＊＊＊

 

In the human kingdom, the capital city of Elza.

 

In its lower town, there’s a popular tavern.

 

Two figures, faces hidden by robes, sit at a table, conversing over drinks.

 

From their voices, one can tell one is an elderly man, and the other a young man.

 

Elderly Man: “So, what was the outcome?”

 

Young Man: “The dark guild 『Fenrir』 is―”

 

Elderly Man: “It’s okay, I’m not interested in a fallen dark guild’s story. It was just an experiment anyway. What I want to know is about the item I gave you. How did it work?”

 

The duo might appear suspicious, but their attire doesn’t stand out in this setting.

 

Indeed, the tavern hosts several people who look similar, including adventurers returning from quests and merchants.

 

Young Man: “The effects of the ‘Axe’ and ‘Amulet’ were as expected―”

 

Elderly Man: “I know that already! I’m asking about the effects of the ‘Candy’! This is why I hate dealing with brainless fools…”

 

The young man lashes out at the older one.

 

However, their voices are drowned out by the tavern’s noise unless one listens intently.

 

And even if someone did hear, it’s unlikely they would understand the context.

 

Young Man: “Both the ‘Axe’ and ‘Amulet’, that guy… what was his name?”

 

Elderly Man: “Benedict, was it?”

 

Young Man: “Was that his name? That muscle-head. It’s fine since the equipment breaks when the wearer dies. But I want to know about the ‘Candy’s’ effects.”

 

This individual could easily demean the former head of the dark guild.

 

From the mention of ‘Axe’ and ‘Amulet’, Arata would have concluded that this person was a collaborator behind the dark guild “Fenrir.”

 

Elderly Man: “Yes. The ‘Candy’ had the expected effect. It significantly enhanced the members of 『Fenrir』 and many gained new skills.”

 

Young Man: “Hmm.”

 

Elderly Man: “But…”

 

Young Man: “But, what?”

 

Elderly Man: “When the third prince ingested it, he transformed into a monster.”

 

The item they refer to as ‘Candy’ seems to be something like a skill orb that Alfred consumed.

 

However, unlike the cheat item used by Benedict, ‘Candy’ appears to have side effects.

 

Elderly Man: “When used on slum dwellers and slaves, we observed no variation in tolerance due to race. The tolerance seems to vary with level.”

 

Young Man: “Interesting. How much?”

 

Elderly Man: “Low-level slum dwellers mostly died after consuming one. 『Fenrir』 members could handle one or two. Benedict managed three. And Alfred, four.”

 

Young Man: “Figures. The locals are weak, after all.”

 

It seems one reason why Fenrir abducted diverse races of people and treated them as slaves was to experiment with ‘Candy’.

 

The conversation hints at many lost lives due to these experiments.

 

Young Man: “Hmm, I don’t get it. Do you gain skills when your level increases? Is there a way to acquire skills other than SP, or is it a feature because the locals can’t use the status board?”

 

Elderly Man: “…”

 

Young Man: “Either way, it seems like using too much ‘Candy’ isn’t good. I’ve eaten quite a bit already, but I don’t want to turn into a monster―ah, you can die now.”

 

After saying this, the young man leaves the tavern.

 

Soon after, the tavern becomes noisy.

 

Young Man: “I’ve done what I wanted in the kingdom. I wanted the Knight Commander’s weapon, but it seems he’s gone somewhere now. Maybe another time. …Next, maybe I’ll visit the Beast Kingdom?”

 

The dark guild “Fenrir” was merely an experiment.

 

But the malice was slowly and surely changing the world.

 

Like a single stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples.

 

And thus, the gears begin to go awry.

Arata: “This is… quite a severe situation, isn’t it?”

Vergil: “I’m truly sorry.”

 

Upon returning to the mansion, I was led to Rose-san.

Although the rushed manner of the maid guiding me gave some hints, seeing Rose-san’s condition was truly horrific.

Her beautiful face, derived from her avatar, was horribly burnt, with no trace of her original visage. Bandages were wrapped all over her body, with visible stains from burns and cuts.

 

Arata: “How is my disciple doing?”

Vergil: “Remarkably well. Not fearing the sword, charging into magic without any hesitation… As a warrior, they are top-notch. I’d like to start battling with them from tomorrow, no, even now.”

 

When I addressed Vergil-san, who was in the corner of the room, he responded more positively than expected.

With this, even after I go on my journey, Rose-san will not be lacking a training partner.

 

Arata: “That’s good to hear.”

Rose: “…I will refrain until these injuries heal.”

 

Indeed, if these injuries don’t heal, she won’t even be able to manage daily life, let alone train.

Luckily, I’ve just acquired healing magic, so I should treat Rose-san.

 

Vergil: “Oh, healing magic… It seems to be quite high-level.”

 

I used level 6 healing magic 『Absolute Cure』 just to be safe, but level 4’s 『Middle Cure”』would have sufficed.

Additionally, I cast level 5 healing magic 『Overheal』 to restore her drained stamina.

With this, Rose-san, who was previously in a battered state, has fully recovered without a single injury.

 

Rose: “Eh? What happened?”

Arata: “How do you feel? Any abnormalities?”

 

Rising from the bed, Rose-san feels her body over her clothes.

I can somewhat understand her feelings.

Experiencing the sensation of injuries healing through magic is truly surreal.

 

Rose: “I’m fine. In fact, I feel lighter!”

Arata: “That’s good to hear. It seems you can resume training now.”

Rose: “Yes! …Wait, what?”

Arata: “Vergil-san, please.”

Vergil: “Leave it to me.”

Rose: “Wait, now? My body might have healed, but I’m still tired from combat…”

Vergil: “On the battlefield, the tired ones die first. The enemy won’t consider your condition.”

Rose: “At least, let’s start from tomorrow—”

 

Vergil-san grabbed Rose-san by the scruff of her neck and led her out of the room.

Now then.

With the mood lightened, I should finish up my last task.

 

Arata: “I never expected you to betray us.”

Dorothy: “…”

Arata: “Right, Dorothy-san?”

 

The one who came in as Vergil-san left was the head maid of the mansion, Dorothy-san.

 

Dorothy: “Betrayal… What are you talking about?”

Arata: “There’s no need to play dumb. I know everything.”

 

Vergil-san whispered to me as he left.

That there’s a high possibility of a traitor in this mansion.

The high possibility that Rose-san was poisoned.

The most effective way to administer the poison would be during a meal.

But why target only Rose-san?

 

If one were to poison dinner, they should’ve targeted me as well, considering I’d be in the mansion tonight.

Then it hit me: the wake-up potion that Rose-san drank.

It’s logical to assume it was laced with poison.

Especially when the thieves who broke into the mansion directly targeted Princess Glen’s room, it’s clear someone with stature among the servants aided them.

 

Dorothy: “…It seems you’ve figured everything out.”

Arata: “Did you come here… intending to die?”

 

The expression on the face of Dorothy-san, who visited the room, was neither that of a villain plotting to kill her master nor a sinner regretting her actions.

It was the face of a servant with pride.

Betraying One’s Master

 

Dorothy: “Betraying one’s master is something a servant should never do. I will apologize with my life.”

Arata: “I feel Rose-san might forgive you.”

Dorothy: “This is a decision I made when I started working as a servant.”

Arata: “…Then let me assist in your end.”

Dorothy: “Thank you.”

 

Drawing a knife, Dorothy-san hesitated not a moment to place it to her own throat.

What drove her to betrayal remains unknown.

However, even in death, her face was filled with dignity—

 

***

 

Midnight—

 

All those affiliated with the dark guild 『Fenrir』 were simultaneously apprehended.

There had always been suspicions about individuals connected to Fenrir.

However, due to the gravity of the situation, every move had to be made with caution.

But with the acquisition of definitive evidence like ledgers and item lists provided by Aya, arrests were made.

Prominent figures involved with the dark guild  Fenrir  were detained, and this list wasn’t limited to nobles and merchants but extended to the royal family as well.

 

David, the Third Prince: “What is the meaning of this?!”

 

In his palace, armed individuals stormed in. These were members of the First Knight Order, directly under the king, commonly referred to as “The Royal Guards”. Only the elite of the elite knights are allowed to join this prestigious group.

 

David, the Third Prince: “Do you know who I am—”

Knight’s Captain: “Third Prince David, due to your support for the dark guild 『Fenrir』 and the stampede incident in Reine, you are hereby arrested for treason.”

David, the Third Prince: “What?!”

 

The Knight’s Captain produced a document. On it, the charges against Prince David were detailed, along with the king’s signature.

The movement of the Royal Guards indicated the king himself ordered this action. Thus, it meant the king had chosen to act against his son’s misdeeds rather than conceal or defend them.

 

Knight’s Captain: “Take him away.”

Knight: “Yes, sir.”

 

As the knights moved to detain the prince, he resisted.

 

David, the Third Prince: “Damn it!”

Knight’s Captain: “Any resistance is—What?”

 

The prince seemed to reach for something, which the captain initially thought might be a weapon for self-defense. However, what the prince produced was a gem emitting an eerie glow. Even if it were a high-rarity magic item, the low-leveled prince shouldn’t have been able to activate it.

However, the ominous feeling emanating from the item made the captain unsheathe his sword.

 

—【Rapier Technique】Skill, Level 6 Ability 『Deadly Penetration』

 

The ability pierced the gem held by the prince—

 

***

 

Report

 

Third Prince David Arthur Bruno: Deceased

Casualties: 6

Mark Griffin Cartright

Jason Pat Irvine

Allen Cox

Nicholas Foster

Edgar Dennis

Jim Roberts

I’ve gotten used to fighting in the darkness of the underground passage.

And I’ve come to understand Alfred’s combat habits.

Alfred’s 【Telekinesis】 skill level seems to be low, and the movements of the jet-black short swords he controls are monotonous.

Though a single strike has speed, it’s large and sweeping, so I can somewhat predict it by calmly listening to the sound of the short swords cutting through the air and observing Alfred’s gaze.

Moreover, another skill, 【Magic Thread】, is completely backfiring.

【Magic Thread】 is limiting both our range of motion.

In this case, it would be better for Alfred to fight with a sword while supplementarily controlling the short sword with 【Telekinesis】.

 

Arata: “Is this all?”

Alfred: “Kuh, you!”

Arata: “You are being played by your skills.”

Alfred: “Shut up‼”

 

A little while ago, Alfred’s attacks stopped even grazing me.

The more he gets flustered, the more monotonous his attacks become.

When that happens, it becomes even easier to evade.

It’s no different than playing a shooting game.

 

Arata: “Let me return this to you.”

Alfred: “⁉”

 

I grab the poorly controlled short sword and throw it back at Alfred.

Whether it’s fatigue from using skills or a false sense of security from being on the offensive, Alfred’s movements lag for a moment.

However, he is a knight chosen as one of the elite 『Shadows』 in the kingdom.

He managed to evade the flying short sword.

Of course, I had already factored in that action.

 

Alfred: “Guh, you‼”

 

Alfred easily avoids the first short sword.

However, the knife I threw was not just one.

I had thrown another one towards the space where Alfred would likely evade.

I’m lucky.

The knife is heading right towards Alfred’s face.

It seems difficult for him to avoid this, and Alfred catches it with his bare hand.

The knife pierces through his palm.

Even for a knight who must be used to pain, Alfred lets out a muffled voice.

No, that’s not it.

This feeling… Ah, I see.

 

Arata: “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

Alfred: “…What?”

Arata: “You’re scared, aren’t you, Alfred-san? Of a sword pointed at you, of an approaching blade.”

Alfred: “…Shut up.”

 

Perhaps Rose-san is the cause.

Each knight captain selection has a setting.

For example, the First Knight’s Division, which is the Royal Guard, is appointed by the king.

For the Fourth Knight’s Division, which specializes in magical combat, the one with the highest magic-related skills is selected.

And for the Second Knight’s Division, it is the strongest person within the division.

Alfred revealing an abnormal hostility and obsession against Rose-san is likely due to his loss in a duel with her.

Probably, the fear of her 【Rapier Technique】 has ingrained in him.

His delayed evasion timing earlier might have been because the flying knife seemed to overlap with the movements of 【Rapier Technique】, which mainly uses thrusting techniques.

 

Arata: “So that’s why 【Magic Thread】 and 【Telekinesis】, right? Because you’re scared of Rose-san, you wanted to fight from a distance, not in close combat.”

Alfred: “…Shut up.”

Arata: “Are you scared of swords?”

Alfred: “I said shut up!”

 

Alfred, raising his voice, pulls out the short sword stuck in his palm in one go.

Perhaps because he pulled it out forcibly, the wound widens, and a considerable amount of blood drips from his right hand.

 

Arata: “I see. So, to overcome your fear, you relied on borrowed power?”

Alfred: “No! This is my power‼ I am the chosen one‼”

 

In a fury, Alfred takes something out from his bosom.

As I thought, he had it hidden.

At a glance, it looks like a small candy.

It’s probably a type of skill orb.

Alfred: “I am the chosen one! Even Benedict could only take three, but I have taken in four! And this is the fifth‼”

Alfred swallows it in one breath, an ominous object with a muddy color like a mix of purple and black.

His body is enveloped in an effect similar to leveling up.

This must be the trick that allowed 『Fenrir』 to build a large force in the royal capital.

The members in this hideout had unusually high statuses and skill levels.

The mechanism was to raise the members’ levels and skill levels using orbs.

 

Alfred: “Hahahaha‼ I am strong! I am the one who is worthy to be the Second Knight’s Captain‼”

 

Alfred takes out four new short swords.

In addition to the previous two, a total of six short swords dart about freely.

Is this equivalent to the level 8 skill【Telekinesis】?

The ability to control short swords has increased.

Just a while ago, Alfred could only control two short swords alternately, but now he is controlling six at the same time.

I don’t have enough hands.

A missed short sword pierces my left arm, cutting it off.

Not only the operability, but the attack power also seems to have increased.

My HP bar drops by about 30%.

My remaining HP is less than 10%.

Finally.

Now the conditions have been met—

 

Alfred: “Hahahaha‼ What happened!? You’re all defense now‼ Where did your composure go!?”

 

Alfred rants as if this is his chance.

In this place, the polite language and gentle smile that had been maintained until now are nowhere to be seen.

Despite his voice cracking, he’s loudly laughing.

 

Arata: “Thank you, Alfred-san.”

Alfred: “What’s the matter? Show me more of your unsightly struggle‼”

Arata: “Haven’t you noticed yet?”

Alfred: “What?”

 

There was a skill I absolutely wanted to acquire.

It’s not essential, but it’s a valuable skill when operating solo or fighting high-attack enemies.

──Recovery Magic

It’s a standard skill in games, but the conditions for acquiring it were quite troublesome.

The release conditions for 【Recovery Magic】 are threefold:

 

1. On the night of a blue full moon, gaze at the moon for more than one minute. This condition can be easily cleared with knowledge.

 

The problem lies in the remaining two:

 

2. Your HP must be reduced to below 10% by an enemy attack.
3. In a state where your HP is below 10%, you must also be in a state of limb loss.

 

To satisfy the third condition of limb loss (a bad status), you need to receive an attack that cuts more than 20% of your full HP on a specific part.

If you carelessly increase your HP or wear armor, you might not meet the third condition.

I could have asked Rose-san for cooperation in acquiring the skill, but one mistake could end it all.

In this world with a high risk of death, recovery magic is undoubtedly one of the most difficult skills to acquire.

Alfred was just the right mob enemy.

In the first place, the skill 【Telekinesis】 is a magic-related skill, so the power correction by magic attack power is large.

Although there is also an attack correction for the controlled short swords, Alfred’s magic attack power is not high as he is originally a knight.

Therefore, I could easily adjust my HP with bleed damage or minor damage from glancing blows.

I consume skill points and acquire the newly added 【Recovery Magic】 on the skill acquisition screen.

Additionally, I use skill points on 【Recovery Magic】, raising it to the highest current level, level 7.

Because I’m worried about MP, I use skill points to enhance it.

And then, I activate the magic learned at level 7 of the 【Recovery Magic】 skill.

──Extra Heal

It’s a skill that recovers 80% of the target’s maximum HP.

As I activate the magic, all the wounds on my body close up.

Looking at my status, I can see my remaining HP rapidly recovering.

 

Alfred: “【Recovery Magic】⁉”

 

Probably thinking it would be bad to be dragged into a prolonged battle, Alfred tries his best to kill me.

 

Alfred: “Damn it‼”

Arata: “It’s useless.”

Alfred: “⁉ Your arm, what⁉”

 

I intercept the rushing short swords with the kurikara held in both hands.

Alfred, looking at my left arm, which should have been severed, lets out a voice of astonishment.

──Revive

A skill released at level 8 of 【Recovery Magic】.

Its effect is the regeneration of lost parts.

Some skills have release conditions at certain skill levels.

In the case of 【Recovery Magic】, the condition is to recover HP with 『Extra Heal』.

 

Arata: “Let’s finish this soon.”

Alfred: “Kuh, dieeeeee‼”

 

Without any twists, he concentrates all six short swords towards me.

 

Arata: “Let me show you a model example.”

 

I gently touch the 【Magic Thread】 that Alfred has laid out.

【Magic Thread】 will not activate its restraint effect unless touched at a certain speed or higher.

On the contrary, it can be deactivated and utilized.

To use it, the skill 【Magic Thread】 is necessary, which I had acquired during the battle.

The condition is to be caught by a restraining technique, which is not difficult.

I feel lucky to have obtained it this time, as many of the monster’s restraining attacks are instant death types.

 

Alfred: “Wha⁉”

 

Using the 【Magic Thread】, whose control has shifted to me, I entangle Alfred’s short swords.

And then, I reposition the thread to restrict his movements.

 

Arata: “Thank you, it was a very fulfilling time.”

Alfred: “Wa, wait! If you kill me here, you’ll be expelled from the Adventurer’s Guild and recognized as a criminal by the kingdom‼”

Arata: “There’s no need to worry about that.”

 

For player killing, the player receiving it has the 《Self-Defense》 system.

Conditions for establishing 《Self-Defense》 are receiving attacks twice or more in a short period, or having over 50% of HP reduced by a single player.

In the case of soldiers or knights from each country, they have an item called a 『pardon』 from the king of their country, which allows them to kill.

So probably, Alfred didn’t know about the 《Self-Defense》 system.

Now, Alfred’s name tag is displayed in yellow, which signifies that 《Self-Defense》 is established.

 

Arata: “─So, there’s no problem even if I kill you, Alfred-san.”

Alfred: “…Damn youuuuuuuu‼”

 

Stunned, Alfred shouts immediately after.

His body touches the 【Magic Thread】, activating the restraint effect.

His limbs are restrained, leaving him unable to do anything but shout.

I throw a short sword towards Alfred, who can only scream──

——————
We have now caught up with the raws. From now, I will update chapters as they release. Thank you all very much for reading so far!

I can’t move my body.

Strength is draining from my hand that holds the sword.

— It’s alright.

What exactly is alright?

The side where I was stabbed with a sword hurts.

Now the mark of a burn is starting to sting.

Is the poison spreading? My vision is distorting.

And I feel nauseous.

Why am I trying to bluff?

— The approaching spear of flame

The orange flame illuminating the night.

That glow signifies deadly heat.

If I take that directly, even the fire attribute attack reduction effect of the robe I gave to the prince will be meaningless.

The prince is saying something.

I want to cry.

…Cry?

Come to think of it, wasn’t there a time like this before?

When was that?

— Pain

— Heat

— Blood

— Death

…I remember.

That was when I died.

 

Glen: “We have to run! Can you stand, Rose-san!!?”

Rose: “…I need this back for a bit.”

Glen: “Eh, Rose-san?”

 

That’s right.

I haven’t died yet, have I?

I’m alive.

My body won’t move?

I’ll make it move.

It is hard to grip the sword?

It’s not impossible to grip.

There’s no problem at all.

What poison!

What excruciating pain!?

Compared to “that (death)”, any agony feels pleasant.

I don the Salamander Robe and ready my rapier.

I activate the Level 4 Ability『Revenge』 of the 【Physical Enhancement】 skill.

Now for 10 seconds, when I receive damage, the effects of 『120% Attack Power Up』and 『20% Damage Reduction』will activate.

I activate the Level 5 Ability 『Iron Wall』 of the 【Physical Enhancement】 skill.

For 30 seconds, the effect of 『50% Damage Reduction』will activate.

— The rushing spear of flame

It’s alright.

I’m not scared.

Pain, poison, and flames can’t stop me.

I pull back my arm holding the rapier, thrust out my left hand, and tense my upper body like a bow.

I lower my waist, storing power in my right leg.

I’m not aiming for the Fire Arrow.

I’m aiming for the assassin who is shooting it.

— 【Rapier Technique】 skill, Level 10 Ability『Lightning』

Like a released arrow, my body flies forward.

Leaving sound behind, faster than the wind, rushing with a speed that seems to fade color.

Several fire arrows pierce my body.

It hurts… no, it doesn’t hurt!

This doesn’t hurt at all‼

I don’t have the technique to slash flying magic.

Arata-kun might be able to, but it’s meaningless if I don’t know how to do it.

So, I should just take them all.

As a result, as long as they don’t hit Prince Glen, there’s no problem.

 

Rose: “――Take this.”

Assassin: “Wha⁉”

 

In an instant, I close the distance to the assassin dozens of meters away.

Although their face was hidden with cloth and their expression was not clear, surprise was conveyed from their wide-open eyes.

The moment I enter into reaching distance, I release all the stored power.

The sound like a thunderclap was heard after gouging from the flank up to the chest of the assassin.

Haa, I’m tired.

 

Glen: “Rose-san‼”

Rose: “…Thank you, Prince.”

 

My collapsing body is supported by Prince Glen.

How much HP do I have left now?

My head is not working due to poison, fatigue, and bleeding.

— From afar, a sound is heard

Thinking it’s a new enemy, I whip my tired body to stand up.

However, that worry was needless.

As the sound gradually becomes louder, I realize it’s the sound of armor.

Dozens of knights rush into the courtyard.

Reinforcements.

Someone among the servants who heard the sound of battle, or maybe the patrolling soldiers or knights might have called them.

Now I can leave the prince with peace of mind.

But, if they are coming, should have come earlier――

 

Knight: “Second Knight’s Captain, Luna La Pases Rose――We are subduing you for the crime of treason.”

Rose: “…What?”

 

A man who came out from the group of knights loudly declares.

In accordance, the surrounding knights draw their swords.

 

Glen: “Elliott Third Knight’s Captain!”

Elliott: “What happened, Prince Glen?”

Glen: “That’s my line. What authority do you have to execute Rose, the Second Knight’s Captain?”

Elliott: “Evidence has come out revealing her connection with the dark guild 『Fenrir』. And Prince Glen, you are also suspected of being involved in this series of events.”

Glen: “What are you…!”

 

Dark guild?

Fenrir?

Elliott or whatever the man’s name is listing the crimes I committed, but they are all things I don’t remember doing.

I don’t understand what he’s talking about at all.

But I understood that discussion seems impossible.

It’s tough in this condition, but it seems I have to fight.

 

Unknown: “――It seems I made it in time.”

Elliot: “⁉ Who are you‼”

 

Just when the battle is about to start, a person interrupts in front of us.

A Dragonewt?

…Come to think of it, the grandmaster of this country’s adventurer’s guild is a Dragonewt NPC.

 

Elliott: “…What does the adventurer’s guild want?”

Dragonewt: “Don’t look at me with such resentful eyes. I just came to investigate 『Fenrir』 in place of the negligent Third Knight’s Squad.”

 

Saying that, the Dragonewt man throws a man in black in front of me.

 

Dragonewt: “During a battle, make sure to completely stop the enemy’s breath. He was lurking and watching for an opportunity from the shadows after that final blow, you know?”

Rose: “Could it be the assassin I kicked away? …Wait, if you were watching, you should have helped‼”

Dragonewt: “Every experience counts. Each time you cross the line of death, you become stronger.”

 

Saying that, the Dragonewt man laughs.

 

Dragonewt: “Now, Third Knight’s Captain. Words are unnecessary, right? Choose whether to retreat here, prolonging that short life… or die here and now.”

Elliott: “The adventurer’s guild… is opposing the kingdom‼”

Dragonewt: “Don’t make the adventurer’s guild clean up your mess.”

 

I don’t understand what’s going on, but anyway, it seems like the Dragonewt is on my side.

Even though one person has increased, the situation of being outnumbered hasn’t changed.

But if he is the Grandmaster, he should be able to fight a bit.

That’s what I was thinking—

 

Elliott: “Eei, it doesn’t matter! Do it――‼”

Dragonewt: “――Truly, it’s a pity that this is the pillar that maintains the security of this country…”

 

— *thud*

 

It was a dull sound that like I think.

Elliott’s head dances in the air, and soon after, it falls to the ground.

The person himself seems to not understand what happened, is surprised by the pain of his forehead hitting the ground, and in the middle of trying to understand the situation, he breathes his last.

…Is he seriously that strong⁉

What did this Dragonewt person do now?

He’s carrying a sword; did he decapitate Elliott’s head with Iaido or something?

I didn’t see anything‼

…I remember now‼

Vergil.

The strongest NPC Vergil.

I remember seeing a video of someone challenging him in a live broadcast and losing right after the duel started.

Eh?

Was this person this strong?

 

Vergil: “Now――”

Knights: “””Eh⁉”””

 

Vergil-san murmurs.

At that small voice, the knights brought by Elliott amusingly shudder their shoulders.

 

Vergil: “Who is the vice-commander? The next commander, give orders. Retreat or die… I’ll let you choose whichever you like.”

Without any warning, the torchère shatters.

――It’s an attack

I heard the sound of breaking glass just before, so it seems like we were attacked from outside the window.

The assassin that Arata-kun predicted?

The fact that they targeted the light as a priority means they are probably trying to kill Prince Glen in this darkness.

 

Rose: “Your Highness‼”

Prince Glen: “Kyah”

 

I drag Prince Glen out of the bed.

It’s a bit rough, but I hope they’ll forgive me as it’s for their own safety.

Right after, a flash is born beyond the window glass.

Fire magic――Fireball?

Ideally, I would like to coolly slash the incoming magic with a sword, but I don’t have that skill level.

Prince Glen’s safety is the priority.

I take out the Salamander Robe, which has a high resistance rate against fire attacks, from my inventory and drape it over Prince Glen.

Immediately after, multiple fireballs are shot from outside the window, and the room is enveloped in flames.

 

Rose: “Are you alright?”

Prince Glen: “What about you, Rose-san! Your burns are terrible!”

 

Burns?

Come to think of it, various parts of my body are stinging.

I should have taken out the robe beforehand.

I made a mistake.

 

Rose: “Let’s go outside for now. Please hold on.”

 

Anyway, it’s dangerous to stay in the room like this.

Without waiting for Prince Glen’s reply, I lift her with one arm and jump out of the broken window.

As if waiting for that moment, the assassins attack.

There are two of them.

Both are equipped with daggers and are using some abilities.

It seems one is targeting me and the other is targeting Prince Glen.

First, I’ll deal with the one targeting me.

I activate the ability 『Twin Stab 』 of the 【Rapier Technique】 skill, and with the first strike, I stab the arm of the assassin holding the dagger to cancel the attack.

With the second strike, I pierce his chest and incapacitate him.

As for the one targeting Prince Glen… I won’t make it with a sword.

Judging so, I activate the ability 『Kick Strike』 of the 【Martial Arts】 skill.

The side kick I unleashed buries into the assassin’s abdomen, blowing him beyond the hedge.

Many abilities of the same skill type require cooldown time.

But by interposing 【Martial Arts】 and magic skills, I can eliminate the gaps.

It’s a trick I learned from Arata-kun.

Probably, these two are not the ones who shot the magic at the beginning.

There is at least one more assassin――

 

Assassin: “――”

Rose: “Uguh⁉”

 

I feel pain in my flank.

Looking there, the assassin I defeated initially had thrust a knife.

I immediately slash the assassin down and pull out the knife.

 

――It’s hot

 

It feels like I’m being touched with heated iron.

Unable to bear the pain, I involuntarily kneel.

 

Prince Glen: “Rose-san!”

Rose: “This much… is fine.”

 

That’s a lie.

It’s not fine.

It hurts.

The pain is so strong that I feel nauseous.

But still, I bluff.

Mainly, to not worry Prince Glen.

This nausea might be due to poison.

The knife was probably poisoned.

But even before that, my body has been strange since before the attack.

Was poison incense burned in that room?

No, if so, it should have affected Prince Glen too.

We ate the same food.

When exactly was I poisoned?

Anyway, I have to escape.

If not, Prince Glen will be in danger.

The assassin is still nearby.

I know that.

But I can’t move my body.

Gradually, I begin to no be able to put strength into my hand holding the sword.

 

Prince Glen: “! Rose-san‼”

Rose: “……Eh?”

 

――Light

A light that makes me feel as if it is broad daylight lights up.

The source of the light is several spears of flame floating in the air.

They intend to kill us with the magic holding the maximum firepower.

Using such flashy magic, I can roughly figure out the assassin’s position.

The annoying thing is that they are releasing magic from a distance, anticipating that I might be able to move.

If we get hit by that, neither Prince Glen nor I will be safe.

But I can’t move.

Probably due to the spreading of the poison, even kneeling is painful.

――Ah, this is no good

And then, my view is filled with spears of flame――

 

＊＊＊

 

Alfred: “……You’re persistent.”

 

Alfred grumbles.

His voice is filled with unhidden irritation.

 

Arata: “It’s just that Alfred-san is clumsy.”

Alfred: “Nonsense…”

 

While enjoying trivial talk, I dodge the dagger flying out from the darkness.

However, the threads deployed around me have hindered my movement, and the blade has grazed me several times.

Before I know it, there are several lacerations on my body, and my clothes are blood-stained.

 

――Skill【Magic Thread】

 

A special skill specialized in support, such as movement or debuff.

Although the attack power is low, it is highly versatile, useful in battles against people or small to medium-sized monsters.

Especially, the trap type ability, which can be learned at skill level 8 called 『Dream Catcher』, immobilizes the subject who touches the preset thread for a few seconds.

The restraint time varies with magic defense and the weight of the target, but it will immobilize for at least about 0.5 seconds.

Being restrained cancels abilities, and even a momentary stop makes one a target for magic or distant weapons, making it quite troublesome.

However, in this world, the meaning of skills has changed significantly.

Unlike the game where no matter how much they raised their stats, they had to fit within the framework of a human, in this world, the height of the stats is equal to the height of physical ability.

Reflexes, attack, movement, their speed is incomparable to before.

A moment that would be deadly even in a game becomes terrifyingly fatal in this world.

Taking that into account, that initial attack was dangerous.

If I had noticed even a little late while still caught in the restraint of 『Dream Catcher』, I would surely have been cut in two by now.

That one strike took nearly half of my HP.

I should admit that I was careless.

The combination technique with the 【Telekinesis】 skill is quite something.

Like the 【Magic Thread】 skill, this support-specialized skill was not even considered for controlling a sword.

Unlike the game where a certain amount of light could be set even in dim places, this world has zero brightness correction.

The matte black dagger wielded by Alfred easily blends into the darkness of the underground passage.

To capture the sound of cutting air and the slight outline of the dagger, one’s nerves must always be stretched.

Still, PVP with someone with a certain amount of experience is enjoyable.

The Knight’s Commander, Theo-san.

Grandmaster Vergil-san.

And Alfred, skilled in assassination.

In a short time, just crossing swords, a lot can be learned.

 

Alfred: “Tch, you’re too active for a dead man walking”

 

Alfred had a bitter face.

However, immediately after, as if he thought of something, a degrading smile appears on his face.

 

Alfred: “It’s about time, isn’t it?”

Arata: “What is?”

Alfred: “Your disciple. I have sent a few skilled shadows for the assassination of the prince. And――”

Arata: “Are there more?”

Alfred: “It would be good if the Third Knight’s Order makes it in time.”

 

The Third Knight’s Order.

If I remember right, it should have been the knight’s order responsible for maintaining the security of the royal capital.

This development is pretty much as expected.

It is natural to assume that 『Fenrir』 was openly controlling the slum without fear because they had connections within the knight’s order.

Likely, they plan to fabricate evidence linking Rose-san and 『Fenrir』 and settle the whole matter.

At this rate, there might be insiders even in the Imperial Guard, the First Knight’s Order.

 

Arata: “Is that so?”

Alfred: “Aren’t you worried?”

Arata: “Worried? About what?”

 

There is not a speck of need to worry.

None at all.

It’s been a short relationship, but I’ve been able to learn a little about Rose-san.

I am convinced that she will surely protect Prince Glen.

Certainly, there are ‘those’ parts about her, but she, with her strength of character that is greater than most, will reveal her hidden strength to repel any adversity.

After all, she’s the person who fought hand-to-hand with a slime, whose pre-action movements are difficult to read, for 10 minutes because she wasn’t used to the avatar movement.

And――

 

Arata: “There is no need to worry about the Third Knight’s Order either.”

Alfred: “Oh, do you have some basis for that?”

Arata: “Because I have sent a trustworthy ally.”

(From the author)
******************************************

* I tried making a character image for Mira.   *

* It is posted in the progress report.                *

******************************************

 

※ Alfred is the guard of Prince (or Princess) Glen.

 

—

 

Arata: “Well then, shall we start by removing that seemingly uncomfortable mask, Alfred-san?”

 

A figure in black discards a mask similar to a balaclava.

As expected, the person beneath is Alfred, a guard attached to the seventh prince.

 

Alfred: “Oh, when did you notice?”

Arata: “From the beginning.”

 

Would a person tasked with guarding a royal with such a delicate position as Princess Glen lag behind several assassins from a dark guild, no matter how skilled? Moreover, the presence of a collaborator is certain given the assassins are inside the royal castle. On top of that, would Princess Glen conveniently encounter a kidnapping in the place she fled to?

Though the naive princess and incompetent Rose-san didn’t seem to suspect, to me, Alfred was the only person who seemed suspicious. There are a couple more reasons as well.

 

Alfred: “I see, as expected from the captain’s teacher, should I say?”

Arata: “Can you stop that? I am her teacher after all.”

Alfred: “…”

 

One reason I suspected Alfred.

That is the disdainful gaze he gave to Rose-san.

Even though he concealed it on the surface, he couldn’t hide the emotions deep within his eyes.

 

Arata: “I’m a bit curious, do you have some reason to dislike her?”

Alfred: “Reason… reason, you say?”

 

As if my question was utterly ridiculous, Alfred burst into laughter.

 

Alfred: “Where does she have any qualities to be a captain, I wonder greatly. Not making any strategy-like strategy, being dumb, and to top it off, that tone of speaking. Everything about her irritates me.”

 

He seems to be the type who doesn’t want to serve under anyone.

Such people are bad as they look for faults in superiors and take out their stress on subordinates.

 

Alfred: “I am disappointed in the king. To begin with, I struggle to understand why such a lowly person is placed in an important position.”

 

Ah, speaking of which, Alfred had a noble background setting.

For him, having Rose-san, with her ambiguous origins, as a superior must have been humiliating.

 

Arata: “Is that the only reason?”

Alfred: “…Only? Just that?”

 

The atmosphere changed.

 

Alfred: “It’s not just that! That king, he pushed upon me, the role of a guard for the seventh prince‼ A marginal role!?”

Arata: “Isn’t it an honor?”

Alfred: “Are you kidding me? Babysitting a prince with low succession rights is way below my station‼”

 

Until now, Alfred had been wearing a faint smile, but like breaking a dam, he began to vent his dissatisfaction.

To the prideful him, guarding the seventh prince seemed to be dissatisfaction.

This is why overconfident people are troublesome.

 

Alfred: “This should be enough talking. It’s a waste to spend more time on you who is going to die.”

Arata: “Right. I also have to quickly chase after those who took a detour.”

 

I wanted to ask about his connection with 『Fenrir』, but it seems this is it.

Holding the kurikara, I confront Alfred.

Against me, Alfred is unarmed.

What is he planning?

 

Alfred: “Don’t you get it? You are already like a foolish bug trapped in my palm… in a spider’s web.”

Arata: “――‼”

 

Something moves at high speed at the edge of my vision.

 

Alfred: “No need to worry. That woman will soon join you in the same place.”

 

By the time I notice, it’s too late, and my torso is slashed.

Fresh blood dyes the dim underground passage red――

 

***

 

Rose: “～～～”

 

I desperately stifle a yawn that’s about to spill from my mouth.

It’s a quiet night.

Back in the day, I would continue talking in the live stream, sometimes getting my wall kicked by my neighbor.

That feels like a distant past.

Since coming here, the arrival of night has oddly sped up.

I can’t afford to live a night-owl life, so I unwillingly became an early bird.

I don’t think it’s a bad thing.

Rather, I think it’s a healthy life.

But it’s also true that I feel lonely at unexpected times.

Something is missing.

I’m forgetting something.

Even when stabbing a monster with a sword, even when soaking in the bath, I always had such a feeling.

 

Rose: “…I’m sorry.”

 

In the room illuminated by the weak light of the bedside lamp.

Lying next to me is Prince (or Princess?) Glen.

Oh, which should I use to call them?

Externally they are set as male, so prince should be fine.

 

Glen: “Excuse me…”

Rose: “What is it… ah, if you’re thirsty, I have some water―― or perhaps you’re slightly hungry? If so, I can get something suitable――”

Glen: “No, I’m fine!”

Rose: “I-is that so…”

 

Dangerous, dangerous.

I was about to fall asleep.

If Glen hadn’t spoken to me, I would have dangerously fallen asleep.

But what was the prince trying to talk about?

 

Glen: “Am I, a bother?”

Rose: “What do you mean?”

 

Glen: “I feel really sorry for troubling Rose-san, Arata-san, and many others by coming here.”

 

Is Prince Glen surprisingly a good person? I had an image that all nobles and aristocrats lacked humanity, but this person seems different.

…Well, speaking of which, I am also on that side!

 

Rose: “You don’t have to worry about that, right? Just be like a prince and stand firm.”

Prince Glen: “Stand firm, you say?”

Rose: “Yes. Like, 『Since they’re a knight, and my subordinate, it’s natural for them to protect me, the prince!』 … Ah, but please stay as you are now, even if you become a detestable noble in the future.”

 

I don’t want to see such a pure child using people like objects in the future.

Or rather, if that happens, I’ll quit being the second Knights Commander and go to another country.

 

Glen: “Fufu, I see. I don’t want to become an arrogant noble either, so I’ll stay as I am.”

Rose: “Please do so.”

Glen: “Sorry for asking something strange.”

Rose: “At times like this, you say “thank you”.”

Glen: “…Yes. Thank you, Knights Commander Rose.”

Rose: “You’re too kind.”

 

Laughing together with Prince Glen.

According to Arata-kun, the second prince is going to ascend to the throne as it is, right?

More than that, it would be better if the kind and humble Prince Glen became the king.

Definitely, it seems like it will become a better country.

Well, just being kind probably won’t be enough to be the top of the country.

…Still, I’m sleepy.

Even though I should have drunk a wake-up potion…

 

Rose: “Gofu――”

Glen: “Rose-san, are you――⁉”

 

Choked by a sudden cough, I instinctively cover my mouth with my hand.

At that moment, a heat like molten iron raced through my throat.

Looking at my right hand, there’s something red thickly attached to it.

Is this――blood?

 

Rose: “What…is this?”

Prince Glen: “Are you alright, Rose-san‼”

 

Was I attacked?

From where?

My mind goes blank due to the sudden coughing up of blood.

As if adding to the confusion, the light from the torchère scatters.

 

 

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

 

Mira（Draft Illustration）

AI generation is indeed convenient. Even I, who am extremely bad at drawing, bow my head to the AI-sensei who presents the ideal illustrations. However, the insufficient legal regulations are quite something… Legal issues are complicated, and above all, they are a source of livelihood, so I have no choice but to be cautious. Even my hobby of writing novels seems likely to be taken over by AI-sama… it’s sad.

 

That’s enough for a preface. On the site called PixAi.Art-san, I requested an illustration of 【Mira】, who appeared in my humble work 『From Level 1 ~ 『Black Angel』.』 Since it seemed okay when I read about the copyright issues, I’m posting it here. Just to be sure, I lightly asked Google-sensei, and I couldn’t find similar works, so I think it’s alright. I’m happy that a satisfying piece has been created (it me took 2 hours to find a good one).

 

(Comment from the author)

Degraded Elixir

→ Lesser Elixir

 

I couldn’t think of the right words at that time.

__________________________

 

Garcia: “What the hell is this?!”

Arata: “⁉ How did the one from the dungeon…?”

Unidentified Enemy: “Get out of my way, weaklings‼”

 

Garcia-san, gripping a longsword with both hands, releases a powerful slash.

The unsuspecting remnants of 『Fenrir』 were cut down in one stroke by this attack.

 

Garcia: “Phew… That’s done.”

 

Sheathing his sword, Garcia-san returns to our side.

During our infiltration into the hideout, we defeated every member we encountered. However, it seems others who were away or in different locations have returned.

Ahead of us, a large number of members were on guard, perhaps having confirmed the bodies.

 

Arata: “As expected of a warrior from the Beast Kingdom.”

Aya: “How are you feeling?”

Garcia: “Ah, I’m definitely not at my best. I’ve lost some muscle. I need to train again when I return to the kingdom.”

 

Indeed, from Garcia-san’s level, his movements seem considerably slow.

Even so, the fact that he can fight to this extent in his current condition is perhaps due to the physical capabilities of the beastmen. Or perhaps it’s thanks to Garcia-san’s personal skills.

Having defeated the remnants of 『Fenrir』 and occasionally taking detours, we attempt to escape from the hideout with the captives.

 

Mira: “…Ugh…”

 

I hear a faint breath from Mira on my back.

I thought she had awakened, but something seems off.

I ask Aya-san to check on her condition.

 

Aya: “It’s not looking good.”

Arata: “What’s wrong?”

Aya: “She seems to be more weakened than I thought.”

 

Mira is young, and the prolonged confinement might have taken a toll on her. She is significantly weakened, and on top of that, she has a fever. It seems to be a critical situation.

 

Arata: “Can’t we do something with a potion?”

Aya: “It’s difficult. It might have some effect, but it’s challenging unless we have healing magic.”

 

Mira’s breathing becomes ragged.

Her cheeks are flushed, and her breath is faint, as if it could disappear at any moment.

 

Arata: “…There’s no choice.”

 

Aya: “You had another one?”

Arata: “I didn’t want to use it, but we can’t trade it for a life.”

 

I take out the last Lesser Elixir from the pouch and give it to Mira.

Making sure it doesn’t enter her windpipe, I carefully let her drink it, little by little.

By the time she finishes it all, her breathing stabilizes, and she lets out a peaceful snore.

For now, she should be okay.

Considering Garcia-san’s situation, the potion probably prioritized the recovery of his wounds and lost parts, so it didn’t fully restore his stamina.

 

Garcia: “Seems like she’s okay now.”

Arata: “Yes, let’s hurry on.”

Garcia: “How much further… Who the hell are you?”

 

Garcia-san draws his sword, becoming more alert.

From the end of the corridor, emerging from the dim shadows, a figure dressed all in black appears.

This person is…

 

Unidentified Enemy: “…”

Garcia: “Damn, he’s fast‼”

Arata: “Garcia-san‼”

 

Even though he’s not at his best, the black-clad figure overwhelms Garcia-san with speed.

Aya-san throws a knife to assist, but it’s effortlessly dodged.

 

Arata: “What‼”

Unidentified Enemy: “…”

 

Despite the surprise attack, the black-clad figure avoids my attack and even counterattacks.

A black blade looms before my eyes.

 

Garcia: “I won’t let you‼”

 

With a flash of Garcia-san’s sword, the black-clad figure momentarily keeps his distance.

He’s quite high-level.

Definitely higher than Benedict, who was the head of 『Fenrir』.

 

Arata: “Thank you, Garcia-san.”

Garcia: “That was close. Even at my best, he’d be a tough opponent.”

 

It’s three against one, but the black-clad figure is at ease.

It won’t be easy.

But we can’t take our time here.

We need to get the captives out of the hideout, and if we focus too much on the battle, more enemies might gather.

 

Arata: “I’ll stay behind.”

Aya: “! That’s…”

Garcia: “Hey, kid! That’s reckless.”

 

I couldn’t confirm whether the black-clad figure had any equipment due to the 【Appraisal】 skill being blocked.

But if my guess is correct, it’s him.

Given Garcia-san’s current state, he probably can’t win. And leaving it to Aya-san feels risky.

It’s better if I, with my game combat experience, stay behind.

 

Arata: “I have a plan. Plus, leaving me behind is the most reliable choice.”

Garcia: “…Alright. But come quickly.”

Aya: “Good luck.”

 

I ask Aya-san and the others to find an alternate escape route, while I face off against the black-clad figure alone.

All this while, the black-clad figure patiently watches the captives take a detour.

He seems to be completely off-guard at first glance.

However, his attention is firmly on me.

 

Arata: “How did you know about this place? Is it due to your profession? Or were you cooperating with 『Fenrir』 from the start?”

Unidentified Enemy: “…”

Arata: “That was a silly question. If you weren’t cooperating, you wouldn’t have been able to frame the Seventh Prince so perfectly.”

Unidentified Enemy: “Oh, you noticed?”

 

The black-clad figure finally speaks.

His voice confirms my suspicion.

 

Unidentified Enemy: “However, let me correct you. It’s not cooperation, but rather exploitation. After all, they are merely lowly slum dwellers. I am the master, and they are the dogs.”

Arata: “That’s quite harsh.”

 

There’s a tone of disdain in his voice.

Instead of cooperating, he was using 『Fenrir』 unilaterally.

He’s quite talkative.

Perhaps I can get more information from him.

 

Arata: “Before we start fighting, would you mind having a chat?”

Unidentified Enemy: “Sure. It would be boring for me to finish it off so quickly.”

 

He confidently agrees to my proposal.

 

Arata: “Then, how about starting by removing that cumbersome-looking mask?

 

…Alfred-san.”

Arata: “We should proceed.”

 

I decide intuitively.

Ignoring this now and letting it develop into an uncontrollable situation later would be more troublesome.

In fact, in the story, if you miss this opportunity, you might never get your hands on a certain item again, or the enemy might enter a strengthened route.

If we can handle it, good.

If not, we’ll run away with all our might.

 

Arata: “I think we should at least check it out.”

Aya: “…I’ll go too.”

 

Aya-san seems reluctant, but it appears she will accompany me.

Honestly, I’m relieved that she volunteered.

The chances of survival are higher with two people than one, and as long as one of us escapes, we can convey the information.

 

Garcia: “I’m sorry, but I’ll stay here.”

 

Looking at Garcia-san, he was biting his lip in frustration.

Perhaps he sees the overlap between us and his lost subordinates.

Given Garcia’s character as an NPC, he should be willing to act together even in a dangerous zone.

But now, not being in perfect condition, he probably understands that accompanying us on the investigation would only be a burden.

 

Arata: “Then, Garcia, please take care of everyone here.”

Garcia: “Yeah, be careful.”

Aya: “…Shall we go?”

Arata: “Yes.”

 

Aya and I step beyond the iron door.

While the previous dungeon had floors and walls made of hewn stone and was minimally maintained, from here on, passages exposed with soil and gravel stretch out.

It seems like a hastily dug tunnel.

 

Arata: “It’s longer than I thought.”

Aya: “Yes. What exactly are they hiding?”

 

With each step forward, I experience an illusion of feeling a stronger presence ahead.

Curses, resentment, wailing…

Grief, anger, hatred, sorrow…

Such negative emotions are swirling around.

As the short yet long corridor ends, there’s another door.

However, this time it’s a simple wooden door, resembling a barricade made of plywood.

 

Arata: “…I’m opening it.”

Aya: “…Yes.”

 

Holding a weapon, I carefully open the door.

—It’s dark.

There was definite darkness there.

Nothing can be seen.

—No, there is something.

It was definitely there.

A thick metal stake driven into the bedrock.

Chains extending from it.

Bound to it was a member of the angel race.

Around 10 years old, perhaps?

A beautiful girl resembling a doll.

Even in the darkness, her silver hair seemed to give off a light that could be mistaken for shining.

Her porcelain-like white skin was only covered by a single piece of ragged cloth.

And from her back peeked black wings.

However, where there should have been a pair of wings, only the left one was present.

No, there shouldn’t be any characters with black wings among the angels.

Even in player character settings, and among the NPCs that appear, there are wings of red, blue, and the typical white, but no wings with a mixture of black.

Except for one character—

The angel’s eyes open.

The eyelids flicker several times, and then they focus on us.

 

Unidentified voice: “Ah!”

 

Was it me who involuntarily gasped, or was it Aya?

Bright golden eyes.

For a moment, I saw an immensely dark presence lurking deep within them.

Before I knew it, I was holding the Kurikara in a defensive stance.

The girl and I lock eyes.

 

Mira: “…i, ….—”

 

A voice that couldn’t form words is woven.

Is it a magic incantation?

I brace myself thinking so, but contrary to our caution, the girl lost consciousness.

The oppressive sensation we felt on our way here had dispersed unknowingly.

 

Arata: “…Who is she?”

Aya: “I don’t know. But I didn’t feel any malice.”

Arata: “At first, she seemed defensive, showing hostility, but she didn’t show signs of attacking, did she?”

 

As Aya said, I felt hostility.

But it seemed to stem from fear.

It’s only natural for a young girl imprisoned in such a place.

 

Aya: “What shall we do, Arata? At the moment, she hasn’t harmed us, but… honestly, I think it’s dangerous.”

Arata: “Yes, that’s true…”

 

That oppressive sensation.

I think it was due to a curse or a magic skill of the curse type, but it was an ability I hadn’t seen before.

I don’t know its effect, but it seems highly dangerous from what I felt.

But—

 

Arata: “…I intend to help her.”

Aya: “Are you sane?”

Arata: “Yes. From what I see, she is severely weakened, and I don’t think she has much time left if left like this.”

Aya: “But…”

Arata: “Besides, I feel like I would have a bad conscience if I abandoned a child.”

 

Saying this much, Aya reluctantly granted permission to help.

Having received permission, I cut off the shackles on the girl’s wrists and the chains extending from them.

Though they were made of mithril and were remarkably sturdy, I could destroy them without a problem.

Having freed her, I ask Aya to check the girl—Mira’s condition.

Since 【Appraisal】 only revealed her weakness, it’s best to have someone with some knowledge to examine her.

What worries me most are her wings, but there doesn’t seem to be any visible injuries on her back.

Was she born with only one wing?

 

Aya: “Rather, the fact that she’s so thin that her ribs are showing is more pitiful.”

Arata: “Are there any other problems?”

Aya: “I can’t find any external injuries. If we improve her nutritional state, she should be fine.”

 

For now, a bit of relief, I guess.

I take out a robe from the pouch via the inventory and let Mira wear it.

It’s my spare, but it should be better than the cloth resembling a rag.

 

Arata: “Shall we go back?”

Aya: “Yes. We need to get back quickly and submit a report.”

 

I take Mira from Aya and return to the dungeon where Garcia is waiting.

But at that moment,

The moment Mira and I made eye contact.

Did I imagine that the corners of her eyes seemed to soften?

 

_________

 

*This is her status as well as a hint*

 

Name: Mira

Race: Angel Race

Lv. 4

Health: 100

Magic Power: 100

Stamina: 100

Strength: 10

Defense: 10

Agility: 10

Magic Attack: 10

Magic Defense: 10

Skills: ——

Unknown: “—Who are you guys?”

 

A voice is thrown from one of the cells.

The one there was a lion type beast-man.

One ear was torn, and countless wounds were all over his body.

It was hard to see in the shadow, but it seemed like one eye was gouged out as well.

It was clear that he bore the marks of torture.

 

Garcia: “It’s not mealtime, the smell is different from the guy who usually comes… Ah, has that guy finally been caught too?”

 

He must have had a robust build originally, but now his muscles were withered, and his ribs were protruding.

Still, the light dwelling in his eyes and the strong tone of his voice let you feel his strong will.

 

Garcia: “I’m Garcia. You guys are… oh, asking for names while covering your faces is a bit uncouth, huh?”

Arata: “Who are the people here?”

Garcia: “As you see, guys who were caught.”

 

According to Garcia-san, they seem to be slaves caught for pet purposes.

Women and children are the main targets, and once they are contained here, they seem to be transported to the seller.

 

Arata: “Why is Garcia-san here?”

Garcia: “Well— A-, that was close. Can you use 【Appraisal】?”

 

Garcia-san, who had been speaking fluently until now, suddenly became silent.

Then, he showed the collar around his neck and told us to 【Appraise】 it.

 

【Item Name】 Collar of Subjugation

【Rank 5】

 

Again, an unproducible item.

From the description of the 【Appraisal】, the 【Collar of Subjugation】 seems to be an item that prevents the wearer from disobeying the orders given by the user.

 

Arata: “Can I have a moment?”

Aya: “What is it?”

 

Aya-san spoke to me in a low voice, so I paused my thoughts for a moment.

 

Aya: “That person said his name was Garcia, right?”

Arata: “What about it?”

Aya: “There is a prince in the neighboring country named Leo Garcia, and he looks exactly like the person in my memory.”

 

Come to think of it, I remember there being such a character.

【Leo Garcia】

Indeed, a general of the beastman tribe had that name.

The Beast Kingdom emphasizes military power, so the king and the dignitaries were all high-level NPCs.

My plans have been decided.

If he is killed here, war with the Beast Kingdom will be inevitable.

Then, I should help him and have him in my debt.

It’s not like I want to kill innocent people gleefully, so this is a welcome development.

 

Arata: “Then, we will help.”

Aya: “Let’s do that.”

Garcia: “Oh, is the discussion over?”

 

For the removal of the 【Collar of Subjugation】, considering the possibility that person wearing it was made to eliminate any enemies, we decided to do it before destroying the cell.

The rank of the 【Collar of Subjugation】 is 【5】.

This should be possible to remove with regular magic.

I raised the level of non-attribute magic to 5 and activated the obtained『Destruction: Magic』 on the 【Collar of Subjugation】.

It is a general counter-magic that cancels attack magic and dispels curses, but it should be sufficient in terms of rank.

The do-or-die attempt was successful, and the popped open 【Collar of Subjugation】 made a sound as it fell onto the dirty floor of the cell.

I destroyed the iron bars of the cell and cut the chains restraining Garcia-san.

 

Name: Leo Garcia

Lv. 478

 

Leo Garcia was a high-level NPC with a level of 900 in the story.

The current low level is either because this world is nearly several decades in the past from the story, or because it’s difficult to level up.

Either way, having nearly 500 levels means he is one of the top-class powerhouses in this world.

Garcia-san, who was freed from restraint, began to crack his joints, as if loosening the stiffness in his shoulders and neck.

 

Garcia: “Haah, I am free now.”

Arata: “Why was someone as powerful as you here?”

Garcia: “I was guarding against frequent kidnappings in the border areas. But ironically, I got attacked and ended up like this.”

 

According to Garcia-san, most of his subordinates were killed, and he was captured to be used as a test subject for the 【Collar of Subjugation】.

However, perhaps because his level was too high, it seems that he couldn’t be completely controlled by the 【Collar of Subjugation】.

After that, he seemed to have been tortured like this, with attempts to extract information about the Beast Kingdom.

Garcia-san’s tendons in his leg seemed to have been cut, which would hinder his escape in this state.

If possible, I would like to ask him to guard the people imprisoned here.

 

Arata: “Please drink this.”

Garcia: “Is this—an advanced potion?”

Aya: “It costs several hundred gold coins for one, you know? Where did you get something like this?”

 

It’s not an advanced potion, but a degraded elixir… Correcting it is troublesome, so I let him drink it as it is.

Garcia-san swallowed the degraded elixir.

As expected, even though it’s degraded, the effect of the elixir is wonderful, and Garcia-san’s entire body’s wounds began to heal with sparkling effects.

Of course, the torn ear, gouged eyeball, and severed leg tendons were also recovering.

However, it seems that the muscles that had deteriorated did not return, perhaps because they were not treated as abnormal conditions or part defects, and bad statuses such as 『Muscle Weakness』 and 『Debilitation』 remained.

Even so, the change

is remarkable compared to a few minutes ago when he was nearly mortally wounded.

But considering they were trying to extract information about the Beast Kingdom, does that mean they are planning to start a war?

In other words, the one behind 『Fenrir』 is—

 

Garcia: “What will we do with the people here?”

Aya: “I personally want to dispose of them, but…”

Garcia: “The kingdom doesn’t want to take them in, I guess. Well, I’ll take them with me out of sympathy, since we share the same circumstances.”

Arata: “May we ask for your assistance?”

Garcia: “Sure, I mean you guys helped me like this.”

 

I handed one of the weapons confiscated from 『Fenrir』 to Garcia-san, and we began rescuing the people imprisoned in the cells.

Even when he was imprisoned, Garcia-san seemed to have encouraged people in the same situation as him.

Therefore, he has earned their trust, and the imprisoned people follow our instructions smoothly.

 

Aya: “Is that everyone?”

 

Once we finished rescuing everyone from the cells, Aya-san asked Garcia-san.

 

Garcia: “No, there’s probably one more person.”

Aya: “Probably?”

Garcia: “I don’t know the details, but there were times when someone would go into that back area.”

 

Saying this, Garcia-san gestured towards a location with a thick iron door standing there.

It was a door that emitted a heavy atmosphere, different from the iron-barred cells where Garcia-san and the others were held.

The overly fortified place seemed suspicious.

I put my hand on the door and slowly swung it open.

 

—

 

A sensation of being swallowed by an unfathomable darkness.

A chill ran down my spine, and I instinctively held my sword in front of me.

It was a premonition of “death” that I have experienced only a few times since coming to this world.

 

Garcia: “What is this thing…”

Aya: “Let’s stop, it’s too dangerous.”

 

Garcia-san had all his hairs standing on end, and Aya-san was also breaking out in a cold sweat on her forehead.

The people who were imprisoned seemed to feel the change in the atmosphere as well, huddling together with anxious faces.

Should we leave it as it is and escape?

Or should we go check what lies beyond the door?

Beyond the iron door, there is an even longer corridor.

The darkness spreading there was wide open like a cave where an unimaginable monster lurked, ready to swallow anything that entered.