red and ��������


    �������� What the hell is ��������?


    As we watched, the dragon that was about to fly away to the eastern sky was suddenly swallowed by the red light that ran across the sky,�������� and was burned all over, falling headfirst to the ground and sinking into the earth.

 33-33 March of the Imperial Reeds

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    It''s a shame, but seeing as how the shrewd foolish king doesn''t make use of it, it can''t be very useful.


    But that''s the only thing I can spare.


    The Black Sword, which was obtained at the deepest level of the Labyrinth of No Return.


    That''s the only thing I''ll miss.


    It''s special.


    An unknown metal that cannot be harmed by any object or magic.


    If we can figure out what it''s made of and how it''s made, the world''s weapons and military machines will advance by leaps and bounds.


    Armor that can never be damaged by weapons or magic.


    A sword that can easily pierce any armor, even dragon scales.


    Weapons capable of vaporizing entire cities, thought to be unattainable with currently known metals.


    It could be used for anything else.


    It has the power to change the world.


    If only we had it, we could literally revolutionize the world.


    If we can analyze it and establish manufacturing technology, it''s not a dream to monopolize a completely invincible army that no one can defeat.


    That''s why it''s a shame...


    It was the misfortune of that super-class relic that it fell into the hands of an ignorant and foolish king.


    If it is never discovered, its potential power may be buried in history without being used at all.


    But, the emperor thinks.


    Even if we don''t find the Black Sword in the rubble, at worst, all we need is the labyrinth that produced it.


    There is a good chance that there are still relics made of the same material in the deepest levels of the Labyrinth of No Return.


    It would not be difficult to find them if one were to thoroughly attack with an army equipped with advanced weaponry and uproot the relics that lie deep within.


    There is even a possibility that the labyrinth known as the "Oldest Labyrinth" may contain even more tremendous relics.


    If that happens, our empire will make an even more explosive leap forward.


    There is no telling how much of a blessing that would be to this world as a whole.


    That fool does not understand.


    The king of the ignorant fools has rejected all of our warmhearted requests.


    That''s why he''s dying.


    Every single one of his subjects will perish.


    It will be a good example to other nations.


    Only imperial witnesses can tell how it happened.


    "History does not need more than one narrator, it only needs one truth.


    Only the history told by the victor is the only absolute truth.


    There is no need for anyone else to tell it.


    If there are any survivors of the royal family, they should be silenced and sold into slavery at the end of the day.


    I have already talked with the head of the commercial guild in the commercial district.


    The refugees can be "purchased" as they please.


    If anyone has anything to say, or is likely to say anything, they are to be silenced.


    It looks like there are a lot of them left.


    As the wind blew, the dust that had been flying around gradually dissipated, revealing the city before us little by little.


    The city of the Foolish King has not collapsed as much as I had expected.


    The dragon seemed to have gone on a rampage, albeit briefly, but only a quarter of it was destroyed.


    The dragon that was supposed to be a slaughterer has failed to deliver.


    The people of King''s Landing have not even been reduced by half yet.


    If things go on like this, the imperial army will be able to eradicate quite a few of the rebels.


    "That''s also a good thing.


    The Emperor laughs as he strokes his white-haired beard.


    It''s not like they have the strength to stand up to my Imperial Army.


    What is about to take place is a one-sided killing spree.


    Adventurers from all over the world are just a bunch of random people.


    They are no match for the Imperial Army, which is fully equipped with magic weapons.


    They should be.


    But there are some I''m worried about.


    Those who have gained a wealth of experience, acquired higher-level skills, and are equipped with power.


    First, the core... [Six Saints].


    Sig the [Thousand Swords].


    Dundargu of the Immortals.


    [Reaper] Karou.


    [Heavenly Bow] Miriam.


    Oaken of the [Nine Devils].


    Thane.


    They''re all monsters.


    And then there''s [Immortal]''s student, [Divine Shield] Inez, and [Thousand Swords]''s right-hand man, [Dragon Slayer] Gilbert.


    The prince and princess are now as powerful as them.


    And although I hate to admit it, that foolish king is also a powerful man.


    That''s why he''s been so arrogant and arrogant towards the emperor (himself).


    d*mnable.


    A freakish, individual power.


    They kept the Crays independent.


    But today that is over... because times have changed.


    Until now, the emperor has unilaterally overrun the bubble state with its many labyrinths.


    He had recruited men through conscription, mass-produced state-of-the-art magical weapons that incorporated all the knowledge he had gained from studying labyrinthine relics, and had given them to everyone to carry and march.


    With just that, the opposing country''s army was helplessly dispersed.


    Nowadays, military power does not depend on military training, and power can be generated by industrial power.


    The proof of this is the 10,000 troops that the emperor now has with him.


    Until now, 2,000 troops at most were enough to invade other countries.


    But this time, it is also a demonstration.


    That''s what 10,000 is for.


    Even if any of them survive, we will instill fear in them so that they will never dare to challenge us again.


    In other words, it''s a show to make people talk about what will happen to the country that challenged the Magic Empire forever.


    It''s a spectacle.


    The Imperial Kingdom''s mastery of magical science will defeat the timeless symbol of awe, the Demon Dragon of Misfortune, and rule over a foolish nation bound by antiquated traditions.


    Let the world know that "legends" are now nothing but outdated things.


    Along with the ugly story of the foolish kingdom of Crais, whose destruction was brought about by its own actions.


    Your Majesty, over there.


    What?


    You can see a few figures in the direction that one of the nearby guards is pointing.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    What is that?


    "It''s the Ines of the [Divine Shield]. That''s for sure.


    The Emperor clicks his tongue.


    "Of all people, that woman is here?


    The Six Saints are literal monsters, but that woman, who bears the name "God" above "Saint," is even more of a monster than that.


    She is a woman who has been granted the grace of God.


    One of the world''s most famous living legends.


    She''s the monster of monsters, able to block dragon''s breath with her flesh and cut the Orichalcon without holding anything.


    But the days of such monsters and "legends" are over.


    It is now the time for us, the humans with wisdom.


    "No... it''s just as well. Unleash another Spear of Light.


    "What?


    The woman''s power is useful.


    I''m tempted to tame her and use her to my advantage, but she''s a vassal of the troublesome king.


    She won''t be easily turned.


    There is also the option of brainwashing him, but considering the effort it would take to do so, I can''t bring myself to go that far.


    It''s a shame, but let''s kill him here.


    �� The Spear of Light (Breunak).


    This is the best of the research results of the Magic Weapon that burned the huge body of the evil dragon.


    The second of the four gates I brought to the battlefield is used here.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    A person who is even called a "legend" is sinking one more time by his own hands.


    That immensely beautiful, infinitely strong monster will be extinguished by your own will.


    It''s a pleasure. This is why war never stops.


    The emperor loved to watch the destruction of historic cities.


    He loved to watch people being overrun.


    He loved to rule and ruin those he didn''t like.


    The thought of being able to indulge that desire makes my heart pound...


    The only thing I regret is that I won''t be able to see the regretful face of that foolish king who shielded me until the end... but that''s okay. It''s all about the outcome.


    Right now, I''m just looking for the result of a complete victory.


    ...... No.


    That foolish king has a strong body.


    There''s even a chance he''s still alive.


    If that foolish king is still alive... yes.


    It might be a good idea to cut off his limbs and keep him in the basement of the court.


    There, until he dies, he''ll be sorry he ever crossed you.


    Yes, that''s good.


    The emperor laughed with growing pleasure as he thought about what would happen after he took control of the city in front of him.


    "It''s ready.


    Fire.


    Without hesitation, the Emperor ordered his subjects.


    And so the merciless light was released.


    The powerful magical power that had been purified and amplified by the Demon''s Heart, an ultra-pure magical stone, flowed into the barrel of the Spear of Light (Breunak)... and became a single shining red line that was released.


    The light of destruction undulated and headed straight for the target (Ines), and then...


    "Parry!


    The man with the blackened sword (?????) jumped out in front of Ines, and was flipped into the sky.

 34-34 Silver Waves

    "That was close. ...... What the hell was that?��And...


    After playing the red light that suddenly attacked me, I was looking in the direction the light came from.


    There, you can see a large number of people that filled the plains to the east, who had appeared due to Lean''s [concealment removal].


    I can see a group of people armed with large swords and shields approaching us in an orderly formation.


    What is that?��That number looks like a lot. ......


    The empire must have moved the ...... army. Thousands, maybe even more than ten thousand if it''s that big. I don''t even know how much of an army that is anymore...


    In response to my question, Lean''s voice sank and his face turned pale.


    ...... Imperial army?


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    I''m not sure I understand the situation at all. .......


    I''ve never seen anyone like that before. What''s going on here?


    A lot of strange things have been going on.


    Until the morning, there were many people bustling about, but except for us, I haven''t seen a single person around.


    It''s as if the capital itself is a complete wasteland.


    I met my brother''s men on the way here, so I heard a little bit about the situation. ...... A lot of demons appeared in the city, so it seems that everyone evacuated at once to a relatively safe area to the west.


    I think the soldiers in the capital are dealing with the demons and guiding the citizens.


    "I see. Is that why you can''t see anyone?


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that there are demons all over the city... Really, what the hell is going on in King''s Landing?


    But the strong light just now should have made them aware of something strange.


    I''m sure they''ll send a force this way,......, but it''ll take some time. In addition, even if they arrive, the forces of the royal capital will not be enough to deal with that many...


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    "Mr. Linneburg. This is it... let''s get out of here. It''s not a force we can take on alone.


    "Yes, let''s do that. We''ll retreat and join my brother. ...... What about you, doctor?


    Me?��...... Why are you asking me that?��In this situation. You don''t have to ask.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m not sure what to do. ...... Of course I''m going to run away with you.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.


    What does this girl think I am? .......


    You''re right. I didn''t have to ask. ...... It was a stupid question.


    Leanne said and smiled at me.


    I think she understands.


    You understand, don''t you?


    I''m not sure, so I''m going to say it out loud.


    Yeah, I''m gonna run, too.


    Something''s coming over there...!


    Suddenly, Inez raised her voice.


    When I turned my head in the direction she was looking, I saw a large number of magic bullets raining down from the sky.


    It''s the enemy''s attack!��It''s not like you''re going to be able to do anything about it.


    Inez quickly deployed her shield of light to block the storm of magic attacks.


    Thanks to this, the enemy''s attack won''t reach us.


    But...


    I''m not going to be able to escape from this.


    From the sky above, magic bullets flew incessantly, gouging the ground around us in no time.


    You can''t escape from this.


    I can''t move at all.


    If it was just me, I could probably avoid those bullets and escape, but I couldn''t leave the three of them behind.


    I failed.


    I should have run away as soon as I saw that army...


    As I was wondering what to do in this situation, Rollo now spoke up.


    I''m not sure what to do in this situation, but now Rollo shouted out, "...... Oh, there ......!��......There''s something glowing again...!


    In the direction of Rollo''s pointing finger, there was a huge black cylinder with intricate patterns engraved on it, glowing red.


    "The next one is coming...!


    Lean looks at the red light in the distance and has a bloodthirsty look on his face.


    If you let it go, that powerful light that dropped that giant dragon will come flying back.


    "So... I have no choice.


    I made up my mind and took a step forward.


    It seems that the black sword I''m holding can somehow repel that light.


    Then, despite my misgivings, in this situation, I have no choice but to step forward.


    "Sir, what are you...?


    I''m going to step forward and buy you some time while you three run away.


    But, sir...


    Fortunately, I''m confident in my ability to run.


    Even when I was living in the mountains, it wasn''t that difficult to escape from wolves, bears, and swarms of bees.


    If I ran around as fast as I could, I would be able to escape the hail of magic attacks.


    I don''t think I can recklessly run into that army and fight.


    At best, all I can do is distract them and buy some time.


    But it''s worth a try.


    If I can buy enough time, the army of King''s Landing might come to my aid, just like Lean said.


    I know I''m being overly optimistic but I''m willing to take that chance right now.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t do anything crazy I''ll be back. Don''t worry.


    I''ll be back.


    Then Lean put his hand gently on my back.


    "Okay, I''m going... prepare for impact.


    I''m going...?


    I''m going...?


    Shock?


    Leanne, I don''t think that''s...


    Don''t worry. I''ll adjust the power...


    Lean smiled at me.


    No, that''s not it.


    At this angle, we''re definitely on a course to run into that army.


    I''m not thinking of launching a suicide mission.


    I''m just going to run around the area to draw attention and disperse the enemy''s attack.


    But I don''t think she understands my intentions...


    "Wait a minute...


    "Wind Blast.


    Lean''s magic was activated without regard to my confusion.


    Oh no...


    I''m still holding the sword in my hand.


    Lean''s magic.


    If I were to take it directly to my body without the Black Sword in between, I would die... I thought, and kicked the ground in front of me.


    You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


    Thank God.


    I managed to avoid instant death.


    But immediately, Inez''s shield of light, which is blocking the magic bullets pouring down from the sky, was right in front of me.


    We''re going to collide...!


    I managed to lower my posture and dove forward.


    Then, a storm of magic attacks hit me.


    I''ve already got a lot of momentum, so the bullets are coming at me at a ridiculous speed.


    I duck reflexively to see through the trajectory of the bullets and avoid them, but there''s a limit to how far I can go.


    If I rushed into a dense barrage of bullets, it would be impossible to avoid them...


    I quickly cleave my black sword to the side.


    "Parry!


    And then, the countless magic bullets that were approaching in front of me were deflected.


    I''m saved.


    But it''s just as I thought.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    I don''t know what the theory is, but it seems that this black sword is able to repel magic.


    But this black sword can only repel a few at a time.


    It''s not like it can handle the massive amount of magic bullets that are coming at us.


    What should we do?


    I''m not sure what to do.


    ...... No, I really don''t think so.


    I''ve been training with wooden swords all my life, playing with them.


    Or rather, that''s all I''ve been doing for more than a decade.


    As a result, I can play a thousand wooden swords in a single breath. .......


    But when I held a slightly heavier weapon, it was completely different.


    The heavy sword did not work as well as the wooden sword he was used to.


    I could barely hit a few logs that the goblins threw at me.


    But I was getting used to it.


    As I swung the sword over and over again, the black sword became more and more comfortable in my hands.


    After being blown away by Lean many times, I became accustomed to its speed.


    And apparently, the magic bullets that flew at me had no weight.


    It''s much easier than hitting a big tree.


    Then...


    "Parry.


    I swung my sword as hard as I could, and hundreds of magic bullets were shot off at the same time and disappeared.


    That''ll work.


    And then I swing my sword and step on it as hard as I can and accelerate.


    I can still do it.


    I''m getting used to it... the speed and the weight.


    My body is tired, but I''m in good shape.


    I''ll go as far as I can.


    If we continue on this course, we''ll run into the enemy''s army.


    We''ve got so much momentum, I don''t think we can change course.


    But... that''s okay.


    I''m going to tear them apart from the inside.


    Fortunately, I''m confident in my ability to run.


    We can run as fast as we can when we sense danger.


    I''ll run even when I''m surrounded.


    I made up my mind and accelerated further, crushing the ground.


    The space around me, my vision distorts.


    It''s like I''m in another world.


    In no time at all, I reached the front of the enemy line.


    The first one... he was dressed in heavy armor, sword and shield at the ready.


    "Parry!


    I swung my sword with all my might.


    Then, without any response, the long sword in his hand sprang up.


    Good.


    The other guy is heavily armed but moves like an amateur - he doesn''t have the reaction time of a goblin.


    To my eyes, they seemed to be standing still.


    The other soldiers seemed to be just as slow.


    So...


    Parisi.


    The next one hit a few dozen at once.


    There''s still time.


    Then... a hundred.


    I still didn''t feel much of a response.


    Then... two hundred. Three hundred.


    Then 400... then 500.


    It was a strange feeling.


    There''s still room for more.


    Maybe it''s because of this heavy sword.


    I don''t feel the weight of my opponent''s sword as much as a feather.


    Then the next step...


    I swung my sword with all my might, and all at once, a thousand weapons leapt into the air.


    What the...?


    That''s nothing.


    This is just like the wood sword training in the mountains.


    A thousand swords in one breath... is quite possible.


    And so I''ve decided to keep playing with swords as long as I can... as long as I have the strength.


    Don''t think about anything else, just concentrate on playing the object in front of you.


    Yes, just play it.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.


    And then...


    At that time...


    A silver wave appeared in the sky.


    It undulated like a living thing, arcing gracefully like a bird soaring in the sky... and spinning loosely, it fell one after another to the ground.


    At first, the soldiers could not understand what was happening.


    In an instant, the Magic Sword, a gift from the emperor that was supposed to give them the power of a thousand battles, disappeared from their hands... and before they knew it, it was flying in the air.


    In order to prevent this, many soldiers went into a frenzy and held up the Magic Shield in their other hand.


    Fortunately, the power of the magic shield repelled the deadly blade that fell from the sky and created another silver wave in the sky.


    The soldiers were relieved to be safe for the moment.


    But that was short-lived.


    This time, the shield disappeared.


    Just like the sword, it disappeared before they could feel it.


    Naturally, the soldiers looked up at the sky again.


    And there it was again.


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    And so, by the time the back and forth of the silver waves counted seven times and became sparse, the morale of all the soldiers was gone...


    The army of 10,000 had been nearly destroyed without a single casualty.

 35-35 Emperors Early Horse

    The emperor looked at the silvery waves surging ahead of him, puzzled.


    "What the hell is that...?


    Silver waves swirling and spreading across the sky like some kind of creature...


    Upon closer inspection, he saw that it was a group of swords.


    The shape of the swords was familiar to the Emperor.


    The more he looked at them, the more they resembled the Magic Swords that he had given to the soldiers of the Imperial Army.


    But I can''t think of any reason why it would be flying through the air like that.


    What''s going on?


    As soon as he wondered, the emperor noticed that there was something standing behind him without saying a word.


    "...... who is it?


    The emperor hurriedly turned around to see who it was.


    He saw that it was a man holding something black (????).


    The man also looked straight at him... but as soon as their eyes met, the man vanished like a phantom.


    What the hell was that?


    Suddenly, the ground on which the man was standing cracked and there was a tremor in the area.


    The horse on which the emperor was riding neighed in fear of what was happening.


    Immediately after that...


    Countless silver swords that had been flying in the sky rained down one after another on the soldiers in front of him.


    The soldiers hold up their magic shields to repel the power and repel the attacks at once, but there is no magic sword in their hands.


    What''s going on?


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    "What the hell is going on?


    But there was no answer.


    The guards looked at the sky as if in a daze, muttering about something.


    The emperor followed suit and looked up to see something in the shape of a board (?????) flying there.


    I think I''ve seen that somewhere before, too.


    The emperor asked his subjects again.


    What is that piece of wood?


    But there was no answer from anyone.


    Everyone seemed to be so absorbed in avoiding the swords that were once again falling from the sky that they did not hear the emperor''s voice.


    There was nothing more in their hands.


    What the hell is this? What''s happening?


    As the emperor was wondering, the man appeared behind him again... and their eyes met again.


    At that moment, the emperor remembered the man.


    "You can''t be.


    That''s right.


    As I recall, wasn''t this the man who had jumped out in front of the [Divine Shield] Ines?


    It''s the same face I saw with the [Distant View] magic tool just now.


    There''s no doubt about it.


    No, but ......


    That''s a little strange.


    If that''s the case, then why is that man here?


    That man must have been in the far horizon, close to the limit distance of the [Far-Seeing] magic tool.


    It must have been less than thirty seconds since then.


    How did you get here?


    No, let''s leave that out of it for now.


    There''s another big question.


    This man probably knows he''s the Emperor of the Magic Empire.


    He doesn''t even look at the other soldiers, he just throws his gaze straight at them.


    What exactly is the purpose of this man?


    No, in this situation, he has only one goal.


    To get the emperor''s life.


    That''s the only thing I can think of.


    "Kahit.


    The emperor suddenly realized that his life was being threatened, and a strange sound escaped from the back of his throat.


    The vassal who had given him the weapon he had relied on was useless.


    He was surrounded by so many soldiers, and now he was completely defenseless... there was no better time to take a shot at his life.


    Even his bodyguards, who usually stood by his side, seemed confused by the loss of his sword and the chaos around him.


    The Emperor''s body shrank and stiffened in fear.


    However, he soon regained his composure, remembering that his entire body was protected by the Kaiser Armor made of royal metal (orichalcone), a supreme golden armor that repelled all attacks and magic.


    If you want to come, come.


    Even if my soldiers are useless, I can still fight.


    With this in mind, the emperor drew his custom-made mithril magic sword, the Kaiser Blade, from his waist and held it at the ready as he mounted his horse.


    But the man suddenly turned away, as if he had lost interest in the Emperor, and disappeared again.


    What''s the matter? You''re not coming?


    As the emperor was wondering... something large fell from the sky.


    Something black and cylindrical pierced the ground right under the emperor''s nose with a roaring sound.


    "Gevaah!


    Without thinking, the emperor fell from his prized horse, upside down, and licked the ground.


    As he desperately looked up from the ground, he saw the black magic iron cylinder in front of him, and it looked familiar.


    It appeared to be the Magic Empire''s new battle weapon, the "Spear of Light (Breunak)".


    That''s strange.


    Why is this thing in the sky?


    Until a moment ago, all of our weapons of war, the Spear of Light, were pointing towards the city of the Foolish King.


    It would be impossible for it to suddenly pierce the ground in front of me.


    As I looked around, I saw three other similar black tubes sticking into the ground.


    Why are they plugged in there?


    The Emperor could not believe what he was seeing.


    "What''s happening... what''s going on?


    As he repeated the question in his mouth, "That man" appeared behind him again.


    The man stared at the emperor without doing anything... and disappeared again without a sound.


    "What is that man?


    The Emperor''s mind was full of questions.


    In the first place, he had led ten thousand men to the battlefield.


    You gave them ten thousand swords and ten thousand shields.


    There was no way that such a man could have reached here alone in front of such a huge army.


    At the very least, the formation should have been perfect.


    The equipment was more luxurious than ever.


    You could call it overkill.


    There was no way they could have lost the war.


    That''s why I decided to follow you to the battlefield as a spectator, just for fun.


    The magic swords and shields that were given to the ordinary soldiers, and the magic shields that were given to the elite soldiers.


    And in addition to the magic cannon and magic armor that I gave to the best of the best.


    In addition to the magic cannons and magic armor, we have four spears of light that can slaughter even the legendary demon dragons of disaster, and three invincible large defense magic tools that can repel even the most powerful magic, the hero''s shield (Aegis).


    Wait.


    Oh yeah, I forgot.


    Where''s that shield?


    Where did that invincible shield go?


    If we had that, we could have defended against any attack, no matter how powerful or ambushable.


    Where did it go...?


    As I looked around, I saw a distorted, broken cross-shaped object lying between the four black tubes stuck in the ground.


    Could that be ......?


    ...... No, no.


    That can''t be it.


    The emperor had never seen anything like that before.


    That''s not the one I know.


    The Aegis in the emperor''s memory shone pure white, the elaborately engraved circuitry was filled with magical light and was very dignified - it was never that wretched lump of scrap iron.


    You''re saying it''s been destroyed?


    But I have to admit it.


    That''s the Shield of Heroes.


    The ultimate defense weapon, supposed to block everything.


    The thing that was supposed to be the invincible shield that was supposed to protect the undefeated and undefeated Magic Imperial Army (???????).


    How did it become like that?


    There were many things the Emperor did not understand.


    Then the man reappeared and looked at the Emperor.


    In his hand, he held a black sword.


    Wait. ��What''s that?


    It was only then that the emperor realized the existence of the sword.


    "No, no, no, that''s...


    No, I''m sure.


    There was no way I could have mistaken it.


    It was the Black Sword, the labyrinthine relic that the Emperor had been chasing ever since he had seen it in the hands of the Fool King.


    And he wondered even more.


    If that was indeed the Black Sword, then... who was that man?


    Why is that man holding the sword that the foolish king would never let go of?


    And why...


    How is that man able to stand so normally?


    That unknown metal is not something that an ordinary person can carry around.


    It has a unique property that makes it impervious to magic.


    It has an extraordinary hardness that even royal metals (orichalcon), dragon fangs, and the hardest metal (adamantite) cannot damage it.


    And most of all, it has an extraordinary weight that is beyond human comprehension - that is the characteristic of the Black Sword.


    It is an uncommon existence that even ten strong soldiers cannot lift.


    And you''re holding it in one hand?


    That can''t be right.


    I''m sure you''re aware of that, but I''m sure you''re not.


    That''s a ridiculous story.


    If that''s the case, then it''s not surprising that that man was more powerful than that monster king.


    The fact that he now possesses the Black Sword.


    That can only mean that the King of Crace gave that sword to him.


    And even more so... who is that man?


    I didn''t get any information about that man from anywhere.


    In all likelihood, he''s one of the main forces of the kingdom (enemy).


    Are you saying that such a thing existed without anyone knowing about it?


    That''s ridiculous.


    These were the words that came out of his mouth, words that he refused to understand.


    But the emperor already understood.


    He had to admit it now.


    I don''t know how he did it.


    I don''t know what method he used.


    But I''m sure.


    What you see before you was done by this man.


    The swords and shields of 10,000 soldiers are lost, and the entire Imperial Army is in chaos.


    The Spear of Light was stabbed into the ground in vain.


    The reason why the Hero''s Shield is in such a miserable state.


    This man did it all by himself.


    I can''t see any other reason.


    I couldn''t believe it even though I knew it was logical.


    It was just a bad dream.


    A look of anguish came over the emperor''s face as he accepted the truth.


    But it just didn''t add up.


    Why on earth...?


    With so much power, why does he keep himself alive?


    This man kept appearing and disappearing as if he dared to ignore the emperor.


    Why does he need to do that...?


    Why don''t you just kill yourself...?


    That''s what I was wondering.


    The man who was facing him suddenly fished the edge of his mouth in an eerie manner, as if mocking the Emperor.


    "Hmph.


    The Emperor let out a dry scream from the back of his throat.


    At the same time, the emperor understood the intention of the man''s eerie smile.


    This man is playing with me.


    Even now, he is amusing himself by watching his face twitch with fear.


    He knows exactly what''s on this battlefield.


    You know exactly what''s on this battlefield, and you know it all, and you humiliate it, and you crush it...


    He wants to humiliate you, crush you, and then torture you to death.


    This man can do it.


    There''s no reason not to do it.


    I remembered what I was going to do when I captured the King of Crace...


    I thought to myself.


    "Ouch...


    Something warm flowed from the emperor''s lower abdomen and ran down his leg.


    Immediately afterwards, the man disappeared again like a phantom before his eyes.


    ...!


    A moment later, the Emperor remembered what he had to do at this very moment.


    In other words...


    The emperor re-mounted his horse, turned his back on all his confused subjects...


    He rode his prized steed, wearing a top-grade magical harness made of royal metal (orichalcone) that had been enchanted to amplify muscle strength many times over...


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.

 36-36 Instructors at the training center

    I flicked the sword in front of me and kept running... and before I knew it, I was running right through that horde.


    Oh no, I''ve gone too far.


    When I stopped and looked back I saw an old man in fancy gold armor riding a horse with the same gilded harness.


    I couldn''t help but take notice of his bizarre outfit.


    What is that old man...?


    "...... who is that?


    When our eyes met, the old man looked at me and asked me that question.


    But there was no time for idle chatter and rest.


    Immediately, the sword I had just flicked falls.


    If the soldiers pick up their weapons and attack me at once, I''ll be in trouble.


    Hurry.


    This is not the time to rest.


    Pop as many as you can.


    I jumped into the crowd again, running around frantically flicking my weapon.


    All the opponents had not only swords but also strange shields.


    They seemed to be using them to repel the falling swords, but I flicked them off as well.


    On the way, I saw a huge black cylinder that was emitting a red light, and a white cross-like object that was also emitting a red light, so I just jumped them all up with all my might.


    I know that what I''m doing now is just buying time - but it''s much better than nothing.


    With that in mind, I played through the objects in front of me and returned to the end of the line, where the shiny old man was.


    "You''re ...... you''re ...... you''re ...... you''re .......


    The old man looked straight at me and seemed to be muttering something.


    To be honest, I can''t really hear what he''s saying because I''m barely breathing and I''m firing my weapon around, so I''m gasping for air.


    With a frightened look on his face, the old man drew his sword from his waist and held it up to me from his horse.


    However... the old man was clearly not built for battle. His arms were thin, and his hands were shaking as he held even that thin sword.


    Perhaps he is not a fighter.


    That sword is just for protection.


    He''s probably scared of me, thinking I''m a dangerous guy who''s out to kill him.


    Under the circumstances, it''s understandable.


    There''s no need to play with the old man''s sword for now.


    No matter how you look at it, he''s not even in a posture to wield a sword.


    He''s just showing his resistance to me.


    So I ignored the gilded old man on the horse and ran to the soldier who had started to pick up the fallen weapons.


    After I finished playing with the weapons, I found myself back at the end of the line, where the old man had been.


    There I stopped for a moment and took a deep breath.


    While running around and playing with my weapon, I don''t have time to take a breath.


    Sometimes I need to get some air like this or I''ll collapse.


    As I was desperately sucking air into my chest, my eyes met the old man''s again.


    But the old man from before had been knocked off his horse and was slumped on the ground with dirt on his face.


    What happened to him...?


    I wonder if the old man is okay.


    I''m a little worried about him, but some of us are starting to pick up swords again.


    No.


    We can''t let them have weapons.


    So he dove back into the army, running around, flicking swords and shields from one side to the other...


    The next time I came back to the same place to catch my breath, the old man looked at me with a look of horror on his face.


    What''s the matter?


    What''s going on?


    Maybe I look like a very scary person in his eyes.


    After a while, the old man''s face became distorted and he looked like he was about to cry.


    Wait, that''s not it.


    I''m not in this place by choice.


    I want to get out of here right now.


    The old man looked like he was going to die of fright, and I felt sorry for him.


    Even though he was the aggressor, I was still a little worried about the trembling old man.


    I tried my best to smile, hoping that he would at least understand that I had no intention of attacking him and that I had no hostility towards him.


    "Yes...


    It may have been a little awkward.


    Because of the strenuous exercise, she was out of breath and her face was tense.


    But I hope you can understand my feelings, even if just a little.


    So I lifted the edge of my mouth as hard as I could.


    Then the old man''s face stiffened.


    Apparently, the old man''s trembling had subsided.


    I don''t know.


    Do you think he understands?


    I was a little worried that he really understood my feelings, but then again, in the distance, I could see the figure of a soldier with a sword in his hand.


    No, I can''t let them have a weapon.


    So I ran as fast as I could to the soldier.


    I was going to keep going at this pace until I got there.


    But then my legs started to give up on me.


    Come to think of it, I hadn''t eaten much food after a light meal earlier in the day.


    Besides, I had coughed up a lot of blood when I fought that poisonous toad.


    I thought I could handle that, but then I was hit by Lean''s full force blow after blow, and then I kept getting hit by that big dragon.


    And on top of that, all this crazy exercise.


    It''s no wonder I''m reaching my limit.


    I''d better hurry up and get out of here...


    Just as I was thinking that, my knees collapsed.


    "Oh...!


    Oh no...!


    I misjudged the limits of my strength.


    But I can''t stop here yet.


    If I stop, I''ll be beaten to a pulp here.


    When your feet are ruined, there''s no escape.


    Low heels have their limits.


    You can heal a wound, but you can''t heal fatigue or hunger.


    Oh no... I can''t move my legs anymore.


    I''ve been moving too hard, beyond my limits.


    I can''t breathe.


    I''m running out of air.


    "Gahhh...


    My lungs must''ve been overworked.


    He coughed up a little blood.


    His movements slowed down.


    Finally, he stopped.


    My head became fuzzy and the scenery around me became blurry.


    I got dizzy for a second and lost consciousness.


    By the time I realized, I was surrounded by several soldiers with swords.


    I can''t run anymore.


    I can''t raise my arm to hold the sword.


    I can''t even move my legs...!


    The soldiers who picked up the sword attacked me at once.


    This is it.


    This is where I''ll be killed.


    But I managed to buy as much time as I could.


    I wonder if Leanne, Inez, and Rollo escaped safely.


    At least, I hope they survived...


    That''s what I thought, I looked up at the sky and prepared to die.


    "��������?


    But then I saw something like a star twinkling in the sky.


    The countless lights that filled the sky were like meteors, trailing towards me, getting closer and closer...


    "Shooting Star".


    A rain of glittering arrows rained down all around.


    Strangely enough, they changed their trajectory as if they were undulating in the air, and one after another, they accurately shot the arms and legs of soldiers, rendering them incapable of fighting.


    That was...


    I''ve seen the same thing once before.


    I''m pretty sure that was the technique of a [hunter] instructor.


    It was a technique of a [hunter] instructor, who showed it to me as a last act of mercy for my reluctance to give up.


    It is a great skill of the bow that can accurately shoot all targets on the ground from the sky.


    The soldiers who were shot in the limbs groaned and crumbled to the ground one after another.


    However, there were still some who picked up their swords and came at me with terrifying expressions.


    I can''t move my body at all... I''m going to be killed.


    "Draggrave".


    But the soldiers around me were blown away by a sudden gust of wind.


    I looked over and saw a familiar man standing there with a golden spear at the ready.


    That''s...


    The man with the spear...


    "You''re here, Al. ...... No, Halvah. .................. ...... Lambert.


    It''s Gilbert.


    The man with the spear, Gilbert, looked around quietly.


    "What the hell is really going on here, this situation ......?


    ...... No, I''m sure you did it anyway.


    When I heard that there was an idiot who went into that army all by himself, I wondered who it was, but now I understand.


    He laughed and slung his spear over his shoulder.


    He laughed and hefted his spear to his shoulder, but he could see several soldiers trying to cut him down from behind.


    Doesn''t he see them?


    It''s dangerous.


    He tries to scream, but the blood is stuck in his throat and he can''t speak.


    "Thousand Edges.


    But despite my concern, the soldiers instantly fell, blood spurting from their bodies as if they had been hit by countless slashes.


    I was familiar with this technique as well.


    I''m pretty sure that was...


    "You''re too late, Master. I got here first.


    "Sorry ......, the others are on their way.


    There he was... I''ll never forget it.


    He may be a little older, but I recognize that face.


    That man with the long sword at his waist was a swordsman instructor.


    He was the instructor at the swordsman training center, the job I had been longing for.


    He turned to me and said.


    I don''t know who you are but thank you very much for your help.


    I don''t know who you are, but thank you very much.


    If we can''t do anything here, it''s not good for the [Royal Capital Six Corps].


    At the very least, let me clean up the mess.


    And then, with a quiet movement, the instructor put his hand on the sword at his waist and pulled it out in a single stroke.


    "Thousand Blades.


    Then, almost invisibly, a thousand blades flew across the battlefield, creating a spray of blood everywhere.


    That''s it.


    This is the very image of the swordsman I''ve been longing for.


    The technique I''ve been aiming for.


    This is the technique I''ve longed for.


    No matter how hard I try, I can''t acquire any [skill].


    But I really want to get close to that.


    So I tried to play the Thousand Wooden Swords (????), just to imitate it.


    If I can''t get the real thing, then I don''t care if it''s just a fake.


    As a result of such warped efforts... I''m really able to do it.


    A technique that can only be used to forcefully flip a thousand wooden swords (???????).


    But my technique is only an imitation.


    Of course, it can''t cut like the real thing.


    How much I have wanted to see the real thing again for the past ten years or so.


    And now the real thing is right in front of me.


    When I was so impressed by the [skills] of the [swordsman] that I forgot myself, two other people appeared in my sight.


    One of them looked like a narrow-eyed priest in a white robe.


    The other was an old man with a white beard that covered his entire face, dressed in a pitch-black robe, with the appearance of a sorcerer.


    That''s...


    "...... Oh, Sig.


    I told you not to kill him without permission.


    I warned you that ...... corpses don''t give up information easily.


    "Ho ho!��You''re so reckless!


    I''m sure that''s a tough order to fill with an army this large.


    I know these two.


    Their features. The way they talk. There''s no mistaking it.


    The man with the white robe and the quiet smile is the instructor of the [Cleric].


    The other cheerful old man was an instructor of magicians.


    The other man, a cheerful old man, was a magician.


    But even so, Oaken.


    It''s very tiring to listen to a dead man talk.


    The living are much more straightforward (????????).


    "Ho ho!��That''s right, after your "interrogation".


    That''s because after your interrogation, there are many people who say they would rather be dead.


    No, no, no, no.


    That''s a misunderstanding.


    In the end, you will thank me with tears, right?


    Thank you for making me physically fit (????) and very healthy (?????).


    ...... You can grow as many arms and legs as you want if you heal them.


    The old man distanced himself from the man next to him with a pale face.


    "Thane, my lord .......


    It''s just a joke.


    ...... You always scare me when you talk like that.


    For God''s sake, let''s not do that.��......?


    "No, sir, it''s just a joke to ease the tension.


    It''s not funny at all.


    They continue their conversation, kicking aside the crowd of soldiers as if nothing is wrong.


    One of them is casting nine spells (?????) with both hands at the same time.


    One catches the incoming swords with his bare hands, snatches them away and cleaves them off.


    I think they''re coming, don''t you?


    We''d better get ready.


    "I know.


    I know. It''s the taste of the elders to be lined up... you can''t miss the show.


    ...... Are you ready, gentlemen?


    "Yes..." "Yes...


    Suddenly, several black-robed figures appeared as if they had swept away a transparent shroud.


    Apparently, all of them had traveled to this place while wearing [concealment].


    The magician''s instructor raises his hands in the air, and nine glowing magic circles appear in his hands.


    At the same time, the same magic circles appeared one by one in front of the men in robes.


    "Sing in unison... ''Earth Bind''.


    Immediately, the ground around the area rose up and bound the legs of the confused soldiers up to their knees.


    The soldiers were unable to move because of the earth bindings that had suddenly appeared.


    At the same time, a group of armor-clad men could be seen rushing toward them, shaking the earth with dust.


    "Ho ho!


    Long awaited, the King''s Landing Defense Force [Warrior Corps] is here. ...... Oh, my God, their eyes are bleeding.


    Shouldn''t you tell them not to kill us?


    "Yes, I did tell him that.


    I''m most worried about them. ...... I''m sure they''re most upset about the destruction of the city they''re supposed to be protecting.


    Soldiers with huge shields and sturdy armor charge at you.


    The soldiers, their feet planted on the ground, were sent flying one after another, helpless.


    Among them, a large man, three times the height of a normal man, was leading the charge with neither shield nor sword, but only his body clad in the heaviest armor.


    I know that person too.


    That extraordinary physique... there''s no mistaking it.


    That was the instructor of the Warrior Training Center who had taken care of my training for three months.


    It''s a hell of a mess. ...... I''m sure a few people died.


    It''s not like you''re talking about anyone else. It was you and the prince who suggested the plan, wasn''t it?


    Well, it''s a good way to keep the enemy in one place while keeping them out of action, for what it''s worth. .......


    Ho ho!


    So, I''ll build the cage and leave the inside to you, Thane.


    "Yes, I''ll leave it to you.


    I''ll save all the survivors and make them change their minds.


    Dead people are neither information nor labor.


    Let''s go, everyone.


    Then, as if the transparent membrane was peeled off again, a group of people wearing white robes appeared on the spot.


    At the same time, the black-robed group, led by the [Sorcerer] instructor, activated their magic skills at once.


    "Stone Prison." "Stone Prison.


    And so, around the soldiers of the imperial army, who were bounced off by the shield men and piled up like a mountain, sturdy rock walls created by magic lined up one after another.


    A huge wall about ten times the height of a person''s body rose up, and in no time a huge "stone prison" was formed.


    Then, the soldiers outside the prison were also caught by the [Warrior] instructors and thrown into the prison one after another... A group of people with swords in their hands, who arrived late, avalanched into the prison with a group of people in white robes.


    The next thing I knew, a group of black-robed men and a group of bowmen were standing on top of the rock wall, looking down at the wall.


    And so it was not long before all the Imperial soldiers were imprisoned in the Stone Prison and surrendered.

 37-37 The Demon Dragon of Chasing

    Are you okay?


    Yeah, I''m much better now. Thank God.


    After the battle was over, Lean, Inez and Rollo rushed over to me just as I was about to collapse from exhaustion.


    As soon as Leanne saw my condition, she used some kind of healing magic on me, which helped me recover a lot of strength.


    I didn''t know what kind of magic it was, but I had recovered enough to be able to move my body.


    This girl is amazing.


    She can do anything.


    When I felt better, I got up from the ground where I was sitting and picked up the black sword.


    "Doctor ......?��Are you sure you''re okay?��Why don''t you get some more rest ......?


    I''ve had enough. I can move now.


    I''d like to eat here if I could, but ...... I can''t afford it.


    I don''t think I can afford it.


    Around us, soldiers are moving quickly.


    A group of people in white robes, along with a group of people in armor, are going in and out of the stone prison, taking out the imprisoned imperial soldiers one by one, treating their injuries and listening to their stories.


    "What do you think, Sig?��Have you heard anything useful?


    I hear a voice talking nearby.


    I looked over and saw that it was the [Mage] instructor and the [Swordsman] instructor.


    "Ah... The commander spoke up. It''s all the soldiers here. Karou has searched the interior of King''s Landing, and reports have come in that there is no longer a hidden threat.


    "So I guess this is the end of the rough stuff, then. "Ho ho!


    The sorcerer''s instructor is playing with his long beard with his index finger as he says this.


    But there was no sign of the emperor. It seems he escaped.


    "The Emperor?��What are you talking about?��The emperor?��...... You''re telling me that old bastard was here?


    "Yes, several prisoners have said so. There''s no doubt about it. It''s the man in the gold armor.


    What a covetous ...... fool, isn''t he?��You must have been very confident in your military equipment. ...... You''re not very thoughtful for a man who lets his people call him ''the wise emperor''. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.


    "Golden armor...?��No way.


    Could it be that old man in the shiny gold armor?


    The two men turned to me, their voices involuntarily breaking out.


    "Do you have any idea?


    "Yeah. I''ve seen a strange old man in golden armor.


    The horse he was riding had the same shiny gold armor, and he stood out.


    The sorcerer instructor tilted his head as if he was thinking about something.


    "Gilded?��I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will help you.


    I see.


    It may not look like much, but it''s an excellent piece of equipment with a wide range of uses.


    The only enchantments that can be given to the commander''s horse are [Strengthening], [Windproofing], and [Arrow Return]?


    If that''s the case, they should have already escaped a long way. What should I do?


    "If he escapes to the border, there''s no way we can pursue him. If we let him go, he''ll regroup and invade again.


    That''s right. .......


    Once inside the empire, there are several well-equipped military gates and a bridge over a large valley.


    You have to be a member of the Empire to pass through them.


    So we give up.


    I''m not giving up so easily.


    This is our one chance to hunt down the old bastard.


    But he may have already crossed the border. Unless, of course, you''re flying. ......


    The sky.


    If you don''t have a plan, I don''t have a plan. We''ll give up the chase and start planning our defenses against the next attack.


    Well, that might help.


    An idea occurred to me, and I interrupted them.


    "What did you just say?


    I said, "If you''re talking about flying, we might be able to work something out.


    "Hooray!��You''re a funny guy, aren''t you?


    Speaking of which, who are you?��I don''t know, ......?


    I''ve seen that face before. ...... Oh well.


    How do you think you''ll be able to fly?


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it, but I''m sure I can.


    You can''t just go out and get him all by yourself, can you?


    No, maybe we can get as many people flying as we want.


    How many?��Is there such a thing as a convenient way?��How fast can you fly?��If they can''t keep up, what''s the point?


    I think it''ll be fine. I think he flew pretty fast. Well, that is, if he''s still alive.


    Him?��Who''s that?


    Who...?


    Well, it wasn''t a person, and there was no guarantee that it would listen to me, but...


    I stared at Rollo''s face, who was right beside me.


    I stared at the face of Rollo, who was right beside me. ...... What ......?��...... What? ...... I''m ......?


    Maybe I''ll be okay. ...... I''ll be okay with this girl.


    "......What ......?


    ...... Ho ho?��So tell me, what''s your brilliant idea?��I''m sure you''ll have a great time.


    I''m not sure.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    It didn''t move a muscle, and I thought it was already dead, but when I put my ear to it, its heart was still beating.


    It''s still alive.


    If I hurriedly treated him, he might survive.


    So, the [magician] instructor hurriedly brought in the [monk] instructor, and the treatment began immediately.


    I''ve healed many people and animals over the years, but this is the first time I''ve healed a dragon.


    I have healed many people and animals over the years, but I have never healed a dragon before.


    And then...


    In no time at all, the blackened scales were born anew, the cracked claws and fangs regenerated, and life returned to the dragon.


    That''s a hell of a power!


    In the blink of an eye, the dead dragon''s body was restored.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that." "That''s great ......, but isn''t it hard to heal this huge body all by yourself?


    I was a little worried and called out to him.


    I heard from Lean that recovery magic takes a lot of energy.


    In fact, after casting the spell on me, she looked a little tired.


    You can''t do everything with magic.


    "Master Thane. Would you like me to help you?


    "This is nothing, sir. This is my specialty.


    And, Leanne. You overreacted a bit, didn''t you?


    Didn''t I tell you that the Resurrection technique can shorten your life if you use it carelessly?


    Don''t use any more power now. You need to rest.


    Yes... I understand.


    Did I put her through something that she shouldn''t have?


    I''m sorry...


    Maybe I relied on her too much, thinking she could do anything.


    But still...


    The monk instructor put his hand on the dragon''s body and turned his head to look at it...


    He smiled and said.


    "You''ve really grown... Noor. Look at you.


    What?��What? You think this guy is ...... Noor?


    Yeah, it''s been a long time. You two look exactly the same.


    Apparently, the monk instructor remembered me.


    "I recognized you right away. I recognized you right away. Your face and mood are the same as before.


    I was surprised to find out who was proposing to revive the dying [Demon Dragon of Misfortune], but it was you, wasn''t it?


    It''s a good idea to have a little bit of time to think about what you''re doing and how you''re doing it.


    "Thane, ...... that''s not ...... it?


    Yes, I will.


    The monk instructor has the exact same kind smile that I remember from the past.


    "Ho ho ......, but you''re that knoll. You''ve grown up.


    I didn''t recognize you at all!��Ho-ho!


    How time flies! It''s been about ten years since then, hasn''t it?


    The sorcerer instructor seems to have remembered me.


    I thought he might have forgotten about me, but ...... I couldn''t help but feel happy.


    "Oh. It''s been 15 years.


    Instructor, I never thought I''d see you again. You''re still alive!


    "Ho ho ......?��How dare you say such a thing so casually?


    I''m going to be alive and well for another hundred years, remember?


    I''m going to outlive you!��Ho-ho-ho!


    "Haha, you''re still joking!��But I''m glad to see you''re doing so well.


    But I''m glad to see you''re doing well." "No, no, no, no, ......, I''m not joking.��I''m always serious!��Ho ho!


    The old man smiles happily while rubbing his beard, his pride and joy.


    This expression was also one I knew well.


    I really miss it.


    The old man was rubbing his beard and smiling happily.


    I hope I live long enough to be able to see the legend this close up.


    But ...... is it really safe?


    I''m not sure I''d be able to stop this behemoth if it started rampaging again.


    The sorcerer instructor is looking up at the dragon''s huge body with a sullen expression.


    I''m not sure I can stop this dragon if it gets out of control.


    I''m not too worried about it though, because I''m sure there are plenty of people here who are much stronger than I am.


    What''s more... he''s here.


    "Don''t worry. You''ve got Rollo.


    "...... Rollo......?


    I looked at him and he looked at me.


    But when he met my gaze, his shoulders shook with fear.


    "Hou ...... is that a demon boy ......?


    Yes. How did you know?


    I''ve been around long enough to know that. ...... So, can you do it?��Rollo and all.


    ...... I''m not entirely sure, but I''ll ...... try!


    "......ho......ho......?��You have to be confident. ......?


    The sorcerer instructor looked at me with a blue face.


    I know you''re worried, but you don''t have to look like that. .......


    It''s all right, sir. Even though it looks like this, Rolo...


    Suddenly, there was an earth tremor from the bottom of the earth.


    An earthquake.


    That''s what I thought at first.


    But no.


    This is the roar of a dragon.


    A low voice echoing from the depths of the earth.


    "Be careful... it''s almost time for the dragon to regain consciousness.


    "Already?��Great." "At ......, Rollo. Please.


    I was going to tell you about Rollo''s powers, but that''s okay.


    It''s much faster if you see it than if I explain it myself.


    See for yourself, and you''ll understand.


    "Yes...yes...!


    Immediately after, the dragon rises.


    It lifts its massive neck and slams its limbs into the earth, causing it to shake so much that it cannot stand still.


    Then, it pointed its jaws to the sky and roared.


    An angry wail that sounded like an explosion.


    The skin of my entire body shivered.


    At the same time, the earth shook and the sky cried out.


    It''s big, isn''t it?


    The dragon''s size felt tremendous even when it was lying on the ground, but it felt even bigger when it stood up.


    The dragon spun its long neck around and turned to face us.


    Its huge, crystal-like eyes seemed to have found a presence at our feet.


    That dragon is watching us.


    That''s enough to make me shudder.


    Giant creatures are terrifying. It''s an instinctive fear.


    But...


    Rollo was calm in the face of that giant dragon.


    ...... Good.


    It looks like it''s going to listen to me. ......!


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website of the company.


    I was taken aback by the boy in front of me who said as a matter of course, "...... Well, ...... that''s great .......


    "Ho ho ...... really great, this is ...... really great, this is ...... really great... ...


    I''m not sure what to say.


    Well, I knew this would happen.


    I wasn''t worried about it at all, but...


    This sight is always amazing.


    That huge dragon is sitting quietly and obediently in front of a small boy, Rollo.


    The dragon bent down and let out a low roar.


    The tone of his voice was similar to the one he had just shouted.


    Somehow, I knew what he meant.


    "...... So, you''re angry. You''re angry with the people who hurt you...


    Because I have lived in the mountains for a long time, I can understand the moods of animals.


    This is the tone of voice they use when they''re quietly angry about something...


    It''s the feeling you get when someone hurts something important to you and you''re trying to get it back.


    It''s like when you''ve been hurt by something you care about and you''re trying to get it back. ...... Yeah, ...... it looks like that. ...... Oh. I''m also saying thank you. Thank you for fixing me up. ......


    I see.


    It is true that in the earth-shaking tone of his voice, you can sense his compassion for us in front of him.


    This dragon may actually not be as ferocious as you think.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.��That''s great. That''s great. ......!��Hey, Rollo and I were wondering if you could translate for us at ......?��I''m sure you could do a lot of research.


    "Oken, that''s not the right order. First of all, you''re welcome.


    The old man''s eyes sparkled like a child''s as he faced the dragon, and the [monk] instructor smiled quietly and waved.


    They are two contrasting people.


    Suddenly, Roro opens his hand as if to say something.


    Then the dragon clears his throat again.


    "......, I knew it, she wants to get back at ....... He wants you to order him to do it. ......


    What ...... do you want me to order you to do, ......?��You''ve got a demon dragon on your hands,......?��Well, that''s great. ......!��It''s really ...... amazing ......!


    "Oh, yeah. Rollo is awesome.


    ...... No, not ......!��I''m not talking about me. ...... This dragon is talking about Noor...!


    In the event that you''ve got a lot more than one, you''ll be able to take a look at a few of these.


    He doesn''t need to hide himself like that.


    I feel a little guilty.


    Hopefully, one day she''ll be able to admit to herself what she''s capable of.


    So... whoever goes after the old man, get in. We''d better hurry, right?


    "Sir, ......?��You mean you''re going to ride this dragon?


    Yeah, there''s plenty of places to ride.


    Leanne looks surprised, but the sorcerer instructor looks happy.


    Lean looks surprised, but the sorcerer instructor looks happy.��I wish I could go with you.��I wish I could go with you!


    "No, Oaken. You''re in charge of the Stone Cage. I can''t go with you.


    I know. ...... I''m just saying.


    "......After all, ......bo, I have to go, too, don''t I ......?


    ......That''s what I thought. ......


    Oh no ......, I didn''t think that far ahead.


    If Rollo doesn''t go, no one will be able to talk to the dragon.


    But you can''t put a kid like him in danger.


    What should I do, ......?


    As I was pondering, Inez stepped forward.


    "Mr. Linneburg, may I have your permission to accompany you? I would like to escort this child ...... Rollo.


    "Yes, of course... I was planning to go anyway.


    Of course you''re going.


    ...... Yeah, ......?��......I''m going to ............?


    ...... Wait a minute, wait a minute.


    I was just trying to teach you how to fly, I wasn''t planning on going myself. ......?


    No, I can go if I want to.


    You can go if you want to. I was the one who suggested it in the first place, and I can understand why you should go with me.


    But there''s one big problem.


    I''m not very good at heights.


    It''s not that I''m totally bad at it, but I''m pretty bad at it.


    When I''m on top of a high cliff, I shrink and can''t do anything.


    As long as I don''t look down, I can manage to move. .......


    To be honest, I''d rather not go up too high.


    But it seems strange to let Rollo, who got involved, go, but not the person who started the whole thing.


    You have no choice but to go to ......?


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.


    What are you talking about?��Of course not.��You''re the one who suggested it.


    ...... Yeah, that''s right. ......


    Rollo has been looking up at me with an anxious expression.


    ...... No choice.


    I''ll go with you. I''ll go with you, okay?


    ...... Okay, okay, ......!


    I''m sorry I got you into this.


    I''m sorry I dragged you into this. ...... Yeah, yeah, but I''m ...... trying. ......!


    Really, Rollo is a good and healthy guy.


    I''ve been involved in a lot of dangerous things because of my selfishness,........


    But if Leanne and Ines are coming, he will probably be fine.


    He says all we have to do is go after the old man and catch him, and we''ll have to protect him until then.


    If that strange light comes flying at us, my black sword will stop it.


    I''m coming with you.


    I''ll go with you. I want to take care of the patient until the end. ...... "Discussion" is our specialty, right?��Hey, Karou?


    "...... Don''t be like you. I''m not going to scare them off by playing games with them.


    Suddenly, a man dressed in black appeared.


    I wondered if he had been there all this time.


    I hadn''t noticed him at all.


    Most of his face was covered by a black mask, but I recognized him.


    It was the [bandit] instructor who had trained me when I was in training.


    "Long time no see, Noor. Take me with you.


    I''ve got their [Concealment Enhancement] grimoire.


    If you''re going to fly something this big, you''ll need [Concealment].


    The leaner there can use concealment too, but he''s this big.


    You''d better be careful.


    "Oh, thank you.


    Dr. Kallu, ......, please.


    Ho ho ...... Inez, Karou, and the young lady ......, it seems that even a small group of people will not be worried?


    We don''t have much time, so let''s get started...


    Wait a minute.


    As we were about to board the dragon''s back, a familiar voice came from behind us.


    I''ll ride with you. We''ll need a negotiator.


    "Brother?


    Leanne, you''re safe.


    There was Lean''s brother.


    And right behind him...


    "Father, thank God you''re okay!


    "Yeah, I''m glad you''re okay. I''m glad you''re okay, too.


    While Leanne was happy to see her father again, her brother walked straight towards Inez.


    "Inez?


    "Inez... What is the penalty for violating an order?


    No, it was I who gave the stupid order.


    I''m sorry, Inez.


    I''m glad you''re back.


    And thank you, Mr. Nohl... for your help.


    Yeah, I shouldn''t have been traveling around so much.


    It''s a good thing I came back soon.


    But it''s not over yet, is it?


    If you''re going, you''d better hurry.


    "Yes, yes. Father. I''m off.


    Yeah. Good luck, Lane.


    I''ll leave the wartime decisions and negotiations to you.


    You have a better grasp of our situation now.


    You can let me know the results later.


    "Yes.


    And so they all got on the dragon''s back.


    "...... Okay, ...... fly. Let''s go...


    As if in response to Rollo''s quiet words, the dragon flapped its wings wide.


    With that, a stormy wind blew through the area.


    In the midst of the dust and debris blown by the strong winds, Lean''s father stopped me on the dragon''s back.


    "Noor...


    What is it?


    Lean''s father looked me straight in the eye and smiled softly at my scarred and wrinkled face.


    "I''m sorry I''m always relying on you, but I need you to take care of them.


    "You...?��Yeah, don''t worry. I''ll be back.


    And with that, the dragon flapped its wings once more...


    I''m sure you''ll agree that it''s a great idea.


    You''re gone.


    "He''s gone.


    "Oh...


    After the giant dragon flew away, a figure emerged from behind a towering wall of rock.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    The two men, called [Sword Saint] Sig and [Shield Saint] Dundargu, stood quietly side by side, staring at the shadows in the sky that were gradually getting smaller.


    After looking at the sky in silence for a while, a hulking man in heavy armor opens his mouth.


    "Hey, Sig.


    You''re sure that was a good idea?


    I''m sure you''ll be glad you didn''t talk to ...... Noor.


    I don''t care.


    It turns out that the boy is alive and well.


    That''s all I need to know. ......


    "But you were looking for him, weren''t you?


    You''ve been saying all along that it''s your fault he''s gone, haven''t you?


    That''s what you said, too.


    Yeah, well, we all felt the same way at the time. .......


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.��...... You finally got to meet that guy, didn''t you?


    "...... Enough. I''m done with that.


    Finished?


    I''m telling you, we had nothing to do with it.


    We had the audacity to think that we could take in and raise a boy of that caliber (????).


    We had no idea the boy would become the man he is today.


    The two of them looked at the swords and shields scattered all over the place, as well as the wreckage of the magic weapons that were probably the mainstay of the enemy.


    It was hard to believe that a single person could have jumped into the midst of more than ten thousand soldiers and knocked them down in an instant.


    "...... Yeah, right.


    In front of him, we [the Six Saints] are nothing...


    Just like old man Oken said, it grew up on its own even if we left it alone.


    And he''s so strong... he''s like a hero from a fairy tale.


    It''s really funny.


    Dundargu shrugged his shoulders and shook his massive body in amusement.


    "Dundargu.


    When King''s Landing is rebuilt, ...... lend me a hand.


    I''m going to have to start training from scratch.


    I''m going to have to start from scratch.


    The man''s face was serious as he spoke quietly with his hand on his sword at his hip.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa. You''re not going to be a challenger at your age, are you?


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little nervous about this.


    The path of the sword has no end...


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    From now on, if I don''t work hard, that man will always leave me behind.


    ...... Is that it?��I haven''t seen it firsthand, but ......


    Yeah.


    I am now deeply ashamed of my own negligence.


    I''m really ashamed of my laziness right now, I shouldn''t have thought I could teach others anything.


    I''m really ashamed of my laziness right now.


    This is a gesture that Dundargues, who has known the man for a long time, knows he makes when he is in a good mood.


    "You look quite... happy for that.


    At this point, the man who doesn''t smile often lifts the corners of his mouth wide.


    "Of course. After what you''ve seen.


    The huge man''s face broke into a smile, which was extremely rare.


    "Well... I guess you''re right.


    I''m sure you''re right.


    The two of them stood shoulder-to-shoulder, watching the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] disappear into the distance...


    The two of them stood there, shoulder to shoulder, watching the dragon disappear into the distance.

 38-38 Shield of Light

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    Now, the [Demon Dragon of Disaster] has been given [concealment] by the [Hidden Saint] Dr. Kalu using the [Concealment Enhancement] magic tool.


    I''ve passed through three towns and a barrier so far, but no one on the ground seems to have noticed.


    Thanks to this, I was able to proceed through the territory of the Magic Empire without being blamed by anyone.


    But...


    "If we''re going to escape, this is the only direction we can go... what do you think?��Have you found anything?


    "No, there''s no sign of him. What about you, Mr. Linneburg?


    No, ...... I''ve been looking for him too, but I can''t find him.


    I''ve been looking for him for a while now, but I can''t find him. "Dr. Kalu and I have been searching the area using our skills in detection, eagle eye, farsight, and clairvoyance, respectively.


    But we couldn''t find the Emperor at all.


    It seems like we''ve come a long way since we left.


    If the two of them can''t find anything, then it looks like he''s already gone a long way.


    Worst of all... he may have already reached the imperial capital.


    As the dragon we are riding approaches a large valley, we can see a long bridge spanning both banks.


    That''s the Iron Bridge, said to have once been the boundary line separating the kingdom from the empire.


    Once you cross that bridge, it will be even more difficult to catch up with the emperor.


    There are many fortresses beyond that bridge.


    The emperor''s home base, the Imperial City, is beyond that.


    If they escape that far, it will be difficult to catch them.


    Everyone is aware of that.


    First, Dr. Kalu opened his mouth.


    Then, after coming this far, we should consider turning back to .......


    From here on out, this is a full-fledged imperial territory.


    There are countless fortresses and an inordinate amount of military equipment.


    We can''t just barge in there... what do we do?


    "Well...


    "What do you think, Dr. Noor? ............ Dr. ......?


    I approached Dr. Noll to ask his opinion.


    I tried to ask him for his opinion, but he didn''t look at the ground, he just looked up at the sky and remained silent.


    He seemed to be meditating and thinking about something.


    He did not respond to any of my questions from earlier.


    I wonder what he''s thinking about.


    As I was looking at his back, wondering what he was thinking.


    Suddenly, I saw something shining in the back of my vision.


    "Over there... there''s something. It''s moving at a great speed.


    When I checked with my distant vision, I saw a horse clad in golden armor running across the ground at an unbelievable speed.


    That''s it.


    You''ve finally found him, he''s the emperor.


    But we''re almost at the Imperial City''s defense grid.


    We need to decide right now whether to pursue them or turn back.


    "If we go after them, it means we need to deal with them, right?


    The emperor drove his horse and was sucked into a huge steel gate that closed.


    In front of him, there was a huge wall made of stone and steel, and on top of the wall, there were a number of magical weapons in the shape of "black tubes" that he had seen on the battlefield.


    And beyond that, there are a number of fortresses standing in a row - the absolute defense line that the Empire is proud of, the "Armor of the Empire", an area lined with majestic weapons built of steel.


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    If we continue to pursue him, we''ll be plunging into that dead zone with this small group.


    Oh.


    But I can''t imagine going over it and coming back in one piece.


    The way is still good.


    But on the way back, [concealment] will inevitably be less effective.


    I think it''s best to give up on the idea of getting home in one piece.


    Dr. Kalu seemed to have the same concerns as I did.


    I understand what Kallu is saying.


    I understand what Karou is saying, but if we let him get away here it will be a big blow.


    As my brother said with a bitter look on his face, if we let the emperor go now, he will surely build up his army to retaliate next time.


    The soldiers who invaded the kingdom this time were mostly poor people, farmers, and refugees from neighboring countries.


    The Imperial Kingdom is able to quickly assemble a powerful army by equipping people who are no more than amateurs with superior weapons and armor.


    The strength of the Magic Empire lies in its ability to "continue to build" such powerful magic tools.


    Excellent weapons and armor can be mass-produced as much as you want as long as you have the resources.


    In addition, as the Imperial Kingdom continues to expand its territory, it has an abundance of resources.


    What is most frightening is that they see even humans as a "resource" that can be consumed.


    Now, that country has plenty of those resources...


    The emperor himself said that he would give "wealth and honor" to the poor and refugees who had increased due to the war he had caused, and sent them out as soldiers.


    In this way, we can easily gather the numbers.


    The war has already begun.


    All they need is a little time to build up their forces.


    Having suffered a crushing defeat with their armaments this time, they will come at us with even more powerful armaments next time.


    We mustn''t give them any more time now.


    If that happens...


    "Master Raine, Master Linneburg... then I would like your permission to attack.


    Suddenly, Inez stepped in front of us.


    Suddenly, Inez stepped in front of us and said that she wanted permission to attack.


    "Attack"?


    What the hell are you...?


    No... Well...


    I forgot until just now.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out why she''s been given the title of "Saint" by the "Six Saints", and what she''s capable of as a "legend".


    [Divine Shield] Ines...


    Her realm is not to protect (????????).


    It''s not that she''s better at it.


    Rather, it is the opposite - that the sword is too powerful (?????) to be used properly (????).


    "If we must go on, then...


    If we need to go on... this could be the way back.


    If that''s the case, I think it would be wise to eradicate them while we can.


    Eradicate those fortresses.


    She said that without a second thought.


    Yes, she''s right.


    It''s better to eliminate the threat if it''s also a way home.


    If that''s even possible.


    And she can do it.


    She can do it.


    I forgot about her.


    I''ve been with her for so long.


    I''ve been with her so long.


    I''d overlooked it.


    Dr. Noor isn''t the only outlier here.


    There''s another one right in front of us who''s out of this world.


    "Brother, Inez has a suggestion for you: ......, if you don''t mind.


    "Yes. Go ahead, Ines... as much as you want.


    Yes, sir.


    Inez doesn''t usually say things like this.


    She doesn''t usually say things like, "I want you to let me attack him.


    She doesn''t like to hurt people unnecessarily.


    I''m a little surprised.


    But...


    But when I think about it, it''s natural.


    It''s not just the dragon that''s upset now.


    Me, my brother.


    And she''s angry, too.


    She was angry, too, that the city she grew up in, the country she swore to protect with her life, had been trampled on like that.


    She had been quietly angry for a long time.


    Inez quietly walks out on the dragon''s back.


    "...... Rollo.


    Inez walks quietly on the dragon''s back: "I''m sorry, but you have to tell the dragon.


    Tell it to fly as low as it can (???????) from now on.


    Also, one of them is going to be on my head for a little while so please don''t be offended.


    "Okay, okay, I''ll tell him...!


    She walked down the long neck and stopped at the head of the demon dragon.


    "Then... please.


    Instantly, the dragon swooped down.


    I clung desperately to the dragon''s back so as not to be knocked off.


    The ground was closing in...


    The next thing I know, I''m standing in front of a towering steel fortress.


    At the same time, Inez''s slender arm swung wide...


    "[Divine Shield]


    Inez has created a huge "shield of light" that can cover the huge body of the [Demon Dragon of Disaster].


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    The shield was then expanded horizontally (?????), and all at once, it was cleaved horizontally (?????).


    Instantly, a ray of light ran horizontally... and all the black cannons in the fortress exploded.


    At the same time, the majestic steel fortress split horizontally, splitting in two.


    Inez continued to swing the giant shield of light two or three times, each time splitting the massive structure in front of her two or three times...


    As the dragon flies through the ground, she slices up everything in her path.


    We quickly broke through one of the defenses.


    Then we see the next fortress approaching.


    But...


    Once again, countless blinding flashes of light sweep across the area.


    In no time at all, the sturdy fortress was chopped up like a dice, and crumbled to rubble at our sides.


    One after another, the structures that seemed to intimidate the viewer became mere lumps of metal... and crumbled to the earth.


    In front of your eyes, such a scene is repeated incessantly.


    "...... awesome ......


    This is the [Divine Sword] Ines.


    This is the most powerful shield and the most powerful sword in the kingdom of Crais, which has made all six saints say, "I never want to be an enemy.


    I think we''ve got a way home now.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    I could only watch, my heart beating wildly.


    But both my brother and Dr. Kalu were completely unfazed by the scene, brushing away the debris so that it wouldn''t hit Rollo.


    They were calm and collected.


    Dr. Noor had been meditating and looking up at the sky for a while now, and he hadn''t moved a muscle.


    It''s as if they knew this was coming.


    What an amazing people they are.


    The emperor must have noticed our presence from the roar earlier.


    The speed of the horse is even faster, and it runs on the ground with the momentum of flight.


    The [concealment] has already been lifted.


    That horse, strengthened with magic tools, is much faster than our dragon''s flight speed.


    At this rate, he will reach the Imperial City first.


    Perhaps he will make his preparations and intercept us.


    We''re headed for his home base.


    We don''t know what awaits us.


    But...


    Leanne. Prepare yourself. Our work here will determine the outcome of the war. We''re going in.


    "Yes, of course.


    Let''s show them who they''ve been messing with.


    Even though we''re heading straight for the enemy''s stronghold, the Imperial City...


    Strangely enough, there was no uneasiness in my heart at all.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little concerned about this.


    The master of the Thief, who is said to cut off all signs of life, and by the time you notice his presence, everything is over, the [Hidden Saint] Karou.


    It is said that even the dead can be brought back to life, and even the giant body of the legendary [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] can be healed in an instant [Healing Saint] Sein.


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    I''m surrounded by them.


    And...


    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find a way to find out more about this.


    He is still quietly folding his arms and looking up at the sky as if nothing is wrong.


    I''m sure he could hear our conversation.


    Does this mean that he doesn''t care about that?


    No, no.


    The doctor was listening quietly.


    Our resolve.


    If you are as strong as you are, even if you were to go into the Imperial Kingdom alone, you should easily be able to come back alive.


    In fact, to you, the most advanced weapons of the Empire were nothing more than toys.


    The question of whether or not to board the empire is a matter for people other than you and me.


    Come to think of it, it was Sensei who suggested that we use the Demon Dragon to get into the Imperial Kingdom.


    Yet, for a moment, I think he was hesitant to go with us.


    Looking back on it now, I think he was implicitly asking us to be ready at that point.


    I wondered if we, who were mere humans compared to him, would be able to follow him in such a fierce battle.


    The teacher was silently asking us to be prepared.


    When I think about it, I feel ashamed.


    I''m ashamed that I couldn''t read that much meaning into his first words.


    Sometimes I think...


    I think that he has not yet shown even a glimpse of his ability.


    In fact, he has never even shown any sign of attacking himself.


    He may think that what he has done so far is just a matter of sweeping away the dew that has fallen on him.


    Truly, this man has no bottom...


    His strength in battle, his thoughtfulness...


    We have someone like that on our side.


    I don''t think we''re going to lose just because of that.


    So we don''t have to worry about anything.


    I''m surrounded by the strongest people I can think of.

 39-39 Fire of Magic

    The capital of the Magical Empire, the "Imperial City of Nair".


    It is a huge city that is the core of the continent''s economy and also the political center that controls the surrounding nations.


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    The heavy gate, which has been given a certain degree of intelligence through advanced magic technology, detected the presence of the approaching "master" and moved autonomously, opening without making a sound.


    An old man in gleaming golden armor jumped into the narrow gap that slowly opened with unnoticeable speed - and a horse clad in the same golden armor as the old man was sucked straight towards the tallest and most majestic structure in the center of the imperial capital.


    As soon as the person in the golden armor entered the building, he immediately dismounted from the horse and ascended to the top floor at once using the special��Elevator��driven by the power of magic that was installed.


    The destination you''re heading to is the "Emperor''s Room".


    The room with the throne where the man who claims to be the "King" who rules the world sits.


    This is the room where the man should be.


    The emergency [elevator] took the man there immediately.


    When the man entered the room, his subjects, seeing his dirty appearance, shouted in surprise.


    What''s wrong with you, Your Majesty, with your appearance?


    And what happened to the rest of you ......?


    The vassal, a man of great political ability who was the emperor''s right-hand man, could not hide his confusion.


    This is because the emperor in front of him should have led 10,000 troops to invade the neighboring kingdom of Crace by now.


    "Good. They were useless.


    Bloody ...... incompetents. It doesn''t matter how many good weapons you give them, if they''re as useless as they were.


    The Emperor bit his dry lips.


    I ran away in fear at that time.


    But now I am filled with nothing but anger.


    Why did he bring so many men with him and they were of no use to him?


    Why did my vassals, whom I thought were capable, plan such a strategy?


    I feel like a fool for believing them.


    d*mnable.


    "Your Majesty... What was that?


    And so the man who believed himself to be the most capable of all the men in charge asked again.


    His voice was trembling.


    The man was looking out the large window of the throne room and was dismayed.


    The Emperor also looked in that direction.


    "What''s going on... Oh, no, that can''t be...


    The Emperor did not ask what it was.


    For it was the same thing he had seen earlier in the skies of the kingdom.


    A huge body that looked familiar flew over the imperial capital and headed straight for the imperial castle (here).


    That''s the [Demon Dragon of Misfortune]... why is it here?


    The Emperor wondered.


    I''ve been driving my horse at top speed, without even looking aside.


    Thanks to the blessings of the [wind protection] that had been granted to the horse''s armor, it had been running through as briskly as the wind itself.


    But strangely enough, halfway through the ride, the horse suddenly picked up speed.


    The Emperor, who was clinging to the horse''s back, did not know why.


    But now the reason is clear.


    That''s the reason.


    "Oh no... I thought I defeated it with the Spear of Light.


    The Emperor asked to no one in particular.


    However, without waiting for his subjects to speak, he immediately gave his own answer.


    At the same time, a shiver came from the bottom of his body.


    "You mean you brought it back to life again?


    Yes.


    In that country, there is a demonic man, the [Holy Demon] Sein, who has acquired that extraordinary recovery technique.


    Abomination.


    He''s the one who resurrected the dragon.


    "But why?


    Why is that dragon doing what they want?


    The Holy Church hunted the demon race as much as they could, and the demon race was a scarce resource that that man was supposed to have secured.


    So why...


    As he was about to say that, the existence of a possibility occurred to him.


    Immediately, the Emperor''s head was overwhelmed with anger.


    "That man...!��That man has turned!��That man!��Where is that man?


    A slaver from the commercial district.


    He controls the demon tribe, uses the beast tribe, and moves the demons as he pleases.


    That suspicious man must have set something up.


    That must be it.


    I''ve taken such good care of him and paid him so much.


    The Emperor clenched his fists and trembled with anger.


    ''Mister Rood?��He has just left for the Commercial Autonomous Region on urgent business.


    "d*mn that raccoon, ......!��Fool!��Why don''t you stop him!


    "Your Majesty has asked for special treatment for that man...


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    "Enough, give me that thing. I''ll burn that dragon with it.


    "............ to ...... Your Majesty ......?��What do you mean by that?


    The man is disgusted by the emperor''s arrogance, but still faithful to his role and asks about his intentions.


    "I''ll use Keraunos. Get ready.


    But... the always faithful man replied to the emperor''s order.


    A hint of frustration flashed across his face.


    "Your Majesty, ......, with all due respect!


    It''s still in the testing phase, and the sight can''t be adjusted properly, so it''s dangerous to use it right now. ......!��And that''s not even in a city like this. ......!


    "You fool.


    Can''t you see what''s right in front of you?


    Its breath burns everything.


    If you don''t do it, you''ll be killed.


    But if we use it at this stage, it could cause secondary damage... so we''ll have to use some other means...


    The emperor interrupted the man who continued to object and kicked him away.


    The man who had been the emperor''s faithful servant was blown away and hit the wall, becoming motionless.


    As he watched, the emperor ordered the other assistant clerk in the room.


    Do it.


    One shot is all we need. If you shoot it, it will sink.


    We''ve already proven it with the Spear of Light (Breunak).


    If it''s more powerful than that, there''s no problem.


    And add magic tracking to the barrel.


    If the ...... sight doesn''t work, that will make up for it, you incompetent bastard.


    Don''t ever miss.


    "Yes, sir!��As you wish!


    The loyal subjects immediately began to move to fulfill the emperor''s orders.


    The Emperor''s sweaty face flushed with joy.


    That''s it.


    That''s it.


    The schedule has changed, but I will use the best of magical science, the supreme magic gun, to defeat the legendary [Demon Dragon of Disaster] and show the world the power of magic and the power of the empire.


    That remains unchanged.


    If we sink this dragon, it will come true soon.


    We can destroy the neighboring kingdom after that.


    And it''s only a matter of time.


    This expedition has cost us lives, but it has given us information.


    The war has already begun.


    From now on, it is better to confront them head-on instead of using the deceitful strategy proposed by your foolish vassals.


    We should improve the supreme weapon [Keraunos] and take measures to crush them head-on with force.


    Since we are superior in national power, there is no need for us to resort to tricks.


    It is only the majestic appearance that is appropriate for our empire.


    And he''s going to lead it himself, not a bunch of incompetent generals.


    That thought brought a smile to my face.


    The emperor arrived at the throne, a symbol of his authority, in an excited mood.


    "Not yet... Hurry up.


    "Yes, sir... I''ve just sent instructions to the control room via the call.


    I''m connecting you to the gunner now. ......!


    Please wait a moment. ......!


    "Hurry up, slowpoke.


    "Hurry up, slowpoke." Then a voice came from the [Call] connected to the artillery.


    "Keraunos is ready to fire.


    "Then fire. Do it now.


    "And now... I''ve just received word from the Imperial City Watch.


    There''s something on that dragon''s back...


    "Shut up and shoot.


    A few moments later, the magical light that was illuminating the throne room dimmed.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in a situation where you can''t get out of it.


    That is the [Keraunos].


    The power of the Keraunos is incomparably greater than the size of a spear of light that can be carried on the battlefield.


    It is a symbol of mankind''s wisdom that brings together the best of the Imperial Kingdom''s magic technology.


    The Emperor smiled as he looked out the large window.


    It was a smile of comfort.


    That dragon almost died a moment ago, and now it''s being resurrected and used again.


    What a pathetic ''legend''.


    This time, I''m going to wipe it out so that there is no trace of it.


    Just as the Emperor thought this, all the lights in the Imperial City went out.


    And then the light shone.


    As if the setting sun had reappeared, an intense mass of light shot out from a long barrel made of an alloy of "royal metal (orichalcone)" and "mana metal".


    As the name implies, it becomes the "divine lightning".


    As the name suggests, it becomes [divine lightning], tearing the sky and heading straight for the [dragon].


    But... this is not the light of a god.


    It''s man''s light.


    The light of man''s wisdom, created by man.


    A supreme light created by the most superior wisdom on earth, and with the blessings engraved in its magical waves, it will never be out of its target''s reach.


    No matter how hard you try to escape, you can''t avoid it...


    It is a light of annihilation.


    Whenever it strikes, whatever it is will perish.


    And when you''re done, you''re going to shoot it directly into the kingdom.


    I don''t care if it damages the labyrinth in any way.


    We already have power equal to that of a god.


    We just couldn''t use it to its fullest thanks to our foolish vassals.


    Not so next time.


    I''m not going to hold back anymore.


    The wise emperor himself will take charge.


    The emperor''s face is twisted with pleasure.


    This is where it all begins.


    They boiled our asses.


    Let''s avenge them.


    The emperor''s heart swelled with hope as he saw the dragon''s form enveloped by the divine light...


    "Parry.


    But...


    An intense light that shone like a dazzling sun...


    For some reason, it shot up right above the dragon.


    And as the light ascended into the sky, it split like a tree splitting into branches.


    ".................. ah ......... .........?


    As the emperor watched in amazement, the countless branches of light arced downward in a downward trajectory... and the light fell on the imperial city like a meteor.


    As it fell, it modified its trajectory as if it was drawn by a large amount of magic power, just as it was engraved in its magic wave.


    One of the destinations drawn in by the blessings of the magic power chase was a group of research facilities for magic tools equipped with a magic core, the best source of magic power in the imperial capital, built by accumulating as many magic stones as they could buy and as many as they could offer from the countries they absorbed.


    This is the place where the best technology of the empire is crystallized, where the barrel of the [divine thunder (Keraunos)] is also placed.


    What is stored there is the history of the Magical Empire itself, which spans several hundred years.


    It is a sign of power, a sign of authority that is superior to that of any other nation.


    The light produced by those who fall from the heavens one after another falls straight down to the multiple sources of magical power that support the entire foundation of the empire.


    Among them, the flock of lights heading for the Magic Core seemed to shine even more strongly.


    It was as if they were drawn to the place where it was created.


    "No, no, no, no, no!��Not there, not there...!


    The Emperor was shouting to no one in particular.


    But there was no one to hear him.


    His subjects were already gone...


    The Emperor was left alone on his throne.


    And so, the sky of the Imperial City, seen from the window of the Imperial Chamber, was painted a dazzling white...


    "��������, ......, ��������!


    On that day, all the magic fires in the Imperial City were extinguished.

 40-40 Throne Room

    How long had I been unconscious?


    As long as I didn''t look down, I''d be fine... My naive idea of flying was soon shattered.


    It shook more than I expected.


    It was much, much scarier than I had expected.


    As long as I kept my eyes shut and only looked upward, I could at least manage to keep my eyes off the ground.


    Still, I held on.


    I could hear people talking around me, but my heart was beating so fast that I couldn''t understand what they were saying.


    But I managed to hold it together until the middle.


    But then something happened.


    The dragon suddenly began to plummet.


    I was so scared I can''t remember what happened next.


    When I came to, there was a bright light in front of me.


    "Oh...?


    I knew immediately that it was dangerous.


    It was more than just the light the dragon had spat out.


    The red light that burned the dragon...


    It was much more powerful.


    Why was it like that?


    It was as bright as the sun.


    If it swallowed us all...


    We''ll all be burned like that dragon.


    "Teacher...


    Lean was saying something to me.


    But there''s no time to answer.


    I shut my eyes and took up my sword...


    I kicked the dragon in the back with all my might and jumped into the light.


    Just by getting close to the light, my skin is quickly burned.


    He couldn''t even keep his eyes open.


    But...


    "Parry!


    I forcibly pushed the light up with my black sword.


    Then I felt a strange response in the handle of the black sword, and even with my eyes closed, I could feel the light recede into the distance.


    I fearfully opened my eyes in midair to check, and saw a thick pillar of light climbing up to the sky.


    Thank goodness.


    It seems the dragon was spared a direct hit.


    As it ascended through the sky, the huge light scattered in various directions and fell to the ground in a tail like a swarm of meteors.


    It was an eye-opening and fantastic sight...


    But before I could take my eyes off the scene, I remembered that I was high in the sky.


    Immediately, my body stiffened.


    And so, with all the momentum of my leap, I approached the tallest building in front of me...


    I plunge headfirst into it.


    I was barely able to use the sword I was holding as a shield, which was a good thing, but a tremendous shock hit me.


    But it didn''t stop.


    Wall after wall of massive construction came at me, each time forcing me to defend myself with my black sword.


    I kept doing this, smashing through several walls, rolling across the floor, and before I knew it, I was in a large room.


    Thank God. I stopped.


    Somehow he managed not to fall to the ground.


    We''re lucky.


    But where am I? ......?


    As I look around, I see a familiar golden old man.


    He was seated in a fancy chair with the same shiny finish, surrounded by soldiers in dark purple armor.


    The armor was similar to the armor worn by the soldiers he had just seen, although there were some differences in appearance.


    That means that the group must be soldiers of the Imperial Kingdom.


    If that''s the case, we may have come to a bad place.


    But there''s something wrong.


    The soldiers didn''t pay attention to my presence, but surrounded the old man and drew their swords while shouting something.


    It seemed as if they were about to slash at him.


    I thought I heard that the old man was the emperor of the empire,......, but maybe he''s not?


    Prepare yourself, ......!��For the sake of the survival of the empire you will die here.


    Don''t... don''t... save... me!


    Your Majesty. We, the Ten Guardians, will take over your duties. Please rest in peace.


    And now... I''m sorry.


    One of the soldiers in armor swung a large curved sword at the old man.


    That''s dangerous...


    I stepped in front of the old man and...


    "Parry!


    I reamed out my sword and flicked the swords of everyone in the room.


    "What? What?


    The swords, large and small, left the hands of the soldiers and pierced the walls, floor and ceiling.


    "Huh...


    The old man cowered at the sight of me.


    The old man cowered at the sight of me. One of the soldiers, perhaps startled by my sudden interruption, shouted out.


    Who are you, you...!��You''re trying to protect him!��Because of this stupid emperor!��Because of this foolish emperor, our country...!


    I don''t know what''s going on, but calm down.


    I don''t know what''s going on, but calm down.


    They also took out black cylindrical objects of various sizes and pointed them at us.


    These are also weapons I''ve seen before.


    Magic bullets flying at us all at once.


    "Parry!


    I swung my sword wide and repelled all of the magic bullets.


    This is nothing to worry about.


    But there''s too many of them.


    They don''t seem to be listening to me.


    I may not be able to protect the old man at this rate.


    "Old man. Get down.


    I thought it would be best to stay as low as possible for now, so I quickly grabbed the old man''s head and pushed him down to the floor.


    But I was a little too strong.


    The old man''s head plunged deeply into the floor.


    Oh, shit. Will he be okay?


    Oh my god...


    ...... Thank God. ...... He''s still breathing.


    Apparently he''s still breathing thanks to his sturdy helmet.


    "You... .......


    I don''t know who you are, but you''re not doing yourself any favors by pledging your allegiance to this man at this time.


    "Yes... this man has irreparably damaged our country.


    He needs to pay for it with his life.


    Get out of there.


    I don''t understand. Can''t we just talk about it?


    You know what I''m talking about!


    If I did, I''d have done it a long time ago!


    "Die...


    The soldiers surrounding us didn''t want to listen to us, but still attacked us at once.


    They had daggers, whips, double swords, claws, shiny sticks that I couldn''t understand... they had all kinds of weapons in their hands and they were swinging them at the old man.


    "Parry.


    I flicked their weapons again.


    Fortunately, they weren''t moving too fast.


    Fortunately, they weren''t moving too fast, since they were trying to attack an old man. ...... I guess they weren''t too confident in their skills.


    They seemed to be able to handle it on their own.


    Who are you? .......


    You''re not from the Empire, are you?��From the looks of you, you''re an adventurer for hire.


    If you have that much power, why are you working for such a man? You can''t expect to get paid for what you''ve done. ......?


    Wait a minute.


    What are you talking about?


    I''m sure you''ve made some kind of mistake...


    Shut up!��That man will pay for this with his death...!


    A slender soldier threw something at me, screaming.


    A flash of light...


    It''s a bomb.


    Oh no.


    The blast can''t be covered by [Palii].


    I quickly kicked the old man in the side of his head, which was still stuck in the floor.


    "Egg!


    The old man was kicked away by me, and with too much momentum, he was thrust headfirst into the wall, with only his lower body hanging down.


    Oh, no. Did I kick him a little too hard?


    No, it''s probably not a problem.


    I was more careful than I was when I sunk him into the floor, and that shiny gold armor is very sturdy.


    I''m sure he''s not dead.


    But still...


    "Why?


    Why are you doing this?


    You''re dealing with an old man.


    And isn''t that your emperor?


    That was... a man.


    But that''s over now.


    Stay out of this.


    That man... must die.


    If we don''t kill him now with our own hands, he''ll never show it.


    As he finished, the tallest man in the group hurled several bombs at the old man.


    Fast...!


    There''s no way I''m going to make it in time.


    I quickly grabbed the old man''s legs to get him out of the blast, pulled him out of the wall and rolled him to the floor.


    With a mighty yank, the old man rolled wildly across the floor, hitting the first fancy chair he was sitting in... and shattering it.


    Ahey ......!


    Apparently, he was safe thanks to his sturdy armor.


    However, the golden helmet the old man was wearing cracked and one of the antlers fell off.


    It may have been a little rough this time, but it was better than being killed.


    But the problem was these men.


    Why are they so relentless in their pursuit of the old man?


    Wouldn''t it be better to talk to them calmly?


    The old man is not capable of fighting, is he?


    I mean, even if we don''t kill him, he''s old enough to be coming home soon...


    "We don''t have time for this!


    There''s not a moment to lose!


    The enemy is invading our country!


    They''re bringing that [Demon Dragon of Misfortune] with them!


    If I don''t show them right now that I don''t have the will to fight anymore, there will be no way to get back!


    If we don''t hurry up and give them this man''s head, our country will...!


    At that moment, a quiet, clear voice echoed through the large room.


    Wait! You mustn''t kill him. You don''t have to... dead men can''t atone for their sins.


    Everyone turned around to see four figures.


    As soon as they saw them, the soldiers'' hands stopped, strangely enough.


    It was...


    "So... you''re here, good.


    The [Monk] instructor and the [Thief] instructor.


    Behind them are Lean and Lean''s brother.


    Good luck, sir.


    Where are Inez and Rollo?��I don''t see them.


    Rollo''s on the dragon''s back right now. Inez is guarding Rollo and the dragon. We followed the doctor down here.


    I see.


    I looked out the big window of the room and saw a dragon flying around the building.


    When I looked at its back, I saw Rollo waving at me.


    "Lord Noor. I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out. The ...... ''discussion (????)'' is our domain.


    Lean''s brother said as he looked at the old man.


    Oh, please.


    The more we can talk about it, the better.


    Apparently, you''re not listening to me.


    Thank you.


    Lean, take Noor to the dragon and heal him.


    From what I can see, he''s been overworked.


    All right, brother. Let''s go, doctor.


    Yes, sir. You take care of him, okay?


    I''m really glad they''re here.


    Those soldiers didn''t listen to me at all, and I was in trouble.


    It seems that they are willing to talk to me now, and I''m sure they''ll take care of it.


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.


    I''ll be back.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve seen you all.


    Please put down your swords.


    We have business with the man.


    We have business with the man. If possible, we would appreciate it if you could deliver him alive.


    The prince''s quiet call was answered by a man who was the largest of the ten soldiers present.


    This was the man who had just thrown a bomb at the Emperor.


    "Prince Rain.


    We have no intention of engaging in war with your country anymore.


    We''re only doing this as a souvenir to ask for your forgiveness.


    We have no objection to handing this man over.


    I''d like to offer your country our full surrender.


    If that''s not enough of an apology, I''ll offer you the heads of our ten warriors.


    It is also our fault that we could not stop this war.


    "I appreciate your concern.


    But it''s not enough.


    My country doesn''t need any more corpses.


    We just want to talk to the man first.


    Take your time...


    Then we''ll talk to your country.


    The prince stared at the old man sitting on the floor with an expressionless face, and the old man cowered.


    "Hee...!��Forgive me, forgive me...


    A pathetic voice escaped from the old man''s mouth.


    "Forgive you?��Did you just say that you want me to forgive you?


    The prince stared at the old man''s face with cold eyes, the edges of his mouth gradually twisting.


    "Oh, ......, yes.


    Of course I''m going to forgive you.


    Of course I''m going to forgive you. That''s what (????) we''re here for.


    "Oh, really... then...


    "There have been twenty-three unnatural disappearances in my country to date...


    What...?


    "And twelve who have been gutted by demons.


    Nine people trapped under collapsed buildings.


    Thirteen people were burned to death after failing to escape the fire.


    Eight people had their arms broken by flying debris.


    Sixteen people were crushed in the chest or spine.


    Six people had their legs, arms and wrists cut off.


    Those whose skulls were crushed by various causes - seven in total.


    In addition...


    One hundred and twenty-seven people (????) who were torn, crushed, and turned into miserable pieces of flesh.


    That''s the total number of people who were directly affected in our country.


    This is a rough estimate of the number of victims as far as I can tell.


    ...... So, what''s the problem with that, ......?


    You just said ''forgive'', right?


    If you accept "as much (????) suffering" as all of those I just mentioned, then I''m willing to absolve you of your crimes.


    Then we can move on to a fair ''discussion'' to end the war and make reparations, but this proposal - does anyone here have any objections?


    ���������� No objections: ����������


    Most of the people in the room spoke up.


    The old man''s face twitched.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    A person approached him from behind and spoke to him in a gentle voice.


    Don''t worry. Don''t worry, it''s the same, but it won''t kill you. You''ll be fine.


    The man in the white robe smiled good-naturedly.


    I''ll never kill you.


    Dead men can''t reflect or change their ways.


    I will never let you die, no matter what.


    No matter how many times you die, I''ll bring you back.


    Again and again and again. So there''s nothing to worry about.


    I suggest you just accept your sins. In the end, I will restore you to a state where we can have a proper discussion.


    The man in the white robe smiled at the old man and said plainly, as if it were some kind of incantation.


    The man in the black mask continued.


    The black masked man continues, "Are you worried that you will not be able to take that much pain?��But there''s nothing wrong with that.


    Because you will never lose consciousness during this time. You may writhe in agony, your mind may fray but you will never lose your senses. You''ll never go mad.


    I will do everything in my power to support you so that you can fully experience the pain of those who have regretfully perished.


    In front of the old man who was about to collapse in fear, the prince also repeated his words.


    "Of course, you don''t have to worry about exposing your disgusting behavior to the people. We don''t like that either. We''ll make sure you''re soundproofed. Your shrill screams will never reach the outside.


    So feel free to cry out as loud as you like.


    No one will ever be able to hear you.


    "Kahhh...


    The old man was so terrified that he lost his voice.


    But he tried to squeeze out the best he could and begged....


    "Forgive me...


    I''m telling you, I''m going to forgive you.


    I''m going to forgive you for everything.


    If you''re willing to make amends.


    The man in the white robe slowly stepped forward again and whispered in the old man''s ear.


    "I heard that you were all in a lot of pain.


    Some of you were lucky enough to receive treatment in time, but ...... many of you died.


    It is impossible even for me to revive people who have already lost their lives completely.


    In that regard, you are very lucky.


    You are very lucky to have such a good healer here. I can grow you an arm, a leg, or any number of other things. ...... You are very, very lucky.


    When he heard the man''s words, the blood drained from the old man''s face as if he were dead, and the stinking liquid spread across the floor.


    "......Hiss......!


    "...... Don''t get me wrong.


    We''re not doing this because we want to.


    What we want now is for you to be aware of the pain that our people have suffered - that''s all.


    I''ve reduced the number of people who have lost their homes, their jobs.


    Those who have lost their homes, their jobs, their families...the list goes on and on.


    And you''re going to do it all with just "pain.


    I''m going to forgive you for what you''ve done to my country.


    Without taking your life, which cost so many others theirs.


    The prince laughed icily at the old man''s frightened eyes with an expression of utter coldness.


    "Well, my country is merciful, isn''t it?

 41-41 Return to the Royal Capital 1

    The streets of the Imperial City were in a terrible state.


    While I was being treated by Lean, I was looking at the surrounding scenery from the top of a very tall building.


    I couldn''t look too far down because it was scary, but as far as I could see horizontally, black smoke was rising everywhere, near and far.


    It seems that something happened while I was crashing into the building.


    What the hell is going on?


    Is this... is this because of the light that fell?


    That strong light that I flashed back... did it destroy the city this badly?


    "Yes, you''re right.


    The strong magical light that you were hit with broke apart and rained down on various places in the Imperial City.


    All the facilities that are smoking were burned by that light.


    "Well... I''m sorry about that. I didn''t mean for that to happen.


    At the time, I was so busy bouncing back the light, I didn''t think about the consequences.


    I didn''t realize it would cause so much damage. .......


    "No, I don''t think you need to worry about it, .......


    I don''t think you need to worry about it. It was the Imperial side that unleashed it, and you were merely protecting us from that threat.


    I don''t think you should feel guilty.


    "Even so...


    Isn''t someone dead at ......?


    That thought makes me feel heavy.


    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you''ll be able to find out how to do it.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I''m sure there will be little human damage.


    Of course, the lives of the residents will be affected, but not as much as in our country. ......


    "Well... I hope you''re right.


    I felt a little better after hearing Lean''s explanation, but it''s such a huge damage. It''s inevitable that someone will get hurt.


    We had come here in pursuit of the emperor, but most of the people living in this city would never have expected such a sudden destruction of their city.


    I''m sorry, even if it was to avoid danger. .......


    As I was thinking about this, Lean''s brother and three of his instructors appeared.


    "Lord Noor. Lean. There you are.


    "Brother ......, have you finished your discussion?


    "Yes... the emperor listened to us very openly (??????).


    The war is over.


    Now the post-war arrangements for mutual reconstruction will begin.


    "Yes.


    He was truly sorry and changed his mind.


    He was willing to accept all my suggestions.


    After all, it is important to discuss things while you are still alive.


    It''s too late to die.


    "......, if you can call that a discussion.


    What a disappointing story.


    The war that seemed to have started just a few minutes ago has already ended with a promise not to violate each other''s territory.


    If that is the case, why didn''t they just settle it through talks from the beginning?


    It may not be that simple, but .......


    It may not be that simple, but I wonder if the situation was such that even that was not possible until now.


    As a result of the discussion, the emperor has decided to abdicate at his own request.


    From now on, a successor will be chosen from the emperor''s bloodline to take over.


    "I see. That sounds like a good idea to me.


    I don''t know much about politics, but I think that sounds better.


    He seemed a bit weak-minded, and he''s quite old.


    His successor will probably be the emperor''s grandson, for the sake of the future administration of the state.


    "Grandson?��That makes him quite young, doesn''t it?


    Yes, he''ll be ten this year.


    Naturally, he will not be able to make difficult political decisions on his own, so he will have a guardian.


    The new emperor will be assisted by the prime minister, who has long been in charge of political affairs, and the ten men who were with the emperor earlier, the Ten Guardians, who will take care of him in the meantime.


    "What?��The ten?


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following address: .......


    To be honest, I''m a little ......, or rather, a lot worried about that.


    Is this country really safe ......?


    As I was thinking this, the ten men came out of the room.


    For a moment, I braced myself for another attack, but then...


    The tallest and most conspicuous man came up to me, took off his helmet and bowed deeply to me.


    "I''m sorry about earlier.


    You are not a guard hired by the emperor, but a member of the kingdom.


    I would like to apologize for my misunderstanding and for turning on you.


    I''m not in a position to ask for your forgiveness, but ...... let me do whatever I can to make amends.


    I was a little surprised when the man suddenly became more polite.


    Apparently, he wanted to apologize for attacking me earlier.


    It wasn''t much of a threat, so I didn''t really care.


    I don''t care about that and I don''t want to make amends.


    "Well, thank you for accepting my apology.


    But ...... I don''t think you should go around hurting one old man.


    I don''t know what kind of situation you''re in but I don''t think you should resort to violence just because you can''t communicate.


    "Yeah... that''s really true.


    Now that I''ve cooled down, I feel ashamed of myself.


    From now on, I will try to handle everything peacefully.


    ...... We don''t like to settle things by warfare, originally.


    It''s almost as if we''ve been left in the dark because of it.


    I don''t know if that''s true.��I didn''t think you looked like that. ......?


    I don''t blame you for not believing me - but let me tell you this.


    If you hadn''t stepped in to stop it, our country would be in the middle of a war of attrition, a war of attrition among the people.


    If you hadn''t stepped in to stop it, our country would have been thrown into a quagmire of fighting among its own people.


    It was only through your intervention that we were able to prevent that from happening and bring it to an end... and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.


    "I don''t think I''ve done anything to warrant such an accusation.


    I just happened to be there when it happened in the first place.


    "Accidentally"?


    I don''t think I''ve ever seen anything like it.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web and also to make sure that you are getting the most out of it.


    I thought I was going to die when I jumped off the dragon''s back and slammed into the wall with great force.


    It is a good thing that I happened to have a sturdy sword that could penetrate that hard wall, but without ...... it would have been dangerous.


    It''s a good thing I have a sturdy sword that can pierce through those hard walls.


    So you don''t need to feel grateful to me for risking your life to stop us.


    Is that what you''re saying?


    That''s what I''m saying.


    That''s what I''m saying. I''m the one who got saved.


    I was lucky there was a floor there, and I''m really grateful.


    It saved me from falling to the ground.


    "Haha, lucky floor, huh?


    The tall man laughed out loud.


    You''re a real funny guy.


    I get it. All right. I''ll leave it at that.


    But remember this.


    From now on, we''ll spare no effort to help you.


    If there''s anything I can do to help, just let me know.


    I''ll risk my life to help you.


    "I don''t think you have to go that far. ...... Okay. I''ll just take your word for it.


    He''s a better talker than I thought.


    I think I''ve caused another misunderstanding. ...... Well, at least it''s a big step forward that I''m not getting slashed and bombs thrown at me out of nowhere.


    This is not the end of the matter.


    Wait a minute, I forgot something important.


    Isn''t it really me who should be apologizing?


    No. ...... Speaking of which, I have something to apologize for as well.


    I''m sorry for what we''ve done to the city.


    "We''ve made the city this ......?


    Are you talking about Keraunos?


    No, that was of course our fault.


    I see. You were riding that dragon too, weren''t you?


    I''m sorry I put you in danger with that too.


    The destruction of the imperial capital was caused by a ''runaway'' caused by forcing the use of an unfinished product... you are not to blame.


    But aren''t there dead people?


    Maybe. But so far there have been no such reports.


    If you say that, then our country is more guilty for violating the treaty and invading your country.


    In any case, I won''t let you take the blame.


    "Well... but if there''s anything I can do to help, just let me know.


    If there''s anything I can do to help, let me know. I''ll help you clear the rubble.


    Are you serious?


    You''re such a softie, aren''t you?


    The man turned his large body upside down and laughed.


    The sound of laughter echoed through the city.


    He''s kind of a gutsy guy.


    After a brief chat, the lean man approached the man and called out to him.


    "Well, Sir Landorus.


    It''s time for us to leave.


    We have much to report back home.


    "All right, we''ll see you out... but Lord Raine.


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.


    I don''t know if I should say this, but don''t you need someone to watch over you?


    Politics is a matter for your country.


    Our country will not interfere too much.


    It''s fine as long as you come to a satisfactory conclusion.


    The emperor has promised to provide us with secret technology and interaction between our people.


    As long as you keep your word, you''ll be a good neighbor to us.


    And I''m a good judge of character.


    I believe you are telling the truth.


    Do your best not to betray them.


    "Thank you for your consideration.


    I will not be disrespected in any way.


    It''s going to take us both a while to recover.


    An important research center with a long history has been reduced to ashes, hasn''t it?


    It was our own fault.


    It''s true that valuable research materials were burned, but fortunately, there are still people left.


    We''ll have to start from scratch.


    We''ll guarantee your safety on the way back.


    We''ve already notified all the troops that the war is over.


    You can go in peace.


    "Oh, well, excuse me. Any further correspondence will be handled through the messenger.


    Oh, and have a safe trip home.


    You never told me your name, did you? If you don''t mind, I''d like to know.


    The big man, who had been having a difficult conversation with the lean man, turned to me.


    ...... Is that me?��It''s Noor.


    So you''re Noll, huh?


    I''m the head of the Tenth Machine of the Magic Empire, my name is Landaeus.


    Please mention my name when you ask for help.


    Right. See you later.


    Don''t you dare pick on the old man again.


    Oh...


    I look forward to seeing you again soon.


    We rode on the dragon''s back, said our goodbyes...


    The ten men who had attacked the old man saw us off and we left the Imperial City.

 42-42 Return to the Royal Capital 2

    I don''t even want to remember the rest of the journey home, but we managed to get back to King''s Landing before dark.


    When we returned to the place where the dragon took off, Lean''s father greeted us.


    He had been waiting for us at the same place all along.


    "Father.


    I''ve returned safely.


    The war is over... and everything went well.


    Well, it looks like it worked.


    Thank you for all your hard work.


    I''ll want a full report later, Rain.


    Yes, sir.


    Later.


    But first, we must thank our benefactor.


    Yes, Mr. Knoll, you''ve done more than you could ever ask for.


    You deserve a reward.


    What reward?


    A reward?


    Yes, yes.


    I''d like to reward you for your hard work on this case.


    Anything you say.


    Anything we can do to help...


    No, I don''t want it.


    What?


    I appreciate the gesture but I''m not in any trouble.


    I don''t mind sleeping out in the open, and I can get my own food if I want to.


    However, although I do not intend to say anything strange, all the people around me have a puzzled look on their faces.


    I don''t know, I''ve seen something like this before.


    No, no, no, that''s not going to happen.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.


    "Yes, that''s fine...


    I really don''t want anything.


    I was about to say that when I caught sight of Rollo.


    Then I remembered something that had been bothering me.


    "No, I''m sorry...


    There was one thing I wanted to ask you. ......


    When I said that, Lean''s father had a big smile on his scarred face.


    Oh, oh. ...... Oh, yeah, yeah!


    Then feel free to say anything you want!


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''ll do it.


    "Actually, I''d like to ask you a favor about this girl.


    I put my hand on the head of Rollo, who was standing next to me.


    I put my hand on Rollo''s head, who was standing next to me. "......What ......?��...... Boku......?


    Rollo looks up at me and rolls his eyes.


    "The child?��...... Is that child of the demon race, if I may ask?


    "Yes, he is.


    This child has no relatives.


    He was staying with a group of merchants who were visiting the empire, but they left him behind.


    I don''t even know where they''re going...


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that while I was getting my wounds healed by Leanne, my brother asked around and found out that the merchant group that Rollo was living with had suddenly disappeared from the Imperial Kingdom.


    No one knows where they went, except that they were somewhere in the Commercial Autonomous Region.


    In the end, Rolo, who had nowhere else to go, decided to return to the capital with us because of the dragon, but nothing has been decided about the destination.


    So, what do you want...


    "I want her to be able to live a normal life in King''s Landing like everyone else.


    That''s all I can hope for.


    It''s almost as if I brought her here myself.


    I thought about taking her in and living with her, but it would be better for her to have a home and be taken care of by a rich family than to be taken care of by someone with an unstable income like me.


    What do you mean, you want her to live like the rest of us?


    I''m sorry, can you explain that to me?


    First, I want you to give him a home.


    You once told me that you would give me a home.


    That''s all I need... clothes and food, if possible.


    "...... I see.


    If you own land and buildings in the country, you need to become a citizen of the kingdom - is that what you want?


    ...... Is that what you want?


    Yeah, if that''s what it takes.


    She''s saved my life many times.


    The big dragon listened to me because of her.


    The war wouldn''t have ended if it wasn''t for her.


    So please reward her instead of me.


    That''s all I want.


    "That''s all you want?


    Lean''s father looks ashamed.


    I wonder if he''s unhappy that I''m not getting something for myself.


    I don''t know what his reasoning is, but Lean and his father both do their best to force things on me when I thank them.


    I''m sure that''s the culture, but I still don''t want anything I don''t need.


    ...... You''re right.


    I''ll make my intention clear.


    I''ll tell you what, I don''t want anything else - I really don''t want anything else. Ever.


    Well, I guess that''s all you need to say.


    I''m sure.


    It''s gonna be okay, right?


    "All right. I''ll do whatever you want.


    But is that really all you want?


    If it''s goods, I can prepare some from my family''s stockpile, and I don''t think it would be a hindrance to have them. ......


    No, I don''t want it.


    If you have something to give me, please use it for something else.


    I''m sure there are many people who have lost their homes and are in trouble right now.


    If you can afford to give me something, please give it to them.


    Where else do you need money right now?


    "That''s true, too.


    Yes, you''re absolutely right.


    Lean''s father laughed, though I thought it would offend him.


    He really is a middle-aged man who laughs a lot.


    I was feeling relieved that I had managed to survive the onslaught of gifts from Leanne''s father, but I was getting a little impatient.


    As we were talking, I realized something.


    This is not the time for a casual conversation.


    "Sorry.


    I have somewhere to go.


    Lean, I''ll leave you here.


    Doctor, where are you going?


    See you... and take care of Rollo.


    I left as quickly as I could and ran to my destination.


    I was halfway to the roof and halfway to the wall.


    I was visiting an adventurer''s guild building with half of the roof and walls broken and in disrepair.


    ......?��Oh!��It''s Noll.


    Aren''t you supposed to be on a trip?


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.


    When I entered the building, I found the guild''s uncle busily working at the half-destroyed guild counter with a tired look on his face.


    The guild''s uncle was busily working at the half-destroyed guild counter.


    I had to turn around quickly.


    "Well... I''ve made a deal with them that I''ll get a lot of money even if the request is cancelled, so there''s no harm in it.


    You''ve got a lot of mud on you by the way, what''s wrong?


    Well, I''ve been through a lot... a lot of exercise.


    Oh, yeah?


    Well, it''s a good time.


    We''re all in the same boat.


    I''ve been in a lot of trouble myself... thought I was gonna die a lot of times.


    Yeah. I''ve been through a lot, too. I''m exhausted.


    Yeah, it''s ......, Noor.


    I''m sorry to bother you, but...


    The master of the building guild was looking for you.


    We''re short on manpower, where''s Noor?


    They''re busy clearing rubble, building temporary houses, they''re dying.


    Yeah, I know.


    That''s why I''m here... I''ll be right there. Where is it?


    I''ll give you a map. Take it.


    Yeah, thanks.


    And so I quickly left the crumbling guild, slung my black sword over my shoulder, and headed for the site where work had already begun on clearing the rubble.


    But I''m really tired today.


    A sigh escaped my lips.


    I''ve been running around recklessly with no regard for my own strength.


    I think I was really helped by the people around me today.


    Even when I encountered a dangerous situation, I managed to get through it with the help of Leanne, Rollo, Inez ......, Bart and the instructors.


    Without any of them, I would have lost my life.


    Thanks to them, I could have survived.


    Looking back, it''s been a very busy morning.


    When I thought I was going on a journey in a carriage, I had to fight a poisonous toad, and after hearing from Rollo, I turned around ...... and was blown towards the royal capital, hit a dragon, and almost got killed, but ran away... and immediately after that, I had to play a lot of swords and shields to death. I had to play with a lot of swords and shields.


    In addition, after that, as I said, I flew on the dragon''s back, fainted from fear, and stopped ten vicious soldiers from attacking the old man in the imperial country where I had arrived before I knew it.


    It''s been a pretty intense day.


    Frankly, I''m tired.


    I feel like I need to get some rest.


    But...


    The whole city is a mess right now.


    There''s a lot of work to be done.


    First we have to clean up the piles of rubble.


    There may be people trapped underneath who need help.


    Thinking about that, we can''t just rest.


    Even though we have cleaned up the rubble, we are not finished yet.


    Since many houses were destroyed, we need to build as many houses as possible, but the ground has been gouged out here and there due to the tremendous rampage of that big dragon.


    First of all, we need to level out the soil and consolidate the ground.


    Fortunately, I''m not feeling too bad, thanks to Lean''s treatment earlier.


    I''m hungry, but I''ll make it.


    If there''s one thing a person like me can really do for others, it''s simple hard work like this.


    Fortunately, the Black Sword on my shoulder seems to be useful.


    As long as I have this sword, I won''t be able to do anything spectacular with it, like slaying many demons or slaying dragons, but I should be able to do something modest that will help people.


    That''s what I thought after wielding it for a day.


    It''s a shabby looking sword with barely a cutting edge left on it, but it''s a really good, sturdy sword.


    No matter how hard you hit it, it won''t get a scratch, and it''s heavy, but the more you shake it, the more momentum you get.


    And no matter how hard you hit it, it will never bend.


    It cannot cut, but it is convenient for striking.


    It''s perfect for staking out construction sites.


    Now here''s the real work for me.


    I carried the black sword on my shoulder, which was becoming more and more comfortable in my hand, and headed for the rubble removal site where many people were working.

 43-43 In the temporary office

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    There is no reason to weigh up effective defense techniques against a false claim.


    The "demon race" is a very dangerous race and should be declared an enemy of humanity.


    As soon as you find them, kill them and dispose of them, or hand them over alive.


    If you do so, the Holy Mithraic State promises great benefits to those who cooperate.


    There is no one who would dare to disobey that request.


    Because there''s nothing to be gained by doing so.


    It is not clear why Mithra and the Church are so concerned about the demon race.


    It''s true that they fought a major war against the demon tribe in history, and there are reasons to believe that their grudge is still smoldering, but that was hundreds of years ago...that''s not the only reason.


    The demon race is something important to Mithra.


    There''s a reason why she wants to keep them as enemies.


    There''s something that wants to keep them as enemies even if it means putting down roots in the world.


    In other words, to join the demon tribe is to become a potential enemy of the great nation of Mithra.


    That''s a real problem. It''s too big to be an enemy.


    But there''s been a lot going on in that country lately that''s been bothering me.


    It is said that the Devil''s Heart was used in the attack on the capital this time.


    It''s a rare magical stone that can only be produced in Mithra.


    It''s inconceivable that it could be leaked like that.


    The strict control system that that country prides itself on would not allow it.


    It''s impossible for it to have been stolen... we have to assume that it was officially provided to them for some reason.


    Why?


    I thought our country and Mithra were on good terms.


    It wasn''t long ago that Lean went to study abroad.


    There was no sign of that at that time.


    We are about to conduct a full-scale investigation into this matter, and the distribution channel will be revealed in due course.


    But at this point, we have to be suspicious.


    It seems that these women already want to destroy this country.


    "Of all times... this is the time to protect a demon boy.


    That boy has already been seen by many people.


    He was in control of that giant dragon.


    He''s bound to get noticed.


    There''s no hiding him now.


    But isn''t the decision to protect him, no matter how heroic the offer, adding fuel to the fire in the current situation?


    However... it''s not like we''re just going to throw the boy away.


    He''s one of our heroes.


    It''s not our way to return the favor, but...


    It''s not right to put a barrier between us and humans just because we''re demons.


    They are also intelligent neighbors who can speak to each other.


    Race and the past are irrelevant.


    How I wish I could say that.


    But... a person in my position is not allowed to say such a sweet dream.


    Rain.


    Yes?


    The king called out to his son, Rain, who was standing in the doorway of his temporary office.


    Give the demon boy citizenship and a place to live in the kingdom.


    Give the demon boy citizenship of the kingdom and a place to live, as well as enough money to live on.


    I''ll leave that to you.


    And?


    The prince received the king''s order and left quickly to deliver the order to his men in various places.


    And so, in the empty temporary office, the king sat even more deeply in his upholstered chair.


    "Noor. He''s a real pain in the ass.


    That man takes nothing.


    No goods, no houses, no treasures.


    He doesn''t even want land.


    He rejects almost everything people want.


    He doesn''t seem to have any of the greed that people are supposed to have.


    Is that some kind of deranged lunatic or something?


    No, he really doesn''t want it (????).


    That man is strong.


    That''s why he doesn''t need it.


    The things I just presented to him, if he wanted them, he could get them from anywhere.


    Therefore, what is immediately available to him is of no value.


    It doesn''t matter if it''s close by or not.


    He''s already got that much strength.


    To be able to subdue the evil dragon all by himself...


    The king had seen him up close.


    That man was able to deal a blow that could blow away the city with just one sword and roll the dragon to the ground.


    That''s a real hero.


    The heroic image depicted in fairy tales that the king himself had longed for and tried to get as close to as possible.


    That man was the very image of that ideal.


    ...... And he doesn''t want anything.


    Maybe it''s an anecdote about a saint or something.


    But the man wanted one thing.


    "Help the demon boy.


    What does he really want?


    "Recognize and protect the boy as a royal citizen.


    That''s asking our country to turn its back on Mithra.


    A realm we must never enter.


    A forbidden territory that many nations know nothing about.


    And he tells us to break it without a second thought.


    It''s the only thing that man wants.


    What the hell is he thinking?


    "What is he thinking?


    Is he going to turn the whole world upside down by himself?


    Is he going to drag our country into that hardship?


    Is that what you really want? ......?


    The king felt uncomfortable with the words he had spoken.


    "Involved"?


    No, no.


    That''s not true.


    I''m willingly getting involved right now.


    Even if it means endangering the people of the kingdom I rule.


    Even if it means sacrificing the apparent peace of this world.


    I want to be caught up in the path he''s taking.


    I want to watch over that man''s future.


    I can feel such a feeling rising in my head.


    If I could, I would watch over that hero and walk with him.


    A childlike desire for the continuation of such a story is aching inside the king.


    "You really are a troubled man, aren''t you, Noor?


    After all, I''m not fit to be king.


    I''m not fit to be a king.


    I think it''s perfectly legitimate for the old emperor to call me a foolish king.


    But...


    "An adventurer is a creature who pursues his foolish dreams to the end of his days.


    As a king who is one of them, I have no choice but to support him... or is that too much to ask?


    I''ll have to ask Oken to help me come up with a good reason.


    I''m really troubled by our hero''s demands.


    The king''s face was full of joy as he said this.


    The king''s face was full of joy, and there was a great deal of laughter in the temporary office.

 44-44 Delicious meals

    The boy felt like he was dreaming.


    Yes, this must be a dream.


    I''ve already been torn apart by the claws of the Black Death, and this must be the vision we all see after we die.


    It must be.


    Because this can''t be real.


    How could I have talked to the [evil dragon], ridden on its back with the people who saved me and the princesses of a country, visited the imperial city from the sky, defeated the emperor, and returned home without a hitch?


    I couldn''t help but think that it was a fiction, and the scenes I saw during that time were just unrealistic.


    A single person jumped into the midst of a huge army and created a silver wave with countless swords flying in the air.


    I also saw a light as bright as the sun being launched high into the sky, splitting apart and falling on the Imperial City like a meteor.


    I saw a beautiful woman in silver armor slicing through the towering iron castle in front of me like a piece of clay, and most importantly, I was fighting a giant goblin along with others.


    That''s impossible.


    If this is not a dream, what is it?


    So many wonderful things that could never happen to me.


    I''ve never even imagined anything like this.


    It''s a dream.


    It must be a dream.


    But the boy was still happy.


    Even if he knew it wasn''t true, it was still a wonderful thing for him.


    I''m sure I''ve been dreaming since then.


    From that moment, when he flicked the dragon''s claw with his black sword.


    I thought I had been dreaming sweet dreams ever since.


    I was able to have such a wonderful dream because I was instantly torn apart and killed by the claws of the black dragon without any pain.


    �� Thank you for showing me such a happy dream.


    The boy thanked no one.


    So he did not think it strange that the beautiful woman standing in front of him said this.


    You and I are going to be living together for a while.


    Nice to meet you, Rollo.


    I was brought into the large house, given a change of clothes, and watched blankly as various plates of food were placed on the white table.


    What are you doing?��What are you doing?


    The boy''s shoulders shook with fear as he was unexpectedly called out.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    The woman who was seated in front of him looked at him with a very strange expression.


    I''m not sure if you can eat it or not, but this is dinner...?


    I''m not sure if there''s anything you can''t eat?


    If not, would you like me to prepare something else for you?


    The boy hurriedly shook his head.


    To be honest, I don''t know if I can eat the food laid out in front of me.


    I''ve never eaten anything before.


    But this is a dream.


    I don''t think there''s anything I can''t eat... but even though I know it''s a dream, I feel self-conscious.


    No matter how much of a dream it is,......, is it really okay to have such a happy dream?


    I''m not sure if this is really a good idea,......?��This is the rice...?


    When he heard the word "rice", what came back to his memory was a small, black, moldy bread.


    It was as hard as stone and always smelled of mold and mud.


    He would spend the day in the bars, slowly savoring it.


    It was enough not to die.


    Ever since I can remember, I''ve been taught to be grateful enough to be given food, and I''ve been given the same thing.


    And yet... there''s something on the plate in front of me, something colorful and unknown.


    Is this rice?


    And the soup-like substance on the plate in front of me...


    "I don''t believe there''s ...... meat in that...?


    I''ve never eaten anything so extravagant in my life.


    The boy was surprised, but satisfied.


    Yes, that''s right.


    This was a dream.


    If it was a dream, this is what it should have been.


    The boy was a little relieved to think that.


    Yes.


    In a dream, it''s okay to eat.


    If it was a dream, he wouldn''t be beaten up too badly for eating the same thing as a human.


    But what if it doesn''t taste like anything?


    Even though I knew it was my dream, it was a shame to realize that it was a dream.


    I was afraid that as soon as I put the food in my mouth, this wonderful dream would end.


    "What''s the matter, aren''t you going to eat?


    The boy hesitated for a while, and then his stomach rumbled.


    Something''s wrong.


    It''s funny. I''m dreaming and I''m hungry.


    "Come on, don''t be shy. No one''s gonna be mad at you for what you eat. Just eat whatever you want.


    And with that, the woman in front of him offered the boy a loaf of white bread.


    The boy swallowed his spit and made up his mind.


    "...... then ...... please ............ me...! ...!


    The boy fearfully reached for the offered bread.


    And the moment his fingertips touched it, he felt a great sense of discomfort.


    It''s soft.


    It was completely different from the touch of bread that the boy knew.


    Its surface was smooth and incredibly soft, and it accepted the boy''s fingers as if they were cotton.


    What the hell is this?


    Puzzled, the boy sliced the edges of the soft bread and took a piece of it into his mouth.


    Sweet.


    A mysterious fragrance that spreads softly in the mouth.


    It''s not just sweet.


    It was a sensation the boy had never experienced before.


    This is...


    "...... Hey, ......, what''s ......?


    These were the words that came out of his mouth.


    The boy imagined that this must be what "delicious" meant.


    He didn''t know if he was right or not.


    But he couldn''t help but think so.


    A feeling of happiness that he had never experienced before.


    A kind of joy he''d never experienced before.


    I''ve never eaten anything like this before.


    I''ve never even imagined it.


    This is supposed to be a dream.


    Why can I feel this way?


    Then the boy understood what was happening to him.


    ...... What''s wrong?


    Suddenly, tears welled up in the boy''s eyes.


    Finally, I understand.


    I understood.


    I knew that this was not a dream (?????).


    This is happening for real.


    I''m not dead yet.


    The dragon didn''t kill me.


    Yes.


    Because you came to me.


    Because he saved me.


    I''m alive now.


    I''m alive and I''m eating delicious food.


    But why ......?


    Is ...... really okay?��Are you sure you want to take this?


    "You''re overreacting. It''s only bread.


    The woman in front of him laughed at the boy''s reaction.


    You can eat as much as you want. There''s plenty more where that came from.


    "......Un......


    With tears streaming down his face, the boy began to eat the food in front of him.


    As he sobbed and put the food in his mouth, he thought.


    I don''t know.


    Why am I in this situation?


    There were so many things the boy didn''t understand.


    This is supposed to be real.


    Why are the people around me so kind to me?


    But one thing is for sure.


    He protected me from the Black Death Dragon''s claws.


    Because she asked me to give her a home.


    Because of him, I''m alive now.


    Even though I was thinking it from the bottom of my heart.


    The moment the claw of the Black Death Dragon swung down, I thought.


    I''m so glad I died here.


    I was truly happy that I, who was only a harm to the world, would disappear.


    So I gave up everything and prayed at least.


    If I could die and be reborn, I prayed that in my next life I would not be beaten up so badly.


    And that I could be of some use to someone.


    And if my wish comes true, I hope to be able to eat a good meal, at least once.


    One of those wishes has already come true.


    I will not die and be reborn.


    It came true just now, on the very day I wished for it.


    Because you saved me.


    "I wonder if ...... I can be of help to ...... someone?


    When the black death dragon bursts and he faces that person...


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    I want to do something, even though I am an abomination.


    I want to be of use to someone.


    That was the boy''s little dream.


    But I''ve never told anyone.


    He''d get beaten up if he said it.


    "You''re a demon," they''d say.


    They''ll kick you and ridicule you.


    I''m useful to someone?


    Of course not.


    Because I''m a demon.


    A creature cursed from birth.


    A child with sinister powers.


    A being who was born to be hated by all...


    That''s what I am.


    I''ve lived my whole life thinking that.


    I should have known that, but why did I say it?


    After I said it, I regretted it.


    I''m sure he''ll hit me too.


    The boy shrank back and waited for a fist to fall from the person in front of him.


    But the fist didn''t fall for a long time.


    Instead, what came back to him were unexpected words.


    "Of course you do, you have such great talent.


    The man did not deny the boy''s dream.


    Not only that, he even called his cursed power a ''talent''.


    He''s lying.


    That''s not possible.


    He''s lying.


    That''s what I thought right away.


    Because that''s what everyone who''s ever said nice things about me has been saying.


    In reality, they''re just people who hate you and want to take advantage of you.


    I felt the same.


    That''s why I read "Heart".


    At that moment, I thought, "Oh, no.


    Even if I knew it was a lie, no one had ever given me such nice words before.


    The words he gave me... if I could, I would believe them.


    So I didn''t need to look into her heart.


    All I needed was to find out that this wonderful illusion was a lie.


    I don''t want those words to be a lie.


    I hoped so, but it was too late.


    Before he knew it, the boy had read the man''s mind.


    But what he saw was not what he expected.


    What he saw was a clear, unclouded mind with eyes that saw deep into the psyche.


    Somehow, this man is even more sure of himself.


    Why?


    And he didn''t doubt his own words in the slightest.


    It was the most dazzling color of "trust" I''ve ever seen.


    What this person said was not a lie.


    They were true words that came from the bottom of his heart.


    On top of that, even though he knew he was a demon, he didn''t have a single bit of dislike for the boy.


    Why...?


    It was the first time for the boy to receive such a thing as unshakable trust.


    So, hesitantly... he said it again.


    Something he thought he should never tell anyone.


    I''m not sure if ...... I''ll ever be needed by anyone, ......?


    As soon as the words came out, tears welled up in my eyes.


    For a while, the man quietly watched the boy while the tears continued to flow without stopping.


    Finally, when the tears had dried up...


    The man didn''t hit him, he didn''t make fun of him, he just said from the bottom of his heart.


    "Yes, of course. You can do more than I can, if you want to.


    At that moment, for the first time in his life, he felt as if he had been given words he could trust.


    But the boy couldn''t believe it.


    It''s even harder to believe now.


    "Much more than me"?


    How is that possible?


    He easily swatted away the claws of a black death dragon with a one-handed sword, single-handedly fought a dragon that could destroy an entire city, plunged into the midst of ten thousand soldiers, and came back as if nothing had happened.


    More than someone like that?��That''s impossible.


    But...


    That''s exactly what he said.


    She believed it from the bottom of her heart, without the slightest doubt in her words.


    Then, the boy thought.


    He could believe her... her words.


    Maybe I should believe him too.


    Because someone much more powerful than him believes it.


    The boy couldn''t believe what he was hearing.


    But I don''t want those words to be a lie.


    That''s what he thought from the bottom of his heart.


    There was a small fire in the boy''s heart now.


    Something he had never had before...


    Something that had never existed in the boy''s mind before, something that was still vague and unreliable, but something that would never go away was beginning to grow.


    He said, "If you want, you can have as many as you want.


    That''s what he said.


    So it''s okay if you want to.


    If you do, you''ll be needed by someone someday...


    Someone you thought would never come true.


    Then...


    If it''s okay for me to want something...


    I''ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.


    I''ll do anything from now on.


    Even if I don''t get what I want right away I''ll do whatever it takes until I do.


    It''s like I''ve died and been reborn.


    This time, I''m going to be useful to someone, I''m going to be needed.


    I know I can be that person.


    Because she believed in me.


    He told me that even if I''m a demon, I can always be useful to someone.


    Because he told me that it''s okay to want to...


    I''m gonna do it.


    I''m not going to lie to you about the trust you gave me.


    Rollo ......, don''t eat so fast, no one''s going to get it.


    There''s only two of us here, you and me. Eat slowly.


    "......un......


    In front of the woman in front of him who was smiling bitterly, he threw the food in front of him one after another into his mouth while shedding tears, thanking her for everything...


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.

 45-45 The Boy Without Talent

    A strange child suddenly appears at Sig''s training center in King''s Landing.


    Please let me train as a swordsman.


    It was a young boy, no more than a year old.


    A child like this had never visited the training center before.


    "Training?��You?��Do you have a permit from the Adventurer''s Guild?


    I do. I just got it.


    ...... Sure, it''s got a guild official''s stamp on it... but a kid like you ......?��I''m not sure what to make of it.


    The training center for adventurers in King''s Landing has an unspoken rule of "no one is rejected". The guild officials determine eligibility, and the instructors at the training center teach according to their judgment.


    The process is simple enough.


    But still...


    What are the guild officials thinking, sending us a kid like this out of the blue?


    There may be a reason for this, but there''s no way a child like this can endure training that would make even a grown man scream.


    In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.


    I''m not going to treat you any differently just because you''re a child... That''s what this place is for. The training is tough. Are you prepared to endure it?


    "Yes, I am.


    The boy looked Sig straight in the eye and said.


    But then Sig thought.


    He''s probably going to drop out of training soon.


    Three days would be good.


    With that in mind, Sig instructed his men on the training menu and started training the boy...


    However, the child didn''t give up on the training even after three days or a week.


    In the training of [swordsman], swords are wielded from morning to night, but this boy showed no signs of stopping even when his hands were peeling and covered in blood. On the contrary, he continues to swing his sword desperately, as if the muscles in his arm are about to tear.


    Those who were not ready would quit after the first day, but ten days had already passed.


    At that point, Sig changed his mind about the boy.


    Apparently, this boy was ready.


    How far will this boy follow him?


    He was a little curious.


    So, with Sig watching over him, the boy followed him through the training without fail.


    There are no trainees who stay until this point unless they have something special to do.


    The purpose of this training center is to put the body and mind in an extreme state in order to acquire [skills], and to continue doing so involves a great deal of pain.


    He swings his sword day and night, bouncing off flying balls and weapons, gritting his teeth and continuing to do so even if the bones in his hand shatter, training to unite himself with his sword in a kind of madness.


    This boy has stepped into such a realm.


    Not long ago, he had never even held a sword.


    It''s rare for someone to be able to swing a sword so mindlessly from a young age.


    This boy might be really promising.


    As Sig began to think about this, he suddenly realized something strange.


    This boy has yet to acquire any [skill] other than [Parii], which is the easiest to learn.


    How is this possible?


    In my experience, if you''ve come this far, and if you''re this young, the rate of [Skill] expression should not be low.


    It would not be surprising if he had already acquired something.


    It may take a little longer for this boy.


    But he will eventually acquire it.


    And when he does, he''ll be stronger by leaps and bounds.


    He''s got great eyesight, after all.


    Once, he asked me to show him, and I reluctantly showed him the [Thousand Swords] skill.


    Anyway, ordinary people can''t see it.


    The [Thousand Swords] is a technique that is difficult to control, and even difficult for the user to catch.


    In the first place, there is no point in showing it to him, since he will end up seeing nothing.


    Even though I thought so, I showed it to the boy as a playful response to his request.


    When Sig heard the boy''s impression of the technique, he was astonished.


    This boy''s eyes could see everything.


    Everything was speeding up by the grace of [Skill], and he was following with his eyes the movements that even he could not catch.


    On the contrary, he could see every single move clearly.


    In addition, he pointed out a habit of movement that even Sig was not aware of.


    It gave me goosebumps.


    Sig could see the outstanding qualities of this boy, and felt that he had found a bud worthy of his life''s work.


    It would be a dream come true for him to grow up to be a swordsman on par with himself... he thought to himself.


    Sig began to secretly have high hopes for this boy.


    It was exciting to think that he might have found a great talent.


    However... as the training continued, something unexpected happened.


    No matter how hard he tried, the boy did not develop any useful [skills] for the swordsman position.


    No, it couldn''t be.


    I thought it was a misunderstanding or an oversight.


    But no.


    No matter how many times he checked, he still hadn''t acquired anything.


    Sig was getting impatient now.


    If he could acquire even one thing...


    If there was even one [skill] he could use, this boy would take it.


    That''s how much effort, that''s how much study this boy can put in.


    That was the most valuable quality of all.


    There''s always some talent in this boy.


    He''ll get it.


    So I continued my training.


    By now, the training had reached the most difficult part.


    This boy has come so far.


    How could he have gone this far and nothing happened?


    Sig had been watching the training as if he were praying.


    But... no matter how hard he tried, it just didn''t work.


    No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t acquire a single skill that could be called useful.


    With this, I can''t make it as a [Swordsman].


    If I had to deal with weak demons, I could probably still fight them in a reasonable manner.


    But when it comes to facing a real threat... I can''t go on like this.


    You''ll lose your life soon enough.


    She''s big, strong-willed. Good eyes. And yet...


    Unfortunately, he lacks the gift of the sword.


    The God of Swords doesn''t love her.


    That''s what I had to decide.


    "You should go your separate way.


    That was Sig''s decision after much anguish.


    "There''s nothing more I can teach you here. Go somewhere else.


    But...!


    The boy persisted.


    Of course.


    He''d spent three months of his life training and now he was being told he had no talent.


    This was my own fault as the instructor.


    But I couldn''t let him continue to do meaningless things.


    I am not qualified for this.


    As a swordsman, you are of no use to your fellow swordsmen if all you do is swing a sword without any skills. Anything more will only waste your time. Just give up and move on.


    Sig dared to shun the boy coldly and kicked him out of the swordsman training school.


    This boy has real talent.


    But that''s why there must be a different path for him.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I''m not sure.


    When the kid showed up at the [warrior] training center, Dundargu folded his arms and frowned.


    I''m not sure if you''re really going to join our training, ......?


    According to what I heard, the boy had been kicked out of the [Swordsman] training camp.


    I had heard from Sig that he was recently "taking care of a child".


    He also said that the training at [Swordsman] was not good, so he might head there eventually.


    I had certainly heard such things.


    But when I actually saw him, he was really nothing but a child.


    Are you sure this guy is okay?


    Are you sure you want to train with us?


    That was my first impression.


    By all appearances, the boy did not have a physique suitable for the training center for warriors, where strong men gather.


    The role of a warrior is to act as a "shield" for their comrades.


    Compared to those who usually come to visit, this boy was as small as a blimp.


    But no matter who you are, if the guild officials approve, you can''t refuse to accept.


    It can''t be helped. After a little experience, they''ll give up and leave on their own.


    So I decided to let them participate in the training, but...


    But... This is a surprise.


    Contrary to my expectation, the child came along with the harsh training.


    Training that would make a grown man run for cover.


    No... his body couldn''t keep up.


    But he was desperately trying to keep up with the training, almost as if he were dying.


    (Is there such a man?)


    Dundargu couldn''t believe it.


    But he had to admit.


    This boy is strong.


    Not in body.


    He''s strong in spirit.


    He can just keep going forward, without regard for his own pain, and without any consideration for self-preservation.


    You could call it an extraordinary bravery that is on a par with insanity.


    It was something that the [warrior] profession required above all else.


    Dundargu shuddered at the attitude of the boy who kept coming forward no matter how badly he was hurt.


    Wasn''t that the kind of person he had been looking for?


    Someone with a literal "indomitable" spirit, someone who could be his single hand.


    Incredibly, the boy was able to complete the most difficult training.


    It''s the first time since the training center began.


    And rightly so.


    It was never designed to be completed.


    If the king wants the best, it will happen naturally.


    Of course, I can''t make something that no one can break through, so I set a standard of what I can clear.


    But I didn''t think there would be anyone who could clear such a standard.


    And yet... this boy overcame it.


    He went through a grueling ordeal that could only be described as hell.


    And yet...


    Something more unexpected happened.


    "How is this possible?


    This boy, no matter how hard he tried, could not develop any proper skills, even though he put his body through such a hellish process.


    Even Dundargu, an exceptionally optimistic man, was astonished at this time.


    If a man can work this hard, why don''t you give him at least one thing?


    In this way, he was dissatisfied with neither God nor fate.


    The maximum training period of three months flew by.


    When the deadline came, the boy still wanted to continue his training.


    This was the first time this had happened.


    Dundargu was unsure.


    The training period would end today, but he could still invite the boy to join the Warrior Corps, of which he was the leader.


    However, if the boy were to become a warrior without acquiring any skills...


    This boy... will probably be the first to die.


    This daredevil and brave boy will definitely be reckless and die defending his friends.


    Dundargu shook his head.


    No... no.


    Even if you force yourself to continue like this, you will soon lose your life.


    I''m sorry, but you''re not suited to be a warrior. Now go.


    And with that, Dundargu kicked the boy out of his life.


    If he can make it this far, there must be some other way.


    I''ll be back.


    A country bumpkin.


    Countryman.


    A redneck.


    He smells like a hick.


    I''m sure you''ll agree.


    "Let me take the training.


    Are you sure you want to do this?��I don''t mind. Then take this and throw it over there.


    Mianne immediately picked up a pebble that had fallen at her feet and handed it to the boy, who looked confused.


    ...... Where is that place?


    "There. Throw it at that.


    That wooden stick?��It looks pretty far away. Do I hit it?


    Yeah. What else is there?��Come on, get on with it. If you don''t like it, you can leave.


    Mianne had a very short temper.


    The boy took the stone and threw it away.


    As the stone flew into the sky, Mianne thought idly.


    Okay, if it misses, I''ll send this kid away.


    This was the usual method Mianne used to turn away people she didn''t like, people she didn''t think had a chance, people she didn''t feel like teaching .......


    If you somehow feel uncomfortable with it, you can call it training, impose a trial with absurd conditions, and if it fails, turn it away, saying, "You''re not suitable for us.


    I was not told that this was wrong.


    It is because the content of the training is left up to the director of the training center.


    If it is wrong, then it is wrong to impose such a job on me.


    Mianne had always thought so.


    The moment she saw this child, she thought.


    This guy must be a pain in the ass.


    I can smell that kind of person.


    Let''s just send him away.


    So I''ll use the usual guy as an excuse to send him away.


    That''s what I thought.


    But contrary to Mianne''s expectations, the pebble hit a thin tree branch with a thud.


    One more time.


    Mianne immediately gave her a second chance.


    There is no second chance.


    Once you''ve hit it, you can''t help it.


    But if I let him try again, I''m sure he''ll fail, and then I''ll send him away.


    That''s what Mianne thought.


    "If I guess, will you let me train?


    "Yes. Yes, if I can guess.


    This could not be true.


    Normally, it is impossible to throw a stone at such a distance and hit that thin twig.


    Well, there''s always a chance, at least once.


    But next time, it will definitely miss.


    Then send her away immediately.


    As Mianne thought about this, the boy picked up the pebble and threw it at the target again as he was told.


    But when Mianne saw the boy throwing the stone, she thought, "Oh no.


    He''ll hit it again. He''ll hit it again.


    Mianne was sure of it.


    The boy read the wind, looked at the target, adjusted the trajectory of the stone with just the right amount of force, and threw the stone from his hand.


    Oh no. It''s going to hit me.


    As Mianne was thinking of an excuse, she saw the stone hit the tip of a thin tree branch.


    "Is this what you want?


    "Not good at all. It''s not good at all!


    Mianne was annoyed, but decided to let the boy undergo training as a [hunter].


    It can''t be helped, a promise is a promise, and it''s not nice to not keep it.


    That''s right.


    From now on, I''ll leave all the troublesome things about this boy to my subordinates.


    That way, I won''t have to go through any trouble myself.


    I want to use my bow.


    For now, just let him throw stones...


    He instructed his subordinates to do so, and a week passed.


    I thought he would get sick of it and quit soon, but he was still there and said something like that to me.


    "...... No. Absolutely not.


    You''ve broken so many bows, what are you talking about?


    If you let him have it, he''ll immediately grip the limb, cut the string, and it won''t do any good. ...... What kind of grip do you really have?


    I''ll do better next time, please ......!��Please!


    No, no, no. You''re the reason we don''t have enough bows for training!��In fact, you even snapped my treasured bow that I brought along to try out. ...... Ugh. ...... There''s nothing stronger than that in existence!��You should only throw stones.


    And the boy did as he was told and continued to throw stones.


    A few days later, when Mianne visited the training center on a whim, while many trainees were shooting at the target with bows, the boy was the only one throwing stones at the target.


    This was the first time that Mianne looked at the boy closely and observed him.


    After observing him, she realized that there was something wrong with the boy.


    He was precisely hitting the target of the training center, which was placed at a distance he could barely reach with his bow, with only the strength of his shoulders.


    Mianne, who is usually not interested in other people, became a little more interested.


    "...... Who taught you that?


    "This?��No, I didn''t learn it from anyone. I learned it from nature, from catching birds.


    Oh, birds. What kind?


    The kind that falls out of the sky for hares.


    Yeah. You were shooting at them?


    Of course. You have to hit it to catch it.


    What a ridiculous story, Mianne thought.


    In this kingdom''s ecosystem, the only birds that come to catch mountain rabbits, as the boy said, are the thunderbirds.


    Because they come from the sky to hunt their prey as fast as lightning, they are called [thunderbirds].


    It is difficult for ordinary people to even follow them with their eyes, and it is quite difficult for skilled people to shoot them down, even with a good bow.


    Well, I can do it even if I don''t look at it.


    But it is difficult for most of us.


    And this guy was able to do it by just throwing stones.


    And that was before I acquired the skill of stone throwing.


    What the hell is this guy?


    I can not say anything.


    Mianne thought.


    (What''s the point of this guy being here at the training center?


    Why doesn''t he just keep throwing rocks for the rest of his life?


    Then she looked at the target that the boy was throwing stones at and was dismayed again.


    Looking at it, he saw that the "special target" that his men had prepared for the boy had countless holes in it.


    At first, the boy used the same wooden target as the other trainees, but it was quickly filled with holes and destroyed by the stones thrown by the boy, and it was quickly replaced by another one by the troubled men.


    After that, it was no longer cruelly destroyed.


    But... I''ve never heard of it.


    A pebble thrown from a barely visible distance shot through a large unbreakable steel shield (????).


    I knew this kid was crazy. It''s crazy.


    Certainly, he has no talent for using a bow.


    The only skill he has acquired is [throwing stones].


    But isn''t that enough?


    It''s much more powerful than a bad bow.


    Why don''t we just let him throw rocks from morning till night?


    He''ll get tired of it and leave.


    That''s what Mianne thought and kept thinking for three months.


    During that time, she kept on overcoming the unreasonable demands made by Mianne, and she stayed at the training center without giving up.


    I told you.��I told you, you don''t need a bow.


    You have hopelessly poor taste in handling delicate tools.


    You''ll only break it if you hold it!��You can''t teach me to use a bow!


    But...


    You can just keep throwing rocks at it... that''s enough.


    Get the hell out of here. You''re in my way even if you stay here.


    Mianne kicked the boy, who was still clinging to the gate of the [hunter] training center, roughly out of the way.


    If you''re better at hitting the target than you are, you''re in the way.


    Besides, there is nothing to teach this boy.


    This boy is obsessed with acquiring [skills] and becoming an adventurer, but I''m sure he can manage his life without such a title.


    You''re a real pain in the ass.


    Why don''t you just do what you want?


    You''ll be able to get a lot more than that.


    I''m not sure.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.


    "Let me take the [bandit] training.


    "Trained"?��A kid like you?��Oh, so you''re the knoll.


    Yeah. I want to be trained.


    All right. Follow me.


    Karou had heard about this boy.


    He knew exactly who he was.


    There''s no need for useless questions and answers now.


    Immediately, the training of the [bandit] began.


    The training for the bandits is very simple.


    Training to eliminate signs.


    Training in detecting signs.


    Training to approach the target without sound.


    Training to find, disarm, and avoid traps and devices.


    You repeat these basic drills and gradually increase the difficulty (level).


    If you do this, you will usually acquire the [skills] necessary for the [bandit] position after a few rounds.


    However, no matter how hard he tried, this boy could only develop one skill: the ability to reduce the sound of footsteps.


    That in itself is not bad. It''s one of the most basic ones.


    However, even if he could only eliminate signs, if he could not use it in combination with other abilities, it would be difficult for him to be useful as a [bandit].


    Not only that, but the boy also had other major problems as a thief.


    He was clumsy in dealing with the traps and devices that were set.


    Thieves are supposed to be able to unlock locks and detect traps and other dangers, but this boy would always destroy a locked box if you gave it to him, and he would always set off a trap if you approached him.


    If you don''t let him touch the lock, he won''t destroy it, but if he goes into a corridor with multiple traps, he''ll set off every single one and come back.


    Somehow, even the traps that are broken and in need of repair somehow work properly when the boy approaches them.


    You could say that it''s almost divine.


    I thought he might have some kind of skill or [Gift], but he doesn''t.


    Even when I brought out the magic tools that showed this, there was no response.


    All I could say was that he had natural bad luck and clumsiness.


    However, although the boy always triggered the traps that were set for him, he was undaunted by any threat.


    With his bare hands, he knocked down the poisonous arrows that flew at him, caught the large iron ball that rolled to crush his body, crushed all the heads of the countless vipers that attacked him from the ceiling, drained their blood, and brought them home.


    I was told that he was going to cook them for dinner later.


    That''s not the point.


    Yes, the boy defeated all the traps head-on.


    Not by detecting, disarming, or evading them in advance.


    He triggered the traps and then crushed them head-on.


    That''s great, but it''s wrong.


    This is bandit training.


    I appreciate your bravery, your acuity, your reflexes, your survival skills, but that''s not what this is about.


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    I got a referral from my uncle in the guild. ......!


    Please, let me take it. ......!!!


    It''s really the only place I can go. ......!


    Please ......!!!��Please, ......!


    "Ho ho, you''re a boy with a funny way of talking... well, just try.


    And so he began his training as a sorcerer, but... as expected, it was no good.


    In a word, the boy had no talent for magic at all.


    Surprisingly, magic power did not flow through his body.


    Magic can be learned at an early age through familiarity with magic and learning the theory behind it.


    But this boy stumbled at the very beginning of the process.


    The boy''s magic is too entrenched.


    Maybe he started moving his magic a little too late.


    But even so, ...... it''s rare to find a person with so little magical talent.


    At his age, he should be a little softer than that. ...... Is there something wrong with him?


    It''s not that this boy doesn''t have magic in his body.


    In fact, he probably has a lot of it.


    But it''s so stiff that he can''t move it at all.


    You can''t use what you can''t move.


    On the other hand, it''s possible that you have a strong resistance that allows you to survive a strong magical attack.


    I told the boy frankly that he had no chance even if he tried, but he refused to leave the training center.


    "Hmm... Let''s see what happens.


    Oaken decided to leave him alone for a while.


    A lot of people quit because they get sick of it, but if he doesn''t want to leave, we''ll just let him do it until he''s satisfied.


    However, this [sorcerer] training school is a place where people who have acquired a certain amount of knowledge and skills come.


    The only thing this have-not boy could do was to meditate in the Resonance Room.


    In a space shrouded in complete darkness, completely devoid of sound and light, he trained himself to face only his own "magical power.


    In that room, there is a device embedded that sharpens all the senses many times over, making it highly effective for learning [skills], but at the same time, it also amplifies fear, anxiety and pain, so some people go crazy within a few minutes.


    Some people go crazy within a few minutes. Many people can''t take it anymore and come out within a few seconds... The boy was not intimidated by this explanation and wanted to undergo the training.


    Well, everything is an experience.


    You can let him try.


    I''m sure he''ll come out soon enough.


    Oaken lightheartedly allowed the boy to enter the resonance room.


    But after a few minutes, a few hours...


    The boy did not come out of the room.


    The next morning, when he realized that the boy had not come out of the room, Oaken''s face turned pale.


    Oh, no.


    He might have fainted inside.


    No, he might be ...... dead.


    When Oaken hurriedly looked inside, the boy was just sitting there quietly as if nothing had happened.


    When he found Oaken, who had come to check on him, he told him to stay out of the way and threw him out of the room.


    Since then, the boy has been staying in the room.


    Except for occasional visits to eat and use the bathroom, he never came out of the room, and the "Resonance Room" became almost like his own room.


    Oken became concerned and asked him repeatedly if he was all right and if there was anything wrong with his body, but the boy only replied that he was fine.


    Oken wondered what was going on.


    Although he had made him do it out of the blue, what the boy was doing was a very high level of training that would make even a skilled magician run away - in this training center, it would be the hardest kind of training.


    But even after all that, it seemed that he hadn''t acquired any of the important [skills].


    Oaken twisted his head again.


    He wondered if this was possible.


    And so, three months passed.


    When the deadline for the training period was approaching, a boy who was still coming in and out of the resonance room stopped Oaken.


    The boy said that he had finally acquired something that looked like a [skill] and wanted to see it.


    Oaken watched the boy use the skill without much expectation.


    He knew that the boy had a constitution that allowed him to move very little magic power.


    Well, whatever it was, he had worked so hard to acquire it.


    Whatever it is, I''ll give him some praise.


    That''s what I thought.


    But the moment he saw it, he was astonished.


    (What the hell is he doing?)


    What the boy showed him was a ��Petite Fire��.


    It''s the lowest level of the [Sorcerer] skill set.


    Well, that''s okay.


    It''s not a problem in itself.


    The problem is that it comes from two fingertips, one at a time (????).


    In other words, [double chanting].


    A little kid who just touched this kind of magic is doing [double chanting]?


    (What the hell is this guy doing? ......!


    (What the hell is he doing? !?!!) Oaken was stiff with surprise.


    (What the heck is he doing? !!) Oaken stiffened in surprise.


    When I was young, it was said to be an illusion, and I was quite surprised when I manifested it.


    It took me fifty years to reach that point.


    It took me fifty years to reach that level. After I had achieved it, I got carried away and taught the trick to people in bars everywhere I went, and a few decades later, I heard a good number of people say that they had become able to do it.


    But there were no such people before I taught them.


    And yet, this guy.


    He did it on his own, without being taught anything, in just three months (??????).


    (What the hell is this guy doing?


    (What the hell is this guy doing? !!!!) Oaken was so surprised that he repeated the same line three times in his head.


    Something terrible is happening right in front of my eyes right now.


    An extraordinary situation that will shake the history of magic.


    But the boy standing in front of the excited Oaken said in a sad voice.


    "This is the best I could do. No matter how hard I tried, this is all I could do.


    When Oaken regained his composure, he was unable to speak to the boy, whose shoulders slumped.


    It was true that the boy had an outstanding sense of magic.


    However, his constitution is fatally bad.


    What this boy has accomplished is amazing.


    But when you think about it, you can''t be too happy.


    Because Oaken would know.


    Unfortunately... this boy will never be a great sorcerer.


    There is no future for this boy as a sorcerer, unfortunately.


    It''s because he''s a saint who has spent nearly three hundred years studying magic that he knows this.


    What a waste.


    This is really a waste.


    The optimistic old man, who usually does not grieve over anything, was unusually grieving from the bottom of his heart.


    If only his constitution was different, this boy would have made a name for himself in this world as an unparalleled magician.


    "Well, whatever the case, this is no place for you. You should find another way. Find another way, one that you''re comfortable with.


    With that, Oaken sent the boy off to finish his training at full term.


    As I watched the little back walk away from my sight, the thought of taking him in and raising him came to mind, but I decided against it.


    There is something about this boy that no other human being has.


    Even if I let him go on like this, he would be strong enough to manage on his own.


    This boy will probably have to find his own way.


    This kind of person does not need a teacher.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I want to be a monk. Let me train.


    It was a snowy morning when a boy with a dazed expression, as if he had given up on everything, came to the church that served as the contact point for the monk training center.


    Somehow, without any prior preparation, the boy said that he wanted to become a monk.


    "Just out of curiosity, did you receive a ''blessing'' ceremony when you were little?


    "A ritual?��What''s that?


    Sein felt sorry for the boy.


    Unfortunately, you can''t become a monk that way.


    To become a monk, you need to have a certain level of background, so don''t do it.


    Unfortunately, I decided to turn him away.


    It''s a pity, but it''s really impossible.


    Without the blessing of childhood, a person cannot handle miracles.


    Normally, a ritual is performed shortly after birth to introduce a ''spirit'' into the body, and the amount of that spirit determines the range of ''miracles'' that can be performed afterwards.


    There are no exceptions to this rule, unless you have a truly special Gift.


    It''s not something you can just say you want to do later.


    The people who come here to be trained are decided years in advance.


    We can''t accept you if you show up suddenly, and this is the only place where we have an aptitude test that other training centers don''t have.


    I wonder if the adventurer''s guild staff who stamped the boy''s training permit knew about this.


    If they did, they would not have done such a thing.


    The permit was probably a mistake. Only predetermined students are allowed to take training here. I''m sorry, sir.


    Thane briefly explained why he could not accept the boy.


    But the boy was stubborn.


    "I will not move an inch from the gate until I am allowed to train.


    The boy''s will seemed to be firm.


    But Thane, who also served as the director of the orphanage, was used to dealing with children and knew that this kind of selfishness was only temporary.


    It''s hard for a child to stand still in the snow like this.


    Thinking that he would eventually give up and go away, I decided to leave him alone and start working.


    But around noon, a patrolling officer came to report with a puzzled look on his face that the child was still standing in front of the gate.


    He asked me if I wanted to send him away, but I told him to leave him alone.


    That day was a busy one, so Sein moved to another work place, and the day passed.


    The next morning.


    The child was still standing at the gate.


    "You haven''t been doing that since yesterday, have you?


    "Yes, I have.


    I knew that the kid was lying.


    It was unthinkable that such a child would stand in this weather for a whole day without wearing a coat or anything.


    If it were true, I don''t think he would have the stamina to give a proper answer like he does now.


    You can visit me every day like that, but it won''t make a difference.


    I won''t move an inch until you give me some training.


    I see.


    As the day before, I decided to leave the boy alone and go about my business.


    However, he was curious about the boy''s condition, so he looked down at him through the window from time to time while he worked, and noticed something.


    He noticed something: "...... You really haven''t moved an inch from the gate. ......


    The boy hadn''t moved an inch from the gate that afternoon.


    I wondered if he had really been like this since yesterday.


    When he saw that the boy was still standing there when the sun went down, he could no longer say that it could not be true.


    Thane hurried over to the boy standing at the gate and called out to him.


    I''m really sorry, but no matter how long you stand there, I can''t teach you anything. It takes a special quality to become a monk. I''m not saying this to be mean or anything.


    "But I still want to do it. Please. Please.


    What I can''t do, I can''t do. Please, just give up and go home.


    "I have nowhere to go.


    It didn''t seem to Sein that the boy was lying anymore.


    It seemed that he really had nowhere to go.


    "Then why don''t you come to our orphanage?��There are many other children there and you will make friends.


    If I go, will you train me?


    I can''t do that.


    Then I won''t go.


    Well, then you''ll have to stay there until you''re ready.


    Thane was a little lost, but decided to let it go.


    The boy didn''t look weak, and fortunately there were many staff here who were skilled in the art of healing.


    He told the staff on duty that if the boy collapsed, he would take care of him, put him in a warm room, and call him back to him immediately.


    But that night, Thane had a sleepless night.


    There was no word from the staff.


    Had the boy given up?


    No matter how stubborn a child is, he would never be so stubborn that his life was in danger.


    But the boy seemed to have an opinion.


    And there was no place to go back to.


    Perhaps I should have brought her home, even if I had to force her...


    As I waited for the call from the staff on duty, the sun rose and morning came.


    It was still snowing that morning, just as it had been the day before.


    Curious, I went to the church earlier than usual and found the boy still standing at the gate.


    He was still standing at the gate. "Are you sure you''ve been there all this time ......?


    Instead of answering my question, the words that came out of the boy''s mouth were the exact same ones I heard yesterday.


    I won''t move an inch from the gate until they let me train.


    Thane felt a chill run down his spine.


    And then he realized.


    This boy, if left alone, would stay here the next day, and the next, and the next, until he lost his life.


    If he didn''t, his life was in danger.


    At this point, Thane had no choice but to break.


    I understand... if you just want to learn from me. I''ll let you participate in the training of the monks.


    "Really?


    But there''s no guarantee you''ll be able to do anything. You have to understand that.


    Yeah, I know. ......!��Thank you ......!


    And so the training of the [monk] began.


    However, this boy does not have the "blessing" that anyone who wants to become a "monk" should have received.


    In order to be sure, I used an instrument that can measure the amount of spirit in the body to check, but it only brought to light the fact that the boy has no background.


    A person in the priestly profession exercises miraculous powers by introducing spirits into the body.


    That is the system that embodies healing miracles such as [Heal] [Holy Art], and there is a prerequisite for its use in the first place.


    This boy does not have that.


    Therefore, accepting him into the training center would only mean imparting that knowledge to him.


    I thought so, but I asked him to train to "handle" the miracle like other trainees who have the spirit in their body with the Blessing.


    I told him that this was not possible, but his will did not seem to bend.


    He wanted the same training as the others.


    I had no choice but to let him do as he wished.


    I felt sorry inside that he would never get what he wanted.


    But then the strangest thing happened.


    As a result of the boy''s reckless training, he acquired the ��Monk��skill of ��Low Heel��, even though it was the lowest level.


    This was something that should never have happened.


    The [Monk] skill can never be used without having the [Spirit], the catalyst for miracles, acquired in your body.


    You can''t use more power than what you have in your body.


    However, this boy is actually performing miracles that could only be accomplished by using the power of a spirit.


    In other words, he is using his own power to perform the miracle without the help of the spirits.


    Performing miracles on his own, without the help of spirits...


    How outrageous is that?


    That means that he can handle the power of the miracle almost inexhaustibly (?????), without being bound by the amount of spirits in his body.


    How is it possible to do such a thing?


    I really can''t believe it.


    According to Thane''s common sense, it was very hard to believe.


    But he couldn''t help but admit it.


    He knew that in some respects, this boy had reached a realm far beyond his own.


    The boy has made Sein realize that he needs to improve himself.


    How foolish I was.


    I felt sorry for the boy.


    Thane regretted his treatment of the boy, but at the same time he was grateful.


    He was grateful for the presence of the little master in front of him who had raised him to a higher level.


    But the boy''s expression did not change.


    "Isn''t this a skill?


    Unfortunately, I don''t think [Low Heel] can be considered a useful skill for an adventurer. ...... But it''s amazing that you can do so much without any blessings from your childhood. You may not be able to feel it right now, but ...... it really is an amazing thing.


    "Well... I guess it didn''t work.


    The boy''s shoulders slumped pitifully.


    Despite Thane''s wishes, the boy did not get what he wanted.


    Tomorrow, three months had already passed since the boy had visited the training center.


    That night, Thane thought.


    The boy''s talent might not sprout right away.


    But if you take the time to nurture him, he''ll probably turn out to be a tremendous person.


    He might even become good friends with the recent arrivals at the orphanage, Inez and Gilbert.


    With this in mind, Thane decides to invite the boy to his orphanage.


    So the next morning, when Thane went to call on him, the boy had disappeared from the training center.


    He didn''t say goodbye to anyone, he just disappeared.


    One of his men who saw him said that he was headed in the direction of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    When Thane learned of this, he immediately called all of the Six Saints together for a meeting.


    In order to ask all of them what they should do with that boy with tremendous qualities, Noor, in the future.


    And it was unanimously decided that the entire [Six Saints] would take custody of the boy and raise him.


    However... at that time, the boy had already disappeared from the royal capital.


    According to the guild staff who last saw him, the boy had left without saying where he was going.


    When he learned of this fact, Sig immediately announced that he would quit all his jobs and go on a journey to find the boy, which caused a huge commotion in the royal palace, but the king and the people around him managed to stop him, and they cooperated to find him.


    But after that, no matter how much effort was made, the boy''s whereabouts remained unknown.


    Somehow, none of them could even catch a glimpse of the boy.


    And so, time passes in disappointment...


    It would be more than ten years from that day until they were reunited.

 46-46 Female Pope

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    As if he could see through the king''s mind, the Pope gave him a cold stare and continued with a thin smile.


    It is a fact that the kingdom has accepted the demon race as citizens.


    At that moment, the tense air froze, and those present wavered under the pressure.


    In the midst of the unusual atmosphere, the king tried to keep a smile on his face and spoke calmly.


    "Oh, ......, so you''ve already heard about this. You must have ears all over the continent. Of course, it''s true. For some reason, our country is temporarily taking custody of the demon boy. What''s wrong with that?


    At the King''s words, the Pope''s expression creaked, a smile pasted on his face.


    It was as if something had touched a nerve in her.


    The next words out of her mouth were, "...... What''s wrong with that, ......?


    The next words that came out of her mouth were terribly cold.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out. King Claes. I''m sure you''ll agree. You''re treating the demon race as if it were human when it''s there. Isn''t that a violation of the Demon Watch clause in the treaty between you and my country?��Hand him over immediately! Demons are the enemy of all of us. That''s the view of every treaty signatory on the continent, isn''t it?


    The treaty doesn''t have that much coercive power. Treaties are not enforceable. They''re made to respect the will of each nation.


    But a promise is a promise - it''s an international agreement. Ignoring them will not be a good thing. In the first place, the member countries of the Haas Continent Military Alliance are obliged to provide demons to our country as soon as they are discovered.


    I''m sure you''re aware of that, but unfortunately, we are not currently a member of that alliance - I believe it was because of your opposition.


    The woman laughed out loud.


    The woman laughed aloud, as if to say, "Oh, I forgot about that.


    I''m sorry about that... I can write you a letter of recommendation right now. Your membership would be of great benefit to us. You won''t be bothering the Legion with demon slaying for nothing.


    Thank you for your concern. I''ll think about it.


    The conversation proceeded calmly, smiling at each other.


    If you only look at the surface.


    "You''re going to run away like that again, aren''t you?��You can''t do that. The king of the venerable Kingdom of Crace cannot be so indecisive. My predecessor was a bit more flexible.


    If there is a good reason for our country to join, we will consider it. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with that. �������� No matter how much you want the Demon Race and a monopoly on the Demon''s Heart.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    It was clear to everyone that a fierce emotion was stirring in the depths of his unchanging, neat smile.


    ''�������� King Crace?


    What a joke that would be.


    A voice as dusky as the blackness itself echoed through the room.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    "We want the demon race?��What does that mean?��And "monopoly"? I don''t know what you''re talking about, but ...... the method of producing the Devil''s Heart is one of our country''s top secrets. "Depending on the circumstances...


    I''m not sure what you''re talking about. If possible, we would like to do this peacefully. Do you understand?


    The Pope''s beautiful, crafted face instantly cracked.


    "�������� Who...


    Who would believe such a nonsense?


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean by that.


    That''s not very wise, King Crace.


    Too much. It''s too arrogant.


    If you don''t change your attitude soon, you''ll be punished by the gods.


    Just like those accursed fools who once turned on us.


    The dark clouds that were already swirling in the room became a deadly storm, but the king did not crack a smile.


    The dark clouds already swirling in the room became a storm of bloodshed, but the king did not lose his smile. We are doing everything we can to help you at this time, and we will continue to do so in the future. However, we are saying that we are a little troubled if we are forced to do things only for the convenience of the Church (your side).


    Since its founding, our country has been proud of maintaining its independence without interference from other countries. As long as you respect that, there will be no trouble - that''s all I''m saying. We''ve known each other a long time. You understand that, don''t you?


    "I see. Respect, huh? Respect. �������� You have an interesting word for it.


    Suddenly, the anger from the Pope seemed to subside.


    Somehow, in an instant, the dark cloud disappeared and the room regained its peaceful atmosphere.


    It looked as if it was ��������.


    If only we could see each other''s expressions.


    "All right. Let''s just ignore the petty injustices of your country. Just this once, it''s special. Since we''re on the same side... we should respect each other. Isn''t that right, King Kreis?


    The Pope smiled, a charming, good-natured smile that was a far cry from the one he had just given.


    The pressure that had been surrounding him vanished as if it had never existed.


    It was as if none of that had ever existed in the first place.


    Thank you for your understanding. It''s always nice to have an understanding neighbor.


    Yeah, we''ve known each other a long time. We''ve known each other for a long time, so we should be able to be flexible.


    The King was always impressed by the Pope''s expression, as if he were a different person from before.


    The king was impressed, as always, by the Pope''s expression, which seemed to be a different person than before.


    "So...if I may ask one favor in return.


    Can you do that for me?��It''s a very, very small favor.


    "A favor?


    The king was disturbed by the Pope''s tone.


    The king felt uneasy about the way the Pope said it, knowing full well that when this woman has a calm expression and a calm manner, it is a sign that she is about to say the worst thing of all.


    "Please. That''s an unusual phrase for you to use.


    The king felt a chill run down his spine and stiffened slightly.


    Seeing the king, the Pope smiled.


    It was a smile with a hint of amusement, as if he were playing with and mocking a child.


    This gentle expression made the king even more uneasy.


    "No, don''t be alarmed like that.


    It''s a personal matter, after all.


    I am ashamed to say this, but my son is a bit lonely.


    Your son?


    Pope Astira''s successor: �������� "The Son of the Soul Successor".


    I''ve been told that the Half-Elves, a long-lived race with the blood of the Elves in their veins, don''t have many children and only recently had their only son.


    I believe he was not much older than my daughter, Linneburg.


    I believe his name is ��������.


    Prince Tyrence, I believe his name was.


    "Yes. My son would like to see your daughter again. I''d like to make that happen.


    Our princess?��I''ve heard that you took care of her while she was studying abroad, but I''ve never heard of you being so close.


    "Yes, I was just surprised to hear that my son is very much in love with your daughter, Lady Linneburg. In fact, my son is very much in love with her. He is so devoted to her that his heart is filled with adoration. That''s why he would like to meet you at the celebration of his coming of age.


    The Pope spoke without hesitation about the feelings of his son, Prince Tirens, but the King smelled a dense lie in his words.


    This woman is lying about something.


    The king could not tell if it was part of the lie or all of it, so he slurred his words in reply.


    "So you''re coming of age, is it that time already? That''s great.


    I must go and congratulate her, but I don''t know if the princess can answer the prince''s adoration, if I may say so myself.


    You can''t say anything about that unless you''re into it. ��������


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine.


    I''m sure your son won''t feel too bad about it.


    I''m sure she doesn''t think badly of you. What makes you think that?


    Reading the other''s agitation, the Pope lifted the corners of his mouth wide.


    The moment the king saw the expression on his face, ��������


    �������� So, yes, that''s it, he said.


    It was as if the demon in front of him had laughed.


    It was as if he was smiling from the heart, as if to say, "That''s the question I wanted to ask you today.


    And then, from behind a bright expression that was now only a sign of bad luck, the demonic being let out a sound that also sounded bad luck to the king.


    Because �������� they are ''betrothed''.


    �������� betrothed.


    My daughter has never told me any of this, not one bit.


    Perhaps it''s a lie.


    �������� That''s a new one.


    But the king barely managed to reply.


    Perhaps her fianc�� was a lie,��������, but it could not be denied at this moment.


    But I can''t deny it right now because she''s not here.


    Maybe it''s true. I can''t deny it completely.


    This slight hesitation blunted the king''s words.


    He had no choice but to answer, knowing that he was already rolling in the palm of his hand.


    The Pope read the King''s confused expression and nodded his head in satisfaction.


    You''re right. I hadn''t heard of this either. But it was a mutual decision... I can''t interfere. Isn''t it the role of us old people to act as a bridge between the younger generation?��King Kreis?


    The Pope must have sensed what the king was thinking.


    He made a showy gesture of affection and continued to speak with a sneer.


    Don''t worry, sir. No harm will come to you. It will be a great event for the whole country if you come �������� because I want to hold a glamorous ball to celebrate my son''s coming of age.


    We have already sent out invitations to the party to all the graduates of each country and have invited dignitaries from each country. All we have to do now is to wait for your son or daughter''s reply. Because of the long history between our country and yours, we have kept it a secret until we were ready, in order to avoid any disrespect.... I hope you''ll answer me soon.


    Oh, no.


    Here, the king realized his mistake.


    I''m not very good at social gatherings, and this is where I fall short.


    �������� This is clearly a trap.


    It is a trap designed to lure the weakness of our country (the princess) who does not listen easily. ��������.


    I can only assume that the intention is to entrap her in some way.


    Of course, you can refuse the offer.


    You can tell the princess not to go.


    But ��������


    "As I''m sure you know, please don''t miss this. If you miss a social occasion like this, your name will be harmed unnecessarily. It would be bad for the princess'' future as well.


    I''ve already sent out invitations to all the graduates and dignitaries.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you''re not looking for.


    �������� This woman could do that, and she will.


    In this case, she has declared that she will do it.


    She has told me that she is blocking my escape route and creating a situation where I can''t refuse in order to proceed.


    There is no easy way out now.


    �������� has now put the princess''s ''future'' on the negotiating table.


    If you''re worried about the journey, by all means bring your friends along.


    You don''t have to worry about food and lodging for them.


    We''re all looking forward to seeing the princess in her dress, so we''ll be happy to provide at least that. And ��������


    Again, the Pope laughs.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    It''s time. The child of the demon race is also invited as a guest.


    It is said that he is now an upstanding citizen of your country.


    I would like to invite you to a dinner party to express my sincere respect for your country''s courageous attempt.


    As your son''s friend. Then there''s no problem, is there?


    Please give her my regards. I''ll make sure everything is ready for you.


    "Oh, I''ll tell him ....... But I''ll let him decide what to do.


    The king, realizing his utter defeat, was reluctant to say anything, but the Pope laughed, as if he had expected it.


    I''m sure you will, ��������.


    I''m sure you''ll get a good response from your wise daughter.


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 47-47Fiancee

    Father. What''s your story?


    "Um, ......, about that.


    The king summoned the princess and explained to her, with a bitter look on his face, the exchange he had just had with the Pope.


    "Engagement, is that ............ me?��I''m sure you''re aware of that.


    Oh, I''ve never heard of such a thing before. ...... Is it true?


    No, I have no idea what you''re talking about. How did you hear about ...... that?


    Well, that''s all right.


    The king was relieved when the princess replied.


    After all, what the woman had said was a groundless story.


    Nevertheless, there was something troubling about the Pope''s willingness to push things this far.


    It could mean that there is something he wants to push forward with no matter what.


    But if there is something that he wants to get by lying and damaging the relationship with our country, that is a disturbing sign.


    ...... Oh, no, that reminds me.


    Do you have any idea what I''m talking about?


    Yes. Yes, I think that''s what happened. I remember now. The idea that we''re engaged is a nasty hoax that that man, Prince Tyrence, has been spreading for years.


    "...... hoax?


    The king tilted his head, not really expecting the word.


    Yes. In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    I see.


    That was new to Wang, too.


    In the event you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site. I thought you would have given up on me.


    "I see.


    My daughter was able to shake off the proposal of the prince of a great country with great courage.


    As far as I can tell, she made the right decision, but I wouldn''t be surprised if she held a grudge.


    Considering the fact that I had been studying in Mithra for less than a year, and that I was about 11 years old at the time, I suppose it was something that I could manage to laugh off.


    "Well, I knew it would be something like that, but... well, what about this invitation?


    If you don''t want to go, you don''t have to.


    You''re still in the middle of the trials for the throne.


    You can use that as an excuse to refuse.


    If it''s a political or diplomatic matter, don''t worry, we''ll take care of it.


    Nevertheless, Mithra''s seminary is not only a place to learn Mithra''s ''warding technology'', but also a place to gather and nurture the next generation of leaders to learn socializing and diplomacy.


    If a celebration were to be held for the prince''s birthday, inviting graduates from all over the world, it would be a large scale social gathering with state guests from all over the world.


    It is not wrong to say that the princess''s (Leanne''s) future will be damaged if she does not attend.


    That woman.


    I think you''ve used a really painful point as a bargaining chip.


    A celebration party and ball for the prince''s coming-of-age ceremony?


    "The time is about three months from now. In any case, I need to respond as soon as possible.


    The princess listened to the king''s words, pondered for a moment, and then quickly gave her answer.


    All right, let''s go. We don''t have much time, so we''d better start making preparations right away.


    The king was a little puzzled by the answer that was so straightforward.


    Yes, but this time ...... I''m a little worried about a few things.


    "Do you think that your father has some kind of plot against Mithra?


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it here.


    I''m not going to go that far,......, but it''s not impossible.


    I think my daughter has good intuition.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what''s going on in your life.


    It may be natural that she understands the situation.


    She was the target of an assassination attempt in the recent incident (??????).


    Remembering this fact, the king felt even more uneasy.


    To be honest, I don''t want you anywhere near that country right now. The situation has changed from when I granted you asylum after the attack by the Imperial State. This invitation smells fishy to me. I don''t want to think about this, but if I go to ......, I could end up in mortal danger if things go badly.


    The king told her in no uncertain terms that her life was in danger.


    The king told her in no uncertain terms that she was in mortal danger, but the princess was unconcerned.


    "I see. But it doesn''t change my mind. Our lives are always in danger, and it is our duty as royalty to handle important social occasions, isn''t it?��Besides, I don''t want that man to say whatever he wants again without showing his face.


    "I see, but...


    The king stammered.


    This time it''s really different.


    I really have a bad feeling about this.


    I''ve been through a lot of death lines, and my trained intuition is telling me with all its might.


    This time, it''s really dangerous.


    It''s easy to tell her not to go.


    However, as I always tell her not to be swayed by the opinions of others and to make her own decisions, I''m not sure if I should disregard her wishes.


    Don''t worry. Don''t worry. You''ll be fine. I''m a little nervous if I''m the only one, but it doesn''t matter how many people go with me, does it?


    "The number of squires?��Yes, of course it''s fine.


    The Pope says I can bring as many as I want.


    He said he''d provide lodging and food.


    Then there''s no problem.


    No, there''s another problem.


    One more thing?


    His Holiness says he''s inviting that demon boy Rollo to the party. And as your ''friend'' too.


    When the princess heard this, she looked puzzled and then laughed.


    There''s nothing wrong with that, is there?��We''re friends, Rollo and I, and I''m sure he''s going to be very ...... pleased.


    "Just for the record, do you know what it means for Mithraism to ''invite'' demons?


    Yes, of course, but I think it''s a good opportunity to let people know that demons are not dangerous. And it may be that younger people with less prejudice can understand each other better.


    The princess smiled at the anxious look on the king''s face, wondering if it would be so easy .......


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web. It''s too late now. My brother and I have already prepared ourselves for it.


    Shrugging his shoulders and smiling at her, the king remembered his own decision the other day.


    That''s right.


    This is something that I started in the first place.


    I decided to accept the boy from the demon tribe.


    At the man''s request, I decided to treat him like a citizen.


    And that boy is a debt of gratitude to this country.


    I need to repay that debt, and I don''t want to avenge it.


    But I still have my doubts.


    Perhaps it is because that decision is certainly a mistake for a king to make.


    Sacrificing one person in order to save ten is the duty and obligation of a person in my position.


    To sacrifice one person to save ten is the duty and obligation of a person in your position.


    It''s the work of a complete fool.


    Abandoning a demon boy who has no allies anywhere in the world.


    That''s probably the right thing to do as a politician.


    A position like yours comes with an obligation to protect that kind of peace no matter who hates you.


    However, I was influenced by that crazy man who accomplished everything, and I thought like this.


    What kind of a king is he if he can''t protect a single person?


    I was only motivated by the voice of a half-child, ignoring profit and loss.


    I am now imposing this selfishness on my children.


    And yet, they have accepted it.


    Until now, I had treated my daughter as a child, but ...... I reminded myself that I am the one who is really a child.


    I''m sorry I put you through all this. Inez will be your escort.


    Yes, and there''s one more person who needs to be escorted.


    ...... Is that the guy you''re talking about?


    "Yes, of course!��I''ll go talk to the person in question right away!


    As soon as she said that, the princess (Leanne) happily left without telling me where she was going.


    Perhaps she was headed for that man, Noor.


    "Well, if he''s coming with me, I''ll be somewhat relieved.


    That man is strong.


    That man is strong. He can overcome any crisis, that''s what I think.


    But I still have a bad feeling about this.


    If you''re worried, take as many people (??????) with you (????) as you want (??????), that woman said.


    "They say, ''Let a pretty girl travel,'' but this time I''m really worried.

 48-48 Piling Knoll

    Hey, Noor. You''re early today. Thanks.


    Yeah, I still have a lot of work to do.


    Every morning for the past few days, I''ve been visiting the rebuilding site of King''s Landing at a certain time.


    The reconstruction of King''s Landing is still in progress.


    Hundreds of houses had been destroyed in the last imperial raid, and the ground had been gouged to the ground.


    The royal castle in the center of the capital was also destroyed without a trace.


    Many people have lost their homes and jobs and are now on the street.


    It will not be easy to regain the peace and quiet of the past.


    In spite of this situation, I have been living my life as before.


    I''m still doing my job as a ditch duster.


    After the disaster, I had a hard time clearing the debris, but now it is much cleaner.


    After waking up in the morning, I would go to the construction site to clean up the ditches when no one was around, and after finishing the work, I would do my usual training and go to bed.


    You''re early as usual, master.


    No wonder. Of course. What''s the point of coming later than the people above you? You''re always so early, master.


    The master laughed.


    I''m sorry about that. Would you like me to come a little later?


    "...... idiot, what are you saying? I''m complimenting you. You''re right, there''s a lot of work to do right now. You''re right, there''s a lot of work to be done right now. At a time like this, who wouldn''t appreciate a guy who comes to the site every morning before everyone else - don''t make me say it, it''s embarrassing.


    Yes, there''s still a lot of work to be done.


    That said...


    I think we''re making pretty good progress on the rebuilding.


    It''s because that "Black Sword" has done a tremendous job.


    In order to rebuild a damaged house, the ground must first be solidified so that the house won''t tip over a few years after it is built.


    It is necessary to drive piles deep into the ground at key points.


    Usually, it takes five people to drive dozens of stakes a day, but for a large house, it takes about a hundred.


    In other words, it would be better if they could drive enough stakes for one or two houses a day.


    Even to drive a single pile, several people have to take turns using a hammer to drive in the pile many times.


    That''s a lot of hard work.


    And yet...


    But if you use this "black sword", you will get amazing results.


    If you raise the sword and drop it straight down, the head of the wooden stake will sink into the ground in just one shot.


    It takes three people to drive the stakes, but it only takes a few seconds for each stake.


    It sinks so beautifully that it''s almost fun.


    So, two other people hold up the stakes, and I drive them in with the black sword, and we finish driving in ten stakes before the lunch break.


    By the end of a day''s work, I could drive stakes for thirty houses.


    But that was in the beginning.


    After that, I''ve been getting more and more creative, and recently, I''ve been able to finish driving enough piles for fifty houses in a day by arranging a group of two people to support the piles vertically at each house, and driving them in one after another.


    Thanks to this, the speed of construction has increased considerably.


    As a result, I have been thanked for taking the initiative in doing the hardest work.


    In reality, it''s a little different.


    But in reality, it''s a little different.


    To be honest, the work of driving the towering stakes into the ground at the construction site is very enjoyable.


    I''d do it all the time even if I wasn''t asked to.


    However, I didn''t want to monopolize the fun, and I thought about having someone else do it. ...... It seems that no one else on the construction site can handle that heavy sword.


    ...... Lean''s father carried it quite easily.


    That''s why I took the initiative to work as a pile driver.


    That''s why I got the nickname "Stake Driver".


    This is the first nickname that others have given me while I was working as an adventurer, so I guess you could call it a "second name.


    In other words, I''m "Stake Driver".


    Not bad.


    Maybe I''ll call myself that next time.


    I''ll call myself that next time. ...... What''s that black, flat sword thing made of?��It''s unbelievably hard, it won''t bend even with that many stakes, and it''s too heavy for anyone but you to lift. I''ve never seen anything like it, it''s insane.


    I''ve never seen such an insane thing," said the foreman, looking at the black sword beside me.


    When he asked me about it, I realized that I didn''t know anything about it either.


    I''m sorry, I don''t know much about it either. It was a gift.


    "Well, ......, maybe it''s a ''labyrinthine relic''.


    I haven''t seen many of them, but I''ve heard that things made of unfamiliar materials are sometimes unearthed.


    I''ve heard that if you put them up for auction, you can get a good price for them.


    Isn''t that surprisingly valuable?


    "Maybe so. Even if so, I''m not selling it.


    Yeah, that''s probably a good idea. I think you should keep it.


    I''m getting attached to it the more I use it. That''s the idea.


    Before I knew it, I was carrying this "black sword" around with me, and now it''s like my buddy.


    It may not look good, but it''s very useful.


    The more I use it, the more I think it is good.


    I don''t have a lot of time for daily training these days because of the construction work I''ve been doing, but I don''t feel like I''m lacking much thanks to this sword.


    Because it is heavy, even just swinging it is a good exercise.


    In fact, although my training time is getting shorter, I think I am getting as much practice as I did when I was in the mountains.


    Not only that, this sword has saved my life many times, and it is also useful in the construction field now.


    It''s still working well for me to scrape off the stubborn dirt stuck in the gutters when I''m asked to clean out the ditches - I can''t believe I''m selling it.


    I think I''ve been given something really good.


    As we were chatting, I saw the other workers coming around the corner.


    "Well, we''d better get started.


    "Already?��Isn''t it a little early?


    But we''re all here. They''ve been influenced by you to come early. So we''ll start early and finish early. It''s better that way.


    Okay, okay.


    The work began immediately, and I took my place, following the master''s instructions as usual.


    Now that the pile-driving work is over, my main job today is to carry materials to prepare for construction.


    The people working around us are the same as usual, but they are not only from the kingdom.


    There are also soldiers from the Imperial Kingdom that invaded the other day, who were captured as prisoners of war and are now engaged in reconstruction work.


    It seems that the imperial government has given them a huge amount of compensation, and they are working on it while receiving a salary.


    At first, I was surprised to hear that the people working next to me were soldiers of the Imperial State, but when I talked to them, I found out that they were not bad people.


    It seems that most of them were originally farmers and fishermen from poor villages. Most of them were poor farmers and fishermen who volunteered to join the imperial army and were forced to carry swords in order to secure their wages and status.


    Hearing such a story, it made sense why I didn''t feel much of a threat when I ran into them.


    They were really people who hadn''t been trained very well.


    I think they are doing much better now than they would have been if I had given them unfamiliar swords.


    In fact, they seem to be more alive now.


    Many of the people from the Imperial Kingdom had heard twisted things about the Kingdom, but when they came here, they found it to be a good place, and they say that they were treated much better when they were working as prisoners in the Kingdom.


    Some of them say they want to make money and return home, while others say they want to leave their homeland and live here permanently, hopefully bringing their families to the Kingdom in the future. Some of them want to leave their homeland and live there permanently, hopefully to bring their families to the kingdom in the future. I heard that they need another qualification to do so, and that applying for it would be difficult, but it is not impossible.


    There are many people at the construction site where I work.


    I can say that the reconstruction work is going well thanks to the sufficient number of people.


    After all, the commotion is called "One Day War".


    This is because the incident was quickly settled.


    The Kingdom and the Imperial Kingdom signed a peace treaty, and the walls and fortresses that separated the borders suddenly collapsed, so exchanges began to occur.


    What a depressing story.


    It seems that the two countries had been at loggerheads for a long time, but if they could get along as well as they do now, they should have done so from the beginning.


    It would have been much better.


    As I was thinking about this, I was approached by another worker.


    "Noor, tell us about it again during the break.


    "The goblin story?��Yeah, that''s good. But I can only tell you the usual stories.


    Yeah, I know. I mean, it''s always the same. Well, I''ll tell everybody else.


    And with that, he went back to work.


    He''s the guy I usually hang out with during my lunch breaks.


    It''s always fun for me to take a break to talk about something trivial, but lately we''ve been talking not only about small talk, but also about the demons I know as an adventurer.


    It''s not that I''m an experienced adventurer, but...


    There are plenty of breaks.


    Most of the time, there''s nothing else to do but eat, and everyone seems to be bored.


    Mostly I talk about goblins.


    I have also talked about poisonous frogs, but for some reason, when I talk about delicious foodstuffs, people ask me to stop, so I naturally talk more about that.


    That''s because I don''t have that many stories to tell.


    When I talk about goblins, people look at me a little strangely, but I suppose it can''t be helped.


    It is rare in this kingdom to see goblins except for professional adventurers and those who have actually been affected by them, and the majority of people have never seen a real one.


    This is why they want to hear your story.


    I''m not sure.


    The first time the goblin and I met, he suddenly appeared out of thin air. The next thing you know, there''s a giant green body taller than a giant tree in a deep forest looking down on us. I thought I was going to die at that moment. I''ve never seen a creature that big before.


    During the break, after lunch, I started to talk, and as usual, there was laughter.


    "Don''t be silly, goblins can''t be that big!


    And then there was the usual chuckle.


    It''s understandable... if you''ve never seen one before, you''d think so.


    That''s what I thought, too.


    However, people around here have heard the same story many times before, and know what''s going to happen next.


    It seems that they are just having fun with it.


    Everyone knows this, so I just keep talking.


    "Yeah. That''s what I thought, too... and then he pulls out this huge tree with one hand and holds it up. One in each hand. And he swings it around like it''s a twig.


    Goblins?


    Yeah, the goblin.


    That''s where the laughs come.


    The laughs are usually at the same point every time.


    They enjoy listening to me, but many of them don''t believe me.


    Apparently, they think that I made up the story to entertain them.


    I think it''s because I''m exaggerating a bit to make it more interesting.


    Nevertheless, everyone seemed to enjoy listening to me, and I couldn''t help but smile.


    I continue my story.


    "And he''s terribly fast. I''ve heard that goblins are fast creatures, but they can slip through a giant tree in the blink of an eye and be upon you in a flash. They would then pick up the trees in the forest and throw all the fallen wood they could find at you.


    "Holy crap, a goblin could do that?


    "Yeah, that''s the one. I could barely hit it with the sword in my hand. If it weren''t for my fellow silver-grade sorcerer, I would have died long ago. But he dodged through the huge storm of icicles that my companion was shooting out, and still came at me. It was a terrifying experience, even now. I don''t know how I made it out alive.


    Again, laughter ensued.


    "Did you use your sword to hit the tree that was thrown at you?��That''s amazing.


    "Well, Noor would have done it.


    And so the laughter began again among my colleagues.


    As for me, I''m just telling the truth, but they can''t believe it, I guess.


    Well, I don''t expect them to believe me.


    But I do understand the feeling of incredulity.


    I wouldn''t have believed it either, until I saw a real goblin.


    "Well, leaving aside the question of why such a great guy is working on a construction site with us... ''Silver Class''. That''s awesome. Silver class adventurers have a hard time with goblins.


    "Yeah, she had trouble with them, too. She had a lot of talent and knowledge, but not much experience. When she first met the goblin, she was surprised.


    So, when I pulled out the huge magic stone that was buried in the goblin''s head, it stopped moving?


    Yeah, I didn''t think it had a weakness like that. In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I don''t even want to see him for a while.


    That''s right. If that''s the weakest demon in the world, I''d be too scared to go outside the city.


    Yeah, you''re right. Whenever you go out, you should be prepared to run away from the demons.


    When I said that, everyone laughed.


    It''s funny how you can take a story about a goblin and turn it into something more.


    No, it''s true.��It''s a little exaggerated, sure, but it''s mostly true.


    "Yeah, I know, I know. ...... That''s what I''m asking, don''t worry. It has a really strange rawness to it, and you have a talent for listening to it every day and never getting tired of it, don''t you think?


    I''m a little embarrassed to hear you say that.


    I know I''m not a very good talker, but I like talking.


    In this area, I think I have inherited my father''s love of talking.


    Of course, I can''t speak as skillfully as my father, but I do know how to focus on a certain point and make it interesting.


    I have always enjoyed listening to stories, so I think I understand the feelings of listeners.


    It wasn''t long after I joined the project that I started talking to people in this way.


    And before I knew it, the other nicknames I got were "whiner" and "poet".


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    The day''s work was over, and it was time for everyone to leave.


    "See you tomorrow, pile-driver. Tell me another funny story.


    Yeah. But I don''t have a lot of stories.


    I know. Well, the same story is a good way to pass the time. Your stories are ridiculous, but they''re interesting to listen to.


    If I heard the same story every day, I''d remember it too. ...... By the way, I told your goblin story to my kids yesterday and they loved it.


    I''m glad to hear it.


    I''m glad to hear that." This man, whom I see every day, learned my story and told it to my children.


    He liked the part about the big goblin. After the story, they immediately started playing giant goblin, tearing up the house and making my wife very angry. She said she''d like to come and listen to your story next time.


    "Oh, by all means do. I''d love to. Should I prepare a different story for you?


    Oh, that would be great. ...... Oh, but I''m sorry, no more stories about poisonous frogs, snakes or mushrooms, okay?��If the kids try to copy them, we''ll be in big trouble.


    That''s also true. ...... Then I''ll think of another story. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.��It''s a story about how I almost died because I had to fight him alone.


    The man I knew laughed in amusement when I told him this story.


    Haha!��That''s good. That sounds like the kind of thing you''d enjoy the most. Go that route.


    "No, ......, I''m telling you, that really happened, too.��Make sure you tell the kids that, too.


    Yeah, I know. Think of something interesting to say. I''m looking forward to it.


    All right, I''ll make sure I remember it.


    I''ll see you later.


    Yeah, see you tomorrow.


    And with that, I waved goodbye to the smiling faces, and my day''s work was done.


    I think I''ve worked hard today.


    Let''s stop by the bathhouse, then stop by some food stall to eat and go home.


    Then, while training as usual, I was going to try to remember what happened when I faced the dragon so that I could talk about it....


    "Dr. Noor!


    When I turned around at the sound of a familiar voice, I saw someone running toward me with a familiar appearance.


    It was...


    "So you''re here?


    "Lean. It''s been a while.


    I''m sorry to bother you, but I need to talk to you.


    A question?


    Yes. I''d like you to come with me to Mithra again... if it''s all right with you, sir.

 49-49 A world we havent seen yet

    After all, I was hungry, so Leanne and I decided to talk while we ate.


    Two of the usual, please.


    Sure.


    Leanne and I sat down on a simple wooden chair in a back alley stall and ordered our usual dishes.


    I had learned about this restaurant from a fellow construction worker, and I had come to frequent it often.


    One of the best dishes is egg noodles in a cloudy white broth with some kind of meat and vegetables chopped into small pieces on top of it.


    In particular, the meat on top - I don''t really know what kind of meat it is, but it is just delicious.


    When I asked the owner what it was, he just laughed quietly and would not tell me, and when I asked my colleague who told me about this restaurant, he said, "Don''t ask. I asked my colleague who told me about this restaurant, but he said, "It''s better not to ask.


    I thought that there was no need to keep it a secret, but I didn''t pursue the matter too deeply because I was of the same opinion.


    "It''s delicious, isn''t it? I''ve never tasted anything like it.


    Lean seemed to like it too.


    "So, what''s the story?


    Leanne put down the bowl of food she was holding and turned to me.


    "Yes. As a matter of fact, I have to go to Mithra in three months. ...... It might be a dangerous journey. So, if you would be willing to accompany me, that would be very reassuring to me.


    "Mithra?


    Yes, ......, would that be all right?


    Leanne looked into my face as she picked up the bowl of noodles and soup.


    Holy Mithraism.


    I think that''s the country I tried to go to the other day, but it was cancelled.


    Of course, I want to go there.


    I want to go there.


    Because I''ve never seen the city with my own eyes.


    That feeling hasn''t changed.


    But you did say something that bothered me.


    You said it was dangerous. What did you mean by that?��You said it was dangerous.


    Lean put down his bowl and thought for a moment before answering my question.


    ...... Honestly, I don''t know. To be honest, I don''t know. But maybe we''ll be fighting a threat as great as the one we fought before.


    "I see.


    The only threats we''ve fought before were goblins and poisonous frogs.


    Well, I might be able to handle that, I thought as I sipped my noodles.


    But then I thought, "No, wait a minute.


    Am I really going to be able to keep up?


    I''m still weak.


    I''m still weak. I''ve been through a lot, and I know that.


    At the time of the last imperial raid, even I was able to defeat the demon goblins and poisonous frogs, and I was thinking that I should be a little more confident ......, but the next day I heard about a ridiculous monster from my uncle in the guild, and I immediately had second thoughts. But the next day, I heard about a monster from a guild uncle, and I quickly reconsidered.


    He told me that a huge monster called the Goblin Emperor had appeared in the streets of King''s Landing, and that it was much bigger than the ordinary goblins that Lean and I had defeated.


    I was so astonished by the story that I couldn''t believe my ears.


    To me, even a mere goblin seemed astonishingly huge, but the Goblin Emperor was a frighteningly huge creature, more than ten times the size of a normal goblin, and it moved several times faster than anything I had ever seen.


    I can only say that it''s terrifying.


    When I said that, the guild''s uncle laughed, but .......


    I would not be able to compete with such an unimaginable monster.


    And there were more than one of them in the King''s City.


    And yet, the adventurers of this city worked together to defeat them.


    The uncle who is the master of the guild also took the lead in the battle, and it seems that it took five of them to kill the Goblin Emperor, and he smiled happily, saying, "It''s been a while since I had a good workout.


    I found out for the first time that he used to be a Gold-level adventurer.


    In fact, he was an amazing person.


    I can''t even imagine what kind of fight they had with such a huge monster like a mountain.


    No, I''ve heard there''s someone even more amazing than them.


    The king of this country is said to be very skilled, and he killed three Goblin Emperors in a matter of seconds.


    And he did it all by himself.


    His appearance is said to be a story even among adventurers.


    There really were some extraordinary people.


    The world is much bigger than I thought.


    But he risked his life to protect his people.


    No wonder he''s so respected.


    When we arrived at the capital, we didn''t see any of those huge creatures that looked like they could reach the clouds, so they must have already been defeated.


    I listened to their story and kept it in my mind.


    I could have killed a demon, and I could have faced a dragon one-on-one and not died, but ...... that''s all. Compared to these extraordinary people, I''m still a weakling.


    So I was a little lost.


    Is it really okay to follow them?


    If we were to run into a Goblin Emperor-level monster somewhere, it would be too dangerous for Lean and I to go alone.


    Are we the only ones going?


    No, Rollo has been invited this time, so he''ll be going with us. That is, of course, if he wants to go.


    Rollo has been invited?


    Yes. So for now it''s going to be me, Ines, Rollo and the doctor. We don''t want to have too many people in the room.


    ...... What''s this all about?


    It may seem a little strange, but the ...... dangerous errand is to celebrate the coming of age of an acquaintance. There''s a party and I''m just going to attend it. ......


    A coming of age ceremony is dangerous ......?


    What do you mean?


    I don''t think so. .......


    I wonder if Mithraism is one of those countries where you have to defeat a violent demon to come of age.


    And there is a certain amount of danger involved in witnessing this coming of age.


    I wonder if this is the case.


    I''ve heard that there are some places that have such a custom from time to time. .......


    I see, the demons who participate in the coming-of-age ceremony need to be escorted because it would be dangerous if they were to go out of control.


    That makes some sense.


    It must be that kind of dangerous coming-of-age ceremony that Lean is talking about going to.


    So, is there anything I should prepare?��I don''t know anything about that.


    Leanne, perhaps sensing my concern, replied with a smile.


    I don''t need to worry about the preparations. All you have to do is follow me.


    We''ll prepare all the costumes for you over there. I''m sure you''ll have to check the sizes and such.


    Costumes?


    Is that really necessary?


    Is it possible that the attendants will be forced to participate in the ceremony?


    A costume for this purpose could be ...... something like a war suit.


    Is it dangerous if you don''t wear it?


    I''m getting more and more worried.


    Is it safe for me to go to such a place?


    "Yes, you just need to be there if nothing happens. I''m sure there will be delicious food served at the dinner, so I think you can look forward to that.


    I see.


    The food ...... is very exciting.


    If the land is different, the food is different.


    Maybe there will be mushrooms that are even better than the dragon''s death mushroom.


    I''m very excited to think about it.


    Mithra.


    A place I''ve never seen before.


    I''d love to go there.


    But...


    "No. Maybe I shouldn''t go.


    "............ eh ......?


    Leanne was surprised by my answer and froze.


    I guess I didn''t say it well enough.


    As you know, the reconstruction of King''s Landing is still in progress. There are people who lost their homes in the previous turmoil and are in trouble. If I leave at a time like this, it might delay them from getting home. I''m still trying to be of some help, and it''s still going to take some time to recover.


    Well, you''re right, sir, but...


    I''m not the only one who''d be a good escort.��To be honest, I''d like to visit Mithra, and I''m interested in the coming-of-age ceremony. But I don''t know if it would do anyone any good if I went along. So I think I''ll stop.


    "...... wow ...... wow ...... I understand ...... if you say so, doctor. ......


    Leanne seemed to agree with me when I said that. ......


    If you look closely, you can see that her face is still smiling, but her eyes are filled with tears.


    Then, with trembling hands, she took the bowl and began to sip the soup in silence.


    It seems like a lie that he was talking cheerfully just now.


    I don''t know what ...... is, but he seems to be very depressed.


    I feel sorry for him when I see him like that.


    "Or is there a reason why it has to be me?


    "Yes. I think it has to be you.


    When I asked her, she turned around and answered immediately.


    "Really?


    No, let me correct that. No, let me correct that. I shouldn''t have asked you half-heartedly in the first place.


    Lean stood up from the wooden chair in the stall, faced me straight, put his hand on his chest, and gave me the same polite bow he had given me before.


    "Dr. Noor, there is no one else I would trust with my life but you and Ines. I ask you to accompany me. I will do everything in my power to repay your kindness in the name of the Linneburg Crease.


    You''re exaggerating just to be present at a coming-of-age ceremony.


    Well, I don''t feel bad if you say so.


    Still, I wonder if this child is still misunderstanding.


    I''m not as strong as she thinks I am.


    But...


    I''ll talk to the master tomorrow. Then I''ll decide whether to go or not. Is that okay?


    "Yes!


    Lean''s expression brightened instantly.


    She''s very happy that I said I''d go.


    I wonder how long it will take for her to get over her misunderstanding.


    Still, since she''s relying on me so much, I want to do something to help her.


    Even though I know that I am not good enough, I want to catch up with her.


    No, that''s not it.


    I know what I''m really doing.


    I''m just using her as an excuse.


    I just want to have an adventure.


    I did enjoy my work in construction.


    It was rewarding.


    A land I hadn''t seen yet, Mithra.


    I know there''s more there that I don''t know.


    And I know it''s dangerous.


    But despite the danger, I want to go.


    I want to see it.


    I can''t help the curiosity that rises in me.


    I can''t lie to myself about that simple feeling.


    Because I became an adventurer for the sake of adventure.


    I''ve made up my mind.


    But if I''m going to travel, I have to make preparations.


    I''ve heard that I''ll be going to dangerous places, so I''m not sure if I''m up to the task.


    They say I have three months before I leave, but it''s only three months left.


    In that time, I must train harder and become stronger.


    I have learned that there are many monsters like the Goblin Emperor in the world.


    Even though Inez will come with me, if I''m going to go on a journey, I need to be able to deal with them when I encounter them, or I may die at any time.


    If that''s the case, then the training I''m doing now while working on construction is of course insufficient.


    I''ll have to consult with the master right away.


    I''m sorry to the master and everyone else.


    This is just me being selfish.


    What will I say when I see them tomorrow?


    That''s what I''ll say when I see you tomorrow... After I left you, I spent the night thinking about that.


    The next morning.


    I visited the construction site early in the morning as usual.


    "Sir. I need to talk to you, okay?


    "What do you want?��That''s unusual. What''s with the formalities...


    I was wondering what I should say to the wondering master.


    In the end, I couldn''t put my thoughts together.


    The master looked at me and smiled, as if he had figured something out.


    He looked at me and smiled as if he understood something.


    "What?��What? How did you know?


    I haven''t said anything yet, but...


    How did he know?


    You don''t have to say anything. It''s written all over your face. All right, go ahead. You got a dream, don''t you?


    "...... dream?��What do you mean, a dream?


    No, ...... that''s a bit of a question for me to ask, but ...... that''s you, right?��You''ve got something you want to do, right?


    Yes, I do.


    This time, it''s not so much a dream as it is a dream of the master.


    Well, there are things I want to do.


    "But... if I''m going to do that, I''m going to have to leave.


    I''m afraid I''m going to cause trouble for everyone who''s ever helped me.


    I''m sorry.


    When I said that, the master laughed in his usual tone.


    "Hey, hey, don''t talk like that.


    You knew this day would come.


    You always insisted on being an adventurer no matter how many times I invited you to join our building guild.


    I''m not trying to keep you.


    You''ve already done more than enough work, and thanks to you the construction is two months ahead of schedule.


    I''m grateful for that.


    No one says you don''t work enough. ...... Or maybe you''ve worked enough for a hundred people in the past month.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.


    ...... Oh, okay.


    But... come back when you feel like it.


    You''ve still got a lot of skills to learn.


    And I haven''t given up yet, you know.


    Come back to me whenever you change your mind.


    I believe that even if I paid you ten times ...... or even twenty times the salary of a normal employee, it would still be worth the change.


    "Yeah, I''ll be back. Just wait for me.


    And so, that day, I left the construction site I had grown accustomed to.


    I decided to train even harder starting tomorrow, aiming for three months from now.


    To go on a journey to Mithra and come back alive.


    I must become even stronger than I am now, to the point of exceeding my limits.

 50-50 Demon Adventurer

    Leanne came to Inez''s house to talk to me.


    She told me that I had been invited to the coming-of-age ceremony of the prince of the Holy Mithraic Kingdom.


    He said he came to see if I would go with him.


    �������� To be honest, I don''t really understand.


    It doesn''t feel real to me at all.


    I thought it was like a dream.


    But it seems to be true.


    So I wasn''t sure how to answer.


    Mithra hates the demon race.


    I don''t know much about them, but I know that much.


    It''s a country that has long been at the forefront of the hunt for demons.


    In that country, you are to be defeated and destroyed.


    If you are found, you deserve to be killed.


    I''ve always been told that''s what we ...... are, and I think that''s just the way it is.


    If I go there, I''ll probably be killed.


    "If I go there, I''ll probably get killed. It''s probably different from here.


    I''m sure they hate the demon tribe.


    I''m sure that they lied about inviting me in and feeding me good food, and if I go there, I''ll be captured and killed... That''s what I thought when Leanne told me.


    So I just said what I thought.


    Yes ......, as Rollo knows, everyone is afraid of the demons.


    Of course, I think she knows that much.


    Why would she want me to go to such a place?


    But maybe it''s because she''s never seen the real thing.


    It''s just a simple thought, but ...... I think it would be different if we actually met and talked.


    That''s what Lean says.


    I''m not sure that''s true.


    But even though they saw me, even though they knew me, they were scared of me, they hated me, they hated me.


    That was the norm for me.


    I was simply stating a fact, but she (Lean) looked sad.


    But at least we don''t think so. You know that, don''t you?


    "Yeah, ...... pretty much.


    There are going to be a lot of people there.


    Of course, Rollo''s right, there''s always the possibility of danger.


    But I thought it might be a good opportunity.


    "...... a good opportunity?


    Yes. If anything, it''s selfish of me, but ...... if I can, I''d like them to get a good look at you and see that my friend is not so terrible.


    My friend.


    That''s what she called me.


    I''ve gotten used to the idea of a princess calling me that, but ...... it still doesn''t feel real to me.


    But at least there was no lie in her words.


    I had told her before that I had the ability to read minds, but that didn''t seem to bother her too much.


    She doesn''t have any fear of me or the demon race in her heart.


    Not to Inez, not to Noor.


    When I met Lean''s father, King Crace, I didn''t feel such dark emotions.


    If anything, he treated me with warmth.


    Of course, not all of them did... but most of them did.


    It seems that there are a lot of people like that here in the Kingdom of Crace.


    The people around me now are all very pleasant.


    They''re so nice that I often wonder why.


    Sometimes I even think that I am already dead and have come to heaven.


    ......, but I guess it''s real.


    There are people who change their attitudes as soon as they find out that I''m a demon, and some of them show dislike and contempt for me.


    I think that''s natural and unavoidable.


    We are used to being hated by others.


    On the contrary, I can''t feel alive without it.


    When I said that, Lean gave me a very sad look.


    I don''t really care about that.


    �������� She''s so sweet.


    She is so kind that she cares about me.


    I always wondered, "...... why does Leanne care so much about me?


    I always wondered that.


    Is it strange that I want a hero who saved my country to be given proper recognition?


    But that''s because Noor is ......


    That may be true.


    But Rollo ...... wouldn''t have done so well without you.


    I think you should be a little more proud of yourself.


    Proud of myself.


    That doesn''t sound very nice.


    When I said that, Leanne smiled a little sadly.


    Thinking about it, Inez gave me the same look.


    Inez asked me one day.


    �������� "Rollo. What do you want to do now?


    She said I could do whatever I wanted.


    But I couldn''t answer anything.


    What do I want to do?


    What the hell do I want?


    I was told that I could want anything, but I didn''t know what to want.


    But...


    When I look at her face, I understand a little bit more.


    Now, what I want (????) is .


    When I see her sad face, it makes me sad too.


    It is very sad and painful to see such a sad face of someone who is kind to me.


    If I can get rid of such feelings, even if only a little, from in front of my eyes.


    I''m ��������


    All right, ......, I''ll go with you.


    I''m a little scared to go to Mithra.


    I''m a little scared to go to Mithra because I know I''ll be met with a lot of scorn and fear.


    But I''m just scared.


    I''m used to being hated and disliked and it doesn''t bother me.


    I''m used to being hated and disliked, and it doesn''t bother me.


    If you get hit and it hurts and bleeds, you can just live with it.


    I''m very used to pain.


    I''m very used to pain. "......, Rollo.


    Never think that you can sacrifice yourself, okay?


    As I said earlier, you can do whatever you want to do, okay?


    I want you to be saved more than anyone.


    You don''t have to go with me if you don''t want to.


    No, you don''t. No, it''s not. I want to go.


    Because that''s what I want to do (??????).


    Okay. .......


    If anyone tries to hurt you, I, Ines, will not let them.


    Above all, Dr. Noor will never allow it.


    We will protect you with our lives, so please trust us on that.


    "Yes, ......, I understand.


    I''m sure you''ll agree.


    I just said so.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that.


    So?


    I''m sure you''ll agree.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean.


    And then I told her the other thing I had in mind.


    I think I want to be an adventurer.


    I''m pretty sure anyone in this kingdom can be trained to do that, right?


    I''m not a human, but the king made me a citizen.


    So maybe I can be a citizen, too. ��������


    Oh, I''m sure you''ll be fine then.


    You are already a citizen of this country.


    Inez did not show much emotion.


    But at that moment she seemed to be a little happy.


    Let''s go talk to the instructors at the training camp. There''s a meeting today where they''re all going to be present and I was planning on showing up, so it''s a good idea. Follow me.


    With that, Inez began to walk quickly, and I followed her without hesitation.


    Yes, no more hesitation.


    Because I finally know what I want.


    It was easy once I figured it out.


    I don''t know why I didn''t know that before.


    I want to be like �������� Noor, the person who can just take away the sad face in front of me.


    I want to be like �������� Noor, someone who can just take away the sad faces in front of me. �������� In order to do that, I need to be much, much stronger.


    If it is okay for me to want something.


    I''ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.


    I''ll do anything from now on.


    That''s what I promised myself.


    Even if I can''t get what I want right away, I''ll do it until I can.


    It''s like I died once and was reborn.


    This time, I''m going to be useful and needed by someone.


    Because that man �������� Noor showed me that I can do that.

 51-51 Six Holy Conferences

    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at the following.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can call us at the web site.


    The "demon tribe" is coming to the Holy Mithraic Kingdom.


    There was not a single person in the room who did not understand the significance of this.


    Everyone understood why he was seeking power.


    However, their reactions were mixed.


    First, it was the [Sword Saint] Sig who approached the boy.


    "Roro, huh? You want to be trained at the training center in King''s Landing, how old are you?


    "...... I don''t know .......


    The boy shook his head in response to Sig''s question.


    "You don''t know ......?


    "...... Yeah. I don''t even know where he was born. ...... But I think he''s probably over ten years old. ...... I heard he was picked up about ten years ago. I don''t know where he was born,...... but he''s probably over 10 years old,...... because I heard he was picked up about a decade ago.


    "...... Really?


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do that.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    The boy''s body was slender and small at first glance.


    It was easy to imagine that he had not been fed well in his life up to this point, but it made him wonder.


    I wondered if he was fit to wield a sword.


    The next person to speak up was Dundargu, who was sitting next to Sig.


    I''m not sure if I''d be able to do it, but I''d like to.��I''m not saying it''s impossible for someone your age to get training, but I think it''s pretty tough. I''ve only known one person like that in my day. ...... He was a bit special.


    Dundalk scratched his head as he looked at the boy standing in the conference room.


    His impression of the boy was not so different from Sig''s.


    I have a few thoughts on that. May I have your attention, please?


    Inez placed her hands on the massive round table in the middle of the room and looked around at the six faces in the room.


    Inez said, looking around at the six faces in the room.


    It''s interesting that you would say such a thing in this meeting.


    Interesting. Let''s hear it.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that," he said, stroking his white beard.


    Then let me explain.


    As you know, it will be three months before we leave for Mithra with Linneburg-sama.


    By then, I want Rollo to be as strong as possible.


    But there won''t be much time to spare.


    So ��������


    I''ll be there.


    "So you''re saying we take turns?


    We''ll all take care of him one day at a time.


    When Dundargu heard Inez''s suggestion, he folded his arms and snorted.


    Yeah, I think that would be the best idea.


    I think that would be the best way to go, although it would be a hassle for everyone here to get special treatment.


    "Well, I don''t mind that. ...... But did you say Rollo?


    You''re okay with that?


    I''ll tell you what, it''s pretty hard training we''re giving you.


    Some of them even give up on the first day.


    Painful, painful is a given.


    ...... Yeah, ...... I think that''s okay .......


    The boy replied in a small voice with few words, but his lack of confidence made Dundalk even more uneasy.


    Inez, what do you think of this... well, you''re the one who suggested it. I''m sure you think it''s okay, but ............ I really hope it''s okay. ......... ...?


    "Yeah, I''ve only lived with him for a month or so, but that''s my impression.


    I think Rollo can probably withstand the training.


    Besides, you never know what might happen when you get to Mithra.


    I can only imagine the risks involved.


    I know it''s impossible but I want to be as prepared as possible.


    I need your help.


    "Well, I can see your logic, but ......, well, what can I say?


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    I disagree.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to try.


    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find the right one for you.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    It''s not like she''s going to die.


    Inez, Lord Linneburg, and the king are all ......


    I don''t understand why they would allow that. ......


    Hey, you.


    Rollo, I think it''s called.


    If you''re just being forced to do this, say no.


    It''s never a good idea to be unnecessarily concerned about people.


    Mianne said to the boy standing in the room, her mouth agape with frustration.


    ...... No, no, no, no.


    I told Mithra I wanted to go.


    It''s not Inez or Leanne''s fault.


    Mianne looked at Inez''s face as Rollo spoke up for her.


    Inez looked into Mianne''s eyes and nodded.


    You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


    The king has also asked me to respect his opinion.


    I''m sure Rollo''s decision to go to Mithra was his.


    He also wants to be trained at the training center.


    I''m not going to interfere with that.


    ...... Well, if you say so, then I guess you really do.


    But it''s still not right. ......


    ...... I can''t believe you''re letting your kids decide that for you.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    I agree with you.


    I agree. You never know until you try.


    I think Inez''s suggestion is the best way to test the child''s various possibilities.


    Oaken looked at Rollo and gave him a thumbs-up with one eye closed.


    I think that''s fine too.


    It will help him to see what he can do for himself.


    I''ll help him as much as I can.


    The only thing I can''t help him with now is the [monk] training, so I''ll probably just give him the knowledge he needs to protect himself.


    The [Healing Saint] Thane, who was next to Oaken, also gave the boy a quiet smile.


    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    "............ Well, okay.


    It''s like old Oaken said, you never know until you try.


    "Oh, there''s no point in talking about it here. If you want to do it, just do it.


    Sig followed suit.


    In the end, the [Hidden Saint] Karou quietly looked at everyone and called out to Dundargu.


    It looks like we have a consensus. So, Dundargu. Let''s vote on this topic.


    "So... I''m doing that today?��I don''t have a choice. So, .......


    For the next three months, we [Six Saints] will all raise Rollo here.


    Does anyone have any objections to that?


    If not, I''ll go talk to the adventurer''s guild right away for the procedure.


    "...... has no objection.


    "No objections.


    No objections.


    "No objection.


    Four of the other five replied to Dundargu''s call.


    Four of the other five replied to Dandarg''s call, but one remained silent, staring at the wall of the conference room.


    "...... Hey, Mianne?��Do you still have something for me?


    "������������ There is.


    I have a problem with that. I''m not convinced.


    But if he''s okay with it, then he''s okay with ............ it.


    Is that okay with you, Rollo?


    "...... Yes.


    When Inez finally checked with Rollo, the boy nodded quietly, looking the same as when he came into the room.


    "Well, it looks like we''ve reached a conclusion.


    So, starting tomorrow, we''re going to ...... treat this kid as our apprentice for the sake of convenience.


    �������� Really, we''re not half bad, so be prepared, Rollo.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.

 52-52 Days of Discipline

    In the middle of the forest, just outside the city of King''s Landing.


    I breathed in the morning air as the sun finally began to rise, and began my usual training.


    "������������ Palii


    First, I gripped the Black Sword tightly in both hands and swung it as hard as I could at the surrounding leafy trees.


    The black sword is heavy, so with just one swing, your feet dig into the ground and the whole forest shakes a little. At the same time, there was a huge gust of wind that sent the leaves of the surrounding trees flying.


    I held my sword at the ready and waited for a while. ��������


    I aimed at one of the dozens of leaves that were falling all around me, and flicked it.


    Parry.


    The leaf bursts with a pleasant sound.


    Then you aim at the next leaf, hit it, and play it again.


    Repeat the process.


    Gradually increase the speed of your movements, and knock down all the leaves before they hit the ground.


    This is the first set. This is the first set. It is like a preparatory exercise.


    "������������parii


    Next, I swing my sword a little harder to create a bigger wind.


    And from there, I activate one of my few skills [shinobiashi].


    Then, the "air barrier" that I feel when I move fast disappears.


    Originally, this skill was supposed to muffle the sound of footsteps, but one day I noticed that the air around me was disappearing as well, and I''ve been doing this ever since.


    Thanks to this, I can move much faster than I normally would.


    "Parry.


    And as I weave my way through the trees in the forest, I pop all the hundreds of leaves that are scattered all over the area before they fall to the ground.


    There is no wind, no footsteps, but only the sound of leaves popping echoes through the forest.


    After a while, the birds and animals disappear.


    ������������ Parii


    When it''s over, I do the same thing again.


    Swinging to create wind and flicking all the leaves that fall from the trees.


    Just keep doing it.


    Gradually, you make the first wind stronger and increase the number of leaves that fall.


    I''ve been doing this every day for a while now.


    Parii.


    I finished my goal of playing about 10,000 leaves, and breathed a little.


    "Well, that''s it for the morning.


    This method of training to play the leaves is simple, but it is much better than the previous method of just pretending.


    Since I started this training, I feel like I can move a little faster and more precisely than before.


    I''ve also gotten used to handling the heavy black sword quickly. I can feel my improvement.


    A few days ago, when I came up with this "swinging leaf method", I was happy to think that this would make me a little stronger...


    But at this rate, .......


    It''s not going to work.


    I shuddered as I thought of the Goblin Emperor I had heard about.


    It''s a terrifying demon that moves several times faster than those swift goblins.


    If I''m going to go on a journey, I want to be strong enough to protect my friends and escape, if not defeat them, even if I run into such a monster.


    But I can''t imagine being able to do that at all.


    I''ve been feeling limited.


    I feel a little stronger, but ...... I don''t think I can beat such a monster yet.


    What''s more, if I kept practicing like this for three months, the trees in the forest would grow bald.


    I can''t turn my back on it, but I don''t think that''s a good idea either.


    I have to find a different way.


    Something is missing right now.


    I guess I need to train in a way that is closer to actual warfare now.


    I canceled my midday training.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.


    I''m not sure what to do. It''s been a while since I''ve seen you... well, a few days at least. I''ve seen you almost every day, so it seems like a long time since I''ve seen you.


    Yeah, that''s right.


    As soon as he saw me, the old man from the guild approached me as usual.


    So, what do you want today?��If you need the money I''m holding, I can give it to you anytime. I got a payment that I can''t imagine for a construction job. I''ve never seen that kind of money even for dragon slaying. ...... I mean, you should really think about joining the building guild.��I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.��I know you''re not going to listen to me when I say .......


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.


    "No, the money''s fine. I don''t plan to use it, so just keep it. I''m here today looking for a client.


    "Hmm, a client?��Didn''t you say you were taking some time off?


    No, I''m not here for construction.


    Is there anything we can do in King''s Landing that will allow us to fight something that moves?


    Of course, I can''t take on anything too powerful, but I''d like to be able to fight someone as fast as possible, do it every day, and not be in danger.


    I''m not sure if that''s a good idea.


    ...... No. I''m sure you''ll agree.


    ......, but not that one.


    Do you have one?


    You want me to ask?


    Yeah, please.


    You know that the area around the Labyrinth of No Return was destroyed during the last Imperial assault, right?


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.


    I didn''t know that. I didn''t know that.


    ...... There was a sign near the construction site you were at. Didn''t you see it?


    No. I was so focused on my work at the time, I didn''t even see the sign.


    The only ones who are sticking out are the weaker ones in the shallow layers, and they''re not that much of a problem because the royal city defense force and the general adventurers are working together to keep them in check. Some of them are being dealt with later.


    They''re not really a threat, and they''re too busy to be dealt with.


    The adventurer''s guild (ours) also received a request for support from the royal city defense force a long time ago, but it hasn''t been digested much.


    "Is there such a thing?


    Yeah. The content of the request is, let''s say, ''ghost extermination''.


    ��������������������.


    ...... ghost ...... extermination, or ......?


    Yeah, it''s mostly ghosts, and sometimes skeletons if you''re unlucky.


    "Skeletons?


    It''s a Pokemon with moving human bones. Don''t you know?


    Oh, moving bones?��Yeah, that''s... That''s a little creepy.


    What, are you scared?


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    My voice was a little raised.


    To be honest, I''m not very good at that kind of thing.


    When I was little, my father used to tell me stories about ghosts and zombies, and I was so scared that I couldn''t go to the bathroom at night, so I cried and asked my mother to go with me.


    I don''t think I''m afraid anymore.


    I remember being very scared at the time, but now I''m not scared anymore.


    Ghosts are not real.


    Zombies are a myth.


    That''s what I told myself and I think I overcame it.


    ...... No, wait a minute.


    ���������������� Are there really such things?


    I''m sure you''ve heard of them.


    They have the same threat level as the goblins, but they''re a little stronger.


    They come at you with weapons, and they''re pretty tough. But they''re not very fast, so it''s easy to escape. If you run into one, make sure you run.


    They''re a little stronger than goblins.


    A little stronger than a goblin, maybe that''s enough for me to challenge them.


    By the way, ghosts have a threat level of F.


    They''re not demons, they''re a nuisance.


    They do have some aggression, but it''s only psychological, not physical damage. That''s why they''re not "defeated" but treated as "exterminated" like rats. Even if you''re a rank [Novice], you can still accept the request.


    "I see.


    My rank as an adventurer is still Novice.


    In fact, Lean''s brother once told me that I could raise my rank considerably if I had the support of my family because I had been useful during the raids on the Imperial Kingdom, but I refused.


    To tell the truth, I was a little unsure about it, but after all, it''s meaningless if you don''t win recognition with your own abilities.


    It would not do me any good to move up to a higher rank when I can barely beat a goblin.


    I want to become strong, acquire [skills], and become an adventurer with my heart on my sleeve.


    I''d like to become a strong and skilled adventurer.


    But to get rid of ghosts, you need to be able to use magic. You can''t use magic to get rid of ghosts, just like you can''t use physical attacks on us. You don''t have any magic skills, do you?


    No, I can use it, you see.


    I lit a small fire like a candle on my fingertip.


    The only magic skill I can use is ��������


    "Petit Fire.


    No, I know that, but... are you going to fight with it?


    No?


    Well, I''m not saying no, but ...... I''ve never heard of anyone fighting a ghost with it. I''m sure it can do some damage, but it''s probably not much. ...... Well, if you don''t think you can do it, don''t do it, okay?


    But I decided to accept the request.


    To be honest, I''m not very good at it.


    But if there''s a chance of running into a skeleton a little stronger than a goblin, it''s worth a try.


    My uncle told me to run away when I met them.


    That''s how strong I need to be right now.


    Even if it means taking some risks.


    Well, I''m old enough to still be afraid of ghosts.


    I''m too old to be afraid of ghosts.


    But I do have some concerns.


    The only thing I can do against ghosts is [petit fire].


    I''m not sure I can fight them with just that.


    So ��������


    I''ll ask �������� Lean to come with me.


    It''s not that I''m afraid of going out alone to exterminate ghosts. It''s not that I''m afraid of ghosts, but ��������


    I''m not afraid of ghosts.

 53-53 Exterminate ghosts

    I''m sorry you had to go through all this.


    No, I was the one who asked for help the other day, and if there''s anything I can do to help, please let me know.


    When I went to ask her to accompany me on my "ghost busting" mission, she smilingly agreed, and the next morning Leanne and I headed off to our destination.


    The location of the request from the Adventurer''s Guild was an old warehouse near the entrance to the Labyrinth of No Return.


    The place has long been famous for its hauntings. Lean knew a lot about the area and told me many stories as we walked.


    The basement of that warehouse used to be part of a dungeon. However, the materials are the same, and there is no connection to anywhere. It is said that adventurers who visited this place hundreds of years ago, after destroying the demons that had been lurking there, began to use it as a storage place for food because it was spacious and strong. It''s quite a venerable warehouse.


    You''ve been using it for ghosts?


    Yes. It''s not that dangerous if it''s only occasionally haunted. If you have a weak heart, you should avoid going near it, but as a material storage warehouse, it is sometimes appreciated because it keeps rats away. A little harm, a little good. Ghosts are like that.


    "Oh, really?


    I didn''t know it, but it seems that ghosts are a familiar presence in this country.


    I didn''t think people thought they were just a way to keep rats out of warehouses. .......


    However, it is said that the reason why ghosts appear in such places is unknown. In the first place, they say that they don''t even know what a ''ghost'' is.


    There are many theories. Some say that they are a form of bio-magic created in the ancient times when labyrinths were born. Others say that they may be the wandering spirits of adventurers who died in their dreams, playing tricks on the living out of envy.


    "I see. You know a lot about ghosts, don''t you?


    You''ve been talking about ghosts with glee ever since, perhaps Lean likes that kind of thing?


    When I heard you were coming here, I did a little research in the archives. It''s important to do your homework.


    You went to the trouble of checking ....... You''re a diligent girl. Maybe I should learn a little from you. However, I don''t have a library that I can freely access.


    I don''t have a stack at my disposal, but ...... I heard that there might be a ''skeleton'', is it the same thing?


    "Skeletons?��I''ve heard that there might be skeletons in the labyrinth (dungeons), but skeletons are real and are a type of demon, so the principle of their occurrence is a little different. Also, I don''t think they appear in the places we''re going.��It seems that the only thing that has been reported there are ghosts.


    "Hmm?��Is that so?


    No skeletons?


    I''m a little relieved, but a little disappointed.


    I''m sure there are a number of places in the capital where the ghosts to be exterminated can be found, but perhaps your uncle has chosen a place that is not dangerous.


    I''m both grateful and confused.


    I didn''t tell them that I wanted to fight skeletons, so I''m sure they were just being considerate.


    I guess I''m just happy to meet a ghost.


    This is it, isn''t it?


    After walking for a while, I arrived at a place with a sign and a wooden fence in front of me.


    Here it is.


    By the way, I remember coming here when they were removing the rubble.


    It had been a restricted area since then.


    You mean here?


    It says "No Trespassing", but can I go in?


    Yes, sir. We have permission to enter, so let''s proceed.


    We climbed over the fence, and after a while, we saw a large stone staircase leading to the basement in the middle of nowhere.


    The destination is at the bottom of these stairs. That''s where the ghosts come from.


    As I approached the entrance to the basement, I felt a slight chill in the air.


    It''s pitch black and you can''t see through it even if you strain your eyes.


    It''s a ...... kind of place.


    So, let''s go.


    Yes.


    I gripped the black sword in my hand tightly and took my first step into the basement.


    In retrospect, I was glad that Lean had come with me.


    It''s not that I''m afraid of going into a dark cave by myself, but if I had been alone, I might have gotten lost on the way here.


    This girl is only 14 years old, but she is really reliable.


    It''s a far cry from when I was about her age. .......


    As I walked down the wide stairs, thinking about this, I gradually lost sight of my surroundings. After a while, I couldn''t even see the face of the lean next to me, not even within my reach.


    "This is the entrance.


    Lean told me to open the wooden door, and I walked out into a large space.


    It was �������� dark.


    I really can''t see anything.


    In the darkness, I decided to use the [Petit Fire] and rely on the light to move forward.


    I''m not sure if you''re aware of this, but please be careful of the walls and floor. It is unlikely that there are any traps that are still alive after hundreds of years of discovery, but your black sword is quite heavy, so there may be unexpected situations.


    "Oh, okay.


    In the past, when I went to a bandit training center, the instructor told me, "For some reason, you always step through traps, so never go near places where there might be traps.


    It is said that this place used to be part of the Labyrinth, and there might even be some dangerous devices.


    Let''s be careful.


    The moment I made up my mind and took my first step, ������������


    ��������Gakon.


    Suddenly, the cobblestones beneath my feet sank, and I heard a sound as if something were falling out.


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    ����Ҋ�Ĥ�롺���(���`����)�����٤ӡ��������Τ�ΤȤ�˼���ʤ��Ф������Ϥ���.


    It''s so scary, it makes me shrink.


    It''s much bigger and scarier than I thought it would be.


    A primordial fear.


    That''s what the monster was giving off.


    "Doctor!��Are you all right?


    Leanne came down from the hole I fell through.


    It seems she saw me fall and came after me.


    At that moment, the thing in the darkness turned its gaze to Lean.


    "����������������!!!


    Lean was startled and stiffened.


    ...... Well, I know the feeling.


    Everyone does.


    This is what it means to "come" mentally.


    The ghost, which had been humanoid at first, wriggled and changed shape when it found Lean''s form. The two thin arms swelled to eight thick white arms, and the legs parted and stretched out toward the floor, walls, and ceiling.


    The huge eyeballs that used to be two keep splitting and increasing, and I don''t even feel like counting how many there are anymore.


    No wonder no one wants to come and exterminate such a creepy thing, no matter how harmless and life-threatening it is.


    ������������������ wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow Ohhhhhh... ��������


    ...... Nevertheless .


    I''ve heard that it''s not dangerous, just scary, but isn''t that too scary?


    I''ve heard that people with heart problems should stay away from it, but even if you don''t have a heart problem, you''ll probably die from it.


    While I was thinking about ......, another ten or so thick arms were added.


    I''m sure there are about a hundred more legs that have grown here and there, and countless bloody eyeballs of all sizes that have multiplied and are staring at me and Lean.


    �������� I''m really, really scared.


    Honestly, I want to go home.


    But you''ll have to kill at least one of them to get home.


    I had to ask Lean to come with me here.


    I''m sorry... but I need you to stay here and watch.


    I''ll take care of that one myself.


    Yes, sir.


    But if ...... gets compromised, I need your help.


    I''m counting on you.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    �������� I''m not afraid.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do.


    Now, this is where my "ghost busting" begins.

 54-54 Im parried ghosts

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    �������� What do you mean?


    I think this sword also repels magic.


    But I didn''t expect it to hit ghosts as well.


    What is the logic behind ...... this?


    No, but the reason is not important at this point.


    This monster can be shot with this sword.


    That''s all I need to know.


    The more I understand, the less frightened I become of the unseen entity before me.


    Fear fades away when you know how to deal with it.


    Once again, I see the tentacles of a ghost attacking me from the darkness.


    But ��������


    "Parry.


    This time, I consciously dispel all the tentacles with a single swing.


    The white tentacles are flicked larger than before, and disappear deeper into the darkness.


    It looks like ......... will be okay.


    It turns out that my Parii can get through to this ghost.


    I felt a little relieved and calmed down.


    Now there''s no threat to be afraid of, but I''m sure I won''t be able to defeat this thing if I just protect myself.


    With that in mind, I lit a fire in the fingertips of the hand opposite the one holding the sword.


    "[Petit Fire]".


    This is the only magic I can use... Of course, a single fire of [Petit Fire] is weak and unreliable.


    I''m not sure I can use it in a proper battle.


    But... when five of them are combined...


    That''s what I was going to try when I met the ghost.


    "Petit fire.


    I immediately lit all the fingertips of my free hand with the [Petit Fire].


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''ll help.


    The "ghost" screamed even more fearlessly when it saw the fire I had lit.


    Apparently, the fire scared him.


    ...... Thank goodness.


    Judging from this reaction, it seems that my "petit fire" is also effective.


    The ghost stretches out its arms and tentacles toward me, attacking me even more fiercely, but I dispel all of its attacks with my black sword.


    There''s no need to panic.


    I focus all my attention on my fire-lit hand and slowly walk closer to the ghost.


    Then, step by step in the darkness, I move the fire in my five fingers, little by little, from my fingertips to �������� the center of my palm, overlapping them with great care.


    Then the small fire in my hand began to glow with more heat.


    Perhaps reacting to the light, the ghost swung its tentacles around with unprecedented force.


    In the blink of an eye, the area in front of me is covered in his white tentacles.


    But this time he doesn''t use the Black Sword.


    Instead, I pointed my flaming palm at the Ghost.


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    �����������ɤ�������ǡ��K��äƤ��졹


    ��������褦�ʚݳ֤��ǡ����ĤΡ��x���𡻤����һ�Ĥ����ͤƤ���.


    С���ʶ��Ĥλ���ؤʤ�ȼ��������Ť��������֤��Фǻͤ᤯�OС�ι�����ؤ��ˤ�䤨��.


    Ҋ���Ф���С�����Ϥʤä������ǰ�����Τ˸ߤޤäƤ���Τ�Ф���.


    ��ޤǡ���äƤߤ����ȤϤʤ��ä��������ɤ���顢�����ޤǤ����֤����äƤ���餷��.


    �����������줬���Ρ�������㑡�ȫ��ȫ둤�ħ����ʹ��.


    �Ǥ⡢�⤷����һ����ǥ�����ä��顭���������Ȥϥ�`��ˤ�����褦.


    ����ʤ��Ȥ򿼤��ʤ��顢���ρI�֤ΤҤ����둤��򤱡��֤��Ф�С���ʹ��ȫ����ħ�����z�᤿.


    �������������ץ��ե���������


    ˲�g��������


    My vision, which had been shrouded in darkness, turned white.


    At the same time, a shock.


    I felt a tremendous pressure on my entire body, and before I knew it, I was blown away...


    The giant "ghost" disappeared without a trace, along with the altar behind it.

 55-55 Gray Ghost

    �����ޤʤ���������`��Ϥ����ǡ�Ҋ�Ƥ��Ƥ���.


    ����ϤҤȤޤ���һ�ˤǤ�äƤߤ�.


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    �m��ˤ��Ƥ��뤫��ʡ�


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    ����霤��Ф˸����֡�����ζ�ʰפ�����.


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    ����˼�������ơ��դȡ�˼���������Τ����뤳�Ȥ˚ݤ��Ĥ���.


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    ������������ϡ��ޤ�����������


    ���ΰ�霤��Ф˸����ְפ�����.


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    ��������ʱ�����⤿�餷��ħ��ϡ���䄤��������������ЄӤˤ�äƺ��ؤˤ�Y��Ǐ�����ʩ���줿���Ԍm�z��μ�����Ѻ���z�ޤ졢�����l�ⴥ��뤳�Ȥ��ʤ��褦��߀�餺���Ԍm������˰��ä��졢�������������ڤ�ȫ�Ʒ⤸������ؤȤʤä����Ԥ�.


    �񡢤���霤��򤳤���Ҋ����޴�ʼ���.


    �������˿̤ޤ줿ħ���y�ˤ�Ҋҙ��������.


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    �����������餯���������g�`���ʤ�.


    ���줬�sʷ���΁�������Ԓ�˵Lj������Ԍm�z��μ����ʤΤ�����.


    �Ǥ⡢���μ����˿̤ޤ줿ħ���y�ϤȤ����ɤ������졢��������≲��Ƥ���褦��Ҋ����.


    �ʹ����u�Ĥ��n�Ĥ�һ���������줿�Τ��⤷��ʤ�.


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    ����ό������褦�ˡ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)������������z�ޤ졢����һ���ȤʤäƤ��ä�.


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    �����Ҋ��˽�ϼ{�ä���.


    ��������������ˉ���������둡��γ�û���.


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    �Ǥ⡢�����餯.


    ����(??)���������ȫ�Ƥ���ӼĤ��Ƥ����Τ�.


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    ��ΰµפ���Ф��𤳤롢��Դ�Ĥʿֲ�.


    �šݤ����g�ꡢ���B�����Ȥ��Ƥ⿹���ʤ�.


    �Ǥ⡢�����ϤȤƤ�����Ť������Ӥǡ�����ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���ι��Ĥ��o���Ƥ���.


    �Ȥۤɤ����~����⡢�ޤ�ǡ�������餳�Τ褦�ʹ��郎�����ˤ��롢�ȷ֤��äƤ������Τ褦��˼����.


    ���������ޤ������Ω`��������������顢����δ��ڤ򩤩���


    �褯�褯˼�������Ƥߤ�ȡ������Ȥ���˼���ʤ�.


    �Ω`�������ۤɤΏ��ߤ�˽�ˡ�������Τ��Ф��������顢�Ĥ����������������ʤɤȡ��٤����������Ȥ�˼�äƤ���.


    ����ˡ������ϡ����äȤ���Ӗ���ˤʤ��˼�����Ȥ�.


    �����Ԥ��С��������{���Ť����Τ���������ע����F��̤�ߒi�����褦�ˤ�Ҋ�������������󥸥�����ä������һ�iĿ���F��̤�ߒi���ʤɡ���̿��ΐ������ˤǤ�ʤ��ʤ������ʤ����Ȥ�����. �ޤ��ơ����ΥΩ`������������ʤ��Ȥ򤹤�ȤϤȤƤ⿼���ˤ���.


    �������Ĥޤꡢ�����������֪ҙ�ǵ��¤��`�͸Ф�Ф����顢�Ҥ��ƴ������䤹��褦�ʴ�줫����F��̤�ߒi������������������Τ���Ȼ��.


    �Ȥʤ�Ȥ�Ϥꡢ������������餢��(??)�ȑ餦�Τ�Ŀ�Ĥǩ�����


    �Ǥ⩤������


    ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������


    ����(??)�Ϥ��ޤ�ˤ⡢���󤹤���.


    ���פ�ӛ���ˤ��ȡ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���ˤόg���֤�������һ�Є����ʤ�.


    ���Ȥ����Τˡ������餬�٤��Ǥⴥ���С������ɤ�����������Z���Ƥ��ޤ�.


    ��ʮ��Ҏģ���쾚ð��ߤǘ��ɤ���롺��ӑ�����(�쥤�ɥ����)����Ϥ��ȫ�礵����줿�ᡢ���ֲ�����ա��Ȥޤ��Ԥ���褦�ˤʤä��ȤƤĤ�ʤ�����.


    ���������Ӵ��ϼ�������.


    �ʤ�Ό��ߤ�ʤ��˄٤Ƥ����֤ǤϤʤ�.


    �g�`�äƤ⡢���ä����ˤ������򤫤��褦�ʴ��ڤǤϤʤ��Τ�.


    �Ǥ�.


    霤��ФǴ����o������Ȥ�ŤȤⴥ�֤Ȥ�Ĥ��ʤ�����ζ�ʤ�Τ���˲���g���Τ�䤨�ʤ����u��������Τ������Ϥ��Τۤ�΃H����϶�g��p���ʤ���Ҋ�¤��o���Ƥ���.


    �����͹��ˤ��ä�һ�ˤ�һ�i���ˤ������o������ʤ��ʤ�ۤɤ˹��Ĥ��������ʤäƤ⡢�Ԍm�z��\��������ʹ�äưפ����֤�ȫ�Ə����Ƥ���.


    �������������ˤϤ��줬���ä����.


    ���Ĥƥ��쥤����(������)�����g�ȹ�����Ӥ���֤����ä����γ����z�郎.


    ˽���٤��侲����ȡ�����Ҋ�ؤ��С��Ω`�������Ϥ��Τޤ�ȫ�Ƥι��Ĥ�ʤ�Ǥ�ʤ����Ȥ��Τ褦��Ƭ�֤΄��Ǐ�����������ä���Ți���Ƥ��ΰפ���������ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���ؤȽ��Ť��Ƥ���.


    �����������त��


    ������������~�ϳ��Ƥ��ʤ��ä�.


    �����ˤ�˽�����񤹤��h�����Фʤ�����ˤ���Τ��ȡ�˼�鷺�ˤϤ����ʤ��ä�.


    �������˽������ʤɟo�äΤ�Τ��ä��Τ�.


    �������ư��¤�������˽�ϡ���������Ԫ�����(??)�λ𤬵ƤäƤ���Τ�Ŀ�ˤ����Է֤�Ŀ���ɤä�.


    ��������������ϡ�������ԁ����������ȥ��ץ륭�㥹�ȡ�������������


    �Ǥ⡢����ʩ��������ޤ���������ʤ��Ȥ���


    ����ϡ�ħ�g�����ΰ��x������ԁ��(�ޥ�����㥹��)���ε��_�㩤��Ƭ�֤���Ĥ�ħ����k�F������Ȥ���������ԁ����������ȥ��ץ륭�㥹�ȡ������ä�.


    ���`����������Ҋ���Ƥ��줿ǰ��δ������߰��x.


    �Ǥ�ͬ�r�ˡ���������ǤϤʤ����Ȥˤ�ݤ�������.


    ������ָ�Ȥ˵Ƥ��줿���ץ��ե�������.


    ����ȫ�Ƥ�����ǰ������˽��Ҋ���Ƥ��줿�褦�ʏ��Ȥǡ��^��ԁ��(���`�Щ`���㥹��)������Ƥ���Τ�.


    ���ä������ɤ���ä��顢����ʤ��Ȥ�������


    ��Ϥ䡢����򳬤��Ƥ���Ȥ�����Ԫ�ǤϤʤ�.


    ����ϡ��⤦���ʤ���Ԥ��Ф����Τ�.


    �������~�ˤ��顢�ʤ�ʤ�.


    ˽��������Ȼ�Ȥ����뤤���������ˤ�׷�äƤ���ȡ�����;����ĺ���⾰��Ŀ�ˤ��뤳�Ȥˤʤä�.


    �������������������ꡢ�Ǥ���͡�������


    �������֤ˤ������\�������ǰפ����֤򏎤��ʤ��顢�⤦Ƭ�����֤ǡ��^��ԁ��(���`�Щ`���㥹��)�����줿������ԁ����������ȥ��ץ륭�㥹�ȡ����Ρ��ץ��ե����������֤��Ф˼��s����˲���g��һ�Ĥ����ͤƤ���.


    ������֤��Ф˵Ƥä�С���ʻ�һ��ѣ�����x��������.


    �������������. �ޤ���.


    ������������ħ���ں�(�ե�`�����ޥ��å�)��������������


    ����⥪�`��������������򳬤����L����荤ι��Ƥ��{���Ť������ߤμ��g.


    ���Ĥ�ħ���ΰk�Ӥ��֤��`���ʤ��ؤͺϤ碌��ȡ��w�S�Ĥ˻�������������������������Փ�������餢�ä������g�F�ˤϿ֤������ۤɤ�ħ�������ξ��Ȥ�Ҫ�󤵤졢��F�Ǥ����ߤϥ��`���������������ʤ��Ȥ����.


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    ;����ʤ����Ȥ���Ŀǰ���R��ڤ����Ƥ���.


    ˽���X��ѣ���򑛤��Ƥ��뤦���ˡ��������֤ΤҤ�򔳤��򤱤�.


    �����ץ��ե���������


    ˲�g���Z����餦�W��ȹ��ˡ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)�������夬��ɢ����.


    ��������������ϡ��ץ��ե���������.


    Ԫ��ָ�Ȥ˻��Ƥ������Ρ����¼���ħ��������.


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    ���΁I�֤ˤϤ��줾�졢������ԁ����������ȥ��ץ륭�㥹�ȡ������줿���ץ��ե�������.


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    ��������霤����B���Ɵ���W��ȡ��ؤ�e�餹�Z��.


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    ��������񤹤鼰�Фʤ��ۤɤθߤߤ��ä�.


    ˽�Ρ�����ԁ��(�ޥ�����㥹��)�����޽礬���I�ֺϤ碌�Ƥ�äȡ�����.


    �t�ߤ��{����졾��ħ���ή�����֤ĥ��`���������Ǥ������š�.


    �����������ͬ�r�ˡ�ʮ����ħ����ԁ�����������⡢ȫ�Ƥ��^��ԁ��(���`�Щ`���㥹��)�������ͬ�r�ˡ�ȫ�Ƥ�һ��ˡ��ںϡ�������һ�Ť˷Ťä��Τ�.


    ���������֤������ۤɤ����.


    �������������Ҋ�Ϥ���;�H��ʤ�����.


    �⤷����ǡ������ʤ����֤�����Ȥ����顢�⤦�ɤ���ֶΤǤ⌝���ϤǤ��ʤ�������.


    ˽�ʤɡ����Ĥˤʤä��餽��ˮ��(��٥�)�������Τ������Ĥ��ʤ�.


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    ����Ϥ���̤���ޤ�����Τ��ä�.


    ����ۤɤ�һ�Ĥ��ܤ������Τˁ��h�Ϥι���Ǥ�ҤȤ��ޤ��ʤ������~���˵����Ƥ���Q.


    ������L��˼�鷺�ˤϤ����ʤ�һ�Ĥ��ä�.


    �ष���������Ǥ��ä���������äƤ���.


    ����Ǥɤ��ˤ������ʤ����˽�Ϥ⤦���ɤ����Ƥ������狼��ʤ��ä�����.


    ���������ʤΤ�.


    ����ʤΤ�.


    ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������


    �٤ӡ���霤��Фˤ��ο֤���������푤���.


    �����Τ���������Ҥ�ħ�����Ĥ��ܤ��ʤ��顢����ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���ϴ��ɕr�g�򤪤����ˏͻ��.


    It was all intact.


    �������� despair.


    That''s the word that popped into my head when I saw that creepy white thing that had grown a size or two.


    It''s much bigger than before.


    It''s clearly getting stronger.


    I can''t even damage it.


    How am I supposed to defeat something like that?


    Again, my body stiffens in fear.


    But the teacher looks on and keeps a cool face.


    I guess it didn''t work.


    On the contrary, he looks somewhat relieved and satisfied, as if he has done everything.


    I wonder how you can be so complacent. But it''s not as if he''s given up.


    �������� Yes.


    The person standing right beside me right now is none other than Dr. ...... Noor.


    I''m sure he has some kind of special trick up his sleeve that I haven''t thought of yet.


    So I looked into his face with anticipation, and he smiled quietly.


    The gentle smile eased my tension and I smiled back.


    Then he said to me, relieved.


    "Now, I''ll leave you to it, Leanne.


    ............ What?

 56-56 Special Classes by Dr. Knoll

    My mind went blank in an instant.


    He turned to me and said, "I''ll take care of the rest.


    Why would he do that?


    No matter how I think about it, such a being is beyond my control.


    No, ......, when you think about it, today''s events were strange from the start.


    Why did the doctor bring me here in the first place?


    Did the teacher bring me here with the intention of doing this from the beginning?


    Did he mean me, not himself, when he said it would be good training?


    �������� Yes .


    Why didn''t I realize that it was that simple?


    There''s no need for you to become any stronger than you already are.


    He must have seen through my heart from the beginning.


    He must have seen right through me from the start, that I was relying on his strength, that I was spoiled.


    ...... In fact, I was.


    As long as I had you, I knew I could go to Mithra and be safe no matter what dangers awaited me.


    I''m sure you can protect me in any situation.


    Because that''s what I truly believed.


    But I guess the doctor wanted to say that''s not good enough.


    You can''t just rely on others to ...... keep you weak.


    In the eyes of the teacher, it may have looked like I was giving up on being strong myself.


    ...... That''s why he brought me here.


    I understand. ............ I''ll do something about it.


    I don''t know how I''m going to beat that monster.


    I don''t know how I''m going to beat that monster, but maybe he''s giving me a clue as to what I need to do here and now.


    Lean in (????) and watch (?????????)...


    That''s what the doctor said at first.


    In other words, he just demonstrated it to me.


    This is how you can become stronger (??????????), he said.


    He showed me what he thought was a path.


    And then he entrusted me, an inexperienced person, with an important scene.


    I believed that I could do it.


    In other words, you want me to do ...... that (...).


    He said I could do what he had just done.


    The teacher''s face has been full of relief since a while ago.


    He doesn''t seem to have the slightest idea that I will fail.


    I don''t know why, but he has unshakable faith in me.


    Well then... so do I.


    I have to live up to his expectations.


    ������������������ �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� ��


    But that was just too ��������


    �������� No, no .


    ˽�Ͽֲ��˿s�ߤ����ˤʤ��Է֤�˼����׷��������.


    �����.


    �Է֤��񤳤��ǤǤ�������ޤ�������ʾ������ˤϡ����R�򤷤ä���ȱ��ı�Ҫ������.


    ���Ǥϩ��������Ф��ޤ���


    �Τ�ɤ�����Ф����Τ��ϡ��Ϥä���ȤϤ狼��ʤ�.


    �Ǥ⡢�����ʤ���Ǥ��ЄӤ��𤳤�.


    �Ǥʤ���С�������˽�Τ��Ȥ��J��Ƥ�������ʤ�������.


    ˽�ϴ󤭤�Ϣ�������z��ȘO�ޤޤ����R���Ф�����˽��˼���褯��혤��ؤä�ԁ���Μʂ��ȡ��줫�ä�.


    �ޤ��Ƥˡ�ħ���ϱ�(�ޥ��å��Хꥢ)����������ɩ������������ˡ���������(��ե쥯��)�����ᷴ��(�ҩ`�ȥ�ե쥯��)����ħ������(�ޥ��å���ե쥯��)���򥳩`�ƥ��󥰤����Ӥ���ħ���������޽�򳬤��Ƹߤ���Ρ�ħ������(����ϥ�)����ħ������(����`��)����ħ�����k(�Щ`����)������ܤ��ޤ��ؤ͒줱������ħ�����s(����ǥ�)�����֤ΤҤ��˽�γ֤�ȫħ�������s������.


    ͬ�r�ˡ�����ԁ��(�ޥ�����㥹��)������ʹ.


    ħ���ΰk�Ӝʂ��������.


    ˽���޽�ԁ�����ϡ�Ƭ�֤Ǥ��줾�����ĤŤ�.


    �I�֤ǁ㤻�ơ�����ԁ����.


    ���˽�Όg���Ǥϡ������ޤǤ����Ǥ��ʤ�.


    �Ǥ⡢�����ϡ������Ȥ��ڴ����Ƥ���.


    �������Ω`��������.


    ��������ң�����ϤΤ��Ȥ򤷤����.


    ���������������W�O��(�إ�ե쥢)����


    ˽�����ؤ�ħ����ͬ�{�����ʤ��顢�I�֤�һ�ĤŤġ����ĤΡ����W�O��(�إ�ե쥢)����k�Ӥ���.


    �����Ƥ��ζ��ĤΘO�ޤΟ�Դ����(����)�����I���Ƥ����ä���ȁI�֤�����ؤ��ƄӤ����Ƥ���.


    ���������⤷��������ʧ������б��k�������������ʤ�.


    �~���麹�������̤ξo���򑛤��ʤ���⡢�������Ĥ�����Ť�����ȫ��U���֤ΤҤ�˼��Ф��뤳�Ȥ�ħ����@�ܤ�����������ä�������ĤؤȄӤ���.


    �r�g���U�ĤΤ��Ҥɤ��W���Ф���.


    �ۤ���٤�ħ���ΰk�ӵ��Ӥ��������Ǥ⡢�ޤ��һ�򱾤�ᘤ�Ѩ�����ͨ���A���Ƥ⤳��ʤ�ƣ��ʤ��Ȥ����̤���U��Ħ�Ĥ�����.


    ˽����麹���Τ����������ʯ�����������䤱��푤���„������.


    ����������������������������


    �ݤ��h���ʤ�褦�ʘO�ޤ����R�μ��Фι��Ƥˡ�ԁ���w����Ŀ�Ĥ�λ�äޤDŽӤ����K����ȡ��ݤŤ���˽���֤��ФˤϹ���x��С���ʻ���񤬳��F���Ƥ���.


    �Ǥ⡢�����ǽK���ǤϤʤ�.


    ˽�Ϥ�����򉲤��ʤ��褦�����ؤ˾S�֤��ʤ��顢���˶��N�ħ����ͬ�r���Ĥİk�Ӥ���.


    ���������L����(������ɥ֥饹��)����������(�ԥ��ե���)��������


    ���L����(������ɥ֥饹��)�����פ������򉈤���ָ���ԤȲ����Ԥ�֤������.


    ������(�ԥ��ե���)���ϩ������������餯�����פ��i����ޤ�ǤϤ���ħ����Є���ħ����.


    ���Ρ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���υ��ܤˤϲ�����(����ǥå�)�ǤϤʤ�.


    �Ǥ⡢����˽������Ԥ�֤äƤ����Ȥ���.


    �����˷⤸���r���}š�ߤ����ޤä��Τ⡢������(�ԥ��ե���)����ԁ�����A����ȄӤ����g�ä�������Ȥ���ӛ�������ä�. ���Ĥƶय�Π���������ʤ������ˤ�ӛ�h���Ƥ��줿���΁��Фˡ�˽��ـ���Ƥߤ뤳�Ȥˤ���.


    ���������W�O��(�إ�ե쥢)�������.


    �������L����(������ɥ֥饹��)�������.


    ����������(�ԥ��ե���)�������.


    ����ǡ�����.


    ���줬˽���޽�ԁ����.


    �����򩤩�������������ȫ�ơ��ں�(??)������.


    �������������⩤��������äƤߤ�С��������ΤǤ��͡�


    �ȤۤɤΡ����W�O��(�إ�ե쥢)���ǡ�����Υ��Ĥ���᤿�褦��.


    ����ˡ�һ�ȳ����Ƥߤ�С����ۤ��y�����Ȥ���ӡ���ʤ�.


    �ȤϤ��������ںϤ���������Ǥ⡢�ȤƤĤ�ʤ������Ħ�Ĥ����뤬������Ϥ���ʤ��ȤϘ��äƤ����ʤ�.


    ˽��һ���������ȡ��֤��Ф����ޤ줿���x��������ħ�����z��Ϥ����.


    ��������˽��ȫ�Ƥ򤳤�һ�Ĥ�ـ����.


    ����һ�Ĥ���ˤ�˽���Ф˺Τ�Ф�ʤ��Ƥ⤤��.


    ���ΤĤ��ǡ�ȫ��ȫ둤��֤��Ф˻Ĥ���פ��z���.


    ���䩤�������ष����˽�Ϥ��줫�顢���줰�餤�Τ��ȤϺ��g�˳�����褦�ˤʤ�ʤ���Ф����ʤ��Τ�.


    �����Ǥʤ����.


    ���줫���ȡ��Ω`�������ε��Ӥʤɤȡ��������u���������ƤȤƤ����\��ʤ�.


    ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������


    ˽�ΰk�Ӥ����褦�Ȥ��Ƥ���ħ���˚ݤ��Ĥ�������ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���ϡ����ο֤������Ф������Ϥ���һֱ���˟o���δ��֤���Ф��Ƥ���.


    �ޤ�ǡ����������ʤ��Ȥ�霤��Ф�ѩ���Τ褦��˼����.


    �Ȥۤɤ��⤺�äȄӤ����٤���䄤�.


    ���줬���Ť��Ƥ����顢˽���o�����ȤʤɤǤ�����������������Ȥ����Ȥ�����.


    ���������Ǥ⡢���äȴ��ɷ�.


    ��Ϥ���ʴ_�Ť����ä�.


    �ȳ̤ޤǤ���ʤ˿ֲ����Ƥ������δ��֤����⤦���֤���Ҫ�Τʤ���Τ�˼����.


    �ιʤʤ驤������


    �Ω`�������˽̤�ä����μ��g��ʹ�����ʤ����Ȥ��Ǥ���С����Ρ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)�����顢�֤������ʤ��ȷ֤��ä�����.


    �����ϡ����θ�ҙ��˽�˽̤������ä��Τ�.


    �ɤ��霤Ǥ�B����������褦�ʩ����������ν~��ʡ������θ�ҙ��.


    �����꤬�Ȥ��������ޤ����Ω`��������


    �ʂ��ȫ�����ä�.


    ˽���x�����ΉK�Ȥʤä��ں�ħ����Ŀǰ���Ȥ����롾��ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���δ��֤�Ⱥ����򤱡��󤭤�Ϣ�������z���.


    �����������Ǥϡ��Ф��ޤ��������������W�O��(�إ�ե쥢)����


    ˽���֤���O����x���פ��ޤä����ˡ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)������ө������������侀�Ϥˤ�����ȫ�Ƥ����礵����.


    ͬ�r���܇���w��ɢ�ä��o����ħ���β��Ҥ��������Ф�ΰפ�����򎆤��z����Ɖ����Ƥ���.


    �Ǥ⡢���γ̶ȤǤϤ���(??)�Ϥޤ�����������������������.


    �����驤������


    �����L����(������ɥ֥饹��)����


    ˽�ϻĤ�񤦱��L���������ơ��x���פ�Ŀһ����ɢ������.


    ������������(??)��һƬ�⡢�Ф��ʤ�.


    ���ΤĤ��ǡ�����(�ԥ��ե���)�����ںϤ������Ɵ�΍��򥳥�ȥ��`�뤷�����Έ��򛷻����פ���ᾡ����.


    �܇���w��ɢ�롾��ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)���βк���һ�IJФ餺������ܤ������.


    ˽�ϲ�˼�h�ʤۤ��侲���ä�.


    һ�i�g�`����һ˲�����夬��ʧ����̤��Ɵ�΍��������Ĥ���С��Το֤��ʤ�ħ����ʹ��A���Ƥ���.


    �����ں�ħ���Υ���ȥ��`��ϤȤƤ⡢�y����.


    �Ǥ⡢˽���Ȥۤɤ���ȤϱȤ٤�Τˤʤ�ʤ��̤���I��Ŀ�ˤ����Ф����.


    Compared to that, this is nothing.


    The gap in skill is so great that it''s hard to even compare.


    �������� When I think of it like that, I even smile.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had a bit of trouble.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

 57-57 Underwater War

    �����ε��´�}��α������ʼĩ�ȡ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)����ӑ�����Œg�_�J��׷�������դ��^���������Ӥϡ�ͻȻ���F�����Ȥ����sʷ�Ϥι���Έ������Ò줫���ҙ���Ƥ���.


    �����פ�ӛ�h�Τ��롺�}�y�μ������ϡ��������g�˂��Ĥ���ΤǤϤʤ��Q������


    �����ߤȤʤä���(��`��)����ֱ��״�r���h�����ܤ�����ΤΡ��������㤬������������ʤ���������.


    ���ҤΕ�������i�����sʷ����ӛ�����줿����ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)��. ���ή��Τι����⤸���Ԍm�z��Ρ��������ϡ���������ͨ��ȫ�Ƥ����}�y(�ߥ����)��������Ƥ��ꡢ�����ס��Ȃ��Ĥ��Ϥ��ʤ�.


    ���}�y(�ߥ����)���Ϗ��Ȥ����������(����ϥ륳��)���䡺��Ӳ�k��(�����ޥ󥿥���)�����Ӥ뤬���O���ħ����ͨ���䤹������(���������)�ˤ�돊�������פǤ��ꡢ�K�΄���ħ���Ǥ�ë��ۤɤΤ��������Ĥ����ʤ�.


    �����餳�����ˤϡ�����(??)��⤸���˾޴�ʼ�����虜�虜�Ԍm�ΰ������֤����������⤷���Τ�.


    ��(��`��)���ҡ��Ȥ����Z�ä�������򡾥ץ��ե����������E�Τ�ʤ����礵���������Ԓ�ˤ��^�򱧤�������������ɫ����Ҏ����Τ���Ӣ�ۤ��ߤ��Ф�Ԓ�Ϥ��Ƥ�������ͨ���}�y(�ߥ����)���u���z�郎�����ε����������ನ�lj����ʤɤȤ������ȤϿ������ʤ�Ԓ��.


    �Ȥʤ�ȡ���Ϥꩤ������.


    ����Ϥ��l��������Ĥ�(????)�Ɖ��������������ȡ�����������Τ��׵�����


    ���Ӥ��^��ռ��Ƥ����Τϡ��Ȥλʹ����u�Ĥ����Ȥʤä������֥ͥ륰��Ů����δ���¼������ä�.


    ����Ӌ���ϻʹ���ָ�]ϵ�y���Ф��Ф�줿�Ȥ����^�����^�Ԥ�ä뤳�Ȥ��Ǥ������η֤��r����ʮ���֤��v�����s���Ф���ӛ�������Τ������������{�ˤ��M��뤦�����ɤ����e�΂���⤢�뤳�Ȥ�Ҋ���Ƥ���.


    �����������g�ʵ����ߤ�Ӱ�δ���.


    �����u���X�ӤνK�Y�ᡢ�ζȤȤʤ��ʵۂȽ��Υ�٥�ˤ�_�J�򤷤������¼��Τ��ä����ˤʤä��߼��Ȥ�ħʯ��ʹ��줿��ħ�g����ָ݆����ʩ���줿�ن����g�����������ن����줿���ߥΥ����������ϡ����⤽�⡸ͬ���ߤ����ṩ���줿(?????)���Τ��Ȥ���.


    �Ĥޤꤽ�δ��ڤϡ������ن�ħ�����u�켼�g��ʹ�����Ȥ��֤���졢���ˡ��ߥΥ����������򲶫@����(????)�Ȥ������Ȥˤʤ�.


    ��Y��ħ��ߥΥ����������Ϥ������g�˲����뤳�Ȥγ�����ħ��ǤϤʤ�.


    �ζȤȤʤ���Ҋ���������}�����饹�Ǥ���ФȤ⤫����ͨ���Α����ǤϽ��餹�뤳�Ȥ���ޤޤʤ�ʤ�.


    ����򲶫@���ṩ�����Ȥʤ�Ȥ��Ρ�Ҋ���ʤ��������Ҥ����Ρ����}����ͬ�ȤΑ�������򱣳֤��Ƥ��롢�ȿ��������ʤ�.


    �Ť�������������ʴ��ڤ��ʹ��˾Ӥ��Ȥ������Ȥ����餫�ˤʤä�.


    Ŀ���ߤ϶त.


    �����������Ȥ����Τ�.


    �ҡ���δ���ˤ�������ζ�Ƭ�������ʤ��Ǥ���.


    ��˼�h�ʤ��Ȥˤ�����ʹ����{�ˤ��ؤͤƤ⡢„�����Ӥ��`���𤨤����äƤ���Τ�.


    �����ߤϤ���ϡ��Ϥ������ˤ������ä������Ԥ�.


    �����ߤϡ�С���Dz���ζ���ˤ�ū�_�̤��ä������Ԥ�.


    �����ߤϡ�������Ů�Ԥ�ռ�����μ�����ä����ȶ��Ԥ���.


    ���������^�Ԥ�ȡ����Ф��ȡ��Ǥޤ���`��.


    �����ޤ�ȫ�Ƥ�ʳ���`�äƤ���Ȥʤ�ȡ���������Τ餫�΂�װ��ʩ���Ƥ����������⤷���ϡ�����Ĥ�ӛ���β������Ф�줿�����Ԥ�����.


    �Ĥޤꡢ�ʹ���Ӱ푤��뤨�Ƥ����Τϩ��������൱��������֤��ʤ��顢����ʲ���ζ�ʤޤǤ����äʤ��Ȥ��Ф������.


    �����������Ȥˤʤ�.


    ������l�ʤΤ����Ȥ���Ԓ����.


    ������(��`��)���ˤ��^�Ԥˤ⤢��ͨ�ꡢ����Ρ��ߥΥ������������u�ĕr��ͻȻ�����ʡ��Y�硻����Ů(��`��)��`�ꡢ��Ů����Ӥ�����Ǥ������ˤ�����.


    �ʹ��ν�܊�򺬤᤿�όӲ��Ϥ��Ρ��Y�硻�δ��ڤ���դ��餷�Ƥ��餺���Y���l��������ä��Τ��ϲ����Τޤ�.


    �ȤϤ��������Y�缼�g�����夬�ߥ���ζ�ռ��Ǥ��ꡢ����ʤ�Τ�Q������ڤȤʤ���Ԥ����ޤ��Ƥ���.


    �����ƽ�ؤΡ���ɫ�����(�ե���ȥ॰�쥤)����һ���⡢������v�B�Ԥ��ʤ��Ȥ��Ԥ��Ф�ʤ�.


    �ιʤʤ顢�ߥ���ؤ���ѧ�U�Y�Τ����`�󤬷�ӡ�μ����ˡ��Y�缼�g����ħ���y�κ��E��Ҋ���������줬����Ƥ���(?????)���Ԥ��Τ�����.


    ֪�R�Τ����ߤ�����������ä�(???)���Ȥ⿼������.


    �������������Ɯy�˴_�^�Ϥʤ�.


    �{�٤Ƥ⡢�^����ȫ�����Ƥ��ʤ�.


    �������_�Ť˽�����ΤϤ���.


    �^���ϳ��ʤ�����״�r�������ʾ���Ƥ���.


    The last Imperial raid.


    They were right in the thick of it (?????).


    And yet, they are still calling for reconstruction visits, aid, and comfort.


    �������� How dare you.


    It''s really ���������������� disgusting, Astila.


    The words that came out of his mouth were filled with fury.


    I can understand why Wang did not allow me to be present at the meeting.


    If I had been there, I would have bitten that woman for sure.


    It was a wise decision.


    I''m confident that the moment I saw her face, I wouldn''t have been able to control myself.


    Unlike my father, who was calm and gentle, I might have even turned on her without hesitation.


    �������� It''s obvious.


    There is no way I could ever forgive her.


    I''m sure she''s the one who tried (????) to kill Lean (??????).


    And you call that an ''engagement''?��Don''t be so foolish. ��������


    The quiet office in the middle of the night was once again filled with angry voices.


    My sister, Leanne, is very good.


    Even in the long history of the royal family of the Kingdom of Crais, she stands out.


    When I was a child, I was also praised as a child prodigy, but I can''t compare to her.


    Yes, �������� she is far, far too good.


    If she grows up like that, our national power will increase remarkably.


    Everyone recognizes her as one of the best in a few hundred years.


    Her genius is famous throughout the kingdom, and many of the people are already eagerly awaiting her throne.


    Strictly speaking, the girl has not yet completed the [trials] to obtain the right to inherit the throne as stipulated by the kingdom''s laws.


    However, if she officially obtains the right of succession, the people will definitely choose her.


    I don''t intend to argue with that.


    Above all, I don''t think that the people of the kingdom, who are always looking for heroes, would easily accept me, who has done a lot of dirty work even to protect the country.


    I''m more comfortable working behind the scenes than on the stage, and more than anyone else, I believe that she (Leanne) deserves the throne after her father.


    In fact, when the time comes, the people will be more united than ever, and the Kingdom of Crais will make great progress.


    But those who do not like the idea of my country gaining power will see my sister Lean as a threat.


    It is not surprising that they would want to destroy her in advance.


    In fact, they came to destroy it.


    They wanted to take advantage of the chaos of war and destroy it without leaving any evidence.


    And when that failed, she approached me as if she had pity for me, and brought up the subject of an engagement, which never happened.


    If you can''t destroy it, make it your own. �������� I could clearly read her intention to flip it around.


    If we don''t get angry at such things, what should we get angry at?


    "Are we looking for resources or �������� something else?


    If you think about it simply, it''s obvious.


    If they had a rational purpose, it would be the resources produced by the labyrinth, or the Labyrinth of No Return itself.


    They wanted those things in the first place.


    Mithra, the Holy Land.


    It''s a military state disguised as a religious state dressed up in military and economic power.


    The prince recalls the words of the Healing Saint Thane, who was once born there and abandoned his country.


    The prince recalls the words of Sein, who was once born there and abandoned his country: "�������� Mithra is no longer a religion.


    The people living in the upper levels there have lost their faith and their hearts.


    It''s something else, something that takes advantage of people''s beliefs.


    He added, "A sinful country ruled by greedy people.


    The "Labyrinth of No Return" is a treasure trove of unknown resources, and even hundreds of years after its discovery, the deepest part has not been reached.


    It is a treasure trove of unknown resources. There are treasures and relics lying there that the powers that be would love to have.


    For that reason, there are many troubles caused by the Labyrinth of No Return.


    Among them, the "Phantom Grey" was a major incident in the past history.


    However, the kingdom has continued to prove that it can overcome and control the threats from the world-famous labyrinth with its own power, and has claimed the legitimacy of its possession and management authority with a certain awe.


    But if �������� is seen as incapable of managing it (????).


    For example (...), if the management of the Labyrinth of No Return is seriously inadequate and some trouble occurs, it may give other countries a good material to attack over the rightness of the management authority.


    From this aspect, the reappearance of the Phantom Gray in �������� is not a coincidence, but an inevitability.


    Someone intended it.


    Someone intended it, and caused an incident that could have been catastrophic.


    That someone is already forming a clear image in the prince''s mind.


    "So we have long misjudged who we should trust.


    The prince gritted his teeth.


    Until now, my country and Mithra have maintained a certain distance and balance.


    We''ve been allies for hundreds of years.


    Even though there are always dark rumors about that country, we have maintained a relationship of trust as neighbors while respecting each other''s interests.


    That''s why Lean and I both studied in that country when we were young, and why we chose it as a place of exile when the country was in danger during the recent war.


    However, the more information we obtained, the more we realized how shallow we had been.


    That country is no longer a close ally of ours.


    At least, that was their intention long ago.


    �������� realized it too late.


    Will the conflict still continue?


    The Empire has effectively fallen, and the Kingdom of Crace has been badly hurt.


    The long-standing balance of power has already been broken.


    If left to its own devices, my country will use the technology it has acquired from the Imperial Kingdom and develop.


    Given enough time, it will prosper.


    But she''s not so naive as to allow that to happen.


    If that greedy bastard wants the Labyrinth of No Return, now is the time.


    There is no other time than now.


    �������� is what I would do.


    He''ll see this as an opportunity and do everything he can.


    The prince is annoyed by the shadows of his peers, who are much more powerful than he is, and his blood rises to his head.


    The more he understands their intentions and objectives, the angrier he becomes.


    The things he imagines his opponent will do in the future are things he has thought of, but has decided never to do as a human being.


    The other party does it without hesitation ��������.


    The prince couldn''t help but feel anger and disgust at himself for understanding and sympathizing with such an outcast.


    �������� Let''s cool down a bit.


    My sister''s invitation to Mithra (...).


    It seems to me that there is a blatant trap laid out there.


    If you go there, there will always be danger.


    But the prince also thinks that it may be an opportunity on the contrary.


    ...... If I had the guts to gamble with my sister''s life, I would.


    I''m sure you''ll agree that it''s a great idea.


    �������� I don''t even want to think about it.


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. ��������


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.


    I say this to myself as if to tell myself that I tend to be soft on my sister.


    It is true that Lean is essential for the prosperity of the country.


    But that is only if she fulfills her role.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what you need to do.


    The mission of the royal family�������� is the prosperity of the people and the country.


    It is our duty to serve them as they keep us alive.


    The situation surrounding our country can already be described as a war.


    In the depths of what appears to be a calm water, we have already entered the battlefield.


    �������� In such a situation, it is unacceptable to take personal feelings into consideration for the sake of one''s own family.


    I have to think about the best placement of the pieces on this board.


    Even if it means putting my sister''s life at risk.


    Even if it means risking his sister''s life, he must do it without hesitation if it is in the best interest of the country and the people.


    So the prince thought frantically and �������� a few moments later, he came to a conclusion.


    "�������� Rollo, you say, the boy.


    The prince immediately realized.


    Perhaps that demon boy.


    That boy will be the key this time.


    The current balance of power, and the fate of the kingdom, would depend on how the boy performed in the future.


    It also occurred to me.


    I also wondered if my father was thinking of that when he brought him into the kingdom.


    If so, then I was really shallow and foolish for strongly opposing his acceptance as a citizen of the demon race, saying that he would only bring harm to the people of the kingdom.


    The path I''m imagining now (that) is also a gamble, but it seems to be a gamble with a big payoff, to the extent that it''s worth the ...... gamble.


    ...... No, perhaps not.


    My father is really warm and kind.


    Perhaps he was simply motivated by his love for the boy and his desire to fulfill his promise to that man, Noor.


    Simple and naive.


    It puts reason and emotion first, and puts aside the scales of profit and loss.


    At first glance, this may seem to be the work of fools.


    But that is the true image of a hero that the people want: �������� "The King''s Instrument".


    The people of the kingdom follow that kind of straightforward righteousness.


    People''s hearts are always looking for someone who shows such sincerity.


    That''s what I lack.


    �������� I really hate myself for judging things only in terms of immediate gain and loss.


    I''ll talk to your father and Oaken about it. �������� I''ll come up with a plan after that.


    The prince, having gained a dim glimmer of light, put aside his pursuit for the moment.


    There are so many things to do and think about now.


    I have to deal with them one by one.


    �������� the woman who tried to harm my sister.


    I''m going to take my shot at that monster, that''s what I''m going to do.


    I have to work steadily, one task at a time.


    Otherwise, as an ordinary man, I''ll never be able to compete with the monsters around me.


    If you lack talent, you must earn it with your feet and your hands.


    The prince opened the window of his office to let in the night breeze, calmed his still hot head a little, and returned to his task of looking through the mountain of reports from his subordinates.

 58-58 Adventurers Daughter

    Inez Harness has never known her family.


    Her adventurer parents died before she was old enough to remember, leaving her alone.


    After moving from place to place with her parents'' adventuring friends, the young Inez was eventually taken in by the Harness Orphanage in King''s Landing.


    �������� There were many children there who had eyes just like his own.


    The director of the orphanage and the staff were kind.


    It was not a family.


    But it was something close, something warm.


    They graciously took her in, gave her hot meals and new clothes.


    And these kind and warm people reached out to her and told her to come and live here with them.


    But Inez didn''t think she could be a part of it.


    Because ��������.


    "You are a plague.


    That''s what I''ve been told, and I''ve moved from place to place.


    In fact, I think that sometimes something bad happened in the places I was.


    Every time, I was told.


    Your parents were unlucky.


    That''s why they died.


    You''re just as unlucky as they were. Bad things happen when you''re together.


    That''s why you''re still a pestilence.


    Your parents have been good to me. But you''ve done your duty.


    So I''m asking you to go to �������� and go somewhere else.


    And no matter where I went, I was always told the same thing, and eventually I was kicked out.


    But the people at the orphanage never said anything like that.


    After a few months and years of living in the orphanage, Inez gradually got used to the place and began to feel safe.


    Strangely enough, nothing bad happened to her.


    Maybe...


    Maybe it''s okay for me to be here.


    That''s what I started to think.


    She had friends to play with, and she gradually became familiar with the staff.


    In this way, Inez grew up without any problems and in good health. �������� It was supposed to be that way.


    But then, one fine day.


    When Inez casually walked out into the garden of the orphanage, she turned her hand to the sky and noticed a strange glowing thing (????) floating there.


    It was like a very beautiful, thin, shining membrane.


    I wonder what �������� this is, or is it ......?


    Inez wondered and continued to stare at it.


    Then a little boy noticed the shiny thing at the end of Inez''s hand and ran over to it, reaching out to grab it playfully. �������� Immediately, a part of the boy''s body was cut off.


    That was the moment when it became clear that Inez was a rare Gift.


    The [Gift] that Inez had gained had given her unimaginable power.


    The "Sword of Light" that cuts through everything.


    һ����܊ꠤǤ��顢���Κݤˤʤ�С��Τ�Ӗ����ʤ���(????????)���äȤ����g�˚����������Ƥ��ޤ���ۤɤΡ��~�����.


    �����������ä�һ�ˤ���й����ܤ���ʮ��(????????).


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    ���������������ơ��ޤ���������դ��U��.


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    �ƒ�Ժ���ӹ��_�Ȥϡ������Է֤����ؤ���Ȥ��Ƥ��ޤä�������x������~��椲���Խ���һ�С��ڤ򤭤��ʤ��ʤä�.


    �Ҥ��������������Ϥ��Έ��ˤ���Ժ�L���ί���ʩ����Ԫ�ɤ���ˤʤä�.


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    �Œg���Է֤����Ť��ȽԤ��ܤ����x���ä�.


    ��������¤Ǥ����`���r��o�Ԥǵ����_����졢�hĿ��ҕ����Ͷ������.


    From everyone''s point of view, Inez always felt something close to fear.


    Fear of the unknown, fear of those who would do her harm.


    She had already accepted that it was inevitable that she would feel this way.


    Even when the staff urged him to make contact, he stubbornly refused to do so.


    I''ve done so much.


    There was no way I was going to be one of them.


    Except for that unruly �������� Gilbert, who would challenge me to a fight with a wooden stick at every turn.


    With the exception of Gilbert, there was no one around him who even wanted to touch Inez.


    So it had been a long time since Inez had felt like she could talk to someone her own age, even if they were different ages, and do something together.


    For that reason, she was happy.


    Sometimes I almost forgot that it was my duty to do so.


    Occasionally, I had to work as an escort, but I enjoyed that as well.


    The princess asked me for help, and I responded.


    To protect her.


    It was only then that I felt I was alive.


    After all, it''s okay to live here, she thought.


    Inez thus vowed to live for this country �������� and to devote herself entirely to the protection of the princess she serves.


    �������� But six years later.


    The relationship came to an end.


    The princess''s "trials" have begun.


    The princess was so good that she passed all the tests and procedures in the fastest time ever, and at the age of only 14, she was qualified to challenge the trials for the right to the throne.


    According to the laws of the kingdom, the heir to the throne must complete one task in order to become the official successor.


    That is to dive into the Labyrinth of No Return and bring back something from there. What that something is is not clearly defined. However, you must obtain some kind of achievement with your own hands and convince the king and the people.


    In the meantime, the one who will be tested must not take help from anyone.


    So as an escort, I can''t go along.


    It can''t be helped.


    I thought I sent her off with that understanding.


    I believed the princess would be able to handle the ordeal.


    I thought I''d just have to wait until then.


    And yet, ��������.


    Shortly after, the Minotaur, a demon from the abyss, suddenly attacked.


    It was an assassination attempt on the princess.


    The princess almost lost her life.


    Inez was annoyed.


    If I had been there, I would never have let that happen.


    She truly regretted leaving the princess''s side, even for a moment.


    And then she became jealous of the man named Noor, who had suddenly appeared on �������� and had saved the princess.


    The princess said that she should have been the one to protect her.


    The princess was jealous of the man who had saved her, even though it was obvious that he was the one who should be thanked.


    There was a jealousy in Inez that she had been deprived of her role �������� as the "reason for her own existence".


    �������� Inez was a little confused by her feelings.


    It was the first time she had ever felt this way.


    She had never been jealous of anyone before, but she had never imagined that she would feel that way about someone else.


    She had never even imagined it before.


    After that, the man I ended up working with, �������� Noor, was extraordinary in every way.


    He took the lethal miasma of the "Black Death Dragon" head on and didn''t give it a second thought, and he single-handedly challenged the "Demon Dragon of Misfortune" that was trying to annihilate the royal capital and ��������, of course, subdued it.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    And that was just for one day.


    I''m sure you''ll agree with me.


    �������� I''ll never be able to compete with that man.


    That''s what I thought.


    I felt like I had seen a height I could never reach.


    I don''t know when that will be.


    But at some point, Inez admitted that she had been completely defeated.


    �������� I will never allow myself to be defeated by anyone.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.


    This is the role of a person who has obtained the power of Grace (Gift).


    I never doubted that.


    I thought I had made the appropriate effort.


    I had tried so hard to be strong and given everything I had.


    All of that was denied to me in one day.


    Completely overturned by the presence of one man.


    I found myself being protected over and over again when I should have been protected.


    There was nothing I could do but be protected.


    I wondered what my life had been like up to this point.


    The role I had envisioned for myself was only an illusion.


    That illusion was shattered in a flash by the sudden appearance of the man �������� Noor.


    �������� But I don''t know why.


    I didn''t feel so bad.


    Rather, I felt as if I had been freed from many things.


    "The boy from the demon tribe will be taken into custody in our country.


    That''s when it happened.


    The prince informed everyone of the king''s decision.


    The demon boy, Rollo, needs to be taken care of by someone.


    He''s in danger. He''s even in danger of being killed.


    That''s why someone powerful needs to be around to protect him at all times.


    That''s what he told me.


    That boy.


    Cut off from his friends, nowhere to go. ��������


    That little boy who was inevitably going to be shunned and ostracized by the world as a demon.


    Someone needs to protect him.


    ���������������� I''ll do it.


    You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


    I want to take care of her. �������� I want to take care of her.


    I''d like to take care of him.


    And.

 59-59 Spear Man Gilbert

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    I''ve been feeling limited here.


    What can I do to get stronger ......?


    It is said that it is quite good if there is one person whose strength is equal to yours.


    This is because we can improve each other through mock battles.


    But I can''t think of anyone who''s as good as me .......


    Come to think of it, I don''t think I''ve ever had a solid comparison of strength with someone else.


    I''m not sure who has the time to hang out with me in the first place.


    �������� Maybe I''ll ask Lean to do it for me next time.


    When I was thinking like this, I suddenly heard a voice behind me.


    �������� I didn''t expect to be training alone in a place like this.


    The man standing there, carrying a golden spear on his shoulder, looked familiar.


    I''ll never forget that face.


    He was the man who saved my life when I was about to be killed by the armies of the previous empire.


    Yes, his name is Gil...


    Gil. ......?


    Gil...


    Gil ��������


    Gil ������������


    Gil ������������������������!


    "Gil ........................... May I call you .....................?


    What the heck, while we''re at it.


    I managed to get Bart ...... so, that was it.


    Gilbert, the man with the spear, suddenly appeared behind me.


    Gilbert, what are you doing here?


    What? ...... You remember my name. I thought you''d forgotten my name.


    No, of course not. I''m talking to the man who saved my life. I remember. It''s okay. Don''t worry.


    ...... took a while to come out.


    "Saved my life"?��What the hell is that?��...... You can feel that way all you want. Well, it doesn''t matter. You''re gonna have to run an errand for me.


    "�������� errand?


    Yeah. It seems that Oaken''s grandfather was playing with some ''magic armor'' he picked up on the battlefield. I''ve been looking for the right person to use it and let me know what you think.


    Gilbert''s figure seemed to disappear for a moment.


    �������� fast.


    I could barely see that he''d just moved behind me.


    "What do you think?��It''s not like this. As a training partner (????).


    Apparently, his appearance in front of me meant that he was going to lend me his chest like before.


    I really hope not.


    Yeah, I think I can handle the current speed.


    "Well, ............ that''s good to know.


    Gilbert, the spearman, held up his spear.


    I''ll tell you what, no rough stuff this time, okay?


    Yeah, that''s what I''m asking.


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you have.


    "Draggrave.


    ������������ fast ������������!


    Parry.


    I quickly flicked his spear.


    I''ve seen that move before.


    If I hadn''t, I wouldn''t have been able to pop it as easily as I did now.


    But it was so much faster than before ��������.


    It was so sharp that it was as if it was trying to kill me.


    "Haha, �������� you can''t reach me now? It''s a joke. Can I make it ............ even faster?


    "............ Oh, please. I''m good.


    Here we go.


    The smile that had been on his face disappears.


    Next time, I mean it.


    ���������������� I get it.


    "Draggrave.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    ������������ Concentrate.


    The sound disappeared from around me. ������������.


    I put all my nerve into catching his spear, and used all my muscle power just to swing my sword.


    "Parry.


    The tip of Gilbert''s spear collided with my ''black sword'' and golden sparks flew.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. The orichalcone has been chipped. ............ Hahaha, what the hell is this ......... ...interesting. ............ So much cheating, and now this?


    Gilbert smiled happily.


    �������� He''s laughing.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one whose body is tense and whose hand is shaking from the blow.


    After all, this man is ������������ strong.


    The next one will be even faster, okay?


    And the next one will be even faster.


    The man with the spear in front of him says.


    As if it were nothing.


    ���������������� as if it were nothing.


    "�������� Oh, please.


    The words came out of my mouth before I could think.


    Even the blow I just received was too fast for me to experience.


    Next time, I don''t know if I can keep up.


    But this man is telling me to follow him (?????) as a matter of course.


    That''s what he''s saying.


    If you don''t go beyond your limits, you''ll never be strong.


    I know that much too.


    �������� Then...


    I''ll borrow his chest and see how far I can go.


    I know the risks, but I dare to try.


    If you''re not prepared to do that, you''ll never be strong enough.


    �������� Next time, don''t go easy on me. I want to see how far you can go.


    "�������� Haha, you got me there, ......!��Don''t ...... regret it.


    And so ��������


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

 60-60 Armor of Magic

    "Draggrave.


    "Parry.


    I gripped the orichalcone spear with all my might and unleashed the next blow.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    ...... Can''t you still reach me with this? ......


    �������� Now you can see that the bones in both arms are broken.


    The first blow had already shattered the bones in both hands, and I ignored the pain, forcing myself to grip the spear with only my strengthened muscles.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and how to get it.


    �������� Only a few blows.


    I''ve never seen anything like it in my life.


    I thrust out the best spear I''ve ever seen in my life.


    I kept pushing the envelope with more than my full strength.


    Even though it''s ��������.


    It doesn''t even seem to reach him properly.


    You can''t even reach him with the spear you boast of being invincible.


    Haha ............ just kidding, that''s tough.


    This man is a �������� real monster.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the actual website to see if you can find anything that might help you.


    You can find a lot of different types of armor, but the most important thing to remember is that you need to make sure you have the right one.


    ...... How could you even think of making such a thing?


    It is impossible for a human body to remain unharmed when it is subjected to several times its normal power.


    I''m the one who thought of taking it out and using it right away when I heard about it.


    When I took out this armor, Oaken warned me to increase the power by 20% at most.


    Any more power than that and it would destroy my body and kill me.


    I was lectured to the point of being annoying and insistent when I brought it up.


    �������� You''ve got to be kidding me.


    This guy in front of you is way out of your league.


    The first blow is 20% more.


    Next one, 50 percent.


    The next, double.


    I hit him with a spear blow far beyond my limits, and my body broke just as you warned.


    But I still couldn''t reach ��������.


    My spear is not far from his body, and it''s easy to get hit.


    This difference in power.


    I''m really sick of this.


    "Draggrave.


    The next blow.


    I further increased the output of my magic armor.


    I feel like my body''s going to give out.


    "Parry!


    However, the next blow is also parried as a matter of course.


    I was hit by a spear of royal metal (orichalcone) and my ribs were broken by the impact of the spear between my arms.


    I''m reminded.


    I''m no match for this guy.


    But there was also �������� progress.


    Now I''m letting him use a sword.


    Before, he didn''t even swing a sword, he just brushed me off.


    Yeah, I''m catching up a little bit.


    I''m going to catch up to him.


    This monster.


    "Draggrave.


    "Parry.


    Every time you cross your spear with your sword.


    My body, my instincts tell me that''s foolhardy.


    You can''t catch up to this monster in front of you.


    Every muscle, bone, and tendon in my body is already screaming.


    All five of my senses are screaming at me.


    I can''t go any further. It''s no use. There''s nothing I can do.


    My body is pushing me to my limits, to my reality.


    A power gap I can''t catch up to.


    I can''t do it anymore.


    I know that.


    I know it with all my senses.


    I know it, but I can''t help but feel frustrated and disappointed.


    I''m mad at myself for being so helpless.


    And yet...


    �������� At the same time, it''s funny.


    I''m so angry at myself for being so helpless that I feel like I''m going crazy. ��������


    So why am I smiling now?


    From the bottom of my heart, an inexplicable laughter comes up.


    Ha-ha-ha.


    What the hell is this laughter?


    Am I losing my mind?


    No, no.


    I know that ��������.


    This is hilarious.


    I''m so happy, I can''t help but be happy.


    Having this guy right in front of me.


    A goal to get stronger.


    A goal to overcome.


    I''ve always wanted something, and now it''s right in front of me.


    "Draggrave.


    "Parry.


    I''m sure he doesn''t even care about me.


    He can''t even remember my name properly.


    That''s true.


    To him, I''m just an insignificant nobody.


    He probably thinks I''m no different than any other fish in the sea... or so he thinks.


    That''s right.


    That''s how much he knows about me.


    ������������ That fact excites me.


    There''s a hopeless power gap between me and him.


    In order to make up for this, I feed all my magic power into my "magic armor".


    I ignore my body''s warning signals and increase my speed even more. ��������


    All my screaming muscles gave out, and the bones in my legs shattered as I stepped in for the blow.


    That''s good.


    I can''t get there otherwise.


    Not to the point where this monster is.


    But ��������


    "Parry.


    And so he easily repels my fastest attack, which is way past the limit.


    "Ha!


    I can''t help but laugh.


    You can''t help but laugh.


    �������� Is there such a man?


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I don''t even feel like I can reach it.


    �������� you ............ still have room to spare, don''t you?


    Yeah. I think I can handle this much.


    ...... Okay. Maybe next time I''ll go ������������ faster.


    Yeah, please.


    I held up my spear again, listening to the sound of my body creaking and breaking.


    Already, I couldn''t feel my hands.


    I''m half deaf.


    My eyes were already blurry and I could only focus with one eye.


    My body is wobbling.


    I think I''m finally starting to go crazy all over.


    But �������� that''s okay.


    The more my body breaks down and the more I''m driven to the edge, the more I feel my spear becoming clearer.


    We can still do this.


    Yeah, next time.


    The next blow is the one that will reach him. �������� My best blow.


    "Draggrave.


    I just enjoyed wielding the spear so much that I �������� kept on wielding it that day until my body completely stopped listening to me.

 61-61 Six Holy Conferences 2

    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.��I didn''t expect it to come back so messed up in a few days. I guess I shouldn''t have lent it to you. ......?


    The old man, Oaken, looked a little dejected, and Thane called out to him as if he remembered something.


    I''m sure you''ve heard of Gilbert.


    The medical officer with the Swordsmen Corps was lamenting. The medical officer of the [Swordsman Guards] was lamenting that Gilbert has been coming to him frequently for treatment lately, and that he comes to him almost every day in a near-death state, with every bone and internal organ in his body in disarray. I heard that it is very difficult to heal them. Well, the person in charge is also a bit under-trained, so I think it''s a good training for him.


    Oaken looked dubious as Thane smiled and spoke plainly on the subject.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''m not sure what the hell he''s doing,......?


    It''s not as if he''s going off to slay a dragon all by himself.


    Yes, I''m a little worried. .......


    But I don''t know what it is, but he seems to be doing his best.


    He''s been slacking off lately.


    I think it''s good that he''s found something to be passionate about.


    It''s a good thing that you''ve found something you''re passionate about.


    What does he think I am?


    It''s a good idea to have your armor fixed right away because you''ll be using it tomorrow. .......


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.


    But, Oaken. But you can fix it easily, can''t you?


    "Of course I can!��Who do you think I am?


    You''re the rare genius known as the "Nine Devils", the "Holy Ghost".


    There''s not much you can''t do!


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    ...... A rare genius, huh? Well, I''m not denying it at all.


    How old are you, old man? ......?


    "Me?��I''ll be 280 this year.


    Dundalk, you''ll live a long life.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it. ...... Hmmm... ...... It''s a good way to accumulate data, so I''ll go along with that kid. ...... It''s more fun that way anyway!


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    "...... He''s going to live a long time, isn''t he, old Oaken?


    "Ho ho, of course!


    The secret to a long life is to eat good food and have fun every day.


    You might want to follow my example.


    "Oh, yes. I will.


    Dundalk looked at the old man with a smile on his face, and muttered in his mind, "There''s no way I can live that long just by doing that," and then remembered the reason why the Six Saints had gathered here, and called out to everyone present.


    "How about ��������?


    What is the aptitude of that girl ...... Rollo?


    I''m sure you''ve all had a chance to look around. Let me know what you think.


    That''s why we''re here today.


    It had been almost a week since they had accepted the demon boy Rollo.


    After a short silence, Sig was the first to speak.


    The first thing Sig said after a short silence was, "As for [swordsman], he''s not that talented.


    It''s not that they don''t have it, but it''s hard to say they''re outstanding.


    "Well, yeah, I guess the ...... [warrior] is similar.


    I''m not sure, but if anything, I think it''s not for me.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    I''ve seen the hunter, but he''s ...... ineffective.


    It''s a bit hopeless.


    I tried giving him a bow, but I don''t expect him to be very good with that.


    I gave him a bow, but I don''t expect him to be very good with that. ............ Hooray for magic, too.


    It''s a bit of a problem.


    They all spoke negatively.


    Thane could only watch them quietly.


    "But...


    "But that guy...


    "But that boy...


    "That boy...


    "He''s...


    "But that little boy... ......


    ������������ is interesting...


    That''s where the Six Saints agreed.


    Sig was the first one to speak.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    Above all, he is extremely afraid to attack his opponent.


    That''s also a big demerit,��������, but he can see the sword line itself, and if you give him a light sword, he''ll respond surprisingly well.


    "Respond to ......?��I''m not sure what to say.


    Of course, I take it easy on him.


    Of course, I''ve taken it easy on him, but he''s still able to endure amazingly well.


    On the contrary to his usual frightened appearance, he is not afraid of any attack.


    He is afraid of slashing his opponent, but on the other hand, he is not afraid of being slashed at all.


    Even if a part of his body is slightly injured, he does not lose his composure in the slightest.


    He knows that he is going to be cut, and yet he chooses the best course of action.


    That mentality is rare.


    Dundargu nodded at Sig''s point.


    That''s true. As a warrior, I knew before I started playing ...... that I''m not physically suited for this. He''s too weak to be a shield for his allies, you know.


    But he''s got guts, anyway.


    Like Sig said, he''s not afraid to do something crazy and get himself killed.


    He''s too strong for pain and suffering. ��������


    Even if it''s painful, they won''t stop until someone stops them.


    Just like someone did in the past.


    If you have ��������, maybe you can become one.


    It might take a while, though.


    Mianne agrees with them.


    That''s right.


    That girl ...... looked weak at first, but she''s surprisingly tough.


    She''s calmly looking at the arrows flying at her, and when I cornered her a bit on the edge of life and death, she clearly had the face of someone who had been through the line of death.


    ''No, �������� wait a minute, Mianne .


    I just cornered you on the edge of life and death. Did you make it that far on your first day ......?


    ...... What? You don''t have time.


    If you''re going to work out, you might as well do it right.


    It''s better than struggling at the last minute.


    "No, well, that''s true, but there are ...... stages, aren''t there ......?


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find any useful information.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    It''s really unusual for you to be so devoted to a trainee.


    I''ve heard that he''s been neglected for most of his training, what kind of a windfall is that?


    What kind of a windup is that?" "...... Is that him, Noor?


    It''s not a surprise.


    He had all the skills to handle a bow from the start and there was nothing for me to teach him. The next moment I taught him how to read the wind, and he was shooting at all visible targets with a simple stone throw. ...... He was able to avoid arrows, which is supposed to be a profound skill, with just his physical ability.��In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.


    Well, I suppose you could say that.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had to deal with this.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site. His growth is unstoppable, isn''t it?


    Thane smilingly agreed, and Oaken next to him nodded and stroked his beard.


    Ho ho, he''s always been a bit of a weirdo.


    But still, ten layers.


    That''s great. ........................?


    Ju����������������������???


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not even going to try to imagine what his stone throwing would be like right now. I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.


    ...... Anyway, don''t even think about him.


    But she still has a lot for me to teach her.


    I''ll do my best.


    You can''t send a kid like that to his death unprepared!


    "...... Okay, but in moderation. ......?


    Dundalk, somewhat uneasy with his wildly snorting colleague, now looked at the masked man standing quietly behind him.


    "So, Karou?


    I''m sure you''re right. ...... Apparently, Rollo has a good aptitude for [banditry].


    I don''t know what kind of background he has, but he is very sensitive to signs and is very good at ''disappearing'' his presence.


    Perhaps he had to do so on a daily basis (??????).


    It''s not a very happy thing, though.


    He has already developed some ......[skills].


    Even if it''s only for a short time, it will still grow.


    "Well ......, what does old Oaken have to say about that?


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    ...... Hey, Oaken?��What''s wrong?��Are you okay?


    You ����������������������������������������?


    I''m not sure what you''re talking about.


    I was just thinking about something!


    I''m talking about Rollo. Are you sure you''re all right, ......?


    Yes, I''m sure.


    I was just thinking about something!


    Hoho, that''s the thing. �������� In the first place, Rollo can''t use magic.


    So he''s not suited to be a sorcerer.


    Or rather, he can''t.


    "Can''t use magic?��What do you mean?


    What do you mean, they can''t use magic?


    When I was young, I heard some stories about this, so I tried some things with the boy, and it seems that �������� the rumors were true. Rollo''s body has too high an affinity for magic.


    "High affinity?��That''s a good thing, isn''t it?


    It''s the other way around.


    The affinity is so high that if you try to increase the magical power in your body, your body will immediately overreact and start to transform. If you''re not careful, you''ll be dead in no time at all.


    "That''s it, ......?��I''ve never heard of that.


    Dundargu was stunned by the unexpected answer.


    "Well, the nature of the ''demon race'' is not well known to the public.


    At any rate, it''s blood. There''s nothing you can do about it.


    But your sense of control over magic is quite impressive.


    Because of her constitution, I gave her a special way to manipulate magic, and she followed it very well.


    Normally, you can''t make (????) internal magic (?????) crawl on the surface of the body, but she can do that.


    She can do that. She''s pretty good, even from my point of view.


    That''s why I think it''s best to let her handle the "magic tools".


    There''s a certain amount of risk involved. If it works, she might grow.


    He''s got a lot of drive.


    "Yes, I sense a positive will in her.


    I can''t give him [monk] training, but ...... he''s very serious.


    He used to come to the library of the monastery every day after your training was over.


    I teach him to read and write, and he spends every waking moment adding to his knowledge.


    "...... every day?


    Yes.


    I''m a little worried about his health, but Ines and I are taking good care of him.


    If he continues like this, he will soon be able to read books.


    I''m looking forward to it.


    After Thane''s remarks, the speakers of the meeting had come full circle, and Dundargh looked around at everyone and summed up.


    So that''s it for the initial ...... debriefing.


    And the future policy of Lolo training is ...... everyone will continue to each, right?


    From what I''ve heard, you seem to have found some meaning in your work.


    Of course, I have no objection!


    I''m going to go to ...... now, can I be excused?


    I''ve just remembered something important!��Ho ho ho!


    The two men looked at each other as the old man walked out of the conference room without waiting for everyone to respond.


    "......... I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.


    I''m not a fan of losing, you know.


    As they were leaving the conference room entrance, laughing bitterly, ...... a low voice came from behind them.


    "�������� dandarg.


    Can we do this later? I know you''re off duty today.


    Come with me.


    I turned to see Sig staring straight at Dundargu''s massive body, his hand on the sheath of his sword at his hip.


    Oh, ............ Oh, by the way, there was another one who wasn''t worth his age.


    ...... Can''t we do this another time ......?


    "Even as we speak, he''s still growing.


    There is no end to the training of the sword. �������� I''m sorry, but you''re the only one I can think of.


    Dundargu held his head.


    I''m sure you''re right. ...... Hey, Thane. You should come with me.


    I don''t think I can take care of this guy by myself.


    Yeah, sure. I haven''t been getting enough exercise lately, so let''s have a joint training session.


    I see. Thane is coming too? Then I can swing my sword without worry.


    "Yes, no matter what condition Dundargu is in, I will definitely revive him, so please don''t worry about swinging your sword.


    "�������� No, wait a minute.


    I didn''t mean to ask you to join us. ......?


    ...... I don''t know what''s wrong with me, but I''m suddenly getting chills and I don''t feel well. Can I go home?


    I''m fine. I''ll make sure you''re in good shape. And I won''t let you die, so don''t worry.


    Okay, let''s go.


    ......, what''s my opinion on ......?


    And so, the second meeting of the Six Saints ended. �������� Rolo''s training will continue under the guidance of all the Six Saints.

 62-62 Loro Training

    "[Arrow Storm]


    The small girl facing me held a bow and countless arrows shot out all at once.


    I looked up at the sky, keeping the girl''s figure in sight.


    I looked up at the sky, keeping the girl in sight. "�������� around there, I think.


    And then I opened my eyes to see the countless arrows floating above me.


    I catch all the arrows in sight and read their trajectories.


    As you watch the arrows rain down like a storm, you move your feet and decide what you are going to do.


    �������� There it is.


    You can see an area where the density of arrows is a little lower.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    "Physical Enhancement.


    Using the basic skills I just learned, I strengthen my legs as hard as I can, crawl along the ground, and run into the oncoming storm of arrows.


    No matter how hard you try to avoid them, the barrage of arrows will not stop.


    You have to find a gap, duck through it, close the distance to your target, and hit it with the wooden dagger you have in your hand.


    �������� I''m done.


    I put my training dagger to the neck of the girl who fired the arrow and heard her give up for the tenth time today.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.


    "Hey, doesn''t that ...... hurt?��It''s really stinging.


    Yeah, it hurts.


    I replied as I pulled out the two arrows in my back, three in my arms and one in my leg.


    How can you be so calm about that, ......?��That''s crazy, I swear.


    "Is ...... it?


    Yes. I''m taking it easy on you because it''s the commander''s order, but if you hit the wrong guy, you could die, you know?��I think you should have a little more fear.


    It''s okay. ...... I''m paying attention and avoiding it.


    Uh, �������� simo ......?


    It''s Cyrene. You''re gonna have to learn that.


    I know I''m small, but I''m much older than you, okay?


    You have to respect me.


    ...... Yes, I understand. ...... Well, can you try again, Sirene?


    ...... Are you serious?��You''ve had no break so far.


    Really, you''re out of your mind if you''re avoiding most of ...... my stuff.


    I mean, you should ask Marie for help before you do that.


    There''s a medical officer here to help you.


    Oh, yeah. Uh, ...... I think it''s Marie ......?


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    You''re a little out of your league. In a lot of ways.


    Is that so?


    Yeah.


    Can I go back to ...... that ...... thing again?��As long as I have time, I want to be doing something.


    I''d like to do something for as long as I have time. �������� Well, even though it''s an order, you''ve really put me in charge of a hell of a lot of people. ��I wonder if all ............ demons are like this ......?


    And so we took our places again.


    The distance between me and her was just a thousand paces.


    I''ve marked the distance so that my voice can barely reach her.


    She has two ears on top of her head, and she can hear me very well even in a low voice.


    �������� is always good.


    �������� This time, you never know.


    Then Sir��ne took up her bow, and once again, a great number of arrows were flying.


    �������� There.


    It''s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for the latest news on the web.


    Of course, I can''t dodge them all, and I can''t shoot them.


    I''ll get a few arrows in parts of my body.


    But that''s okay.


    I can''t dodge them all, of course.


    �������� Because that''s all I can do.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to have to.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I keep my strengthening to a minimum, focusing on the parts of my body that need to be strengthened just to gain speed.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.


    I found out that if you do that, you can get surprisingly fast.


    The other day, Karou of the Hidden Sage taught me this trick.


    I''m small, so it''s a good thing.


    Also, Mr. Dundargu of the [Shield Saint] taught me how to endure pain.


    I had always thought that I was able to endure a certain amount of pain, but I found out that I could suppress the pain to a great extent by simply adjusting my breathing and my mental attitude.


    So now, the arrows that pierce my body don''t feel so painful.


    In this way, I suppress my own voice as much as possible, and instead concentrate on listening to the voice of my opponent''s mind - and the voice of the thing that is coming at me. I''ll be able to see the trajectory of the attack and dodge it, and use my dagger to play with what my eyesight can catch and do as little damage as possible.


    You should focus on that from now on, the [Sword Saint] Sig taught me.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.


    �������� I can''t swing a sword.


    I can''t swing a sword, or rather, I can''t hurt my opponent.


    I can''t help but hesitate to inflict pain on my opponent.


    So, don''t think about cutting.


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it, but I''ll be able to do it.


    And so �������� I approach her in the shortest distance.


    "Got it.


    I place the wooden dagger against her neck and say the word to signal her.


    I am only using this dagger as a signal.


    Even if it becomes a real battle, you can''t cut her.


    Even so, it was Mianne who suggested this training, saying that we needed to step forward.


    �������� I''m in.


    Sirene said, signaling the end of the exercise, and I reached my goal for the eleventh time today.


    I think I''m gradually getting the hang of how to move my body.


    But it''s still not enough.


    If I don''t do this, I''ll be left behind by her.


    If I continue like this, I''ll only be a drag on him.


    "Well, ......, can you do it again?


    When I asked her to continue the training, Sirene shook her head in disgust.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to do it.��Marie, heal me.


    "Oh, ......!��I can''t take much more of this, my mind can''t handle it. ......!��I''m not sure if it''s okay for me to leave ......?��I don''t want to see any more ugly arrows sticking into Rollo-san. ......!


    ...... I don''t mind if you stay.


    You''re pretty reckless, aren''t you ......?��Do you know what you look like now?��Why don''t you at least pull out the stinger?��It''s quite a sight.


    ...... Do you think so?


    No, I don''t think so.


    Oh, my God. ......!��It''s gross. ......!


    ............ I''m sorry, ............ I''ll try to be less gross next time.


    "No, that''s not the point. ......!��Oh, and I want you to pull it out as soon as possible, but I don''t want to see you pull it out either. ......!


    As I was wondering if I should pull out the arrow that was stuck in my body or not, I heard a familiar voice behind me.


    It''s getting late. I''m sorry I''m late. I had to take care of the kids.


    It''s Mianne.


    After she instructed us to train, she left the training center, saying she had something to do.


    Specifically, she had two kids to take care of, and she had to make dinner.


    So. "So... did she really want to die?


    You didn''t tamper with her, did you, Cyrene?


    Sir��ne straightened her back, held up her ears and tail, and made a gesture of salute to Mianne. On the other hand, Mianne, who is also of animal descent, waved her tail leisurely.


    Yes, sir. I''m serious as ordered ��������.


    I''m serious, as ordered. I don''t think you''ve got enough sticks for that.


    ...... What?


    Did you �������� really mean it?


    The expression on Sirene''s face hardened.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything you like.


    �������� fast.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    You didn''t cut corners out of pity, did you?


    No, that''s not possible. ......!


    This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment.


    I can smell the ...... slight scent of heat. Is that what it is?


    "............!!!?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with that.


    ''...... Okay. Rollo.


    I''ll take over from here.


    Since I''m going to do it, I''m going to ...... do it, okay?


    Expect to get stabbed ten times harder than Cyrene.


    We''ll get started as soon as that wound is healed.


    "...... Yeah, okay.


    I pulled out all the arrows in my body, hearing Mariebert''s screams behind me.

 63-63 Daughter of the Six Holys

    "�������� father-in-law. May I have a word?


    Sitting at his custom-made desk, wearing silver-rimmed glasses and working, someone quietly walked into Dundargu''s room.


    At the sound of the person''s voice, Dundargues looked up from the papers he was looking through and turned around.


    "Oh, Inez. What''s up, what time is it?


    ...... I hope Rollo''s training is going well.


    I''m sorry I''ve left you in charge since then. I know it''s a little late for that, but I just thought I''d ask.


    You mean Rollo?


    Yes, ...... he''s doing amazingly well.


    When you first brought her in, she looked like a weak, timid child, and I thought about what to do. ...... Now, all of the Six Saints are motivated. I''m even having a little fun teaching them. There''s nothing to worry about.


    "...... I see. I''m relieved to hear that.


    It''s a good thing to ask her directly, but ...... she''s always working really hard on something until late at night, and I feel bad interrupting her.


    I think you''re being a little too cautious, don''t you?


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.��Inez.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web, as well as the information on the internet.


    "...... Is that right?


    In the end, I just took the kid to everyone in the [Six Saints]. ...... I don''t think I''ve done anything since then. I''m not sure what to do with it.


    No, I think that''s a big improvement from what you''ve been doing. You''ve never shown much interest in other people, have you?��Well, maybe you didn''t have to.


    ...... Yeah, I guess so.


    But it doesn''t mean that you were never interested in others. It''s not that I wasn''t interested in other people, Ines thought, it''s just that I didn''t know how to measure the right distance between me and other people and ended up not saying anything every time.


    She had gotten used to talking to people since she started her job, but she still didn''t know what to say when it came to personal matters.


    Inez thought of this as her own shortcoming.


    ...... So, how are things going over there?


    I heard that you and Mr. Linneburg are currently training together. I heard that you and Master Linneburg are training together right now.


    "Oh, yes, I''m training with him.


    ...... Mr. Linneburg is amazing.


    It seems that the other day he caught something during the defeat of the [Gray Ghost], and his growth in the last few days has been remarkable.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you need to do to get it.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    "�������� Hey, Ines. Are you okay after what happened?


    ......What do you mean, since?


    That thing you did the other day, the one where you wiped out the fort on the border of the Empire in a matter of seconds.


    ...... Was that a bad idea?


    Inez knotted her loose lips and turned her head.


    I''m not blaming you for anything.


    It was a good thing for both of our countries. Of course, as a knight of the kingdom, you deserve to be praised. And I personally feel good about it.


    ...... I see.


    But you know what?


    I''m thinking that maybe it was (???????) not a good thing for you.


    I''m not even going to lecture you on the fact that I''m your guardian.


    I''m not going to lecture you because I''m your guardian, but I''m a little worried about �������� you know.


    Dundalk scratched his head as he shrunk his large body.


    "...... Worried?


    Yeah. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own website. I''m not sure what to do with it.


    "No, that''s not true.


    My father-in-law is my goal, and I''m still ��������.


    I appreciate you saying that, but... You should just admit it. You''re already stronger than us. If you wanted to, you could destroy a country with one cleave (????????).


    ...... You know that, don''t you?


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.


    Inez looked at Dundalk silently with a slightly puzzled expression on her face, "...... and I''m pretty sure I''m weak.


    That''s about it. It is mostly because of Thane that I have been given the nickname "Immortal", you know?��I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this. It doesn''t matter if you''ve got a broken arm or a hole in your stomach, he''ll have you back to normal in no time. He''s scarier than the devil. Sig and Mianne are completely like a wall. .......


    I survived and became a great man because I had those crazy people around me. I''m not sure what to make of it.


    ...... Actually, I''ve never held a shield in my life, you know?


    I''ve never had a shield, and when I told the king I had doubts, he said, "You''re a shield yourself.


    It''s a terrible story, don''t you think?��It''s too much.


    Dundargues laughed and shook his huge body.


    But not you, ��������.


    Yours is a true ...... power.


    You have a tremendous amount of power from the start that anyone would envy.


    No matter what kind of enemy comes your way, if you fight (??????) normally, you will not be defeated.


    To put it bluntly, you''re invincible.


    But that''s not what I''m worried about.


    "...... Something else?


    You''re strong.


    But no matter how strong you are, that doesn''t mean your heart is too, right?


    It''s a little too �������� kind.


    You hurt some people with that thing.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    It''s ��������.


    Inez choked on her words.


    When I destroyed the fortress, I let my anger get the better of me and swung the Sword of Light.


    I think it was necessary to secure the way back.


    However, because of this, several Imperial soldiers were caught in the collapse and wandered between life and death.


    Even though they were soldiers of an enemy nation at war, I am not without feelings about it.


    No, it''s okay, it''s okay. Basically.


    If you don''t feel anything about it, then you''re not doing your job. It may sound like a contradiction, but you''re the reason we can trust you with our work.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.��In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.��You''ve done all you can, and there''s no need to worry about it.


    "......, is that right?


    Inez kept her eyes downcast and pondered.


    Maybe I could have done a little better. I''m not sure I did as well as I could have.


    It''s ��������, though.


    I also thought that since you have that kind of personality, it would be better if you didn''t use the sword so much. The reason why we all decided to raise you as a shield when we saw the power of your Grace was because we thought that too much power of destruction would make you unhappy. That''s too much for one person to carry.


    Dundargu turned to Inez and put his large face close to hers.


    I''m sorry for the trouble I caused you.


    I''m sorry for bothering you and don''t even think about it. If you have nowhere else to turn, don''t hesitate to turn to us.


    We all think of you as our own daughter, you know.


    "...... daughter ......?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.


    I''d also like to remind you that you don''t have to ask permission from the top every time you want to use your powers.


    You may serve your country, but you''re not a weapon.


    We didn''t take you on as a mentor because we wanted to raise you that way, and I''m sure the king feels the same way.


    We simply wanted you to learn how to use the power you''ve suddenly acquired. In fact, I''ve gotten pretty good at it.


    ...... I don''t think so. I don''t really feel that way myself.


    I don''t think so myself." Dundargues smiled annoyedly at Inez''s still anxious attitude.


    That''s the thing, you know.��When you said you were going to take Rollo in, I was surprised at first, but after looking at him for a while ......, it made sense. You guys look amazingly alike.


    "...... look alike?


    Yeah.


    You have a lot of power, but you never admit it to yourself. It''s so frustrating to watch.


    It''s true that she may look a lot like you.


    Not in appearance.


    She is a being who has no place, who is not accepted, and who is just drifting between people.


    Maybe that''s why I brought her to a place where I felt accepted.


    �������� When I think back, it''s very similar.


    I think I reacted like that when I was brought to the orphanage for the first time without eating well at the home where I was staying, and was served food for the first time.


    At that time, I remembered that, and I couldn''t help but smile as I saw the overlap between her and myself in the past.


    I wondered why I was doing such a thing.


    Why am I doing this, when there is nothing I can give to her if I take her in?


    But apparently, she only believes in her own potential.


    It''s not quite the same as being confident, but ...... somehow, she believes she can do something. Those people are strong. ...... That''s just the opposite of what you''re going through right now.


    ...... I see. That might be true.


    Yeah, it really is, isn''t it?


    Look, Inez.


    You''ve got to admit it to yourself.


    Then you won''t need to be strong anymore. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.


    �������� My pride and joy is the strongest girl on earth.


    If only you would admit it.


    Dundalk said and put his big hand on Inez''s head.


    "Well, that''s all I wanted to say.


    I''m just trying to say, go with your heart on Mithra''s case.


    You are the representative of us, the Six Saints.


    If you need to, feel free to use your sword or your shield. No matter what happens, we''ll all take the blame.


    ...... To be frank, it would be refreshing if you could go slap that woman''s face, wouldn''t it?��I''m sure it will turn into a diplomatic issue, but I''d be happy to have my head blown off for it.��I don''t think you''d be that stupid, though.


    I don''t think you''re going to be that stupid," Dundalk said, smiling broadly as usual.


    "...... Hey, stepdad.


    Can I have a moment?


    I''ve got one more thing I want to talk to you about.


    ...... if you have the time.


    "Hmm?��Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. I told you not to do that.


    If you''d like to know what kind of childhood ...... this Noor person had, you can tell me.


    Dundargues looked a little surprised when Inez mentioned the name of the person.


    Oh, that''s really unusual.


    It''s really unusual for you to take an interest in someone else. And that guy of all people?


    "Is ...... funny?


    No, I didn''t say that. I think it''s a good thing.��...... But why again?


    ...... I lost. I thought I lost.


    That guy, Noor. I thought I couldn''t beat him.


    "Oh, yeah, that guy.


    Well, that''s too bad.


    That was, well, what can I say, ...... his fault.


    He''s a little crazy, that guy.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out the best way to get the most out of it.


    ...... No, I measured it properly with my own yardstick, and I felt defeated.


    But I''m glad I did.


    It took a lot of weight off my shoulders, and I feel like I can look at myself a little more dispassionately.


    That was really unusual, Dundalk thought admiringly.


    As far as he knew, Inez had never been this concerned about others before.


    ...... Oh, I see. That''s good to know.


    I wonder what ...... Gilbert would look like if he heard that.


    Why is his name coming up here, ......?


    No, I''m talking about me. Don''t worry about it. ...... I mean, you really don''t know what you''re talking about.


    "......?


    So, what do you want to ask me?��There''s not much I know, though. All I know is three months. Still, I know you''re a hell of a guy. I can tell you about that time, but, yeah...


    Favouring the change that had come over Inez, Dundargh sat back in the large custom-made chair, rested his cheek against the desk and jogged his memory.

 64-64 Best Dishes

    "It''s not ...... like that, you know?��............ I''m a beast, and when I concentrate on fighting, some things come out that I didn''t intend. ...... That''s all.


    Yeah, I know.


    You''re short, you''re a demon, you''re younger than me,...... and you''re not my kind of person,...... so don''t get me wrong.��It''s ...... annoying.


    "...... Yeah, I know.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    After the training, I and Cyrene were invited to Mianne''s house and were seated at the table as she led us.


    Normally I eat quietly with Inez, but when I told her that Mianne had invited us to her house today, Inez said she was going to eat somewhere else and went out.


    Mariebert wanted to come with her, but ...... she had to work at night again, so she ran off crying.


    "......Mr. Marybelle, you look like you''re in a lot of pain. ...... I wish I could have taken your place.


    I wish I could have taken over for her, but she''s just so stubborn. It''s my job. I can''t help it.


    I don''t know what to say, but you''re the one who''s invited today.


    What''s the point if you''re replaced by someone else?


    ...... Is that right, ......?


    �������� Yes, Rollo.


    My husband told me to bring you.


    And Sirene. Stop spreading false information.


    Just because you''re a beastman doesn''t mean you''re in fighting shape.


    It''s your lack of training.


    "...... Pia.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.


    You should be ashamed of yourself. Also, the food is ready.


    A large plate was placed on the table.


    It was filled with a variety of colorful dishes, some of which I had never seen before.


    I couldn''t help but let out a gasp.


    ...... looks so delicious.


    I''m not sure if this is really ...... okay to eat.


    "...... What are you talking about.


    If you don''t eat it, I''ll kick you out of the house.


    Eat it before it gets cold.


    My husband''s cooking is excellent, and I won''t understand if you leave ...... any leftovers.


    She nodded with tears in her eyes as she grabbed her ear.


    ...... Will she eat it like that?


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    You''re being rude to our guests.


    As I was wondering, a low voice came from the back kitchen.


    "All right, darling.


    "............ der ...... ling ......... ...?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''ve been so impressed with your work.


    The man carried a plate of food in his hands and greeted us with a smile.


    Welcome. You must be Rollo and Sirene.


    I''m the owner of this house and Mianne''s husband, Lias.


    Thank you for accepting my invitation on such short notice.


    I thought I''d treat you to some food and apologize for the trouble I''ve caused. I''ve asked Mianne to invite you to my house.


    "...... did I bother you?


    I could only stare at Mianne and Sirene alternately, not understanding the meaning of the words, but the man continued to talk while neatly arranging the dishes on the table.


    I don''t know if she told you this, but it''s true.


    She may not have told you this, but she did.


    Actually, it was my fault.


    I got a call from an acquaintance that some good ingredients were suddenly available, and I really wanted to go get them myself.


    That''s why I was selfish enough to let her take care of the kids. ...... That''s supposed to be my job, and I knew you guys didn''t have much time, so I felt bad about it.


    I don''t think you''re bothering me at all.


    I''m much more comfortable when Commander Mianne is not around,......," he said.


    I''m not going to say that I don''t like it, but I do like it.


    "Haha, you''re honest, Cyrene.


    I can see why my wife likes you.


    Well, to be honest with you, my apology for letting Mianne leave was just a pretext, I really wanted you to have a taste of my signature dish. Especially for you, Rollo.


    "...... for me?


    Yeah.


    So don''t be shy.


    Eat as much as you want.


    There are plenty of refills.


    It''s a great way to get to know the people around you.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.


    It was ............ delicious ...... and it was ......... ...!


    ...... I don''t know if it''s right to call it simply delicious.


    But I don''t know how else to describe it, so I can''t help it.


    On the way, I thought I heard someone say something to me, but I was so engrossed that I didn''t hear anything.


    I''m glad to hear that you''re satisfied.


    I run a restaurant and this is also my store.


    I take care of the kids for breakfast and lunch, and run the restaurant at night.


    That''s what I do every day.


    Well, the restaurant is almost like a hobby.


    As you can see, it''s a small place with very few seats and only a few customers. You wouldn''t even know it was a store unless you were told.


    It''s true that it''s hard to tell that this is a restaurant unless you''re told.


    There is only one table and four chairs in the room.


    ...... Sure, it''s a little small. ......?


    ...... You really don''t know anything about ......?


    Commander Mianne''s husband is one of the best chefs in King''s Landing.


    It is a very famous restaurant, and people travel all the way from other countries to visit it.


    You have to wait half a year for a reservation, and the cost of one meal is equivalent to a year''s earnings for an ordinary person.


    If the Commander is the living legend of the hunters, then the Master is the legend of the foodie world.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    It''s an honor to hear you say that, but ...... it''s not true.


    My cooking is an extension of my hobby, so I basically tell people that I charge by the book. ...... Sometimes, people give me a surprisingly large amount of money.


    I think the rumor got around.


    I''m just happy that you came to eat my food, and if you don''t have money, I''d be happy to give it to you for free.


    Sir��ne''s ears twitched at the word "free".


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    ...... Oh, I don''t think I''m going to eat without paying.


    "Well. I hope so. You''re making a lot of money, so if you''re going to come eat with us, you should contribute to our family''s income.


    No, no, if it''s about money, the Commander''s earning is several times more ...... than yours!


    That''s not what I''m talking about.


    No, no, no, no. ......?


    Hey, Mianne. Stop it.


    ............ Okay, okay.


    After Riaz stopped her, she withdrew her hand and started to ...... touch her ear again.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to try.��Can you let go of my ear ......?


    This is not the same thing as before. It''s surprisingly comfortable to the touch. Let me stay like this for a while longer.


    No, no, no. ......?


    Mr. Lias chuckles as he watches them.


    ...... I''m sorry, Rollo.


    My wife seems to have had a little too much to drink.


    She left the kids with her parents so that she could have dinner with you guys, so I guess she got a little carried away. I''m sure he''s just a little rambunctious, but please, cut him some slack.


    "...... Yeah.


    Of course, I don''t care about anything,......, but it seems that Sirene is sacrificing herself,......?


    Well, it''s probably just skinship for them, so it''s okay. ...... Probably.


    Oh, yeah, I asked you to come here today because ...... of course I wanted you to try my food first, but there''s actually another thing. I wanted to talk to you.


    With me?


    Yes, �������� with you, the demon.


    ...... Now, what do you think of them?


    What do you ...... think?


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    "...... They are, as you can see, ''beastmen''. Their blood is not as pure as that, though. Those with beastman blood are treated almost the same as humans here in the Kingdom of Crais, but not in many countries.


    In those areas, even just walking around out in the open is not looked upon well, and I''ve seen a lot of worse things done to people. I''ve seen many people killed for no good reason, just because they were born with beast blood in their veins. It is because of these experiences (??????) that Mianne usually wears a hat that covers her ears.


    We''ve traveled around a lot before we ended up here.


    We''ve seen and experienced a lot of that stuff.


    Experience, you mean ......?


    I''ve got some animal blood in me, though it''s faded a lot.


    My sense of taste and smell is sharper than most people''s, which makes me a good cook. ...... Well, people are proud of it, people are not proud of it, people are not proud of it.


    I''m sure you''re accepting of us beastmen, but what do you think of your own �������� blood, the blood of demons?


    I was wondering if you could tell me.


    �������� Demon''s Blood.


    The fact that I am a demon.


    I don''t know if there''s ever been a day that I haven''t thought about it.


    ...... Honestly, ......, I don''t know.


    "...... Don''t know?


    "...... Yeah. I always thought it was disgusting, but now I ...... don''t know.


    I''ve always thought it was a bad thing that I was born a demon.


    I''ve always thought that I was born to be hated by others.


    I thought that I deserved to be beaten and kicked.


    I thought it was predetermined from the moment I was born.


    I thought that I would be better off dead than alive.


    I''ve cursed myself for a long time, along with the people around me.


    Because that''s the blood that runs in me.


    Because that''s what the demon tribe is.


    I''ve always thought that.


    But ��������


    I don''t think it''s good or bad now.


    There''s someone who told me that even if I''m a demon, I can be useful to someone.


    And because Mr. Oken told me about the time when demons were not demons (???????).


    "�������� is, well, you never know. That''s good.


    "............?


    No, I don''t think that''s something you should jump to conclusions about.


    Actually, I think in a similar way.


    If you don''t understand something, it''s okay to say you don''t understand it.


    It''s much better than pretending to understand something.


    Mr. Lias said, smiling happily.


    "Mr. Rollo ......, I understand you''re going to Mithra.


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but they''re very harsh on demons there.


    Beastmen are also harsh, but ...... demons are no match for them.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea. ...... I''m relieved to hear your answer.


    "............ relieved?


    I don''t think you look like you''re throwing your life away, the way you just ate.


    Well, it''s not normal at all, and I think it''s a little reckless.


    But you''re not afraid of that recklessness, you know what Mithra is like, and you still want to go and come back, right?


    And you''re willing to put in the effort to do so.


    You''re not giving up on anything, and you''re not going to take revenge on anyone.


    You''re much more rational than I thought. I''m relieved to know that.


    "Is ...... right, ......?


    Yes, I do. ��...... By the way, is there anyone you like right now?


    ...... What ......?��......Do you like ......?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    No ......, no ............, no, I think so. I don''t know what the other side thinks, but I think ...... I like it.


    I don''t know what he thinks, but I think he likes me. �������� I like him.


    I don''t think there has ever been a person around me that I could picture their face when they said that.


    But ...... somehow, there are a lot of people like that now.


    Strangely enough, there are people here who are kind to me.


    I think I like those people.


    I like Noll, Leanne, and I like Ines.


    And of course, Mianne and the people of the Six Saints.


    I also like Sirene and Mariebert, who accompanied me on my training.


    They know that I''m a demon, but they treat me with kindness.


    So I really like them. ...... She is now looking at me with great eyes as Mianne strokes her ears and tail.


    ...... I''ll clear up any misunderstandings later.


    I''m not sure if that''s a good thing or not.


    ............ Yeah.


    ''Well, that''s very good to know.''


    Mr. Lias nodded broadly with a smile.


    "By the way, I love Mianne.


    I love her more than anything in the world.


    Well, I don''t know which I love more, the kids or ...... but that''s another story.


    I love my wife more than any other woman in the world.


    I''m bored and changeable, but that''s the one thing that will never change.


    "......, what are you talking about, all of a sudden?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one.


    The fact that there is someone you love is a wonderful thing.


    Even if you don''t realize it, it makes you naturally stronger. Of course, it doesn''t mean you''ll be strong in a fight. ............ You''ll be resilient in life. I would never die for someone I care about, and I would work as hard as I could for someone I love. That means you''re the same (????), right?


    �������� I wouldn''t die for the people I love.


    I''m not going to die for the one I love. �������� I''m going to work hard for the one I love.


    I''ve never thought of it that way, but ...... that''s probably all it is, if you ask me.


    I''ve never thought of it that way, but ............ maybe that''s all you''re saying. ............ Yeah. I think that''s probably true.


    Yes, maybe �������� those people are keeping me alive (?????).


    I''m not alone anymore.


    I am supported by many people.


    �������� I have to (??????) live (????).


    Haha, then I guess I don''t need to worry about it anymore.


    You seem to have a lot more in you than I thought.


    I thought you were in a very difficult situation. ...... I was very wrong about that.


    You''re already blessed with a lot of things.


    "............ Yeah. I think so too.


    Then you''d better �������� make sure you come back alive.


    I like you for saying that my food is delicious, and I like you even more after talking to you.


    I now want you to have a much better meal than the one at ...... today.


    Don''t forget to make that reservation before you head to Mithra.


    I want to serve you the best food I can.

 65-65 Thousand Swords

    ��������, let''s go.


    Yeah, please.


    Three months had passed in the blink of an eye.


    Every day since then, Gilbert has been training with me.


    "Draggrave.


    Gilbert''s spear shot instantly arrived in front of me from a distance where I could barely hear his voice.


    I saw the sharp edge of the spear and applied the black sword in my hand.


    "Parry!


    Instantly, there was a tremendous friction between the sword and spear, and golden sparks flew all around.


    The golden spear in Gilbert''s hand shifted its trajectory slightly as I hit the tip of the sword, and instead of reaching my throat, it grazed the side of my neck.


    Please try again.


    I''m not going to be as good as I was next time, okay?


    Yeah, please.


    All I''m doing is the same thing I''ve been doing every day, assessing and repelling Gilbert''s attacks as he thrusts his spear at me with frightening speed. That''s all I do.


    He never misses a single day of such monotonous training, never complains, and just goes along with it.


    Gilbert''s attacks are sharp.


    And with each repetition, each attack becomes faster and sharper than the one before.


    It seems that he is adjusting his attacks according to my growth, but each attack is still deadly for me.


    �������� I can''t relax at all.


    It''s almost like I''m dying, and I''m training under extreme conditions.


    He was giving me such days.


    "Draggrave".


    Gilbert''s spear was getting sharper and sharper by the day.


    Gilbert''s spear is getting sharper and sharper every day, and I have to adjust my movements to match.


    So, gradually, the way I used my sword to play the spear changed.


    At first, I used to slam the Black Sword with all my might.


    I didn''t have time to think about anything else, I just had to play it with all my strength.


    �������� But now it''s a little different.


    Instead of slamming the sword into the spear as hard as you can, just hit the tip.


    You don''t go against the flow of power coming at you, you just stroke it away.


    Since I have learned this, I think my ability to deal with a straight attack has improved dramatically.


    I owe this to Gilbert, who always accompanies me in my training.


    Gilbert''s attacks are fast.


    He closes the distance in less time than it takes to blink and aims for the throat.


    In the past, I would not have been able to even catch sight of his spear and would have surely lost my life.


    But ��������


    Parisi.


    That''s a thing of the past.


    Now, I can somehow repel his terrifyingly fast spear.


    Of course, it''s because he''s been so patient with me.


    Sometimes I slammed my sword down so hard that it broke his golden spear.


    I thought I had done something wrong, but he laughed and forgave me.


    He told me that his spear has a mysterious power called "enchantment", and even if it breaks, it will be restored after a day.


    This man is not only �������� terribly strong, but also has a generous and kind heart.


    When I had a newfound respect for the man in front of me, Gilbert lowered his spear.


    I''m sorry, but that''s all for today. I have some business to attend to.


    "Well. Thanks for your help today. Thanks.


    Hey, ............, do you really think that''s true?


    ...... Oh well.


    By the way, I accidentally told a friend about this place the other day. ...... Master wants to come.


    What''s that?��Who is that?


    You''ll know him when you see him. You know him.


    I see. I''m sorry about today. For hanging out with you.


    Well, it''s a mutual thing, I guess. If you''re serious about that.


    ...... Well, that''s nice of you to say.


    I still don''t feel like I''m having a conversation with you. ...... Well, I''m off.


    ...... Oh, my body hurts all over again today. ...... I need to get it fixed before I go to work.


    Gilbert walked away with a spear on his shoulder.


    Not long after that, I heard someone walking towards me.


    As I waited patiently for the sound to come closer, I saw a familiar face walking towards me.


    It was the swordsman instructor who had taken care of me when I was a child.


    "Instructor, what brings you here?


    "...... Gilbert told me about this place.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    It''s a mithril sword. There are two of them.


    Before you leave for Mithra, I thought we could try our hand at it.


    "...... me as an instructor?


    I wish I could, but I already have a sword, don''t I?


    Sorry, but that sword is too special. I want to use the same sword, on equal terms.


    Okay.


    I did as the instructor asked, put down the black sword and accepted the sword he offered me.


    At that moment, a slash came from the �������� instructor.


    I immediately drew the sword I had received from its sheath and flicked it with it.


    The silver swords clashed with each other and small sparks flew.


    �������� It''s so light, this sword.


    I''ll try to swing it a little more. You should try swinging it a little more.


    Oh.


    I took the scabbard of the sword and put it up against the base of a tree in the area. I kicked up a twig at my feet and slashed it with the silver sword that was given to me.


    It was unexpectedly sharp, and the branch shredded without feeling any resistance.


    I did not feel the weight of the �������� sword at all.


    It was as if I was waving a bird''s wing.


    You can only feel the discomfort.


    ...... Maybe I''ve gotten too used to that heavy sword.


    Have you gotten used to it?


    No, it''s still uncomfortable.


    The sword is too light and uncomfortable.


    You''ll get used to it.


    Another slash comes from the instructor.


    This time from three directions at once, above my head and to my left and right.


    You''ll need to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    �������� It still feels too light and uncomfortable.


    I even feel like my hand is fluffy.


    But when we play together like this, I feel a response and I feel like I''m getting used to it.


    Well, I feel like I''m getting a little more familiar with the feeling.


    "I see. Let''s continue for a while.


    Please.


    Before I could even set my sword down, dozens of slashes came at me from the left and right, almost simultaneously.


    I focused on them and flicked them off one by one with the smallest of movements.


    "Parry!


    Sparks flew again.


    Then, we shoot each other for a while.


    The more I repeat this, the more I get used to this light sword.


    I think I''m getting used to it.


    "I see. Then let''s increase the number of moves.


    Just as the instructor finished, slashes came from above and below, and from the blind spot behind me, almost simultaneously.


    There was no time to think about how to catch them.


    You just have to play it from the edge of your eye.


    �������� It''s truly amazing.


    Without even pausing for breath, slashes of unbelievable speed are coming at you from every direction.


    But even with this, the instructor is probably not serious yet.


    It is probably just a preparatory exercise.


    The ...... instructor hasn''t even used his [skill] yet.


    �������� So, let''s get started.


    For the first time today, the instructor took up his sword.


    ��������The atmosphere was clearly different from before.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Noor. I''m going to swing my sword in earnest now. Keep that in mind.


    The instructor spoke quietly to me, but I couldn''t hear much of what he said.


    Just facing him, I stiffen involuntarily with nervousness, and my heart starts to beat faster.


    I wonder if I''m in fear of my life right now.


    I''m just facing the instructor.


    It''s not a fight for my life, even though it''s ....... Let''s just say you lose if you move even one step from here.


    Yeah, that''s fine.


    Then �������� we will use our [skills] from here. Are you ready?


    ����������Skill��.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    The instructor is saying that he will use it.


    Normally, it would be reckless for me to take on such a thing.


    But I want to see ��������.


    I''d like to actually take the sword that I used to just look at.


    I replied in the affirmative out of pure curiosity.


    Oh, please.


    I went to �������� and ended up there.


    "Let''s ������������ go.


    Instantly, the ���������������� sword disappeared.


    "[Thousand Swords]


    The next thing I knew, thousands of shadows of swords were already dancing around me.


    "Parii.


    And before I knew it, I was playing it.


    A moment later, without even room for thought, my body reacted to the slash on its own.


    Fortunately, the sword in my hand was light.


    It''s a good thing that the sword in my hand is light, because I barely made it in time.


    �������� Thousands of sparks instantly erupted.


    Whenever the swords collide with each other, the blade of the sword is sharpened and becomes a flash of light.


    Every time you make a match, you feel the blade chip slightly.


    In the blink of an eye, hundreds or thousands of collisions occur, and you can see the sword being worn down in an instant.


    �������� too fast.


    Too fast, too fast.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I can''t �������� intercept him in time.


    It''s really �������� amazing.


    The next �������� million sparks flew in front of my eyes.


    This is the �������� [skill] that I''ve been longing for since I was a kid.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    You can feel the heat from the blade as it shaves and melts each time you shoot it.


    You can see your sword getting thinner and thinner without even looking at it with your eyes.


    �������� I think my sword is going to break.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s worth it.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    �������� unimaginable overwhelming spirit and tremendous skill.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    The amount and speed of the blows is too much for the eyes to follow.


    But ��������


    "Parry.


    Trained by Gilbert''s spear, I managed to catch the torrential slashes out of the corner of my eye, and carefully dealt with them one by one.


    The sparks scattered even more violently, and the whole area was enveloped in countless flashes of light, making me feel as if I were a ball of fire.


    The blade of the silver sword I hold in my hand is quickly being whittled away.


    It could break at any moment.


    But if I miss even a single strike, my entire body will be cut into pieces.


    That much of a slash.


    The opponent won''t even allow you a moment to rest.


    It''s hard to say, but you can''t even blink.


    Forgetting even to breathe, they just shot each other incessantly.


    This went on forever.


    I thought that my training with Gilbert had made me a little stronger.


    I thought I had gained enough confidence to be able to survive an encounter with the Goblin Emperor.


    But ��������, so much is different.


    The strength of the instructor was several degrees different from the strength I had imagined.


    The real thing was much, much stronger than I had imagined.


    The people of this country, like Gilbert and this instructor, are truly immeasurable to the �������� eyes of someone like me.


    �������� I can''t help but be reminded of that.


    "Senken.


    "Parisi.


    ��������Pakin," he said.


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.


    The two swords snapped each other cleanly in two from the middle, spun �������� around and flew high into the sky, then plunged deep into the ground.


    �������� So much for that, huh?


    As soon as they saw each other''s broken swords sticking into the ground, the instructor released his stance and announced the end of the hand-to-hand combat.


    I''m sorry you had to go along with my selfishness.


    But I''m really glad to �������� have seen you grow.


    "Yeah, I also really enjoyed seeing the instructor''s skills up close.


    ............ almost killed me.


    I see.


    We laughed as we held the broken sword.


    The sun was already setting, and the area was tinged red with the setting sun.


    I miss ��������.


    I think 15 years ago I was swinging a sword with my instructor like this until the sun went down.


    "�������� Noor.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.


    If the need arises, I can count on you.


    Yes, of course. ...... I''ll do everything I can to help.


    Well, they are frighteningly strong, and I don''t think there''s anything I can do about it. If such a situation should arise, ...... I will do my best to deal with it in my own way. That''s why Gilbert has been training with me so far.


    �������� That''s all I need to hear.


    You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

 66-66 Morning of departure

    The morning of my departure for Mithra.


    I headed for the meeting place I had been told about.


    When I arrived at a deserted place on the outskirts of the capital, it was still dark, but I could already see a small figure standing there.


    That was ��������


    You''re early, Leanne.


    "Yes. I was so nervous I couldn''t sleep, so I came a little early.


    She was dressed in the same comfortable outfit as usual, and looked the same.


    It seems like it''s been a long time since I''ve seen Leanne like this.


    "Yes, it has. It''s been a while since I''ve seen Leanne.


    I see. ...... It''s been that long.


    It must have been about two months ago when Lean came to see me with a couple of guys to measure the size of the clothes he was going to wear over there.


    We really haven''t seen each other for a long time.


    Perhaps it was because I was having such a good time training with Gilbert that the time seemed to have flown by.


    "Looks like Rollo''s here too.


    When I looked in the direction Lean was looking, I saw a boy with a face I knew walking toward me.


    But I had a strange feeling about his appearance.


    Then, as he walked closer and closer, I realized what that strange feeling was.


    ......?��Lolo ...... maybe you''ve grown a little taller?


    ...... Yeah. Just a little bit.


    I haven''t seen you in a couple of months, I think. ...... You''ve grown a lot.


    Yeah. I''ve been fed.


    Yeah.


    As we were saying our proper reunion greetings, I saw a woman wearing silver armor that shone dully in the dim light, her golden hair swaying as she walked towards me.


    She strode straight up to Leanne and gave her a small bow.


    ''Mr. Linneburg. The carriage is ready.


    As soon as it''s loaded, they''ll be on their way.


    Thank you, Inez.


    Inez gave a brief report to Leanne and immediately turned to me.


    I was relieved to see that she was in a more friendly mood than before, and she smiled a little.


    Inez smiled a little. I''d like to thank you again for your help with .......


    I''m sure you''ll be glad you did. I''m sure you''ll be pleased with the results. I''m counting on you.


    "Yes, ......, I''ll be counting on you too.


    I still have some preparations to make, so if you''ll excuse me. I''ll see you later.


    "Yeah, see you later.


    I was a little relieved as I watched Inez''s back as she walked away.


    In fact, last night I was quite worried that I might have to go with that dragon, but it seems my fears were unfounded.


    ...... So you''re not going with that dragon this time?


    "...... Lara?


    "............ Lara?


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    ...... "Lara" is the name of that dragon.


    I think it was Noor who gave it to me. ...... Don''t you remember?


    She said, "It''s hard to call a magical dragon, so let''s give it a better name that''s shorter and easier to call. She was really happy when I told her that name. ......


    I''m sure I remember that name from .......


    We were talking about naming that dragon, and since Rollo seems to be taking care of it, why not name it something similar? This is the first time that I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    Well, if Honnin likes it, it''s fine.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    "...... No. I''ve heard that dragons don''t have a clear gender distinction like humans, but ...... you should call them that. If you don''t, you''ll suddenly be in a bad mood.


    "Well, ...... dragons have various preferences, too, ......?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I''m talking about.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    From a human point of view, I think it''s a female.


    And, as you said, we could have chosen to ride with Lara, but ...... her huge body is a bit intimidating and too conspicuous. She''s resting somewhere else right now.


    "........................ I see.


    Was that really an option .......?


    Well, it''s fast, and you don''t have to worry about being attacked by demons if you fly over. It''s a good way to get around, but ...... I''m not very good at heights myself.


    ...... Oh no, I think I''m going to faint again just thinking about it.


    I''m going to have to change the subject.


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it.


    There''s no one at this meeting place but us.


    Yes, there are four of us, myself, Inez, Dr. Noll and Rollo.


    As before, Inez will take the reins of the carriage.


    Inez will take the reins of the carriage as before.


    Your brother and father thought it would be best to have a small group this time.


    "...... I see. That may be true.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    If you look, you will see a strange figure approaching you from far above.


    The figure, which looked like an old man, was hovering in the air and looked suspicious to me.


    It was flying straight towards me. ...... Should I throw some rocks around there and shoot it down?


    Oh, there it is!


    Ho ho!��We''re just in time!


    Dr. Oaken?


    That suspicious old man was the sorcerer''s instructor.


    He landed softly on the ground and held out one of his two leather bags to Lean.


    "Here you go, girl. A parting gift. Take it with you.


    The sorcerer instructor handed Lean a bag of some kind, and Lean looked at the contents and shouted in surprise.


    "This is ��������?��You are sure you want to do this, Dr. Oaken?


    "It''s just a good luck charm.


    Take it with you.


    Well, it''s best not to use it.


    "Thank you, ....... I''ll take it.


    Lean thanked him and tucked something into his chest.


    "And Rollo. Here''s one for you.


    "...... for me?


    Yes. That''s what we''re here for today, isn''t it?


    The ring ��������?��Could this be it?


    Rollo took the small ring offered to him by his instructor.


    Yes, it''s a ...... thing.


    You can take it with you. You know how to use ...... it, don''t you?


    "...... Yes.


    Of course you know how to use it, but it''s not something you want to be seen with. You can keep it in this bag until you need it.


    "...... Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Oken.


    When Rollo thanked him, the instructor gave him a thumbs-up smile.


    Rollo placed the ring in the small leather bag he had received from the instructor and tied it around his waist.


    "Dr. Oaken?��What the hell is that?


    "Well, I can''t keep this a secret from my daughter at .......


    I''ll let you know.


    But don''t ever tell anyone else. ......?��Never. ......?


    If they find out about ......, it''s pretty bad.


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not, but I have.


    "��������!��No way, is that really ...... possible?


    "...... Hooray, of course.


    I''m a genius, after all. ......?


    Well, the original idea and order came from Rainbo.


    I''m not sure if I''m the only one in the world who can make such an absurd proposal come true in such a short time.


    I''m terrified of my own talent these days!


    �������� It seems to have taken you a long time, though.


    It was only about a week ago that you came to me half crying for help, saying that you would never make it before your departure if you continued like this.


    "...... Dr. Thane?


    We turned to the new voice and saw the monk instructor standing there, smiling gently.


    There were a few other people there that I recognized as well.


    "...... Thane ...... you know what?


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    Can you at least let me play nice in front of my students for once ......?


    "No, sir. Lying is not good.


    In the first place, shouldn''t you have given it to him yesterday?


    When I heard about it, I thought I had done my best to help. ...... Why is it so last minute?


    I''ve been trying to think of a better way to improve it.


    I''ve got a better idea of how to improve it, so I have to do it, right?


    That''s my pride as an engineer of magic tools. .......


    In addition, it''s more exciting to give them these things at the last minute, and that''s also a smart consideration. ......��You know what I mean.


    I don''t know. I mean, haven''t you forgotten how many times we''ve been in danger ...... because of your extra care?


    The monk instructor smiled and continued to ask questions, while the sorcerer instructor responded with tears in his eyes. The sorcerer''s teacher is clearly outnumbered, or rather, angry.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything you like. ...... Is the monk instructor that scary ......?


    I''m not sure what to say. You made it in time after all, didn''t you?


    It''s not that bad. It happens all the time.


    ...... Well, I guess that''s why I''m saying it.


    Dr. Dundargues, Dr. Sig. Did Dr. Karou also come to ......?


    I''m just seeing you off. I don''t have anything else to do.


    Okay. Thank you.


    A warrior instructor, a swordsman instructor, and a bandit instructor seemed to have come to see me off.


    Then I noticed that there were more people besides the instructor.


    That must be Lean''s brother.


    "Lean, I need to talk to you about that ring.


    "Lean, I need to talk to you about that ring, including your ''schedule'' once you get there.


    It''s a little late to be leaving, but ...... come here for a minute.


    "�������� Yes, I understand.


    Leanne followed her brother, and the two of them seemed to be talking over some documents.


    In the event that you''ve got any questions regarding where by and how to use the web site, you can contact us at the web site.


    I''m not sure if he''s been beaten up by the ...... monk instructor and is nowhere to be found over there.


    "...... What do you want?


    What do you want?" "What do you want? I came all this way to see you off.


    Oh yeah. ...... Noor. I''ve got nothing for you. Sorry if you''re expecting me.


    "No, it''s okay. I''m not expecting anything.


    ...... What''s so cute about you, ......?


    Well, you''ve got that.


    I can''t give you anything more than that.


    The instructor narrowed his eyes and looked at the black sword I was holding.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    I''ve heard of the black sword being used for pile driving.


    It''s not the kind of thing that should be treated so roughly, you know?


    ...... Well, it''s basically up to the owner to decide how to use it, but...


    I''m sure you''ll agree.��That.


    I''m sure you''ll agree.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.


    Recently, I''ve been taking it to a public bathhouse in the capital, and after washing it thoroughly, I''ve been taking great care of it, even taking a bath with it.


    "Well, that''s fine.


    "Well, that''s fine, but it''s not something that can be damaged easily.


    While we were chatting, the big carriage for this trip arrived, and we were ready to leave.


    All we had to do was get in ...... and we were ready to go.


    "......What the heck is that ......?


    Suddenly, I thought I heard an eerie crying sound coming from the sky in our direction. In the distant sky, I saw a faint shadow like a dot.


    It looked like a flock of birds, but it was much too big to be a bird. It looked like a flock of birds, but it was much larger than a �������� bird.


    That''s a flock of wyverns. It''s not too far off from the time of year when they naturally occur, but �������� there are a lot of them.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.


    ...... Hey, hey, hey, that herd is a little dangerous.


    They seem to have been berserked.


    If they make it to the city, we''ll be in big trouble. ...... This is too elaborate a welcome for a fluke.


    I thought it was pretty quiet up to this point, but ...... of all places, at this point in the day? ...... Is that a coincidence?


    �������� It''s several times larger than usual.


    It''s hard to believe that this is a natural occurrence. ...... Sorry, there seems to be a hole in my security net.


    You have nothing to apologize for, Kalu.


    That''s what she would do.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s trying to make a sales pitch for "warding" after setting someone else''s house on fire. I''m not sure what to make of that.


    ...... I still hate her.


    The herd of wyverns is getting closer by the minute.


    They''re not as big as the Lara, but they''re much bigger than they look from a distance.


    There are so many of them.


    The sky is covered with countless ominous shadows.


    "The sword can''t reach that high.


    "...... Where''s Mianne?��Let''s have her drop everything.


    I''m at home. She''s busy babysitting today. If I go get her now, she''ll never make it.


    ...... So...


    ...... I don''t have a choice. ...... I''ll have to rely on Oaken.


    "...... Really? ......!


    The old man laughed quietly as each of the instructors looked anxiously at the sorcerer instructor next to me. He put his face close to �������� my ear and whispered in a whisper.


    "By the way, �������� ''Twelve''. I am now (??????).


    It was so sudden that I could not understand what was going on.


    I''m not sure what this old man is suddenly saying, ......?


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea. ...... I''m old, too. ...... I wonder if the shock of the approaching herd of flying dragons (wyverns) has caused me to suddenly become an old geezer.


    I''m not sure what to say.��I''m not sure what you''re talking about.


    "Hmm, don''t be stupid, I know what ...... you''re talking about.


    Do you mind?��I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.


    Just because you''re improving a little bit faster doesn''t mean you should ...... get carried away, okay?


    I''m not sure what''s going on here.


    ...... I''m getting more and more confused.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at a few of the most common types of shoes and boots.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.��I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.��...... It''s true, isn''t it?


    �������� The proof is in the fact that if you put your mind to it, here.


    The moment the instructor raised one hand, six small lightning bolts appeared around him. In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    "�������� Hoho, watch this. This is my fusion magic.


    The instructor raised his hands toward the sky, and twelve balls of light blended together as if they were popping in the sky.


    Suddenly, a black cloud appeared in the clear sky, and before you could see it, it had grown to a huge size and covered the entire sky with countless lightning bolts, coiling around it like a snake.


    Immediately after, a violent thunderstorm covered the area.


    �������� In an instant, the weather was changed.


    It was a horrible sight.


    The sorcerer instructor, struck by the heavy rain that fell like a waterfall, �������� raised his hands to the sky and swung them down toward the earth.


    Thunderstorm.


    �������� The whole area was dyed white.


    In an instant, in the blinding flash of light, I saw a streak of light like a great tree.


    I knew that a tremendous thunderbolt had struck the ground.


    At the same time, there was a roar and a shock.


    The earth shook and the sky trembled.


    The flock of wyverns caught up in the tremendous lightning strike disappeared.


    Some of the wyverns barely retained their shapes, but they were charred and falling to the ground.


    �������� Amazing.


    Leanne was speechless as she watched the scene.


    I was speechless as well.


    "Hoho ......, it''s as simple as this.


    Immediately after the huge thunderbolt pierced the swarm of wyverns, the black cloud dissipated in a flash.


    The morning sun had been peeking out for some time, and thanks to the heavy rain that had fallen earlier, a large rainbow had formed.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you''re not looking for.


    �������� Leave the guarding of King''s Landing to us.


    This is a great way to get the most out of your time and money.

 67-67 City of Misra

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    I''ve heard of dangerous coming-of-age ceremonies before, so I''ve been prepared for that. ...... It''s very disturbing to hear it again.


    I''m not sure what to make of this. ............ Well, .............


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I''m sure you''re not going to have a sword flying at you from behind,......?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ...... To be honest, I don''t know what''s in store for me either. I''m sorry to have to tell you this at such short notice, but...


    "No, I''ve heard about it to some extent, and that''s all I need to know.


    I can''t remember too many details if you tell me too much.


    I can''t remember too many details. ...... Well, we''ll figure it out.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.


    And it''s a great event in a great city.


    I''m interested to see what it will be like.


    If you don''t enjoy it, you''re missing out.


    �������� To be honest, I''m only a little excited about it.


    "�������� Yes. I''ll be counting on you.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    However, I still feel a little uneasy.


    I''m about to go to a terrible place.


    To be honest, I didn''t understand everything Lean explained to me, but ...... the Pope is a highly respected figure in this country, and he is so important that there is no one to replace him.


    He is a respected man who has lived for hundreds of years and built this wonderful city from the ground up. ��������


    I was about to meet such a person.


    I''m still a little nervous when I think about it.


    I''m going to meet someone who has lived for hundreds of years and built this wonderful city from the ground up. ...... I''ll have to be careful that I don''t accidentally do something that surprises him and shorten his life.

 68-68 Prince Tillens

    "We''ve been expecting you, Herr Linneburg.


    Please come with me.


    As the carriage entered the cathedral, there was a sort of boarding area where I parked the carriage and got off.


    I''ll show you to your room.


    "Yes, thank you.


    We followed her into the large building.


    After a very wide corridor, we came to an even wider dome-shaped space.


    From there, there were several corridors as wide as the one we had just walked through, all with numerous doors leading to some room.


    ...... is amazing. It looks like there''s a city inside the cathedral.


    Yes. This place is so large and complex that it is said that if you get lost, you will never find your way out.


    You have to be careful not to get lost.


    "Right, okay.


    We followed the woman in the white robe up the stairs and into the cathedral.


    ...... Really, it''s huge.


    I think we''ve walked through the building for quite a while now, but we still haven''t found the room we want.


    It seems to be a very large building, just as it looks from the outside.


    It certainly looks like it''s hard to get out if you''re lost.


    This way, please. Come in.


    After a while, I was led to a small room with a window.


    The window was very large for the size of the room, and the greenery of the garden outside seemed to jump into the room, making me feel good.


    However, it was a strange room.


    I couldn''t see any door leading anywhere from here.


    As I was thinking that perhaps the four of us were going to spend the night in this small room, suddenly a woman got on the floor in the center of the room, which was covered with a pale and shiny pattern, and disappeared.


    What happened to ......?��Where did that person go? ......?��...... And what''s with the glowing floor?


    Was this your first time?��It''s a teleportation ward for ascending and descending. They''re common in Mithra.


    "For ascending and descending?��...... warding?


    Yes, sir. The cathedral is a very tall building, so it has this kind of mechanism to move up and down the floors.


    It''s very convenient to use.


    We don''t want to keep him waiting, so we''ll go with him.


    "......, do I just get on?


    Yes. Yes, that''s fine.


    Leanne led the way, and as I stepped fearfully onto the floor, I felt as if I were floating for a moment.


    And then I realized that the view out the window had changed to a much higher one.


    I got goosebumps from ��������.


    When I was upset, Leanne, Rollo and Inez came up behind me.


    ...... You''re up pretty high, aren''t you?


    Yes. I''m told the guest rooms are on the higher floors.


    This way. Come in.


    I followed the woman and she led me down a wide corridor.


    The room was decorated in a much more luxurious way than the previous one, and there were a lot of stone statues and paintings that looked expensive. I don''t know much about their value, but I know that they are good.


    There are also things like beautifully decorated vases that seem to suck you in just by looking at them.


    As I walked along the corridor, admiring each item, I seemed to have arrived at my destination before I knew it.


    This is the room for Mr. Linneburg and two others.


    The man accompanying you will be next to him.


    "Yes, thank you.


    "Then you may relax until noon tomorrow.


    A member of our staff will be waiting for you when the time is right.


    I''ll be waiting for you.


    After a brief exchange of words with Leanne, the woman who had been showing us around left.


    We each checked the room we would be staying in, and then quickly returned to the hallway.


    So, what are you going to do now?


    "Well, yes.


    Since we arrived so late today, Inez, Rollo and I would like to just check our outfits for tomorrow and then go to bed.


    What would you like to do, doctor?


    "Well, ...... I''d like to walk around the building a bit, if that''s all right.


    There''s a lot I haven''t seen before and I''d like to take a closer look.


    Well, if you think that''s a good idea, that''s fine too. ...... But it''s almost nighttime, and if you just want to walk around, I think it''s better to wait until tomorrow.


    It is basically forbidden to go out at night in this cathedral.


    ...... Is that so?��Then I''ll stay inside.


    The view from the window was pretty good.


    When I checked the room earlier, I looked out of the large window and saw the ground far away.


    At first I cringed in fear, but ...... as long as you stay calm and look in the distance, there is no problem.


    The view of the city of Mithra through the large window was still beautiful and I never get tired of looking at it.


    It''s sunset time now, and the spires of the churches everywhere look even more beautiful.


    I think I could look at them all night long.


    I''ll see you tomorrow.


    See you tomorrow.


    As we parted ways and were about to enter the room, I saw a boy with green hair walking towards me from the end of the corridor.


    Behind the boy, several figures in strange armor walked around him as if to protect him.


    "�������� Oh, there you are.


    You''re too late, Leanne.


    ...... Are you in some kind of trouble?


    I''ve been looking forward to meeting you.


    "...... Prince Tyrence.


    The boy smiled happily as he walked up to Lean.


    He was a little taller than Lean.


    They looked to be about the same age.


    The green-haired boy spoke to Lean, not even looking at us around him.


    I''m really happy. You came all the way here to celebrate my birthday.


    "It''s an honor to be invited, Prince.


    In contrast to the boy''s friendly manner, Lean bowed in awe.


    So, that''s the son of the country''s greatest Pope that Lean was talking about earlier. ��������


    �������� some sort of prince.


    "�������� No, Lean.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    We''re both officially engaged to be married.


    "...... With all due respect, Prince Tyrence.


    I''m not sure if you''re still playing that joke.


    I don''t remember getting engaged, and it''s definitely not official between the two families.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work. �������� My father doesn''t even recognize the story.


    �������� Hmm, did he?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.


    ...... You know what that means, don''t you?


    "...... No.


    I have no idea why that would be.


    The green-haired boy still has the same carefree smile on his face.


    The green-haired boy is still smiling at Lean, but Lean looks much more unhappy.


    The air seems a little tense since they started talking.


    They seem to be ...... acquainted, but I wonder if they don''t get along.


    "Hmm, you''re really bossy, you know that?


    It''s not like you''re going to give in no matter how much pressure I put on you.


    Only you, ......, can do that.��You''re the only one who can give me that kind of look to my face.


    I don''t mean to be so rude, but ...... even if I were, I don''t know how you could ask such a person to marry you.


    I''m not going to be that hard on you, but �������� even if I were, I don''t know how you could ask someone like that to marry you.


    This is why (?????), you''re the one.


    You are the one who deserves to be my bride.


    I''m not interested in people who are easily seduced by money or power.


    "I''m flattered by the compliment, but �������� I don''t think I can live up to your expectations.


    �������� Hmmm, you''re as boring as ever.


    It''s not a bad deal, I think. ......


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own website.


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve never heard of it.


    I''m sure you don''t understand something as simple as that. I''m just curious.


    What''s that ��������?


    It''s a good thing. It''ll boost your country''s power.


    Why would you turn down such a lucrative offer?


    I''ve been waiting for you my whole life.


    Hey, look, �������� you can come to my room right now.


    Just leave those followers alone.


    "Really �������� are you kidding?


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m going to try.


    "��������... I think you''re being too playful, Prince Tyrence.


    Anything more than that will be taken as a joke and an insult to ...... our family and will be dealt with accordingly. �������� May I?


    She now had her hand on the hilt of the golden sword at her hip.


    The armored soldiers at the side of the green boy noticed this and immediately stepped forward.


    At the same time, Inez jumped out to protect Lean.


    The two sides stared at each other between the boy and Lean.


    �������� "It''s okay, boys.


    There''s nothing to worry about, just stay back.


    She''s not going to do anything, you know.


    "...... Yes, the prince is right, Inez.


    This is just a greeting.


    This is the way it''s always been with him.


    ...... Isn''t it?��Prince.


    �������� unless you want to keep going.


    "�������� Oh, scary, scary.


    You''re very impressive.


    I really thought you were going to cut me down.


    But I''m relieved to see you''re still the same.


    That''s my lean.


    The boy waved his hand lightly and the armored soldiers quietly fell back behind him.


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    We parted ways and went into the rooms that had been set up for us.


    She said she hadn''t slept well last night, and didn''t seem to be in good shape.


    It would be better to get some rest early.


    That night I looked out the window at the beautiful city with its small lights and fell asleep, immersed in the afterglow of the trip.

 69-69 Morning of the ball

    When I woke up, I could see the city of Mithra outside my window, pale and white in the blue early morning light.


    The moment before sunrise, when dawn is breaking and the city is about to wake up. �������� I like this time as much as anywhere else.


    It gives me the feeling that the day is about to begin.


    From a distance, I can see people coming out of buildings here and there.


    Last night, I minimized my daily training, such as swinging the black sword, and went to bed early.


    The room I stayed in had the luxury of having hot water at my disposal, so I was able to wash and refresh myself after working out. There were large bowls of fruit in the room that I was told I could eat freely, so I took some and ate it to moisten my throat, then went to bed feeling good while looking out the window.


    Thanks to ��������, I''m feeling great now.


    All right, let''s get you dressed.


    I quickly changed into the clothes that Leanne and the others had prepared for me and went out into the hallway.


    It seemed a little early, but it was getting light and I wanted to take a look around since I couldn''t go out at night.


    Leanne and the others were probably still asleep, so I went out quietly so as not to wake them.


    Inez was standing in front of the door of the room where they had stayed. You''re early.


    Oh, Inez is early too. You''re up already?


    Are the ...... leaners still sleeping inside?


    Mr. Linneburg is in the middle of changing his clothes.


    She''s in the middle of changing her clothes with Rollo, doing final checks on her outfit.


    I see. I see you''re all up early.


    Since you went to bed early last night, are you all dressed and ready to go, Lord Noor?


    Yes, I thought it would be best to change as soon as possible.


    Inez is still dressed as she was yesterday, are you going to change now?


    Inez stood in front of the door in her usual silver armor and skirt.


    No, I''m going to stay like this. No, I''ll stay as I am. This will also serve as my formal attire as a guard.


    This is also my formal attire as a guard.


    "Oh, that''s very kind of you to prepare.


    I don''t know what to wear by myself.


    The black dress you prepared for me looked tight at first, but when I put it on, it felt very comfortable and I soon got used to it.


    It was the perfect size for my body, but I could still move my arms around and it didn''t get in the way at all.


    The fabric was smooth and thin, yet it seemed to be strong.


    I''m sure this dress was made especially for you to measure, right?


    ...... Wow, this is amazing.


    I''ve never worn this kind of clothing before, but it''s very comfortable.


    It''s a very good product, made by the best craftsmen in King''s Landing.


    It''s woven with silver threads of mithril, which should make it quite strong, but if you handle it too roughly, it will break easily. Be careful with it.


    "Yes, I will. I''ll be careful.


    By the way, it''s still early for you to be awake. What are you doing here?


    I wanted to take a look at the paintings and sculptures in this building and in the corridors.


    I wanted to take a look at the paintings and sculptures in this building and in the corridors, because I know I won''t be able to see them until I get back to the kingdom.


    "I see. But you shouldn''t go too far.


    It''s not good to get lost.


    Oh, I''ll try not to go too far, it''s okay.


    I''m going to try not to go too far, I''ll be fine. I don''t need to see too much of the art stuff, I''ll be satisfied with what I see.


    I''ll be happy to see a little." ......


    You should be back before the guide arrives.


    If you can''t make it to the ball, you''re screwed.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website to see if you can find any useful information.


    ...... Are we supposed to be dancing too?


    No, ...... only the honored guests will dance.


    We are the guards, and our job is to make sure that Mr. Linneburg and Rollo are safe.


    We will not be dancing unless we are specifically asked to.


    "Well, that''s a relief to hear. I''ve never danced with anyone before. ...... I don''t want to be asked to dance all of a sudden. ��Can ...... you do that?


    No, ...... me neither. I''m not very good at that sort of thing.


    Is that so?��That''s surprising.


    I''ve always thought of him as a multi-talented man who could do anything.


    Surprisingly, ...... I basically handle everything on my own. I''m not very good at mixing with others.


    Inez has some useful skills, like that glowing shield. She seems to be able to do everything by herself.


    ...... Not everything. There are many things I''m not good at.


    ...... Dr. Noll, are you there?


    As Inez and I were having our casual morning conversation, a voice came from inside the room.


    "Yes, I''m here.


    Ines, may I ask you to open the door?


    Yes.


    When Inez opened the door, Leanne appeared from inside.


    She was dressed in an unusual white dress.


    No, white was not quite the right word.


    Just as she came out of her room, the dim corridor became brighter and brighter.


    "I see you''ve already made your preparations. It looks good on you.


    "Oh. Is that what you''re going with?


    It''s a very white dress. It''s a little bright.


    "�������� Yes.


    It''s mostly woven with holy silver thread, so depending on the angle, it should look silver or white.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your money.


    �������� Isn''t that weird?


    Yeah. I think it looks good on you.


    I don''t know how to say this, but ...... you look like a princess from some other country.


    ...... Do you think so?


    I''m not too sure about that, but if you say so, it makes the new look worth it.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it.


    ...... Good. It seems that she has more energy than yesterday.


    "Oh yeah, �������� Rolo looks great!


    Leanne walked briskly into the back of the room and came right back out again.


    Her hand was holding the hand of the person at the back of the room, who was forcibly pulled out into the hallway.


    The person was about the same height as Leanne, wore the same kind of men''s clothes as me, and looked to be a little younger than Leanne.


    It''s ��������


    It was �������� a boy I didn''t know.


    There was a boy there, a stranger.


    "�������� who are you?


    "No, it''s me. Noll.


    The boy looked at me puzzled.


    "Yes, it''s Rollo, sir. ............ Don''t you recognize him?


    It''s true, his hair is whitish and his eyes are red.


    That''s definitely Rollo''s features.


    But he''s definitely not the Rollo I know.


    "Is that really Rollo?��You look very different. ......?


    "Hmm, isn''t that right?��I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''ve done a lot of work on his hair. �������� Yes, it''s nice.


    I think you''ll be very popular in aristocratic society with this.


    Lean proudly looked at the boy who looked like �������� Rollo, or used to be Rollo.


    I also took a closer look at the boy and ...... still couldn''t believe he was Rollo.


    I''m sure you''ll agree.


    I''m still skeptical.


    I''m still skeptical, but ...... I''ll pretend it''s Rolo and talk to him.


    ...... Yes, it''s true that if you think of Rollo, you might think of him.


    There is a face.


    But really, I didn''t know who he was at first.


    The Rollo I knew was more of a �������� gloomy, insecure, slightly frightened, very dark boy with a very weak feeling. �������� Now he looks like a strong-willed, respectable boy.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.��You look different.


    Do you think so?


    Yeah, he looks a lot better than the green-haired boy I met yesterday.


    You said you''ve been working out for the past few months, so maybe that''s why?


    You said you''ve been working out for the past few months, so maybe that''s why. Your physique is stronger than before and you look better.


    Also, yesterday his bangs were hanging in front of his face and I couldn''t see his expression, but now his hair is neatly done and I can see his forehead and eyebrows.


    If I had to guess, I''d say that''s the difference. ...... That alone makes a person look very different.


    Is that all that makes a person look so different?


    �������� No, no.


    I''ve finally realized that there is a definite difference.


    It''s the �������� eye(s).


    Well, the eyes are different.


    Before, he had a very frightened and unsteady look in his eyes, but now he has a more confident look in his eyes. I feel that her eyes are much more powerful than before.


    This is probably the reason for the difference in impression.


    Until yesterday, I couldn''t see it clearly because it was hidden by my hair.


    �������� You really look different, Rollo.


    Still, you''ve changed a lot since a few months ago.


    I don''t know what happened to him, but somehow he''s more confident now, and his appearance is more appropriate for what he is. I guess.


    �������� So, yes, the boy in front of me is still Rollo.


    I still feel strange, but I have to admit it.


    This boy is Rollo.


    As I looked at his face with this in mind, I felt that he was beginning to look more and more like ...... Rolo.


    ...... Okay, that''s it.


    I felt that with a little more effort, I would be able to accept him as Rolo.


    By the way, what are you doing up so early in the morning?


    As I was trying my best to accept my new impression of Lolo, Lean spoke up.


    "......?��Oh, you mean me.


    I told you a little bit about it yesterday, but I wanted to make sure you got a good look at what''s here.


    I heard you''re not supposed to look around at night, but maybe in the morning?


    I''ve heard you''re not supposed to look around at night, but maybe in the morning?


    I''m not much of an arts and crafts person myself.


    I''m not very knowledgeable about arts and crafts, but I might be able to give you a simple explanation.


    Oh, that would be great. Please do.


    "Yes!��Why don''t you join us, Ines and Rollo?


    Yes, yes.


    Thank you.


    So we walked around the cathedral together.


    Lean explained in detail the origin and history of the various works of art displayed in the hallway. As I expected, she had a tremendous amount of knowledge. I felt really bad for her, but her explanations were so detailed that I could hardly understand them.


    Anyway, all I could understand was that �������� seemed to be an amazing thing.


    As Lean gave me various explanations, I remembered that there was a large painting in the hallway on the way here yesterday, and we all decided to go see it.


    There it was: ��������. Here it is. I knew it was big.


    In a huge frame with rather ornate decorations, there was what appeared to be a human skeleton sitting on a heavy golden chair, wearing a robe filled with glittering jewels.


    To be honest, it was a creepy painting, and I wanted to know why it was displayed here.


    "Leanne, this big painting ......, why is there a creepy painting of a clown hanging in this place ......?��This painting looks like a demon to me.


    I said what I thought, just as I had done when I had seen many things before I came here.


    But �������� I felt Leanne and Inez''s faces cloud over for a moment at my question.


    ...... Did I just say something wrong?


    This is the icon of St. Mithra.


    I''m sorry, but I think it''s best not to talk too loudly about what you think of this picture.


    If someone hears you, you''ll be in trouble.


    "...... Why?


    The picture of St. Mithra in ...... is the most important object of worship for the Mithraists.


    It is the only holy �������� being that Pope Astila venerates, and that is Saint Mithra.


    There are many people in this country who would be offended if anyone spoke ill of it.


    "You mean there are people who care about this ......?


    ...... I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to.


    No, ............ honestly, I feel the same way as you do, ...... but I try not to say it out loud. I think it would be better if you took into consideration the fact that it may spoil the feelings of pure people.


    ...... Well, I guess it''s best not to talk about it too much.


    I looked at the big picture again, and �������� I still think it''s a skeletal demon.


    But I''m not supposed to say that.


    This country is a bit cramped, after all.


    There are a lot of unusual and beautiful things, but �������� I think I''m much better suited to live in a kingdom.


    I should probably go back to my �������� room. I''ve had enough of this. Lean''s explanation was also helpful.


    Yes, I think it''s time to go, so that''s probably a good idea.


    We went back to Lean''s room together and had just finished a late breakfast when we heard a knock on the door from outside.


    "�������� Mr. Linneburg. I''ve come for you.


    When Inez opened the door, there was a woman in a white robe waiting for us.


    By this time we were all ready and ready to go.


    Yes, everyone is ready. Please show us the way.


    "Okay, ��������, let''s go.


    As the woman leading the way started to lead us, we saw the soldiers we had met yesterday, dressed in bizarrely shaped armor, walking in a line from the far end of the hallway.


    "...... what is it?


    The soldiers walked straight towards us.


    It seems that the talkative prince is not with us today.


    Yesterday we didn''t count them, but now there are six.


    We stopped and looked at the approaching soldiers. �������� They walked briskly and suddenly stopped right in front of me and surrounded me all at once.


    They suddenly stopped in front of me and said, "Lord Linneburg''s squire, �������� Lord Knoll, is it?


    We have orders from His Holiness the Pope to entertain you in a separate room (????).


    You must accompany us now.


    Suddenly, they went out of their way to entertain me alone.


    I''m not sure what you''re talking about, and when I looked at Leanne, she had the same puzzled look on her face as Inez.


    ...... Well, I suppose that''s true.


    I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that if I were you.


    ...... hospitality.


    That''s very nice of you to say, but ...... now?


    That''s a little abrupt. ��...... And I''m the only one who''s going?


    Yes, you are to be entertained (????) by all of us.


    ...... Oh, so ...... we''re all going to entertain me?��............ I''m sorry?


    I turned around again and looked at Lean''s face.


    I turned around again and looked at Leanne''s face. In this situation, I should ask her opinion, because she seems to be familiar with the situation.


    I''m not sure what to do. ...... Leanne, what do you want me to do?��I''m told I''m being summoned.


    Yes ��������, I''ll leave that to your judgment.


    ...... Oh yeah? ......?��Do I get to decide ......?


    The most annoying answer came from Lean, who asked for help. ...... I thought about it for a moment and quickly came to a conclusion.


    I''m going to go to the ��������.


    It is the order of that ...... great Pope, isn''t it?


    If you ignore it, you might get in trouble with them too.


    Are you still going alone ......?


    ............?��Yeah. It seems I''m the only one who''s been invited.


    "I understand ��������. ...... Take care.


    "Now, Mr. Linneburg, Mr. Rollo and Ms. Ines, please follow me. I will show you to the venue.


    After we finished talking, the woman in the robe walked off with the other three.


    "Good luck at ��������, doctor. Good luck.


    "............?��...... Yeah, I''ll see you later.


    Lean''s parting words bothered me a little, but I said goodbye to the others and followed the six men in the strange armor through the vast cathedral.

 70-70 Tyr communith

    "...... What the hell is this place, ......?��What a dark place.


    The soldiers brought me to a place that seemed to be somewhere underground.


    I went back and forth, and even got on that blue glowing floor many times, so I lost track of where I was. ...... In the end, I was brought into a very large cavernous space.


    The area is dimly lit, and you can barely see the far wall in the faint sunlight streaming in from the upper floors.


    �������� This was once the entrance to a labyrinth known as the Labyrinth of Sorrows.


    As I look around, one of the soldiers in armor tells me.


    "...... Labyrinth?��There was a labyrinth in Mithra?


    You don''t even know that, �������� snob.


    The capital of our Mithraic nation is the city that Pope Astira built on top of the Labyrinth of Sorrows, which she had treaded alone in the past. This is a place of venerable history,��������, and you should be honored just to set foot in it.


    It certainly sounds like that.


    I''ve never been in a labyrinth before, so I didn''t know what to expect.


    The whole place was old and made in a way that I hadn''t seen up there.


    "...... you. You seem to be taking it very easy. ...... Do you realize the position you''re in?


    "...... position ......?


    I''m pretty sure I came here because I was told that I would be treated well.


    I came here because I was told that I would be treated well. ...... Am I wrong?


    �������� Stop. You can''t take a serious question or answer to someone who is so disrespectful.


    I''m not sure what the dogs in the kingdom of Crais were thinking when they sent this to me.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.


    Yes, ��������, that was a bit much. It''s inexcusable that you allowed him to enter our sacred country.


    Yes, ...... let''s get this over with right away. The longer we associate with the pagans, the more we dull our faith.


    Yes, I can''t wait to get away from this barbaric man. ............ Sister, don''t you think it would be best if you were to disappear immediately?


    ...... No. Your eminence has instructed me to capture (????) you and offer you up.


    ��������, then we''ll get right on it.


    They are whispering something to each other in a whisper.


    They were whispering something to each other. I couldn''t see their faces because of their strange helmets or masks, but apparently there were some women in the mix.


    One of the soldiers held out one hand to me and said something.


    �������� I''m sorry, but this is what we do.


    Suddenly, the soldier''s fingertips flashed and �������� a pale light like a bolt of lightning.


    The blue-white light flew at my body and clung to me like a living thing.


    The moment your body is hit by the light, your body is no longer free.


    "It''s ��������... my body is ��������?


    For some reason, I felt as if my whole body was losing strength.


    �������� What the hell is this?


    "Hmm, stuck?


    This is a ward that has captured the Minotaur, a demon from the abyss.


    Even though you seem to have played an active role in the war against the empire, you can only point �������� one finger.


    No, it''s not so bad that you can''t move.


    I put some effort into it, and the blue light flashed away.


    "������������?


    I can''t see their faces, but the soldiers who brought me here seem to be surprised.


    "...... What the hell was that?


    I check my body, but it''s fine.


    "............ What the hell was that guy doing? Why aren''t the binding wards working?


    No, it could be a malfunctioning sacrament. I''ll do it.


    They sent the same pale light at me again.


    The light is a little brighter than before and covers my body ��������, but it still doesn''t hurt or itch.


    I just feel a little tight and weak.


    ...... I don''t understand.


    I wonder if this is what they call hospitality.


    ............ I''m sorry, but what does this mean?


    To be honest, I''m confused.


    ...... It''s good that they brought me here, but what am I supposed to do here?


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    They also seem to be surprised by it. ...... Perhaps it would have been better to leave it like that?


    You can find a lot of things about the culture of King''s Landing that are difficult for me to understand, but the culture of Mithra is even more difficult to understand.


    ............ What''s wrong? Why aren''t the binding wards working?


    "Could it be that the people of the kingdom have also developed a ward-resisting sacrament?


    ............ is possible. There''s a [Demon Saint] Oken over there.


    �������� It can''t be helped. We''ll have to take him down directly.


    That''s what you should have done from the start.


    Then �������� take your place.


    They surrounded me again, talking quietly, weapons in hand.


    For some reason, I got the impression that their mood had become a little sharper.


    �������� moment.


    In the dimly lit space, I saw a few small arrows flying at me.


    I could see that they were aimed precisely at my eyebrows, eyes, throat, and other vital points of my body.


    "Parry!


    I quickly flicked the arrows with my sword.


    It wasn''t a very fast arrow, so I was able to drop it easily, but at the same time, two armored soldiers jumped in front of me, each wielding a long sword and a double sword in their hands.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.


    �������� It was an amazing combination.


    You can''t even see when someone shoots a spell behind you.


    While I was admiring the sophisticated movements, two soldiers in strange armor, who had been behind me before I knew it, simultaneously launched spears at me.


    They were fast, too. If I''m careless, I might get stabbed.


    I managed to hold off the attack, and now four of them came at me at the same time.


    It''s really amazing coordination.


    And then their movements get sharper and faster.


    They''re fast, but not as fast as ��������


    But not as fast as �������� Gilbert.


    "Parry.


    I cleave my sword and block all of their attacks.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    "�������� You''re better than I thought.


    ...... You''re lying, I can''t believe you survived that.


    So it''s not just a rumor that the dumb guy is a hero?


    They didn''t seem to be intimidated.


    Once again, the two in the back of the pack attack with magic.


    In the same time, the remaining four timed their attack to close the distance at once.


    �������� A continuous barrage from six different directions, with no time to rest.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I have no idea.


    But it''s fun to see them show off their amazing skills like this, and it never gets old. And when they attack you relentlessly all at once like this, your body starts to warm up ��������


    �������� I''m starting to enjoy it a little more.


    "So that''s what �������� you''re saying.


    At that moment, I understood.


    This is what they meant by "hospitality".


    When the place changes, the culture changes.


    This is the way the people of Mithra treat their guests.


    And so, �������� finally made sense to me.


    When Lean told me that there were dangers in the coming-of-age ceremony, I had no idea what he meant. �������� So this is what he meant.


    It''s true that if you take a wrong step, you can get seriously injured.


    But this is the way �������� I like it.


    ............ Sorry, I didn''t notice your taste until later.


    I''m not familiar with the culture here.


    Is this the hospitality you were talking about?


    "�������� Oh, that''s right.


    You don''t think I''m going to treat people like you to a cup of tea or something?


    No, I''m much more comfortable with this. This is good.


    "Your eminence, the Pope, has taken care of you. �������� You can thank him for that.


    The Pope.


    Lean said that all conversations in this country are overheard.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little nervous about going to the ball.


    �������� So that''s what I think.


    I''m sure the Pope is a very honorable man.


    He cares about the people who came along with him as an add-on to Lean, and he has shown us such elaborate hospitality. No wonder he is respected by all the people.


    I was not very aware of such a person, and I called her an old woman, and the picture that she cherished was a creepy clown, and I''m sure she heard those things, but ............ I''m sure you heard that too, but you may have forgiven me long ago.


    Oh, thank you. I was surprised at first, but �������� this kind of thing is also quite interesting.


    The strange pale light was probably a signal for this to start or something.


    I immediately faced the six and readied my sword.


    Don''t let their concern go to waste.


    Let''s continue with ��������.


    I''ll do my best to deal with them from here on out.


    You''re coming with six more people?


    I don''t mind if you do.


    I don''t feel that I''m in danger, and they know that they''re entertaining a guest.


    There''s nothing to worry about if they come with you.


    �������� You think you''re ready for a duel with us, snob?


    "Hmm, interesting. There''s an event going on up there. Let''s have some fun too. It''s been a long time since I''ve had anything like this.


    Sigil, that''s a bad habit.


    But we''re doing this together.


    Yes, we are. But he wants to. It''ll be fun to play along.


    ...... I''ll tell you my name, it''ll be fun.


    �������� "Sigil of the Moment, come in.


    "Rai of �������� [Heavenly Sword].


    Miranda of ��������.


    "��������[Pseudepigrapha] ...... Petra.


    "Ryuk of �������� [Deadly Thrust]


    "...... [Great Spear], Gelgnain.


    The man with the twin swords in his hand muttered his name, and the others also gave their names.


    But there are too many �������� names for me to remember.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.


    Are you ready for ��������?


    The air among them was even more tense than before.


    Even though they had just introduced themselves, it was still very powerful.


    Well, maybe it''s polite to say your name like that here.


    I wonder if there is something like that in me.


    Do you have any kind of two-name system that you can use when you tell someone your name? ��������


    �������� Oh, yeah.


    I have one.


    There''s one name I''ve always wanted to use.


    Yeah. I''ll use that one now.


    And I''m going to imitate them, to make it a little more powerful. ��������


    I swung the black sword in my hand with all my might and introduced myself.


    I''m Noor, a citizen of the Kingdom of Crais �������� [Staking].


    I''m a civilian from the Kingdom of Crace.


    "��������, please.


    It''s a good thing I''m not the only one.


    �������� I see.


    There is such a thing as hospitality.


    This is certainly fun.


    There''s still a lot of things in the world I don''t know.


    Yes, this is a celebration of adulthood, a festival to begin with.


    It would be wrong not to enjoy it.


    ...... Now, who''s coming?


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.


    It''s going to be a lot more fun that way.


    I grabbed my black sword with all my might and held it up �������� to the six people who were going to entertain me.

 71-71 Ball

    The woman leading us down a wide hallway led the three of us to the ballroom.


    It looks like it''s already started.


    There was a glittering banquet with sunlight streaming in and people dressed in all kinds of clothes. In the middle of the hall, I could see a few groups of people dancing.


    As we stepped into the large room, we noticed that all eyes around us turned to us at once.


    It was not Leanne or Ines, but �������� me.


    There was a whispering voice in the distance. ......


    "Is it true what your eminence said? I didn''t think you''d actually bring something like that with you.


    So that''s the �������� demon tribe.


    I''ve never seen a real one before.


    Do you have any ...... demons with you?��Are you sure there''s no danger, ......?


    I''ve never seen a real �������� demon before. It looks like the color of a demon''s blood.


    �������� Don''t look at him, he''ll kill you.


    That''s what you get when you take a guest of honor to ......?��It''s ...... in bad taste, isn''t it, Kingdom of Crace?


    With a look, fear. Hate. Disgust. Contempt.


    All sorts of emotions erupted and flooded into me.


    All of the people who are directing these emotions at me know that I''m a demon.


    They may have been told beforehand.


    �������� that the demon tribe is coming here.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.


    "��������


    Are you okay, Rollo?


    I''ve never had so much malice directed at me from so many people at once before.


    But I''m used to people stabbing me in the back.


    I should be used to it.


    �������� Yeah, I''m fine.


    That''s what I knew before I came here.


    I didn''t care, I walked to the back of the hall.


    I saw the prince sitting on a golden chair.


    I don''t like the idea of ......, but let''s greet him first.


    The three of us stepped in front of the prince and he seemed to notice us.


    He was being congratulated by a number of girls around his age.


    As I approached them, they looked first at Lean and then at me, and showed their wariness.


    Leanne quietly brushed aside the stares and bade the prince adieu.


    "�������� is honored to have you with us, Prince.


    "Hmm, you''ve finally arrived.


    ...... You''re late.


    What''s the trouble?


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.


    No, nothing.


    However, the person who came with me as my escort has left me to receive hospitality (?????) at the direct order of His Eminence.


    Oh, well, I''m sorry to hear that (??????).


    Hey, Leanne. It''s a good opportunity.


    Let''s talk closer, not so far away.


    It''s just you and me, right?


    If you want, you can come and sit on my lap.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    ''�������� Play along.


    I''m sure you''ll be glad to hear that.


    I''m sure they''d love it.


    "Hmm, I''ll think about that too.


    I''ll think about that too. ...... if you''re willing to be mine.


    �������� I think I''ve already respectfully declined that offer.


    I''ve already respectfully declined your offer." "How dare you, ��������, when I''m the one who''s asking you so eagerly?


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.


    It was a clear hostility towards Lean.


    On the other hand, ...... you can''t see into the mind of the prince, even if you try to look into it, just like yesterday.


    Sometimes �������� is there.


    This is the kind of person who has a solid ''wall'' in their heart.


    "So what do you say, Lean. How about you come over there with me?


    "�������� What''s over there?


    Don''t you see?��I''m asking you to dance with me.


    It''s a ball and I''m the star.


    I think you should have the right to choose your partner. What do you think?


    Yes, �������� I have no reason to refuse you if that''s what you want.


    That''s good to know. Let''s go.


    The prince stood up from his ornately decorated chair and took Leanne''s hand.


    Leaning on Prince Tyrence''s hand, he walked toward the center of the ballroom, receiving the envy and jealousy of the people around him.


    As they walked forward, people naturally avoided them, creating a wide space around them.


    The two of them walked forward and naturally avoided people, creating a large space around them. It''s a great way to celebrate my coming of age.


    When the prince gave the signal, the music began in a gentle tone.


    The two began to dance slowly to the music.


    The others resumed dancing along with them.


    As I listened, I could hear Lean and the Prince talking quietly as they stepped gently.


    I''ve seen those people �������� as the Twelve Apostles.


    "Oh, ...... you knew them, didn''t you? As I recall, they went to pick up your followers, didn''t they?


    Where are they now?


    Are you worried about the squire?


    �������� No, not at all.


    Hmm, that''s cold, isn''t it?


    It would be very rude for me to worry about Dr. Noor.


    I''m more worried about them.


    "Oh, ��������, you know about the Twelve Apostles, don''t you?


    It''s said that each one of them has the same level of ability as your Six Saints.


    "Yes, I know about them. That''s what they say (??????), that''s all.


    ...... You have a lot of faith in that guy, don''t you?


    Yes, I do. Enough to trust him with my life.


    ...... I really envy you.


    How would you like to be a part of that?


    Oh, you''re joking again. I don''t want any more of that.


    You think so?��Let''s go to ....... tonight and see if it''s true.


    No, I want you to come to my room ������������ right after this.


    Lean''s foot moved quickly for a moment and flew to �������� the prince''s foot.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    There were only a few people in the audience who noticed the exchange.


    �������� Excuse me, I took a wrong step.


    "Hmm, I thought I was going to break my foot.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll take it easy.


    ...... You''re really scary, you know that?


    No, I''m not. Just make sure the prince doesn''t say anything crazy and I won''t accidentally step on him.


    "Hmm, you are really �������� strong-minded.


    The two of them talked and danced beautifully.


    Before long, the people dancing around them stopped to watch them, and even the woman carrying the food stopped to admire them.


    After a while, they bowed and parted, and the prince returned to his place in the chair, while Lean came back to us.


    The party continued.


    As usual, there were only bad feelings directed at me.


    Thanks to Leanne and Inez standing next to me, the stares softened somewhat, but �������� I felt bad.


    �������� hatred. Disgust. Contempt. Contempt.


    Just standing there is a never-ending barrage of negative emotions.


    "Rollo, whatever you think of me, I don''t care.


    "............ Yeah, I know.


    I didn''t want to worry her any more than I already had, so I decided to change the subject.


    ...... That was a great dance.


    "I''m glad you were watching it. I''m not very good at that kind of thing. ...... Oh, by the way, didn''t Rollo teach you?


    Yes, at least the ...... basics.


    Did you get an idea of what it''s really like from ��������?


    ...... Yeah, pretty much.


    "Hmm, that''s Rollo. Well, then, let''s go.


    She suddenly pulled me by the hand and started walking.


    Where are we going?


    Of course, we''re going to dance, we''re going to dance.


    "...... What?


    She pulled me along, and I was thrown into the middle of the ballroom.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    "Are you sure you want to dance, ......?


    Yes, I heard that we stand out even if we don''t do anything anyway.


    �������� Let''s make ourselves stand out for good.


    You''ll have to match me.


    Leanne took me by the arm and pulled me close to her.


    And she steps to the music.


    It was the same as when Leanne and the prince were dancing earlier.


    Surely, I can handle this.


    I retrace my memory, and start to step forward as if I were watching.


    "Is it like this?


    "�������� Yes. It looks good.


    ...... You look like you''re getting used to it.


    Can I pick up the pace a little?


    I think so.


    Lean''s movements become faster and louder, and I follow suit.


    Her shining white dress billowed like a living thing, filling the air and covering the air as she took large steps, using all the floor space around her. �������� This drew many eyes to me as I danced in the middle of the hall.


    She didn''t shy away from it and widened her stride even more, dancing faster and sharper.


    It''s a great way to get the most out of your time and money.


    �������� As I did so, I noticed something strange.


    The disgust and disdain that had been directed at me earlier �������� gradually turned into a strange look.


    Then, gradually, it faded into a �������� curious look.


    There are some people, not all, who enjoy watching �������� us dance.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    What do you think?��I''m starting to enjoy it a little bit more, so I''d like to keep going.


    "�������� Yeah, okay.


    We increased our pace and danced.


    We danced faster and faster, and there were cheers from everywhere.


    It was more like a fancy sword dance than a dance.


    It was not particularly difficult to imitate and follow her movements as she moved in all directions.


    She has opened her heart to me and I can see what she''s going to do next.


    We occasionally let go of each other''s hands and dance together, mirroring each other''s movements, and then we quickly come together and take a big step.


    We gradually became accustomed to such improvisation.


    I could hear a kind of applause from the people around me.


    The prince was also staring at me.


    His expression was unexpectedly very happy. ��������


    �������� found that the walls of his mind had crumbled a little.


    As the dense malice of the venue faded, it became easier to read his mind, and I could feel his emotions flowing into me.


    I could feel what was going through his mind, and I was a little confused.


    The feelings he has in his heart right now: ��������


    It was "trust" in Lean.


    The same kind of unshakable trust (???????) that Noll had once had in me.


    It occupied about half of his mind.


    That was very surprising, but ...... what bothered me more was the rest.


    He was now smiling happily and unconcernedly as he watched us dance.


    But in his mind, other than the �������� trust and expectation he had for Lean, the rest of his mind was occupied with �������� fear and despair of something unknown.


    As I danced, I called out to Lean.


    Lean.


    "Yes, Rollo?


    I saw the moment when my face was close to her ear and said.


    He might be �������� the prince, not our enemy (?????).


    "What did you just say, ��������?


    We danced for a while, and finally we both bowed to the people around us.


    The prince stood up and clapped his hands, and the �������� audience applauded loudly.


    �������� I feel a lot better now.


    The malice directed at me has not all gone away.


    There is still a lot of scorn, anger, and disgust �������� left in the world.


    But most of them have been transformed into jealousy and other emotions.


    At least the fear and the desire to kill have lessened.


    "Thank you, Leanne.


    "Well, it''s been a pleasure, Rollo. See you at ��������.


    Lean was about to say something when all the applause and cheering stopped.


    Suddenly, there was no more talking, and a silence enveloped the previously lively venue.


    The heated air was instantly �������� chilled to the point of freezing.


    It''s �������� strange.


    Why are the demons dancing at my son''s coming of age ceremony?


    I invited them in, but �������� I''m a little confused when they act like they own the place.


    I wonder what the applauders are thinking about that.


    �������� You don''t think we''re the same person, do you?


    �������� The music, which had been playing quietly, stopped.


    "Your Holiness.


    In an instant, a feeling of fear overcame the place.


    The strongest feelings of fear and trepidation I''ve ever felt came from everywhere.


    "............Uh............?


    "Rollo, what''s wrong?


    I tried to look inside her mind and couldn''t stop myself from throwing up.


    That''s the �������� Pope.


    The one who rules with fear over many countries across the continent.


    And the biggest �������� enemy of our demon tribe.


    "Don''t get me wrong, it''s not that I don''t welcome you. I''ve been looking forward to seeing you here more than anyone else. �������� Linneburg. Rollo. I''ve been waiting for this day to come for a long time for you to be mine (????). Now, come here. Let''s talk.


    Her mind was filled with a malice and darkness that was far more dense and �������� incomparably deeper than all the emotions in the room.

 72-72 Dialogue with the Pope

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    The Pope kept a smile plastered on his face.


    I felt a slight chill in my stomach as I spoke up about my discomfort with her comment earlier.


    "By the way, ��������, your eminence.


    What did you just say about Rollo, ......?


    It seemed to me that you said something about ...... as if you were treating it like an object.


    I''m not sure if I heard that right.


    "Is ...... that �������� something?


    The Pope''s smile instantly disappeared at my words, and after a moment of silence, a low voice echoed around the area.


    "Is there something wrong with that, Linneburg?


    It was a voice that seemed to bind my heart just by hearing it.


    It was a voice that bound my heart just to hear it.


    I felt as if I had been swallowed by darkness in an instant.


    Honestly speaking, I feel that this person in front of me is terrifying. However, I must not show any weakness to this woman (person).


    I felt this intuitively, so I continued my conversation, choosing my words carefully.


    I was told that it was as a friend of mine that you brought him �������� here today.


    At least, that''s what I told him and asked him to come here.


    So, �������� I''m sorry, but I can''t hear what he said.


    That was ............ what a change of heart.


    The Pope laughed with great amusement when I protested against his treatment of Rollo.


    "Well, well, well. You are a stout man, Linneburg.


    You are a stout man, Linneburg, to be unmoved by my presence and to speak such nonsense.


    At your age, your boldness �������� makes me want you more and more.


    "...... Your Eminence.


    Are you not going to answer my question ��������?


    She raised one hand to interrupt me as I tried to continue my question.


    "Linneburg. Don''t say a word.


    You''re the one who''s being too rude.


    You seem to have misunderstood me, but there is no such thing as a change of heart.


    Originally, �������� I had intended to do so from the beginning.


    The Pope smiled kindly at us again, but it was no more than a sinister mask of darkness.


    "From the beginning ......?��What kind of �������� is that?


    I have invited you, of course, as the fianc��e of my son, Tyrence.


    I invited you as the fianc��e of my son, Tyrence. �������� and as a dignitary of the enemy (?????).


    The demons there are invited as their curious friends (?????).


    Nothing has changed in my intentions.


    There was a slight stir in the hall.


    She spoke clearly.


    That the Kingdom of Crais is an enemy.


    We were invited to Mithra from the beginning with that intention.


    That we were invited into �������� Mithra as enemies of Mithraism from the beginning.


    "Your eminence, what is �������� an enemy state?


    Linneburg.


    Your country, �������� the Kingdom of Crace, has made the demon race there a part of the nation. Despite repeated warnings from my country.


    You know what that means, right?


    You know well how our country deals with demons.


    It''s a complete insult and hostile act against our country to give in to their evil presence. At that point, you have turned against our country. �������� It is obvious that you are the enemy.


    And you knew that, didn''t you, and that''s why you are the guards (????)?��Unfortunately, one of them seems to have disappeared somewhere.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had it.


    "�������� I don''t understand, your eminence.


    We have no hostile intentions toward you, Mithra.


    Even if the two countries were hostile, why did you call me Prince Tyrence''s "fiancee"? It''s in too bad taste to be a joke, and if you were serious, it would be even more �������� unacceptable.


    The Pope laughed again.


    I see. You don''t understand?


    Well, that''s �������� it.


    He was full of joy.


    The Pope quietly raised one hand, and the soldiers surrounding us all drew their swords at once.


    The crowd, which had been buzzing, quieted down again in an instant.


    "Yes, I see. You''re right, I may not have explained it well enough.


    In simple terms, �������� it can be described as a condition.


    "...... conditions?


    Yes, that''s right.


    I have a high regard for your talent and good blood. I''m saying that it would be a shame to let it be buried in that dying little country.


    There should be more opportunities to utilize them in our country.


    How about ......?


    How about making a formal betrothal here with my prince and leaving my country with superior blood.


    I''m saying that''s a condition for me to mercifully save your country �������� and the kingdom of Crais ruled by that foolish king.


    The woman in front of you laughs with even more amusement as she says this,��������, and as my father says, it''s like a demon.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    To send his lovely daughter off to a country that is against him like this.


    It''s a good idea to have a few guards,��������, or is it just one more?


    Perhaps it was intended as a tribute from the start?


    If it was ��������, I would be grateful to receive it.


    I had a hunch when I saw that licking gaze.


    This person �������� from the beginning sees other people, other than himself, as objects.


    Not only the demons, but �������� probably all people are the same in the eyes of this woman (person).


    The cold eyes made me think of that.


    �������� My father did not send me with such an intention.


    "�������� Yes, that''s enough, Linneburg.


    That''s all I have to say.


    Since you don''t seem to be listening to me,��������, I''ll deal with you accordingly.


    �������� guards.


    "��������


    "Seize (????)


    �������� moment.


    A lightning bolt of blue light shot from the hands of several guards and flew at the three of us.


    �������� That''s a captivity ward.


    The light of the seal where I was once captured and nearly killed by the Minotaur.


    It was a much denser and more intense light than before, and it was emitted from all around us at once.


    And it was ��������


    ���������������� what?


    �������� It was repelled by the power of the diadem that each of us wore.


    The Pope gave me a surprised look and asked me.


    ...... What is it, Linneburg? That diadem.


    It''s a little �������� different from our technology.


    I wonder why ...... such a thing exists.


    She narrowed her eyes a little uncomfortably.


    I think it''s quite natural that your eminence has never seen this before.


    This is a work of art from �������� that I have made and imitated.


    This is a magical tool that can lift the same quality of the binding wards that �������� someone put on me when I almost lost my life in a minotaur attack before. I never thought it would come in handy here, though.


    I thought I had answered with all the sarcasm I could muster.


    But surprisingly, the expression on the Pope''s face at that moment was one of �������� glee.


    She was shaking with joy, a change from her earlier sullen look.


    "�������� Oh, how wonderful.


    It''s absolutely wonderful, Princess Linneburg.


    It''s the woman I expected.


    You''re the one I''ve been expecting. You''ve even prepared your own anti-welding sacrament in such a short time.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s trying to find a way to make this happen. �������� Are you saying that you had already perfected the theory of imitating the secret warding technology when you were studying in my country?


    �������� Oh, that''s really great.


    I''m sure you''ll be very happy with the results.


    You''re really good and �������� very, very dangerous.


    The Pope, looking somewhat excited, waved his hand, and the guards scattered and surrounded us, all pointing their swords at us.


    I honestly couldn''t have imagined this.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.


    After all, your father seems to have a very low opinion of your value.


    The value of your blood.


    �������� more and more.


    You''re the one I''ve been looking for.


    How about �������� Linneburg.


    Would you be willing to formally wed the prince here and become �������� mine?


    If you do, my country, and by extension this continent, will be more stable and enjoy unprecedented prosperity.


    Now, this will be your last notice.


    Please reply carefully to ��������.


    Of course. ��������


    No ��������.


    The moment I was about to say that immediately.


    A �������� roar.


    At the same time, the stone floor of the hall where we were standing shook as if it were distorting, and several lights fell from the ceiling and shattered one after another.


    The hall, which had been quiet, was instantly enveloped in confusion.


    What''s going on?


    From a corridor at the back of the room, there was a clatter of footsteps.


    Several soldiers stepped forward in front of the Pope, looking panicked, and announced.


    I''m sorry.


    Someone has entered the depths of the Cathedral''s Labyrinth of Sorrows.


    The depths?


    The Twelve Apostles are ....... What were they doing?


    Quickly, deal with them.


    That''s a sacred place where valuable relics lie.


    Seize the bandits as soon as possible. ����������������?


    "��������, Your Eminence?


    Without warning, the Pope''s face twisted in pain.


    She was suddenly staring into the void, her eyes �������� wide and her mouth repeatedly opening and closing as if in a daze.


    "What on earth is going on, Your Eminence ��������?


    The soldiers around her were dismayed.


    It was an expression that I, �������� and probably everyone else in the room, had never seen before.


    The Pope''s look of sincere confusion.


    Her hands, which were always calm, were now shaking �������� her body.


    Why, why, why ��������?


    Why are humans able to penetrate so far?


    No, no. It can''t be.


    There''s no one ������������ in there anymore!


    Again, the Pope''s eyes widened �������� and he seemed to moan, inaudibly, as he cleared his throat.


    Why ����������������?


    ����������������!!!


    The Pope again looked in agony for a moment,�������� and then quickly covered his face with a cold mask and instructed his soldiers.


    "�������� I have an errand to run.


    Arrest this little girl respectfully.


    I''ll be expecting a good report.


    What?


    Without waiting for the soldier''s reply, the Pope disappeared in a pale light.


    I''m going to go back to my room. When I''m done, go to my room, Lean.


    Prince Tirens also disappeared in a blue light.


    He smiled at me as he left.


    "��������������������������������


    I felt something well up in my �������� heart.


    The building was still shaking and the chaos was still going on.


    "Ines.


    Yes.


    You have to go now. From here on, follow my brother''s instructions (??????).


    But ��������.


    Inez looked around.


    Soldiers were pouring in and surrounding us.


    The shaking must have been caused by the �������� doctor.


    It''s probably a signal from the doctor to us.


    I think he found something and moved ahead of us.


    The time to move is now.


    I''ll be fine on my own.


    I looked into Inez''s eyes and she closed them and gave a small nod.


    "�������� Yes, sir. Mr. Linneburg. Please be safe.


    "Yes, Inez and Rollo too.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s had to deal with this.


    The surrounding soldiers were slow to react and just watched in silence.


    What is it?��Did only the squire and the guard escape?


    ". That''s an impressive attitude.


    That''s the pride of the Kingdom of Crace, the elite. That''s disgusting.


    The soldiers surrounding me laughed at them.


    "Princess Linneburg. You are not going to run away?


    "...... Yes. I have no intention of running away.


    "I see, so you can accompany me quietly ....... In that case, we''d like to ��������


    No. I''m just saying I''m staying here.


    I''m not going to follow you.


    "Princess ............?


    With all due respect ��������, you already know the situation, don''t you?


    The soldier held out his hand and urged me to observe my surroundings.


    There were roughly two hundred armed soldiers in sight.


    Including the number waiting outside the hall, there are several hundred ��������.


    About half of Mithra''s elite "Holy Knights", dressed in the finest holy silver armor, were present.


    And there''s no one on my side here.


    I''m now in a situation where everything I see is an enemy.


    "�������� Yes. Of course I understand that.


    "Then why are you being so stubborn?


    Come on, man up and �������� with us.


    I grabbed the wrist of the soldier who tried to grab my arm with one hand and slowly pushed him away.


    There are a couple of misconceptions about ��������.


    First of all, they didn''t run away.


    They just went to get one of the things they were looking for.


    The soldier who grabbed my hand seems to be trying to shake me off.


    Perhaps his holy silver armor has been enchanted with [Strengthening].


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    ��������, but I''m not going to let go yet.


    Because my story is not (??????) over yet (???????).


    �������� And one more thing.


    If you haven''t figured it out yet, �������� it''s not that I didn''t run away.


    I''m only here because I don''t need to run away.


    Why would I run away from ��������?


    Why do I have to run here?


    At that point, I finally let go of the soldier''s arm.


    The soldier, whose arm was finally free, jumped in surprise, and pointed his sword at me from a distance.


    I may have used a little too much force.


    I could see the marks of my hand clearly on his holy silver gauntlet.


    He said he was going to run away.


    What is the point of doing that in this situation?


    I slowly looked around and said to the people surrounding me, pointing their weapons at me, in order to be heard.


    There is no one here who is a threat to me.


    I now felt a little �������� anger welling up inside me.

 73-73 Lightning dancing white

    It was a bizarre sight.


    More than a hundred "holy knights" were surrounding a single girl, unable to move an inch.


    �������� It''s a little uncomfortable, isn''t it?


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    It was a cold, temperatureless voice that could hardly have come from the girl who had been dancing so happily just a moment ago.


    ...... No. To be honest, I''m very uncomfortable (??????) right now.


    I''m very uncomfortable (��������) right now, to be honest.


    I did not expect to be treated in such a way as to insult my friends and my country.


    But that was indeed the voice that came from the girl surrounded by knights.


    "Princess Linneburg.


    You are under arrest. If you resist, you will be ��������


    ...... restraint......?


    The girl, dressed in a pure white dress, looked around calmly.


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    "...... me, sir?


    ...... I''m afraid you don''t understand the situation.


    I''m sure you''ll agree that it''s a little rough on the eyes.


    The knights with their swords at the ready rushed towards the girl at once.


    The knights with their swords at the ready crowded the girl at once.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you have.


    You''re not going to restrain me, are you?��Really?


    And then the questioning words came out of the girl''s small mouth.


    "�������� with this many people (????????), huh?


    The girl''s voice sounded even colder than before.


    "Mr. Linneburg.


    I''m not sure if you know this, but we are the elite of Mithra.


    Six of the Twelve Saints are here.


    "Yes, I know you well, Lord Leyva of Tenri.


    Yes, I know you well, Master Riba of [Heavenly Principle].


    And ��������, this is Cain-sama of the [Bladeless].


    All of you here seem to be those who are lined up on the port side.


    The girl said the names of the knights in front of her, as if she was just greeting them at a dinner party.


    "Oh. I am honored that you know us so well.


    Then I assume you have some idea of our capabilities.


    "Yes, of course, I''ve heard of you.


    In addition, I''m very sorry to say this, but ...... if you want to hold me off, I recommend that you get at least a hundred more people with the same level of ability.


    The girl''s words instantly froze the air in the place.


    A ripping atmosphere began to emanate from the knights she was facing.


    "What did you just say, ............?


    It sounded to me as if you were saying that we were not a threat, that we were not worthy of ...... alarm.


    The girl did not let the increasingly tense atmosphere affect her at all, and continued to speak as if it were nothing at all.


    Yes, you''re right.


    But even if there were a hundred more, I''m sure �������� they would only buy us time. The gap in power is too great.


    "�������� Princess Linneburg. That''s too much.


    You seem to be angry, but there''s no point in provoking her.


    No. No. I''m saying this out of respect.


    I honestly believe that �������� your abilities are not even the slightest obstacle.


    ............ Are you serious about that?


    Yes, I know it''s very presumptuous of me, but I don''t think you''re aware of that.


    I dare you to say it.


    This is also a warning to you so that you don''t get hurt.


    "............ So you''re now worried about ...... our injuries and not your own?


    Yes. Yes, I am.


    You can see the growing agitation and frustration of the knights from the spectators outside the line of knights.


    ...... You''re playing this a little too hard to get, Princess.


    Now, we are treating you with respect.


    If you say any more insulting words, your precious body may be damaged. ......?


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    "I''m a direct disciple of the [Six Saints] and a disciple of �������� that Professor Noor.


    You think you can stop me with only (????) a hundred or a thousand (??????) troops.


    Do you really think so?


    The girl said without any sentimentality, just telling the truth.


    "Princess ��������.


    Just for the record, we have received permission from your eminence in advance for any physical deficiencies (????) that require treatment. Therefore, even though you are the favorite of your eminence and the prince, you will have to do �������� more than this by force.


    "Yes, that''s fine.


    �������� But...


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will help you.


    I''m sure you won''t even be able to deal with them if you don''t.


    The girl''s cold voice echoed around the area, and the knights silently gripped their weapons.


    "Go to ����������������.


    That was the signal.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    But ��������


    Where the sword was headed.


    There was no sign of the person he was looking for.


    To the eyes of all present, it seemed as if the girl had simply vanished.


    The knight''s sword slashed the sky in vain, and the knights surrounding the girl opened their eyes.


    The knight''s sword slashed the sky in vain, and the knights surrounding the girl opened their eyes. "...... Oh no, you missed ......!��Where did he go?


    "Find her!��He can''t have gone far. ����������������


    The knights were in a panic as they lost sight of the girl they were supposed to capture by order of the Pope.


    You''ll be able to see a white shadow above your �������� head as they desperately look around.


    I''m sorry, I take back my previous statement.


    I''m sorry, I take back what I said before." A girl in a pure white dress was softly placing her feet on the ceiling.


    With a voice that sounded like a bell, she slowly drew a golden sword tucked inside her white skirt and held a gray dagger in her other hand.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''m sorry, but I''m not as skilled as I thought I was.


    The swing of the sword is very slow.


    I''m sorry, but you''ll have to adjust.


    I''m sorry, but you''re wasting your time trying to match ��������.


    The girl bent down quietly, as if her legs were stuck to the ceiling, and ��������


    I''ll go from here.


    I''m not sure what to make of this. �������� A moment later, a white shadow disappeared into thin air.


    The knights in the room could see a golden flash of light.


    But no one could catch the true nature of the light. ��������.


    The only thing they knew was that the sword in their hands had been (???????) cut down.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    While the knights standing in line were stunned, the slashed swords danced around the area and scattered on the floor with a dry sound.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    "Lightning.


    There were countless lightning bolts all at once.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it here.


    The armor-clad knights fell helplessly, their heads hitting the ground.


    What''s ��������?


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.


    "Cocytus.


    In an instant, the knights felt their full body armor of holy silver freeze, and they were unable to even move.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, you can contact us at ��������.


    "[Thunderbolt]


    Three huge thunderbolts were dropped on the knights who were stuck.


    "............ ah ...... is ......... ...!


    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time and energy, you''ll be able to take advantage of it.


    The girl in the white dress didn''t stop and slashed down the knights'' swords with unnoticeable movements.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    "What''s �������� happening, what''s �������� happening, what''s �������� happening?


    The knights who gathered there all doubted their own eyes.


    It was supposed to be just one girl.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Everyone thought it was too much, even if they didn''t say so.


    The Temple Knights who belong to the Sacred Order are the strongest of the strong in Mithra.


    They are the elite of the elite, dressed in the finest equipment.


    If there were only one or two of us, the princesses of the small kingdom of Crace, that would be enough.


    I''m sure that''s what everyone was thinking.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I don''t know what''s going on right now.


    In the event that you are not able to do anything about it, your friends, who are among the best in Mithra, will be defeated.


    �������� What the hell was that? Why is that happening ��������?


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the web site of the company and see what they have to offer.


    You can find a lot more information on this at ����������Multiple Chanting��.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    Even those who have mastered double chanting are rare.


    I''ve never even heard of one that does triple chanting.


    That alone is a skill that requires extraordinary skill.


    The only one known to have more than four (????) is the legendary [Demon Saint] Oken.


    It is unthinkable that a young girl in front of you can control it at will,��������, never thought about it.


    It''s �������� impossible.


    It can''t happen.


    A lot of people with common sense thought so.


    No one could believe the sight.


    But �������� it is.


    The girl had cast countless spells so far.


    I can still see several chanted spells clinging to her hands.


    Lightning.


    While the knight was doubting his own eyes, he was struck by a powerful thunderbolt and fell.


    There was no one who could stand unharmed after the girl had passed.


    Everyone was being defeated one after another without even realizing that they were now fighting.


    It was an abnormal situation.


    The pride of the Mithraic nation, its supposed elite, could not respond to anyone or anything.


    Even the Twelve Saints, who are supposed to be the heads of the elite, �������� have collectively fallen into a coma over there.


    I remember a moment ago, a girl without a weapon was surrounded by them.


    Not even a few seconds have passed since then.


    And yet, what is this situation?


    What the hell was that girl doing there?


    �������� That was just too fast, no matter what.


    The only thing the remaining knights can see is the white dancing dress again.


    In the confusion of the knights, it looked like a nightmarish scene.


    The white shadow had now become a symbol of fear for the panicked knights.


    You can''t win against something like that,��������!


    There is no way you can win.


    Before they could say anything else, the last remaining knight was also knocked down.


    Not all of them lost consciousness.


    But none of them were willing to get up.


    They had already lost their will to fight due to the overwhelming power they had been shown.


    "��������. I didn''t expect this.


    But �������� it''s not over yet. ......!


    But while everyone in the room was in despair, there was a figure standing up.


    ����������Tenri��River.


    You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    �������� This is the trump card sword that was given to me by your eminence. How could I have come here ............?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    "What is this ��������?


    "��������[Oboro-Katana]


    The girl quietly held up the gray dagger and stroked the air in an arc, and the full-face holy silver helmet covering the head of the [Tenri] Leyva cracked in half and fell to the floor with a clatter.


    Then, when his bewildered expression was revealed,��������, the girl exercised her magic.


    "Please stay asleep �������� [Sleep Cloud].


    "Shh, shh, shh, shh, ��������!


    In the blink of an eye, a blackish magical mist covered Ryba''s head.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for before you buy.


    That''s how ��������


    A few dozen seconds after the confrontation between the Holy Order and the girl.


    There was only one girl standing there.


    The hundreds of elite troops of the great nation of Mithra had been rolled to the ground by the �������� now.


    To anyone''s eyes, it was an overwhelming victory for the �������� girl.


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    I''m not sure what to say. I''m not sure I''m ready for this.


    If it took this long to neutralize that many people.


    Professor Noll would have finished this kind of battle in less than a second. ��������


    I can''t speak for others when I say that I''m not skilled enough.


    I may have lost my cool a bit. I have to be really sorry.


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    �������� Ladies and gentlemen.


    ...... Are you hurt?


    I''m sorry for the disturbance.


    I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to hurry a bit. I''ll leave you now.


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 74-74 Ill pari the blue light

    ...... What''s up?��You''re not coming back?


    Sets ............ Sets ......[Saves] ��������


    [moment]. [moment]. [Momentary] Sigil.


    I was a little confused in front of the six of them who were gradually talking less and less.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    ...... Sorry, we''re going to have a little talk here. Do you mind?


    Yeah, yeah.


    The six of them gathered in one place and began to have some sort of strategy meeting in a low voice.


    This is about the third time they''ve done this.


    ...... Hey, what''s going on?


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    Is the Sixth Saint really this strong ......?


    ...... No matter what, it''s crazy.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    Oh, he''s not even showing his full potential yet. ............


    Your eminence wants us to take him alive. ......?


    No, from my point of view, he''s probably even better than the Six Saints.


    I didn''t know that guy was still in obscurity. ......


    They seemed to be discussing something seriously, but even through their masks, you could see a hint of fatigue.


    The combination of the two women''s magic, the four men''s sword and spear attacks, and the intricate coordination of these attacks, the hospitality they showed was remarkable, and at first, they attacked us with a sense of breathlessness... At first, they attacked us in a breathtakingly good way, but ... after all, they seemed to be tired after performing so many brilliant acrobatics in a row.


    They performed completely different tricks at every turn, and I was really starting to enjoy it, but ...... I guess they were about to run out of material.


    I''ve gotten so overzealous that I''ve poked a lot of holes in the ground. ...... Maybe it''s time to move on.


    "Sigil. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    ...... You don''t have to do this.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.


    Oh, ......, sorry, looks like we''re done here.


    No, you have nothing to apologize for. It was a lot of fun.


    No need to apologize.


    I thanked him, and the man in the strange armor sighed and put his twin swords, which had been slightly chipped by the black swords, in their sheaths at his waist.


    "...... Let me ask you something. How strong are you in the kingdom?


    "...... Me?


    To be honest, I''m probably on the weak side.


    I don''t know much about you, but I''m sure there are a lot of people stronger than me.


    Why do you ask?


    I see.


    With that, Sigil turned his back on me.


    ...... Let''s take a break.


    Sigil. Are you disobeying your high priest''s orders?


    Don''t get me wrong.


    We were only ordered to capture him.


    We just need to get into position and try again.


    But ��������


    What are our chances of winning?��It''s ...... frustrating, but I think it''s pretty clear now.


    "Tsk. ...... Okay. It''s a shame, but it''s the mission. Let''s ask Leyva to help us.


    You''re just gonna leave him here?


    Yeah. Even if someone stays, who''s gonna stop it?


    And he can''t get out of here on his own.


    It''s probably best to leave him here.


    ...... There''s nothing else we can do.


    "............ You''re really pathetic. The Twelve Saints.


    When Sigil and the others were discussing something together again, they called out to me.


    "Hey, [Stake].


    We''ll go get some people.


    You stay here and wait quietly.


    ...... okay?��Don''t move.


    Even though we''ve already done a lot of research, there are still some traps out here that are still alive.


    ...... Yeah?��Okay.


    They gave me a warning and went back the way they came.


    It looks like I''m going to be left here. ...... Are they still going to entertain me?


    They are really serious people. I''m telling you, you don''t have to do this.


    Well, they say they''ll bring people, and I guess I''ll just wait here.


    "...... Hey, why is he so straightforward ......?


    ...... is a little creepy. Does he really know what''s going on ......?


    And, hey, Sigil, ...... if he goes down there on his own, can you be responsible?


    ...... There are multiple layers of warding installed by His Eminence himself.


    No one can get through that thing. If you touch it, you''ll die instantly.


    Yeah, that''s true, but ......


    I don''t know if ...... is the ''evil'' we should be slaying in the first place.


    I don''t think so.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    Are you questioning your eminence ......''s orders?


    I''m just checking. I''ll ask your eminence about the true meaning of the capture.


    And so I was left alone in the open space.


    ............ Stay where you are, huh?


    When I looked around, I saw a lot of interesting things.


    Some of them looked like stone monuments made of materials I had never seen before, and if you looked closely at the floor, you could see strange shaped coins that sometimes fell out of the stones.


    To be honest, this is unknown territory for me, and I feel like looking around right now.


    But I think I''ll follow their advice here.


    They say this is an old labyrinth.


    They say there are still living traps, and it wouldn''t do much good to touch anything.


    That''s good enough for me.


    I looked around and found a stone of the right shape right next to me.


    Not that I was tired, but I decided to sit on it and wait, to calm down a little from the excitement of their hospitality.


    After all, I had a history of stepping through traps that were supposed to be inoperable in the warehouse that used to be part of the labyrinth. I really thought I was going to die that time. .......


    It would be a problem for them and for the leaners if they were to come to a foreign country and accidentally set off a trap.


    You have to be really careful not to touch anything weird.


    So, as I carried the black sword on my shoulder and sat down on the square stone, I heard a �������� thud from somewhere.


    "����������������?


    I looked around, but nothing had changed.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    Is this ......?


    "����������������������������mmmmmm ......?


    The stone I was sitting on was sinking as fast as I could see.


    Could this be ��������?


    Maybe.


    Then, with a violent shock that shook the entire building, ��������


    �������� roar.


    The ground began to crumble noisily.


    Oh, no. ����������������!


    Oh no.


    Very bad.


    Apparently what I was sitting on was part of some kind of trick.


    It didn''t look like it at all, and I''d heard that this area was being investigated, so I let my guard down.


    No, maybe the ground collapsed because I had cracked it in various places.


    At any rate, my body was helplessly falling along with the collapsed stone floor in an instant.


    My body was thrown out into the pitch-black space, and I felt like I was floating in the air.


    Then, I immediately hit something, but the fall gave me a lot of momentum, and I fell further, shattering what seemed to be the floor.


    Darkness spreads below me.


    I can''t see anything.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at a few of the most common types of shoes that you can find.


    ...... For some reason, I even feel as if the black sword is pulling me deeper into the darkness.


    No, it''s not my imagination.


    The power seems to be getting stronger and stronger with each fall.


    �������� Apparently, I''m being pulled downward right now.


    As I continued to fall through the floors for a while, wondering why and how, ...... I suddenly found myself thrown into a large space.


    "...... bright ......?


    It was very bright there.


    There was a light that illuminated the entire space.


    Thanks to that, I could see all around me.


    The place was filled with a strange blue-white light.


    The same blue-white light that those six had released.


    It seemed to cover the entire space.


    A wall of pale light that shone much brighter and stronger than the one I had just seen spread out in front of me as I fell.


    If I keep going like this, I''m going to hit it.


    ...... What should I do?


    It''s not a good idea to touch that light, as I found out when I touched it earlier.


    �������� for now.


    Parry.


    When I struck the pale wall of light with my black sword, the wall of light turned into dazzling particles of light that instantly scattered all around.


    The moment the sword hit the wall of light, I felt a great shock in my hand.


    If I had hit it like that, I would have been in trouble.


    Apparently, I had made the right decision.


    And so I plummeted downward, smashing all the layers of light below me with my sword.


    As I broke down the pale walls of light, the area was filled with dazzling particles of light, which made the surroundings much brighter.


    Then, as I could see the floor in the distance, I managed to regain my position in the air and landed.


    Somehow, I survived.


    When I was finally able to stand up on the floor, I looked around and saw that the dazzling light that had been scattered in the air had quickly disappeared, and a deep darkness immediately surrounded me.


    After all, it was the light that kept me bright.


    I was lucky. But then again, .......


    �������� Where am I?


    I wonder how far I''ve fallen.


    I feel like I''ve fallen a lot.


    I can''t remember, but there must have been more than ten floors I''ve fallen through.


    Strangely enough, the black sword doesn''t seem to be pulled any further.


    Just a moment ago, the black sword in my grip had indeed been pulled downward strongly.


    I think that was part of the reason why it went through the thick stone floor so easily.


    At any rate, it''s too dark to see anything at this point.


    When I tried to turn on the light with the [Petit Fire], ...... I noticed something strange again.


    In the darkness, I felt the black sword move slightly again.


    "............ What is it?


    I thought it might be my imagination, but it was definitely moving.


    This time, it seemed to be pulled in a certain direction, as if to indicate the position of something.


    It''s a strange feeling.


    Could it be that this sword is trying to tell me something?


    I wondered if that was possible, but as I stared in the direction the sword was pointing, I realized that there was a hollow space in the back. A small amount of light is leaking from there.


    Is there ...... something in there, or ......?


    Thinking that there might be a staircase or passage leading up, I followed the light I saw and went deeper. I followed the light and went deeper, and soon found myself in a large space with a huge blue-white crystal-like glowing stone floating in the air.


    It was bright and I could see very well.


    But looking around, I didn''t see any exit or stairs leading up.


    I was a little depressed, but interested in the blue stone that was floating in the middle of the space.


    It''s pretty big.


    As I got closer, I saw that it was a rather huge stone.


    The width was much larger than the length of my hands, and the height was twice as tall as I was.


    The blue transparent stone seemed to be floating in the air.


    I peeked down to check, but it didn''t seem to be supported by anything, and it really looked like it was just floating.


    Even more strangely, I feel that my sword is clearly being drawn to it.


    Even if I try to point my sword in another direction, it tries to point straight at the center of this stone.


    It''s a really strange stone.


    What the hell is this stone?


    Is it a light?��...... It''s in a bit of an odd place for that.


    Just as I was reaching out to touch it to see what it was.


    Suddenly, I felt a strong pull on my body.


    "What �������� is my body ......?


    My body was sucked into the blue crystal, and as soon as I touched it, I was swallowed into the stone, and my consciousness went blank.


    The next thing I know, I''m standing in a strange place.


    I found myself standing in an unfamiliar place. There was a woman lying on the ground and �������� behind her, the huge, eerie skeleton from the painting I had seen upstairs was sitting on a golden chair, wearing a robe covered with glittering jewels.

 75-75 Leanne and Tillens

    "I knew you''d come, Leanne.


    I can''t tell you how long I''ve been waiting for you to come to my room.


    Prince Tirens greeted me with a smile as I defeated all the knights guarding the corridor and opened the door to enter his room.


    I kept my sword in my hand and stared at his face in silence.


    He was unfazed by this, still smiling.


    "If you''re here, what happened to my guards outside the corridor?


    They''re all asleep in the hallway now.


    Oh, I see. That''s good to know.


    I felt a little uncomfortable.


    The knights protecting him had been wiped out.


    And yet the prince had a smile on his face.


    "Give it up.


    There are no more allies around.


    I have a few questions for you ��������.


    "Haha, that was really good!��I never thought it would work out this way!


    When I tried to get the information I needed from him as my brother instructed, the prince started laughing.


    He laughed as I tried to get the information I needed from him as my brother had instructed.


    It was worth the trouble to bring you to Mithra.


    Haha, you really are amazing, Leanne!


    He laughed out loud with tears in his eyes as I was taken aback.


    It was a sight I had never seen before in a prince.


    What on earth is so funny about ��������?


    "No, ha ha ha ...... sorry. I got excited all by myself.


    But did you really defeat all the knights in the hallway?


    Haha, that''s great Lean is �������� even better than I expected.


    Thank you so much. Thank you for defeating (?????) every single one of my obstacles.


    I think I''m in a better position to move now.


    The prince turned to me with a big smile on his face, undaunted by the presence in front of him with a weapon in his hand.


    �������� disorder?


    "Yes, the disorder.


    They made things a lot harder for me.


    �������� Still don''t get it, do you?


    I really wanted you to come here by yourself.


    I really wanted you to come here alone. Well, that was just my plan, my hope.


    ...... I''m surprised it actually came true.


    Prince Tirens also laughed a little, wiped his tears in front of me, who would be staring at him suspiciously, and took a deep breath.


    "...... No, I''m really sorry. I''m really sorry I was so upset.


    I''m so happy. I just...


    I know this may seem sudden, but I''d really like you to help me.


    There''s no one else I can turn to.


    ...... Oh, and I should probably mention that no one is listening to this conversation right now (??????).


    That''s because I''m doing it secretly.


    It was hard to make it without anyone noticing, you know?


    Cooperation?


    No, first of all, I owe you an apology.


    I wanted to bring you here because I wanted to talk to you in private. .......


    It''s been difficult.


    I thought about it a lot, but your mother seemed to like you a lot, and I thought it would be less uncomfortable for people if I told them that I was in love with a girl and was trying to get her into my room. Thanks to that, I guess you didn''t like me, but it was the only natural way I could think of.


    To be honest, I think I was quite forceful in asking you out. ...... I''m really sorry.


    "............ Yes. If you wanted to invite me to your room, it would have had the opposite effect.


    Yeah.


    I was aware of the misstep from the beginning, but I couldn''t just stop. I was hoping that you would notice my signs, but I think I gave too few ...... hints.


    I was hoping that you would notice my sign, but I think I gave you too few hints.


    It seems that your purpose for coming here was different.


    ...... I''m really sorry about that.


    I''m sorry that I made you feel so uncomfortable, even though I was acting.


    I''m sorry, I could have done better.


    "............ acting?


    So everything you''ve done so far has been a lie? ......?


    Don''t you ever doubt that?


    ...... Originally, I thought it was a strange story.


    It makes sense to me.


    ...... So. What''s the story?


    Are you going to listen to me?


    I don''t necessarily believe everything I read on .......


    Yeah, sure, that''s fine.


    You can decide whether you believe me or not after you hear the whole story.


    After all, it''s really hard to believe, isn''t it?


    Even I can''t believe it. ...... I don''t even want to believe it.


    The prince looked down as if he was thinking about something.


    ...... I''m sorry, but we don''t have much time.


    Please be brief.


    "Oh, yes, of course.


    After all, I only have one thing to ask of you.


    I need you to help me kill your mother.


    �������� Oh, that''s okay.


    I''ll take the blame for everything, of course.


    He smiled his usual carefree smile and announced that he was going to kill his relatives as if it was nothing, and for a moment I was speechless.


    "...... you, Your Eminence?


    I asked him back, but he didn''t answer. �������� He ripped a large carpet from the floor of the room, and a magic circle of shifting blue light appeared.


    This leads to the underground Labyrinth of Sorrows.


    Surely there is no time left (?????).


    We''ll talk about this as we walk.

 76-76 Places you dont know

    "Am I at ��������?


    I''m in a strange place.


    I''ve been in a dark labyrinth for a while now, but it feels so bright and shadowy.


    There''s no ceiling above me, and it''s kind of hazy and cloudy, like a rainbow with seven different colors. ...... It''s a very strange feeling.


    The ground is flat as far as the eye can see, and there is no end to it.


    There was no obstacle except a huge skeleton and a woman lying on the ground.


    ...... I have no idea where I am.


    For now, I walked up to a woman I didn''t know who was lying at the foot of a skeleton that I could see out of the corner of my eye, and she seemed to notice me too.


    "Are you ��������?


    The woman slowly raised herself up from the hard ground and turned her eyes to me.


    It was a woman who looked somewhat like the green-haired boy who had been talking to Lean so much yesterday.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    Are �������� the people outside ...... Oaken and Roy safe?


    "...... Oaken?


    I''m not sure about the labyrinth core, but I believe Oaken was the name of an old sorcerer instructor.


    I''ve heard of Oaken, but do you know ...... him?


    The other Roy, I''m sorry, I don''t know.


    I know ...... Rollo.


    ...... Roy is an adventurer from the Lepi tribe.


    He was a scout for our party.


    I see. ...... I hope he has managed to get out of this labyrinth too.


    ...... How is Oaken?


    How long has it been since you''ve been out there?


    It seems like a long time to me.


    I''m not sure about the time thing. .......


    I don''t know much about time, but I''m sure old man Oaken is more than fine.


    Apparently, this woman was an acquaintance of the sorcerer''s instructor.


    She seems to be quite young, about the same age as me. ...... I wonder if she just met him recently.


    Or did he take care of her when she was a child like me?


    The woman in front of me had a very surprised look on her face as I was thinking about the instructor.


    "Oaken is ...... your grandfather ......?


    Yes, but ...... what''s wrong?


    I think the sorcerer instructor who took care of me was old enough to be picked up at any time,........


    Is it possible you have the wrong person?


    "No. .......


    I think that''s probably the Oaken I know.


    ...... I see. Oh, so much.


    So ...... you are an adventurer too?


    Are you here to conquer the labyrinth?


    I''m a bit of an adventurer myself, but I''m more of a wanderer.


    I didn''t even intend to enter the labyrinth, but I feel like I''ve fallen into it for no apparent reason.


    ...... What the hell is this place?


    I thought I touched a blue stone and suddenly I''m standing here.


    You have touched the stone too? .......


    That stone is the core of the Labyrinth of Sorrows.


    But there seems to be more to it than that.


    I don''t know what his intentions are, but I''m sure it''s the core of a trap that the Dungeon Master has set to trap visitors here.


    "Dungeon Master?


    Yes ...... is the core of the labyrinth at the deepest part of the labyrinth. ��������


    �������� this(...).


    She then looked up at the huge skeleton sitting beside us.


    In other words, it could be said that a powerful demon ...... was sealed by someone long ago in the innermost part of this Labyrinth of Sorrow.


    "A demon ......?��It doesn''t move and it looks dead to me.


    Yes, it''s a shell.


    There was once a terrible demon here.


    I fought it here once, but I was helpless. ...... But for some reason, it''s still alive, and it''s been trapped here for a long time.


    The contents of that demon have now escaped from this place and are doing something outside, but I don''t know what.


    "Out?��...... This is it?


    I looked up at the skeleton again.


    It was a really big skeleton.


    It was about twice the size of the goblin I knew.


    I don''t think I''ve ever seen anything like it outside. .......


    No, it looks a lot like the skeleton in the painting I saw upstairs.


    I wonder what''s going on here.


    "Demon shells.


    I poked the skeleton''s shin with the black sword in my hand to see what it looked like.


    Then I saw a light crack.


    Oh no.


    I may have hit it a little too hard.


    ...... What if this wakes him up?


    The woman in front of me looked surprised when I was worried about her.


    "�������� What?


    What''s wrong with you?


    No, it''s just that no matter how hard I''ve tried, I''ve never been able to get a scratch on it. .......


    ...... Speaking of which, what''s with the sword ......?


    The more I look at it, the more I see that it is an amazing sword. ......?


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    Well, it sure looks ...... amazing, and I think so too.


    "...... this? ��To be honest, I don''t really know what it is either.


    It was a gift. But it''s useful in many ways.


    It''s a little bit ugly and heavy, but it''s good for ...... training and stuff.


    "...... I see.


    But you are a little strange, aren''t you?


    You don''t seem to be in any hurry, even in this situation.


    Just being with you gives me a strange sense of security.


    I was wondering what was going to happen to me when I was swallowed by that blue stone, but I was relieved to see that �������� there was a person at the end of it.


    I don''t like the idea of being alone with this creepy skeleton.


    "Hmmm, I see. You''re a really interesting person.


    Then, as if remembering, he clapped his hands and looked at me.


    "Oh, by the way, we haven''t introduced ourselves yet, have we?


    "Yes, we have. I''m Noor.


    I''m an adventurer in the kingdom of Crais. ...... Just in case.


    We''ve got a lot to introduce ourselves today.


    Well, I guess it''s only natural since I''m in a different country.


    "I see. Your name is Noll, right?


    When I finished introducing myself, the woman smiled kindly at me.


    The woman smiled kindly as I introduced myself, then brushed some dust off her clothes, straightened up, and told me her name.


    My name is Astira.


    I''m Astira. I''m one of the members of the Cup of Wisdom, a party of adventurers I formed with Oaken and Roy.


    ............ I used to be part of a somewhat famous party, you know?


    I''m sure not many people know about it anymore.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

 77-77 To the back of the labyrinth

    Rollo and I were hurrying deeper and deeper into the darkness.


    We are running through the Labyrinth of Sorrows, located underneath the land of Mithra.


    �������� There must be something in the depths, he said.


    As instructed by Prince Rain, we are heading straight for the target inside the labyrinth.


    Are you all right, Rollo?


    "Yeah, I''m fine. Just this much.


    I''m wearing a pair of magically empowered mithril gear, which allows me to move several times faster than a well-trained soldier.


    In spite of this, this child (Rollo) is following my maneuvers with near full force.


    There was a part of me that felt uneasy because it was just the two of us, but he seemed to be growing much stronger than I thought he would.


    Rather, �������� he is growing frighteningly fast.


    It made me wonder what my childhood training days were all about.


    I served Lord Linneburg as a child, and I think I understand that there are real "geniuses" in this world.


    Yes, I thought there would never be anyone who could match that, but ...... I think he is also a kind of "genius(it)".


    There is nothing remarkable in terms of combat ability, but everything else is incredibly good.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''ve been so impressed with your work.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had this problem. �������� It''s only been a few months since I was taken into custody by the Kingdom of Crace in my feeble form. It''s a natural talent, that''s all.


    Is this the correct direction?


    "Yes, this is the correct direction. Keep going.


    Rollo was now holding the Compass, a magical tool created by the saint himself.


    The compass is a special tool that allows the user to sense the wavelengths of magic power of the same quality as their own.


    We use it to determine our path in the dark.


    Rollo looked at the tool as he ran, and pointed beyond the wall that loomed before him.


    "Behind here.


    "[The Divine Sword].


    I follow Rollo''s instructions and immediately destroy the wall with the Sword of Light.


    By destroying all the walls and floors that serve as barriers, we dive straight into the depths of the labyrinth. It is said that the walls of the labyrinth, which are said to be as strong as the fangs of an ancient dragon, second only to adamantite, are not easy to cut down, but not if it''s me and the Black Sword.


    This is the reason why Prince Rain, the planner of this operation, gave us a very simple order.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    I''m not sure how much of this was predicted by Prince Rain.


    As I ran, I was inwardly impressed with the sequence of events so far.


    Not that I doubted it, but I couldn''t hide my surprise.


    Before we left, the prince told us.


    �������� We will probably face Mithraism (?????) alone, the four of us.


    "Somehow, Pope Astira wants both Lean and Rollo very much (?????). Perhaps the prince''s "marriage proposal" to Lean is just a pretext. There must be another purpose.


    The prince continued.


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    But it''s too dark to see what''s there.


    "Do you want me to turn on the ...... light?


    Are you ready to go to ��������?


    "...... Yes.


    You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


    It was �������� indeed, just what we had hoped for.


    But �������� this.


    Are you sure ...... this is the right place?


    "Yes, ...... I am.


    In the event that you''re not sure of what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it by visiting our website.


    I''m sure. All of these (?????) have the same wavelength of magic power as me.


    Rolo''s words sent a chill down my spine.


    The space we arrived in was covered with Demon''s Heart, an ultra-pure magical stone known as the Demon''s Heart, and it was piled up in places.


    We had been told in advance that this was where we were going.


    It was indeed just what we had hoped for.


    But this is ...... too much, no matter what.


    What we see before us is a mountain of red jewels piled so high that we have to look up.


    What it shows is that, in other words, all of this is ��������.


    So this is it.


    "Yes.


    Rolo said quietly, looking up at the pile of red gems.


    I think this is my ancestor.


    I was speechless for a while.


    �������� This is what I knew.


    When the demons pass magic power through their bodies, their blood clots and turns into a special mineral.


    In the past, this was known to some people, but it was kept hidden for a long time by the Mithraic Church, and as a result of the huge rewards that were given to those who cooperated, no one knew about it.


    In the Kingdom of Crais, the information that the [Demon Saint] Oken heard from his old acquaintance (...) has been passed down, and several important people including the king know the fact.


    The king and several other important people know about it. Prince Rain informed me about it before I came here.


    So I thought I was prepared.


    But �������� I couldn''t move a step from that spot.


    This is the end of us, the demons.


    Rollo was on his knees in the crimson jewel, tears spilling down his face.


    A pile of clothes and human bones were left around him.


    The demon was captured and sent to Mithra, where he was never heard from again and no one could find him.


    That is, ��������.


    "...... Rollo.


    I tried to find words of comfort, knowing that they would do no good, but then I felt a sudden sense of unease and looked around.


    I looked into the darkness and �������� felt even more desperate.


    Because ��������


    ......


    What lay behind it was a pile of red jewels, towering like a wall, even larger than the ones we saw at the entrance.


    Surely a few hundred won''t be enough.


    The end of thousands of lives. ��������


    A pile of jewels, showing the tragic fate of the world, led uninterruptedly into the depths of darkness.


    �������� Too many, no matter how many.


    That number. That amount.


    More than two hundred years ago, more than a dozen years of wars, and not enough for all of them.


    Why.


    Why are they stored here in such large quantities?


    Ugh.


    I felt nauseous and wobbly.


    Bring back the dark history of this country and use it as a bargaining chip.


    That is the mission the prince has given us.


    Revealing that darkness would be very painful for Rollo.


    He should have known that.


    But even though it was painful, he knew it was necessary for his survival.


    Both Rollo and I thought we were prepared for this.


    Even at ��������.


    I had too little imagination.


    This is too ��������


    This is too �������� heavy for this child.


    The demon race was persecuted by many nations.


    But that''s not all.


    They were being held captive for a purpose.


    As raw materials for trade goods that would bring immense wealth.


    "What''s ...... ......?


    I suddenly felt something moving in the darkness, and I looked at it.


    And when I realized what the shadow was, I was astonished again.


    What the �������� hell is going on?


    I wanted to doubt my own eyes again.


    It was a swarm of demons.


    It was a pack of demons, and a very powerful one at that, walking towards us as if they were coming out of the depths of darkness.


    But demons can spring up here ��������?


    No, it can''t be.


    What the heck is this? �������� It can''t be.


    In the face of the countless demons that suddenly appeared from the depths of darkness, I could not hide the confusion that arose from within me.


    Normally in the Labyrinth, the demons disappear when the core is destroyed.


    The Labyrinth is usually cleared of demons when the core is destroyed, and is then confirmed by the guild''s expert staff.


    It is said that Pope Astira broke through the Labyrinth of Sorrows by herself in the past, and the Holy Church of Mithra was founded with the resources from that.


    That must have been about two hundred and fifty years ago.


    If that''s the case, then this labyrinth is long dead and no more demons will spring up.


    However, in front of �������� your eyes, there are several kinds of deformed monsters stirring, just like those found in the depths of the Labyrinth of No Return.


    In other words, that means that ��������


    This labyrinth has not yet(??????) been(??????) breached.


    �������� This labyrinth is still alive(?????).


    I was upset, and I was already surrounded by dozens of demons while protecting Rolo, who was cowering on the red jewel.


    What the hell is going on in this country?


    What the hell is going on in this country?" As I was about to be consumed by dark emotions, demons continued to spring up from the depths of the darkness before my eyes.

 78-78 Holy City

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    I saw you interacting with a giant skeletal monster (?????).


    It was St. Mithra himself, as depicted in the icon.


    ...... One night, my mother took me in her arms and took me somewhere.


    The next thing I knew, we were in a strange place ...... where my mother and a giant skeleton were talking face to face in a language I didn''t know.


    The next morning, I woke up in my bed as usual, but I couldn''t forget it.


    When I told my mother what I had seen, she told me to forget it all because it was a dream.


    �������� But it was definitely not a dream.


    I can''t forget it. It couldn''t have been a dream.


    "...... Are you sure it wasn''t a dream, ......?


    Yeah. I had a little blood taken from me at the time and I remember the pain well.


    I don''t know what they were talking about there, but �������� they seemed to be discussing something while looking at me. I also remember that I was so scared that I couldn''t stop shaking while I was there.


    By that time, I already knew about St. Mithra from picture books, and I had been educated that it was something to be respected, but when I saw ...... the real thing, I couldn''t believe it was a holy being.


    �������� Why?


    ...... It seems to like human blood.


    My mother gave it some of the blood from my arm, put it on her big �������� finger, brought it to her mouth and drank it with relish.


    It looked at my face as if it was enjoying ...... it.


    There were no eyeballs on its face, but I felt like it was looking at me like it was preying.


    Has anyone ever told you that ......?


    ...... No, I didn''t say that.


    Not since your mother denied it to anyone.


    Even as a child, I think I kind of knew that it was dangerous. After that, when she asked me, I kept saying I forgot.


    After that, I continued to pretend that I innocently believed in the teachings of this country and in my mother. Otherwise, I probably wouldn''t have been allowed to live until now.


    The things he said quietly were things I could never have imagined.


    He said that ever since he can remember, he has been living with the feeling that there are enemies around him. Sometimes he would lie to the people around him and act like he didn''t know what was going on.


    �������� since he was only five years old. For ten years.


    Is it really possible to do that ......?


    It''s not that I could, it''s that I had to.


    When I really started to realize that everything around me was an enemy, I was in despair. ...... Well, I got used to it.


    I''m not saying, "Why are you telling me this ...... story?


    I mean, why did you even want to involve me in this?


    "That''s exactly when I met you. That''s when I met you.


    ...... I don''t mean to brag, but I was getting really skeptical back then.


    I wasn''t the kind of guy who trusted people easily.


    ...... Well, it''s still true today, but back then it was a big surprise.


    There was nothing to believe in, and I took it for granted.


    But somehow, from the first moment I saw you, I knew I could trust you.


    It''s hard to explain in theory.


    And after spending a little time with you, I realized that you are not like other people I''ve met.


    �������� You''re also incredibly talented.


    I was really surprised.


    In the country, I have never been defeated by anyone in academics or swordplay, but I have lost almost everything.


    So I thought you could handle it.


    It''s too ...... abstract to say.


    And you''re overbearing. There''s only so much I can do on my own.


    But that''s the truth. I don''t know what else to say.


    Everything I''ve just told you, ......, is one-sided wishful thinking on my part.


    I need your help, but I don''t think there''s any reason or benefit for you to get involved.


    First of all, it''s absurd to ask you to help me when you''re suddenly involved in my situation.


    Of course, if you don''t think it''s possible after listening to this much, you can just take the information home with you. ...... It''s just too dangerous to go on.


    I''m sure you''re aware of that, but I''m sure you''re not the only one. ...... The reason we came here in the first place was to stop Rollo and his interference with the kingdom (us).


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can contact us at .......


    ...... Well, I suppose you''re right.


    I''m sorry that I''m suddenly saying this and confusing you.


    But I really had no choice but to tell you like this.


    Today was probably the last day (?????) that I could see you like this, and the last day that I could work on this case. ��������


    "What do you mean, ......?


    Instead of answering my question, he said something like this.


    �������� Hey, what did you think of the country?


    Instead of answering my question, he said something like this: " Hey, what do you think of this country?" It seemed to me that he had abruptly changed the subject, but he continued.


    This Mithraic country is really beautiful.


    Even though I have lived here since I was born, I still think so.


    The buildings, squares, and churches of the city are all in perfect harmony, and there is not a speck of dust on the streets. There is not a speck of dust on the streets. Everywhere you look, it is amazingly beautiful.


    That''s what I was thinking, too.


    I nodded silently.


    I nodded silently, "Of course, this Mithraic nation is built on a lot of lies and operates on a lot of false premises.


    The more I look into it, the more I see that the ...... teachings are made with evil intentions. In fact, this place is a false city created with a purpose by that "Holy Mithra (monster)" whom Mother worships as her savior.


    ...... But the people who live here are basically good.


    They don''t know to doubt, they''ve just been led to believe what they''ve been taught.


    As you know, the country of Mithra has done a lot of things that cannot be made public.


    The way they treat the demons is the same.


    But the people who just love this place and this country should be innocent.


    ...... Of course, I know that''s a convenient interpretation.


    But if it''s not, then no one in this country can be saved. ��������


    "�������� Sorry.


    I still don''t know what you mean by "teachings", but to be honest, I don''t really follow the rest of the ...... conversation either.


    I''m sorry ......, I spoke too much at once.


    It was designed with a very long term intention.


    The time may not come �������� soon, if at all.


    But if ...... continues at this rate, this country will probably be in trouble in the future.


    I think we have to do whatever we can to stop it.


    ...... Does that lead to what you were saying earlier?


    When I broke into his room, he said.


    He''s going to kill his mother �������� and Pope Astira.


    I still couldn''t swallow what the hell that meant.


    "Oh. She''s my biggest ''enemy'' at the moment. ...... Unfortunately, yeah.


    To be honest, I still don''t understand how you can ...... refer to your own mother as your enemy.


    Yes, I do. If possible, I would like you to understand everything.


    I''d like you to understand everything if I could. ...... But now is not the time.


    I don''t think I can explain everything to you satisfactorily here.


    And I know it''s impossible to expect you to believe me.


    But �������� you''re really the only one who could save this country.


    There was no one else I could turn to.


    Suddenly, he stopped walking and got down on both knees on the ground.


    Then he put his hands on the floor and bowed his head so �������� that his forehead almost touched the ground.


    �������� Please. I need your help, Leanne.


    I can''t ask you to believe every word I say.


    But I''m trying to save my country ...... and the people around me.


    You have to believe me on that.


    I still feel that I haven''t heard the whole story from him.


    And I''m not convinced that he''s worth believing.


    Still, ��������


    But for the first time since I met him, I felt like I was hearing the truth from his mouth.


    All you had to do was say, "............ from the beginning.


    I understand. I''ll help you as much as I can.


    When I replied, he looked up and gave me an unexpected look.


    "Yeah, ......?��...... You don''t really believe me, do you?


    No, I don''t think I can trust you yet. ...... But Rollo said earlier that you might not be the enemy.


    I don''t know. ...... I believe she can read people''s minds. I thought I had carefully built a wall around my mind, but ...... it seems to have come out.


    Yes. So you can thank Rollo for that. I''ll take his word for it.


    Yes, I do. I have him to thank for that. And you, of course.


    ...... No, you don''t deserve to be thanked like that, Prince.


    I think the purpose of what you just said is legitimate, and as the youngest member of a family that unites neighboring countries, it is in the national interest to help. This is not the same as showing affection to a friend, it is simply a matter of mutual interest, so there is no need to thank .......


    I was trying to emphasize that I hadn''t forgiven him, but Prince Tirens laughed as he blurted it out.


    "Pfft. ...... Haha, that''s Lean!


    That''s what I''m talking about. I trust you.


    I trust you. ...... I''m falling more and more in love with you.


    "...... How long are you going to keep that joke up?��I''m getting tired of it.


    No, no, no, I meant what I said.


    �������� What do you think?��I''m not sure what to say.


    Next time I''ll make a serious proposal.


    ...... That''s the part I don''t believe in, really.


    I felt several huge shadows approaching from the darkness where we were headed.


    It was the shadow of a demon, no need to check with the lights.


    ............ Apparently, we really don''t have much time.


    I wanted to explain the situation a little more to you, but I don''t think they''ll let me.


    So it''s true that the labyrinth is still alive.


    ...... Are you starting to believe me now?


    Yes, a little.


    In the direction we were going, a swarm of demons had sprung up to cover the passages of the vast labyrinth.


    We were told that our destination was farther down the hall.


    This means that ��������


    We''ll have to go through ��������.


    I''d like to speed up the pace a bit from here, can you keep up?


    I''ve been a child prodigy until you came to study with me, you know.


    I may not be as reliable as you, though.


    I''m going to go to ...... and push my way through.


    I''ll cut in first, but please assist me as best you can.


    As I held my sword towards the group of demons, a low voice called out to my back.


    "�������� Princess Linneburg.


    I''m really sorry for getting you involved in our situation.


    "...... I''ll hear your apologies when you''re done, Prince Tyrence.


    Let''s hurry. We''ll continue our conversation on the run.


    The moment I said that and confronted a group of demons in the dark, countless demons sprang up from under my feet.


    I immediately tried to respond to the unexpected appearance of the demons with my sword, but before I could do so, something thin flashed in the darkness and the heads of the demons fell to the ground one after another.


    "Was that ......?


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    It''s the mithril steel wire.


    It''s my kind of weapon, isn''t it?


    I''ve been trying not to use this in public.


    ...... Were you allowed to show me that?


    Of course. I''m going to entrust you with the fate of my country and me.


    ...... I don''t want to be entrusted with something like that.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I immediately ducked through the silver threads in the air and slashed the crowd of demons jumping at him from the edge of my eye.


    Nice work. Nice work, Lean.


    "�������� If you can''t afford to talk, help me, Tyrence.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

 79-79 Two Astilas

    The woman I met in the mysterious place called herself Astira.


    "Astila ......?��Where have I heard that before: ......?


    ...... Am I remembering this wrong?


    But I do remember hearing about it.


    I can''t remember right away where it was, but I think I heard that name recently.


    "What? ......?��Do you know me?


    ...... Oh, maybe I''ve become famous outside of ...... ......?


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not.


    No, I don''t think it was anything like that at all.


    I don''t think so at all. ...... Oh, really? I was kind of expecting that.


    Astila looks somewhat disappointed, but I think not. I think I heard that name from Leanne.


    I don''t know who she''s talking about.


    Suddenly, as I was trying hard to remember, the scenery around me distorted strangely, and a human voice echoed around me.


    �������� Oh, there you are.


    I didn''t think rats could get into a place like this. How in the world did you get past the multiple layers of warding ��������?


    A woman''s voice sounded from somewhere, and then the empty space in the air was distorted as if it were ripped open, creating a vortex of light large enough for one person to pass through. As we stared at the vortex, a woman emerged from it.


    She wore a white robe with sparkling jewels on it, just like the giant skeleton beside us. They were different sizes, but they seemed to be wearing the same outfit.


    "What the heck is that ��������?


    Astira seemed surprised to see her.


    I was also a little surprised to see her face.


    I was a little surprised to see her face too, because what came through was a woman who really looked like Astila.


    No, ...... they don''t look alike, but if their clothes weren''t different, they would look exactly alike, or almost the same person.


    It''s really hard to tell them apart. ...... But if you look closely, you''ll notice that there''s something off about them.


    The woman on the other side seems to have a somewhat cold atmosphere.


    They are similar, but slightly different.


    Who is that?��You look just like Astila. ...... Are you related?


    "...... No, it''s not. I wonder who ............ that really is.


    Astila next to me also looked confused.


    I thought they might be relatives or sisters because of the resemblance, but apparently not.


    "I''m Astira. I''m Astira, Pope of Mithra.


    As we stared at her face in bewilderment, the woman who looked exactly like Astila introduced herself as ''Astila''.


    "...... Astila?


    That''s where I got even more confused.


    There''s Astira and there''s the Pope ......?


    What do you mean, ......?


    Pope ��������?


    Oh, yeah. The Pope.


    I finally remembered.


    Astira," Lean had told me, was the name of the Pope of this country, Mithraism. But then I saw the one who claimed to be the Pope, Astira, and I wondered again.


    "...... is that really the Pope Lean was talking about?


    The Pope was said to be an old woman over 200 years old. But the woman who appeared in front of me was much younger than I had imagined. She''s a lot younger than I imagined. She''s a lot different from the person I imagined in Lean''s story.


    I''ve also heard that the Pope is a man who is respected by all the people, but ...... I still feel uncomfortable.


    Her mood is much colder than that of Astira next to me.


    Maybe some people like that kind of thing, but ...... I couldn''t imagine this person being loved by the whole nation.


    Who are you, ......?��Why are you telling me my name? And what''s with your face ......?


    Astira, next to me, asked the cold Astira.


    Astila, who looked cold and a little bad-tempered, laughed.


    "Well, well, how dare you talk to me like that when you''re my fake. I kept it in case it would be of any use to you. Why are you talking like that?


    What do you really mean, "...... I''m a fake ......?��What are you really talking about ......?��...... no way.


    Suddenly the Astila next to me turned around and looked up at the huge skeleton sitting behind him.


    Then she turned serious and looked at Astila again, the one with the bad personality.


    No way, are you from ��������?


    "Shut up.


    Suddenly, a violent bolt of lightning struck Astila next to her. Although it didn''t strike her directly, Astira staggered and sat on the ground from the impact of the lightning gouging the ground.


    That''s something you don''t need to know. Please be quiet. I only have business with that man.


    With that, Astira, the badass one, stared straight at me.


    The one there. Could you please give me what you''re holding in your hand?


    I don''t know what it is, but it seems to be a dangerous item.


    "This sword?��Why?


    "You don''t understand. This is not a request. �������� If you don''t understand, I''ll tell you.


    �������� again, thunderstrike.


    "Parry.


    I swung my sword as quickly as I could to repel the lightning.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''ve seen it before.


    ...... That''s funny. I was going to kill you with that one.


    "...... Why are you doing this? It''s dangerous.


    If it doesn''t work now,......, there will be some strain on the body, but it can''t be helped,.......


    Astila, who seemed to have a bad personality, did not answer my question.


    Instead, she slowly held up one of her hands towards me, and I saw something glowing in her hand for a moment.


    I wondered what it was, and when I looked closely, I saw ��������


    "[Black Lightning]


    Instantly, black lightning shot out from her hand.


    A huge bolt of lightning that covered my entire field of vision struck me before I could even blink.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    �������� This is not good. If we eat this, we''ll die for sure.


    "Parii.


    I felt the danger, and this time my arm moved faster than the lightning could reach me.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    ��������, but it was heavy.


    I feel a strong response in both hands gripping the sword.


    As I swung my sword out, feeling my arms scream, the lightning changed its trajectory and fell behind us.


    The ground and air trembled simultaneously, and the roar came late.


    �������� That was a close one.


    I stared at the huge hole in the ground behind me and felt a chill run down my spine.


    ...... It''s so powerful.


    I''m sure there''s not a bone left in your body if you take these things seriously.


    Astila was also sitting on the ground behind me, stunned.


    "...... is that ...... lightning, by any chance?


    Yeah, apparently so.


    I''ve never heard of ...... lightning being flicked by a sword.��I''ve never heard of that before.


    Yeah, I never thought I''d be able to do something like that before, and I didn''t think I could either, but ...... you can do it if you try, right?


    I''ve never thought of doing something like that before, and I never thought I could, but ...... you can do it if you try, right?


    But with a normal sword, instead of playing it, I bet I''d get electrocuted and go numb.


    The only reason I survived was because of this sword.


    Once again, I can''t help but feel grateful for this black sword.


    But I''ve heard that playing lightning with a sword is ...... usually difficult to even catch with your eyes?


    "I thought so too, but ...... well, actually, the spear of a friend of mine was faster. I''ve heard that lightning isn''t that fast.


    "And the spear I knew was faster than ......?��Is there such a person ......?


    Yeah, Gilbert''s a great guy. I''m not even close.


    ...... Wow, I didn''t even know the kingdom of Crais was ...... in so much trouble, did I?


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who''s had to deal with this. ...... That wasn''t very powerful. ...... I guess that means this body has reached its limits.


    I felt more dangerous than before, I held up my sword towards Astila, the one with the bad character.


    Are you still going to do this ......?


    "Yes, I do. I didn''t want to do anything too violent here, but ...... it''s a good opportunity. I think it''s better to move your body (????) once in a while. My new body is finally coming of age, so let''s celebrate that.


    I thought it was a little early to throw away this body that I''ve grown accustomed to, but if it''s deteriorated this much, I can''t help it.


    "...... throw away?


    Yes, �������� this body has been really useful for more than two hundred years so far.


    It''s not as good as my body, but being a half-elf is pretty good too. And I didn''t think I''d be able to have children with this duplicate. ...... I wish I''d realized that sooner.


    Then I wouldn''t have had to keep you locked up in here for so long as a spare.


    What are you talking about?


    I couldn''t understand what the Astira in front of me was saying.


    The Astila next to me seemed to have no idea what she was talking about either.


    ......, but don''t worry. You won''t be needed anymore. Your work here is done.


    What the hell are you talking about, ��������?


    It means your new body is already in place. And the next replenishment. So I don''t need you or this anymore.


    As she said this, the atmosphere of Astira, who was wearing a white robe, changed.


    It seems as if some kind of black mist is spewing from her body.


    �������� I will deal with you personally from here on out.


    Suddenly, Astila, the one with the creepy smile and the bad personality, fell to the ground as if she had lost her strength.


    What is it?��...... What''s wrong?


    At the same time, I felt a strange movement in the air around me.


    I don''t know what''s changed.


    I don''t know what changed, but I felt something moving somewhere.


    I don''t know what it is, but there''s something very big going on.


    But there''s nothing here but the three of us and that creepy skeleton. ��������


    �������� No way.


    When we turned around, we saw a huge skeleton behind us moving and pointing its palm at us.


    "...... is that skeleton moving? ......!


    As Astira and I looked up in surprise at the giant skeleton that had suddenly begun to move, we saw the palm of the skeleton''s hand shining like a starry sky.


    Then, the many tiny sparkles gathered as if they were being sucked into the center of the palm, which was nothing but bone, and gradually became as large as a grain of sand. ��������


    The beautiful grains of sand in the skeleton''s hand danced and shone violently for a moment.


    �������� The moment I thought so.


    A jet-black thunderbolt shot out from the skeleton''s hand.


    It was a huge thunderbolt, incomparable to the previous one.


    It was like a natural disaster, a threat that I had never imagined before.


    "Parry!


    I swung my black sword madly.


    When the sword touched the lightning, black sparks flew violently, and I immediately felt a strong discomfort in my hands.


    �������� It''s incredibly heavy. It''s too heavy.


    You can''t compare it to anything you''ve ever seen before.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do.


    I felt a kind of abnormal pressure and impact on the handle of the sword that I had never felt before.


    I instantly let out a scream as if my arms and fingers were about to be torn off.


    It was as if he was striking a huge mountain with a single sword.


    It''s not just my arm.


    My whole body is screaming ��������, but I can''t be bothered with that right now.


    If we let this huge lightning strike near us, we''ll be dead for sure.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.


    �������� followed by an ear-splitting thunderclap.


    At the same time, there was a tremendous blast, and the violent vibration of the ground shook my entire body.


    There seemed to be a huge hole in the ground in the distance, but I couldn''t be bothered to look at it.


    There was such a storm blowing around me that I could barely keep my eyes open.


    �������� A single blow, and this is it.


    I got goosebumps.


    It seems that I avoided instant death, but I don''t feel like I survived at all.


    I was desperately trying to hold on to my sword and keep it from being blown away by the wind, when I suddenly realized that the wind around me had weakened and I felt a sense of relief.


    ...... Are you okay?��That was amazing, wasn''t it?


    Suddenly, the pounding storm that had been hitting my body disappeared.


    It seemed that Astira was protecting us with some kind of power.


    Oh, thank God. I''m sure I can handle one more ......, but I can''t stand it if they keep coming at me like that.


    "You''re pretty much the same ......, aren''t you ......?


    I relaxed for a moment, but we soon quit talking.


    The huge skeleton slowly stood up from the chair in front of us.


    The mere act of standing up made all the difference.


    It''s like looking up.


    Astira and I both gasped.


    "What the hell is that ......?


    Astira and I gasped, "What the hell is that?


    And at that moment, a thought occurred to me.


    �������� is a monster made entirely of bones.


    I know a story about that monster.


    No, I haven''t met one yet, but I''ve always wanted to.


    But when I went out to find it, I couldn''t find it.


    The demon that was supposed to be my rival as an adventurer.


    When I think about it, this thing in front of me looks a lot like �������� that demon.


    It''s bigger than I expected, but I guess that''s the way demons usually are.


    The goblins I''ve encountered so far have also been incredibly large.


    The goblin emperor is said to be several times larger than that.


    �������� Yes, I''m sure of it.


    I''m sure you''re right.


    Yes, this is �������� "Skeleton".


    I never thought I''d meet him here.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something to help you out.��I''m sure you''re right. ......��Astila.


    I confirmed in a whisper.


    I''m sure she knows what she''s talking about, as she''s been in a party as an adventurer and has plenty of experience.


    "......What ......?��......That''s a ...... skeleton!��...... Pfft. ��Haha!


    But then she suddenly started laughing.


    In fact, she''s belly laughing.


    I thought I was being quite serious when I asked her. .......


    No,......, I''m sorry,....... It''s just that it came so unexpectedly in such a situation. ......


    Then she caught her breath a little.


    ...... You''re not, by any chance?


    No, ...... yes, that''s right, Noor.


    It''s a skeleton.


    It''s a skeleton. ...... Well, it uses magic, so I guess you could call it a skeleton wizard.


    Whatever it is, it''s nothing to be afraid of. ...... It''s a small fish, a small fish!��I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''ve been wondering about that for a while now.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure if it''s just me, or if it''s the other way around. I''m not sure I can do it on my own, but I''m sure ...... you can do it with me.


    Astila then turned serious again and quietly held up her staff.


    I''m sure.


    I also gripped my black sword and pointed it at the skeleton in front of me.


    I''m a little curious about her reaction, but I can''t be bothered with that.


    �������� Again, black lightning struck us.


    It''s even bigger than the last one, a tremendous thunderbolt.


    It seems that even with the previous attack, the opponent has not yet reached its full potential. That fact scared me a little.


    But ��������


    "Parisi.


    I summoned all my strength and struck the lightning with the belly of my sword.


    It flew farther than before.


    There was a blast from where the lightning struck again, and I was almost blown away, but Astira was protecting me this time.


    ...... Are you okay?


    "Yeah, I''m getting used to it. I think I can handle something like that now.


    ...... You ...... are really amazing, aren''t you ......?


    As we stared at it, the skeleton began to wear a blue light all over its body.


    It was the same light that I had just smashed to get here. I guess they''re still going to try to attack me.


    As long as the attacks were the same as before, I would be able to withstand them.


    However, I will not be able to keep defending myself.


    ...... My "black sword" is not suitable for cutting.


    But I heard that the bone can be cracked by striking it.


    If that''s the case, I think I can defeat it by smashing it to pieces, though it would be forceful.


    To be honest, I don''t know if I can do it, but I have to try.


    I''m not sure I can defeat it by myself.


    But like she (Astira) said, if it''s just the two of us.


    �������� I''m sure we can defeat a bone monster of that size.


    That''s what I thought as I readied my sword again.


    Let''s go, Astira. ...... Kill the skeletons. If I get in trouble, you can help me.


    Yes, I''m counting on you, Noor.

 80-80 St. Misra

    Black Lightning.


    After returning to his original body after a long time and performing one of the best magic he could, the being who made many people call him "St. Mithra" �������� in fact, the being who used to be called "Mithra" had a big question.


    �������� Funny.


    This can''t be right.


    You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the best results.


    You can''t be the only one.


    So why is it that the other person (small thing) is still alive after I unleashed it?


    This is a supreme blow that once reached even a being called a god. Once activated, it could not accept any counterattack or defense, and was almost invincible. A technique that was almost invincible.


    The moment you unleashed it, you could destroy any opponent.


    And yet.


    So why ��������


    "Palii.


    Why is it being repelled by a single, thin sword?


    That''s impossible.


    The man in front of me was using his sword to catch a lightning strike that was being fired at the same speed as light,��������, forcing it to fly away.


    With the power of that little thing?


    It can''t be.


    What the hell is going on here?


    That was a blow that made a hole in the ground that stretched to the horizon.


    How can it be repelled like that so easily?


    This can''t happen. �������� No, it can''t.


    Admit it.


    The man standing in front of you right now.


    That''s still not right. It''s an abnormal existence (thing) that I can''t even understand with the knowledge I''ve accumulated over tens of thousands of years. It''s hard to believe, but everything I''ve seen so far tells the truth.


    We have to admit it.


    It''s an unknown threat.


    Mithra suppressed the intense feeling of discomfort with his mind and continued to observe the phenomena occurring in front of him.


    Then, after firing the black lightning several times, Mithra came to an insight.


    I don''t know what the logic is yet.


    But it seems that if the lightning strikes that shabby black sword, it will change the trajectory of magic in a strange way.


    If you''re looking for ��������, there''s a good way to do it.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    Mithra then created the highest level of destructive magic �������� that he could produce, a reddish-black flame that would burn through everything.


    It''s a scorching eternal fire that has enough heat to vaporize even iron in an instant. This time, Mithra spared no effort to use the magic that he had planned to keep for thousands of years, and covered the space as far as the eye could see.


    It was the most destructive trump card of his many moves.


    It was consuming.


    But we can no longer afford to be reluctant in this situation.


    Mithra once burned several nations and destroyed several continents in an instant with this.


    He''s an extraordinary being.


    But a weak man is no match for this.


    It''s powerful enough to endanger itself if exposed.


    So it''s only natural that you were able to defeat it.


    Two people are nothing.


    You don''t even need to check, they''d be ashes in an instant.


    �������� That''s what I thought.


    That''s what was supposed to happen.


    There can be no exceptions.


    If it hadn''t once been sealed in stone by the cowardly machinations of the little ones, it could have destroyed everything on earth. Mithra had spent so much time here thinking about it.


    �������� As long as the conditions are right to use it, I can''t lose.


    It''s the best of the best, the one you can trust.


    This was the [Black Flame].


    It''s ��������.


    And yet...


    "Parii.


    �������� Why isn''t that man burned to the ground?


    Why didn''t he just turn to ashes?


    And why does he keep coming at us?


    Why doesn''t he just shake off the flames with his sword?


    Everything is wrong.


    This can''t be happening.


    That man is still coming straight at us, his body scorched.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    �������� inexhaustible, resilient.


    How can you do that?


    What the hell is going on?


    Who is that man?


    It''s more than just an anomaly.


    What the hell is �������� that monster doing here?


    ...... No, calm down.


    It''s not just that man.


    It''s the woman.


    �������� Astira the half-elf woman.


    She''s tempering the flames and helping the man heal. We''ve been trapped here for 200 years. She still has that kind of power.


    I thought I valued her blood and body, but I must have been wrong.


    Mithra took stock of the situation again, thinking surprisingly. There''s no way to fake it anymore.


    The �������� power is not enough.


    I''m wasting away.


    He felt that his body would not last much longer.


    I''ve been trapped here for 20,000 years.


    I''ve destroyed the mechanism that siphons off my power and returns it to the labyrinth, but by then I''ve spent so much time in the labyrinth that I''ve become too decrepit.


    I have at most 10,000 years left ......, or even a few thousand years at worst.


    The body has deteriorated beyond imagination.


    ��������, but still.


    We will not be outdone by those smaller beings.


    We are on a different plane of existence than they are.


    We have far more knowledge, technology, and physical structure than they do.


    Burying those two is no problem.


    With a little effort, we can easily subdue them.


    It was supposed to be.


    Why ��������?


    "Parry.


    Mithra couldn''t believe his eyes as the scene unfolded before him.


    �������� Impossible.


    It''s not just flames that are shooting out of Mithra''s hands right now.


    The more powerful the wards are, the more likely they are to be created.


    The stronger the wards are created, the stronger they become.


    The body of the half-elf he was using outside could also create wards that were hundreds of times stronger than those of normal individuals, but this body could not compare.


    The path to the core of the labyrinth was covered with a protective ward created by the half-elf''s body at its maximum output, but Mithra continues to create dozens of far superior wards in the blink of an eye.


    It''s no longer an excessive amount of "absolute protection wards".


    It was impossible for me to be so defensive. Now, Mithra was surrounded by a dazzling armor of wards that could be called a fortress of blue light.


    Naturally, if her defenses were fortified to this extent, no attack would be able to reach her. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''m not sure what to say. How can he smash it so easily?


    The man keeps moving forward, his body scorched by the eternal fire, and has already broken thousands of wards.


    The momentum is unstoppable.


    �������� Unbelievable.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time.


    Before she had time to generate the next layer, hundreds of wards were struck by the black sword in the hand of the person in front of her, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    What is it? Who is that man?


    He''s making everything crazy.


    Why does that thing even exist?


    �������� No, no. That''s not all.


    I overlooked it.


    Why didn''t I see it before?


    That man is crazy, but �������� that sword.


    That sword was the problem.


    Really, why didn''t I notice it before?


    �������� That "black sword".


    It must have been unearthed from the depths of the Labyrinth of No Return and owned by the King of Fools (King Crace).


    I knew that it was probably the world''s greatest relic.


    The Labyrinth of No Return is supposed to contain powerful beings just like himself.


    So, naturally, I had my eye on the burial accessories, thinking that they must be the best of their time. ��������.


    I was completely wrong.


    I was completely wrong. I thought they were the highest class (??????) artifacts.


    �������� No way.


    It is not something that can be measured by such a scale.


    Its very existence is something else entirely.


    It is a unique thing with a nature so separate that it is foolish to compare it to anything else in the world.


    �������� I really don''t know why I didn''t notice it until just now.


    That is a completely different level of existence itself. Too different.


    I''ve heard that such a thing must actually exist.


    I knew that the little things of the past had created something bizarre as a last ditch effort.


    But this was the first time I''d seen one in the flesh.


    And the more I see, the more threatening it feels.


    I know it when I see it.


    It is a being that should not exist (??????) and has an unusual composition (?????) that cannot be compared to any other relic.


    �������� "Ideal Material".


    �������� That time 20,000 years ago.


    It''s the one and only achievement that was created by gathering all of the best of the civilizations of the little ones who flourished to the point where they could compete with us in what can now be called the age of myth. A contradictory substance that can "interfere with everything without being interfered with by everything", which can never exist in reality.


    The one and only supreme weapon that can oppose even a conceptual God, formed with it.


    Why is it in there?


    That thing �������� can''t even be called a supreme weapon.


    It is one of the best things in the world that even in the age of civilization that flourished 20,000 years ago can only be called a singularity, worthy of being acquired by anyone who wants power, even if they have to give up everything.


    And in this age when there are no proper enemies anymore, obtaining it is equivalent to �������� obtaining everything.


    So such a thing has already been unearthed?


    But from the looks of it, that sword has lost all of its power.


    It''s so damaged, it must have stopped functioning.


    It seems that only the contradictory nature of the material remains, but the original structure is so elaborate that it must be useless in that state.


    You can''t even hold it in your hand.


    And yet.


    And yet... ��������


    "Parisi.


    Why is that man (????) waving (????) that sword (????)?


    It''s not something that can be wielded like that.


    It is the ultimate material that you are never allowed to even touch properly.


    So why ��������


    Why is that guy...


    How can he wield it like that?


    Everything is wrong, everything is wrong.


    That man and �������� that sword he''s holding.


    "Parry.


    The man''s sword pierced all of Mithra''s wards.


    At the same time, the extreme fire that he had created enveloped Mithra''s body and scorched it fiercely.


    "������������������������������������


    The first pain in twenty thousand years.


    The first agitation in 20,000 years.


    The first confusion in twenty thousand years.


    In her airless throat, Mithra let out an inarticulate scream.


    �������� This isn''t right. This can''t be.


    This can''t be happening.


    If I don''t, I''ll be killed by this little thing.


    This me. This Mithra.


    This supreme being who was called the closest thing to a god even back then...


    By that thing.


    This supreme being, who was called the closest thing to a god even back then, will be destroyed by something like that.


    �������� herself would never let such an end happen.


    I thought so.


    Why ��������


    "Parry.


    Why does this man''s sword reach me?


    What''s wrong with this guy?


    There''s something wrong with this guy.


    Everything is contradictory.


    This man swung a sword he couldn''t possibly swing, repelled lightning he couldn''t possibly react to, pierced all of the boundaries he couldn''t possibly break, and shattered �������� his own jaw, which no one could possibly touch.


    "������������������������������������


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    �������� It was a scream of terror at the unknowable.


    At the same time, Mithra gave up on everything she had planned to do.


    �������� Oh. This is no good.


    It is inevitable that her plans (future) will change.


    It''s no longer possible for me to just sit back and wait for the time to come.


    We can no longer afford to do so.


    We can no longer afford to be complacent, for what stands before us now is so much more.


    ......, but it would be a shame to lose them for that.


    �������� Tyrence.


    I was really hoping and loving it as a new body.


    They were good, excellent bodies.


    They had finally grown to the age where they could reproduce, and the exchange for the old bodies that had been their mothers was almost upon us.


    I was so close, and then I was interrupted.


    It''s a shame, really.


    And �������� Linneburg.


    That one I could have finally gotten.


    A backup for the next body. And I was really hoping for a new mother.


    A rare individual with good blood.


    If we could just get that blood, this country would prosper.


    We can increase the number of superior beings as much as we want, without fail.


    Then they''ll be good flesh for this body.


    I thought so. And we lose that opportunity.


    Above all, �������� "Mithraism".


    My beloved country that I created from scratch to worship me.


    I gathered numbers from all over the continent, created a doctrine to facilitate the coming resurrection, and set up an authority to support my faith.


    The population of the city gradually increased, and the foundation for the resurrection was steadily being laid.


    However, even though the number of people had increased somewhat, it was still not enough (????) to make it their own flesh and blood (????).


    The number of them is still too small to satisfy one''s hunger.


    You can''t devour them until the country grows up more.


    It''s more fun to wait and see.


    That''s why I''ve been holding back.


    I thought I''d done everything I could to enjoy it.


    It would be a shame to ruin all of that.


    It''s a shame to lose everything in the middle of something you''ve spent so much time trying to create.


    But �������� that''s all right now.


    You have to give up.


    You can''t win against this man in front of you unless you put everything you have into it.


    I''ve already realized that.


    Then you have no choice.


    �������� Yes.


    Fortunately, I have time.


    A long, long time.


    There is no need to rush.


    It would be a shame to lose what I have built over the past two hundred years or so, but I can (......)start from scratch (??????)again.


    As long as I survive, there will always be another (????).


    "������������������������������������


    Mithra''s body was scorched by the burning flames, but he was quietly convinced.


    After all, now is the time to harvest ��������.


    It''s just a little earlier than we thought.


    Think of what''s about to happen as a rehearsal for the next time you start nesting in the future.


    This is inevitable.


    It''s bound to happen.


    The inevitable means and the resulting annihilation of the country (thing) that we have created.


    It is a path that cannot be avoided.


    If �������� is the case, let''s have a big celebration.


    "������������������������������������


    Mithra opened his jawless mouth and laughed without speaking.


    In his burning throat, Mithra felt the deep hunger and thirst that he had endured for twenty thousand years.


    Then Mithra prepared to abandon everything he had accumulated and jumped out of the cage (core) in which he had been trapped for so long and which had now become nothing more than a convenient hiding place.

 81-81 Mother-child dialogue

    Tyrence and I hurried to the place where the Core was located in the deepest part of the world, slaying the endless amount of demons that spawned.


    When we reached a slightly open area in the darkness, Tyrence suddenly stopped and looked around.


    "...... Wait, Lean.


    What''s wrong, Tillens?


    Something''s a little off. There are strong wards around this area that prevent people from entering, and it should not have been easy to get in.


    If you look, you can see numerous large trenches on the ground.


    Perhaps that was the place where the powerful wards he was talking about had been placed.


    Did the Pope himself deactivate it in order to go deeper?


    No, then she would have put the wards back up again. ...... After all, something has happened here.


    ...... I see lights in the back.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.


    Then we saw a large, glowing blue crystal ahead of us.


    "Is that the core of the ...... labyrinth?


    This is the first time I''ve seen it in person, but I''m sure of it.


    This is the core of the labyrinth, the dungeon core.


    "So this core is still alive.


    As we approached it, we could see that it was as big as we could look up at.


    It''s much bigger than I''ve heard.


    There was nothing around the huge blue crystal, and the area was silent.


    There was no one there, or ......?


    Wait, there''s something wrong in there.


    We sensed that something was about to appear, so we kept our distance.


    Suddenly, flames burst into the darkness, and a woman jumped out of the fire.


    "...... That can''t be.


    "......His Holiness......?


    The person who jumped out of the blue stone, surrounded by flames, was Pope Astira.


    We both cowered in amazement at the sight, but when she landed on the ground, she slowly stood up, looked at us, and smiled.


    ''Well, well, well, ...... Tirens. And Linneburg, too. Looks like we got lucky. My body didn''t burn up, and I didn''t expect you two to be waiting for me when I got out.


    The woman who spoke quietly as she was enveloped in flames was indeed the Pope.


    But what was that figure?


    Her body was engulfed in flames that lit up the area, and she was still burning in many places.


    Even the holy silver robe she wears, which is resistant to powerful magic, has been charred and is melting in places.


    How could it have done that much damage ......?


    Tyrence �������� thank you for rushing over here ...... thank you so much. I''m glad you''re here.


    I was rendered speechless by the gentle smile on the Pope''s face.


    The flames that enveloped her �������� must have been created by a tremendous amount of magic.


    Even though it''s still burning her skin.


    How could she not be in pain?


    Why is she smiling so nonchalantly?


    ...... There is something wrong with her after all.


    The unchanging expression on her face sent chills down my spine and cold sweat down my cheeks.


    "�������� Mother.


    The Pope was smiling as he gazed at the prince, surrounded by flames.


    I could no longer believe that it was a human expression.


    I was at a loss for words, but Tyrence spoke to her beside me.


    �������� Mother," he said.


    That''s what Tirens called the Pope.


    I don''t know how I feel about calling that being that.


    But for the first time, I felt as if I understood how he felt when he said that his mother (Pope Astira) must be destroyed.


    I''m sure you''ll agree with me.��What''s going on here?


    Bandits, Tyrence ......, have infiltrated the interior of our country.


    Pirates ......?


    Yeah. A little girl there took advantage of today''s celebration to blend in. They''re very nasty people, Tyrence. They''ve driven me to this point. But you don''t need to worry anymore. They''re locked up over there.


    "...... over there?


    I can''t say there''s no way for them to get out, but they won''t be able to do so anytime soon. As long as he gets the flesh and blood of his people and regains his true power by then, I''m sure he won''t even be an enemy. ��������


    I didn''t understand the meaning of her words from earlier.


    In spite of this, my heart was beating agonizingly fast and alarm bells were ringing furiously.


    I''ve been �������� locked up (???????), which means ...... what?


    And getting flesh and blood from the people (???????) is ...... what are we talking about?


    I have an idea.


    But my reason refused to understand it, and a chill ran through my body.


    It''s ������������ cold. ������������


    The chills I felt in my spine grew stronger and stronger.


    The chills on my spine grew stronger and more disturbing �������� and my skin flushed even more.


    ...... Something is coming, here.


    The moment I felt it in my gut, I knew that something terrible was coming.


    The moment I felt it intuitively, the space around me distorted greatly.


    And ��������


    "��������������������������������������������


    From the distortion, something huge wrapped in dazzling flames appeared.


    At the same time, the walls of the cave were scorched and the air instantly became throat-burning hot.


    "�������� That''s ......!


    I choked on my breath.


    Standing there, surrounded by scorching flames that seemed to scorch the surrounding rocky ground, was a �������� huge human bone-like monster.


    It was an overwhelming and crushing presence just to look at it.


    A huge skeleton with a shattered jaw, clad in a holy silver robe as scorching as the Pope''s, burning in the darkness.


    I''ve never seen a monster like that before.


    But I''ve seen it many times in paintings.


    Yes.


    There''s no mistaking it.


    It is the same figure that is always depicted in the "icons" that you see all over Mithraic countries.


    "�������� ''Saint Mithra''


    We could only look up at the huge skeleton standing in flames.


    We could not move even a fingertip in front of the enormous torrent of magical power that seemed to be no match for the human body.


    That''s "Holy Mithra".


    The Holy Mithra is the object of worship in the Holy Mithraic Kingdom, and is said to have brought numerous "teachings" to the Mithraists through the Pope several hundred years ago.


    And as I stare at her, I remember the words of the Pope earlier.


    He said, "If I get flesh and blood (?????) and power (?????) from the people (��������).


    ...... who(......)?


    You don''t want to know, but you do.


    It must be ...... the being in front of me (Saint Mithra).


    And at the same time, it occurs to me.


    And at the same time, it occurs to me that it has been carefully prepared in advance.


    Perhaps hundreds of years ago.


    From the very beginning of this country.


    It has been manipulating this country from behind the scenes, through the hands of the Pope.


    It has gathered in the city of Mithra to feed (??????) on its own followers (????) and to gain power (????).


    Originally, it was for this reason alone (??????) that the city was populated, the nation �������� and the faith of Mithra''s people were created.


    "Yes, you are correct, Linneburg. This is Saint Mithra. He is the master and savior of our nation.


    At the same time, I realized.


    I had to understand in an instant.


    That thing is not something that we can handle.


    I could tell just by looking at it.


    The mere sight of it sent chills to my core, and my body stiffened like stone.


    There is too much of a difference between that thing and a person.


    Just standing here, my heart is overwhelmed with fear, and I have the urge to run away right now.


    ...... So, it wasn''t a dream after all.


    "Come to think of it, �������� Tyrence, I believe we''ve met before, haven''t we? Yes, of course we have. St. Mithra is not a fairy tale. And the day of resurrection, as per the doctrine of Mithraism, �������� is right now. Tillens, Linneburg. Come with me. Let''s all come together to receive salvation and blessings.


    The Pope said that and beckoned to us.


    �������� I know.


    It''s not safe to go near there.


    It''s not safe to stay here.


    We have to get out of here as fast as we can.


    My brain understands.


    But my body won''t listen to me.


    If we don''t run, we have to take the sword and resist it.


    But �������� is no match for it with my strength.


    Once I started thinking that, I couldn''t move my legs anymore.


    Regardless of my will, despair had already taken over my body.


    "�������� Mother. May I have a moment?


    As I froze in fear, Tirens spoke quietly to the Pope.


    �������� again, Mother," he said.


    He sounded as if he had called out without any emotion, not fear, not affection, not embarrassment, not anything at all.


    "Yes, Tyrence?


    I have something important to tell you. I''d like to talk to you alone, if that''s possible.


    "Well, ...... yes, it would be good to have you alone (??????) first. Come with me.


    She said and smiled with her hands outstretched, unconcerned about her burning skin.


    With her back to the huge skeleton, she was smiling with a calm expression.


    After all, there is �������� something definitely wrong with this woman.


    Like the skeleton (St. Mithra), she is something other than a person.


    Don''t go to ��������.


    I try to warn Tirens, but I can''t get it out of my throat.


    Tirens whispered to me.


    "...... Lean. It looks like my bad luck has ended here. I thought I could get a little more out of you ...... but I was a little naive.


    "Tyrence ......?


    I want you to ...... get out of here somehow. ...... I''m sorry I''ve been so selfish, asking you to do things for me. But you know what ...... it is, don''t you?


    I just nodded at his words.


    I just nodded at his words. "I really appreciate you going along with me this far. I really appreciate you sticking with me this far, and I hope you can somehow escape and let the higher-ups know what happened here. ...... It''s really presumptuous of me to even ask you to do that. You''re the only one I can rely on right now. I''ll buy you some time. �������� Please.


    After saying that, the prince walked straight towards the Pope.


    "Tyrence. What are you doing? ...... Don''t keep St. Mithra waiting.


    "...... Mother. Don''t be in a hurry, I''ll come to you now.


    Tirens walked slowly.


    I understand what he''s trying to do.


    I know what he''s trying to do, but I can''t move my body.


    "...... Tirens. To be honest, I really think it would be a shame to let you end up here. You have very, very good blood in your body. But it can''t be helped. It''s a shame what happened. I won''t let it go to waste.


    "...... Wait, wait, ��������!


    I cleared my throat and let out a squeal.


    At the same time, I saw him take out a red dagger from inside his jacket and hold it in his hand.


    The dagger that the �������� prince just grabbed was the Red Blade of Doom.


    It is a treasure that will surely take the life of the target of the blade (?????).


    And at the same time, the user is also certain to lose his or her life (?????), making it a must-have weapon with a price.


    Such a thing was in the hands of Prince Tyrence.


    "Yes, Mother. I will not waste this life either.


    Of course, with something like that, he''d be ��������.


    "...... Wait, that''s ��������!


    I strained my voice.


    But he doesn''t hear me anymore.


    Instead, I hear a cold voice echoing from his mouth.


    "�������� Hey, you wanted my body, didn''t you ......, Mother?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand that I''m not the only one.


    �������� I was mistaken .


    He was telling me.


    He wanted me to help him kill Pope Astira (his mother).


    He said he would take the blame for the crime.


    But he did not mean that he would bear the stigma of his own handiwork.


    What he meant by "the guilt is mine to bear" is this: ��������


    "Then I''ll give it to you as you wish (?????). But ��������


    He went into this day with the intention of risking his life, which he had done from the beginning.


    Tirens plunged into the Pope''s chest with an acceleration that even my eyes could not follow.


    You can see it.


    It was the final blow of his life.


    �������� I should have known better, sooner.


    I had to stop him.


    But the body wouldn''t move.


    Why. Why am I so weak?


    All I can think about is the regret I feel when I see him.


    "�������� Don''t think you can do what you want with my life.


    And so, the Prince''s red blade reached the Pope''s chest. ��������


    It looked like ��������.


    But a moment later.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you have.


    "......E......?


    The next thing I knew, St. Mithra''s huge hand was grasping and holding Tyrence.


    I hadn''t seen any of the action up to that point.


    "...... Good boy, Tyrence. St. Mithra will be pleased to see you. It''s good to see you jumping into my arms so vigorously. ...... You''re going to be a good source of nourishment. It''s really worth the effort of bringing you up to this point.


    Tirens is unconscious from the shock of being crushed by St. Mithra''s hand.


    The Pope laughed in amusement as he stared at him.


    "�������� lies ��������.


    A voice came out of his mouth, refusing to see the reality.


    How can he move that fast with that huge body?


    �������� It''s impossible.


    Everything is beyond my imagination.


    I can''t find anything in my knowledge that can compare to that.


    Perhaps this thing in front of me right now is a monster of a level that cannot be measured on any known scale such as [disaster level] or [natural disaster level].


    A monster of a level that has never been seen in the records of history, a monster that has never been faced by mankind.


    Something like this has been controlling a country from behind the scenes.


    For hundreds of years.


    �������� How can I face this thing alone?


    Even escape is hopeless.


    I completely blew the opportunity that Tyrence had given me.


    But I''m sure I wouldn''t have been able to escape it even if I had given it my all.


    I couldn''t help but realize that in light of what had just happened.


    There was nothing more I could do.


    "�������� Come on, Linneburg. You, too, are welcome.


    And then the other hand of the skeleton (St. Mithra) reached out toward me.


    Slowly, as if she understood that I was in despair, like a puppet that could not even move.


    A huge hand grasped my body, unable to resist, and lifted me up.


    �������� I thought I was a little stronger.


    But I wasn''t.


    I was still weak.


    I thought I tried.


    But I couldn''t do anything about it when it mattered.


    I could feel the tears of regret on my eyelids, and I was angry with myself for being here, shedding tears.


    Still, I can''t seem to do anything about ��������.


    And then ��������.


    Tyrence and I are lifted up in front of the face of a giant skeleton.


    The skeleton''s broken jaw opens wide and its face turns up.


    We were slowly carried to the top of it.


    "Hmm, this should be fun. You guys have great potential. I''m really, really excited to see how much it will benefit St. Mithra. ...... Good luck to all of you in your future ��������.


    And so I accepted my fate �������� and closed my eyes.


    I gave up everything and waited for the time when I would be thrown into the mouth of that monster.


    But the time did not come.


    I wondered and opened my eyes. ��������


    I saw a ball of fire appear in the corner of my vision.


    Inside the ball of fire stood a familiar figure holding a black sword. ��������


    ...... Finally, you''re out. ...... I really thought I was going to die.


    I heard a familiar voice.


    "�������� you.


    Instantly, the Pope and the skeleton (St. Mithra)...... of that monster took a step back.


    ......What happened?


    ......What appeared now?


    My current, confused mind couldn''t make sense of it.


    After a breath, I regained my composure and saw ��������


    "...... Lean?��What are you doing here?��Aren''t you in the middle of a ball or something?


    "�������� Dr. Noll?


    Dr. Noor was there.


    He was standing in front of St. Mithra and the Pope, his whole body engulfed in flames just like St. Mithra''s.


    At that moment.


    The hand of the skeleton (St. Mithra) let go of us, and Tyrence and I were thrown into the air, and the arm of the skeleton (St. Mithra) disappeared.


    ...... Don''t.


    The monster''s hand is trying to crush the teacher.


    No matter how much of a teacher you are, you can''t take on this monster. ��������!


    "��������Parry.


    A roar that tore at my ears.


    With a shock that shook the area, I noticed that the hand of the skeleton (St. Mithra) that was supposed to be swinging down was shattered, and Tyrence and I were flying in the air.


    It was only for a moment, and I had no idea what had happened.


    I selflessly carried Tyrence in the air and landed at a distance from St. Mithra, but my feet wobbled and I fell to the ground.


    Did fear make you wobble again?


    ...... No, no.


    �������� The earth was shaking violently from the blow.


    You''ll be able to see a huge crack running up the wall with Dr. Noor at the center, and the ground is shattered all around.


    "�������� Hey, Noor!��Please don''t leave me here!


    And then, belatedly, another one.


    Another figure appeared, engulfed in flames.


    I thought I was going to be ...... alone in there again. ...... Huh?��The two of you ...... over there are ......?


    She landed on the ground, blew out the flames that covered her body with wind magic, and then caught our eyes.


    The sight of her confused me and Tyrence, who awoke with her in my arms.


    Because ��������


    "...... your mother ......?


    It was a woman who looked so much like someone we knew.

 82-82 Misras Flesh

    I gulped.


    Suddenly, a woman who looked exactly like Pope Astira appeared in front of us.


    But the atmosphere was so different from the woman I knew. She looked so much like her that I could almost say she was the same person.


    ...... Who the hell is this person?


    Doctor, is that ...... the woman you''re looking for?


    Astila.


    "...... Astila. ......?


    I was also puzzled.


    She''s a woman who looks like Pope Astira and has the same name.


    "...... Oh, hi, I''m ...... Astila. Nice to meet you, my little lady. I''m ...... out of the blue, but that''s an amazing dress. ......?


    The woman in front of us, who introduced herself as Astila, looked at me and smiled softly.


    "Astila, this is Leanne. She''s one of us.


    Sorry for the ....... My name is Linneburg Kreis. My name is Linneburg Crace. I go by Lean now as a street name for adventurers, so you can call me that.


    "Oh, so you''re Lean. So, that cool boy over there is ......?��...... I don''t know why I feel like a stranger.


    "......Mother ......Sama ......?��No, it can''t be. ...... What the hell are you?


    Tyrence also looked puzzled in front of her.


    No wonder. I felt the same way.


    She looked so much like the Pope ...... that I could only assume it was the same person.


    But I still feel that this person is completely different from that Pope.


    This woman now has a soft smile on her face that makes you feel at ease just standing near her, in contrast to the Pope who keeps his distance and stares at us.


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.


    "Excuse me, ......, my name is Tyrence.


    "I see. Tirens. It''s a nice name. ...... I don''t feel like a stranger after all. ...... Why is that?


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.


    St. Mithra and the Pope, whose hands had been shattered by him, did not move from their positions. They seemed to be on alert, waiting to see what the doctor would do.


    "Where has ...... you been?


    "Actually, I''m not sure either, but ...... it seems we were inside that blue stone.


    "......In that core? ......?


    Yeah. And then he just took off. I followed him.


    ".................. ran away?


    I didn''t understand what he was saying right away.


    He said he had been in the core of the labyrinth.


    A person enters the core of the labyrinth?


    ...... I''ve never heard of such a story.


    And ...... escaped ......?


    I''ve never heard of such a thing. ...... Who escaped ...... from whom?


    "I''m really ...... surprised. How did I get out of there?


    When I was puzzled, the Pope, who had not moved for some time, opened his mouth.


    I was puzzled, and the Pope, who had not moved for some time, spoke up. "......How, or ......?��It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to be doing and how you''re going to do it.


    I don''t know why." "Well, ......, that''s really horseshit. I''m sure you''re not the only one. I''m not sure how easy it was for you to track me down,......, but I guess I underestimated you a little bit. I must reflect on that.


    Then slowly, a skeletal hand grabbed the Pope and lifted him up in front of him.


    It''s a good thing I have �������� this body at least. It should be enough to give you some strength.


    Tirens stood and watched as the Pope was lifted up by the skeleton and burned by the scorching flames that surrounded him.


    "...... Mother, Mother, ......?


    "...... Tyrence. I will be his flesh and blood in a little while. You should come here soon, too. You''ll be very happy. This is the highest ''salvation'' in Mithraism.


    "Mother, what are you �������� doing?


    In front of the standing Tyrence, �������� St. Mithra threw the Pope (his mother) into his jawless mouth.


    "����������������What?


    Immediately, an enormous amount of miasma rose up around the area.


    At the same time, blood flowed from the bones of St. Mithra''s body, and a little flesh could be seen clinging to her.


    "��������a--a--a--a--a--��������


    The earth-shaking moans seemed to be coming from the monster''s throat.


    I felt a powerful surge of magical power that almost knocked me unconscious from the huge skinless humanoid shape that appeared in front of me.


    I became unable to move again.


    That thing is already beyond the realm of demons.


    It''s something that no human can ever face properly.


    The slight relief I had felt earlier was quickly replaced by despair.


    The moment ��������


    A roar.


    I felt something crash into the ceiling of this space, where the core of the labyrinth is located, and break through.


    It was a momentary thing, and I couldn''t even react.


    It seemed that the skeleton in front of me had suddenly plunged its hand into the ground and forcibly jumped up something.


    I couldn''t see anything at all in the sequence of actions.


    I couldn''t even see what had just been thrown up.


    I shuddered again at the realization, and as I looked around, desperately trying to remain calm, I noticed that there was one person who had disappeared from my surroundings.


    It was ��������


    "............ Noor, Doctor ......?


    There was no sign of the teacher who was supposed to be here earlier.


    The person who had disappeared from here.


    It was Dr. Noor.


    �������� Oh no.


    It''s been waiting for this moment all along.


    An opportunity to remove the greatest threat of all from the scene.


    That leaves us.


    The only ones left are us, who will be nothing more than �������� prey to it.


    My legs trembled with fear again.


    But the skeleton that had gained so little flesh did not look at us, but remained in a heavenly position, emitting a low, eerie sound.


    "A�a��������a�a. This,ha�������� what,iv,delicious��������a,iv,iv��������.


    That earth-shaking sound was the voice coming from the monster''s throat.


    "V,V��������V,V,V,delicious��������I,V,V��������A,V,V��������A,V��������V,V��������V,delicious����������


    ��������It''s as if they are dancing for joy.


    �������� Or just as if it were raging.


    The monster (St. Mithra) punched and shattered every rock in the area at random.


    As if a thousand explosions had occurred at once, the hard walls of the labyrinth exploded, leaving huge holes everywhere. Not paying attention to the countless debris falling from the upper floors that collapsed from the impact, it looked down at us and let out that low "sound" again.


    "�������� Di. Di . Dilens.


    Linneburg �������� and you, my friend. I''m still going to tote it around. It would be a shame to end it here. It''s a waste of time.


    A fearful voice echoed in the labyrinth, freezing us from the depths of our souls.


    Two bloodshot eyeballs in the process of forming look down at us.


    "......a. Aa��������subba-ra-dee-ii.


    This blood. This blood, va. Ha. So... It''s amazing.


    It''s more than I could have imagined. �������� I never knew elf blood could be so delicious and nourishing. It''s a shame that there aren''t more of them left to replicate. It''s a shame that there aren''t more replicating resources left. It''s a waste of �������� time to let this be the end. But... It''s really delicious ��������. Aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah. aaah.


    Again, St. Mithra hit the ground like a madman.


    The ground shook and I could not move for fear.


    She could not move a finger.


    Perhaps it was �������� laughing.


    That monster just laughed, shattering and shaking the earth.


    It''s still not the same thing as before.


    It''s �������� more powerful.


    �������� evil.


    �������� madness.


    Everything has become unmanageable.


    It''s hard to even breathe anymore.


    The difference in power is unreal, as if you were facing an evil god in mythology.


    Instantly, a ward was set up.


    A ward of unbelievable strength, as if it would burst apart at the mere touch.


    It was a cage.


    A cage to keep us, its prey ...... or even livestock, in.


    "Ana. You''re �������� here. Wait for me. We''ll be back for you soon.


    The monster''s voice echoed through the cage.


    "��������a. I hope you feel safe. I want you all to be safe. I hope so. There''s no way you''ll get hurt. It''s an important, important ��������, fun (?????) seed. There. Adult, sig. Cid, cid, cid, cid, cid, cid, cid, cid, cid, cid, cid.


    That''s what the monster said, looking at us locked in a cage. ��������


    The labyrinth shuddered with the roar of ��������''s out-of-this-world sound.


    The roar shook my labyrinth and shook my insides.


    As soon as the vibrations ceased, St. Mithra crawled up at an unbelievable speed, forcibly expanding the hole that had been created by the shock of blowing Dr. Noor away.


    "����������������


    Then, as the monster''s presence faded away and the sound died away, I was finally able to take a breath.


    After a few breaths, I noticed that my whole body was drenched in cold sweat like a waterfall.


    I was so nervous that my throat was parched.


    "...... that ...... Leanne, and ...... Tyrence, was it ......?


    Suddenly a woman approached me and Tyrence.


    "...... Uh, ...... Astira ...... Pope, Your Eminence ......?


    "Oh, no, I''m not the pope or anything like that. ......?��I''m Astila, an adventurer. I''m Astira, an adventurer. I mean, what is this Pope ......?


    ...... I''m sorry, I''d like to talk to you, but ...... I don''t know where to start.


    "Hmm, okay. I''d love to sit here and talk with you guys, but ...... that''s not really an option right now, is it? I have to go help him right now.


    To help ......?


    She was referring to ...... Dr. Noor, perhaps?


    But how can I ...... help him in this situation?


    Yeah. I think maybe I need some help. It''s more powerful than before. ...... Yes!


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it here.


    "What ...... are you �������� doing now?


    Tyrence and I stared at the woman''s face, dumbfounded.


    It''s not like I didn''t do anything while I was trapped in there for so long, you know?��If you think that Astila will just sit back and let that bone monster do its thing to you, you''re mistaken. ...... I''m the kind of person who keeps secrets. Now, now, please hurry up and get out!


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.


    ...... At any rate, it looks like we''ve thwarted one of its plans, so I''m feeling pretty good about that. But this is not enough to make me feel better. I really need to have ...... Noor really beat him up in front of me.


    As she said this, the wind whipped around the woman, and her body floated softly in the air.


    "...... No way, [float] ......?


    I was once again startled by what I saw.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.


    This woman is using it like it''s nothing.


    ...... What the hell is this woman doing?


    That ......?��I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.��I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out how to do it.


    ...... Yes. But I''ve heard it''s a very difficult wind magic technique. I''ve only been shown it by the Sage Oaken.


    "What the heck ...... is this ...... from Oken?


    The woman who looked a lot like the Pope looked surprised.


    "Do you know Dr. Oken by any chance ......?


    "Hmm, I know nothing about ��������.


    The woman smiled, somewhat happily.


    I''m the one who taught him this. I''m sure you''ve heard of it. ...... At the time, I was very defeated, saying that I would never use it and that I didn''t need such a simple technique. You''ve learned to do it with proper practice. ...... Great, great, great.


    The woman nodded with a satisfied smile, but at that moment, there was a violent tremor above her head and countless pieces of debris fell.


    It''s not a good time to talk about ......, is it ......?��I''m going to go now.


    Are you alone?


    I''ve been a famous adventurer for a while now.��I''ve been through a lot of rough patches,......, mostly because of someone who was willing to be reckless. You seem to know him too, but ......!��I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I''m talking about. ...... I''m sorry, but when I meet people after a while, I get really chatty. ...... I need to tighten up.


    The woman''s expression suddenly became serious, and she put magic power into the wind around her.


    Then, a violent storm instantly erupted, and she felt wind pressure that seemed to blow her body away. �������� Immediately after, the wind she felt on her body instantly disappeared.


    And then you can see the countless debris falling from everywhere above you, floating softly in the air and slowly descending to the ground as if to avoid us.


    �������� And so, you understand.


    He''s also an extraordinary person.


    What I saw there was a tremendous control of the wind.


    She was able to concentrate a storm that could blow away a huge building with a single blow on the surface of her body, and manipulate it like a delicate finger.


    I could see that the wind magic I was so good at was nothing but child''s play in front of her.


    And just by being by her side, I can feel the tremendous amount of magic power that I think even the [Demon Saint] Dr. Oaken can''t match.


    There was a person there whose existence itself was as unbelievable as it was when I first met Dr. Noor.


    So I''m going to go to �������� you guys get to the safest place possible.


    She rose like a gust of wind and was out of our sight in a flash.


    "Let''s get back up there as fast as we can. ...... Tyrence?


    I called out to him, but he just stood there for a moment, looking up in the direction the woman had gone, dumbfounded.


    "...... Wait, Leanne. That person is ...... maybe that person is my real ��������


    "...... Tyrence. We need to inform the others of the danger and evacuate them as soon as possible. I''m sorry, but we don''t have time for a conversation right now.


    "�������� Oh, yeah. I''m sorry.


    And I don''t think you need to worry about him. ...... I''m sure we''ll be reunited safely.


    ...... What does ...... that mean?��If you''re trying to comfort me, I appreciate it. ��������


    �������� No.


    What I said was not a comfort to him.


    This is what I need to say to my legs, which are not working the way I want them to right now.


    These are the words I need to shake off the fear that I myself am approaching that hopeless existence again.


    ...... I know it myself.


    It''s only a wish.


    But if I didn''t �������� say it, I was going to be crushed.


    So I said it without thinking.


    So I couldn''t help but say, "It''s too optimistic, it''s just a wish.


    I said to myself, "�������� Now that Dr. Noor is up there. It''s going to be okay.


    But as soon as I said it, I felt a strange lightness in my step.


    �������� Yes.


    What a cowardly wind I''ve been blowing.


    Don''t give up yet.


    It''s still too early to despair.


    Because here in the land of Mithra we have that teacher Noor.


    Hope has not been destroyed.


    I know that and I can''t just stand here cowering.


    We can''t just stand here. Let''s do what we can now.


    Oh, ��������, that''s so true.


    So we retraced the path we had just taken, and ran as fast as we could again to the road that led to the ground.

 83-83 Sages Cup 1

    "I hope your search for the Labyrinth of Sorrows goes well this time.


    In the midst of a crowded tavern of adventurers, a half-elf woman with an eye-catchingly shaped face and a kind smile muttered to herself in front of a small, sorcerer-like man and a slender man with distinctive pale blue hair, who were sitting at the same table drinking malt liquor.


    �������� It was casual, just a wish for the safety of their adventure.


    The small man in front of her didn''t think so and put down his glass of malt liquor and said with a snicker.


    "�������� What are you talking about, Astira? It''s going to work, of course. I''m not sure what to make of this.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    ...... Really, how can you say such embarrassing things with impunity, Oaken? In a way, I kind of respect you ......?


    "Hmm ��������, you''re still considered second-rate for saying things like that, Astila?��I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of it. You should take a lesson from me.


    "Yes, yes, ......, but I''m not at all happy about being famous because of hype. It''s true that your name is famous, but as a ''smelly guy who brags a lot in bars''?��I absolutely hate that kind of thing, so I''ll pass.


    "......, what the heck ......?


    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. I''m sure you''re ready to go.


    "...... Yeah. I''ve already checked the quantity of tools and equipment I''ll need.


    All I need to do is pack my bag. ...... Oaken.


    Most of this stuff is probably your magic gear. Can''t you at least do this yourself?


    Why do you always make me do it?


    I''m sure you''ll be fine.


    You''re the most skilled with magic tools out of the three of us. The right person for the job.


    ...... I thought you were a genius with tools.


    It''s a good thing that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this. Be thankful.


    You must be some kind of genius. It may be bloodline or constitutional, but you''re more than qualified to handle my tools. ...... I''d even be willing to take you on as a servant when I get big in the future.


    ...... Hey, Oaken?��I''m not sure what to make of this.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea. ...... You haven''t done it yet. It''s a scam.


    "Hmm, you''ll get it eventually. I''m a genius. It doesn''t matter if I call myself that now.


    "...... is. I''m really tired of talking to you, Oaken. Roy. You don''t have to take this ...... stuff seriously, do you?


    It''s okay. Ninety percent of the time I don''t listen. I''m only doing it because I feel sorry for the tools that are being handled roughly. He''s usually all talk.


    "What the hell, ......?


    You guys have been blatantly ignoring my helpful advice for a while now. ......!


    "Advice?��It''s just a bunch of nonsense.


    It would be more useful to listen to the birds chirping than to your unworkable words.


    d*mn, ......, you''re gonna cry, ......?��When you treat me that coldly, I''ll ...... cry, okay?


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web.


    ...... A pain in the ass. Arrogant. An eccentric who talks about himself a lot.


    The two of them were the first two adventurers to form a proper party for the wacky sorcerer Oaken, who had been called that by almost everyone he met and had been shunned.


    It had already been five years since the three of them had formed a party.


    "......, are you sure, guys?��I''m going to be heartbroken and cry. I''m sure you''ll be sad too.��Are you sure you want to go to ......?


    Good.


    You''re free to go. But if you''re going to cry, please do it over there. I don''t want people to think I''m one of them.


    ........................


    The "Cup of Wisdom" had become a well-known party among adventurers in the northern part of the continent.


    They were an uncommonly unbalanced party, consisting only of a sorcerer, a monk, and a scout.


    It also had the strange distinction of having three members of different races.


    �������� Astira, a monk of the rare half-elf race.


    �������� Roy of the Lepi, a minority tribe in the northern part of the continent.


    �������� and the self-proclaimed genius of the human race, the sorcerer Oaken.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do. The story begins with Roy being drawn into a "party" of only himself (...).


    A country boy, a country girl, and a freak.


    The name of their party of adventurers came from a cheap silver sake cup that Oken bought from a shady street vendor shortly after they met.


    �������� "The Sage''s Cup".


    They were all quirky people, but they miraculously bonded with each other and developed their skills together, eventually conquering several small labyrinths.


    They may have cursed each other verbally, but deep down they liked each other and trusted each other.


    The Cup of Wisdom was a party so good that anyone who saw it would envy them.


    I''m sure you''re ready to go, so let''s go.


    "Haha, I''m going to break through this time. If I don''t make any mistakes, this labyrinth will be a piece of cake. You can leave everything to me.


    "......," he said. Don''t lose your footing in the dark this time. ...... If you fall again, I won''t help you.


    "Yeah, well, I''ll be ...... counting on you, Roy ......?


    After making their preparations, they went into the labyrinth as usual.


    This time, they were going to challenge the Labyrinth of Sorrows, located in the west of the Kingdom of Crace.


    It is one of the most difficult labyrinths in the world, and is said to be one of the largest labyrinths currently discovered, aside from the Labyrinth of No Return, and is extremely difficult to break through.


    But ��������


    They really were a great party of adventurers.


    The sorcerer, Oaken, was a top-notch sorcerer, despite the fact that he was considered to be a bit of a mouth-breather.


    He was able to eradicate most of the demons in the labyrinth by himself, and with Astira''s auxiliary magic, there was no opponent.


    Roy, the scout, did not have any combat skills, but he had all the skills required of a first-class scout, such as searching for enemies, detecting danger, and detecting and guiding dangerous creatures.


    If one of them made a mistake and got injured, Astira, a half-elf, could heal them quickly using her abundant magical power, and it was not unusual for them to go through several small labyrinths almost unscathed.


    Even the most powerful demon called the Gatekeeper, who guarded the core of the labyrinth, could be fought without fear if the three of them fought together.


    Oaken is a sorcerer who constantly fires off magic that has a destructive power that is a joke and out of the ordinary.


    Astira, who specializes in wind magic and uses powerful auxiliary spells that nullify all attacks.


    Roy, with his innate ability to sense danger and his quickness, is able to distract and direct attention with his calm judgment of the situation.


    With their distinct roles, they were really strong when they fought together.


    If they didn''t make any major mistakes and fought head on, they would have no opponents, even in the depths of the labyrinth.


    Thus, they defied all obstacles and reached the deepest part of the Labyrinth of Sorrows in a short time.


    What is ...... this? Is it possible that this is the core of the labyrinth?


    Oaken, who was the first to enter the room full of mysterious light, shouted quietly.


    What they saw was the most massive core they had ever seen.


    ''Yeah, I guess so. It''s made of the same material as the one we saw before.


    ...... But it''s big. It''s a lot bigger than anything I''ve ever seen.


    And this room ...... feels like a strange force field. Somehow, unlike the other labyrinths, there are no demons here.


    "Ha, don''t be so scared, Roy. I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it. Let''s just destroy the core and bring it back.


    ...... Oh, let''s just get this over with and go home. We''re already low on food. We''d better hurry.


    And so Roy and Oaken tried to approach the giant blue crystal.


    "Wait, Oaken, Roy. There''s something wrong with this core.


    "...... What?


    �������� Look out!��Get away from ��������!


    Astira sensed something was wrong and pushed Oaken''s body away as he approached the core.


    I''m not sure what''s wrong with you, Astila. ��������?��It''s ......, are you okay?


    The next thing you know, half of Astila''s body has been swallowed by the blue crystal.


    I''m not sure if this is ...... safe, Astila.


    Yes,......, at least. But this is probably a labyrinthine trap. It feels like it''s sucking the power right out of me.


    d*mn it!��I thought there was no gatekeeper, but there''s a trap here. ......!


    ...... Oaken, Roy. Don''t go near it. You''ll be swallowed up.


    ...... Astira. Can''t you get out on your own?��I''m not equipped to deal with magical traps.


    I don''t think so. I''ve managed to stay here for a while, but ...... my magic has been sucked out of me. I don''t think I can do anything about it.


    �������� Oaken, stay close and help Astira with her magic.


    ...... I''m on it. ......!


    In a tense situation, Roy sensed a demon approaching around him.


    It''s not good. ...... demons are coming. There are too many of them.


    I''m not sure what to do.��At a time like this, ......!


    We''ll take them out, Oaken. Can we do this in tandem with Astira''s assistance?


    �������� Of course not. Who do you think I am? I''m not letting any of them through. Make sure you cover me, Roy.


    Yeah, I got it.


    Okay.


    So Astila was half swallowed, and a whole day passed.


    In the meantime, Oaken and Roy had wiped out the attacking hordes of demons several times, but there was no end to their battle.


    The next herd is coming. Get ready, Oaken.


    d*mn it, ......!��Are they still coming?


    The two of them fought alone, crushing dozens of demons as they came at them.


    But the demons kept coming, one after the other, intermittently, like an inexhaustible stream from the depths of darkness.


    They had been fighting hundreds of demons for a whole day, almost sleepless, without eating or drinking, and they were exhausted to the limit.


    Even in such a situation, Oaken and Roy tried everything they could to pull Astira out of the core.


    But none of them yielded any positive results.


    All three of them were helplessly worn out.


    ...... Please run, Oaken, Roy. This is a "near-loss" situation.


    If you continue, you''ll be putting yourselves in danger. ��������


    "What are you talking about, Astira?��Don''t give up!��I''ve got this: ��������!


    Oaken, the next wave of demons is coming. Prepare for battle.


    ...... d*mn it!


    We''ve just survived one big wave, and now another is coming.


    The frequency is clearly increasing.


    The frequency is clearly increasing, and the number of demons coming in each time is also increasing.


    It was a desperate situation.


    Their strength was at its limit.


    Despite this, Oaken kept calling out to Astira, who was about to be swallowed by the blue crystal.


    ...... Don''t worry, Astira. I''ll take care of it. Don''t ever give up. ...... I''ll get you out.


    However, his face was already as pale as a dead man''s, and it was clear that his magic power had been used up to the limit and was depleted.


    He had run out of magic potions for recovery.


    It was clear that there was nothing more he could do.


    "...... That''s enough, Oaken. That''s enough.


    "What are you talking about, Astira?��I''ll help you now. Watch me. I''m going to ��������


    ...... No, we''re retreating, Oaken. She''s right. We''re in danger.


    Don''t be silly, Roy!��You can''t just leave your friends here and run!


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Just go to ....... Run, Oaken.


    The three of us have agreed that this is what we''re going to do.


    ...... I''ve had a great adventure with you guys so far. Come on, come on.


    "Oaken ......, do as Astira says. Have you forgotten the vow we all made before we came here? ...... That was your idea, too.


    Oh, shit!��f*ck you. �������� f*ck you!


    Sure, I said it.


    If you feel your life is in danger, get the hell out of there.


    Everyone''s life is the most important thing, so protect your own life.


    If I''m in danger, I''ll be the first to run, so you should too.


    There''s no hard feelings between us, ��������.


    The person who said this was none other than Oken himself.


    "Oath?��I don''t give a d*mn about that! Astila, I''m definitely going to �������� you!


    "Sorry ��������, Oaken.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    �������� Thank you, Roy. Take him outside, please.


    "...... I''m sorry, Astira. Please forgive me.


    "Hmm, it''s okay, Roy. I asked for your help. �������� I hope you''re doing well.


    Yeah, I''ll never forget you.


    And ��������


    Astira smiled softly as she watched Oaken pass out and be carried towards Roy.


    "When Oaken wakes up, tell him.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''ve had a great time adventuring with you.


    "...... Oh. Okay.


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    I''m not sure what to say.


    When I woke up, I found Oaken lying on a bed in an inn.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.


    "...... Roy. Where am I? Why am I here?


    "You''re awake, Oaken.


    "Hey. Answer my question, Roy. ...... What''s up with Astila?


    For a while, Roy was searching for words, but then he said in a low voice.


    "�������� dead. She died defending us.


    At these words, the room fell silent.


    When he saw that there was no sign of anyone but the two of them, Oaken glared at Roy.


    "Why ...... Roy? Why did you abandon me?


    "...... It was her will. If she hadn''t, we would have been wiped out. She saved us.


    "...... f*ck you!


    Oaken banged on the wall beside the bed with a shout.


    Oaken glared at Roy and shouted, unconcerned that his fist had sunk into the wood and bled into the wall.


    Why did you stop me, Roy?��Why did you give up so quickly?��I could have saved you!��I would have ...... I would have ��������!


    "Face it, Oaken. You were exhausted. You were exhausted. If we had stayed there, we would have been ''all lost'' for sure. She made the right decision at that moment.


    "�������� You''ve got to be kidding me. I can''t accept that. I''m still ��������!


    Admit it. Admit it. ...... was clearly out of our league. Be considerate of her feelings. She''s got some words for you. At least listen to them before you go to ��������.


    "�������� Enough. I understand.


    What? ...... What do you mean, you understand?


    Oaken pointed his bloody palm at Roy and said, squeezing his voice from the back of his throat.


    You and I are no longer ...... friends. I don''t want to be ...... associated with anyone who will easily abandon their friends and run away first.


    "......I see. ......


    For a few moments, a heavy silence fell between them.


    Roy also opened his mouth quietly.


    I don''t want to be with anyone who doesn''t ...... care about the promises they make to their friends, either.


    Hearing this, Oaken turned his back on Roy and slowly got out of the bed he was lying in.


    He then picked up his belongings from where they had been packed and began to put them on.


    �������� So, it''s settled. The Cup of Wisdom is disbanded for today.


    "...... Ah. You can do whatever you want. ...... You''re the one who started it. ...... You can do whatever you want at the end.


    "Yeah, we''ll never get together again. I never want to see your face again .......


    Oaken left the room with his wounds still unhealed.


    And so, �������� that day, the influential party "The Philosopher''s Cup" was dissolved.


    The death of a comrade caused the other members to fall out and the party to suddenly disband.


    It was a common story among adventurers.


    It was a story so common that it was not even served as a snack.


    One goes on a wandering journey, and one returns home.


    Such is the end of the dreams of common adventurers.


    And so ends the story of the adventurer''s party, The Cup of Wisdom.


    ��������, but that was not the end of the story.


    Their story didn''t end there, but rather began to move (????) from there.

 84-84 Sages Cup 2

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    The only reason was that he wanted them to see his hometown, which he considered as his family.


    That''s why they were the only ones who had visited the village and stayed for a few days.


    So the fact that the woman was there was proof that it was her.


    At least, that''s what Roy thought at the time.


    "Well, I''m sorry. I''m sorry I startled you. How did you know where I was?


    Anyway, I''m glad you''re okay. ...... What do you say we stop by my place?


    I''d like to introduce you to my wife and kids.


    "�������� Yeah. I''ll do that.


    I''m a little tired from the long trip. Can I stay here today?


    Yes, of course. You''re welcome.


    That day, Roy invited Astira to his house.


    While they were having dinner, Roy again felt uncomfortable with the woman in front of him, and Roy''s wife also had doubts.


    �������� I don''t know what''s going on in her (Astila''s) mind.


    I''ve never seen anything like this before.


    In the past, when they traveled together as adventurers, Astila and Oaken did not tell him everything.


    But Roy had always been able to hear their "hearts" and understand who they were.


    Although he felt bad that he couldn''t tell them about his power according to the rules of his family, he always felt comfortable listening to their voices.


    And all the while, he thought.


    They were trustworthy, he thought.


    Even though ��������.


    There is no (??????) voice (????) from her now (??????), no heart (??????).


    He should have realized what it meant sooner.


    The indelible memory that she had been a trusted and valued companion had clouded his judgment.


    �������� Something was wrong.


    By the time he realized what was wrong the next morning, it was already too late.


    By the time he realized something was wrong the next morning, it was too late. ...... What''s going on?


    The next morning, it was already too late when he noticed something was wrong. "What''s going on?" The next thing he knew, the Red Stone, the treasure of the Lepi people, had disappeared from the sanctuary of the village elder''s house.


    The whole village was in an uproar and Roy immediately looked for Astila, the stranger he had brought in.


    And he soon found her.


    What''s wrong, sir? You''re making a lot of noise.


    Then Roy noticed what the woman had in her hand.


    "What are you doing, Astira?��It''s a treasure of the village. Give it to me!


    "This? But you can''t. I came here to get it. ...... I''m not giving it to anyone.


    In the past, Roy had been blaming himself for abandoning Astila in the Labyrinth of Sorrow and running away with Oaken, but he interpreted the motive as a grudge against himself and stepped forward to Astila and kneeled down.


    ...... Astira, I know you resent me. But the rest of the village is none of your business. ......!��If you want revenge, leave me alone!


    "Hmm, Roy. What are you talking about?��Revenge?��I''m not holding a grudge against anyone. In fact, I''m really grateful to you. You''re the one who told me this existed.


    "What ......?


    Roy never mentioned the family secret of the Red Stone to Astila, either.


    But when he went to the elders'' house to greet them, there might have been a large red stone there.


    At least, that''s what it was supposed to be.


    �������� Could it be that she knew what it was at first sight?


    "As I suspected, this is very good stuff. I didn''t think there was anything like it on earth today (????). We are very lucky. St. Mithra wants a lot of blood for the resurrection. I''m sure you''ll be more than useful.


    "What?��Astira, what are you talking about ��������?


    Roy asked back, unable to understand a word that the familiar woman in front of him had said.


    But the woman quickly turned around and turned her back on Roy.


    I''m done with my business and I''m leaving. I''m simply here to get this.


    "...... No!��It''s the very bloodline and history of the family that our ancestors turned themselves into. �������� We can''t let a single thing leave this village. Please, just give it back to me. I really don''t want you to take it. ......!


    It was Roy''s heartfelt plea.


    It was Roy''s heartfelt plea. He couldn''t raise his hand to someone he felt so guilty about.


    More than anything, he didn''t want to hurt the people he once trusted more than anything.


    All Roy wanted to do was plead.


    Please, just give it back.


    There was a feeling in Roy''s heart that his former comrades would understand if he told them.


    So he said it.


    The Red Stone, a treasure passed down in Roy''s village, was the end result of his ancestors themselves.


    He confessed that at the end of their lives, by passing magic power through their bodies with strong emotions, they would be transformed into a special stone with unparalleled brilliance and immense magical power.


    I''m not sure what the person in front of me is,��������.


    "...... I see. You think your blood is concentrated in this?��And not one?��Are you saying there is more? Well, that''s ...... a very good thing to hear.


    Then the being in front of Roy''s eyes gave him a creepy smile that sent chills down his spine.


    The expression on his face did not seem like the Astila Roy knew.


    I''m not sure what you''re thinking, ...... Astila, but if you''re going to go after ...... me, leave me alone. That''s the only thing I can''t give you.


    Just you?��You''re the only one? Why would I do such a (??????) waste?


    "...... what the hell is ......?


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    I''ve changed my mind after listening to your ...... story. I will now give everything I have here to my master. Yes, that''s right, it''s for the best. Roy, you''ve taught me a really good lesson.


    "�������� Who are you? Are you really Astira?


    Yes, I am, Roy. I''m Astira, your and Oaken''s adventuring companion.


    And now I am Astira, the faithful servant of Saint Mithra.


    "...... servant?


    Roy was at a loss for words when he heard the words that were so far removed from the woman he knew.


    Then he finally realized.


    This woman was completely different from the person he knew, except for her appearance.


    But by the time I realized it, it was too late.


    �������� too, too late.


    "Your clan will be used as food for the resurrection of Lady Mithra. The Red Stone. It''s really quite something. So much magic coming to fruition inside. I never thought such a creature could be born outside. Does this mean that our 20,000 years of waiting were not in vain?


    What are you talking about? �������� Stop. That is the history of our bloodline itself. Please stop .......


    Astira smiled coldly and amusedly at Roy, who was still pleading.


    "That history will not be wasted (???????), you know.


    You should be honored, because �������� is the best use of it.


    But still. You guys have some strange powers, don''t you?��You can read the minds of ...... beings you confront.


    ...... Astira, why do you do that?


    I''m sure I''ve never said that to her or to Oaken.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It was a smile of a kind Roy had never seen before.


    �������� Oh yeah, I''ve got an idea. You''ll have to look forward to it.


    Then she laughed eerily and disappeared.


    Roy searched frantically, but she was nowhere to be found.


    Then it happened.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    "...... is gone again. Aron''s child. My two brothers have disappeared with him.


    "Did you look for them ......?


    ...... Of course I did!��I''ve been looking!��But I can''t find them. It''s the same as last time. Eventually, ...... will find our child.


    First, the "red stones" that were enshrined in the altars of the houses were stolen one by one while we were away.


    Then, once that was over, there was a series of incidents in which children in the village disappeared.


    The missing children could not be found no matter where they looked even after several days.


    �������� It was obvious that outsiders had entered, stones had been stolen, and children had been kidnapped.


    It''s your fault. It''s your fault. You broke the family code and invited that stranger into our village. ......!


    "I''m ...... sorry ...... it''s really my fault. I''ll take responsibility. ......


    Will you promise me ......?


    Yeah, I promise. I''ll protect you.


    ��������, but Roy''s promise was never fulfilled.


    Over the next few months, more than half of the Lepi people disappeared.


    First the children began to disappear one by one, then the women.


    Then young men. Young men.


    Old men were often found dead in the middle of nowhere.


    Still, the Lepi did not resist.


    Originally, these gentle people had no way to fight.


    No, it was not that they had no way to fight.


    They could have easily gained the strength to fight if they had used their innate ability to communicate with living things for a different purpose (????).


    But their code strictly forbade it.


    To "fight" with one''s natural power.


    It was their greatest taboo.


    �������� "Do not use the power that Heaven has given you to harm anyone else.


    The family code strongly enjoined it.


    They almost died once because of it.


    So they followed the teachings of their ancestors and the instructions of their elders, and no matter what happened to them, they did not resist.


    Even when women and children were kidnapped and men were killed, they said nothing.


    All they did was endure.


    So their numbers dwindled and dwindled.


    With little or no resistance, they continued to dwindle in number and the village became desolate.


    Nevertheless, they continued to endure, hoping that one day this disaster would stop.


    Roy, too, followed the Chief''s policy and avoided retaliation, except for setting traps and warning his companions when he sensed foreign enemies.


    He thought that if he could just endure, then one day this disaster would pass.


    But ��������


    It was only when Roy''s seventh son disappeared one day that he realized that this was only a wish.


    In the middle of his farm work, Roy noticed that his son had disappeared and searched the whole village with his eyes.


    But no matter where he looked, he could not find him.


    Even after three days, Roy could not find his son.


    ...... It was no use. We are powerless to get involved with the outside world.


    Roy''s wife became so sad that she stopped drinking water.


    "����������������


    After his wife passed away, Roy left the village without saying a word to anyone.


    Roy knew that he had brought this all on himself.


    He knew that he had brought this all on himself. �������� So, he would have to settle this on his own.


    In order to do this, the current state of affairs is not enough.


    I need to have enough power.


    That''s what Roy thought.


    And so, he decided to break the law of abomination that his race had always kept.


    He thought there was nothing else he could do.


    This is the biggest contraindication of the Lepi tribe, which has been handed down from generation to generation as the only thing that must not be done.


    To do so, he had to go to the north.


    In order to do this, he went north to the mountain where the black dragon lives.


    The next day, Roy appeared in the village with a huge dragon, just as he had intended.


    When the elders saw him, they were furious and shouted at him.


    He told him not to break the law that his ancestors had enjoined.


    Its power will surely bring destruction to the clan.


    That''s why you must not use it.


    Roy understood the meaning of this law.


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    �������� So, instead of violating his family''s taboo, he (Roy) gained great power literally overnight.


    He was able to single-handedly subdue many powerful magical beasts.


    And he single-handedly found and destroyed the humans who came to attack the Lepi village.


    All too soon, the foreign enemy was gone.


    It was a power that was too powerful to be forbidden.


    But when the Lepi youths saw Roy wielding such powerful power, they all tried to emulate him.


    And then someone muttered.


    If you can get that kind of power, �������� why didn''t you do it earlier?


    Why didn''t they just let us do it?


    They all went after Roy, berating the chief.


    Then, in the blink of an eye, ��������, a huge army of demons was formed, enough to fill a wide plain.


    In a matter of days (?????), a force that could surpass the armies of all nations emerged.


    Some of the young men of the Lepi tribe became very angry when they gained enough power to cut down mountains with surprising ease.


    �������� Why didn''t they use this "power" earlier?


    They all regretted it.


    If they had obtained this power earlier, they would not have killed so many of their own people.


    They began to curse their ancestors verbally, and no one listened to the elders.


    They began to resent the ancestors and the elders.


    That resentment turned into respect for Roy, who had shown them that power existed, and they began to worship him as their new leader.


    Even Roy, who had left the village after telling them not to follow him, could not stop the young people from following him.


    He himself, like many of his followers, had a strong feeling of hatred for someone in his heart.


    They all felt the same.


    �������� And so, empowered, they invaded the human villages one after another.


    To avenge their slain comrades.


    And to get back the Red Stone, the relic of their ancestors that was stolen from the village.


    And above all, to save the children who were kidnapped to give birth to a new Red Stone.


    It was a good cause.


    But the fear of the unknown, the hatred of having something so close to them taken away, and the pleasure of gaining so much power turned them all into tyrants.


    �������� They have been robbed of everything.


    And they''re going to get it back.


    They used the power they gained to search for their kidnapped kin, destroying everything in sight.


    And one by one, their families were found.


    Some as slaves.


    Some never returned.


    Some as mere pieces of the Red Stone.


    And each time they met their families, their hatred grew.


    And everyone who met their family wanted revenge to continue.


    �������� They''ve been robbed of so much.


    So they had to take back as much as they could.


    Their hatred swelled with every step they took as a group, every time they spotted their own kind in the distance.


    Without knowing who they were fighting, they gained more power.


    The �������� hatred created more violence.


    The more they wanted, the more their power grew.


    And so �������� many killed and were killed.


    The Lepi shed a great deal of blood everywhere they went.


    Roy, who had somehow become the leader of them all, could not stop.


    He had walked all over the continent and still could not find Roy''s son anywhere.


    With a sliver of hope in his heart, he raided every human city he could find.


    He went wherever he could find information that would lead him.


    He killed anyone who opposed him, and even crushed armies head-on.


    No one could stop them now.


    Years of bloodshed passed as the Lepi turned against the humans, but they did not stop.


    Believing that the day would come when the Lepi could once again live in peace and tranquility as they had in the past, they kept going.


    To do so, they were willing to shed a great deal of blood.


    But that day never came. ��������


    The Lepi were no longer called by their original names.


    Evil beings who control demons.


    The Lepi are an evil race of demons. �������� "Demons".


    In the event that you''ve got a lot of time, you''ll be able to take a look at this kind of a lot more than just a few of the things that you can do.

 85-85 Sages Cup 3

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    Suddenly, a familiar voice came from deep within the crowd of demons.


    Then the demons and monsters surrounding him stopped attacking at once.


    "...... Oaken, why are you here?


    A large army of demons opened up a path, and a man appeared from behind it.


    It was a scarred man riding on the back of an extraordinarily large black dragon.


    At first, Oaken didn''t know who it was that had called his name.


    The moment he heard the voice, he was sure it was him, but the moment he got closer and saw the face, he couldn''t believe his eyes, and then he couldn''t recognize it.


    I was not sure if it was really the person I had imagined from the voice.


    But there was no way that �������� Oaken could have mistaken his appearance.


    "�������� Roy. Is that you?


    He wondered, though he did not say it.


    The man''s mood had changed so much.


    The deep wrinkles on his face, etched with hatred, made him look like a different person.


    But it was definitely Roy, Oaken''s former comrade.


    "Roy, why are you here ......?


    More than nostalgia, a feeling of doubt prevailed.


    I thought I had come here to defeat the demon race.


    And yet, the fact that he is here ��������


    ...... That''s what I''m talking about. Oken, why are you here ...... now, what do you want? No, ...... right, you''re asking me to take it down.


    ...... Ah. I''m here on a mission from the Adventurer''s Guild to take down a demon tribe. But why, Roy ......, why are you here ......?


    "You know ��������. We''re the demons.


    Given the circumstances, that was the only way to look at it.


    But Oaken didn''t want to admit it.


    He couldn''t accept it and he didn''t want to believe it.


    He didn''t believe that he (Roy), who had a character that couldn''t even kill an insect, was the "demon tribe" that was killing people all over the continent.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to try to find out.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve seen it before. ...... Hey, what''s up, Roy? You''re not the kind of person who''s going to look like that, are you?��What the hell happened to you? And what do you mean you''re a demon ......?


    Roy was silent for a moment.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    "It''s ...... Astila. He''s alive.


    "Astila is ......?��Really, that''s... But why is that ��������?


    "He came to my village. And he took the red stone.


    "...... Red stone?��What''s that?


    Roy didn''t answer Oaken''s question, but suddenly, as if he had changed his mind, he let out a heavy voice that seemed to echo from the depths of the earth.


    "�������� And then the children were kidnapped. The women were taken.


    It was a voice that seemed to curse everything.


    It sounded like he was angry or sobbing.


    While Oaken was puzzled by Roy''s appearance, Roy continued to spit out stagnant words, as if he was cursing someone.


    "�������� Then the men were killed.


    The old men were killed.


    ...... And so our village was destroyed.


    He came and broke our village into pieces.


    It was so peaceful and beautiful, our village.


    Roy''s eyes darkened, and he could no longer see Oaken.


    It was the image of someone who had the strongest hatred for something that Oaken had ever seen in his life.


    Oaken couldn''t believe that it was the image of his former comrade Roy.


    He was a different person than the Roy that Oaken knew.


    Wait, that doesn''t make any sense. ...... Why would he (Astila) do that?


    No, I know you''re not the kind of guy who lies, but �������� is it true?


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    ...... I thought so too.


    I never thought he''d do something like that.


    I wanted to believe.


    And I did.


    And this is the result.


    He''s changed.


    That''s not the Astira we knew.


    "...... Roy, what the hell kind of ...... is that?


    �������� And I''m not the me you know anymore either.


    In front of Oaken, who can only continue to be confused, Roy raised one hand as if to signal something to the demons around him.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    ...... Go home, Oaken.


    You''re no longer with me.


    So you stay out of it.


    ...... This is between us.


    �������� Let''s go.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.


    . ...... Roy.


    Oaken could no longer call out to him.


    The only thing I could do was to watch in amazement as my former friend was swallowed up by a huge army of demons that filled the plains and disappeared under the control of a giant black dragon.


    I''m sorry.


    Astira is alive.


    In order to confirm the truth of the story that Roy had told him, Oken then gathered information with his own eyes.


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of this, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    In the center of the capital city, named "Holy Mithraic State", a huge cathedral had been built, and Pope Astira was said to be inside.


    Forcing his way through the gates of the cathedral, which was heavily guarded by guards, Oaken claimed to be an acquaintance of Astira and asked for a meeting with her.


    His forceful plea was accepted and he was immediately ushered into a room adorned with glittering jewels.


    He was told that this was the room of Pope Astira, and he was shown in.


    "It''s ��������, and this room is ......?


    As Oaken frowned at the overly ornate room, which was the complete opposite of what he knew of her taste, a woman appeared.


    It was the face of a woman Oaken knew well.


    "Oaken. It''s been a long time. I''ve missed you.


    It was indeed Astira.


    An irreplaceable companion he thought he''d lost long ago.


    It should have been a very familiar face.


    "Astira. I talked to Roy. Is it true what you did to his village?


    But instead of being happy to see her again, Oaken''s first words were to question her.


    I''m not sure what to say.��Who''s that? ...... Oh, you mean that demon lord (?????)? I''m having a hard time with that one right now. You have to get rid of it as soon as possible.


    The words that came out of her mouth were much colder than Oaken had ever imagined.


    Oaken immediately questioned her.


    "Who are you, ......?��Are you really that Astira?


    The face was exactly the Astira of Oaken''s memory.


    There was not even the slightest difference, and she had not changed at all.


    But yet, he couldn''t feel any of the softness that Oaken knew her to be.


    What the hell is going on here, Oaken wondered.


    It''s funny, her appearance hasn''t changed.


    Don''t you remember this face? I''m Astira, the real Astira. Here: �������� Take a good look.


    Astira then approached Oaken, showing her face, and smiled.


    It was, after all, the same face that Oaken had remembered from his past.


    The sight of her brought tears to Oaken''s eyes without his knowing it.


    But �������� Oaken turned his face away from that nostalgic presence.


    ��������You are not the Astira I know.


    ...... similar, but different. This is not the girl I knew.


    This is not the woman I knew, the woman I once considered an invaluable companion.


    She was never the kind of person who could shun Roy, the person she once trusted with her life, with such coldness.


    I''m going to miss him. We were such good friends.


    "......, the Cup of Wisdom, has disbanded. You are no longer with us.


    I see. I''m sorry to hear that.


    Astira smiled happily at him.


    Seeing her expression, Oaken could not help but realize.


    There was nothing left for her to understand.


    She''s changed so much.


    No, she''s not the only one.


    Roy, �������� and myself.


    Knowing that there was nothing left in common between them that they had once traveled together, Oaken couldn''t stand there any longer.


    I''m going to ...... leave now.


    You''ve got a visitor. Lead the way.


    "I''ll go to ��������. I''ll go alone.


    As he left the cathedral, he muttered to himself.


    I really don''t know what''s wrong with me, Roy ...... Astila.


    Before he knew it, everything had changed.


    They were both like different people.


    He realized that there was nothing he could do for them now that he was stronger, and he disappeared again, feeling alone and helpless.


    And so ��������


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    The Demon Lord''s army has been annihilated.


    However, the body of the Demon Lord has not been found.


    When he heard the news, the first place he went to was the village of the Lepi.


    This was his hometown that Roy had taken him to in the past.


    When Oken arrived at the Lepi village, he found nothing there.


    There was no mistaking the location.


    But he couldn''t believe his eyes, everything was really gone.


    The houses, the fields, the trees, the lives of the people, the laughter of the young children.


    The peaceful and happy scenery that used to be there was gone without a trace, and all that was left was a desolate ruin.


    "�������� that is.


    But that''s where Oaken found the man he was looking for.


    "Roy.


    He called out from a distance, but there was no answer.


    Oaken hurried closer to the figure.


    And when he saw the �������� figure up close, he flinched for a moment.


    It was indeed Roy, just as Oaken had thought.


    But ��������


    "...... Hey, Roy. Are you okay?


    "�������� Oaken, huh?


    Roy responded to Oaken''s call.


    But his face was completely lifeless.


    His eyes were unfocused and his voice was weak.


    This is because �������� his fingers were almost completely gone, his arms and legs were cruelly torn off, and half of his torso was gouged out as if something had bitten it off.


    It was a wonder that he was still alive, his condition was so miserable.


    "...... Hang on, Roy. I''ll patch you up now. ...... Don''t worry, I''ve prepared the best potions for something like this to happen. ��������


    "Oaken.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    "It''s ....... If you don''t hurry, you''ll bleed ......!


    Roy laughed weakly at Oaken''s panic and squeezed out a small voice.


    "...... I''m sorry, but that''s enough. ...... Just let me go. ...... We''ve fought enough... We''ve fought enough... ...and there''s no one left to fight with. I can''t be the only one who survives.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    "...... Roy. How did this happen?


    �������� There was a great war. He fought on the front lines of it.


    I knew that.


    But I couldn''t accept it.


    That his former comrades had fought each other and ended up like this.


    "Oken, do me a favor �������� and take this.


    Roy''s body was enveloped in a pale light.


    "What are you doing, Roy ��������?��What is this light?


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    "�������� Hey, Oaken, ...... where did we go wrong?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean.


    Or was it when I left my homeland?


    Is it when I broke the law and took on the demons?


    ...... Was it still all my fault?


    "�������� No. That''s not true. That''s not true, Roy. ......!


    It''s not you, ....... It''s not your fault, ��������!


    No more words came out of Oaken''s mouth.


    I wish I had more power back then.


    If only I hadn''t broken up with Roy then.


    No, if only I hadn''t suggested that we start a party with these guys in the first place.


    If only I''d done one thing differently.


    Maybe none of this would have happened.


    If only I had done more at �������� that time.


    All sorts of regrets swirled in Oaken''s mind, and he couldn''t formulate any words.


    "...... Hey, Oaken.


    Why did this happen to me ��������?


    Why did �������� Astila do that to me?


    And why did I have to kill her like that?


    Why did ...... we have to be killed like that?


    I don''t know.


    I really don''t know. �������� Oaken.


    I''ve come this far without knowing.


    As he spoke quietly, light leaked from the countless cracks in Roy''s face.


    Oaken didn''t know what was going on.


    The only thing he knew was that Roy was trying to do something in exchange for his life.


    "Hey, stop it!��No more ......!��Stop. Stop it. �������� Not yet. Wait. There''s still a potion here. If you use this, you''ll still be ��������!


    Oaken was crying pleadingly as he held Roy in his arms.


    "...... Hey, Oaken.


    I don''t know what''s right anymore.


    I''ve done too many wrong things.


    I don''t know what I''ve done wrong anymore, and I don''t know what I''ve done right anymore.


    ...... I don''t know anything anymore. I can''t trust anything.


    I don''t know what''s going on with me anymore. But �������� let me tell you this.


    For a moment, Roy''s eyes took on their old kindness, and he looked firmly at Oaken, who held him, and said.


    I''m so glad ...... that you were the last one to see me.


    Roy then crumbled into a glowing red stone in Oaken''s arms.


    It was a magical stone of extraordinary purity, now called the Demon''s Heart by those who knew it.


    Oaken took it without anyone knowing �������� and kept it in his possession for over two hundred years without telling anyone.


    The stone was made into a ring and given to a boy.


    He gave it to the boy, who looked like his former best friend, to give him the "power" to carve out his own destiny.

 86-86 Birth

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    ......, but that "demon tribe" is not there.


    The monster (St. Mithra) was a little disappointed when he noticed this.


    They ran away. Or hiding.


    He had crawled all the way up here with that as his goal.


    The moment I decided to go outside, I really wanted to eat it first.


    The moment I decided to go outside, I really wanted to eat that first, before I ate the stone I was storing underground.


    �������� Why isn''t it here?


    "Aaahhh, aaahhh, aaahhh, aaahhh".


    I look around again in frustration.


    Still no sign of them.


    The flesh and blood of that half-elf I had saved was delicious.


    But �������� it should have tasted even better.


    There''s a lot of the remains of it (?????) stored in the basement.


    He named it Demon''s Heart, and it''s a magical stone with the most powerful magic.


    It''s a really good one.


    It stores blood in the best condition even after death.


    The stone would certainly taste good if eaten.


    But �������� I prefer the living first.


    Live fresh flesh and blood can never be beaten.


    That''s what I prefer for my first bite.


    I''ve waited a long time.


    I''ve stifled my desires and held back.


    So I wanted to at least try the best food I could find, not that stone.


    However, the monster laughed at ...... and looked at the little people of good quality crowded around the stage.


    Well, it doesn''t have to be that way, he thought quickly.


    I''m going to eat every last one of them anyway.


    I was going to feed on all the beings that had gathered in the Holy City. That''s why I built the Holy City in the first place.


    In the end, I will gain more power than before.


    Thanks to that excellent food called Demon''s Heart.


    So it''s not a bad idea to save it as a treasure hunt for the last time.


    Even if you don''t find it right away, you can search until you''ve devoured the last of the houses.


    As a celebration of one''s own rebirth, there should be at least that much entertainment.


    With this thought, the monster (St. Mithra) let out another cry of joy.


    "......aah. Aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah. ......


    The monster (St. Mithra) chewed on his freedom and looked around as the shock of the screams caused the cathedral to collapse all over the place and the people in the ballroom to run and scream again.


    �������� That too. And this.


    At last, it''s yours.


    On this day, you are truly mine.


    All of them will become a part of my body.


    When I think about it, I even love the sight of the soldiers in holy silver armor that I organized turning on me.


    Thanks to them, I am reborn on this day.


    Now, everything reflected in my newly formed eyeballs seems to shine brightly.


    The monster (St. Mithra) uttered his heartfelt joy.


    "�������� Aaah.


    A thunderous roar echoed through every corner of the Holy City, terrifying everyone.


    It was the voice of birth.


    It was the voice of birth. �������� A scream of blessing that he unleashed upon himself.


    It was a voiceless scream of congratulation that �������� was reigning over the surface world.


    A great crack ran through the building of the sanctuary, the floor, the ceiling, and the walls cracked.


    For the monster (St. Mithra), today was a special day.


    A day to flatten everything in front of him and celebrate his birth.


    The day he would be born into this world again.


    The monster (St. Mithra) slowly reached out for the supper in front of him and trembled with emotion, delighted that no one there could resist.


    But at that moment, the monster was in a flutter.


    It was absorbed in the act of satisfying its own hunger and desires for the first time in 20,000 years.


    So it didn''t notice.


    Far beyond the hole in the ceiling of the cathedral he had built.


    Something small (?????) was falling from the sky above.


    He paid no attention to the dot in the corner of his eye.


    "��������a......?


    And then ��������


    By the time I noticed it, it was too late.


    By the time the monster (St. Mithra) turned his attention, the dot-like thing had become a shadow of a man, and with his small hands he was about to swing a black stick (...) at himself.


    ...... Oh, this looks familiar.


    I remember seeing this sword and this man earlier.


    I think this is ��������?


    Then the monster (St. Mithra) remembered what the being wielding the black sword in front of him was.


    By that time, it was too late.


    "Parry.


    By the time she realized it, she had just crawled to the surface and was about to enjoy her long awaited meal when her giant head was cruelly smashed ��������.


    It''s a great way to get the most out of your time and money.

 87-8.72 million years of hunger

    ...... What in the world is going on here?


    I was puzzled by the situation we were in as I used my [divine shield] to reap the demons that kept springing up endlessly in the depths of the Labyrinth of Sorrow.


    As soon as we arrived at the space where the Demon''s Heart was piled up and confirmed its location, we had achieved the goal ordered by Prince Rain.


    I needed to try to escape right now, but I couldn''t move from the spot.


    After the tremor, Rollo was still crouched on the ground and refused to move.


    He was on his knees, looking at the pile of red stones, crying inaudibly, tears streaming down his face.


    It''s understandable. He''s smart. He should have understood immediately what he was seeing.


    He understands what it means to have the (...) ends of his people (?????) piled up in such an unknowable pile of darkness in front of him.


    It''s not something a twelve-year-old boy can normally endure.


    It was natural for him to break down in tears, and I had expected it.


    That''s why I was planning to carry him and escape when the time came.


    But now the situation has become so unusual that it''s impossible.


    As soon as we arrived at this room, powerful demons sprouted from the depths of the darkness without limit and rushed towards us.


    On top of that, we heard a series of earth-shaking explosions coming from somewhere in the labyrinth, and the entire labyrinth shook and the surrounding walls began to collapse.


    And as if on cue, the amount of demons generated increased drastically, becoming a huge army that swept in like an avalanche from the darkness.


    ...... What the hell is going on?


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I could have killed dozens of them with one swipe, but that would have been too late.


    That army of demons that was spawning abnormally was not a quantity that could be dealt with single-handedly.


    Without even pausing for breath, the demons are pouring in one after the other. I can''t let my guard down even for a moment.


    It''s hard for me to escape with Rollo in my arms.


    That''s why I was going to wait for him to regain his composure, while pushing away the crowd of demons, but...


    Another shock shook the entire labyrinth.


    It was as if something had exploded in the distance, and I felt my footing wobble again.


    Ines.


    Rollo suddenly looked up and called my name.


    "...... Something''s coming. Something big.


    "What?


    The shaking was a sign of more anomalies.


    I felt a loud noise from above me that seemed to echo throughout the labyrinth.


    At the same time, just as Rollo had said, I felt something big approaching us.


    Something was digging into the ground and heading towards us.


    And it''s almost there (????).


    That''s when I felt it.


    "�������� dangerous ��������!!!


    I immediately jumped back from my current position with Rollo in my arms.


    Immediately after that, the labyrinth collapsed with a roar, and something huge fell down, crushing the crowd of demons.


    "Aaah!


    It was a huge skeletal creature.


    A huge skeletal creature with a disfigured face and half-flesh all over its body.


    But I recognized the costume of the monster from somewhere.


    I couldn''t recall it immediately, but after a few moments, I realized what the deja vu was.


    "�������� ''St. Mithra'' ......?


    It was the very costume depicted on the statue of St. Mithra that could be found all over the land. In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    ...... What the hell is this?


    Why is this thing here?


    To my dismay, it was an ear-splitting blast from a hole in the back of my crumpled face.


    And then, as I thought I saw an eyeball wriggling in the hole.


    Suddenly the monster''s hand was extended straight towards me and Rollo.


    "[Divine Shield]


    I immediately created a "Shield of Light" with my "Divine Shield" to catch the hand.


    I was just in time, but a cold sweat ran down my cheeks.


    That monster was moving too fast for such a huge body.


    The being in front of me slammed his fist into my "shield of light" again and again like a madman.


    But my "shield" does not let it through.


    I could feel the anger in the way it was beating me with all its might.


    I immediately decided that I had to defeat it here.


    I protected myself with the Shield of Light, and at the same time, I reaped the monster with the Sword of Light.


    "[Divine Shield]".


    However, the moment I slashed it, I felt something strange.


    The film of light that I wielded simply ran through the monster''s body, and there was no sign that the opponent had been damaged.


    "...... my ''sword'' can''t get through ��������?


    It can''t be, I thought.


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.


    I myself was proud to say that there is nothing on this earth that I can''t cut through, except for that black sword.


    But that doesn''t apply to this opponent at all.


    It''s true that I was able to cut through the monster''s flesh.


    But that''s all.


    My Sword of Light only sliced through the surface layer of flesh, but it didn''t seem to do any damage to the skeleton.


    The monster doesn''t seem to be bothered by it at all.


    ...... What''s going on?


    What the hell is that thing?


    "...... No. I can''t beat that thing.


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    My opponent''s attacks can''t get through to me. On the other hand, our attacks are not working on them either.


    My opponent and I soon came to a standoff.


    But �������� can''t go on like this.


    Even now, the monsters in the labyrinth continue to spring up.


    On top of that, the monster''s mad blows are shattering the ground, making the footholds brittle and the stance untenable.


    There''s no way we can protect Rollo at this rate.


    "��������aah, aaah, aaah, ......aah, ��������?


    I was getting impatient when suddenly the attacks stopped.


    As I watched suspiciously, the monster began to make a different roar, it suddenly turned and began to crawl as if it had noticed something.


    In its path was a mountain of Demon''s Hearts.


    Then ��������


    The creature reached out its huge hand to the pile of red jewels with an ominous sound coming from its faceless neck.


    The sound was like a ghostly sneer echoing from the depths of the earth.


    "Stop ��������, stop ��������!


    The monster''s unearthly scream shook the labyrinth, and it sounded as if Rollo had mouthed something with all his voice.


    "Please ...... stop, please ...... that''s ...... my ��������!


    But his voice was easily drowned out by the monster''s roar. ��������


    The monster scooped up the Demon''s Heart in its huge hands and poured it into the hole at the base of its neck as if it were a drink or something.


    "��������aah, aaah ��������aah".


    The monster swallowed it with relish, his chest and belly heaving.


    Instantly, the whole labyrinth shook and cracks appeared on the walls and ground.


    Then, an enormous torrent of magical power, which could have been mistaken for a storm, covered the area and made me dizzy.


    My shield, which was supposed to be impenetrable, distorted, and my footing wobbled.


    "Is this ......, is this ......?


    I managed to quickly regain my position and was stunned by the sight I saw.


    New flesh was beginning to wriggle and cling to the bare bones of the monster.


    And in an instant, he saw that the magic power inside that monster had risen to an extreme level.


    The monster''s power, which had felt so unmanageable, was now swelling explosively.


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    As I watched helplessly, the monster threw piles of "devil''s hearts" (crimson gems) into its mouth at random.


    Each time he does so, a wave of magic power like an explosion surges through him, and he can feel its power increasing.


    It''s devouring the magic stones stored here with the momentum of flattening them all.


    It was already a threat that made me realize that I had no chance when I first met it.


    And yet, in an instant, it has become incomparably more powerful than before.


    And it''s still growing in power.


    What it means is: ��������


    While I hesitate, the monster''s magic swells again.


    I cower at the mere hint of it.


    ......I''ve never seen or heard of anything like this before.


    What I was confronted with was something far greater than even an imaginary creature.


    It was a creature from the age of mythology.


    ...... There''s nothing anyone can do to stop it.


    I''m sure there''s nothing anyone can do about it.


    Such a feeling of despair was taking over me at that time.


    "��������


    I felt a strong chill run through my whole body.


    I felt that there was a being (???????) right there that I could not ignore even in the face of that monster.


    The chill seemed to be caused by something behind me.


    "�������� Rollo?


    Then I quickly turned around and found out the source of the chill that went down my spine, to my surprise.


    The source of the presence was Rolo.


    He had been crying and screaming a while ago, but now I could feel no emotion from him, and he was just staring, not even blinking, at the remains of his own kind being thrown into the monster''s mouth one after another.


    He was so quiet now.


    He was just standing there, doing nothing.


    Even though it was ....... Just like that.


    Why am I feeling so much impatience that makes my whole body burn?


    There is such a desperate presence in front of me right now.


    I felt a stronger fear from him (Rollo) behind me.


    "�������� Hey, you...


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s had a bad experience.


    "You ate it, my friend.


    He (Rollo) stepped in front of me and slowly spoke to the monster in a chilling voice that I can''t imagine he would normally use.


    And now I''m thinking ...... it''s very tasty (??????), (????).


    Suddenly, the monster raised a large fist and slapped itself in the face.


    The flesh that was about to form on the monster''s face popped and exploded.


    "...... Rollo?


    I''m not sure what to make of that.


    I''m not sure what to do. I know, I know. I know what you''re feeling now.


    Then Rollo took another step forward.


    "...... I know. You''ve been hungry for a long time, haven''t you? You''ve always wanted to eat good food. I know that feeling too. I''ve been hungry for ...... a long, long time, too.


    As he said this, Rollo approached the monster again with slow steps.


    He watched as the monster tore at its own flesh with its arms, and continued to speak in a chilling voice that echoed in the darkness.


    "But ....... They''re my people. ...... I don''t know them, I''ve never met them, but they''re my people. They''re my people. Do you understand?��Yeah, I know. You know that, don''t you? You knew and you did it. ...... Didn''t you?��You don''t have to tell me (??????) that you did it for fun.


    While Rollo continued to talk quietly to himself, the monster continued to torture his body with single-minded devotion.


    While Rollo continued to talk quietly to himself, the monster continued to torture his body incessantly.


    Immediately, the flesh tried to regenerate, but it never did. �������� The monster''s own hands ripped it off.


    "��������aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    It was a sight like madness itself.


    The monster screamed out in pain.


    But his scream was interrupted by the insertion of an arm through his throat and the flesh of his neck and belly burst from within.


    In the face of this scene, the boy (Rollo) just continues to quietly talk to the huge being in front of him.


    ...... That''s very painful, isn''t it? I know.... I''m feeling your pain right now too. But don''t worry. You know you''re not going to die from this, right?


    The monster didn''t answer Rollo''s question.


    Before it could answer, it was ripping out its regenerating throat and belly with its own hands.


    And Rollo, who had asked the question, didn''t need the monster''s answer either.


    You don''t have to tell me ......, I know. I know what you want to do. The red stone here is very nutritious. ...... You can eat as much as you want. The dead don''t come back to life. You''ve been hungry for a long time, haven''t you?��I know the feeling. Go to ....... Go ahead. Come on.


    Rollo raised his chin in a small gesture to signal.


    Then the monster grabbed a pile of red stones and slammed them into its jaws as if to strike.


    As it did so, the monster took the power of the stones into its body and its strength exploded. �������� It struck itself again with the power it had gained and continued to crush its newly-fleshed head, stomach, arms, and legs.


    And at the same time, he was fed �������� red stones (?????) to smash his mouth, throat, and stomach.


    ...... Hey, does that stone taste good?��It''s okay. ...... It''s okay. You can eat all those rocks. Dead people don''t come back. Then you can turn them into your power. I''m sure those people won''t be used for anything bad anymore. But also .......


    As soon as Rollo''s chilling voice echoed in the cave, the monster''s body jumped up.


    It was the first time I''d ever seen such a thing.


    "...... the pain those people suffered. Grief. Regret. I want you to taste all the humiliation �������� you''ve suffered. ...... That hurt, too. But it doesn''t make up for anything. I think this kind of pain is not enough at all.


    In front of Rolo, who was speaking quietly, the monster smashed his own heart, which was thrown to the ground, and punched himself in the face again.


    The cheekbones and eyeballs that had been forming fly away.


    Just as it was about to regenerate again, the monster ripped the flesh from its body and kicked its own knees in, crushing its internal organs.


    With the enormous power it has acquired, the monster continues to beat, injure, and regenerate itself.


    I was speechless at the bizarre scene that went on and on.


    Rollo is making that being do it (??????).


    No matter how you look at it, it''s a mess.


    "��������aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    St. Mithra (the monster) screamed earth-shattering cries again and again.


    A cry that could not be called lamentation, pain, fear or humiliation.


    But the throat that released the cry was continually crushed by its own fists.


    �������� Yeah, I know. It''s very frustrating. Why did you give ...... to such a small and insignificant person? I also wonder how I''m able to do this. ...... Are you frustrated?��I know it''s frustrating ......, but so is mine. I also wonder why my family had to be destroyed by this guy. I''m thinking ...... from the bottom of my heart right now.


    So, the person who created the spectacular scene in front of me (Rollo) turned his back on the monster that was beating him and chipping away at his flesh, and said to me as if nothing had happened.


    "�������� Let''s go, Inez. We can''t beat this thing.


    What do you mean, "...... go, ......?


    I was so startled by the boy''s behavior that my mouth finally gave out, and Rollo answered without hesitation.


    "I heard ...... that thing''s voice. He''s afraid of the knoll. Now it looks like he''s hurting himself, but it''s not hurting the ...... body at all. He says it has to be that sword that Noll has.


    "You mean the ...... Black Sword?


    Yeah. So let''s go upstairs and meet up with Noll and the others. We can �������� kill him there.


    When I turned around, Rolo didn''t have the cold presence that I had felt earlier.


    But there was no sign of the timid boy I knew.


    There was a boy with eyes that held a quiet will.


    I responded with some pressure.


    "...... Oh, okay. Follow me. Climb a little harder.


    "Yeah. We''d better hurry. I think I''m about to lose control of the ...... thing, and I don''t think I''ll be able to do it again.


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 88-88 Above the clouds

    Next thing I know, I''m up in the clouds.


    "�������� What the hell is ��������?


    I looked around in a foggy state of consciousness.


    Below me I could see white clouds stretching out like a plain as far as the eye could see.


    My body felt as if it were floating in the air, and I didn''t feel any weight.


    Why am I here, ......?


    The scene I saw seemed to be exactly what my father had told me about the world that comes after death when I was a child.


    I''m not sure if you''ve seen this before, but I''m sure you''ve.


    ...... means that... Maybe, just maybe...


    �������� Am I dead?


    Well, maybe I was killed by that monster back then.


    My father, who loved to tell stories, told me that I would go up to the clouds when I died.


    So this is the world we come to after death.


    The whole area is covered with a pure white carpet, so fantastic that it seems out of this world.


    No, ...... is not "this world" anymore.


    I guess this is the "other world". ...... It''s a bit complicated.


    I was about to be convinced that I was �������� dead after all.


    I was about to be convinced like that, but then I suddenly felt uncomfortable.


    My body felt like it was floating in the air, but for some reason only my right hand felt unusually heavy.


    I looked at my right hand and said, "...... what the hell is ......?


    I looked over and saw that I was holding a black sword in my right hand, as usual.


    Is this ......?


    I wonder why this sword is here.


    Could it be that I''ve been using it so much that it''s followed me to the afterlife?


    Well, that may be the case.


    But I also noticed something strange.


    I''m supposed to be dead, but I''m aching all over.


    And the air around me feels very cold and thin.


    ...... I see.


    So you can still have pain and breathe after you die.


    Surprising.


    But I''ve never experienced death before, so I was convinced that''s how it really is.


    I was also impressed by the fact that you can discover new things even after death.


    I also felt a strange sensation in my body.


    "......n......?


    This time it wasn''t just my right hand holding the sword.


    Gradually, my body, which had felt like it was floating, seemed to be pulled downward.


    It seemed that I was being drawn to that fluffy white cloud floor.


    Strangely, I was not afraid.


    I''m not very good at heights, but the floor seemed to be soft, and the height and speed of the fall were not that bad.


    I guess I''m already dead once, and I shouldn''t get hurt. Maybe.


    I was so relieved to think that.


    The moment I tried to touch the floor, which looked like a fluffy cloud, my body went through it almost without any resistance.


    ...... What''s going on?


    I thought as I walked through the thick cloud-like substance that covered my vision.


    I thought I was going to land on a bed of white clouds and meet some non-human being with a white beard.


    When I was a child, my father, who was still alive, told me a fairy tale about something like that.


    I was looking forward to the idea of meeting such a being, but ...... I guess I was wrong.


    ...... No, maybe...


    I''m not sure if it''s the weight of the black sword I''m holding that''s causing it to fall through the floor.


    The questions are endless.


    There''s a lot to think about even after you''re dead, I thought, as I watched the clouds drift upward in flight. ��������


    After falling for a while, I started to feel a little uneasy.


    My body keeps falling.


    But I don''t feel like I''m getting anywhere.


    And I feel like I''m falling faster and faster.


    Where the hell am I going?


    Just as I was wondering this, my vision suddenly opened up.


    Suddenly, the light in front of me brightened, and I squinted to see what was going on around me. I seemed to have penetrated through a thick cloud and emerged below. When I looked up, I saw that what I had fallen through looked just like a cloud.


    Yes, I''m sure it was a cloud.


    I had never seen it this close before, but ...... it was definitely that cloud that I had always looked up at.


    It was �������� moving away from me at a great speed.


    �������� What the hell is this?


    You can see the ridges of the mountains in the distance as you look down a bit and look around.


    From the fantastic scene I had just seen, I suddenly felt that I was approaching a familiar landscape.


    It resembled the mountains I had seen from the window of the carriage on the way to the city of Mithra.


    It seemed more and more familiar to me.


    No, no.


    It''s not a resemblance.


    Maybe it''s the same mountains.


    I''m not very good at remembering people''s names, but I''m pretty good at remembering terrain and scenery.


    Those are definitely the mountains around the city of Mithra.


    Those are definitely the mountains I remember.


    So, ��������?


    ...... What does that mean, ......?


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.


    "��������, no way, ��������!


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of where you''re going to be going.


    "������������������������!!!


    At that moment, I regretted it.


    I shouldn''t have looked.


    Far off in the distance, I saw a familiar city and the roof of a familiar cathedral.


    I only looked down for a moment, and I could only see a small part of the city, but it was definitely the city of Mithra.


    So, is this the top of the city of Mithra(......)?


    �������� Yes, this is the sky.


    But that''s weird.


    Why am I here?


    Just a moment ago, I was deep underground.


    ...... Well... Now I remember something.


    That skeletal monster suddenly hit me from below and sent me flying upwards, and I immediately plunged into the ceiling of the labyrinth, using my black sword as a shield. ��������


    I lost consciousness from there.


    My head is throbbing with pain.


    So, does that mean that I went through the ceiling and was launched right above ......?


    So �������� I am now.


    That monster (skeleton) launched me up to the clouds, and I''m falling (?????) from there.


    "������������������������!!!


    I looked again in the direction of my fall, and my body instantly stiffened in fear.


    And then I finally realized.


    �������� I knew I wasn''t dead yet.


    ����������������!


    As I began to comprehend my situation, I almost fainted again.


    I looked down and saw a well-shaped city in the distance.


    I''m sure that''s the city of Mithra I was in a while ago.


    ...... It looks so small. ......?


    It''s not that high.


    How far up did that single bone blow send me?


    And my body is helplessly approaching the city of Mithra below.


    This sight alone makes me dizzy.


    I feel like I''m going to lose consciousness.


    But I can''t.


    If I lose consciousness and crash, I''m sure I won''t make it.


    Feeling my body accelerating downward, I clenched my teeth desperately, trying to withstand the fear of falling.


    But �������� is strange.


    It''s true that I''m not very good at heights.


    But I don''t think I was this scared when I fell off a cliff with a suspension bridge when I was a kid.


    I can live with that now that I''m an adult.


    I thought so.


    So, what is this sickness?


    This is a little crazy.


    It''s too fast.


    I''m falling straight to the ground at a speed I''ve never experienced before.


    The scenery (everything) in my field of vision is flowing away as if it were melting.


    I''ve never experienced such a speed before in my life.


    And for some reason, I haven''t felt any wind in my body since a while ago.


    It''s as if I''m using [shinobi-ashi].


    But it''s not like I''m using it voluntarily. It doesn''t even make sense. ...... Why on earth...


    After falling for a while, I realized the cause.


    �������� This is it. It''s this sword.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    It''s pulling me downward with tremendous force, slicing through the air barrier with its bladeless blade, removing all obstacles.


    It''s the same situation as when I fell into the depths of the labyrinth earlier.


    I have no idea what''s going on here.


    But this is really ...... bad.


    It''s �������� too fast, too fast.


    It''s too fast and the landscape is distorted and I can''t see anything anymore except where my body is falling.


    I can''t even speak out of fear.


    If I let my guard down even a little, I''ll lose consciousness in an instant.


    I can''t even slow down in the air anymore.


    In fact, I''m accelerating faster and faster.


    If I fall like this, I''ll die.


    The only thing I can do now is to use this sturdy sword as a shield to soften the impact of the fall.


    At least, that''s the only way I can think of to save myself.


    If I let go of this sword now, I''ll definitely die.


    So I grasped the black sword with all my might, endured the fear, stared at the point where I was falling, and waited for that moment.


    "��������������������������������������������!!!


    I fell with my eyes wide open and screamed inaudibly in my mind.


    But I couldn''t scream even if I wanted to.


    There''s no time for that.


    The city of Mithra was closing in on me at an unbelievable rate.


    Just as I thought I saw the roof of the cathedral with a huge hole in it, I instantly passed through the hole and ��������


    Beyond the hole, I saw a huge skeletal monster.


    Why was it there?


    I thought it was deep underground too.


    And then it suddenly feels dark.


    What''s going on now ......?


    There are so many questions.


    But for now, ��������


    �������� Nice place you got here.


    Parry.


    I swung my black sword as hard as I could and hit the skeleton''s head with all the force I could muster and managed to escape the predicament.

 89-89 Reunion

    �������� I thought I was dead.


    I managed to land on the ground, and as I looked around, someone called out to me from behind.


    "...... Hey, [stakeout]. What the hell did you just do ...... to me?


    I turned around and saw a group of people in armor behind me.


    I''ve seen that armor before.


    They must have been the soldiers who entertained me earlier.


    As I was looking at them, the man in the strange armor who called me [Stake Driver] came walking up to me.


    I remember this man''s name.


    I think it was ��������.


    "You are Sigil of ��������[saving].


    "��������[moment]. It''s [moment]. Just call me Sigil. There''s no need to try to remember two names. ...... Why are you falling from the top?��I thought I told you to wait downstairs. ...... No, what was that monster back there anyway? I''m not sure what to make of it.


    I''m not sure about that either, to be honest. ......


    I believe that the demon was a skeleton.


    I''m not sure if that''s true or not.


    I''m getting less and less sure.


    Astira said it was a skeleton, but to be honest, I''m not sure if I can call it a skeleton.


    That thing I just saw was hardly a bone monster.


    It''s more like a creepy "meat on the bone" monster.


    But I don''t have any knowledge about it, so I don''t know how to explain it. .......


    As I was struggling for an answer, I heard a small moaning sound coming from behind the big hole where the monster had fallen.


    I thought I was going to die. ......!


    I looked and saw a familiar woman crawling out of a large hole in the floor.


    It was Astira.


    When she found me, she looked at me with a slightly tired look on her face.


    "...... Noor ......?��What was that, ......?��Why is that thing suddenly falling down like that ......?��I was almost caught in it. ......


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I''m not sure if she was following that monster up that hole from the back of the labyrinth.


    And then I knocked the monster down. ....... I see.


    I was so desperate to protect myself that I didn''t pay attention to that.


    Well, even if I had noticed, I don''t think I could have done anything about it. .......


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t pay that much attention. Maybe it''s my fault.


    It was you, after all. ...... Well, I was able to dodge it just in time, so that was good. But when it came at me from above, I really thought I was dead.


    Astila laughed a little, then looked around and made eye contact with Sigil, who was standing beside me.


    Oh, there''s a person at ...... hello. Uh, ...... who are you?


    "Your eminence, ��������?


    Just in time. Sigil, you should ask her about that monster. She''ll know a lot more than I will.


    I was a little relieved when she appeared, but Sigil and the other soldiers in front of me all knelt down facing her.


    "Your Eminence, have a safe trip.


    "...... Well, well, ......?��You mean ...... me, your eminence?��Who the hell are you people, ......?


    "...... play. There is no other master that we serve, except you.


    Astila seemed puzzled by their actions.


    Regardless of her state of mind, Sigil continued.


    "�������� Your Eminence. I have something to report first. We were ordered to capture the man, but our port side alone was no match for him. I must first apologize for returning without fulfilling your orders.


    Sigil and the others bowed their heads to the ground and waited for Astira''s answer.


    "...... Well, ......, what is this? I''m not sure what you''re talking about ......?��Hey, Noor ......?


    "......No, you don''t have to ask me. ......?


    As Astila and I were both puzzled, we heard a familiar voice again.


    �������� Let me explain that to you.


    The owner of the voice was the Prince of Mithra.


    Lean was right behind him.


    "Dr. Noor, be safe.


    Lean too.


    When Lean and the others came to us, Sigil looked up and asked the prince.


    "Your Highness. What the hell is wrong with ...... your eminence? You seem a little out of sorts.


    "Yes, that''s right. Your mother is a little confused right now for some reason.


    "...... Well, ......?��Your mother is ......?��Am I ...... or ......?


    As Astira tilted her head in confusion again, the prince leaned closer and overheard her in a quiet voice.


    �������� I''m sorry, but I need to talk to you right now. I hope I can explain the situation to you in due course. ......


    "......Well, okay. I''m not sure, but I''m your mother now, aren''t I ......?


    "...... Yes. You are my "mother" and the "Pope" of this Holy Mithraic nation. In this situation, it''s better to keep it that way (??????).


    "......Kyo......KyoKyo......?��......Wow, I get it. ......Anyway, leave it to me. ......!��I''m still pretty confident in my acting. ......!


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who can''t wait to get started.


    "At ......, Mother. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    "Yes, ...... yes. Yes,......, well,...... my memory is a bit foggy at the moment,...... so I''ll leave the rest to him,......, Mr. Tyrence!


    ""...... you?"


    The six people who were kneeling down to her all tilted their heads and looked at each other.


    The six people kneeling before her all tilted their heads and looked at each other. "......It appears that Your Eminence is quite confused. ......Tirens, what the hell is going on down there?


    "It''s a genuine emergency. I won''t go into details, but the Labyrinth of Sorrows is currently active. That''s why there''s been such an upheaval in the city.


    The Labyrinth of Sorrows?��No way. ......?��Didn''t you already go through ......?


    I don''t know why, but the Dungeon Master is back, and your mother was injured in the fight. On top of that, demons are still sprouting up at an alarming rate,......, and we need to deal with them quickly. How many available soldiers do you have now?


    The prince looked around.


    There were many soldiers in armor lying around in the large domed room.


    There seemed to be at least several hundred of them.


    Some of them were standing, but they were somewhat listless, and they were all looking at us from a distance.


    "Your Highness.


    A large man stood up from among the fallen soldiers and approached the prince.


    "...... Ryba? What is this look of the soldiers, ......?��...... No. Is this you, Lean?


    ...... Yes. I think I may have gone a little overboard.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    "As you may have guessed, I tried to capture the guest there on your eminence''s orders, but I was no match for ....... On the contrary, this is what happened.


    "Even though I was a little uptight, ...... I think I was a little rough. I apologize for that.


    "�������� No. I was the one who was rude to the guest first. Fortunately, most of them are lightly wounded,......, and the strength that has recovered is about 80%,......, but there is no one else who would want to turn on you.


    ...... Oh, that''s good. That order is no longer valid. From now on, those who can fight should surround the cathedral and deal with the demons that are coming out. Don''t let a single one of them get out. And those who cannot fight, lead all the citizens of Mithra out of the city. ...... as far away as possible.


    All citizens of Mithra are to be evacuated out of the city. ......?


    Did you see that monster? That''s the dungeon master. He''ll be here again soon. This time with a lot of demons in tow. We''ll be too late if we don''t hurry and evacuate the citizens. Ryba, you''re in charge.


    "....... But what about your eminence and your highness?


    Your mother and I will stay here and hold off the demons. As soon as the citizens are evacuated, we''ll flee too. �������� Hurry up. Don''t waste a second.


    "�������� Yes, sir.


    As the big man called Leyva led his troops out, suddenly the cathedral building trembled and debris fell from the ceiling.


    "...... what is ......?


    The shaking continued for a while.


    The shaking seemed to be coming from deep underground.


    From the depths of the hole where the monster had fallen, I could hear the shocking sound of something hitting the ground over and over again.


    All the while, the building continued to shake, and cracks began to appear in the floor.


    The decorations on the ceiling had fallen and the walls were already crumbling.


    Everyone in the building seemed to have been evacuated by order of the prince, except for Sigil and us, but wouldn''t we be in danger if we stayed here as well ......?��It''s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble.


    A golden-haired woman in silver armor and a familiar boy.


    Rollo and Inez.


    Lean called out to them as they ran up to us.


    Inez, Rollo. Are you all right?


    "Mr. Linneburg, be ready. The demons are coming. I''ve killed as many as I can so far, but there''s no end to it. This is a labyrinth stampede on a scale rarely seen in the history of ��������.


    "...... Yes, I''ve seen the situation. I''m sure you''re right.


    And ...... I think he''s going to come out of this with more energy. I''m sorry ...... that I fed him so much.


    When Rollo said this, the earth �������� shaking at the bottom of the earth suddenly stopped.


    Immediately, countless eerie moans echoed from deep within the hole. ��������


    This time, there was a series of shocks like explosions at the bottom of the earth.


    They gradually approached the ground and became louder and louder.


    The buildings collapsed and tilted in time with the tremors.


    Now, I can see that something huge is climbing up here.


    �������� It''s that thing, no doubt.


    It''s probably a battle for the survival of our country (Mithra).


    ...... Honestly, I don''t think we stand a chance.


    The prince said in a tense voice.


    So ...... lean. You guys need to get out of here.


    "...... Prince Tyrence ......?��But then ��������


    The earth rumbled closer and closer, drowning out the voice.


    The impact caused the roofs of the buildings to collapse, �������� revealing a reddish-black sky.


    "�������� Thank you so much for your help so far, Leanne.


    If it weren''t for you, it would have been a lot worse.


    But this is our country''s problem.


    You don''t need to get involved in this anymore.


    ...... And your mother, of course. So you can stay here at ��������.


    "Tyrence.


    Lean interrupted the prince.


    I think I misunderstood you a little bit.


    Earlier, I said that I would only help you as a neighbor, as long as it served my country''s interests. Then there is certainly no reason for us to stay here any longer.


    But �������� from here on, I will join you as your only friend.


    "...... Lean ......?


    "So don''t worry about it.


    Let us fight with you.


    We don''t want to leave our friends behind and run away.


    We don''t want to abandon our friends and run away. ...... That''s right, Dr. Noor.


    "Well, that was the plan all along.


    ...... I''m sorry I got you into this mess again.


    No, no, no. It''s more ��������


    We''re standing on a stone floor with a big crack in it that''s �������� collapsing.


    It''s �������� coming.


    A roar.


    Something huge came flying out of the hole in the floor with great force.


    The impact blew the entire cathedral building apart and it exploded.


    As we used the crumbling floor of the cathedral as a foothold.


    As we used the crumbling floor of the cathedral as a foothold, we looked up to where the object that had come up from underground had flown to. ��������


    There was a "skeleton" ...... that had grown a size or two larger than before, or rather, an unfamiliar humanoid monster (or something) whose bones were completely buried in flesh and had swollen to the point where you couldn''t find them anywhere. "��������


    ""��������a�a.


    With countless mouths open all over his body, he let out an out-of-this-world scream as he floated above us, covering the entire sky.

 90-90 Empathy

    The sudden appearance of the monster caused the cathedral building to collapse, sending us flying through the air with the shattered floor.


    We almost all hit the ground with the debris, but thanks to the wall of air that Astila had quickly created, we landed slowly and looked around.


    "This is ��������.


    We had all fallen to the entrance of the Labyrinth of Sorrows, where I had been with Sigil and the others earlier.


    There was a big hole in the floor where the monster had climbed, but other than that, the floor was intact, and the floor here seemed to be much stronger than the building above.


    Thank God, I didn''t fall too far down.


    I was a little relieved, but not for long.


    The monster floating in the sky, spreading its black wings, held up its hands, which sprouted here and there on its swollen body. ��������


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    It''s �������� not good.


    It''s coming straight down on us.


    "Parii.


    I struck the huge black thunderbolt with my sword, just as it was about to strike me.


    My sword firmly catches the black lightning, but �������� it''s no good. It''s not heavy at all.


    I was prepared for this from the moment I saw it, but it''s nothing compared to what I saw earlier.


    I''ve been putting all my strength into my arms from the start, but I can''t support it.


    My arms, legs, and every muscle in my body were torn apart before I could even scream.


    I caught the lightning with my sword.


    But it was only for a moment.


    Immediately, my arm holding the �������� black sword was flipped with great force.


    "[Divine Shield]


    But before I knew it, Inez, who was standing behind me, quickly created a huge shield of light and changed the trajectory of the lightning.


    Then the huge black lightning shot up into the sky and exploded far above.


    The entire sky was instantly covered in blackness, and even though the explosion was far above the ground, the blast blew away the rubble of the buildings and sent them flying high into the air.


    It''s a lot more powerful than �������� it was a while ago.


    Was that lightning fired by the ...... monster?


    Yeah. I just survived one hit and now I''m like this.


    I showed my palm to Lean, who was stunned by the monster''s lightning.


    My hand, which was holding the sword, was burnt and smoking.


    I only touched it for a moment, and now it''s like this.


    Fortunately, my low heels are enough to heal it quickly,......, but it would be unbearable to take that kind of thing in succession.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I shuddered at the mere thought of it, and a cold sweat broke out all over my body.


    ...... Not only does that monster look like a monster, but its power has been greatly increased.


    How can you beat something like that? ......?


    "Master Linneburg,��������, be prepared. There''s a horde of demons coming.


    It''s a good idea to be aware of what''s going on in your life and what you can do about it.


    �������� Are you saying that all those things are "demons"?


    A lot of them crawled up from the pile of rubble and quickly filled the area around us.


    Fortunately, they all seem to be much smaller than skeletons and goblins, but ...... there are just too many of them.


    I''m not kidding when I say that the skeletons floating on top of us are quite a challenge.


    Lean and Inez are quickly slaying them,��������, but the numbers don''t seem to be decreasing at all.


    On the contrary, they seem to be increasing in number.


    They seem to be springing up one after another inexhaustibly.


    That''s not good. Do we need to do something about this as well?


    "...... Yes, if we don''t all form up and deal with them properly, we''re going to be wiped out soon.


    Lean looked around and said something like that.


    It''s definitely a bad situation.


    Lean and Inez are fighting those demons like they''re nothing, but Sigil and the others are fighting at a distance.


    They were about to be crushed by the swarm of demons.


    Other soldiers, who had been lying on the ground looking unwell earlier, were caught up in the swarm of demons and were in confusion.


    The soldiers who are fighting under the protection of Astira and the Prince seem to be safe, but the problem is the people who are isolated.


    The problem is the people who are isolated. "...... They''re not very good at fighting. We should go help them as soon as possible.


    Yes ......, but that thing �������� is still moving.


    The creature in the sky was looking at me with a lot of beady eyes and seemed to be watching me.


    When I looked up, I felt like I was eye to eye with a bunch of creepy eyeballs.


    Then I saw the power gradually gathering in the monster''s hands.


    �������� It''s trying to do something again.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.


    That''s not good either.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    And the scale of it is incomparable to the one I just saw.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it. ��������


    I''m not sure what to do.


    "Storm Wall".


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    That monster is truly relentless.


    But ��������


    "[Parii]


    [Divine Shield]


    I quickly ran up the pile of rubble to repel the lightning, and Inez, standing behind me, instantly changed the trajectory.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    The vortex of flames seemed to have been pushed back into the sky thanks to Lean and Astira.


    Now that monster was burning from the flames he had unleashed.


    This much, somehow, seemed manageable.


    ......, but there''s really no end to it.


    The monster upstairs could unleash as much magic as it wanted.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to try.


    �������� I''m a little nervous about this.


    It''s hard to go save all the people who are about to be crushed by a bunch of monsters at this point.


    "Palii.


    I flicked the claws and fangs of the demons that were attacking the soldiers one by one as far as I could reach.


    I just keep playing their weapons from the edge of my sight and smash them as much as I can.


    It''s only a relief compared to the speed at which demons are sprouting, but it''s better than doing nothing.


    But if I continue like this, I''ll be outnumbered.


    Just as I was feeling anxious, the area suddenly brightened and I felt something approaching.


    "What''s ��������?


    This is a great way to make sure that you don''t get caught in the middle of a disaster.


    ��������Not good.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at your own personal life and the way you live it.


    But ��������


    [Divine Shield]


    Before I knew it, Inez had deployed her "shield of light" to catch the monster''s huge body and countless fists.


    The earth shook with the impact, and Inez''s feet sank into the ground.


    Inez, are you okay?


    �������� I''m fine. My shield won''t falter at this level. But ...... we can''t go on like this. ...... Lord Noor. Can''t you do something about it?


    Inez''s voice was unusually weak.


    It is true that this is not the way it should be.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Inez''s shield is strong, but this situation is not good.


    But if you''re asking me what I can do, I honestly can''t think of anything.


    "�������� Ines


    At that time, there was one person who quietly called out to her.


    It was Rollo.


    I need a favor. Can you help me with the shield for a moment?


    "...... Rolo?��What the hell are you talking about ......?


    "...... just for a few moments, when it''s safe for everyone. No? ......?


    For some reason, he seemed very calm.


    For some reason, he seemed very calm in this situation.


    He looked a little different from the Rollo I knew.


    I thought he looked different since he came to Mithra, but ��������


    I thought he looked different since he came to Mithra, but he also looked like a different person than the one I just met.


    "Is there ...... something you can do to ...... break the ice?


    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.


    It''s not really a breakthrough, ...... but I think I can keep this monster at bay for a little while. In the meantime, I want you to get into position. ...... It''ll make things a lot easier. That''s right, Lean.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the coming weeks.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you. ...... Yes, it''s true that we need time to form up. But Lolo ...... what the hell are you going to do ......?


    "Don''t worry. I''m not going to be that reckless. I think I have a pretty good chance of winning.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this," he said, pulling a small leather bag from his jacket pocket and smiling.


    Leanne and Ines seemed to be convinced of something when they saw it.


    "�������� Okay. Inez, can you do that for me?


    "......Yes. We''ll find the right time. �������� Be ready.


    Inez watched the monster''s movements and raised a huge shield of light.


    It''s a great idea.


    Then the monster was flung wide into the sky.


    But he was undamaged.


    He was just lifted right under my nose.


    ...... Rollo, let''s undo the shield.


    "�������� Yeah, thanks, Inez.


    Shortly after, Inez''s shield of light disappeared, opening up her vision and allowing Rollo to face the monster.


    In the midst of a horde of demons, a small boy stood alone, facing the huge monster.


    It was a strange sight.


    Rolo was undaunted by the situation, and quietly spoke to the monster floating in front of him.


    "�������� Hey, you(...). Can you hear my voice?


    Then I felt the wriggling body of the monster stop moving for a moment.


    "I''m sorry you can''t (?????) eat (????) as much as you''d like (......).


    I''m sure you''re thinking right now that it wasn''t supposed to be like this.


    "�������� Rollo?


    The monster didn''t move and seemed to be listening.


    Everyone watched in amazement as Rollo suddenly started talking to the monster.


    ...... Are you frustrated, ......?��That was really scary, wasn''t it?


    Now you''re trying so hard not to let me see into your mind and manipulate you again. But ...... understands. You''re too frightened to (??????) approach (????) us the way (?????) you want to (?????). ...... Isn''t that right?


    The creature wriggled eerily in the air as if to answer Rollo''s call.


    With just a shriek from his huge body, the monster sent countless cracks into the ground.


    The ground around us crumbled and caved in as fast as we could see.


    Rolo didn''t seem to care, and continued to talk to the monster.


    �������� Yeah, I know. You''ve already built up enough power to destroy the city of Mithra (here) in an instant if you wanted to.


    ...... But why don''t you do that, ......?


    That''s weird. Why is that? ...... It''s like you don''t want to do it (?????).


    ""��������aah, aaah, aaah, aaah ��������aah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah"


    The monster''s power is increasing explosively.


    Countless black thunderbolts shot out from arms sprouting from all over the monster''s body, shattering buildings all over the city of Mithra.


    The �������� thing is clearly enraged.


    It''s reacting to Rollo''s words.


    "...... I know. You''re lost (????), aren''t you? You don''t want to lose what you''ve collected. That''s why you''re only half-heartedly attacking (???????) like that right now. �������� That''s right.


    His form swells and his power increases.


    ""��������aah, aaah, aaah, aaah, aaah ��������aah, aaah, aaah"


    A black thunderbolt struck Rollo in front of his eyes, sending flakes of debris crashing down on his head.


    "...... Yes, you''re right. Of course, you have a long, long life ahead of you, unlike us, so I don''t mind if you wipe it all out. You could just start all over again. You can do that.


    Are you sure you''re okay with that, though?


    Are you happy with that, ......?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    It''s a shame, isn''t it? It''s a shame, isn''t it. ...... You wanted my blood, didn''t you?��You wanted my blood, didn''t you? You said my blood was the best thing that ever happened to you.


    You''ve been holding out on being hungry for a long, long time, haven''t you?


    ...... are you sure you want to give up so easily?


    ""��������aahhhh, ��������aahhhh."


    The intimidation emanating from the monster increases.


    I can see that black lightning clinging to his arms as they begin to multiply further.


    �������� This time, it will surely be more intense than before.


    I felt a disturbing presence and tightened my grip on my sword.


    But ��������


    He stared straight at the monster and refused to move.


    �������� But there''s a nasty one out there.


    If I don''t kill it here, I don''t know what will happen next.


    So (?????), I had no choice.


    �������� you thought (?????) and gave up (??????).


    You''re shooting that magic because you''re not sure you can beat us, right?


    Because ...... you''re scared. Because I''m scared.


    You want to make the bad things go away.


    You''ve chosen to run away (??????) because you know you''re weak (????).


    The monster stopped moving.


    "......I know that feeling. But ...... it''s okay.


    You don''t have to be afraid like that anymore. Because ��������


    And the next thing you know, Rollo is kicking the ground.


    The next thing you know, Rollo kicks the ground and says, "��������, I''m going to take you over there.


    The next moment, Roro kicked the ground and said, "I''ll go over there.

 91-91 Loros Friends

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    ���������ʤ�������ȤƤ��Ҥ�����������.


    ���Ω`��. ��Ů(���)�����Фˁ\�äƤ���äơ�


    ���������ˤ���������


    ������. ��Ů���Ω`���һ�w�ˤ��Κݤ����ʤ�ū��ߵ���䤷��������äơ�


    "............ Does that mean that . ...... does that mean I''m going to go up to the sky where that thing is ......?


    And then Noor looked at the monster floating in the sky with an expression of deep concern.


    I''ll be fine. I don''t think you''re going to get knocked off.


    "But ............. I''d rather be on the ground, where there are plenty of monsters.


    I think we can handle the demons down there.


    �������� But... To be honest, I''m not really a fan of heights. ��������


    I''ve heard that the monster needs Noor''s Black Sword to survive.


    ........................... ......... Is that so?


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    It seems that he really does not want to go to the sky.


    Or rather, he was simply afraid of heights.


    But ��������


    But it seems that only Noll can defeat that monster, so it can''t be helped.


    Go to ��������. She (Lara) seems to be up for it.


    "...... What?


    Me and Lara worked together to force the knoll onto Lara''s neck.


    "...... Rollo. What the hell is this? Wait a minute. I''m not ready for this yet.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

 92-92 Coffin of stone

    ħ�o����һ�w���w�����ä��Ω`�������Ͽդ��ϤǤ��ι���Ȍ��Ť�����������˽�������^�Ϥ��Ť��������⾰���R��ڤ���.


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    ����һ�ġ�״�r����_�������(������)���(����)���򤫤碌���Ҫ������.


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    ���ͥ���Ѻ���Ĥ���ħ���Ⱥ����S���B���ʤ��顢��귵�ä�˽���Ҋ��.


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    �����������������˺Τ����äƤϡ�


    ���ͥ��ϲ����ݤʱ����˽��Ŀ��Ҋ�Ĥ᤿.


    I know what she''s going to say.


    Right now, she''s almost alone in holding back the horde of demons.


    We formed up with Inez at the front, and all she had to do was cleave the horde of demons with her Shield of Light, and the threat in sight would be wiped out in no time.


    Thanks to this, we were able to relax a bit and have enough time to treat the wounded.


    But once Inez leaves this place, the situation will change drastically. At the very least, there would be no time for conversation.


    Please go to ...... immediately. Dr. Noor is the one who needs your help the most right now.


    Inez was silent for a moment, then opened her mouth to think.


    �������� I understand. But please put yourself first. It''s not my place to be injured.


    "......I understand. Take care of yourself, Inez.


    Yes, sir. Goodbye, Mr. Linneburg. Please be safe.


    Inez then made a single cleave of her Shield of Light, and all the demons in her field of vision were slashed horizontally, instantly becoming a pile of corpses.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where by and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    �������� She was headed for the middle of that heavenly battle.


    Inez feared for my safety, but she was the one who should not be worrying about others.


    But she has to go.


    She''s the only one who can intervene there.


    And so, with the strongest shield protecting us gone, I called out to those around me.


    Ladies and gentlemen, this is the end of the break. ...... Are you ready?


    "Yeah, I could use some rest, Leanne.


    Yeah, it looks like no one''s too injured to move. That''s great, that guy ......, or was it Ines ......?


    There were six people standing behind me: Rollo, Prince Tyrence, Astila, and the starboard side of the Twelve Apostles.


    Other than that, there were no more people around.


    There were many knights of Mithra here a while ago, but many of them were injured in the mix-up with the demons earlier, and Astila and I worked together to give them simple treatment,......, but even if they stay here, there will always be many injured people who die in vain. .


    So, with the exception of the ten people who are still here, the rest of us have decided to focus on evacuating the citizens.


    I will be the one to select them, and I will be the one to command them from now on, as I was delegated by Prince Tirens to command the troops, and I was the one who planned this "operation".


    But ��������


    I''m not sure what to make of that.��It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a problem with this.��......No matter how many orders His Highness gives, I''m not convinced. ......!


    Of course, the frustration remains.


    Miranda, the Twelve Apostles, gathered them together and seemed puzzled by what I had explained.


    "Watch your mouth, Miranda. It is the order of Your Eminence and Your Highness to obey her. Do you dare to be disrespectful in this place?


    "......, but ......, no matter what, that way ......!


    ...... Sorry. Miranda. I''m the one who said I wanted her (Lean) to run this scene. She''s much better at this stuff (??????) than I am. If you have any complaints, feel free to blame me.


    "At ......, Your Highness ......!��This is not the way I meant it. ......!


    Then obey meekly. Miranda.


    ...... Okay, okay, ......!


    ...... I understand where she''s coming from.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    "At ......, Miranda, Petra. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    ...... If possible, I''d like to wait for Miranda to calm down, but there''s no time.


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of it or not, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    It won''t take much time for that horde to reach us.


    We need to hurry up and get ready.


    "But ......, hey. Are you sure you want to do this?��I understand what you mean, but that means we''re all ��������


    "�������� Miranda. We''re here to protect the people of Mithra. You have to help.


    But, ......, no matter what, it''s still ......!


    ...... Miranda. You know why a guest of honor from another country would risk his life to stay here.


    "Oh, ��������!��I get it. ......!��I''m not sure if you''re going to be able to do this, but I''m sure you''ll be able to do it.


    If you want to go to ......, we can start right away. We don''t have time for this. Concentrate.


    ...... I know, I know, I know. ......!��Don''t rush me. ......!


    In spite of the hesitant tone of voice, Miranda''s magic power increased in an instant, just a breath away, and she was ready to cast a spell.


    "......, that''s enough. If you''re going to do it, do it.


    I''m ready. I''m ready.


    ����������Scripture��Mr. Miranda.


    Petra from �������� [Pseudepigrapha] .


    They were young, probably around eighteen years old, not much older than me, but they were still top-notch magicians.


    I''ll be ready to cast a spell as soon as they do.


    "Here we go: ��������


    And then the three of us breathed in unison and activated the spell at the same time.


    "[Stone Wall]".


    Then, with a roar, thick, huge rocks rose one after another toward the sky and surrounded us as a stone wall.


    I looked up at the wall of hard rock that had risen so high in an instant, and felt myself cowering even though I had suggested it.


    I couldn''t see any more of the buildings of Mithra''s city.


    In the blink of an eye, all we could see was the stone wall, a pile of rubble, the entrance to the labyrinth, and a crowd of demons.


    A stone wall that high would not be easy to overcome.


    Not the demons, not us.


    Now, there''s nowhere to run.


    "......Uh......!��I knew this would happen, but... I knew this was going to happen, but I really can''t believe we locked ourselves in. ......!��......This is almost like a stone coffin. ......!


    As Miranda said, what I had completed with the help of the Twelve Saints was a huge rectangular enclosure ......, a "sarcophagus" if you will.


    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find the right one for you.


    �������� I knew from the start that this was a foolhardy approach.


    I''m sorry to Miranda for forcing you to go along with her.


    But Inez and Dr. Noor are no longer here.


    Aside from the people with supernatural powers, the power and numbers of us normal people won''t be able to control the growth of the demons even if we were to face them head on.


    No matter how hard we try, it is inevitable that we will fail to defeat the demons that are spreading to the city.


    The citizens of Mithra have been ordered to evacuate, but there must still be many people who missed the evacuation. The demons will avalanche into the city and surely kill many of its citizens.


    You have to prevent that from happening at all costs. ...... But at present, you have too limited a hand.


    It is possible to forcibly cover the entrance of the labyrinth to confine the demons, but no matter how you look at it, it is impossible to hold back all the demons that keep springing up.


    Simply blocking the labyrinth would only be a temporary solution.


    Even if we continue to defeat the demons, the city will overflow.


    But we can''t just try to contain it.


    So what do you do if you''re ......?


    In a way, the answer is quite simple.


    You can do both �������� at the same time.


    In other words, lock up the ...... demons and keep reducing the number of demons by those who are inside(...).


    "...... I see. I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea. How could you think of such a thing?


    "This isn''t the time to be impressed, Gelgnain......!��Even if I did, I wouldn''t do such a reckless thing ......!


    "But it''s the least we can do to protect the people of Mithra. The sacrifices will be minimal.


    The [Gou Yari] Gergnine, who was holding a large spear, seemed to be laughing underneath his helmet, his face invisible.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.��I''m sure you''re not the only one. ...... The princess of that barbarian country is also crazy. ......!


    But this is the mission that we should be martyred for,......, isn''t it?��Sigil.


    That''s right. Your eminence and the prince will fight with us. It is the duty of a holy knight to die here, Miranda.


    ...... Oh my god, ...... I was so stupid to ask you guys to agree with me. ......!


    They''re right, it''s going to be a fight to the death from here on out.


    It''s a war between the incoming demons and us, and we''ll destroy each other until one of us is dead.


    There is no escape in this huge wall of stone, and if things go badly, we will die in it.


    But of course, I didn''t surround us to die.


    It''s okay, Miranda. I didn''t propose this plan with the intention of dying either.


    ...... You''re right. You wouldn''t think of doing something like this without a chance of winning, would you ......?


    Yes. But if the worst comes to the worst, I will sink this rock wall with the demon, and I am sorry if that happens.


    I''m sorry if that happens. ...... hiiiiiiiiii......!


    "Do everything in your power to prevent that from happening. ...... You''re one of the starboard side. Don''t make a scene.


    I know, I know. ......!��And you''ve got to do it whether you want to or not. ......!��...... ugh ......!


    As I was about to give her another look, Astira placed a gentle hand on Miranda''s shoulder.


    It''s okay, Miranda. I''m here to help in any way I can.


    "...... Gee, your eminence, ......?


    Miranda was so startled by the person''s hand on her shoulder that she lost her balance and fell to the ground on her butt.


    "......ge......, Your Eminence ...... my shoulder!��And ...... wow!��I''m not sure what to say.��...... is wow ......!


    I''ve been through a lot in my life.��I''m sure you can help me. In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    I''m not sure if you''ll be able to find the right one for you.


    "It''s an honor to fight with you at ��������, Your Eminence.


    "Yes, I''m very reassured too, Sigil, all of you. That herd is going to be a bit ......, or rather, a lot of work, but let''s do our best ...... anyway!


    ...... too good to be true.


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.


    So let''s get into position. ...... The demons are closing in.


    And so we formed the formation that we had talked about.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    I would stand between the two groups, and Rollo would be behind me.


    To be honest, I wasn''t sure until the very end if I wanted Rollo to stay here. ...... But I couldn''t be completely separated from him in the chaos.


    So I''m sorry, but he has to stay with me.


    Of course I''m going to protect him.


    But ��������


    ...... Rollo, it''s going to be a fierce battle from here on out. I really don''t think I''ll be able to afford it, so I may not be able to protect you properly.


    ...... "Don''t worry. I can only run around, but I''ll at least try not to die on my own.


    Please.


    I can see the ever-increasing density of demons rushing towards me, filling the walls.


    I thrust my sword into the ground and called out to everyone present.


    The first wave of �������� is coming. Please try to keep your current formation intact. If you don''t, ...... you''ll be wiped out soon.


    "...... Copy.


    "�������� Copy that.


    "...... ugh. Let''s just let it happen, ......!


    And so everyone readied their weapons.


    As the horde of demons approached, the vibrations from the soles of my feet grew louder and the feeling of fear grew louder.


    I took a deep breath to calm my mind, and at the same time, I prepared for the magic �������� Noor taught me to unleash: fusion magic.


    ...... But my "fusion magic" is still a mimic.


    It''s not perfect.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    But I guess I''ll just have to do it here at ��������.


    While I was pondering this, a group of demons appeared in front of me.


    So let''s start with ��������. I''m not sure what to do.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.


    It''s not like Inez or Dr. Noor.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.


    "��������[Hellflare]


    I didn''t care, and continued to shoot pillars of flame with all my might at the swarm of demons that were about to spring from the entrance of the labyrinth again.


    The demons that I failed to shoot were left to the Twelve Saints who were waiting on either side of me, and as they took them down, I focused on destroying the majority of them.


    ...... Fortunately, this small group formation is working well. But this is still only the signal for the start of the battle to come.


    �������� This is where the real hell begins.


    "Hmmm. ...... This is where we do our best work, Mr. Tyrence.


    "�������� Yes, mother.


    The next moment I heard them whispering quietly next to each other in the crowded battle, we were swallowed by the vortex of demons like an avalanche.

 93-93 Training Outcomes

    In the event that you are not prepared for this, you can be launched into the sky by a dragon and almost faint from the tremendous pressure of the ascent,��������, but as soon as the monster approaches in front of you, you will not be able to faint.


    "Black Lightning".


    "Parii.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    The moment I caught it with my sword, it pushed me with tremendous pressure and almost blew me away, but I barely pushed it back and managed to repel the lightning.


    Immediately after I flicked it, the lightning that struck the plain in the distance made a huge hole in the ground.


    If I took even the slightest bite of that thing, my body would be blown apart in an instant.


    On the contrary, even if this dragon that carried me into the sky takes a hit, I will fall helplessly from this far above the sky.


    "Black Lightning".


    So, �������� will never be able to hurt this dragon.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a few things you can do.


    In the face of such a dragon, the monster mercilessly strikes with a powerful thunderbolt.


    "Parry!


    I crawled on the dragon''s back with a dying heart and swung the Black Sword as hard as I could.


    If I accelerate while using my full power of [Strengthen Body], I will somehow make it in time.


    But just as I''m relieved to drop one thunderbolt, the monster piles on the next attack.


    The monster is about to unleash more of that powerful lightning in rapid succession.


    The lightning spreads across the sky in an instant.


    �������� This is not good.


    The moment you think that, it''s unleashed all at once.


    ������������ black lightning������������


    The moment it struck, I knew.


    It''s definitely not in my power to stop it.


    There was nothing I could do but wait for it to burn me.


    My mind went blank, and I immediately felt like I was going to die.


    But ��������


    Somehow, before I could despair, my body moved.


    "Parry.


    And then, as if to avoid us, lightning struck me in the side.


    "What the ...... is ......?


    I wondered.


    I noticed that I seemed to be swinging my sword.


    But it wasn''t a conscious movement.


    But it was a familiar movement.


    I remembered the feeling.


    It''s more like ......, but I can''t forget it.


    This was the sensation of training with Gilbert that I had been repeating over and over before I left for Mithra.


    Gilbert''s spears were sharp.


    It would be impossible to hit him in time if I could see him and hit him properly.


    So, with a minimum of movement, just touch it instead of striking it with force.


    There is no need to hit it with all your might.


    You can touch it slightly with your sword and shift the angle of the incoming spear just a little bit.


    In other words, that''s all you could do,......, but it was enough to prevent his spear.


    ������������ black lightning������������


    That monster unleashes a huge thunder with a roar.


    It is truly terrifying.


    If you look at it head-on, you will see a scene that seems like the end of the world.


    Even more so when you are hit by it in the unstable sky.


    The black lightning that covers and burns us in an instant that we can''t even blink can only be described as a threat.


    In addition, I can see an even bigger one coming.


    But ��������


    �������� When you think about it, Gilbert''s spear is much faster.


    "Parry.


    I remembered what it felt like to flip Gilbert''s spear, and I flicked the lightning that the monster had unleashed.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    "''Black Lightning''...


    "Parry!


    The monster continues to fire lightning at me without pausing for breath.


    But I flicked off all the lightning as if I were out of time.


    I didn''t need any strength at all, even though I had struggled so much just now.


    I can flip and deflect the powerful lightning that comes at me one after another as easily as if I were dealing with feathers.


    You don''t need to take it head on, just deflect it (????????).


    It''s a great way to get the most out of your time and money.


    �������� What the hell, was this what I was supposed to do?


    The monster shoots more powerful lightning at me like I''m crazy, but ��������


    ������������ black lightning ������������


    "Palii.


    I carefully assessed the trajectory of each and every thunderbolt as it flew by.


    I''m not sure if you''re a fan of this kind of thing, but I think it''s a great idea.


    ...... It was truly a tremendous sight.


    It''s a great way to get the most out of your business.


    Even a single strike of that lightning would be the end, and I was nervous.


    But no matter how strong the monster''s attack is, it doesn''t matter as long as you can deflect it and drop it on a distant mountain or plain.


    This way, no matter how many thunderbolts fly at you, you won''t be afraid of them anymore.


    ...... It is much scarier to be calm and look down.


    I''ve been trying to avoid looking down for a while now, but there''s a limit.


    It seems that the dragon (Lara) is smart and is flying carefully so as not to shake me off, but the speed at which it is flying is unbelievable.


    Every time the dragon makes a big turn in the sky, I feel like I''m going to faint.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do that, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it. ......


    But ............ there''s no end to it.


    That monster is incredibly tough.


    If you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you can always ask for help.


    Lara''s breath burned so vigorously that the smell of the monster''s flesh burning filled the sky, and yet it didn''t seem to have much effect.


    How can I defeat this thing?


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.


    I''m not sure.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.


    Then, the thick flesh covering the bones was cut into large chunks and flew into the air. ��������


    "�������� gua


    When Lara saw this, she immediately unleashed a high-heat breath that turned the meat into a giant lump of charcoal.


    "Is that ��������?


    I glanced fearfully in the direction below where the film of light had flown, and saw a blonde woman in familiar silver armor running up into the sky at great speed.


    She seemed to have created countless small "light shields" and was using them as footholds as she ran up.


    The regularity with which the plates of light were lined up was like a ''staircase of light''.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website to see if you can find anything that might help you.


    "�������� Noor-dono. I''m sorry I''m late.


    Inez. You''re here?


    The person who looked familiar to me was also Ines.


    Thank God. I couldn''t have done it alone.


    �������� Maybe you''re right. I''ll join you on Linneburg''s orders, but I need a little insurance. Can you fly a little higher?


    "No, I can''t talk to this dragon, okay?��No, I can''t talk to this dragon. ...... I can''t help you without Rollo.


    ...... Oh, well. Then we have no choice.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.


    �������� At that moment, I almost fainted.


    It''s not good.


    I''m so scared.


    It''s not just about falling, it''s about watching someone fall from a great height.


    �������� No, no.


    Now is not the time to be thinking about that.


    While I''m feeling dizzy, she''s falling fast.


    I have to save her now.


    But how?


    As I''m confused by the sudden situation.


    "Divine Shield.


    Inez created a huge "shield of light" below her and landed on it as if nothing had happened.


    At first, I was relieved.


    ...... I see.


    I guess I didn''t have to worry about that.


    I would have preferred that you had told me first, as it would have been bad for my heart.


    That''s �������� the floor.


    But I soon forgot that feeling.


    When I looked again, I saw an astonishing sight below me.


    The shield that Inez had created separated the ground from the sky, and a huge floor that seemed to cover the entire city of Mithra appeared in an instant.


    It was a kind of divine floor, like a glittering stage.


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    "Wow, ......, that''s some flooring right there. I didn''t know you could do that.


    I''m sorry, but we''re going to be doing this for a while. I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to do this for a while. I can''t have that monster''s magic on the ground right now.


    Yeah, this is much better for me.


    Inez says she''s sorry, but .......


    To be honest, it helps a lot.


    Not having to worry about falling from the sky to the ground is a big deal.


    If I had to say one thing, I''d say that I''d like to see what''s underneath a bit transparent, but ...... I don''t think that''s too extravagant.


    ...... I see. And I forgot to mention that there are no reinforcements other than me. I forgot to mention that I don''t have any other reinforcements, so it''s just the two of us against it.


    Enough said.��And not just the two of us. Lara will be there too.


    "...... I see.


    Inez laughed a little.


    �������� Here it comes.


    The monster, which had lost part of its body and lost its balance, was about to unleash its magic again.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    The countless arms it lost have grown back, and it still has some flesh left, and it seems to be in good health.


    I''m sure you''ll be fine.��I''m not sure I''d be able to handle my own defense if I had to scrape the flesh off that thing while stretching this floor.


    "Oh, I''ll leave it to you then. I can handle the thunder of that monster.


    ...... I see. I''ll take care of it.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find it on the web.


    ������������ black lightning ������������


    But the horrible feeling doesn''t happen anymore.


    "Parry.


    A few minutes ago, I was in a hurry to do something on my own, but now I have Ines.


    It''s a bit shameful to say that I''m relying on her, but ...... still, my anxiety has almost disappeared just because she (Ines) came.


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea. ...... The fact that Ines, who always has a stern expression on her face, is smiling like that suggests that she has a lot of time on her hands.


    I was in such a hurry just a moment ago.


    You can see Gilbert''s spear and feel a little bit stronger. ...... I believe she was a maid or something at Lean''s house, but seeing how strong she is, I think I still need to get stronger. I''m not sure.


    [Divine Shield]


    "�������� gua


    And so, Inez shaves the flesh, Lara burns the flesh, and I just play with the lightning.


    Soon we had our division.


    After Inez joined us, the flesh that was covered by the bones was shaved off in an interesting way.


    I was overwhelmed by the sight as I shot the countless black thunderbolts that came at me one by one.


    The scene around me is so horrific that it''s hard to believe it''s from this world, but I only have to do one thing.


    Just play what comes.


    I was worried when I didn''t know what to do, but now that I know what to do, it''s just work.


    And ��������


    ������������ black lightning ������������


    Parisi.


    �������� I''ve gotten used to that process.


    The monster seemed to be reverting back to its original "bones" as Lara and Inez''s attacks began to chip away at its flesh.

 94-94 Dance of Light

    ������������ black lightning ������������


    Parry.


    I watched in wonder as the man in front of me flicked the lightning with his Black Sword.


    Standing at the vanguard, protecting those behind me.


    That had always been my role.


    And now I''m standing behind this man.


    ��������[Grace], "Divine Shield".


    I''m not sure if it''s a good thing or a bad thing.


    Because of this, people sometimes call me a "monster".


    People do not avoid me because of misunderstandings.


    I think it''s because they have the right understanding.


    The film of light that I can create infinitely, which can cut through everything, has cut through even the hardest metal, and has cut through any huge creature with a single stroke.


    It could also be created in an infinitely large and wide range.


    What this means is that ��������


    If I wanted to, I could destroy an entire country with just one cleave.


    A power given to me as a child that is far too great for any one person to possess.


    No, maybe I''m not a person anymore once I have this.


    I was potentially an incompatible threat to all humans.


    If my [Grace] is misused, it can bring about catastrophic disasters.


    That''s why the [Six Saints] who raised me dared to call this power that could be used in any way a ''shield'', and I was raised to be one.


    I myself accepted that fate, and worked hard to become one.


    And yet, the more I wield my power, the more those who fear me grow.


    It''s inevitable.


    I was given a special power to protect the weak. I have to accept it.


    My unreasonable power is there to protect someone else.


    I have to protect others who are weak compared to me, no matter what they think.


    That''s how I''ve come to terms with my "power".


    But this situation seems to me as if �������� I am on the side of the protected (the side of the weak).


    "[Divine Shield]


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ��������The Sword of Light cuts through everything.


    If I wield it, something will surely be destroyed.


    It also destroys something unintended.


    So this power must be handled with extreme caution at all times.


    I have always disciplined myself to remain calm and not to let my emotions get the better of me no matter what.


    I have also avoided, as much as possible, wielding this power destructively as I do now.


    If I wielded it flamboyantly, I would frighten the people around me, and they would call me a monster.


    I think I''ve been living in fear inside.


    See .......


    I wonder if I was right in my fear.


    I look at the scene in front of me and can''t help but wonder.


    ������������ black lightning������������


    Parry.


    If I wield my powers properly, will I be marginalized by anyone?


    ...... Who?��Who? Me?


    The man over there wielding the black sword, the man that no one seems to fear.


    I''m not even close to that guy.


    ...... be feared?


    By whom, exactly?


    More like.


    What on earth was I so afraid of?


    Thinking about this, I felt a strange smile creep up on my face.


    "......Huh...... haha.


    At that moment, I was laughing out loud.


    It was impossible for me to laugh like this in a situation where everyone was fighting for their lives.


    I don''t usually laugh like this, even in normal circumstances.


    Even so, I couldn''t help the strange laughter that welled up in me as I looked at the scene in front of me.


    ������������ black lightning������������


    Palii.


    There''s a really funny guy right there.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    He''s already won the trust of the king and Lord Linneburg.


    I''ve only known him for a short time, and I don''t really know who he is, but I know in my heart that it''s okay to trust him with my back.


    So now I can leave the role of my original "shield" and forget about protecting someone else. �������� I can even quit protecting myself.


    You don''t have to worry about the ridiculousness of trying to act like a human being in front of this man.


    So, for this moment, I understand that it is pointless to try to bind myself to anything.


    �������� moment.


    At the same time, my body and consciousness were shattered.


    At the same time, my body and consciousness accelerated in an incomprehensible way.


    "God Shield".


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    �������� Was that me releasing them?


    It must have been.


    Because there was no one standing here but us.


    My body continued to wield the sword.


    The countless slashes of light from my palm overlapped in the air, swirling like a giant vortex, covering and carving the monster. At the same time, the whole area was dazzlingly illuminated.


    ...... I''ve never seen anything like this.


    I''ve never even thought about doing it.


    But it''s done.


    My body was moving much faster than I knew it could. And yet, ...... still feels like there is room for more.


    Somehow, I have a feeling that my body is not yet at its limit (????????).


    I feel confident that I can still move much faster than this.


    My whole body feels as if it were made of feathers.


    I don''t feel any weight at all.


    ������������ black lightning������������


    That monster''s lightning is coming straight at me.


    But ��������


    "[Divine Shield]


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''ll be fine.


    �������� I see.


    I''m not sure I could have done this.


    I''ve been watching that guy striking the lightning for a while now, and maybe that''s how I figured it out.


    Slashing and striking lightning...


    It seemed like a ridiculous story, but ...... there is nothing you can''t do.


    "[Divine Shield]".


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it or not, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    In the same time, the demon dragon (Lara) scorched all the pieces of flesh that flew apart, and the monster''s body became smaller and smaller as soon as it was seen.


    The body moves too fast for the �������� to hold.


    ......, but it''s still (...).


    Still (...) my body (??????)accelerates (????).


    ������������ black lightning ������������


    "Parisi.


    "[Divine Shield]


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    ...... What on earth has become of my body?


    It''s no wonder people are calling me a monster.


    Rather, I feel that I have begun to deviate from the realm of humanity.


    But still, strangely enough, I didn''t feel bad.


    I began to think that it might be okay if someone called me a monster.


    ...... I wonder why.


    While I was thinking about this, the monster also changed its ways.


    ������������ black lightning������������


    The monster stretches out countless creepy thick arms and tries to shoot black lightning at us from all directions at the same time.


    But ��������


    "Parry.


    With one swipe, the man changed the trajectory of all the lightning and protected me and the dragon.


    I watched the action from the side and sliced off all of the monster''s outstretched arms.


    "[Divine Shield]".


    Now I kind of get it.


    I''m sure I wasn''t afraid of being called a monster, per se.


    I was probably just afraid of being lonely ...... and being ''alone''. That''s what I think.


    I don''t feel any discomfort whatsoever while fighting shoulder to shoulder with this obviously monstrous man.


    ...... It''s appalling.


    I''m not sure what to make of this, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    �������� What is the "strongest shield in the kingdom"?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.


    ...... No, actually, I suppose it is.


    That''s what I was originally meant to be.


    I was just a small girl who was suddenly given a great deal of power. ...... I''ve been pushed around by that power all my life.


    The power that was unexpectedly given to me was praised.


    And at the same time, they are feared.


    You may have misunderstood ......, didn''t you?


    I''m not sure what you mean by that.


    It''s not that I''m not special.


    Or rather, ��������


    I''ve been trying to convince myself that it''s okay to be alone.


    ...... I''m fed up with my own weakness.


    But I suddenly think that a man like me in this ridiculous world would not be swayed by such things from the start.


    If you care about such trivial things as what some people think of you, you will never be able to �������� stand in this realm.


    Parisi.


    "God''s shield.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to do it.


    Without even needing to think about it, the body moves first.


    You don''t even have time to think about it.


    I just kept moving, letting my body do the work.


    It was a strange feeling.


    This is not the way I am supposed to fight.


    At least not the way I know how to fight.


    But I can''t get there in time if I''m thinking about it, if I''m stuck in something (??????).


    So, as if to discard the hesitation in my mind that I seem to have carried with me all my life, I step out and wave my arms as my body goes, unable to keep up with my thoughts.


    "[Divine Shield]".


    Each time I swing my sword, I feel something inside of me breaking down, and it feels strangely comfortable.


    The more I move, the lighter my body becomes, and the more I accelerate.


    The more I moved, the lighter my body became and the faster I accelerated. It''s a clich�� to say this, but �������� I felt as if I were dancing.


    I had never been involved in glamorous arts.


    I have never even danced.


    I''ve never danced before, but I''m sure if I could dance, I''d feel like this.


    �������� I''m a dancer. It doesn''t suit you.


    The thought of such a metaphor is so funny to me that I can''t help but smile, a smile that is inappropriate for this critical situation.


    Then, I feel even lighter again. ��������


    "[Divine Shield]


    I laughed as I shredded the flesh of the giant monster floating above me.

 95-95 Twin Swords

    We were confronted by an endless swarm of demons sprouting from the entrance of the labyrinth within the stone walls, almost crushed by the force of the expanding numbers, but somehow surviving.


    In the sky above, there was a tremendous clash of power and strength.


    Over there, Noor, Lara, and Inez are fighting.


    Overhead, there is a constant roar that shakes the earth, and every time there is a thunderous roar, there is a huge crack in the ground.


    As their footing became unstable, everyone struggled desperately to fight.


    [Hellflare]".


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.


    I''m not sure what to make of this. ��������


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than that.


    The invasion of the demons from the Labyrinth of Sorrows seemed to have no end.


    Even though everyone was fighting desperately, the number of monsters was not decreasing, but it was increasing as if they were responding to the emotions of the monsters in the sky.


    The monsters in the labyrinth seemed to be completely different creatures from the ones on the ground, even though they looked similar.


    I tried several times to talk to them to stop them from moving, but they don''t have a heart that I can communicate with.


    So, while everyone else was fighting desperately, I could do nothing but run away.


    At least, I dove deep into the crowd of demons to make it easier for the people around me to fight, and I kept repeating my evil plan of attracting their attention and running away again.


    "�������� Hey, kid.


    Suddenly, a voice came from behind him.


    "......You''ve been wandering around ...... for a while now, what do you think you''re doing?


    The voice belonged to Sigil of the Twelve Apostles.


    I''m not sure if you''ve ever heard of it, but it''s a great idea.


    What ...... are you doing running around? It''s all I can do.


    Still, I guess it''s better than doing nothing.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.��...... Don''t be silly. If you''re going to run, stay in the back.


    "...... I''m not kidding, okay?��And I don''t think it will make much difference if you stay in the back.


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    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    While the demons were distracted by me, Sigil chopped off their heads with the twin swords in her hands, wiping out all the enemies in the area.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.��What happened to your ...... weapons? Did you lose it?


    I don''t have a weapon. I don''t have a weapon. I mean, I can''t carry one.


    ...... What do you mean?


    I rolled up the sleeves of my clothes a little and showed him the bandage wrapped around my arm.


    The bandage reveals numerous scars that look like patterns underneath the bandage.


    Is that a ...... scar?


    Yes.


    That was all Sigil needed to know.


    My hands have the strength of a young child''s grip due to the damage I''ve suffered since I was a child.


    It doesn''t interfere much with my daily life, but the muscles necessary for exerting great strength are deeply injured, and I can''t hold anything as heavy as other people.


    The injury cannot be healed anymore.


    In the process of growing up, my body has accepted this as its "natural state," and if I try to heal it, it will get worse.


    That''s what Mr. Sein, the so-called "Healing Saint," told me.


    So, in the end, the only thing I can hold with my strength is a small, light wooden sword.


    But it''s not something I can use in a real battle, and even if I did, I would easily drop it.


    My grip is so weak that I cannot even handle a small bow properly.


    �������� I can''t hold a weapon.


    Use ��������.


    Suddenly, Mr. Sigil threw something at me.


    "......What?


    It was the basket that Sigil had been wearing.


    "This is ......?


    It''s a magic tool. It has an ''enchantment'' that strengthens your grip. I don''t think it''s the right size, but it can hold a dagger.


    I was puzzled by his actions.


    ...... Why?


    I was about to say, "Why?" when Sigil interrupted me: "Because I am a demon, a race that the people of Mithra abhor and seek to exterminate.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea. �������� You demons are ''evil'' as a race ...... and history has proven it.


    In front of me, even more confused, Sigil continued.


    You''ve caused a lot of trouble. The city I was born and raised in was burned to nothing by you, its inhabitants killed, its fields ruined beyond repair. Because of this, my hometown has become a barren land where it is not uncommon for people to starve to death. ...... Therefore, you demon tribe are ''evil'' from birth.


    He stopped and turned to me.


    "But, �������� boy. What the hell are you, ......?��Why are you here?


    "Why are you here, ......, ......?


    I don''t understand the question, so I ask back.


    "Don''t play dumb with ��������.


    You summoned the Demon Dragon of Misfortune, didn''t you? If you have that much power, why don''t you use it for yourself? You could have ridden it away at any time. Now you can. So why aren''t you running away ......?


    ...... And why are you trying to help us? I''m not sure what to make of that. The current situation should be a unique opportunity for you demons to retaliate against us.


    And yet . On the contrary, you put yourself in danger to stay here and fight with us. ...... Why?


    I''ve been asked repeatedly why, and I can''t help but be confused.


    You''re a �������� demon. I''m not sure what to make of this.��...... I''m not sure about that now. At the very least, ...... someone who likes to stay in a place like this shouldn''t die so easily.


    I faced him for a moment, unsure of what to make of his words.


    I faced him for a moment, unsure of what to make of his words, and then I heard a scream from behind me.


    "...... Hey, Sigil!��What are you just standing there for?��We''re fighting to the death, and you''re the only ones taking a break!


    The voice came from a masked woman named Miranda.


    They were on the verge of coming into contact with a pack of demons.


    Sigil took one look at them, held out one of her twin swords to me, and said.


    "Take the swords, boy. You''re evil or you''re not. Prove to yourself whether you''re evil or not. ...... At least in the meantime, I won''t be your enemy.


    I was confused again and looked at Sigil''s face, which was expressionless under the mask.


    It''s time to go. I''m not going to have time to talk about it.


    "...... Yes.


    I took the dagger from him and put on the baskets he gave me.


    I took the dagger from him and put on the kagote he gave me. The difference in size didn''t matter, it felt surprisingly comfortable in my hand and I could feel the strength in my hand.


    It was a very strange feeling.


    I could feel the strength in my palm that I hadn''t felt for a long time.


    And when I grasped the dagger he handed me, I could feel the power being transmitted even more firmly.


    ...... is amazing.


    For the first time in my life, I felt a strong grip on something.


    �������� I think I might be able to swing a sword with this.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    "Here we go. You''ll have to use it to find out.


    "...... Yes.


    Then Sigil and I ran out almost simultaneously.


    As I ran to catch up with Sigil, who was accelerating at a blinding speed, I grabbed my dagger and held it as low as I could as I crawled along the ground.


    As Ms. Sigil crashed into a group of demons, I ducked under their feet and pushed forward.


    I aimed at the legs of the demons.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I''m not sure if it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I can do it.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.


    On the contrary, it cut off several legs around me at the same time.


    And yet, I felt no recoil at all in my hands.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for and what you can do to help.


    It''s a great way to get the most out of your time and money.


    "�������� boy. It''s the first time you''ve wielded a sword properly.


    I noticed that Sigil was standing next to me.


    "Yes.


    "Yeah. ...... Pretty good for your first time. But now that you have a weapon, don''t rush in too carelessly. ...... In a group fight, always be aware of your allies'' positions. Don''t think that you''re fighting alone. �������� Or you''ll be dead in no time.


    "......Yeah.


    "�������� Hey, hey. Sigil ......?��I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    ...... Miranda, you''re talking too much. If you want to be able to get the most out of your life, you need to be able to do it. ......


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''d like to hear that.��And why did you give your weapon to that girl? ......!��That sword is a treasured sword that was given to you by your eminence!��You didn''t even let me touch it once. ......!


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    And ��������


    "Hellflare.


    In a single breath, Lean''s scorching sun-like fireball crushes and wipes out all of the demons in its line of fire.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''ve been so impressed with your work.


    ...... There''s something wrong with that girl. I''m sure you''ve heard of it. You''ve already fired more than fifty shots at her. ...... How can she still be standing after that?


    Lean had been firing a fireball that could knock down a thousand demons without a break.


    It''s not like we''re able to take a moment to breathe after her fireballs have passed through, but she keeps firing them without taking a break.


    The firepower of her fireballs never waned and continued to annihilate the crowd of demons.


    Even so, I could see that her face was gradually showing signs of deep fatigue.


    I can also see that she is being pushed to the point where she can''t afford to say even a single word.


    I felt that she must have reached her limit by now.


    If she collapses here, of course, we''ll be annihilated.


    I took a deep breath as much as I could in the brief silence, knowing that the time was getting closer and closer. And then.


    "Thank you for ......, Mr. Sigil.


    As I caught my breath, I said a few words of thanks to Sigil.


    You''ll have to wait until you''ve survived to say that. ...... And I don''t deserve to be thanked one way or the other. The reason I gave it to you was because I calculated your overall strength. �������� Also, that dagger was given to me by your eminence. Make sure you return it.


    Yeah, I got it.


    The next wave is coming. �������� Be ready.


    Sigil and I ran into the crowd of demons at the same time, and I followed his lead with my dagger.


    As we repeated the process, I became more and more accustomed to swinging my sword, and the number of demons I could kill at once increased.


    This can be a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.

 96-96 Speeding Black Thunder

    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it''s a good idea.


    �������� What the hell is that thing?


    The man with the black sword.


    That man with the black sword, who cannot be harmed even with the best of his means.


    I just landed my best blow yet.


    No, I''m still firing.


    Since a while ago, he has been constantly pushing the limits and unleashing his best attacks.


    You can even see that you are in the process of abnormal growth with the power you have gained from the blood you have devoured into your body.


    �������� But why?


    ������������ black lightning ������������


    Parry.


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it again.


    You can''t argue with that, it was the best blow of my life.


    And it was so easy to get rid of.


    �������� And the next. And the next. The next one, and the one after that.


    ������������ black lightning ������������


    "Parry.


    �������� Over and over.


    Over and over. Over and over.


    Over and over. Over and over.


    Over and over.


    No matter how many times you unleash the Black Lightning, no matter how powerful you make it, it will be easily repelled.


    That man is immune to my attacks.


    And that''s not all.


    And to top it all off, it''s even starting to catch up with him.


    ������������ black thunder ������������


    "Divine Shield".


    That blade of light that cuts through your own flesh.


    It''s also a great way to get the most out of your time and money.


    Fortunately, it doesn''t affect the body, but it''s nasty, too.


    �������� What are those things?


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    Nothing like it has ever existed before.


    I''ve never even heard of one.


    No one was supposed to be an enemy.


    I''ve checked several times. There are no other gods to compete with.


    So, as long as I regained my body, as long as I regained my full strength, this earth, where there were no foreign enemies, would be my paradise.


    �������� But... And yet...


    Why was I, a transcendent being who was essentially equal to God, now being left to my own devices?


    Something incomprehensible was happening.


    Rather than being humiliated, I was just confused and bewildered that I was being played.


    The creature that I thought was so far inferior to me, the creature that I thought was my best, was not able to understand me.


    It wasn''t that he had become weak.


    On the contrary, thanks to the Demon''s Heart that I gathered and ate with great effort, I have more strength in my body than ever before.


    And even now, my body continues to grow and surpass even my prime.


    And yet... �������� And yet...


    No matter what I do in front of this man, I can''t do it.


    No matter what I do, I''m nullified.


    In addition to that, even the dragon that you keep will return the flames that you unleash, burn your own flesh, and eat you.


    But at present, there is no other means of attack.


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    ������������ black lightning ������������


    I''m not sure what to say.


    But the next time, he was dispelled by an enormous thunderbolt, and then something in the monster changed drastically.


    ............ Oh, I knew it was no good.


    You can''t beat it with this.


    �������� Then...


    The monster thought as it was protected by its rich stores of flesh.


    And �������� understood again.


    I have to admit.


    That thing in front of me is strong.


    Stronger than anyone I''ve ever faced.


    More powerful than any of the gods who opposed you in the age of myth.


    More cunningly than the humans who rallied against us.


    He changed his opinion of the man with the sword as far more ...... and far more troublesome (???????) than those who imprisoned him in the Blue Stone, who cunningly stole the power of the gods without limit.


    And so, the monster decided to change his ways.


    Understanding the exact relationship between the two, the monster recognized the situation he was in and tried to determine the power that was there.


    Instead of letting its power crush it, it tried to calmly observe the threat.


    It was as if the weak were searching for the weakness of the strong. It felt like an embarrassment to the monster.


    But he didn''t hesitate any longer.


    Even though it was aware of its own frustration, the monster calmly stared at the hundreds of eyes that continued to be crushed and generated by the blades of light and heat rays, trying not to miss a single move of its existence.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, there are a number of things you can do.


    �������� And so.


    The monster had finally found the path he had wanted.


    It finally came to its senses.


    ...... It was still beatable.


    "��������a


    The monster laughed with hundreds of mouths open on the mass of flesh.


    It''s still human.


    �������� That extraordinary regenerative power.


    �������� That extraordinary arm strength.


    �������� That abnormal reaction speed.


    It is hard to say that any of them are human, but they are undoubtedly human.


    If you can surpass them even for a moment, you should be able to get past that nasty sword and bury it.


    That''s why the monster was prepared to give up everything.


    He decided to put everything he had into that one moment without hesitation.


    "��������aah,aah,aah


    As soon as the monster made up his mind, his black flesh began to transform.


    The body tissues transformed according to his will.


    It was the first time for the monster (Mithra) to change.


    It was the first time for the monster to evolve into the form it envisioned, at will.


    Even her bones are creaking with pain.


    But the sound was comforting to the monster.


    �������� Oh, that''s better.


    The monster was delighted at the change in itself.


    The monster shuddered with excitement, knowing that his limits were not this far.


    The monster decided to devote all of the enormous power he had stored within himself to the transformation of his body.


    Even if it was just a huge body, it would swell even bigger and then contract.


    You can feel the power condensing.


    The monster felt itself gaining strength and at the same time felt itself gaining calmness.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing and how you''re doing it.


    ...... So.


    In the end, that''s all there is to it.


    �������� "Ideal Material (Black Sword)".


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what you need to do.


    Then all we have to do is deal with it.


    That power is indestructible.


    In principle, it cannot be destroyed.


    The beings who once harmed it are not here.


    If they weren''t, they wouldn''t have been able to interfere with it in the first place.


    We were supposed to be the same to the people of this world. The things of this world can''t even scratch a strand of hair.


    They were supposed to.


    But only that.


    That thing, that thing stands in the way.


    Then it''s simple.


    All we had to do was narrow our target.


    That''s what''s so annoying about us.


    It''s a curse left by the little people of the old world who were destroyed by the gods.


    In short, it''s the only thing that bothers me.


    It needs to be considered separately from those who wield it.


    Those who wield it are abnormal, but they are not indestructible.


    So just destroy the wielder.


    We should have decided what the priority is.


    �������� So, in short.


    I just need to survive that thing for this moment, just for a moment.


    "��������a


    According to the "concept" derived by the monster, the body tissue was reassembled.


    The flesh armor of the monster, swollen with fear, will disintegrate as if it were melting away.


    ...... There is no need for this kind of armor anymore.


    The woman is going to cut you to pieces anyway.


    I understand that even if I get hit, it won''t affect the body.


    The problem is that man. The sword.


    I just need to survive that for a moment.


    This armor of flesh only needs to protect your body once.


    You can cut through that man with the black sword while you''re at it.


    That man even reacts to the lightning he produces.


    If that''s the case, simply go to �������� and become much faster than the black lightning you unleash.


    The monster''s body will also transform according to the newly created concept.


    With the alteration of the body comes more pain.


    But �������� the pain felt good.


    I was a little hesitant to wield my power until just now.


    If I wielded my power properly, it would involve the people of Mithra.


    I was prepared to lose a certain amount, but it was still a shame to lose everything.


    It would take time to grow.


    But fortunately.


    I have the shield now.


    Thanks to the "shining shield" that she generated, even if I wield my power to the fullest, I won''t have to worry about the people on the ground being wiped out.


    Now, that shield is protecting the precious food that I raised.


    The monster thanked his lucky stars.


    "��������aah, aaah, aaah ��������aah


    Joy, not fear or embarrassment, now filled the monster''s mind as his body tissues transformed.


    He was even grateful to those who had stood in his way.


    Thanks to them, I was able to soar to great heights.


    I was also grateful to all the people of the Holy Mithraic State that I had created, who were fleeing below me.


    Thank you, ��������, for giving me this opportunity to grow.


    And thank you for being born to be eaten.


    As the sight of victory spread before him, the monster''s mind instantly became more relaxed and emotional.


    �������� Oh, now. This is it.


    The curse that those ancient humans left on us gods will be lifted.


    No, on the contrary, if I could just get my hands on ......, I would have a far greater advantage over the gods who may still be sleeping in the depths of other labyrinths.


    Kill the man and keep him out of reach of anyone but myself for all eternity.


    Then, you will have nothing to fear.


    You will have no enemies on earth.


    Then �������� you will truly be on top of the world.


    "��������aah, aaah, aaah ��������aah".


    Aaah.


    This is a momentous day after all.


    A day to be remembered and celebrated in history.


    The feast is already near.


    If we can defeat it, we can enjoy and eat all the little things running around to our heart''s content.


    The monster will envision the feast that will follow and will transform his body with joy and eventually become black lightning itself. ��������


    "��������a


    A black flash of lightning tore through the sky and sprinted to the source of the threat.

 97-97 Princesss Bet

    After I launched a large fireball at the swarm of demons and wiped them out, I looked up at the sky and gasped at the sign of something strange.


    "��������That''s ...... no way.


    The monster''s black body transformed into something alien.


    The monster was about to quit being a lump of flesh and revert back to its previous bony form.


    At the sight of this, I lost my voice and shuddered in surprise.


    And I hesitated to believe what my eyes had witnessed.


    Because ��������


    It was so much like I had predicted (????).


    You''ve finally decided .........


    It is now transforming its body into one suitable for high-speed movement.


    Probably the thing it feels most threatened by is Dr. Noor''s Black Sword.


    That monster can only be hurt by it.


    However, even though Dr. Noor struck the Black Sword with a powerful blow that pierced the depths of the labyrinth from the ground, it did not seem to do any damage to the bones.


    Perhaps that flesh is in the way.


    As long as that flesh is there, the attack cannot reach the bones.


    Our biggest challenge was to deal with that swollen flesh.


    The monster must have known that.


    But what if... ......


    But if I could convince the monster that the flesh was no longer meaningful (??????).


    That''s why I sent Inez and Lara up into the sky.


    Lara and Inez just kept chipping away at the flesh and burning it.


    Dr. Noll can''t take that kind of attack.


    If they continue to do so, the monster''s body will eventually shrink to a small size.


    If it is ......, what will it do then?


    In the end, the only threat to it is Dr. Noor''s Black Sword.


    The Black Sword will repel all of its attacks.


    But as you confront it, you will surely realize that the black sword can only be handled by Dr. Noor, and that even if it is handled by someone other than Dr. Noor, it cannot be a threat.


    If it is ��������, it will surely understand that its user (??????) must be destroyed (?????) at all costs.


    But Dr. Noor''s speed is extraordinary.


    If you want to challenge him with the determination to stab him in the back, that huge amount of meat will surely get in the way.


    Then, I thought, I should challenge it with the minimum amount of flesh armor that can barely withstand being hit by the Black Sword.


    Now, that monster seemed to have come to that decision.


    It was a gamble whether or not it would come to that conclusion.


    ...... to begin with.


    To challenge or to escape.


    That was also a major fork in the road.


    The worst that could happen was that it would run away (?????).


    The worst thing that could have happened was that it would have analyzed our strength, prepared for us, and stalked us from then on.


    But I was confident that it would not do that.


    �������� It''s Pope Astira.


    I don''t even know why I think that.


    But there is something close to certainty.


    "Pope Astira" and


    Pope Astira and the man standing right there right now, Astira, are two completely different people.


    I know this because I''ve met him face to face.


    That arrogance of taking everything for granted.


    The self-righteousness that thinks it''s okay to trample and toy with everything for its own sake.


    The vanity of thinking that all beings should serve him.


    That''s why it''s impossible for it to choose to escape here (?????).


    I had something close to an intuition.


    And it seems that I was right.


    It is now cornered by Dr. Noor, Inez and Lara, and is about to play its final game.


    In order to defeat Dr. Noor, who has the Black Sword in his hands.


    Things are going exactly as I envisioned, to my horror, and I''m inwardly surprised.


    But you can''t let up now.


    Because this is where it all begins.


    That monster probably doesn''t realize that it was a bad move.


    It was distracted by Inez''s [divine shield] and Dr. Noor''s [black sword], and doesn''t think that there is anything on the ground that is blocked by Inez''s shield.


    I hope you''re right.


    I hope so, because the main attack to cut its flesh is this one.


    The talisman I was given by Professor Oken.


    With it, I can deliver a blow that surpasses that monster''s imagination just once.


    �������� "Keraunos," a tiny portable magical artillery device.


    It''s the only prototype magic tool in the world that was developed by Oaken-sensei with the secret technology of the Magic Empire in his hands.


    This magic tool contains a huge magic stone that was kept secret by Dr. Oken.


    It''s the highest quality "Demon''s Heart" that Mr. Oken says he''s never seen a better magic stone in his life.


    With this, I can cast a single spell of tremendous power.


    I''ve decided to bet everything I have on this.


    There is only one chance to shoot in every sense of the word.


    If I put all my magic into this prototype, it will quickly fall apart.


    Besides, once it is detected, people will be wary and it will be difficult to hit it again.


    �������� Once you shoot it, that''s it.


    There is no second chance.


    It''s a one-time, risky gamble.


    I''m putting my life on the line for the rest of us here.


    That fact makes me feel nauseous and dizzy.


    But as far as I can tell, there''s no more ideal hand at hand.


    Before we left for Mithra, Dr. Oken handed us his best trump card.


    It was as if he had foreseen this in advance.


    The only question now is whether or not we can take advantage of ��������.


    I think it was a real gamble.


    Of course, not everything will work out the way I envisioned.


    Also at ��������. Fortunately.


    I''ve won the bet so far.


    Everyone is doing incredibly well.


    Inez, who is aware of this strategy, has been guiding the monster, without a hint of unnaturalness, directly above the stone marker (????) that we have built on the ground.


    Yes, that''s not exactly a wall.


    It''s a �������� marker.


    It''s a huge imprint carved into the earth in order to coordinate with the sky here on earth.


    For this reason, I never moved from my predetermined position and waited patiently for this moment.


    At last, I am getting ready.


    The situation is as good as it''s ever going to get.


    No, everyone has worked so hard to make it ready.


    �������� All that''s left is me.


    Yeah, just me.


    I''m the only one who has to fail.


    So if we give Professor Noll with the Black Sword a chance, we can win.


    We have a chance.


    There has to be.


    That''s what I believed when I envisioned and orchestrated this mission.


    I envisioned and orchestrated this mission as a gamble, as reckless as it may seem.


    That''s why I can''t afford to fail here.


    I mustn''t fail.


    My breathing is ragged from the pressure.


    ...... Don''t worry. I''ll hit it.


    You''ll hit it. That''s it.


    You''re already doing a great job.


    All that''s left is for me to make sure I don''t screw up the operation of this trump card.


    That''s all there is to it. ��������


    So I looked up at the sky to take a deep breath to calm myself down: ��������


    Immediately, my body became cold.


    A shiver went through my body, and just before I could make up my mind, all of my questions started to swell.


    "...... guess ......?��And ......?��How the hell did ...... do that?


    That question quickly turned into despair.


    The huge body in the sky above me was moving around like lightning itself.


    What''s going on up there is a battle of unimaginable proportions.


    The target is huge.


    But it''s too fast.


    Too fast.


    ...... hit that thing?


    How can you do that?


    ...... Absolutely not.


    My naive plan falls apart at the last minute.


    �������� I guess I was naive.


    �������� I will fail.


    ��������I will fail. ��������I will fail.


    I''m sure I''ll fail.


    My nature, which leads me to dark conclusions immediately from logical thinking, comes out.


    It''s not ��������. Even if you can''t, do ��������.


    I deny and warn my inner voice, forcing my faltering heart to spit out my trembling voice.


    We''ve come this far, there''s no turning back.


    I can''t let my weakness ruin the situation we''ve all built up to this point.


    I clenched my teeth, summoned up what little courage I had, stretched out my hand toward the heavens and took a deep breath. �������� I gave my final instructions to the people around me.


    I will no longer be attacking demons on earth (????).


    I''m sorry, but please take care of the rest.


    That was all I could say.


    No, ......, this is not a very good explanation.


    This is not enough to convey my intentions in this confusing situation.


    "......What?��What do you mean?


    Confusion ensues as a matter of course.


    I haven''t explained this to them.


    If I tell them, there is a chance that the monster will sense it.


    ...... I failed.


    I don''t even have time to try to fix it. But.


    "�������� Okay. I''ll take care of it. We''ll reconfigure the formation around her.


    Wait, ......, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.


    This is the big game, Miranda.


    Yeah, we''ll be fine. We''ll be fine.


    Prince Tirens, Astira and Sigil instantly understood my intentions and took care of me.


    Leaving the rest to them, I focused all my attention on the inside of my body.


    The �������� attack will come from here, you know.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll be able to figure it out.


    It''s only a few dozen seconds away from being directly above me.


    The moment it reaches the top of my head, I''ll unleash an attack with everything I have.


    I must put everything I have into that blow.


    I must hurry and prepare for it.


    Failure is not an option.


    I can''t afford to fail here.


    Even though it''s ��������.


    And yet.


    "...... why ......?


    Even here, my body was still trembling slightly.


    The more I tried to contain the trembling, the louder it became, more than I had ever experienced before.


    �������� Why?


    ...... Why?


    ...... It''s obvious.


    What I''m about to do is a genuine "gamble".


    No matter how you look at it, I''m going to do something reckless.


    Deep down inside, I know it well.


    That''s why my body won''t move.


    The �������� teacher showed me in the basement of King''s Landing, using the ten (.) magic [fusion magic].


    I''m not sure what to do with it.


    With that kind of power, it would be easy to rip off the flesh of that monster in an instant.


    Based on such theoretical calculations, I constructed this situation.


    It''s not wrong in terms of possibility.


    It''s just a possibility.


    But the possibility is �������� infinitely close to zero.


    In the first place, it is a skill that can never be acquired overnight.


    In fact, I couldn''t acquire it.


    No matter how many times I tried, I never succeeded.


    No matter how hard I tried, the more I repeated, the more I realized that I would never be able to reach that realm.


    I should have known that.


    And yet.


    I''m about to do it now.


    I''m going to do it now, and I know what it means, but I''ve incorporated such a vague thing into this operation.


    It''s just an excuse to say that I chose the option that would sacrifice the people of Mithra the least because I couldn''t think of anything else at that time. ��������


    At that time, I wanted to sacrifice (?????) no one if I could.


    Sacrifice the few to save the many.


    There are many situations where this is the best decision.


    Choices always involve sacrifice.


    You can''t gain something without giving up something.


    You have to be ruthless at times to be worthy of being a king.


    I understand that.


    But I tend to look for a different path.


    Subconsciously, I avoid the choice of sacrificing someone else.


    When we are faced with a choice, we tend to look for a way out.


    I wonder if there isn''t a path around �������� where no one will be unhappy, where no one will be sacrificed.


    It''s a ridiculous dream.


    �������� The result is gambling today.


    I''m just a dreamer who keeps dreaming sweet dreams like a child.


    I can never be a realist like my brother.


    I''m incapable of making a rational decision.


    So maybe I''ll die here.


    But I''m sure that even if I die here, my brother will inherit the kingdom of Crais.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will work for you.


    ...... That''s right.


    I feel bad for Inez, Rollo, Dr. Noor and anyone else who came with me. ��������


    But no matter how many times I think about it.


    No matter how many times I think about it .


    Surely this is the least amount of sacrifice we can make in terms of numbers.


    ...... So.


    In that sense, my decision is a rational one.


    In that sense, I am making the most optimal choice.


    And since I am betting on it, I am not doing anything wrong.


    Deciding to believe that, I re-focus my mind.


    If I miss this opportunity, �������� it will never come again.


    ...... At last, my body begins to listen to me.


    ��������[Magic Barrier]


    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I''m going to start preparing to spit out every single drop of magic power that lies dormant in the bottom of my body.


    My plan is endangering the lives of those who are still here.


    So, I can''t afford to be selfish.


    �������� After this, all I''ll be left with is a shell.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    ......[Hellflare]


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    ...... done. So far, so good.


    And ��������


    All that remains is to fuse them together.


    You have to succeed.


    I have to.


    Only then will my magic be powerful enough to rip the flesh off that monster.


    ��������.


    But if I can''t.


    If I fail here...


    My body trembles at the thought.


    At the same time, your limbs stop moving as if they no longer belong to you.


    ...... No. What are you thinking about?


    It wasn''t supposed to be like this.


    �������� Oh, I knew it.


    I knew I was going to fail.


    A certainty in the name of desperation that I had tried to contain reared its ugly head.


    I''m not sure what to do.


    "Lean.


    I''m not sure when, but there was a boy standing next to me.


    ...... Rollo.


    He seemed to be able to hear me.


    I''m sorry, Rollo. ...... I''m so, so sorry.


    My voice trembled with shame.


    I could see the tears welling up in my eyes, and at the same time I felt angry with myself.


    ...... I shouldn''t be crying like a child at a time like this.


    If I do this, I''ll let him die too.


    I''m even more disturbed, and my magic dissipates again. And then ......


    Rollo touched my hand.


    As soon as �������� was touched, my power that had been rampant stabilized.


    I was surprised to see that the power that was not fixed was converging at will, and the magic that should have dissipated was surrounding me much more powerfully than before I lost it.


    I looked at Rollo''s face in surprise.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll help you.


    I had completely forgotten about �������� until just now.


    I had forgotten that this child was the one who had made Dr. Oken call him a genius.


    He can''t use magic.


    But he''s the best magic manipulator Professor Oaken has ever seen in his life.


    I''d been told that.


    If I had forgotten that, then maybe I still regarded him as unreliable somewhere in my mind.


    ...... I had misjudged the power of my companion, which was crucial.


    I sigh at my failure.


    And at the same time �������� I regained my composure.


    "Rollo, I''m sorry to �������� assist you, please.


    Rolo nodded and put his hands on my arms.


    Then the magic in my body began to pulsate in a frightening way.


    I was surprised by this, and tried to soothe the force, and the surging power instantly quieted down.


    �������� It''s so easy to do what I struggled so much to do.


    ...... She''s amazing, after all.


    I was wrong.


    I was mistaken.


    I thought I had to do it all by myself.


    But after working with Lolo, I realized how reckless that was.


    When you actually experience it, you realize how far apart you are from your teacher.


    The teacher is in a far higher realm.


    Higher than I could even imagine.


    But now, with Rollo''s help, I''ve reached a realm that I could never have reached on my own.


    �������� I can reach that realm for just a moment.


    I''m not sure if I''ll be able to do it.


    There is an unprecedented amount of magic swirling around in my body.


    You''ll be able to do anything you can imagine in your head.


    And then, as soon as you have a clear mind, you will begin to see your surroundings more clearly, ...... and you will be even more ashamed of your lack of thinking.


    ...... It seems that I was really narrow-minded.


    So I was easily despairing and about to give up.


    I didn''t have to do that.


    Dr. Noll and his team''s battle in the sky.


    I''ll never catch up to that.


    You''re right.


    I''m still not sure I can catch it moving at high speed.


    It''s absolutely impossible for me to catch it.


    But ��������, that''s okay.


    It doesn''t matter if you don''t catch up.


    There is no need to catch up.


    If I can''t catch up (??????), I can just stop (????) the other side (?????).


    That''s all I''m saying.


    "I really �������� think I''m ...... forgetful.


    I put one hand on top of my head, took my hairpiece and threw it in the air.


    It''s that "ward off" diadem I made. ��������


    It''s a great way to make sure you''re getting the most out of your vacation.


    The principle of making and preventing them is the same after all.


    I was bound by the "warding" before when I was attempted assassination �������� and I understood its essence.


    It''s a special magic formula (????) that manipulates time (...).


    It uses magic power as its activation source to stagnate a limited space and prevent the objects within it from moving.


    It seems to operate on a different principle than the [skills] we usually use, and it took some time to analyze. ��������


    In the three months before my visit to Mithra, I made it my own.


    ...... From the beginning, I had another ideal hand in hand.


    Feeling relieved and sighing at the same time, I rewrote the magic formula in the diadem as it flew through the air.


    The hairpiece explodes under the load, but no matter.


    From now on, I only need to activate the formula for a moment.


    It''s enough to stop the monster for a moment.


    At the same time, I feel the monster approaching above me.


    The shield of Inez in the sky has disappeared.


    There was no longer any barrier between the earth and the sky.


    ...... At that moment, all the conditions I had envisioned came together.


    �������� No.


    The dream that I had vaguely imagined ��������


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of it, but it''s a great idea.


    "�������� now


    I shot a blow to the sky with everything I had.


    At the same time, an impromptu "ward" was activated, capturing the monster and stopping it from moving.


    I saw a pillar of light pierce the monster directly above me, and immediately, the heat of the light I had released scorched its face.


    The palm of my hand, which was supposed to be protected by multiple barriers, was swallowed and my fingertips were quickly burned away.


    At the same time, my eyeballs were burned and I lost my sight momentarily.


    �������� but I never look away.


    Even though I have lost almost all of my vision and can see only a little, I cannot turn my face away.


    ...... Because this is the only blow I have.


    Even if my hands are gone, even if my elbows are swallowed by the light of Keraunos, I can''t let up.


    In an instant, my eyeballs were completely burned and I could no longer see anything.


    After this, I can''t do anything else.


    �������� Then...


    I decided to let out everything that was left in me at that moment. ��������


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''m not the only one.


    [Hellflare].


    I released the flame that I had poured everything into into the sky.


    My flames, unleashed beyond their limits, scorch the monster.


    It burns the flesh.


    I will rip it all away and strip it naked.


    Until then, I will never relax my power.


    I don''t care how much my flesh is burned for that.


    Because this is the last time.


    Because if I miss this, there won''t be a next time.


    And ��������


    The impromptu warding had done its job in an instant.


    The fragile wards I created shattered, and the monster, unbound, was soon on the move again.


    It was only for a moment that I was able to catch it.


    That was all it took for me to exhaust my strength to the limit, and there was nothing left in my body.


    Now the monster would be free of �������� again.


    It starts moving again with a speed I can''t catch.


    I''ve used up all my strength and there''s nothing I can do.


    The monster''s time, paused only for a moment, begins to move.


    Even at ��������.


    But beyond that...


    That monster is on the move again, and it''s going to be ��������


    �������� Dr. Noor (?????), is there (????).


    "Palii.


    My eyes can''t see anything anymore.


    But I know what happened.


    �������� I heard the sound of the monster''s bones shattering far above me.


    You can find a lot more information on the web.


    In an instant, the vibrations of the monsters stomping on the earth stopped, and silence fell. �������� Soon, something fell like snow on the ground, and I felt someone''s voice rise up around me.


    I could only faintly hear their cheers.


    I think I''ve lost my hearing.


    My body, having used up all its strength to the utmost, has finished its task and falls straight to the ground as if collapsing.


    But at the same time, something touched my burning body and ...... I felt as if someone was gently holding me.


    Relieved by the feeling,�������� I let go of my consciousness.


    I had won my bet.

 98-98 Reunion

    When I rode back to the ground with Ines on the back of Lara, we saw a terrible scene. Buildings had collapsed as far as the eye could see, and the corpses of a great number of demons that seemed to have sprung up from the labyrinth were piled up like a mountain.


    There was no sign of movement anywhere, and it seemed as if the once beautiful city of Mithra had been reduced to ruins.


    However, we found Lean and Astira waving at us from the ground, and asked Lara to land right beside them.


    We left her in the care of Lolo, who came to pick her up, and tried to exchange words of reunion with Lean and the others, but...


    "�������� Mr. Linneburg, we are back.


    Inez, thank you so much for your help. Inez, thank you very much for all your hard work. Dr. Noll, are you hurt?


    Yes. I''m fine.


    As he approached, he looked at Leanne and became a little worried about her.


    Leanne, are you okay?��...... You look pretty pale.


    There were no scars on her face or arms, but her white dress was torn in places and she had what looked like burn marks around her hands.


    Her face also looked tired after a while.


    Yes, I was a little reckless and ...... got a little injured. But thanks to Astila, it''s already healed, so don''t worry about it.


    ...... Is that so?


    I looked at Astila''s face as she stood beside Lean, and she shook her head quietly.


    No. ...... Not at all!��It wasn''t a little (...) at all, was it?��It was not a little(ish) at all, was it? I managed to get myself patched up in a hurry, but ...... that was a pretty close call, to be honest.


    Yes, I''m really sorry for the trouble I caused you ...... and I''m afraid I put you all in danger.


    Astira shook her head again when she heard Lean''s words.


    "Really, what are you talking about ...... at all!��We all owe you our lives, you know.��You should be more proud and proud of yourself. You don''t have to say it like that. ...... Well, that last one was a little scary.


    ...... I''m sorry I didn''t inform you about that beforehand, too.


    No!��It saved everyone''s life. No! It saved everyone''s lives, and it''s a small price to pay for being surprised!����...... Thank you so much for all your hard work.


    "Yes, ...... thank you very much, Astila.


    That''s what I''m talking about, Mr. Lean!


    Astila and Leanne looked into each other''s eyes and laughed for a while.


    Astila and Leanne looked at each other and laughed for a while, wondering when they had become such good friends.


    I''m still a little worried about Leanne, but ...... she''s laughing like that, so I guess she''s fine.


    As I was taking a break from watching the two of them, I heard a voice behind me.


    "Your Eminence.


    It was Sigil.


    He''s got those five guys behind him.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea. Fortunately, most of the citizens have taken refuge outside the city, and there is no threat of demons, but ...... there may be many people trapped under the rubble.


    "...... I see.


    "Therefore, I would like to request that we, the Twelve Saints, once again go to the rescue of the citizens.


    Yes, I think so. ��Please hurry, Mr. Sigil!


    "Thank you for your understanding, ��������.


    "Thank you for your understanding." Sigil just said that and immediately ran off with the others.


    "Mr. Linneburg. I''m going to make sure our luggage is safe. ...... Please wait until then to change your clothes.


    "Yes, please, Inez.


    Then Ines also walked away.


    But I suddenly had a question.


    Earlier, Sigil seemed to have reported something to Astira and left.


    Is she (Astira) really that great of a person ......?


    I''ve heard that she''s just an adventurer.


    Astila, what was that?��I was told she was a ...... adventurer.


    "Well, yes, but there are some circumstances. Now, I''m the mother (????) of that boy ��������, the prince of this country, Tirens-kun.


    "......Mom......?


    "Yes. It''s funny how you suddenly feel like you''ve become a big deal, isn''t it? I''ve never done anything like this before, but I think I''m going to be hooked.


    "......?


    Astila seems to be enjoying the conversation, but I''m not really following it.


    As I was puzzled, a familiar boy who had been busily discussing something with a bunch of soldiers finished his story and walked straight towards me.


    That''s ��������


    �������� Are you sure you are Lord Noor?


    "Yes, I am.


    I believe he is the prince of this land.


    Yes, Prince Tirens, I believe.


    "Lord Noor. I''m sure you''re displeased with the rude �������� behavior of our people towards you.


    "......?��...... No, ......?


    "As the representative of the current regent, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies.


    He stood in front of me, said so, and suddenly bowed deeply.


    ...... Wait a minute, please.


    I have no idea what you''re talking about.


    As for me, all I remember is being entertained by Sigil and the others.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    ...... Or maybe it was three times.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.


    This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one. It is because of you that this country has been saved. I can never thank you enough or apologize enough, Mr. Noll. I''m sure I''ll make it up to you in time.


    He looked me straight in the eye and said.


    "...... Really?


    ...... I was kind of speechless from his energy.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    ...... I don''t want that, okay?


    I don''t know, this boy.


    I''ve been thinking that he looks much better than when I met him yesterday,��������, but I may have let my guard down.


    Now he smells somewhat like Leanne and her family ......, especially that father (??????).


    The vague response I just gave might ...... have been a bad idea.


    No,......, if you don''t clear up this misunderstanding as soon as possible, you might be in real trouble ...... later on.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand what I mean.


    You can call me Astila-sama (??????), if you like.


    The prince said, examining her (Astira''s) face carefully.


    Yes, there''s no need to be so formal, you know.��You can simply call me Astila. ...... Or should I be the one who needs to be dressed up? ......?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what I''m talking about. So you''re the real ......?


    I''m the only one, really.��I''m Astila, of the one and only adventuring party, the Cup of Wisdom. I''m sure the party has already been disbanded. ...... ......It looks like a lot of time has passed. ......?


    Astila said and looked around.


    There was no longer a decent building in sight, just rubble, but she looked at it as if it were a curiosity.


    As I recall, she said she had been in that strange place in the Blue Stone for a long time.


    ...... Speaking of which, how long was Astira in that place?��You said she was locked up.


    I don''t know, I don''t know anything about that. ...... It''s hard to keep track of time there, there was nothing to do, I was usually asleep. But it looks like it''s probably been at least a couple of decades. ......?


    "Decades?


    No. ...... I think it''s probably not decades.


    The prince interrupted, as if to confirm something.


    It may surprise you, but I think it''s definitely more than two hundred years old.


    "What, �������� two hundred years?


    Astira''s expression hardened in surprise at the Prince''s words.


    I''m a little surprised, too.


    ...... She didn''t look like such an old woman to me.


    "...... Two hundred years, is it ......?


    Yes. In the history books of our country, it is written that it was more than two hundred years ago that the labyrinth was broken through (?????) by the Pope and the Holy Mithraic State was founded. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do when you''re in a situation like this.


    "Oh, ...... two hundred years, huh?


    Astila sighed and looked up at the sky.


    "I ...... have become a great grandmother without ...... knowing it, haven''t I ......?


    Is ...... that what you''re worried about?


    No, I think there''s a lot more to say, but that''s about it for now.


    Well, that''s about it.


    I don''t know, I''ve never experienced anything like that.


    I don''t know, because I''ve never experienced anything like that, and I don''t think I''ll be alive in 200 years.


    I don''t know. ......?��But ...... Oaken is alive, isn''t he?


    Yeah, he''s alive.


    So could it be that ...... is a different person?


    No, I think the person you are referring to, Astira, is definitely Dr. Oaken.


    Lean, who had been quietly listening to us earlier, opened his mouth.


    He''s already over 200 years old.


    Leanne''s words startled Astila and me, and we looked at her face.


    "What ......?��Oaken is over two hundred years old. ......?


    ...... Is that old man that old already?


    Yes. He doesn''t talk about it publicly, but I''ve heard that he''s about two hundred and eighty.


    ...... I wonder why Oken is still alive. I thought he was human.


    ...... Yes, that''s true. That''s what I wonder every time I see him. ...... If you see him and ask him, you''ll know, won''t you?


    Yes, ...... yes, indeed, I do.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    ...... So, I guess I know where I''m going next.


    "What are you going to do?


    You know where I''m going!��I''m going to the Kingdom of Crais.


    Astila smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up.


    I''m sure you''ll have a great time. ...... Is that something you have to do?


    "......, but isn''t Astira playing some kind of role (...) here right now?��Pretending to be the mother of the prince, or something.


    Yes, ......, but I don''t think I can stay here forever, pretending to be someone else. I''m proud to say that I''m a pretty good actor,......, but I''m sure they''ll find out sooner or later. So, fortunately, it seems that there are still acquaintances to rely on. ...... At this time, I think it is not a bad idea to go to the kingdom of Crais and live in the royal capital.


    It''s not a bad idea. So you''re coming with us? We have a carriage.


    Can I ride in it?


    Yeah. Maybe you can. Hey, Leanne?


    I looked at Lean''s face to ask for a decision.


    I looked at Lean''s face to ask for a decision, but Lean thought about something hesitantly, then looked at Prince Tyrence and said.


    Yes, I think it''s okay. Inez is looking for the carriage right now, so if it''s not damaged, you should be able to ride in it. But ...... about that...


    ...... I''ll tell you about it. Thank you, Leanne.


    Prince Tirens stepped forward in front of Astira again, and the two were now facing each other.


    In fact, as the Prince of Mithra, I have a favor to ask of you. �������� Of course, only if you agree.


    "Yes, what is it?��You can say anything you want!


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure you''ll understand.


    If you are willing, you can stay in the �������� Mithraic State.


    "...... in this country?


    Yes. I''m sorry to ask you to do this, as you should have nothing to do with my country,......, but this country, Mithra, is really a country that has been organized around the Pope. No, it is no exaggeration to say that she alone has created it. The people of Mithra are very exhausted from the recent battle. If the Pope, who is now the core of the country, is gone, the country will ...... surely not be able to hold together.


    "...... I see?��I see. ......?��......


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I don''t understand what the prince was talking about either, but I could tell he was serious.


    ...... Well... That is, in short. Does that mean you want me to continue pretending to be your mother (????)?


    To put it simply, yes. I''d like you to continue to act as the mother of my country, the Mithraic Church, the Pope. You can find a lot more information on this website at ...... I know I''m asking a lot, but this country really needs you right now.


    I''m not sure I understand ...... at all. I''m not sure I understand ...... the situation at all.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to do it.


    I''m sure you''re right, I understand. Noll. I''ll stay here after all!��Please give my regards to Oaken.


    "Okay. Okay. I''ll let him know when I see him.


    ...... Hey. That''s a much simpler response than I was expecting. ......?��Well, anyway. I''m counting on you.


    "......?��Yeah, I''ll tell you.


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m going to say it.


    It''s not my place to tell you what to do.


    But the prince seemed to be a little surprised.


    "...... Are you sure you want to stay?


    Yes. But I don''t know anything about politics or anything like that. ...... Is it okay if I don''t have any experience in that kind of thing ......?


    "Yes, the Steward and I will handle most of the practical work. In addition, the people around you will support you in all aspects of your life, and it will be sufficient if you occasionally show your face to the people. That''s all it takes to save ...... this country.


    "......What ......?��Just show your face ......?��Will ...... that be enough to feed us?


    Of course.


    You have a place to live, don''t you, ......?


    Yes, there are several imperial palaces, so you can use the one you like.


    ...... I can go shopping or out for a change once in a while, can''t I?


    Yes, except for important ceremonies and diplomatic rituals, you are free to come and go as you please.


    "I see. �������� I see. ......!


    After asking a number of questions, Astira nodded broadly with a satisfied expression.


    There is no reason for me not to stay here, then!��I''d rather have you here too!


    "...... Are you sure you want to do this?��You''ll be depriving yourself of a lot of freedom that ...... should be irrelevant.


    Hmmm, irrelevant. ...... No. In fact, I''m not so sure about that. ......?


    "What kind of ...... is that?


    Prince Tirens waited for her next words, a question on his face.


    "...... perhaps, but... I think the reason why the monster came out to the world was because we, the Cup of Wisdom, went into the depths of the Labyrinth of Sorrow,......, or maybe it was absolutely true. I''m sure that it was us who triggered it to go out. So it''s not unrelated at all.


    Well, after that, I was trapped, so I don''t know what happened next, and when I came out, I found myself in such a big city?��I don''t know what happened after that.��It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    It''s ...... true, you may be right.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    And one more thing. And there''s one more reason that''s definitely not irrelevant. That is, you.


    "Me?


    Yes. You''re a half-elf, aren''t you, ???????


    ...... is right.


    As far as I know, I''ve never met a ...... half-elf before. I''ve never met or even heard of any other Elf(s) since I left the forest.


    "...... Yes, that''s true. Not that I know of.


    Right?��That''s why I don''t feel like a stranger to you. Well, that''s all I''m saying. There is definitely a connection. ...... In fact, from the first moment I saw you, I felt a kinship with you, as if you were my own family, separated from me.


    �������� I think so too, actually.


    "I think so, too.��That''s right!


    The two faced each other head-on and looked into each other''s eyes.


    It was true that they looked exactly alike.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to tell the difference between the two of them.


    ...... So I really wanted to be with you, but... But if I stay here too long, will it bother you?��I can''t help but think, "......". I''m the one who let that monster out, you know?��I''m not sure what to do.


    ...... No. That''s nothing to worry about. In fact, if what you''ve just said is true, then you really are the one who started the founding of this country. If that is the case, then I believe that you should truly be at the center of this nation.


    ...... So I can stay here after all, right?


    Yes, of course. As the prince of the Mithraic Kingdom, I would like to ask you a favor.


    "That means I''ll be your mother (????)�������� for the rest of your life?


    Yes, that''s right.


    I see. �������� By the way, can I ask you a favor?��...... It''s not really a condition of exchange, but...


    "...... Yes. Anything you want.


    "Hmm, anything you want?��Then I''ll do it without reservation.


    Astila smiled wryly and suddenly opened her arms wide.


    �������� Yes, please ...... do not hesitate.


    When Prince Tirens saw this, he froze with a strange expression.


    I looked at Leanne next to me, not understanding what she meant, but she didn''t seem to understand either.


    "...... is that ......?


    "...... Oh, you don''t know what that is, do you?��You know, ...... is often seen in plays. It''s the kind of thing you see in plays where families who have been separated from each other get together for a touching reunion scene. ...... That was my dream. In fact, I thought I would never be able to have children (????). I never thought I''d have a family again. �������� I''ve always wanted that.


    In the event that you''ve got any questions regarding where by and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own web site.


    ''�������� That, and from now on, I can''t believe such a fine, smart-looking boy is my son!��Then now is the time to do it, right?��As for me, there''s no way I''m going to let this opportunity pass me by. ...... Come on, don''t be shy!��I''m your mother!��I''ll hug you. Just jump into my chest. ...... Yes!��Go ahead!


    And so Astila posed with her legs slightly spread and her arms lowered, like a mother bear guarding her den.


    "............


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.


    ...... Well, I think you''ll be in trouble if you suddenly say something like that.


    To be honest, the people around me and I are a little confused.


    And so, for a while, the area was silent.


    Prince Tirens also remained silent, staring at her face.


    "............


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why.��I''m not sure what to make of this, but I think it''s a good idea.��...... That''s right. It''s not like you''re a little kid anymore. I was a little overexcited. ...... Please forget about that. ......?


    Astila turned over, blushing, and scratched her cheek in embarrassment.


    "�������� mother(...)


    But the prince remained silent as he approached Astila and quietly buried his face in her chest.


    I think I''ve ...... always wanted to meet you too. I think I''ve been wanting to meet you ...... ever since I was a little girl, ever since.


    Then Astira hugged the prince''s head, which was buried in her chest, tightly. ��������


    �������� Of course I''m with you, Mr. Tyrence!��I''ll be counting on you from now on, forever and ever.


    For a while, someone''s sobbing voice could be heard.

 99-99 Return

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    She was nothing like the "Pope" that I had imagined from the stories I had heard. Perhaps this is what I mean when I say that there is a big difference between what you hear and what you see.


    His son, Prince Tirens, did not seem to be on good terms with his mother, but it must have been hard for him to witness his mother''s death in front of him.


    Would Astira really be able to take her place?


    I don''t think so.


    Astira seems to think that she is good at acting and that she is a good impersonator, but ...... to be honest, she doesn''t look like her at all. Even though they have the same facial features, they have completely different atmospheres and behaviors from that person who seems to have a bad personality.


    I think it''s just a matter of time before the people around you find out about you. ...... I mean...


    I think a lot of people have already noticed this.


    I''m not sure if it''s something I should be concerned about,......, but it''s something I''m willing to do.


    For some reason, the prince and the people around him seemed to think that this was fine.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. ...... To be honest, I''m not sure I fully understand what''s going on here.


    I''m sure that if it''s okay with them, it''s okay with them.


    Yes, it is. We can only hope that they will do well.


    I agree.


    I think so, too.


    That''s all I can say.


    I realized once again that there are still many things in this world that I don''t understand.


    I realized again that there are still many things in this world that I don''t understand.


    �������� Inez, who is now driving the carriage in front of us, is also a truly amazing person.


    She amazed me once again.


    When I was fighting those fleshy bones, she was laughing and smiling while I was striking down lightning bolts with no time to breathe. In addition, she was moving faster and faster. �������� I was almost left behind many times during the fight.


    I was so surprised when she suddenly started slashing lightning that I almost dropped my sword, but then she became even more amazing that it is difficult to put into words.


    With a smile that I''ve never seen before, she shredded that huge flesh-covered monster like it was a vegetable in soup. I couldn''t help but shudder as I watched Inez''s profile.


    In order to protect her and the dragon, I had to play with lightning. ...... No, I think it''s better to leave this to her alone. ......


    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you''ll be able to always ask for help.


    ...... I don''t think I''ll be able to compete with her in the future, no matter how hard I try.


    I stared at the back of Inez''s head.


    I stared at the back of Inez''s head. "�������� What is it, Lord Noor?


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    .................. No, it''s nothing. Don''t worry about it.


    "......?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.


    So long as ...... you don''t piss her off.


    As I looked at the back of her head, I made up my mind that I would never offend her in the future.


    If not, I can only see a future where I''ll be gleefully chopped up like that monster.


    There are some ...... amazing people in the world.


    I couldn''t help but mumble with a sigh.


    She (Inez) really was amazing.


    The way she smiled at me during the fight was a surprise to me, but no wonder Lean relied on her.


    But it wasn''t just her that I thought was amazing, of course.


    �������� This girl sitting next to me, Leanne.


    I knew she was something else.


    I knew that I shouldn''t be fooled by her small and slender appearance.


    I had been wondering if it was possible, but at the last moment, that tremendous light flashed before my eyes.


    The thing that vaporized the skeleton''s flesh in an instant was apparently something she had shot from the ground.


    That pillar of light startled me �������� to death.


    Suddenly, I thought something was glowing, and I noticed that the fleshy bone monster (skeleton) had been reduced to its original bones.


    In addition, the bones were rushing towards me at a very high speed.


    I froze in fear as I saw Ines''s floor of light disappear from under my feet, but a sword I swung in desperation luckily hit the bone monster and shattered its body in an instant.


    The bones were much more fragile than I had imagined.


    It was almost without any response, and it crumbled like glass.


    It disappeared so quickly that I was amazed that it was so weak .......


    I was told that she had arranged everything up to that point, and that I and my bones were being rolled around in her hands. To tell the truth, I was hoping she would have told me in advance.


    Besides, I heard that she was able to minimize the number of injured people during the commotion.


    At her age, she''s able to take charge of things like this, and I''m sure she''s going to be a big deal in the future. She is truly, truly scary.


    No, ...... Lean is not the only one who is scary.


    �������� Rolo.


    He''s also turned into a hell of a lot more than I''ve seen in a while.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a little nervous about the whole thing.


    ...... No. Rather than manipulating it, they seem more like human friends. They are able to communicate with each other perfectly. I''ve heard that the demon dragon is a terrifying entity that can easily destroy a city. ......?


    I can''t even imagine what''s going to happen to her.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    ...... I think I''m definitely growing up.


    I think I''ve made a lot of progress in my own way by being able to play the thunderbolt, but I feel like someone is telling me that I''m too young to be smug about that.


    Looking back, those bones were quite a piece of cake.


    But of course, I was able to win thanks to the help of many people, and most of all, thanks to this sturdy sword.


    I''m sure it wasn''t just my own strength that helped me win this time.


    I''m sure it wasn''t just my ability that won this time.


    After returning home, I felt the need to train myself even harder.


    I think I need to ask Gilbert to accompany me to train again.


    I''m sure ...... he doesn''t have a lot of time on his hands, but if he does....


    Well, that''s it. I''m still on the road.


    It''s okay to enjoy the feeling of traveling for a while longer.


    So I looked at the scenery of the carriage �������� and suddenly realized that I had forgotten something important.


    I''m not sure what to do. ...... and ...... I''ve got ......!


    I''m not sure what to say.��How can I help you ......?


    I''m not sure what to say, but I''m sure you''ll understand.


    It''s not that big of a deal. It''s not a big deal, ...... but it''s pretty important to me. However, I don''t think it has much to do with her, and ...... it''s hard to say this now.


    But I''ve decided to talk to her about it.


    "I''m sorry, Leanne. I need a favor.


    "...... Yes, what is it?


    Can we stop in some city on the way?��...... If possible, I''d like to buy something to take home. I forgot to buy a ...... souvenir.


    �������� Well, my colleagues at the construction site had asked me to pick up something for them when I got out of town.


    I told them I was going to do that, and I made sure I had the money for it.


    And yet, I was careless.


    I really wished I could have bought something in Mithra.


    But the city was in such a mess, and I couldn''t go back now that I''d already left.


    The only thing left to do is to go to ...... and return to the city.


    The only thing left is ...... the city to go back to. ...... I see, so that''s it. Then it''s no problem. We were in too much of a hurry on the way there, why don''t we take it a little slower on the way back?


    Yes, that would be very helpful.


    Inez, can you help me?


    Yes, ma''am.


    Inez loosened the reins and the carriage, which had been running at a brisk pace, began to move at a slower pace, a little faster than walking. The scenery outside the window, which had been changing so fluidly, suddenly seemed familiar to her.


    It''s a beautiful day, why don''t we open the window?


    Leanne opened the carriage window, and a soft breeze blew, and a leaf fell into the carriage with it.


    I picked up a small leaf that had fallen in my lap and looked at it.


    I picked it up and looked at it. ...... I''ve never seen such a leaf before.


    Yes, it''s not something you see often in the Kingdom of Crais. It''s a leaf from a species of tree called the ''celestial star tree'', which is only found in this region. It''s a very rare species.


    Is that so?


    Yes. I''ve never seen it in person, only read about it in books. ...... The tree is very long-lived, and it is said that whoever gets its leaves will have good luck. According to one theory, the leaves contain a substance that can give you some euphoria when you taste it, and when you brew it into a tea, it has a mild taste, and it is especially popular among connoisseurs. According to some historical books, it was also used by the royal families of ancient times. ��������


    Starting with the topic of leaves, he started talking about lean crap as usual.


    He really knows a lot, but he''s talking so fast that I''m only getting about half of it.


    But ��������


    "Well, I guess I''ll take this home, too.


    I decided to take it home for myself, though it was not a good souvenir.


    It''s just a leaf, but I still like to discover such small details.


    Cities and large buildings that I have never seen before are nice, but when I see animals and plants that I don''t know like this, I feel that I am in a strange land.


    In that sense, this little leaf is very nice.


    They are not too bulky to carry home.


    If you keep them well after you return, they will last for a while.


    Perhaps this is the best way to remember your travels.


    �������� Ah, it''s finally starting to feel like a trip.


    With that in mind, I half-listened to Lean''s increasingly talkative and heated explanation, and watched the scenery outside the window.

 100-100 Return to the Royal Capital

    Finally, you''re back.


    I felt a strange sensation as I saw the royal city through the morning mist.


    I felt myself somewhat relieved by the familiar scenery.


    Yes. You''ve been through a lot, and you''re a little tired.


    "Yes. It was a short trip, but a lot happened.


    We stopped at an inn with hot springs in a town in the mountains, spent the night there, and left the town early the next morning.


    It wasn''t far from the city to the capital, and soon after we left, we reached the capital and passed through the gates of the city.


    At that moment, I had a nostalgic feeling as if I had come back to my home after a long time.


    It seemed that I was beginning to think of this city as my own.


    "So, can I get off here?


    "...... Yes.


    Once inside the city, I stopped my horse and got out of the carriage immediately.


    Finally, my work is done.


    The request I received from Leanne was to leave King''s Landing and work with the girls until they returned.


    So now my request from her was complete.


    When I got off the carriage and stepped on the soil of King''s Landing, I felt a sense of relief that I had completed a task, but also a fresh sense of accomplishment that was indescribable.


    I wonder if this is what it feels like to go on a journey and come back.


    I''ve rushed halfway down the road to Mithra and returned, and I''ve ridden a dragon to the Imperial Kingdom, but ...... I feel as if I''ve never experienced this feeling before.


    You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.


    ...... Yes. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you so much for your help.


    "No, it''s been a valuable experience for me too.


    I looked at Lean, who was looking down at me from the carriage, and smiled.


    I''ve had a lot of experiences on this trip to Mithra.


    I have seen and heard many things and learned many things that I did not know.


    The battle with the skeleton made me realize how much I had grown, but it also made me realize once again how inadequate I was.


    It will give me more energy for my life and self-discipline from tomorrow.


    I think it was a really good trip.


    The carriage ride home was fun, and I wonder if I should be paid for such a thing.


    �������� So long, Dr. Noor. Would you be willing to come with me to my home again?


    Leaning on me, who was deeply moved, he said.


    "......?��You''ve already returned to King''s Landing, and I thought your request was completed here.


    Yes. So, thank you once again for this time.


    �������� Again, thank you?


    ...... I''m pretty sure you''ve already been paid in advance.


    I have a bad feeling about �������� something.


    I thought you''d already been paid for .......


    Yes. The adventurer''s guild will soon pay you the remainder of the fee for accompanying me to Mithra, in addition to the amount I gave you in advance.


    That should be enough.


    But, ......, I''ve had to ask for more help from you this time than I originally expected. Perhaps my father would like to give you something in person as well.


    ...... Leanne''s father, after all. A cold sweat broke out on my forehead.


    No, no, no. �������� It''s okay. I appreciate the concern, but I don''t want anything. Tell him I''m sorry.


    I feel a little bad for Leanne to say no before she''s even said anything like this.


    But I have a feeling that if I go along with her, Lean''s father will try to force land, buildings, and other unwanted treasures on me again.


    I can''t be sure, but I have a feeling.


    So, but this time, it''s not a good idea.


    "No, I don''t need ....... It''s really okay.


    But, but ��������!


    "But !" "After all, Lean won''t budge either.


    Well, that''s as far as I got.


    I''ve gotten used to this culture.


    Now I just need to figure out how to say no to .......


    "��������?��That''s Noll.


    Just as I was thinking about this, I heard a familiar voice behind me.


    When I turned around and looked at the voice, I saw that it was a familiar colleague who used to work at the same construction site as me.


    Oh, it''s been a while.


    "Oh, it''s been a while. The master was depressed for a while, saying, "He went off to ...... pursue his dream, but he''s back already?


    "Yeah. Yeah. I''m done with my business. Here''s a souvenir.


    Oh, thank you for coming. ...... What''s this?��A carved wooden doll ......?��Is it a demon or something?


    No, it''s a bear.


    On my way back home, I kept my eyes peeled for something to bring back to my colleagues, but I was intrigued by a street stall selling many small wooden bears.


    The bears were small enough to fit in the palm of one''s hand, with their arms outstretched in a threatening pose.


    I heard that the statue was meant to ward off evil, and since it coincided with a memorable scene in my trip, I thought it would make a good souvenir, so I gave the owner all the money I had and got all the bears I could find.


    Now that I''ve bought a lot of bears, I have to distribute them to all the people I know.


    "Oh, oh. Yeah, ...... well, thanks. The kid might like that. I''ll keep it.


    Take care of it. It''s an amulet.


    ...... Oh. Oh, by the way... Speaking of children, Noor. What happened to the promise?


    ...... promise?


    Oh, come on, you forgot. I told you before ...... that my kids loved the story of the big goblin.��They want to hear the story again. Then you said you''d think of another story.


    I do remember that we made such a promise. It had completely slipped my mind.


    "...... Speaking of which. I''m sorry, I completely forgot.


    I''m sure that''s what you meant. ...... My kids have been looking forward to it ever since, you know?��They''re still looking forward to it. So now I''m going to go home and let them play "Goblins" with me for hours on end. ......?��It''s the same one every single time. ...... I''m off duty today, and it''s my day off. It''s okay because I''m having a lot of fun too. But this is the seventh ...... day ...... that I''ve completely lost my ...... day off?��No, maybe the eighth day. ...... Hahahahaha.


    As I spoke, I could see the man''s eyes grow darker and darker.


    I feel a little bad thinking that it''s partly because of my story and promise.


    "I''m sorry, ......, but I''m going to go talk to him now, okay?


    "......?��Is that okay?


    Yeah, I promise. I''ll be right there �������� now.


    I was about to say, "Let''s go right now," when I saw Leanne''s face.


    As soon as I remembered the other side, I forgot about this side.


    "Leanne. I''m sorry, I forgot that I had a ...... appointment.


    "A ...... engagement?


    Yeah, you may have heard me, but I''ve been waiting quite a while because I promised ...... to tell the kids a story. It''s been, like, three months.


    Yeah, I think it was about three months.


    I''ve been keeping you waiting for quite a while now.


    I''m sure you''ll understand.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    Are you sure you want to go to ......?


    If you have a prior commitment, then yes.


    I''m sorry. Tell your father I said hello.


    Yes, sir. Now, if you''ll excuse us, we have a �������� thank you story to tell you.


    I waved goodbye to Leanne and Ines as I left with the carriage.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. ......��I''m not sure what to make of it.��I''m sorry if I disturbed you in any way.


    Yeah. But it''s okay. I''ve just finished a job.


    In fact, ...... I can honestly say that I''m grateful for your help.


    I don''t want to say too much about it because I feel bad for Lean.


    "I see. ......?��That''s good.


    So, this is about the deal?


    Yeah. Well, I wonder what ...... would be good to talk about. Do you have a recommendation?��Something new?


    I don''t know if I can recommend anything, but I''m not sure if it''s ...... new or not.


    Oh, there''s a story I''ve just seen.


    I think that would be easy to talk about.


    "Well, how about a story about ...... ''Skeleton''?


    Skeletons?��Skeletons are bone monsters, right?��Is that funny?


    Yeah. I think you''ll find it quite interesting.


    ...... Oh. What''s it like?��Let me ask you something.


    Sure.


    I remembered when I met the skeleton and decided to give a brief, abbreviated account of what had happened just yesterday.


    I remembered the day I met the skeleton, and I decided to give a brief, abbreviated account of what had happened just yesterday. ...... The skeleton, a monster, is really a lot different than what you hear and see.


    "Huh.


    "I thought I was just a skeletal monster, but I was wrong. First of all, it was dozens of times taller than me.


    "�������� is suddenly huge. Well, that''s standard for your story. And?


    So, the skeleton is a demon that eats people like it''s swallowed them whole. Then it turns the flesh it eats into its own, and more and more flesh is added to the bones.


    "...... skeletons and meat?��...... Oh well. And then what happens?


    And then the skeleton became a huge piece of flesh on bone, with countless arms, hundreds ...... or even thousands of eyeballs jiggling like a living thing, and creepy mouths opening all over its body.


    "....... Is that a scary story?


    Yeah. To be honest, it was pretty scary. To be honest, that was pretty scary. And the scary thing is that the skeleton floats in the air with its huge body, emitting lightning and fire. That was really amazing.


    "...... flying, thunder and flame ......?


    And finally, it transforms and flies through the air at a �������� lightning speed.


    ...... Hey, is that really a skeleton?


    I''m not sure if it''s really a skeleton or not.


    I thought it was because Astila, a self-proclaimed veteran adventurer, had told me about it. ...... But she''s like that, so maybe not.


    But bones are bones. ...... Maybe it''s something skeletal.


    I heard that you are.


    When my colleague heard my reply, he shrugged his shoulders with a dumbfounded expression.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to tell me more about it. ......


    It''s a good thing.��I think this could be quite interesting to talk about.


    Yeah, it sounds interesting, but ...... it''s still a pretty scary story, isn''t it?��I mean, some of my kids are still little.


    Yeah, I guess so.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to understand why I''m so excited about this.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to tell me about the time I fought a dragon in King''s Landing by myself.��Then we can talk about it right now.


    The man looked a little delicate when I suggested this.


    ...... Oh. That''s a good idea.


    What''s wrong with that?


    You probably don''t know this, but yesterday, the Demon Dragon of Misfortune suddenly flew near the royal capital. It was really powerful. But when the children saw it, they got scared. ...... It was quite a challenge.


    I see.


    The dragon flew over... Rolo and Lala.


    It seems that they had already returned to the capital yesterday.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I think it''s a good idea.


    "Then why don''t I tell you that the dragon is not that scary?


    When I said that, the man''s expression brightened somewhat.


    The man''s expression brightened somewhat as I said, "...... Haha, that''s good!��I''m sure you''ll be able to laugh at your story.


    That''s right. I''ll tell you that after I fought the dragon, it became very quiet.


    Yeah. Tell them an unrealistic, ridiculous and flashy story like you always do. It''ll make the kids happy.


    No, ......, just so you know, it''s a real story, okay?


    "Yeah, I know, I know. "I know, I know, I know." "You always start with ''This is a story I actually saw, heard, and experienced. I''ve learned that part long ago. That''s what I tell my kids, so it''s okay.


    "...... Really?


    I''m not sure this guy believes me, but ...... he seems to like the story itself, so that''s good for now.


    And how many of them are there?��"So how many kids do you have who listen to stories?


    "Three in my family, I guess. But if we call out to the neighborhood, we might get more. At least fifteen is a solid number.


    ...... Is that it?


    Yeah, the story of the ''big goblin'' is going around a lot, and it''s becoming a bit popular. When they find out you''re coming, they''ll probably come.


    Well, that''s exciting.


    I remember when I was a kid, I used to look forward to hearing stories from my father about the unknown world. It seems strange to me that I''m now in a position to talk to him like that.


    But I don''t feel bad about it at all.


    Rather, I feel that talking itself has become a great pleasure for me.


    "Well, let''s go. I know you''re keeping me waiting.


    Yeah, sorry.


    I''ll give you this bear, too.


    ...... I don''t know about that .......


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find out more about it here.

 101-101 Princes Determination

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    ����һ�ȡ��ݤˤʤä������Υ���ɥޥ����`���ФΡ���󥯡��μ��򤽤�Ȥʤ����ͤƤߤ����Ȥ�����. �������ƥޥ����`���鷵�äƤ����𤨤ϡ�������ֱ�褯�狼��󤬡������ˤ�ϣ���ʤ����ʤ�����Ҫ�I��äʤ���Τ��ä�.


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    I''m not sure there''s any advantage to a man staying in a position like that with so much power. I wondered if he had some other purpose, and I tried to keep an eye on him, but his daily life as reported by ...... was just ordinary.


    He would go to the baths to clean himself off, then do some self-discipline and go to bed. Most of the time, it is a repetition.


    In addition to this, he also eats at street stalls with his co-workers and spends the rest of his time playing with the children of the city, which further confuses the prince.


    ...... What the hell does that man want?


    The prince wondered how a man with such power could be living like an ordinary citizen with no ambition.


    I can''t find any rational reason for that man to stay in the kingdom of Crais and side with us.


    He doesn''t seem to have any loyalty to the royal family, and even when the king tries to give him any fortune, he refuses, saying he doesn''t want it.


    But that doesn''t mean that the man never asks for anything.


    This point is also disturbing.


    If you think about it, you could say that the Mithra incident started with that man''s demand. Since the king accepted the only request made by the man who said he didn''t need anything (??????), the problems surrounding our country have become more complicated.


    There is no doubt that the series of problems surrounding the demon race originated from the man''s statement.


    In fact, by rejecting the king''s offer, the man could be said to have gained the power to influence even the king of a country.


    ...... I don''t think so, but is that part of the calculation?


    You can''t be sure, but the prince is a bit worried about what such a man will want next.


    "Next," ...... said the prince, "I''m sure my fears are unfounded.


    In fact, the prince thought that the man''s current calmness was a harbinger of his next disturbing request.


    As the prince sensed that there was something unsettling about the future, there was an unexpected knock at the door of his office.


    "Prince Rain.


    "�������� Karou?


    The one who stood in front of the office without a sound was the [Hidden Saint] Karou.


    "Come in.


    The prince invited Karou in, and Karou was carrying a large bundle of paper under his arm.


    ...... What''s that?


    There''s a lot of letters. I''m in the process of sorting them, but these are addressed to the princess.


    "A letter to Leanne?��What''s in it?


    The prince, who had been lost in thought earlier, looked at a stack of papers on his desk in his office.


    Most of them are personal letters of intent from other countries. ...... Or rather, most of them are love letters.


    "...... love letters?


    The prince''s expression hardened.


    The prince''s expression froze. The prince''s expression froze. "Ah. The princess seems to have made quite a splash over there. I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that will help you. You can read it at [clairvoyance]. All of them are great sentences. Some of them start out with a marriage proposal.


    Karou laughed merrily under her mask and presented a bundle of envelopes to the prince, whose forehead was wrinkled.


    "From...


    The prince looked at the wax seal on the bundle of papers he was given with a bitter face.


    The seal, as expected, belonged to the nobles of the countries that until a few days ago had sympathized with the Mithraic Church and exerted pressure on the Kingdom of Crace.


    After the incident, they must have changed their attitude in a hurry when they found out that our country had the upper hand, and tried to get in.


    They did not even respond to our request for cooperation until now.


    I was wondering how much of a flip-flop it was, but when I looked through it with my [clairvoyance] as Karu had told me, my head hurt even more.


    It was, as Karu had said, a kind of love letter.


    They were all a series of dizzyingly bad sentences.


    What kind of nerves does one have to have to write something like this?


    "Is this letter for Leanne?


    "I was checking to make sure there were no dangerous objects, given what happened the other day. I was going to give it to him, but then I saw the ...... contents and thought I''d ask the prince first, just in case. ...... What are you going to do?


    You don''t need to show this to him. I''d say burn every single one of them and send the ashes straight back to ��������.


    The prince shook his head to change his feverish mind, took a deep breath and returned the letter he had finished reading to Karu.


    I''ll put ...... to good use. Make a list of senders and have your agents write back. Take in who you can while you can, and find out their weaknesses so you can use them ...... as bargaining chips later.


    Copy that. ...... Do you want me to notify him?


    Yeah, I''ll show him the sender list and give him the gist of what it is and how to get rid of it. There''s no need to make him uncomfortable by making him read through a bunch of crap he can''t stand to read.


    "...... Okay. I''ll select the ones that I think are important. You can judge for yourself later.


    Karou laughed again under her mask and disappeared without a sound, carrying a pile of papers.


    �������� You''re too soft on your sister, huh?


    The prince understood the meaning of Karou''s implied laugh.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    He is one of the few people who saw Rain and Lean as children up close. ...... I''m sure he thinks of me as another overprotective older brother.


    That''s what Chichi and Karou have always said to me.


    It''s not that I''m not aware of it.


    The prince agrees with the idea that there is no need to protect him in a normal way, although he thinks that his father is letting him off the hook too much.


    The boy (Lean) is only 14 years old, but he has more power than Prince Rain in every ability.


    Although Prince Rain, who is six years older than her, has a head start in some respects, it is only a matter of time before he overtakes her.


    But until she is fully grown, the prince believes that he must protect her at all costs.


    Because ��������


    She is supposed to be the next ''Queen''.


    Currently, the succession to the throne is in the hands of the prince, who has already completed the trials.


    Lean''s trials to succeed to the throne have been stopped since the previous attack by the Imperial Kingdom.


    But as soon as she resumes the trials, she is sure to overcome them and soon take over the throne.


    In the first place, the fact that a child of only 14 years old wanted to challenge the "test" of succession to the throne by herself was abnormal. She decided to dive into the Labyrinth of No Return by herself for "training," and the laissez-faire king allowed her to do so if she wanted to, but this is not something that would normally happen.


    The prince also completed his ordeal at the age of 16, but he did so with a proper party.


    If she does not place any constraints on herself and takes on the challenge in an orderly fashion, she will soon be able to achieve her goals.


    And when that happens, the next step is the traditional succession battle (?????) for the throne of Crais.


    A head-on clash of power and strength between the candidates.


    It''s a somewhat barbaric old custom, but the kingship of the Kingdom of Crace will be officially recognized by the people on that stage.


    If I were to face my sister on that stage, the prince, who is inferior in every way, would not stand a chance in hell.


    This can be easily seen by calmly analyzing the combat abilities of the two.


    In the first place, the prince himself has not yet told anyone, but he thinks that his sister (Leanne) should take over the throne, so he does not even want to win.


    �������� That girl is really too special.


    From the time she was born, she was special.


    From a very young age, she showed great ability and broke all kinds of records in every field. And yet, her attitude of not being conceited at all and continuing to grow together with the people around her has been recognized by everyone, and she is already highly supported by the soldiers. He has a natural talent that attracts people around him.


    He is the kind of person who was born to be a king.


    The prince has always thought that she is different from ordinary people.


    Perhaps there is no one better than her to unite the country.


    He believes that if she is to be the heir to the throne, he can be her assistant.


    In fact, the prince has been refining his own abilities to make her the "queen" since he assumed his current position.


    He is aware that there are many people who have high hopes for him as the next king, but when he sees the work of the king up close, he feels that it is a bit much for him.


    After all, it suits me better to stay in the shadows behind the scenes.


    In other words, I would prefer to be in the shadow of her, who has the quality of being the light that unites the people of our country from the start.


    �������� The future of the Kingdom of Crace depends on her.


    That''s what I think, and I don''t mean that as a nepotism.


    She is the most important person in the kingdom of Crace.


    So, no matter how overprotective she may be, we have to protect her for a while.


    No matter what they say, I will protect my sister until she is fully grown.


    ...... I will not allow any bad insects to come near her in the future.


    The prince made up his mind to do so, and began to work on the pile of reports from his subordinates that lay on his desk.

 102-102 Kings Thoughts

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    �⤷���λ��Ɵo�����Ф����ˤʤä��顢��.


    ���ι���һ�塢�ɤ���L�ˉ���Τ�����������.


    �य�����y�٤�������؟�դ�ؓ���Է֤Τ褦���������ߤ���֪��Ϥä��Ф��������ͬȻ���Ф˰��פ��ڴ���Ӛ���٤��ǤϤʤ����Ȥ�˼��.


    ������š�դ�ŗ�����褦�ʟo؟�Τʻ���򱧤��٤��Ǥ�ʤ����Ȥ⡢�狼�äƤ���.


    �Ǥ⡢�⤷���ι��򤢤��Ĥ��Τ�����.


    �����������äȡ��ޤ��l�������Ǥ��ʤ��褦�ʡ��Ȥ�Ǥ�ʤ����Ȥ��𤳤���`���ʤ��������쳤�ʤ��Ĥ������Ϥ���.


    �����Է֤����؟�դ����ˤ����ᡢ�٤ӡ�ð��ߡ������֤Ȥʤꡢ���ˤ��äؤȳ���Τ򤵤��䤫������Ή��Ȥ��Ƥ���. ������Ϥ⤦���虜�虜�h����ðꓤ��ˤ�����ꤢ���Ф��������Ҋ�ؤäƤ����������äȘS������������˼���Ƥ��ޤ�.


    ��������ʤ��Ȥϡ��ޤ��ޤ��Ȥ�Ԓ����.


    �����������٤������뤬�^���뤫��


    �Է֤��ڴ��Ϥɤ����졢�����������Ϸg�䤫�������뤳�Ȥ�����Ǥ���褦��.


    That will must be respected.


    So, for now, the king thinks, he''ll keep the man at a distance and protect him.


    But he''s going to have to come out into the open eventually.


    He''s already got that much power.


    Already, that man has been recognized not only by our country, but also by Lord Landaeus, who holds the real power of the Magic Empire, and he has already created a huge debt of debt that the entire country can''t repay to the current Pope Astira and her assistant Prince Tirens, who are the core of the Holy Mithraic State that follows the Mithraists all over the world.


    The wheels have already begun to turn around the man.


    The only question is when will the man be known to the world (???????)?


    "How will the power of the world move when the existence of the man who seems to have been born to be a ''hero'' becomes known?


    No, no. It would be more correct to say how they will be upset.


    When he thinks about it, he can''t help but laugh.


    ...... I''d better get back to work now.


    You can''t negotiate satisfactorily with an envoy from another country who is about to be received by you with this kind of sullen expression.


    I''ve got to pull myself together and call the next audience into the room.


    There are still many more people waiting to seek an audience with the king, and there is still a lot of work to be done.


    But speaking of work, the king thinks that ...... he has done a good job.


    "I did a good job then.


    In his heart, the king was unusually proud of his achievement, thinking that, after all this time, handing over the Black Sword to that man on their first meeting was probably the greatest achievement of his life.


    The king himself had never been interested in leaving his name in history, but he thought that it would not be bad if his name was inscribed in a book as a character in the heroic story of the man.


    Not bad ....... You''re right, it''s not bad. I actually don''t mind being a supporting character in a story.


    In retrospect, the king realizes that he is one of the people involved in the story that the man is telling. He also wanted to be one of the people who would continue to watch the continuation of that exceptionally interesting story from the best possible place.


    In order to do that, it would be more convenient for me to stay as a supporting character (...), the "king" on the stage.


    The �������� King couldn''t help but laugh at himself for having come to think like that.


    I''m not sure I''ll ever be a king again, but my motives are too impure.


    After all, it would be better for me to retire quickly and hand over the throne to a superior successor.


    With this thought in mind, the king once again put a smile on his scarred face and let out a loud laugh in his office.

 103-103 Sages Cup 4

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    �ɤ��ޤǤ��������ˤ��ˤ˥����ƥ���ϰ��¤����٤�Ц�ߤ�©�餷��.


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    ���`����ϥ��`�֤��¤���С���ʰ��ߤ�ȡ������������ƥ�������Ҥλ����Ϥ��ä���.


    �����ƥ���ϻ����Ϥ��ä��줿���ߤ���Җ�������तʯ����Ҋ�ʤ��顢��ä���ˤˌ��ͤ褦��˼�äƤ������Ȥ�ڤˤ���.


    �������ϡ������줫�顢�ɤ��ʤä��ΤǤ�����


    �����|���˥��`����α���ϰ�������.


    "...... and I broke up after you disappeared. And as you may have heard, ...... he died hating the fake you. The stone is the end result of that. That''s Roy.


    Astira listened to Oaken''s words and twisted her face in grief as she stared at the clear red stone beside her.


    "......, I see. It''s my fault.


    What are you talking about? It''s not your fault. It''s my fault. If I hadn''t been so stubborn and stayed with him, I never would have ...... let him do that.


    ...... Don''t blame yourself, Oaken.


    ...... Well, I guess that makes two of us.


    The two men stared at the stone and were silent for a few moments.


    I''m sure he''ll feel better now that the red stone has helped him defeat the fake. I''m sure he''ll be relieved to know it''s in the hands of one of his own children. That''s it.


    "Yes, it was great, sir. Rollo. ......, right?��He was summoning some kind of amazing dragon. ...... It was amazing.


    I''m sure you''re right.��He was quite a sight to behold. ...... Of course, he was able to do it because of the amazing skills that I had developed over the years, right?


    "Yes, I know. Lean was very grateful to you.


    ......?��You did?��...... Well, of course she was. Of course she did.


    As Oaken stroked his beard, slightly embarrassed but satisfied, Astila asked again.


    The girl ...... Rollo is perhaps of Roy''s blood?


    ...... I don''t know about that. I don''t know. We''re related, we may be related somehow, but it''s been too long ...... to find out. No one will ever know.


    "...... Well, yes.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    But. I''m not sure what to make of it. I''m sure there''s a connection.


    ...... You''re right. I''ve been in contact with Rollo many times. We have a similar temperament. He''s shy and cautious, but he has a soft spot for others, just like you.


    "Then there may come a day when I have to fight with you, Oaken?


    ...... If I could do that, I''d be on my own, but that''s going to take some time, isn''t it?��He''s a little too gentle in his temperament.


    "Hmm. ...... I knew we were alike.


    They both laughed quietly.


    "...... Yes, yes. By the way, I became a mother (????) before I knew it. Did you hear?


    "Yes, I''ve heard that. I''ve known for a long time that I had a prince.


    It''s a dream come true. I can''t believe I''m going to have such a fine, smart and handsome son.


    ...... Are you really the Pope of Mithra?��I''m sure you''ve heard of it.��I can''t imagine you getting involved in politics. ...... Are you okay with that?


    "Hmm, that''s okay. I''m sure Mr. Tillens will take care of all the difficult stuff.��And the people around me have been really nice. And everyone around me has been really nice to me. Even when I go out on the street, people are really happy to see me, even if I just say hello or shake their hand. I feel like I''m a really big person.


    That''s ...... very serviceable. I don''t mean that I feel like a great person. Maybe you''ve already got a lot of power ......?


    "Hmm ......, yes. It''s true that now I don''t have to work at all, I can live in a nice place, and I can eat whatever I want. I think I''ve got a lot of power.


    "...... Yeah, ......?��No, no, no, I''m not talking about that level at all. ...... Well, okay. I''ve got a lot to say, but two of the three of us are still alive. I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    "...... Greetings?


    Oaken looked at the red stone that had been Roy''s memento, and pulled out another small bag from under his robe.


    Astira rolled her eyes when she saw what came out of the bag.


    You still kept that?


    They were three silver cups that Oaken had once purchased from a shady stall.


    It was a bit old, but it must be the same old cups that Astila remembered, the ones used by the three members of the adventurer''s party, the Sage''s Cup.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.��In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.��If that were known, how much do you think this thing would be worth?��But no one would believe that we were once friends who trusted each other with our lives. It''s not worth much at all. So I had no choice but to keep it at .......


    Astira smiled nostalgically at Oaken''s somewhat excusatory explanation.


    I see. So you''re selling it when it''s worth something?


    "...... Of course not, right?��If you and I say it''s real, how much do you think it will be worth?��It''s a great way to get the most out of your time and money.��You can''t even tell if it''s a fake .......


    I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I''m sure you''ll have the ...... real one with you for some time to come.


    "Not forever, of course. Of course not forever, but at least I''ll have it for as long as I live.


    Yes. I hope so.


    Oaken laughed as he laid out the three cups and poured in the liquor he had brought with him, and Astira paused for a moment to take one of them.


    "Oh ...... does Oaken still remember how to do this afterwards?


    "What, you treat me like an old man. Of course not. I''m the one who invented it in the first place.


    "......, right.


    The friend in front of me had not changed at all.


    But when Astila saw Oaken with the cup in his hand again, she couldn''t help but feel that many years had passed without her knowing it, and her face clouded over with an inexplicable sadness.


    You''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    ...... Don''t worry. No matter how much time passes, there is no way I will ever forget you. How many times over the past two hundred years have I dreamed that this day would come?


    "......Yes. ......Yes. That''s right.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to use the site, you can call us at our own web site.


    "...... Oh, so maybe you cried a few times because you were lonely?��You did cry, didn''t you?


    Don''t try to make me say that!


    "Hmm. ...... That was a stupid question.


    Astira''s face brightened and she picked up a small cup.


    "Well, shall we begin? But it''s a bit long, isn''t it? It''s a little long, but it''s full of lines that are embarrassing to say in public.


    "...... Don''t complain now!


    Then they raised their cups one at a time and said the words in their memory at the same time without hesitation.


    "We, the three cups, thank you first for this strange encounter.


    It was a rule that they would say in the tavern when they all came back alive.


    No one else knew about it, but the three of us.


    "And in gratitude for our good fortune to be here again, �������� we commend you for the hardships we have overcome and the wonderful adventures we have had.


    It was a phrase that had been coined on the premise that the three of them would be reunited.


    It was the first time one of them had ever done so without the other. But for the two of them, it felt natural to do it now.


    It was the only promise they had made when they reunited.


    They hadn''t decided anything about what would happen if someone was missing.


    So they continued as if there were still three of them there.


    Of course, there was no one there but the two of them.


    The other person (????), who was supposed to be there when they said this, is nowhere to be found in the world.


    They know that very well.


    They know it so well that the third cup seems to shake a little.


    The red stone seemed to glow as if in response to their voice.


    The person they know so well seems to be standing in front of the third cup.


    They both know that all of this is just an illusion created by their own desires. ��������


    But hopefully, just for this moment.


    It would be nice to be able to share a cup of sake, even if only for a moment, with the friends with whom we once shared adventures, even if it is only an illusion.


    Even though they knew it was an unattainable dream, they held up the two cups and said the names of their lost comrades together.


    "This ''Cup of Wisdom'' is dedicated to our friend Roy.


    Quietly, the two cups touch each other.


    The third cup remained in front of the red stone.


    There was no one left to raise the third cup with them.


    They both knew it.


    And so the wishes of Oaken and Astira were swallowed up in the silence of the night. �������� And then nothing happened.


    They lowered their raised cups and turned their heads without saying a word.


    But ��������


    "...... Oh.


    Astila suddenly looked up.


    "...... What''s wrong?


    I think I just ...... heard someone laughing at me.


    What?


    "What?" Oaken looked around involuntarily.


    But, of course, there was no one there.


    No, no, no, no, no, no. There''s no one there.


    "...... No. I think ...... Roy was smiling at Oaken just now.


    Astila said and laughed quietly.


    I think it was you who laughed at me.


    "...... No. That''s not true. ...... Look, now he''s pointing at Oaken and laughing. What''s with the bearded monster?


    "Isn''t the ...... bearded ghost a bit of an exaggeration?


    "...... Hmm. Well, why don''t you try shaving it off?��Maybe then Roy would understand.


    "Ho ho, can we please not do that? ...... Are you serious?��Please don''t do that.��You know?


    I hope that makes sense to Roy out there. ......


    ...... No, I told you there was no one there.


    There were only two people there, Oaken and Astila.


    There was no one else in the room.


    �������� But then, just for a moment.


    In the eyes of the two of them, it seemed as if they could see Roy smiling quietly at the sight of the two of them so unchanged.

 104-104 Oracle Ball

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    The congregation listened to him with some confusion.


    But soon after, the next words caused great confusion among the faithful.


    "��������, the ''Saint Mithra'' we worshipped as a god.


    It was a monster from the depths of the labyrinth. I didn''t know that, and I''ve been passing on the teachings I received from that monster as an oracle to you. That is the first thing I have to apologize to you for.


    The congregation groaned and looked at each other.


    Pope Astila paused for a moment, as if he could see their confusion and clamor, and then slowly opened his mouth again.


    No wonder you are all surprised. ...... But I hope you will listen to the rest. It is important for the future of our Mithraism.


    With the Lord''s words, the congregation came to their senses and the clamor that had risen subsided.


    With the Pope''s words, the congregation came to their senses and the uproar subsided.


    That powerful demon, accompanied by the overflow of demons from the Labyrinth of Sorrows, tried to destroy Mithra. But fortunately, it was quickly defeated with the help of a guest who attended the coming-of-age celebration of Prince Tirens that day. One of those guests was a demon tribe.


    Suddenly the figure of the Pope disappeared and a small boy was projected in front of the congregation.


    �������� His name is Roro, a boy of the demon tribe. He was willing to risk his life to protect us. He''s from Mithra, a long-time enemy of ours. We were attacked by demons, and by working with him, we were able to survive the great ordeal.


    His appearance and story had the congregation reeling and buzzing.


    "So that''s the ...... demon tribe.


    "The demon tribe and the congregation of Mithra have collaborated?��That''s absurd. That''s an evil, hostile race.


    ...... Do you doubt the word of the Lord?


    But ��������


    ...... No, I did hear that. A huge dragon flew over the holy city of Mithra and destroyed the horrible demons with a divine light.


    You''re saying that you fought with ......?��The Lord of the Faithful and the demons.


    This would not have been possible before.


    ...... As you know, the people of Mithra have recognized the demon tribe as their enemy and have been fighting against them for a long time. In the process, many believers were killed by them, and ...... we also killed them. We do not mean to forget the past. But I think we need to build a better future on that bloody history. This boy''s dedication shows us one possibility.


    The congregation gazed at the image of the boy projected before them.


    He certainly doesn''t look as evil as ...... we''ve heard.


    But ...... it is a race with a fearsome nature. And I''m not just talking about looks.


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    ...... Please let me continue to walk the same path as you. Although I am still in my infancy, I ask that you let me share in your labors and joys and walk with you as you have done in the past. Let me overcome any hardships in the future together with you.


    That is my only request to you, .......


    Saying this, the apparition of Pope Astira bowed deeply to his followers.


    "......My Lord, ......?


    This is the first time I''ve ever been to a wedding.


    �������� This concludes the first installment of "The Word of the Lord. The spokesman will inform you of the next time. Wait for further news.


    A few moments later, the soldier''s voice echoed through the hall, and the congregation was told to disperse.


    "The first time?��...... Maybe there''s another one?


    As the congregation began to walk towards the exit of the hall, they shared their impressions of what they had just heard and seen.


    "...... Hey, what do you think of what the Lord just said?


    "What do you mean, ......, it''s too difficult for me to understand. What do you think?


    "Same. ...... So, in short, we ''Mithraists'' don''t have to hang that creepy skeleton on our houses anymore, do we?


    �������� Oh, come on!��If you say something like that about St. Mithra here, you''ll be ...... arrested by the church soldiers for impiety. Well, I guess that''s okay now.


    Maybe that''s what you''re talking about.


    The congregation continued their thoughts as they walked.


    ...... Actually, I''ve been scared of that thing since I was a kid.


    "Me too. Honestly, it''s creepy.


    "Yeah, I''ve always wished it wasn''t there.


    Wouldn''t it be nice to be able to remove that painting from the wall of your house?


    Yeah. I guess so. I mean, maybe there''s nothing wrong with ......, right?


    Yes, there is. We were just following the Lord''s will regarding the teachings and the demons. We will continue to do so.


    "Yeah. I''m more than happy to see the Lord''s face again like that. Watching that today, for the first time I''m glad that my family has been Mithraic for generations.


    I''m really looking forward to the next one. ...... I might not be able to sleep the night before the next one because of the excitement.


    So the first thing you''re going to do is remove the Saint Mithra statue from the wall of your house?


    "Yes.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    It''s ....... I''m still not convinced. If there really is no St. Mithra, then what should we believe in and worship ......?��If there really is no ''Saint Mithra'', what should we believe in and worship ......?


    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    I''m sure you know what you''re going to be worshipping. ...... I''m sure you know what you''re going to be worshipping.


    Oh. I''m sure the Lord will continue to guide us in the future.


    It''s the �������� Lord. We should worship him.


    Yes. Why don''t we hang a picture of the Lord instead of St. Mithra?


    Oh, ......!��That''s a good idea. That''s a good idea. The image of the Lord would make the house look more beautiful.


    The surrounding congregation reacted to the topic at once.


    I''m going to ask a painter I know to do a portrait of the Lord immediately.


    "�������� Oh, that''s me too!��I want mine!


    "...... I want one too. I want one too. I''ll ask my relatives for theirs.


    ...... for my whole family, too. Can you double the number of spares? I''ll take a deposit, but make it as big as possible.


    "No, ......, I don''t think I can paint that many at once. ......?


    In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the site, you can contact us at our own web site.


    I''m not sure what to say.


    ......


    In the event that you''ve got any questions concerning where by and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    "...... Is that correct, Mr. Tyrence?


    "Yes, very well, mother.


    ...... Did I say the wrong line?��Isn''t your posture weird?��...... Now that you mention it, you don''t have any bad sleeping habits, do you, ......?


    Of course I''m fine. I think it was a great speech that will go down in history.


    I think it was a great speech. I''m glad to hear you say so, Mr. Tillens. I was really nervous. ...... But I''ve always wanted to do something like this. So it was a very good experience.


    Pope Astira said and smiled softly.


    The old man standing behind them also laughed as he stroked his white beard, which he was proud to have on his chin.


    "Ho ho!��But I was on the lookout for you to say something unscripted.


    "Well, I''m not surprised, Oaken. I''m not proud of it, but I have a good memory, you know?��I''m not proud of it, but I have a good memory.


    Well, I don''t doubt that too much. ...... I was just worried that you''d get clever and make some crazy ad-libs!��Well, the gist of the content was exactly as written in the manuscript. ...... To be honest, I thought my heart would stop beating because of the strange deviation from the start!��Ho ho!


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    "Holy Oaken. I would like to thank you once again for providing the number of oracle balls that can be distributed to all church branches, and for your great cooperation in this speech ��������.


    "Hoho!��You''re so polite!��This time, it''s also a test run for the new oracle ball, and you guys also provided us with the funds and the red stone to power it. It''s quite advantageous for us as well. I''d like to thank you for the opportunity!


    "...... No. If it weren''t for that magic tool of Mr. Oken''s being distributed to the various church branches, it would have been impossible to communicate our intentions to the Mithraists. It''s fortuitous for our country that one of your mother''s closest friends is an expert in magic tools like you. ......


    Isn''t that a bit much praise ......?


    I was really surprised, too. I was really surprised that you invented such a useful tool. I''m impressed, Oaken.


    Oaken stroked his beard in embarrassment at Astira and Prince Tirens'' repeated words of praise.


    "Ho ho!��I''m not as old as I''d like to be.��I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had to deal with this. I think it would be quicker to show them this way!��I''m glad it went well. ...... It was a bit of a bummer, but I''m glad it went well.


    I''m glad it went well." "Oh, ......, so it was a last-ditch attempt after all. I had a feeling it was going to happen, and to be honest, I was worried it might break down at some point.


    "Ho ho ......?��It''s a mutual thing!


    As Oaken and Astila looked at each other and laughed, they saw a figure with deep scars on his face approaching them.


    "High Priestess. It''s a pleasure to meet you.


    "Um, are you ...... from the Kingdom of Crace?


    "Yes. I''m the leader of the neighboring kingdom of Crace.


    The man with the deep scars on his face stopped in front of Astila, and the two faced each other quietly.


    "Nice to meet you, my king. ...... I''m Astira, the real one.


    I''ve heard of you. You really do look like each other, don''t you?


    Yes. I had no idea that such a thing walked the earth.


    They looked at each other and smiled a little.


    "I hear that your daughter Linneburg has been very helpful. I heard that her life would have been in danger if not for your work. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude, not only as a king, but also as a parent.


    "Oh, I see. You are Leanne''s ...... Hmm, she is a very reckless girl, isn''t she?��It was a close call at the time. I''m so glad he survived.


    "...... Oh. I can''t thank you enough for what you did. I can''t thank you enough for what you''ve done. Of course, it''s a private thank you, so it won''t be much, but ...... I''ll do what I can.


    "No, you can''t thank me enough, my king. No, you can''t thank me at all, King. Isn''t it only right to help her?��As long as Lean-san is fine, there''s no problem at all!


    The king smiled, narrowing his eyes at Astila, who gave him a small thumbs-up on his chest.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that. I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s wrong with me.


    "Is that so?


    Yeah. To be honest, the previous high priest was anxious and worried about when he would be taken and eaten. But I think I can talk to you without hesitation.


    "Hmmm ...... I''m not a demon. I''m also glad that the king of the next country isn''t a scary guy.


    "Yeah, I totally agree. I hope we can have a good relationship in the future.


    Yes. I have many benefactors in the kingdom of Crais. Including your daughter, of course!


    I see. Then perhaps I should be more grateful to my daughter.


    Yes, she''s a very good daughter!


    The two figures, who were the top figures in the two neighboring countries, looked at each other and smiled happily.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that." "...... Oh, by the way, Leanne is here today, right?


    "Ah. I''m over there with Rollo, chatting with Milva, the new Emperor of the Magic Empire. I was going to include you in the conversation, but I thought it would be too long to talk about ...... their age. I was the first to arrive.


    "I see. I''m glad to see you''re doing well.


    Astila smiled quietly and looked around slowly.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one.��I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.��There are a lot of ...... unfamiliar faces.


    Astila looked at the faces of the visitors in the hall, and when their eyes occasionally met, she gave them an amiable smile and a small wave.


    It was then that I asked her if she would like to walk around with me afterwards to say hello.��I''ll call out their names so you''ll remember them.


    "...... Oh!��That''s very helpful!��I''m very confident in my memory, so just ask me once and you''ll be fine.


    It''s a good idea to know the names and faces of the important people in the surrounding countries for future reference, even if it''s ��������


    The king looked around the hall with only his eyes.


    I don''t see the head of Salenza in the south. I heard he was invited as well.


    Oaken sniffed next to the wondering King.


    "....... I meant the rich man. They''re probably bending their bellies anyway. This speech is all about how they''re going to lose money. They must be very unhappy if they won''t send a messenger.


    "Everything else seems to be in order. Let''s take Leanne with us anyway. If you introduce her to everyone you know, it''ll make things less awkward.


    ...... Let''s do that. I look forward to working with you. ...... Oh, by the way...


    Astila looked around again, as if looking for someone.


    "Noor is not here today?


    The king looked slightly reluctant at Astila''s question.


    "...... Oh, yes. I''ve been meaning to tell you, but unfortunately the man is not here today. I also wanted to ask him to attend this ceremony with my daughter, but he ...... refused without hesitation.


    You''re a king.��...... You''re the king.


    ...... Oh. I''m not able to make it today, so tell him I said hello.


    Behind the king and Astira, Oaken curled his fingertips around his prized beard in thought.


    ...... Really, what is he thinking?��It''s a shame. It''s a shame, because he''s a major player in this, and it''s definitely a historic moment, and he should have been there.


    You''re right. But he told me he couldn''t come today because he had something he had to do. Instead, he asked me to give you this.


    "...... What, for me?


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    "What is ...... this ......?


    I''ve heard it''s a kind of amulet. Actually, I got the same one.


    I wonder if it''s a ...... sculpture of a demon attacking people?


    No, it''s a bear.


    "A bear?


    Astira narrowed her eyes with a more curious look and looked at the strange wooden figurine in her hand.


    "You gave this to me?


    She said it had some connection to you. Does that ring a bell?


    ............. ............ or ............ at all.


    The two men looked at each other with confused expressions.


    ...... I see. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to hear that.


    "........................ Do you want it?��Mr. Tyrence.


    Yes, I''ll take it since you asked. But what does this really mean, ......?


    "The man said he was sure they (????) would understand.


    "...... themselves?��What is that, ......?


    For a while, the three of them looked at the bear figurine with outstretched arms with delicate expressions, looked at each other again and again, and tilted their heads.

 105-105 Completion Ceremony

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    ...... I didn''t think it was possible, but Lord Noor, ......?


    It''s been a while. What are you doing here?


    ...... This canal project is a national undertaking. My father was supposed to be here, but he''s not. In the meantime, I''m supposed to be there in his place.


    I was impressed by the fact that they were also busy doing work that I didn''t know about, when Lean''s brother looked at me.


    The other day, my father and I were at a party.��...... I heard that my father and sister invited you to a ceremony in Mithra the other day. I thought you were going with them today.


    Yeah, they did invite me. ...... I turned them down.


    ...... Turned you down?


    I had this completion ceremony today. Is that a bad idea?


    ...... No. If that''s what my father wants, I don''t have to tell him.


    He now looked at the ''black sword'' on my shoulder.


    ...... What is that sword?��...... Why are you still carrying it on your shoulder at a time like this?


    "This?��It was very useful for the construction. I thought I''d bring it along anyway.


    The Black Sword is on ��������?


    For a while, Lean''s brother stared at the black sword on my shoulder with a mysterious expression, but when the area began to buzz, he suddenly came to his senses and handed me a wooden box containing some small coins.


    It was a shiny golden coin with the words "Commemorative Completion" written on it in small letters.


    ''Just a souvenir. Please take it.


    "Oh, thank you. ...... So, are we done?��Can I go back?


    ...... Oh, yeah. Thanks a lot.


    We exchanged a few words and parted, and the memorial ceremony went on.


    I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it''s a good idea.


    I arrived at the Adventurer''s Guild.


    When I arrived at the adventurer''s guild, I handed the request completion form to the guild master, who stamped the form as usual and placed the leather bag containing my living expenses on the counter.


    �������� Noor. I''m really sorry for your troubles. I heard you did a great job this time. Here, this is your reward for what you asked for. Take it.


    But there''s something wrong with you. He''s congratulating me with his mouth, but for some reason he''s got a heavy atmosphere behind him.


    "...... What''s up ......?��Is there something wrong with ......?


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it, but I''m not sure if you have.


    "...... Hey, Noor. You know what?��Today, my guild received a tremendous amount of money. It''s from both the Building Guild and the Royal Stone Workers Guild. I''m sure you know that. ...... That''s all for your work.


    "...... Really? Is it a lot?


    I''m not sure what the breakdown is since I leave the money to my uncle in the guild, but I sure feel like I worked a lot. I have a feeling that I earned a lot of money.


    I''m not sure how much I''ve earned. ......?��I''ve already got enough money to buy ten or twenty inns and bathhouses in the capital. I''m not sure what to do.��You can''t believe ...... that even if you hunt ten big ones, you can still get change. It''s incredible. I''m not sure what to make of this.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that we''re not losing any money.


    If you''re in the black, good for you.


    "No, no, no. ...... Well, it''s certainly good. But it''s not good. If you''re talking about running a guild, I''m really helping you out, okay?��The problem is you.


    "Me?


    The uncle saw my reaction and scratched his head, shaking his head quietly.


    I think I''ve told you this before, ....... I''m sure you''ve heard of it.��A percentage of your commission, you know. In other words, you''re losing money. No matter how hard you work, the Adventurer''s Guild (us) gets a lot of money for almost nothing.


    No, I think they''re doing their job.


    ...... Well, it''s just a stamp on a piece of paper. I''m not really sure what else to do.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but it''s a good idea. The Adventurer''s Guild (us) doesn''t look for work and doesn''t mediate, we just give you requests that are addressed to you and give them to you again.


    It''s crazy, you know. I know I''ve been pestering you, but it''s definitely better to work directly with the requester on these things.


    I''m sure I''ve heard that before.


    ...... That''s not all. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


    It''s not every day that these elitist bastards admit a newcomer to King''s Landing.��In addition to that, they even said, "We definitely want that guy in our house. You''ll be able to get a lot more than just a pair of shoes. It''s a bidding war for the best deal.


    In the event that you''re in the market for a brand-new pair of shoes or boots, then you''re in the right place.


    "Oh, really? That''s great.


    It''s not an amount that can be passed off lightly like that. ......?��You can say that because you haven''t seen the numbers.


    In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own web site.��There is no guarantee that I am not cheating behind the scenes. I''m sure you''ve had enough of your sycophancy,......, but why don''t you learn to be a little more suspicious of others?


    But then again, we haven''t had any problems with that. ......?


    It''s too late for that, I''m telling you. It''s too late.


    The uncle scratched his head, turned straight to me, and said with a more serious expression than ever.


    "You know, Noor......, today, today, I''ve got to tell you something. I''m not sure what to say.��I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    You''ve already earned enough money. You''ve already earned enough money, and you''re in great demand. Don''t you want to get a normal job?��You''d definitely be better off there.


    It''s hard to answer when asked again.


    I''m not sure why.


    �������� Why do I have to be an adventurer?


    My main goal is to have adventures, of course.


    I don''t want to make money by doing construction.


    But why do I want to be an adventurer? ...... I want to see places I haven''t seen yet, and I want to know things I don''t know.


    Of course, this is not the only reason, and there is also a simple longing from childhood.


    "Because I want to enjoy traveling to a place I don''t know ......?


    The uncle twisted his head in response to my serious, thoughtful answer.


    "No. ......?��I want to have fun traveling. I''ve been an adventurer myself, so I''m not going to deny your dream. ......?��I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.


    In the event that you''re looking for the best way to go about it, you can hire an escort to take you on a trip, or you can use the money you earn to purchase merchandise and become a traveling merchant ��������.


    The guild uncle said that much, looked at me closely, and stopped talking.


    No, ......... I don''t think that''s a good idea. Forget it. You definitely don''t want to do that.


    "Why?


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You are fatally unsuited for business in any case, and ...... I don''t think you should be allowed to do that. I can only see a future where I get cheated by bad guys and lose all my money.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.��If you lose it, you can just save it up again.


    "......, why are you so optimistic (positive) only in that part ......?


    The uncle scratched his head as if he was troubled.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. Normally, a failure in business will not cost you your life. But not the people of Salenza. Our common sense doesn''t apply to them.


    "Salenza?��...... south of the kingdom of Crais?


    I vaguely remember that there is a merchant country to the south, separated by a vast desert.


    As I recall, it''s called the "Commercial Autonomous Region of Salenza.


    Occasionally, you can see merchants from there in the capital.


    "Oh. They charge a good price for ''humans'' too. They also buy and sell slaves in the market. If you get involved with them, you''ll end up in debt you don''t even know you''re in, and they''ll sell you for a good price.


    I''m not going to say anything bad, so don''t do it, okay?��It''s a good idea to take a look at the web site and see if you can find anything you like.


    ...... Well, maybe so.


    I''m still not convinced, but the guild uncle does have a point.


    I can read and write, but I''m not good with numbers, and I''m not sure I''m cut out to be a merchant.


    However, Sarenza is a land facing a vast "sea". I''d like to visit there at least once, as it is said to be a place where various kinds of trade goods gather from distant lands and various races interact.


    I''ve been to the Magical Empire in the east and Mithra in the west, though only briefly.


    I''ve been to the Magical Empire in the east and Mithra in the west.


    ...... Sea, huh.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that works for you.��I''m not sure if I''d be able to do that if I were you.


    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    I''m not overconfident in myself." "Oh, I know. ...... I''m not overconfident in myself. I''m not overconfident about myself, but the skeleton was barely able to survive with the help of the people around me.


    I don''t know if you''re lucky or unlucky, ....... I''ve heard that you get into trouble at every place you go, so be really careful, okay?��You only have one life.


    I guess so. Well, I''ll take this. Thanks again.


    "Oh, hey, ......?


    I dismissed his lengthy conversation at a reasonable point, picked up the leather bag of money on the counter, and quickly walked out of the guild.


    But the point is, if you''re not ...... alone, it''s okay, right?


    The uncle wanted to stop him, but I myself felt that being a "traveling merchant" was not a bad idea.


    Traveling is always dangerous, but I heard that he had a lot of money thanks to his hard work in construction for a while, and it might not be so bad if he hired someone he could rely on to help him on his journey.


    However, I''m concerned that it''s a bit far from my ideal (dream) of going on adventures in various lands on my own.


    �������� Whether to take the ideal (dream) or the reality.


    It''s a difficult question.


    However, there is no doubt that I still have a lot of work to do.


    With this in mind, I headed to my usual training spot.

 106-106 Bathing ticket

    When I visited my usual training spot, I saw a figure standing in the woods, holding a familiar golden spear.


    "Gilbert.


    Hey, what took you so long?


    Yeah, I was running late for something. Sorry.


    I don''t mind a little bit. Let''s get started.


    Yeah.


    Gilbert has been training with me once every few days since I returned from Mithra.


    He said that there are not many people in the capital who can take his spear, and that I''m a good training partner for him.


    As for me, I''m very helpful, so we''re continuing to train together like this.


    Let''s go!


    Gilbert spun his golden spear lightly in the air and held it up, and instantly the air around us sank heavily.


    In a moment, the air around you sank heavily. All at once, the birds in the forest seemed to take flight.


    Immediately after ��������, his figure disappeared with the spear.


    "Draggrave.


    "Parry.


    I''m not sure if you''ve heard of this, but I''m sure you have.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    But there was no time to be relieved after blocking the first thrust, the spears continued to strike.


    "Parry!


    The tip of his spear undulates sharply and quickly with each strike.


    I adjusted my eyes to it and responded.


    And so on.


    "Draggrave.


    "Parry.


    The ground in the area where we''ve been training has cracked countless times, and not even grass grows here anymore.


    I feel a bit sorry for this forest, but Gilbert''s spear is not a sweet attack that can be avoided while worrying about such things.


    Gilbert''s spears are getting faster by the day. I think I''m growing up, but I still don''t think I can catch up to him.


    "But ......, how can you take my spear with such a margin?


    No, not that much, but ...... the skeleton''s attack was this fast, too. I think he got used to it.


    I''ve heard that before, but are you really a skeleton ......?


    As we exchanged words, sparks flew between us.


    At first his spear was too sharp for me to deal with, but now I can talk to him while playing with it. I don''t really feel it when I''m dealing with Gilbert, but I think I''m getting stronger than before.


    However, if I''m not too careful, I might accidentally get my throat pierced.


    "Draggrave.


    "Parry.


    As I swatted away the spear that was straight for my neck, there was a huge spark in the forest and I felt a considerable impact on my hand.


    But the spear didn''t break, it bent and swung again like a living thing, aiming for my neck again.


    "Parry!


    So, instead of fighting the momentum of the oncoming spear, I pushed my black sword against it as if I were cleaving it, changing the trajectory of the tip.


    I''ve learned to do this recently.


    This way, there is less of a gap after you hit the spear than if you hit it with force.


    I have a little more time to wait for my opponent''s next move.


    Gilbert then distanced himself from me without coming at me again.


    ...... I think that''s enough for today.


    "Yeah?��I''m still good.


    You''re good, but I''m not. Look, ...... one more blow and I''m sure as hell gonna break.


    The golden spear that Gilbert showed me had a pretty big crack in it.


    In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with your loved ones, please do not hesitate to contact us.


    However, if the crack is that big, I''ll have to leave it alone for a whole day.


    Unfortunately, we have to give up training with that spear for today.


    I guess so. I got carried away. Sorry.


    I''m sorry." "Well, it''s okay, it''s the same as always. ...... Why is it so easy to break an orichalcum? ...... What is it with that sword?


    In the beginning, I couldn''t get used to handling the black sword, and I broke Gilbert''s spear, and every time I did, I had to stop my training.


    However, I thought that this was rarely the case these days,.......


    But apparently not so much.


    I had no choice but to end the training that day there.


    "Well, Gilbert. Here''s a thank you for today. You can keep it.


    "Thank you?��That''s unusual. ...... No, I don''t need a thank you.��Well, if you''re going to give it to me, I''ll take it. ...... What the hell is this?


    Gilbert took the small piece of paper I gave him and stared at it intently.


    It''s a ticket to a new bathhouse that''s opening in King''s Landing.


    "Bathing pass?


    Ah. They''re giving them out all over town to celebrate the opening of the restored waterway. They were handing them out all over town to commemorate the opening of the restored waterway. We got a lot of them, so we have some left over.


    ...... I see. Well, I''ll take it. I might need it.


    Please do.


    Gilbert shouldered his spear, which had a large crack in it, and headed towards the King''s City Street.


    "See you at ....... Next time I won''t let you break it.


    "Yeah, I''ll be careful next time. See you later.


    After finishing my other training, I decided to sweat it out for the day earlier than usual.

 107-107 Public Baths

    "Hey ......, nice place you got here, Noor?


    At the entrance of a newly opened large bathhouse, a familiar man approached me from behind.


    When I looked closely at his face, I saw that he was a colleague of mine who had worked with me at the construction site.


    He was a self-proclaimed "Master of Public Baths" who occasionally told me about unusual bathhouses.


    I hadn''t seen him for a while, and had almost forgotten his face.


    ...... It''s been a while. How have you been?��It''s been a while since I''ve seen you.


    "Yeah, it''s been a while, I guess. It''s been a while since I''ve been back to King''s Landing.


    Have you been away?


    Yeah. I''ve been away from King''s Landing for a while. I left King''s Landing for a little while to get away from my beloved bathhouses .......


    It was a little surprising that this man who loved bathrooms had left the royal capital, which he called his paradise.


    What do you mean, "keep my distance"?��Why would you do that?


    ...... You were with me then, and you still remember. You were with me then, and you still remember the big mistake I made at the Hydra Baths.


    Oh, that?


    A colleague of mine made a big mistake at a bathhouse called "Hydra-yu" that I visited with a guy once.


    The next day or so, a sign was put up at the bathhouse stating that it was dangerous for bathers and that it was closed for business.


    But I heard that they removed the dangerous items and reopened the bathhouse.


    "But that doesn''t change the fact that the old traditional bathhouse almost died because of me. I have to atone for that crime, no matter who asks. ...... That''s why I''ve imposed ''no bathing'' on myself for a while.


    "No bathing?


    Yeah. In other words, �������� after that, I forbade myself to go to the bathhouse. I didn''t go to the bathhouse at all, and I didn''t even wash my body. That''s the kind of punishment I have to take.


    "........................ I see.


    ...... Sure, it might smell a bit.


    ...... But you know what? I''m not sure what to make of it. The "no bathing" ban is effective today. ...... What do you think, Noor? I''m sure you''ve been bored with life without me, the ''Flo King''.


    No, not really.


    ...... Well, don''t be so shy.


    I mean it.


    ............ By the way, since you''re here, you''re going to join us in the bathhouse, right?


    Of course.


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    I''ve never been outside of King''s Landing.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work.


    I''ve seen the capital of the Magic Empire, the city of Mithra, and several villages and towns, but none of them had waterways like the capital.


    I''ve always played "dobusarai" in the city of King''s Landing, but there are no such ditches in other cities.


    I can only confirm what I can see, but it seems that this city is built very differently from the others.


    I''ve had the opportunity to visit a few cities recently, and I''ve never seen anything like this anywhere.


    I''ve been around a few cities lately and I''ve never seen anything like it.��Well, the bottom line is that this newly opened bathhouse is the first bathhouse in history where you can directly see the spring water cylinder, which is deeply related to the history of the royal capital. It''s a must-see, right?


    "Maybe so.


    Come to think of it, the "bathing ticket" I received has a cylinder with a strange pattern on it. This must be the "cylinder of spring water".


    I hadn''t been interested in it until now, but now that you''ve explained it in such a way, I feel like taking a look.


    How about it? Does this raise your expectations?


    "Yes. I''m looking forward to it.


    Let''s go in with an open mind. I''ll explain everything once we''re inside. Follow me. ��������


    Sir.


    Suddenly, I was stopped by a man who seemed to be a guard at the gate of the bathhouse.


    I thought he was stopping me because I was still carrying the Black Sword, and I prepared to explain myself.


    Apparently, the guard was not talking to me, but to the man next to me.


    "Excuse me, ......, would you like to accompany us?


    "Hmm ......?��What''s wrong with me?��Nothing, I''m empty-handed. I don''t think you''re carrying anything dangerous.


    No, I''m sorry, sir. ...... I just, uh...


    I''m sorry to tell you this, but if you don''t go to ......, you''ll be disturbing other customers.


    "...... what?


    I looked around and saw that the people around us were avoiding the two of us and keeping their distance in a nice circle.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.


    �������� He''s a little stinky right now, that''s for sure.


    I''m sorry, but could you please accompany me quietly?


    Why ......?��It''s also a public facility that is supposed to be for the welfare and sanitation of the citizens!��You can''t just kick me out no matter how dirty and smelly I am.


    Oh, so you''re aware of the smell after all.


    But this facility is also for entertainment purposes. ...... If you just want to get rid of the dirt, there are other places to go. Please come with me. ...... Who are you bringing with you?


    "Me?


    Apparently, I''m considered one of his kind.


    "��������, wait. That guy has nothing to do with me!��If you''re taking him, you''re taking me alone. ......!


    ...... Is that so?


    Well, it''s not that I have nothing to do with him, it''s that I know him. ...... I just met him earlier today.


    Well, I don''t think you''re in any trouble. There''s a black sign ...... at the entrance that says, ......?��You can leave the ...... or the black sign ......?


    Okay.


    Then the man was grabbed by the shoulders by two guards.


    "Noor ......, I''m sorry. I''m sorry it had to come to this.


    No, I''m sorry I had to go by myself.


    I''m sorry I had to go alone. ...... It''s okay, don''t worry about it. I''ll take care of this, you go ahead. Don''t worry, I''ll catch up with you soon. Don''t worry. ...... won''t kill you.


    "Well, yeah.


    I gave him a thumbs up and watched him being led away by the guards with tears and a smile on my face at the same time, and then I left the Black Sword in the luggage storage area at the entrance and enjoyed the big, new bathhouse.


    When I actually entered the bath, I found that the tub was quite large and that there was plenty of room for all the people in it. There was also a place to wash your body, and to my surprise, there was a water bath and a steam bath.


    That alone makes it an excellent bathhouse (floor), but it''s not all.


    There were countless other unusual baths there as well.


    Among them, there was a rather unusual bathtub called the "Water Dragon Bath," which was operated by "wind magic" and produced bubbles as the warm water flowed.


    There were so many other baths that I could not use them all at once, and it was fun just to watch the customers using them.


    The "public bath master" said it was a traditional bathhouse. As for me, I think it''s quite an interesting place.


    After all, it''s not something you can just hear about from other people, but you have to actually experience it for yourself.


    I think I will come back again and again.


    I''ve got a lot of "bath tickets" here.


    �� "It was more interesting than I expected.


    "That was more fun than I thought.


    After I washed my body and enjoyed the baths, I went out to the hall of the bathhouse, drank a cold drink that was sold there, and took a break.


    Then, after admiring to my heart''s content the "gushing water tube" that was visible from the hall, I left the bathhouse.


    He didn''t come back after all, did he?


    I didn''t see him again that day.


    But I was grateful to the man who had taught me so much, and I prayed for his safety in the clear night sky of the capital.

 108-108 The Serenzas

    Father, are you back?


    Yeah, I just got back. Thank you for all your help during my absence, Raine.


    When the king returned from Mithra and entered his office, the prince placed the bundle of papers he had been looking at on the desk and faced the king.


    ...... The Pope of Mithra has done a fine job. That was an interesting speech. Did you see it?


    "Yes, I saw the Pope''s speech through the images on the spare oracle ball in the Mage Institute. I think it was a brilliant speech.


    "Ah. The content of the announcement was bound to cause a great deal of friction, but judging from the reaction afterwards, it seems that the resistance was much less than expected. Strangely enough.


    The new Pope''s personality may be a factor, but I think the script was structured quite well, making the most of it.


    "The new Pope''s regime, including Prince Tyrence who wrote the plot, is quite tricky. The new papal regime, including Prince Tirens who wrote the plot, will be tricky. In a different way than before.


    Despite his words, the king''s scarred face showed a look of happiness.


    "So, I have something to report in my absence.


    "Yes, let me hear it. I''m sure it''s not all that urgent, though. It''s been a long time since I''ve been on the diplomatic scene and I''m exhausted. I''d appreciate it if you could keep the subject matter to a minimum.


    "Yes, but... There''s one thing that''s really bothering me.


    The matter of the visit to King''s Landing by the envoy from Salenza. Karou told me about it.


    Yes.


    The king, who had been smiling with amusement earlier, turned to his son with a stern look on his face.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s had to deal with this.


    We have been keeping a close watch on the messenger from the time he entered the country until he left. ...... It seems that the messenger himself came to us only with a ''letter'' for us. He didn''t seem to know the contents at all.


    "A letter, huh? Did you check the contents?


    Yes. I had Kallu check for anything suspicious and then I read the contents. It certainly seems to be an official document from Sarenza. The text is a common kind of friendship document, but the ...... content is quite strange.


    Let''s see it.


    "Yes, here.


    The king looked at the document handed to him by the prince and narrowed his eyes after reading it for a while.


    I see, this is eerie. I''ve been impressed by your country''s remarkable achievements, and I''d like to offer my gratuitous cooperation to help your country make further progress. I can''t believe the guy sent me this letter, even as a social call. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one who''s a fan of your work. ......


    Yes. In addition, I think there was another item that said, "We are prepared to provide your country with information on the demons that live in the commercial autonomous region. ...... In addition, we will give you unconditional permission to explore the Labyrinth of Oblivion near the capital of Salenza.


    In addition to that, we will also give you unconditional permission to explore the Labyrinth of Oblivion near the capital city of Salenza." "I don''t know about the demon tribe thing because of Rolo, but ...... the Labyrinth of Oblivion thing is something that our country applied for a long time ago. It''s really too late. It''s hard to know what you really mean.


    "Yes.


    The king was silent for a moment, staring at the document, then sat down deeply in his office chair and turned to the prince.


    "Rain. I want your opinion on this letter.


    "Does that mean that I should accept ...... this offer?


    "Well, that''s one thing, but the first thing to consider is the true meaning of this transparent offer.


    I''m not sure what to make of it.


    I can only give you my impression that ...... the content of this document itself is probably not very meaningful (?????).


    "Oh, ...... meaningless?


    The king stared at the prince''s face with a slightly surprised expression.


    Yes. I''m sure they''re trying to make good on each promise they''ve made, but ...... none of them are very important to them. It seems to me that they are trying to get some unseen information that can be inferred by presenting multiple agendas to get our reaction.


    I see. So you''re trying to trick me.


    Yes, ...... if we play our cards right, I don''t think we can give them much information, but if they don''t have any information, they should be able to get some by watching how we act.


    So, �������� they think that there is something (?????) going on in the Kingdom of Crais, and they are trying to find out what it is.


    I think that''s what they''re doing.


    "Well, you have a point.


    The king was lost in thought for a moment, then smiled slightly and turned to the prince again.


    I think you''re right.��It''s my specialty to pretend I didn''t see anything and brush it off.


    But that''s not going to work this time, is it?


    "I''m sure it''s ....... Not responding after receiving a letter is only an affirmative response. What should I do?


    The two men were silent as if thinking again, but soon the king shook his head and handed back the letter he had finished reading to the prince.


    ...... I''m not good at thinking, so I guess I can''t help it. I''ll see if I can''t come up with a better idea, and I''ll ask Oaken for his wisdom. It won''t be too late for me to give you an answer.


    "Yes, I think it''s better to answer this matter carefully. And I have one other thing to report.


    Is there more?


    Yes, ......, about Noor, the man who gave you the Black Sword.


    What''s wrong with him?


    Yes, that''s ......


    The king heard the sound of the prince swallowing a large gulp of spit.


    The king waited for the next words, thinking that it was unusual for the always calm prince to be so upset.


    "......, sir. That man has been using the Black Sword, a labyrinthine relic, for quite some time now, and has been using it to �������� clean the sewage system in the capital, and has also been using it for excavation work to rebuild the capital''s waterways.


    "Construction?��Excavation?��You dug up the earth?��With that sword?


    ...... Yes. I''ve had additional research done and there are signs that the man has used the black sword before to drive piles into the ground for the construction of his reconstruction home. ......


    "...... pile driving ......?��I''m not sure what to make of it.��I''m not sure what to make of that.���������� Bwahaha!


    Suddenly, the quiet office was filled with loud laughter.


    The prince watched in amazement as the king belly laughed.


    "Chi, father?


    "...... Ha, that''s good. You''re a dope. That''s really funny. It looks like I was right to entrust the Black Sword to that ...... man.


    Aren''t you angry, ......?


    No, I''m not angry. That would be a good news story. Well, well, ...... I''m glad you''re getting a lot of use out of it. I''m glad to see you''re using it so much. It''s much better for the sword than keeping it as a decoration in the castle. It is serving the people well, isn''t it? No, it''s fun, it''s fun.


    The king laughed for a while, and when the laughter finally died down, he asked the prince, half in tears.


    ...... So, what''s the prize?��I''m sure it''s well-deserved, isn''t it?��You''ve contributed so much to our country, you can''t do nothing. If your budget is not enough, you can sell off the treasures in the treasure house and set up a special budget?


    It seems that most of the work at ...... is paid for through the Adventurer''s Guild. In the event that you''re looking for the best way to get the most out of your business, then you''re going to want to make sure that you''re getting the most out of your business.


    One-fifth?��Isn''t that a fair compensation for his work?


    Yes. Yes, as a commission for the accomplishment of a task (??????).


    The king laughed out loud at the report as well.


    "Ha, that man. So he must be very rich already?


    Yes, in terms of monetary assets alone, that man has done a tremendous amount of work and has a huge amount of ...... assets.


    "Haha, well then, I guess I''ll have to turn down another monetary reward. What should I do?


    The king snorted and put his hand on his chin.


    The king snorted and put his hand to his chin, "...... can''t help thinking about this. I''ll tell the man that I''ll help him in any way I can, just tell him what he wants. No, I''m pretty sure I already said that. ......?��What should I do? That''s a tough one.


    The king pondered for a moment, then suddenly grinned like a boy who loves to play pranks.


    ...... Yes. I''m sure you''ll be glad to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with that.��Wouldn''t it be interesting to send him a letter saying, ''This is the man you wanted to know about, who is responsible for the rise of the Kingdom of Crace''?


    "Father, is that ......?


    Well, of course I''m joking. Of course I''m joking. I can''t let my benefactor do that. Of course I''m joking, but ...... you''ll see. I''m sure you''ll see the look on the face of the head of Salenza when that man shows up.


    I can only see ...... big trouble ahead.


    "Well, I guess so. I think so too. I''m sure it will be a big problem.


    The king smiled happily for a moment, then returned to his serious expression and told the prince briefly what he would do.


    As for the letter from Sarenza, I will convene the Six Saints tomorrow for a meeting. After that, a decision will be made as to what to do. I''ll let that man know at ......, I guess. Anyway, tell him to let me know if there''s anything he needs to know.


    "...... Yes.


    "��������And...


    The king looked at the prince again with a serious face.


    And," the king looked at the prince again with a serious face, "I gave you the bear figurine.


    He then smiled with amusement.

 109-109 Deputy Leader of the Six Corps of The Royal Ca...

    In the event that you''re not sure what you''re looking for, it''s possible that you''ll be able to find something that will work for you.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    In the event that you''re not sure what to do, you''ll be able to find out by yourself.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''m going to try to find out.


    No, from what I''ve heard, it''s not an emergency. You can rest assured that this is the case,......, but the meeting with the king is going to be an important one, and it''s going to take a long time. Therefore, it was hurriedly decided that we, the vice commander class, would hold a mutual reporting meeting on behalf of the [Six Saints].


    Inez confirmed today''s agenda while holding the documents she had prepared in her hand.


    A man carrying a golden spear on his shoulder threw one leg over the conference desk and looked up at the ceiling of the room.


    ...... d*mn, these meetings are a pain in the ass. If the masters can''t do it, why don''t they postpone it?


    "That''s why we''re here, Gilbert. This is also one of the most important jobs of our vice commander class.


    �������� Okay, okay, okay. Then let''s get started. I''m getting tired while I''m doing this.


    In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.


    "That ...... Mr. ...... Gilbert, ......?��Why do I have to come to the conference room to heal your injuries ......?


    "Sorry, Marybelle. I''m sorry, Marybelle. I was a little overzealous during the lunch training today. I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not too busy listening to other people''s stories.


    It''s part of my job to heal your injuries, and I will. ...... What ��������?


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.


    I''ll do it.��I''m not sure if this is a good idea or not.��If you look closely, you''ll see that not only the muscles but also the skeleton are all messed up! What kind of training does it take to damage arms like this? ......?


    "Well, I''m dealing with an opponent. It usually happens every time. He doesn''t know how to take it easy. ...... Well, we don''t want that either.


    I''m not sure what to say.��I''m not sure if this is a good idea, but it''s a good idea.


    It''s true that it hurts, but I''ve gotten used to ...... it. I''m sure you can fix it quickly.��You''ll be able to do it quickly.


    ...... This is insane. ......!��I''ll do it. ......!��No, no, no, no!��When you touch it directly, the feeling of the bones and muscles sticking together is unpleasant. ......!


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one who has a problem with this.


    I''m not sure what to say. You heal fast. It''s not the same as the average monk''s job,......, and I''m all set.


    Gilbert rolls his shoulders in a good mood.


    Mariebert, on the other hand, looks even worse.


    "Ughhhh ......!��I''m just glad my organs aren''t messed up like before. ...... I don''t want to take care of patients with messed up bones like this anymore. ......!


    "Well, don''t say that. Do it again, Mariebert.


    "Ugh ...... can I sue Mr. Gilbert to the Royal Advisory Council for ...... s*xual harassment or something?


    "......Why would you do that, ......?


    In the event that you''ve got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we''re here to help.


    Let''s get started.


    Inez was about to start the meeting, when she suddenly felt a change and looked around.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.��I think she was here a while ago.


    She''s gone.


    "...... is back?


    Yeah. Just now. While Marie was treating Gil. She left looking like a ghost.


    "Yes, just now, while Marie was healing Gil, he left looking like a ghost," Cyrene said with a sigh, resting her cheek on the conference desk.


    I''ll leave the ...... report on the Sorcerer''s Corps for you to read," she said. He also told me that he would read the reports from everyone later, and that I should send the documents directly to the workshop.


    That''s urgent. ...... Does she have some urgent business to attend to right now?


    Yes, I heard that there was a large amount of additional deliveries of oracle balls for the Mithraic State. She has to prepare for it.


    "...... I see. If you have your own work to do, then so be it. I''ll leave the meeting with the rest of you.


    Inez was about to start the meeting, but Gilbert objected.


    "Hey, ......, aren''t you forgetting someone?


    No, we''re all here except for Meligene.


    No, we don''t have enough.��What about him?��What about that ...... guy ......, what''s his name again?


    Gilbert pointed out, and everyone looked around the conference room.


    I''m sure you''ll be glad to know that we haven''t seen ...... that guy yet today. ......?


    You''re right, I hadn''t noticed. What''s going on?


    Oh, well. I thought I saw him there a while ago.


    Inez also looked around the conference room with the others, but she was sure that the vice commander of the Covert Corps was nowhere to be found.


    Suddenly, a voice came from a chair in the conference room.


    "�������� is here. I''m here.


    A small bell-like voice suddenly echoed in the room, startling everyone, and as they looked around the area where the voice came from, they saw a woman with clear white hair sitting on a chair in the conference room.


    I''m here, I''m here .......


    I''m here, I''m here, I''m here, I''m here, I''m here, I''m here, I''m here.


    When did this happen?


    Since ...... the beginning. I mean, I was the first one in the room, right?


    I''m sorry, I didn''t recognize you at all.


    I didn''t recognize you either. ......


    ...... It''s okay. That''s always been my role.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    "......And. Mr. Gilbert. My name is Ray. I believe we''ve met dozens of times ......, right?��To be precise, ...... about eighty-two times.


    I''m sorry, Ray. ...... Oh, come on, how could you not notice me, Cyrene?


    What? Me?��It''s my fault!


    ...... It''s okay. Gentlemen. It''s always ...... okay.


    It was a very noisy conference room, but Inez looked around and confirmed that all five of us were there, except for Meligene, and gave a small nod.


    In any case, it looks like they''re all here. We will now begin the meeting of the representatives of the [Six Saints]. First, let''s start with a report on the work of each department. ��������


    ...... You know, Inez is pretty brazen, after all.


    Cut the crap, Cyrene. We''re in a meeting. We''re in the middle of a meeting. First, Gilbert will report on the business of the Swordsmen Guards.


    ...... me first?


    He wants to get this over with. Then get on with it.


    d*mn. ...... All right, .......


    What''s up?


    I forgot to get the ............ meeting materials from my guy.


    I kept it for you, just in case that happened. Read it.


    "...... oh, oh ...... thank you ......?


    The meeting of the deputy commander class was unorganized from beginning to end, but with Inez''s forceful progress, we managed to finish our mutual business reports successfully.

 110-110 Librarian Melliene

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    ����������Ρ��������󤸡������Τ��ä��ʕr���������ɤˎ��äƤ��������褩������������ʤ��Ȥ��Ƥ��顢�~���{�ڤ��g�˺Ϥ�ʤ�����󡭡�����Ԓ�����`���褩��������


    ˽���������Ф�һ�ˡ��ܥ䤤�Ƥ���ȱ��ᤫ����������.


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    ����򤯤ȵ�����˾����ħ�}�����`������ˤ����ä�.


    ���������죿�����`���󘔣�������˼�ä���ꡢ���äƤ�����礫�ä��Ǥ��͡�


    No, no, it''s midnight.��You''ve been hard at work on Mary ......, haven''t you?��What''s this bullshit?


    Did I say that?


    ......Hoo-hoo, it sounded like you were saying that. ......?


    You''re too old for that. It''s probably just a hallucination.


    I''m not that old!


    We stared at each other in silence for a while in the dimly lit workshop.


    We stared at each other in silence for a while in the dimly lit workshop. "...... I love you, Mr. Oken. I love you.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.��You can''t fool me with ......!


    Oh, I''d love it even more if you paid for my research.


    I''d love it more if you paid for my research. ...... You''re so honest. Ho ho!��Well, since you''re working so hard, I''ll double your research money as you wish.


    "Oh, really ......?��Oh, really, ......? ......, and I''ll need the machine tools as well!��To the extent possible.


    "You''re really bold. "You''re so bold, I''ll even buy you some of my best magic tools.


    I love ��������!��d*mn you, ......!


    "Ho ho!��I''ll take care of it, Mary!��And here''s an extra order form.


    And here''s an extra order form. ...... Oh, ......, that''s not what I heard. ......


    And so ��������


    In the end, I was defeated in my negotiations with the devil (my boss), and a few days later, with empty eyes and a potion to help me sleep in my hand, I managed to deliver the set of magic tools ordered while half crying, saying, "I''ll never make the deadline if I don''t do this .......


    Then, with a sense of liberation from having completed a major task, I opened the board game that had been left piled up for a long time, enjoyed it to my heart''s content, and made up my mind to laze around like this ...... for the time being.


    The next day.


    The next day, the devil with the white beard came to me, smiling, and said, "Ho ho. I had no idea at the time that he was going to hand me back a thick stack of order forms that he had collected from several countries.

 111-111 Loro and the Devil Dragon

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    ����σ���������줱�Ƥ����ˤ��ä�����ɡ��r�ۡ��ܥ����ˤ�Ҋ������ȿ᤯�R����ԡ�Ӥ��Ƥ����ˤ⤤��.


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    Mr. Lias laughed and said that Lara was quite a gourmand for being able to taste our food, but I wondered if he was really right.


    I''ve seen her occasionally bite into a rock or something in the area and say, "It''s delicious.


    I don''t know much about it, but ...... today, I''m pulling a cart as usual, carrying leftover food for my girlfriend (Lara).


    Mr. Lias always makes a slight modification to the food before he brings it out.


    Each time, he changes the seasoning slightly to find out what Lara likes.


    This time, he asked me to check her reaction.


    I think he wants to know if it''s sweet or spicy, better or worse than before, but ...... Lara usually doesn''t even say "it was good" and ends up eating it without saying a word, so I can''t expect much from her.


    Today was no different.


    After she finishes eating, she always clears her throat and talks about Noor.


    Lara still misses Noor as usual.


    She tells me every time she wants to see me again.


    But her sense of time is very different from our sense of time, and she says that her master has his own reasons, and that she can wait hundreds of years for him to come.


    No matter how much I tell her that Noor is human and will not live that long, she says, "My master cannot be that weak. He will live at least twice as long as me.


    It seems that he can''t understand that the creature he thinks is stronger than him will die before him.


    Every time we have dinner, we chat about trivial things, but lately she (Lara) likes to talk about her memories of Mithra. My master (Noor) was great as always, but that little guy who controlled the light, he was pretty good too.


    I think she was talking about Inez, but unusually for Lara, she seemed quite fond of the others. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ...... It seems that he enjoyed that battle very much.


    He is very insistent that I should call him if I ever have such an opportunity again.


    I don''t want to see anything like that again.


    I''m back.


    I''m back.


    How was Lara''s reaction?


    Nothing today.


    ...... Oh, well. Next time, I want to make her say, ''That''s good.


    For Mr. Lias, feeding Lara is something of a challenge.


    As Mr. Lias folded his arms and groaned a little in frustration, he heard the door of the store open.


    "Huh?��Sir��ne. And Mariebert.


    ...... is here.


    "I''m here to eat.


    Welcome to .......


    When I greeted the girls, Mariebert smiled back, but Cyrene didn''t look at me and looked out the window.


    I wonder if she doesn''t like me after all.


    As usual, her mind is a mess, and I can''t read her emotions.


    "Hello, Sir��ne, welcome Mariebert. You''ve been coming around a lot lately.


    ...... Oh, yeah?��The food here is delicious.


    Thank you. It''s nice to have a young customer. ...... Oh, you''re with us today, aren''t you, Maryjane?


    Hello, Mr. Lias. Good to see you.


    Take your time, all three of you. I''ll have your tea ready in a moment, and you can take your seats.


    Unlike at night, when the restaurant is full of reservations, it is a little busier during the day, as people are coming in from outside.


    The three of them quickly took their seats and I brought the tea that Lias had made to their table.


    But Sirene kept staring out the window.


    Or rather, the angle of her neck is bent in a strange direction all the time while she drinks the tea.


    ...... I wonder if there is something wrong with Sirene today.


    You''re not too good at ...... deceiving me, Cyrene.


    You''re going to get mad at me later for saying that, Meligene.


    But ...... isn''t this too much?��It looks like a malfunctioning magic doll (golem).


    This is the first time I''ve ever seen such a thing in my life, and I''ve never seen anything like it.


    "�������� I hear you. Both of you.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    "Yes, Rollo. I need you to get the ingredients for the soup out of the back storage and chop them up. I''ll show you how to prepare it and let the girls have a taste. It''s going to be a lot of work moving all those boxes around in the warehouse.


    Yes. I''ve got my gauntlets with me today.


    Okay, thanks.


    I immediately took out a silver gauntlet from my luggage bag, attached it to my arm, made sure my fingers worked as intended, and headed for the storage room at the back of the kitchen.


    This silver gauntlet was originally borrowed by Sigil, a soldier of the Mithraic nation.


    After the commotion was over, I tried to return one of the baskets and the dagger I borrowed, but Sigil, for some reason, did not accept them.


    On the contrary, he handed me the other basket and told me to take both.


    When I asked him why, he just said, "I''m not the one who needs it right now. You use it." That''s all he said. I didn''t really understand his intentions, but ...... in the end, I just thanked him and took it.


    It was the first time I had ever received something from someone in that way, and I was very happy about the feeling.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to hear that.


    It made me feel as if I had become stronger.


    Of course, this is not the case in reality.


    But it helps me a lot to be able to carry a heavy box full of food like I can now without any difficulty.


    This is ...... a good place to start.


    He takes the boxes out of the warehouse and places them in the kitchen, then selects the ingredients he needs and places them on the table.


    He then grabs a knife from the kitchen and starts chopping the ingredients on the cutting board.


    This work goes much better with the gauntlets that Sigil gave me. The gauntlet is very useful for chopping ingredients if you adjust it properly, though it can be powerful enough to cut off the whole cutting board if you are careless.


    The cutting board and the knife make a nice sound, and the meat and vegetables are cut into small pieces in an interesting way.


    I like this process very much.


    Maybe I''m starting to like the idea of making something to please someone else.


    When I finally finished chopping the ingredients and took a breath, suddenly there was a scream in the store.


    ...... ah ......!��...... ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m not sure what to make of this.��There you are, ......!


    Did you find ......?


    You''ll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.


    �������� No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Let''s calm down first, Meligene (me). First, check. Fact checking is important. ...... Hey, Rollo. Do you have a minute?


    "Yes.


    I put down my knife and walked to the table where she was, still wearing my apron, when Ms. Meligene approached me.


    As I approached the table, she suddenly became eerily quiet.


    "...... It. It''s called the Giant''s Baskets. It''s a cage-shaped magical device to assist in the movement of the fingers and arms.


    I don''t know what it''s called, but ...... that''s how it''s used.


    Can I see that?��...... Yeah, definitely. This is the Giant''s Baskets. ...... It was discovered in Mithra over two hundred years ago. Hey, where did you get that? �������� No, that''s not important right now. How do you get it to work?


    How did you get ......?


    You just used it to chop up some meat on a cutting board, right?��In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use this, you can call us at our own webpage.


    "............ somehow?


    I was asked how I use it, but I was able to use it without being conscious of it, so I can only say so.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing and how you''re doing it.


    I''m not sure what to do.��It''s the one I''ve been looking for!��It''s the one I''ve been looking for!


    Ms. Meligene let out a near scream that seemed to be squeezed out of her throat.


    Naturally, everyone in the store looked at her in surprise.


    Still, Ms. Marygene didn''t care about those stares, and quietly looked at Ms. Cyrene sitting next to her, and said.


    I''m sorry, Cyrene. Give it to me, Rollo.


    "...... What?��Merry?��What are you talking about ......?��What are you talking about, ......?


    No, it''s okay. That''s not what I meant. I''m just going to borrow �������� for a little while (?????). Okay?��Okay?��It''s okay, right?


    Maryjane''s eyes glittered sharply as she stared at me.


    It''s a good idea to take a look at the details of your own personal life before you make any decisions.


    ...... I wonder what this is. It''s too messy.


    I''m not sure what to say. I''m not sure if you''re interested in making magic tools or not.��...... You''re definitely talented. I guarantee it. Hey, come work with me!��I''ll teach you everything you need to know!��Okay?


    Ms. Meligene came at me with a teacup in her hand.


    Every time she took a step forward, hot tea splashed on the floor.


    I''m sure you''ve heard this before, but I''ve never made any kind of tool before and I don''t think I''ll ever be able to.


    It is true that the talent to handle magic tools has been said by Mr. Oken before.


    I''m sure you''ve been told that you have a talent for handling magic tools before, but I think that was a talent for using them, not for making them.


    "Oken!��To that onji?��Then, that''s it!��You''re an instant asset!��I''m not going to be able to do that.��I''ll get permission to enter later!


    I''m not sure what to do.


    ...... Now?


    But ...... I''m a demon, you know.��I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea.


    "Oh, yeah, that''s right. But I don''t really care about demons or non-demons right now. I''ll tell you what!��We''ll welcome you!��Please, come with me!��We''re in a huge deadline crunch right now. �������� We''re just a little short on staff!��Come on. I''m not scary, am I?��Don''t worry, I''m not scared at all. It''s really a safe, healthy, and very homey place to work. ......?


    With each word, I feel that Ms. Meligene''s power and the density of her lies are increasing.


    But she seemed to mean it when she asked me to come with her.


    It''s almost as if she''s asking for help from the bottom of her heart.


    ...... What should I do?


    ...... Lias, are you ready to help me with the store today?��I''ve finished chopping the ingredients for the soup.


    Oh, okay. I''m done chopping the ingredients for the soup. - Oh, okay. I guess I should teach you how to make it some other time.


    "Yes, thank you, ....... We''re good to go, Miss Maryjane.


    Whoa!��Thanks a lot!��Okay, Marybelle, Cyrene. I''m sorry, but I''ve got more important things to do than have tea. I''ll take Rollo and go now. I''ll pay for today''s meal. Have whatever you want.


    Yes, sir!��Have a good day!


    ...... What?��...... What? ......?


    Invite me again!


    While Sirene looked on blankly at our exchange, Meligene grabbed my arm with tremendous force and dragged me out of the store.


    On that day, I was half-abducted and taken to the magic tool laboratory in the royal capital,��������, after which I began to work with Meligene while helping Lias at his store.

 112-112 Markets in Wangding

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    ���ζ���׷�������줽���ˤʤ뤬�������Ф��äƤ��ä����餫�ʤ�Ͼ�����ˤ��Ƥ��뤷��������οͤ�Ҋ������ʤ�.


    ...... Let''s ask around anyway.


    "What do you sell here?


    We''re a supply store for farmers. We also sell fertilizer and tools, but our ...... mainstay is seeds, as you can see. Well, I guess you could call us a seed store.


    There are many small bags hanging in the store, and they are filled with something.


    When I looked closely, I could definitely see something that looked like seeds.


    "These are all seeds, ......?��Wow.


    "Yes, they are. I''m sure there''s a lot of stuff the layman hasn''t seen before.


    There are so many different kinds of seeds.


    As I stared at the bag of seeds in admiration, the man looked at me with a more bored expression.


    He looked at me with a more bored expression. "Are ...... seeds that rare?��You''ve seen them before, haven''t you?��You know, the ones you grow in the field and then harvest.


    Yeah. Yeah, I''ve seen that. I''ve grown crops for food before.


    Hmm?��You ever been in a field?


    Yeah. I''ve been doing it for about 20 years, ever since I can remember.


    Oh, you''re an experienced farmer, ....... Twenty years?��You''ve done a lot of .......


    The man who was guarding the store, who looked like a pain in the ass, changed his eyes a little.


    I''ve been doing this for quite a while now.


    I''ve been helping out in the fields since my father died and my mother was still alive and well, so that''s probably how long I''ve been doing it.


    I think that''s how long I''ve been helping out in the fields. ...... I see. So the body and scars ...... make a little sense. You''re an adventurer who came from a farming family?��I''m sorry to pry, but ...... you''re right, aren''t you?


    "Well, not exactly, but ...... something like that. I''m an adventurer now.


    Are you still working in the field?��No, not while working as an adventurer.


    Yeah. I haven''t been doing it since I came to King''s Landing. You can buy good food without cooking it yourself, and it''s much better to eat at a restaurant if you have some money. I''ve gotten used to it.


    "......, I guess. That''s what going out on the town is all about. But it would be a shame to throw away that ...... experience.


    The man looked up at the ceiling with a strange sense of emotion.


    Did this man also come to King''s Landing from somewhere else?


    Surprisingly, he seems to like to talk. Maybe he''s just bored.


    But 20 years of working in the fields since you were a kid is impressive. That must have been hard work.


    "Well, I''ve always been alone. I only had to grow enough for myself, and as long as I took care of it, it produced well.


    "...... alone?��What about your family?


    The man was surprisingly interested in what I had to say and leaned forward.


    My father and mother died when I was little. I''ve been alone ever since.


    I''ve been alone ever since." "I see. ...... You''ve been struggling, too. ...... You''ve been farming to survive on your own since you were a kid. That''s pretty good, that''s .......


    The man looked at my face and teared up a little.


    I''m sorry for treating you like an amateur, ....... You''re definitely qualified to come to us. Well, you can ask me anything. I''ll teach you when I''m free.


    Suddenly, the man''s attitude changed.


    Suddenly, the man''s attitude changed. ...... Now, I feel like I''ve made a big misunderstanding.


    Even though I''ve been working in the field for a long time, I''m still an amateur.


    Nevertheless, the store keeper, who seemed to be a bit of a pain in the ass at first, seemed to be in the mood to talk to me.


    There are many products in this store that I am very interested in.


    Just in time, I decided to ask him some questions.


    ...... Is this a seed?��It just looks like a root to me.


    At my feet was a large box full of what looked like black roots.


    I was told that this was a ''seed store'', but no matter how I looked at it, it didn''t look like a seed in size, but if it was a seed, I was very curious about what kind of crop it would grow.


    "No, that''s not a seed, it''s just what it looks like on ....... It''s a root.


    "Oh, so it''s not a seed?


    I listened to the man''s explanation, a little disappointed.


    "Oh. "Yeah, it''s called ''Mandragora'', the roots are edible. If you plant it in the soil, it will gradually grow.


    "...... Mandragora?


    Yeah. It''s called that because its roots are similar in color and texture to the dangerous magical plant ''Mandragora''. Well, the resemblance is only in appearance, don''t worry, it won''t make you scream or curse if you pull it out.


    I don''t know about this ''mandragora'' plant, but is this seemingly creepy thing a food too?


    "Crop, you mean these roots are edible?


    "Yes, it is. When boiled or roasted, it becomes quite sweet. It''s good for beginners too, because you can just plant it and water it and it will grow even on thin land.


    "You can grow sweet things even if the land is thin? That''s good.


    In my experience, it takes a lot of effort to prepare the soil.


    The nutrient content of the soil makes a big difference.


    It must be a very good crop if it can grow well in a thin soil.


    Would you like to try one?


    Are you sure?


    Yeah. I just baked some. It''s a snack for me.


    Okay. I''ll take it.


    I took it without reservation and put it in my mouth.


    ...... It''s definitely sweet.


    You know?��It''s even sweeter when it''s cooked.


    I see.


    The meat was tender, and a slight sweetness spread in my mouth even without chewing.


    I was surprised to find that I could enjoy it so much just by grilling it.


    If it can be grown on a thin land, it must be a very good crop.


    "This is nice. ...... Can I have a bag of it?


    "Oh, what. Are you going to start a farm again?


    No, I don''t plan on it for a while, but it''s ...... good for a snack.


    Yeah, they keep well and you can just burn them.


    As he spoke, the man put some black roots in a bag and presented them to me.


    "Here you go, that''s ten copper coins. That''s ten copper coins. I gave you a little extra.


    "Oh, thank you.


    I handed him the money and received a bag of ''Mandragora''.


    When you''re ready to start farming again, I''ll give you a hand. I''ll be happy to serve you.


    "Yeah, I''ll see you then.


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    ʧ������о_�����äѤ�ʤ��ʤ������������Ԫ�����e�ˤʤ��ʤä��Ȥ�����ȫ������ʤ����.


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    �����������ĥ��Ȥ����ΤϤȤƤ��Ф��ˤ��������Ȥ���.


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    �̉Ӥʤɤν���Ŀ�ĤǤ�����S�����餷���������ʤ��֪�R����Ҫ�ˤʤ뤽����.


    The uncle of the guild told me that I should hire someone for that purpose. ...... I don''t really know what kind of person I should hire for that either.


    I''ll have to consult him again.


    As I was walking down the main street of the capital, it was getting dark, I suddenly felt someone approaching me from behind.


    I was a little surprised to see someone suddenly standing behind me in the middle of the crowd, but when I turned around ......, there was Leanne, the girl I had imagined.


    "Sir?


    ...... Lean. It''s been a while.


    I hadn''t seen her since she invited me and her father to go to Mithra.


    It''s strange how easy it is to find yourself wherever you are, but ...... I''ve gotten used to it.


    You can think of it as being found by a bird.


    How did you find me in such a crowded place? ...... Oh, so you tracked me with your skills again?


    "Yes. I didn''t think it would be polite to find out where you were without permission, but ...... I wanted to ask you a favor as soon as possible.


    A favor?


    Yes. I was wondering if you could follow Mithra and head south with me to the commercial district of Sarenza.


    You''re going to Salenza with me?


    I was just thinking about going to Salenza, so it was like I was caught off guard.


    So, you''re a courier again?


    "...... Yes, ostensibly. My father thought it would be a good idea. I know this is a very urgent and confusing request, but I would really appreciate your help. That''s because this time, I''m the heir to the throne. ��������


    "Good.


    ...... What?


    Actually, I''ve been wanting to go to Salenza myself. It''s rather convenient.


    Lean, who was trying to explain something, looked at me with a puzzled expression.


    "You too?


    "Yeah. It''s not much of an errand, but ...... you can afford to do some shopping on your way there, can''t you?


    Yes, yes, of course.


    I''d love to go. In fact, I''d even pay for the trip myself.


    No, no!��That''s not true. ......!��You don''t have to pay anything to Dr. Noor. ......!��We''ll take care of all the expenses for your stay, so please don''t hesitate to ask for anything.


    ...... No, that means I can''t use my extra money.


    Well, I guess I don''t need her permission to spend my own money on the road.


    If you spend it without saying anything, there is no problem.


    Besides, I heard that the country of Salenza is very difficult to enter without permission.


    If I had tried to get permission on my own, I wouldn''t have been able to leave at all. That alone would have been a great help.


    I feel a little embarrassed as a grown-up to be relying on a girl from a rich family for everything, but I''m really lucky to have ...... her as an acquaintance.


    So, when are you going?


    It''s �������� really urgent, but I''m hoping to leave soon.


    Oh, well. That''d be great for me too.


    The construction site is closed for the vacations, but I''m sure the work will come back after a while. It would be best if I could go to Salenza and come back during that time.


    I''m really hoping for the best, and I''m a little scared.


    "If it''s all right with you, Doctor, I''d like to leave for ...... tomorrow morning.


    Okay. Give me a minute. I''ll get you some money to take with you on your trip.


    No, no. We''ll pay for everything over there at ��������.


    No, it''s for personal purchases. I don''t want to spoil it for you.


    So I hurried to the adventurer''s guild.

 113-113 Travel military funds

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    The uncle took a small breath, looked me straight in the face and said.


    "...... As your acquaintance, let me tell you this. You know exactly how much money this is, and you''re really trying to get it to ...... Salenza, don''t you?


    Well, I''m planning on it.


    ...... Really?��You don''t think it''s a small fortune, do you?


    Yeah. Of course, I know it''s a lot of money. But I can''t think of a better use for it in King''s Landing. I thought it would be better to spend it all on this trip instead of letting it sleep at my place.


    I tried to be honest with him, but when he heard me, he slowly shook his head and let out a small sigh.


    I thought I was being honest, but when he heard what I had to say, he slowly shook his head and gave a small sigh. I''ve been in King''s Landing for a while now, so I''m sure you know what I''m talking about. ...... Can I go over this one more time to give you a refresher?��The value of ...... currency(kore).


    Then the uncle pointed to the leather bag on the table with a serious expression.


    That''s right.


    I think I''m getting used to using money for small amounts, but there are some currencies I''ve never seen before that are only used for high value transactions.


    I''d be very grateful if you could tell me about them here.


    Please.


    Let''s go. Let''s start with the cheapest first.


    The uncle then slowly took out the contents of the leather bag and placed them on the table, one by one, so that they could be easily counted.


    First, there were about 100 copper coins, which are commonly used.


    Then, there are 100 square silver coins that you sometimes see.


    There are 50 larger silver coins.


    There are 100 small round gold coins and 10 large gold coins.


    Seven shiny white coins that I have never seen before.


    Five slightly smaller coins in weird rainbow colors.


    As the table was lined with coins of all sizes, I heard the armed guard at the door behind me swallowing his spit.


    When he finished laying out the coins, he picked up a copper coin and showed it to me.


    This is a ''copper coin''. This is a ''copper coin''. It''s used for eating and drinking.


    "I can see that. That''s the one you use most often.


    That''s right. One coin will buy you a loaf of fresh bread, and several will give you a good meal. And the small, square coin next to the copper coin is the ''small silver coin. They are worth a hundred times as much as copper coins. You''ve seen these before, right?


    Yeah, I''ve seen and used ''small silver coins'' from time to time.


    Yes, I have. So, ......, I think these are the coins that are not usually used.


    The uncle put the copper and small silver coins back on the table and pointed to an unfamiliar silver coin beside them.


    This big round coin is a ''big silver coin'' worth ten times as much as a small silver coin. With a few of them, you can buy a good weapon for life. That''s a lot of money. The small gold coin next to it is a ''small gold coin'' worth ten times as much. With one of these, most adventurers will have all the equipment they need for their entire body.


    Is that so?


    Yeah, it''s a lot of money.


    There are 100 small gold coins on the table.


    There are 100 small gold coins on the table, and it seems like a fortune.


    "And much bigger than these ''small gold coins'' are ''big gold coins'' worth ten times as much. One of these coins is enough to build a small house. Well, it might be too small for a large family, but it''s enough to build a nice house for one family. Here are ten of them.


    "A house. That''s �������� amazing.


    When I think of ten houses on this small table, ...... I feel more and more like the rickety table is about to break. In fact, it''s heavy to hold in your hands.


    ...... So far, well, that''s just about the limit of what you can show in public. It would be better not to show a large gold coin, though. However, the currency from here on is different. If a stranger sees it, it''s really bad.


    Is there more to it?


    There''s ......, right here.


    The old man looked a little dumbfounded and pointed to the shiny white and rainbow-colored coins on the table. This is really a currency I''ve never seen before.


    "Look, Noor. From here on out, you should never (??????) show (?????) these (????) to anyone. If you show these to someone you don''t trust, you''re �������� dead for the moment.


    It''s a mess.


    That''s the way it is. Then I''ll explain.


    Oh.


    I listened attentively to my uncle''s serious explanation.


    "This white one is the ''white gold coin. A single piece of it can buy a small castle (?????), and that''s a hell of a lot of money. It''s not enough to build a new castle, but it''s enough to build a mansion. It''s worth ten times more than a ''big gold coin''.


    "...... Ten times more.


    ...... I''m starting to lose my edge.


    In the event you''re not sure what you''re looking for, you''ll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


    "Oh. You''ll never see one of these in your normal life. I wouldn''t be surprised if a bunch of bandits attacked you for one of these. There are seven of them here at .......


    That''s ...... amazing.


    "To be honest, I''m not crazy about it right now. But there is a currency that is worth more than even that. That''s the little ''King''s Gold Coin''.


    He took the small rainbow-colored coin and showed it to me, but his hands were sweaty and shaking.


    "Are you nervous?


    "......, of course. I''ve seen these before, but I''ve never held one in my ...... hands.


    Is it that rare?


    Yeah. This gold coin is worth ten times as much as the platinum coin, and is the most valuable coin in the world. I don''t know much about how it works, but it is said to be absolutely impossible to counterfeit using the technology derived from the labyrinth, and even if you try to damage it, it will not be damaged unless you do something serious. I''m not sure how it works, but it''s said to be absolutely impossible to counterfeit using labyrinth-derived technology, and if you try to damage it, it won''t hurt you unless you do something wrong.


    "...... I see.


    With one of these, you can build a magnificent castle. With a few of these, you could build a nice castle with a nice garden.


    I see.


    The King of Currency.


    Sure, it''s small, but it shines like a jewel and seems to be worth something.


    But even though he explained it in detail, it didn''t make sense to me. In the end, they just look like coins to me.


    Well, it turns out that they are all the same money.


    ...... Hey, Noor. You look like you don''t quite understand what I''m talking about.


    No. I''ve got a pretty good idea of what you''re talking about.


    ...... Are you sure about that?��In case you''re wondering, you''re going to be carrying around 10 large gold coins. There are 7 white gold coins. And 5 king''s gold coins. In other words, there are 10 brand-new beautiful houses, 7 mansions, and 5 small castles in this ...... filthy leather bag. Do you understand what I''m saying?


    "Yeah. Yeah, I think I get it.


    When you say that, ...... I feel more and more like I don''t need it.


    ...... I''m worried. It''s really a lot of money.��I''ve prepared it for you because you told me to. ...... This is a horrible amount of money to spread out in a room like this. I''ve never seen anything like it.


    Well, worst case ...... scenario, if you feel your life is in danger, just give it to them, right?


    The uncle covered his face with one hand, shook his head, and sighed deeply.


    If that''s the case, you''ll be able to go to ......, but you don''t know if you''ll still have a life.��You can even be killed to keep your mouth shut. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. It''s a lot of money that you wouldn''t normally see in your lifetime. Take good care of it, okay?


    As he said this, he put the coins back into the leather bag he had spread out on the table.


    ...... I''ve never heard of this guy. I''ve never heard of carrying around such a large sum of money in such a worn out leather bag.


    "So you''d rather carry it in something else?


    I''m sure you''ve heard of it.


    He paused for a moment to consider my question. I''m not sure what to do, but I''m sure I''ll be able to do it. In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site. It''s like declaring that you have a valuable item if it''s found. ...... I mean, I don''t know if you can use it. ...... I don''t know.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to figure out what''s going on.


    It''s not our job to tell you what to do,....... After all, this is your money. You''ll have to figure out the rest on your own. As for me, once I give it to you, I can only tell you to do what you want with it.


    "Oh, thank you for telling me all this.


    Also, just speaking for myself, ...... whatever you plan to use it for, don''t ever tell anyone that you have more than a ''white gold coin'', ...... ever.


    I''m going to be careful. Don''t worry about it.


    Then take it. That''s all you got.


    Yeah, ......, that''s a lot of weight.


    Then I received a large leather bag from the guild uncle.


    He was still trying to tell me something, but whatever it was, I got a bag full of money for the trip.


    The contents of this leather bag were explained to me, and I realized once again that it was a lot of money, but it was still money that I had no use for.


    I was told that if I carried it around with me, there would be a risk of it being stolen or targeted by bad people, but I was told that it would be fine as long as they didn''t know about it, and in short, I should just spend it before that happened.


    The point is that you should spend it all before that happens. Just go over there, find what you want and buy it, and you will be lighter.


    That''s all you have to be careful about.


    That''s all I have to be careful about. That makes me feel a little better.


    I''m off then.


    "......, be really careful.


    I left the adventurer''s guild with a heavy leather bag full of coins on my shoulders and headed for the place where I was to meet Lean and the others.