(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.”