Chapter 0129 Actual Fight
-x-X-x-
Gordon was in a festive mood.
That was because he had lived for 23 years and was now popular for the first time.
Gordon, as the Fire-Attribute Magician in the Hero party, was not that bad looking.
Rather, his looks were above average.
However, he was a little boorish, a little overconfident, and tended to look down on others a little.
Any of which could be said to be factors that are not well received by women.
Even if a woman could ignore one … it would be impossible for any woman to ignore all three.
However, a woman who was absorbed in Gordon had finally appeared.
It was Nancy, the secretary of Viscount Othniel Fletcher.
Viscount Othniel Fletcher was a man with a monocle and a calm atmosphere.
And he was given the status of a so-called chief retainer who manages the interests of the Duke of Flitwick in the royal capital.
His secretary, Nancy, was just 20 years old and was a pretty woman with fast-moving eyes, and Gordon was completely ecstatic.
Spring had finally come for Gordon …
The Hero Roman was pleased to see the happiness Gordon was experiencing.
Bellrock, the Earth-Attribute Magician, had also toasted him and blessed their relationship many times.
The priest Graham nodded without changing his expression.
The Wind-Magician Alicia, the Scout Maurice, and the Enchanter Ash Khan frowned.
"Are you okay? Are you sure you have not been fooled?"
"To be attracted to Gordon … that child has bad taste."
"…"
The three said, or expressed, but they were worried in their own ways.
After arriving at the royal capital, the Hero party requested an audience with the King.
However, due to problems with the King's physical condition, they were housed in the Duke of Flitwick's residence.
They experienced no inconveniences and spring came to Gordon so they had no issues with the current arrangements.
The priest Graham had a very fulfilling few days, enthusiastically discussing the teachings of each god with the priests of light in the Central Nations.
The trio of women, Alicia, Maurice and Ash Khan also had a tea party with the lady attendants in the Duke's residence and formed personal connections.
That day, Gordon was scheduled to go out with Nancy.
Nancy invited Gordon to a new store in the royal capital.
Wow, a date!
Gordon's tension was at max, but … other members were about to leave at the same time as he was about to and his tension dropped all at once.
"Roman … Bellrock … Why are you two?"
"Um, Nancy said she would treat us."
"I thought we would get in the way but …"
Bellrock struggled to answer Gordon who had a terrifying look on his face while Roman scratched his cheek.
Then, Nancy came over.
And whispered to Gordon.
"I'm sorry, Gordon. The Viscount asked to bring them too and show them hospitality …"
Nancy said apologetically.
"Oh, no, I'm totally okay with it! Yeah, I shouldn't go against what the Viscount says. Yeah, no problem at all!"
"Is that so! I knew Gordon is kind!"
Then Nancy hugged Gordon's arm.
Gordon's face turned bright red, and his facial expression was love-struck …
Gordon's first date was going smoothly.
He completely ignored the two men who followed behind and his view was filled with Nancy.
The path they traversed was around the immediate vicinity of a building called the 『Kingdom Magic Research Institute』, also known as 『Ilarion's House』, but there were delicious shops and fancy clothes shops, so he didn't mind at all.
In the first place, Gordon, who was not familiar with the geography of the royal capital, did not understand where he was going.
The two men who followed behind also had a good time, regardless of the couple in front of them, going into the shops and buying delicious food, or looking at the items sold at the weapon shops.
However, tragedy struck suddenly.
The two guys went somewhere else, so Gordon and Nancy had lunch at a stylish store, and while Gordon was paying after saying 'I'll do it', Nancy went out of the store ahead of him.
When Gordon paid for the meal and went out … Nancy was on the ground with blood from her mouth.
"Nancy!"
Gordon quickly rushed over to Nancy.
"Gordon …"
Nancy breathlessly called Gordon's name.
"How did this happen …"
Gordon hurriedly gave Nancy a potion that he always carried with him.
After drinking, Nancy pointed to the other side of the street and said.
"That Swordsman …"
Nancy pointed at a man with his back to them.
"So it was that man!"
Nothing else entered Gordon's eyes anymore.
Nancy was vomiting blood and on the ground, and there was a man who seemed to have attacked Nancy.
That was enough.
Gently laying Nancy on the road, Gordon stood up and held his wand with a look of anger.
And chanted.
"
After Gordon's chant, three flames swirled from the tip of his wand toward the man.
It was Gordon's strongest anti-personnel spell.
"Abel!"
Out of nowhere, he hear a woman's voice resembling a scream.
"
The screaming woman put her body in front of the three vortices of flame and chanted.
Defensive magic deployed in an emergency ... A priestess capable of casting the priest class' ultimate defensive field in an instant without chanting.
However, the kinetic energy was preserved and the woman was thrown to the wall behind her.
"Rihya!"
The targeted man, Abel, looked toward Rihya.
Just then, Rin and Warren turned around the corner.
"Rin, Warren, look after Rihya."
Abel said and started running towards the other side of the road.
Gordon, whose strongest attack magic was nullified, chanted in a hurry.
"
He focused on speed.
However, the magic sword Abel pulled from his scabbard cut through the fireball.
"Impossible!"
Gordon could only blurt that word out before losing consciousness as Abel's left fist slammed into his solar plexus.
But that didn't end the problem.
Two people saw that scene.
From the store next to where Gordon and Nancy came out from, the Hero Roman and the Earth-Attribute Magician Bellrock had just appeared.
Just as Gordon sank to the ground due to Abel's punch, the two came out of the store and couldn't understand what was happening for a moment.
Gordon was struck in the belly and knocked down, and beyond him, Nancy seemed to have vomited blood.
There, the Hero Roman understood.
The man who defeated Gordon was an enemy, and he was bad.
While running toward Gordon and Abel, he pulled out the holy sword Astarte.
Abel caught it at the edge of his field of vision.
And dodged Roman's thrust that had the force of his entire body behind it.
Thus, with some coincidence, some misunderstandings, and some malice, the battle between the Hero Roman and the genius Swordsman Abel began on the streets of the royal capital.
At the same time as the Hero Roman thrust at Abel, the Earth-Attribute Magician Bellrock also chanted.
"
However, the stone spear that was released was countered by
There, a girl holding a wand who seemed to be a Magician was glaring at him.
"Is that the Swordsman's companion?"
The battle between the Swordsmen became fiercer and the Magicians kept each other restrained as the situation spiraled down further.
There were … no spectators at all.
The nearby stores had closed their shutters and the doors seemed to be locked from the inside.
When a quarrel begins on the roadside, there are two types of phenomena: one where a group of onlookers forms and one where no one approaches and everyone withdraws into buildings.
Why is there a difference?
It just depends on the 'danger' of the fight.
Imagine it normally.
What about a fight involving rifles? … Would there be onlookers?
It would be life-threatening if they stuck their heads where they didn't belong … so naturally they won't approach.
Roman and Abel's swordfight was seen by the inhabitants of the royal capital.
Normally, someone would make a report and guards would rush in, but it was not easy to make a 『report』 in the current 『Phi』 where there was no means of communication to a remote place with a device such as a telephone.
(This guy is terribly fast and his sword strikes are heavy.)
Abel judged Roman's sword as he handled his strikes.
Although not as great as the Demon Prince who he once fought on the 40th floor of the dungeon, his speed and weight behind the sword were unusual for a human being.
At the moment, he was dealing with it with skill and experience, but he understood that it was going to be a pretty tough battle.
(It looks like he is a companion of the Fire-Attribute Magician that I just defeated … Are they the ones who were hired for this series of terrorist acts? No, it's impossible. His skill can be called unparalleled in a country …)
(I didn't expect to encounter such a skilled Swordsman … I wonder if such a Swordsman is common in the Kingdom. If I look at it purely on his skill with the sword, there is no doubt that he is top class among those who I have fought … He can easily overcome any of my attacks. I feel a high wall in front of me, in a different sense compared to Leonor …)
The Hero Roman was enjoying himself just a little.
At the time of the slash, Gordon was defeated and Nancy was vomiting blood, and the only thought on his mind was to defeat the enemy, but now there was something that transcended those emotions in Roman.
Roman thrust his sword forward, following up with a sideward slash but Abel placed his sword at a perfect angle and parried his sword away.
From that position, Roman forcibly reversed his sword and slashed diagonally upward.
Even then, Abel's sword was positioned at the perfect timing and he parried Roman's sword at the point before he could channel sufficient power and managed to defend against his strike.
It was something Roman had never experienced before, an opponent surpassing him with skill and experience.
That on its own gave Roman valuable experience.
By this time, the Wind-Attribute Magician Alicia, Scout Maurice, and the enchanter Ash Khan, who had come out of the Duke's residence, had joined.
However, like Bellrock, they were prevented from making a definitive move due to controlling strikes from the other side of the road.
Of course, as the Hero party, that was fine.
Because it was the Hero Roman who was fighting.
Moreover, his opponent was neither Leonor nor the Explosive Blaze Magician.
If it was a one-on-one match, there was no possibility that Roman would lose.
"But wasn't there that Princess who could match up to Roman?"
No one dared to listen to Scout Maurice's mutterings.
That princess was an exception.
Ryo and Sera were walking in the royal capital while eating crepe.
The stalls he saw in the towns of Whitnash and Rune were also in the royal capital.
The person selling was an old man who would be well over 70 years old.
Ryo bought it just to support the old man, but …
"Yeah! This is certainly delicious!"
"Right?"
Ryo had a triumphant look and puffed his chest with pride after Sera praised the crepe after taking a bite.
Ryo was confident that Sera would like Crepe too because her taste was similar to his.
"A little while ago, there was a stall near the east gate of the city of Rune, and it was delicious. I wonder if it's a chain … this cream and banana mix is a clear winner!"
"Yup. I understand why Ryo strongly recommended it. You are losing out in life if you don't experience this!"
Delicious food made people happy.
Delicious food enriched people's lives.
That was a truth that didn't change in any world or any era.
While they were wrapped in such happiness, the clash of swords entered the ears of the two people walking.
"A swordfight on the streets of the royal capital?"
"From the sound, it's one-on-one. And those are the only two fighting …"
Both Ryo and Sera had better than average hearing.
They could easily tell how many people were fighting.
In any case, they could tell that the sounds were coming from the direction they were going, so they would know what was happening soon enough as they continued forward … Both of them walked while eating crepes with such casual feelings.
What they saw there …
"That's an amazing swordfight …"
"They are both good."
Ryo muttered unintentionally and Sera was impressed as well.
"But the person fighting … looks like Abel."
"Yes, the one who is fighting is … Abel. I think I see Rin and his party across the road."
Ryo said what he thought, and Sera affirmed it.
"It's an astounding fight. Nobody can get close to it."
Scout Maurice commented to no one in particular.
"Yeah. I wonder who is that person, capable of fighting evenly with Roman?"
Alicia, the Wind-Attribute Magician, also whispered softly.
"Yeah … that's right! Why is the holy sword Astarte in a prolonged swordfight? A normal sword would shatter just by parrying it!"
"In other words, the opponent's sword is also special … Look, look closely, it has a red light. That is a magic sword."
Alicia answered Scout Maurice's question.
"A magic sword holder … Really, who is his opponent …"
Scout Maurice was dumbfounded.
Magic swords were not available to ordinary adventurers.
A person who possesses such an article happens to be on the same street … the probability of that was impossible.
Maurice shook her head twice and looked around.
"As expected, with such a fight, no onlookers would gather."
"Yes, everyone treasures their lives. There are only us, the opponent's companions, and those two people on the street. I wonder if it is okay if those two people don't run away."
Alicia looked around and answered Maurice's comments.
A man who seemed to be a Magician eating something and a transcendental beauty wearing a cloak …
"Wait, the woman next to the onlooker is an elf …"
"That's true! I guess we'll see a lot of people with magic swords, elves, and other rare races when it comes to the royal capital."
"I-I guess …"
Maurice said with excitement while Alicia wasn't convinced but she didn't pursue the topic.
Meanwhile, the swordfight between Roman and Abel continued.
It continued, but Abel understood.
(I will lose at this rate.)
There was almost no difference.
On the contrary, Abel, who had superior technique, sometimes gave Roman superficial wounds, and every time, the Hero party would react anxiously.
However, the toll on mental stamina was completely different between Roman and Abel.
Roman's sword embodied the 『with all of one's strength』approach and Abel's sword parried using technique and counterattacked.
Abel would suffer fatal damage if he failed to judge even once.
From the beginning, Roman had greater speed and weight behind his sword.
The pressure of that could only be known to those who face it.
Abel was aware of the reality from the beginning that he would lose if he was hit.
In that situation, Abel, who surpassed the Hero with technique without failing, was definitely a sword genius.
However, because Abel was such a genius, he felt the inevitable loss that would occur in the future.
"It's amazing to push Abel with a sword that far …"
Ryo gave his impression.
However, Sera who was going 'Make use of that opening, there, from the right, that's a feint!' was suddenly silent.
"Sera?"
"A-ah. I'm sorry. The sword Abel's opponent is holding … I think it's probably the holy sword Astarte."
"Ooh, holy sword! By the way, Abel's sword also glows red, so it's like a magic sword, right?"
Ryo reacted strongly to the word holy sword.
Magic swords and holy swords were the bread and butter of fantasy stories!
"Yes, Abel's sword is a magic sword. I've heard that the opponent's holy sword Astarte is a sword that heroes born in Western Countries will inherit from generation to generation."
"Hero!"
(I knew there would be a Hero in this world too!)
Ryo had just heard of the existence of a Hero for the first time.
"And there is an amazing gathering of spirits around him. I was told by the spirits that he is the 『Hero Roman』."
"What … More importantly, Sera, you can talk to spirits? … That's more surprising."
"Because elves have a deep relationship with spirits from the time they are born."
Sera said with a slight tinge of pride.
It was a secret that Ryo felt it was cute when he saw that.
"The fact that there is a Hero means that there is a Demon Lord … Eh? Now that I think about it, there was that Demon Prince …" (TLN: I believe the previous time it was specified as Devil Prince … but I'll stick to demon lord/ demon prince until further clarification since that is the more common English translation)
"There was a demon prince?! Ryo, where? That's a serious matter! Such a being can't be left to their own devices."
"Oh, it's okay. It was on the 40th floor of the dungeon, but I defeated it safely, so it doesn't exist anymore."
"O-oh. Ah, that was the forced transfer incident? But a demon prince …"
"More importantly, Sera. Wouldn't it be a big deal if the Hero was killed by Abel here?"
Ryo suddenly asked the crux of the issue.
Upon hearing that, Sera was a little surprised.
"Sure … if that happens, no one will defeat the Demon Lord … It could also be a diplomatic issue between the Kingdom and the western countries."
"I see … That swordfight will soon be over, right?"
"Yup. Abel is on the losing end."
Ryo and Sara's opinions were in agreement.
"But if it's Abel, I think he'll bet on a move to reverse the outcome near the end."
"If he succeeds, the Hero may die. Certainly, that would be a problem."
"Yeah, that's why it's about time we stop that swordfight. At Whitnash, Abel arbitrated the fight. This time I'll do so. I'm sorry Sera, but could you buy two more of the crepe from before?"
"Ye-yeah … I don't really know what you're planning but I'll buy it. I'll leave it to you."
With that said, Sera returned to the crepe shop.
"Now..."
Ryo muttered a little and started walking towards the swordfight.
It wasn't until she was overtaken that Scout Maurice noticed the Magician.
"Eh? Hey you. It's dangerous."
It was strange that she didn't notice him, but she couldn't let the Magician approach Roman and Abel's swordfight for fear that he would be injured.
And before she noticed, the Magician was standing right next to the swordfight.
"Withdraw both your swords!"
Abel and Roman jumped backward in response to Ryo's voice.
(
In an instant, an invisible ice wall was put up between the two and forced them to split apart.
"Ryo, don't butt in. I don't know what I will do even if you're the opponent."
"Abel won't be able to kill me."
Ryo said clearly.
Even though Abel knew it was a losing match, he had no intention of ending it halfway.
And he couldn't accept a forced end to the fight.
Even if it was Ryo.
However, Ryo proceeded to ignore Abel's feelings.
"Abel, please keep quiet for a moment. Now, you there. If I'm not mistaken, you're the Hero Roman, right?"
"Eh … yes."
"What?"
Ryo asked, Roman affirmed, and Abel was shaken.
"Yes, this is Hero Roman. At the very least, it would be troublesome if he dies before he defeats the Demon Lord."
"Muu."
Abel groaned.
"And so, Hero Roman. The opponent you were fighting against was Abel, a B-rank adventurer in the Kingdom. He is not a suspicious person. In the city of Rune, he is a good person who sometimes acts as the guild master."
"Kingdom B-rank adventurer …"
Roman's mutter was heard by Ryo.
"Why are you curious about a Kingdom adventurer?"
"No … we actually came here after training under the Debuhi Empire's Oscar Ruska, the Explosive Blaze Magician. Because even Oscar saw a Water-Attribute Magician who is an adventurer of the Kingdom as a rival. If you have any information about them, please let me know …"
Roman had already sheathed his sword and asked politely.
"What? That Water-Attribute Magician …"
"I see. Roman is looking for a Water-Attribute Magician. The Schwarzkopf family is the leading Water Magic family in the Kingdom. That information may be useful to you."
"I see, the Schwarzkopf family. I see! Thank you."
Ryo shut out Abel's words and provided some twisted information … Abel, listening to the side, looked at the Hero Roman, who was honestly grateful, with a look of pity.
Abel knew the answer to his previous question.
Yes, naturally the person he was looking for was the Water-Attribute Magician arbitrating the fight right this moment.
"Then, give them the sign of reconciliation. Sera."
When Ryo said so, Sera appeared next to Ryo in an instant and gave Ryo two crepes.
(
After removing the ice wall that was deployed stealthily, Ryo gave crepes to the Hero Roman and Abel.
"People are happy when they eat delicious food. Eat this and let bygones be bygones."
Ryo gave them the gift and nodded as if satisfied.
"If you're still dissatisfied, Sera and I can have a match with you. Abel, Sera is always open to having a match with you."
"Yes, I'll be your opponent anytime. I've become a little stronger from the mock battles with Ryo."
Ryo provoked Abel and Sera chimed in.
"No, you were already strong previously … it's impossible to be stronger than that …"
Sera heard every word of Abel's mutter but Sarah only smiled slightly.
"Well then, we're sorry for this interruption. Ryo, let's go. There's a well-established famous cafe on that street. They have a delicious cake set."
"Oh ~. I'm looking forward to that."
Then Ryo and Sera went away.
Bringing peace to the world.
"Wait, why are they in the royal capital?"
Abel's words didn't reach anyone.
-x-X-x-
When Ryo and Sera were ordering a cake set at the long-established cafe 『Cafe de Chocolat Capital Branch』, a male Swordsman came into the store and sat at the table next to Ryo.
"Does Abel like this store too?"
"I won't treat you even if you sit there, you know?"
"I'm not thinking of having my junior treat me!"
Sera called out to him, Ryo refused before he was asked, and Abel yelled back in a whispering voice … skillfully.
"I see … so you're trying to get Sera to treat you."
"I think Abel makes quite a lot of money, but … I don't mind."
Ryo was astounded while Sera shook her head but agreed to treat Abel.
"No, like I said, I'm not here to get you guys to treat me! I just came here to thank you for the matter just now. Thank you for stopping us."
Abel bowed his head as he said that.
"Abel is thanking us honestly … Oh, you say thanks honestly when Sera is around. I wish you were always that honest."
"Eh, doesn't Abel usually convey his thanks this honestly?"
Ryo teased Abel and Sera asked while tilting her head.
"Yeah. Serious. It's totally troubling. If only he's a little more honest … right, Abel, there's a good way to express your thanks. It's to give me money. Come on. I am open to receive anytime, any amount you want to give. I'm ready!"
Ryo's tease went a little too far and Abel snapped.
"Yeah, I thought I'd introduce you to a wonderful alchemist as a token of my gratitude, but I'll refrain from doing so now!"
"I'm sorry, Abel. Abel is such a wonderful person!"
"Fufu. I'll never get tired of watching you two."
Ryo made an 1800 reversal after Abel snapped. Sera just laughed.
"Haa … Forget it. The alchemist is Baron Kenneth Hayward. He's still young, but he's a genius alchemist who represents the royal capital."
With a big sigh, Abel decided to introduce him.
"Baron … Abel, I have not really talked to a lot of aristocrats …"
"You're saying that now? Well, it's okay. Kenneth was originally a commoner, a man who became an aristocrat with his extraordinary alchemical skills and achievements. And he's from the City of Rune. Doesn't ring any bells? The house that you bought …"
"House? The former owner, whose son was an engineer, became an aristocrat in the royal capital and called his parents … No way!"
"Yeah, that's right. His family was the former owner of that house. When I drank with him a while ago, I told him about Ryo. He was grateful that you bought it for the full amount immediately and he would love to discuss a little about alchemy too. But don't bother him too much because he's busy and a core pillar of the country when it comes to alchemy."
Abel warned him in advance.
"It's okay. I just have some questions to ask and would like it if he could point me to an introductory book at my level … I'll start full-time studying after I return to the City of Rune."
Ryo had inherited an alchemy notebook from the Assassin leader, Hassan, but he could not understand the contents.
However, he didn't want to show that notebook to others.
That was because Hassan entrusted it to Ryo to inherit his will.
Ryo had to improve his alchemy skills so that he could understand the contents of that notebook.
He was determined.
"That's fine. His workplace is the Royal Alchemy Workshop. The location is … hard to explain. I'll get in touch with him today, so come to my place tomorrow morning. I'll take you there."
"Okay, so where is Abel staying?"
"I'm staying at the Kingdom Magic Institute. It's about two blocks from here."
Abel explained the location of the institute.
Ryo and Sera listened to him while enjoying their cake.
"Did Abel order anything?"
"Nope, he kept occupying the seat without ordering anything …"
"Ah..."
Sera calmly commented, Ryo pointed out the problem, and Abel was stunned.
After that, it went without saying that Abel ordered the cake set properly.
After the three of them finished eating their cake sets, talked a little, and then left the store, they heard a voice from a distance.
"Sera-sama."
Looking over, he was one of the Knights who came from Rune with Sera.
"Everyone, she's here!"
The call gathered the knights scattered all over the place.
"It looks like they were looking for you, Sera."
"Yeah."
Ryo spoke to Sera next to him and she nodded.
"We finally found you, Sera-sama."
"Did something happen, Eden?"
Eden was the captain of this transport unit.
Eden handed the letter he had in his hand to Sera and said.
"After we returned to the Margrave's residence, we received this letter addressed to Sera-sama … It seems to be a letter from the 『Autonomous Region』 and we were asked to hand it over as soon as possible."
When Sera received the letter, she opened it on the spot and began to read it.
"Autonomous Region?"
Ryo asked Abel, who was standing next to him, in a whisper.
"The elves that live in the Kingdom live in the commonly-called 『West Forest』 in the west of the Kingdom and are granted autonomy by the Kingdom. So the 『Autonomous Region』 located in the capital is the King's contact point for the 『West Forest』. Eight years ago when I was in the royal capital, I recall there were only two elves residing in the autonomous region …"
Abel explained very politely.
After reading the letter, Sera supplemented Abel's explanation.
"In the last five years or so, the Autonomous Region had expanded and the number of elves staying in the royal capital had increased. I hear that more than a dozen of them have been training by joining the Knights and Magic Corp. This time, it is also related to that."
Sera said and, after thinking a little, she continued.
"Simply put, when they heard that I was coming to the royal capital, the elves in the Autonomous Region wanted to practice with me. And at the same time, the Elder also came to the royal capital for some reason. … The timing seems to be a little too convenient."
After thinking for a moment, Sera glanced at Ryo and Abel. And she pondered further.
After 20 seconds, perhaps she concluded as she opened her mouth.
"Let's go together, Ryo and Abel. That would probably be a lot better in many ways."
After saying that, she started walking briskly.
"Eh?"
"Um, Sera?"
Both Abel and Ryo were confused but nevertheless followed Sera.
After that, only the party of Knights of Rune was left with relieved expressions.
The three walked toward the 『Autonomous Region』.
With Sera in front, the two men follow her.
On the way, they passed through a large square with a magnificent statue of a knight with a sword pointed at the sky in the center.
Abel explained as he noticed Ryo glance sideways.
"That is the statue of King Ashton, the founder of the Kingdom."
"It's a fine statue him in knight's armor …"
"Well, King Ashton was a knight before he built the kingdom, so it's not a mistake. That's why the royal family's surname is Knightley and the country's name is Knightley for generations. It's a knight's country."
Abel nodded heavily and explained.
"A Knight becomes the King … huh, don't tell me he killed the King and usurped the throne …"
"No!"
Abel sharply retorted Ryo who sounded like he had noticed something that should not be noticed.
"He received permission from the country he was serving to establish a country here."
"The country he served?"
"Yes. According to legend, it was called the Grand Empire Babylon."
"Babylon …"
Ryo muttered and was at a loss for words.
『Babylon』 … It was one of the two giant ancient empires, along with 『Canaan』!
Both were names that appeared in the Old Testament …
Babylon, hostile to God.
Canaan, the land of promise of God.
Their cultural backgrounds were the exact opposite … polytheism or monotheism. Devilish or angelic?
It was a name that brought such magnificent meanings.
Interestingly, the word 『Babylon』 meant 『Gate of God』 in the Akkad language but was negatively referred to in the Old Testament because of that country.
But even if that fact was ignored, anyone could derive just one fact.
It was that the one who named the Grand Empire Babylon was undoubtedly a reincarnated person.
Of course, it was not hard to imagine that they had Chuunibyo syndrome either.
Thinking that far, a sudden question passed through Ryo's head.
"You mentioned that King Ashton was allowed to build a kingdom here … where was that Grand Empire in the first place?"
When Ryo asked, Abel replied with the index finger of his right hand.
"Sky."
"Yes?"
Ryo's reply was crazed.
"The Grand Empire was said to have been a floating continent."
(Such a fantasy! This is the proper way for fantasy and the right way!)
"I-is that floating continent still floating somewhere in the world …?"
Abel's reaction to Ryo's excited questioning was calm.
"It's just folklore. A story from thousands of years ago. I've never heard of the discovery of a floating continent … so I wonder."
"Of course! In such cases, a floating continent or a castle in the sky would always be in thick clouds and cannot be seen from the outside!"
Ryo told Abel naturally.
"I-is that so."
Abel was pushed by his intensity.
They then heard Sera who was walking in front of them.
"The folklore of the floating continent was also passed down within the Elves. It depends on which elder came to the royal capital … If you're lucky, you might be to ask them about it."
Her words made Ryo's face brighter.
"Wonderful! As expected of Sera. Compared to Abel …"
"What! I'm not at fault."
"By the way, Abel, during the battle with the Hero, Rihya was sitting down. Is she okay?"
When Ryo said that, Abel replied with a slightly sunken expression.
"Yeah. That Fire-Attribute Magician suddenly fired magic at me. Rihya prevented it with a
Abel started speaking with a depressed expression, but by the time he finished speaking, he had a vexed expression.
He couldn't accept how his lack of awareness caused Rihya to suffer injury.
"I see. Oh, now that you mention it, there was a young man who looked like a Magician on the road. I guess that's the Fire-Attribute Magician. Well, Fire-Attribute Magicians are like that. I'm considering it would be good to just freeze all of them."
"No, I think that's a little …"
Naturally, Abel couldn't agree with Ryo's radical opinion assuming all Fire-Attribute Magicians to be the same as the one in the Empire.
"It seems that the incident was caused by that child who was their guide, but she disappeared after the battle … After that, they split up to search for her."
"I'm sure the stupid 『Fire-Attribute Magician』 was led by the nose. It's what we call the Badger Game or Honey Trap in my hometown. It would probably be effective for foolish Fire-Attribute Magicians.
Ryo emphasized the foolish 『Fire-Attribute Magicians』 part very much.
"Yeah, I realized once again how much Ryo hates Fire-Attribute Magicians."
Immediately after that, they arrived at the 『Autonomous Region』.
There was a section of aristocratic mansions lined up.
"Before, it was an ordinary house …"
Abel looked at the buildings of the Autonomous Region and muttered softly.
The Autonomous Region was three-story stone buildings on all sides surrounding a large cobblestone courtyard.
Ryo thought it looked like the Somerset House in London, which often appeared in movies.
"They moved here to make the building larger. It was apparently the site of a fallen count's residence. I also preferred that cozy Autonomous Region."
Sera replied with a bitter smile to Abel's mutter.
At that time, Ryo suddenly felt the sun go dark.
However, when he looked at the sky, there was no cloud.
Seeing Ryo, Sera looked at the sun closer.
"It's an eclipse. The sun is eclipsing."
"Partial solar eclipse …"
In response to Sera's words, Ryo's body tensed.
Ryo remembered what happened during the total solar eclipse in Rune.
It was that event that led to the battle with the Akuma Leonor in the 『Sealed Corridor』.
He was worried that he might be caught in the 『Sealed Corridor』 once more … but nothing happened this time.
Seeing Ryo, Sera said with a slight smile.
"Ryo, it's okay, there is no dungeon in the royal capital.
Sera misunderstood a little.
Conversely, Abel muttered when he heard it.
"Dungeon? Great Tidal Bore?"
It seemed that Abel did not yet know the relationship between the solar eclipse and the Great Tidal Bore.
The Sanctum of the Royal Capital.
A man in a white priest's robe was going down the stairs to the basement.
The basement of the royal capital sanctum was a huge underground tomb where preceding great priests, saints, and saintess rest.
The man went down the stairs to the lowest fifth-floor basement and opened a door that required a special key.
As he was told, it was not locked.
At the location as instructed, what the man took out of his bosom was what looked like a fist-sized crystal ball.
However, if examined closely, something that looked like purple smoke was moving around inside the crystal ball.
The man placed it on the floor and passed magic through a necklace that hung from his neck.
The necklace was a disposable undead avoidance necklace.
It was disposable and very expensive, but it lasts for two hours and almost all undead would not target him for the duration.
It was not something an ordinary priest could get.
However, the man did not hesitate to activate the necklace and then pass magical power through the crystal ball.
Then, the sound of shattering glass echoed around him.
The crystal ball did not break, but purple smoke spewed out to the extent that it seemed to have been compressed inside, covering the area.
After a while, undead, mainly skeletons, emerged from the smoke.
In the thousands.
Thousands of undead spawned as they fill the fifth-floor basement.
"It was earlier than planned, but it can't be helped. Fufufu, this will destroy the sanctum and the royal capital will be in turmoil."
The man's lips twisted in a grin and he muttered to himself.
But his mutter froze.
Behind the undead, another being appeared.
"Why … only undead should appear."
With the flash of a hand … the man's head was sliced off, and those were his last words.
-x-X-x-
With Sera taking the lead, Abel and Ryo passed through the gate of the 『Autonomous Region』 and entered the courtyard.
As they saw from the front, the courtyard was surrounded by buildings on all sides.
As though it was designed for training and mock combat …
They saw people walking toward them from the end of the courtyard.
One was a woman in her mid-thirties. Behind her, a man around 20 years old.
Both had slightly pointed ears … indicating that they were elves.
And both were beautiful.
Elves generally had the appearances of beautiful men and women.
That was a fact.
"Welcome home, Sera."
The woman smiled and called out.
"Baba-sama? The elder who came to the royal capital is Baba-sama?"
Then Sera bowed deeply.
Seeing that, Abel and Ryo also bowed in a hurry.
"Baba-sama, this is Abel, an adventurer of Rune."
"Abel … Sir?"
Baba looked a little suspicious of Sera's introduction.
"It is 『Adventurer Abel』."
Sera once again emphasized 『Adventurer』 and 『Abel』.
"I-I see. Welcome Abel, the Autonomous Region."
Baba-sama understood something and greeted him with a slight smile.
Ryo seemed to be dealing with his overturned concept that 『Elves are reclusive』 from his light novel knowledge.
Of course, the root of such light novel knowledge on Earth was probably the Elves made by JRR Tolkien …
He's definitely a person who had reincarnated from another world to Earth.
(There are facts and mistakes in all stories …)
Ryo thought deeply.
After Abel's introduction, Baba-sama's eyes firmly caught Ryo's body.
As though she was drawn to Ryo, tightly …
"This is Ryo, also an adventurer from the City of Rune."
Sera introduces Ryo as usual.
"I'm Ryo."
Even after Ryo greeted her, Baba-sama didn't react. She remained frozen.
The young man behind Baba-sama looked at Baba-sama and called out to her.
"Baba-sama?"
Baba reacted as if she felt a jolt.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I was captivated."
Hearing a woman in her mid-thirties speak like an old woman made Ryo feel uncomfortable but … no one else seemed to be reacting to it so he wondered was it just him?
"Captivated?"
Sera's eyes narrowed a little and asked Baba-sama.
"Yeah. No, rather than being captivated by him … I was captivated by the robe that Ryo is wearing. It is an unexpected joy to be able to see it again while I still live."
Baba-sama looked at Ryo's robe from top to bottom many times.
"Baba-sama … I understand your feelings, but that is probably unpleasant for Ryo."
Sera finally raised her voice and obstructed her.
"Muu …. It's been 2,000 years since I encountered the fairy king's robe. I can't help but get a little excited …"
Baba-sama puffed her cheeks a little and argued with Sera.
(For the first time in 2,000 years … Baba-sama, how old are you …)
Ryo did not directly ask the honest question that rose in his heart.
However, Abel's mouth, standing next to Ryo, was a little loose.
"2000 years …"
"That … can I call you Baba-sama …?"
Ryo asked cautiously.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I've been a little too impolite."
Then, Baba-sama looked at Ryo's face.
And she froze once again.
"E-eh?"
Ryo was a little taken aback. He turned to look at Sera.
The message 'help' was written in his gaze.
"Ryo, don't worry. Baba-sama just realized Ryo's true value. She'll return to herself after a little while."
But it wasn't just Ryo who was startled.
The young man behind Baba was also startled by Baba-sama's unusual appearance.
Then, following Baba-sama's line of sight, he ended up on Ryo's face.
And he understood that Baba-sama's condition was due to Ryo.
He was generally right, but … there were many different ways to interpret matters in this world.
"You! What did you do to Baba-sama!"
The young man's anger began to rise like a fiery fire.
(Th-this is a light novel-like template development where a young man gets angry and slashes at me! So far, many template developments failed to come to fruition, but will it finally happen!?)
Ryo was thinking in his heart.
And so, he laughed a little … Of course, that resulted in fanning the youth's anger.
"What are you laughing at!"
Then, the young man pulled out his sword and slashed at Ryo … he couldn't.
Of course, Sera wouldn't allow that.
The moment the young man started running toward Ryo, she thrust from the side and slammed her right fist against the young man's right hand, which clenched his sword.
The bones of his index finger, middle finger, and ring finger that were sandwiched between Sera's fist and the sword broke.
Before the young man made a sound, she hooked his right foot and tripped the young man.
The young man who was now on the ground held his right hand and moaned in pain.
There was no expression on Sera's face as she stared at him.
That scuffle caused Baba-sama to return to herself.
She was surprised to see the young man rolling on the ground, tilted her head once when she saw Sera, saw the sword he had dropped, and seemed to understand what had happened.
"Roxley … this fool. Ryo, my youngster has been rude to you."
Then Baba-sama bowed deeply.
Ryo, who was expecting a template development, was disappointed that it didn't happen.
And he looked pitifully at the young man Roxley, who was struck down by Sera.
And then he was apologized to by Baba-sama, so he was a little flustered.
"Oh no, don't worry about it."
"Roxley is still too young … he can't feel Ryo's splendor."
Baba-sama shook her head and said.
"Ryo's splendor…"
"Abel, depending on what you say next, you may have to say goodbye to the world."
"No, I'm wasn't going to say anything else …"
While saying that, Abel's eyes behaved suspiciously.
"Thank you, Sera."
The three of them and Baba-sama were on their way from the courtyard to the reception room.
Roxley, the young man who was struck by Sera, was taken to a first aid room by another Elf.
"I brought Ryo here but you were met with danger. I'm sorry."
On the contrary, Sera bowed and apologized in response to Ryo's words of gratitude.
"No, it's strange that Sera is apologizing for helping me."
Ryo smiled when he said that.
When she saw that, her expression that had sunk in the courtyard, bloomed into a smile like a flower.
(Yeah, Sera looks best with a smile)
Ryo nodded in his heart.
The reception room was well furnished.
It was about two ranks higher than Hugh's, the guild master of Rune, reception room, which he's been to several times … Ryo thought to himself.
All four of them sat down, tea was served, and after a break, Sera spoke.
"Baba-sama, why did you come to the royal capital?"
Sera had been skeptical since she received the letter.
The timing was too coincidental as it coincides with Sera's trip to the royal capital.
However, Baba-sama's answer was surprising.
"I came because of divination. There is a sign of turmoil in the royal capital. And that if I go, I would have a wonderful encounter. That wonderful encounter would be Ryo. It certainly was a wonderful encounter."
Of the four, Abel was the least talkative.
That was because it is not possible for humans to feel the 『Nourishment source』 from Ryo's 『Fairy factor』 and because he had little knowledge of the 『Fairy king's robe』.
However, he could not overlook Baba-sama's words.
"Did you say that the royal capital is facing turmoil now?"
Ryo didn't know, but Abel was the second son of the King.
Sera was actually aware.
And Baba-sama, who once saw Abel at the royal palace, was aware of that too.
Therefore, she expected Abel's question.
"Yes. Of course, it was divination. I don't know the details. But no matter what is happening, there are only a few Elves out of the forest in the royal capital. I came because I thought it would be easier to deal with various things if I was here."
According to Baba-sama, there were currently more than fifty Elves in the royal capital.
Considering that there was only one Elf in the City of Rune, that was comparatively quite a number.
It was simply due to the expansion of the Autonomous Region.
In the past, some joined the Knights of the Kingdom, but now there were none, and it seemed that about 20 Elves were studying at the Magic University.
The others worked and trained within the Autonomous Region.
"No one joined the Knights Order …"
"Unfortunately, it seems that the core is not so good."
Baba-sama answered Abel's question with a frown.
The Elves also knew that the Knights Order was in a hopeless state.
"Well, for that reason, if Sera is in the royal capital, I was wondering if you could train the Elves while you remain here. Isn't the Rune Knights Order Sera is instructing said to be the elite? I wonder if you could show my children even a part of that."
Baba-sama turned to Sera and said.
"Looking at Roxley, I think it's better to train their minds first …"
Sera's words were harsh.
It seemed that his attack on Ryo came to mind.
"Ye-yes … I'm sorry. That's what I'm thinking about too …"
Baba-sama answered while scratching her cheek.
"Well, for the sake of argument, if Ryo was slashed by that sword … Baba-sama, what were you going to do?"
"I can't answer that even if you ask."
"Even if it would cause the collapse of the world?"
(Eh? What kind of position do I have … in this world?)
Sera said something immense with a straight face.
And Ryo was confused.
"So Ryo … is someone who supports the world …"
"No, I don't think that is the case …"
Both Abel and Ryo couldn't understand the conversation about the world at all.
In the end, Sera agreed to train the Elven Autonomous Region for about three days.
"First, I must drill perseverance into their brains …"
Ryo and Abel, who heard Sera's mutter, prayed for those who were to be trained.
Ryo and Abel split up with Sera and went home.
"Does Ryo have a place to stay?"
"Yes. I was told that I was free to use the annex of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Ju for about a week. I could inform the embassy if I wanted to extend beyond that."
Ryo answered Abel's question, thinking of Prince Willy's face.
"Kingdom of Ju? You have another connection with a rare place. That's a country further east from where Ryo was, the Inbury Duchy. How did you form that kind of connection …"
Abel shook his head many times and said.
"A lot of things happened. Really, a lot of things …"
Ryo remembered the journey from the Inbury Duchy to the royal capital as he replied.
"Shit!"
Suddenly Ryo shouted.
"W-what's wrong?"
Abel was surprised by the sudden cry and asked.
"I forgot to ask that elder Baba-sama about the floating continent."
Ryo said with a very depressed look.
"Oh … I see, it's okay."
Abel placed his hand on Ryo's shoulder and sighed as if he was tired.
Author's note:
*Whisper* The collapse of (Sera's) world …
-x-X-x-
The next day.
Abel visited the Royal Alchemy Workshop with Ryo who met him at the Kingdom Magic Institute in the morning.
Thanks to having made an appointment yesterday, the alchemist Baron Kenneth Hayward was in the workshop.
Ryo and Kenneth quickly opened up and began talking about alchemy.
Abel returned to the Kingdom Magic Institute as soon as he was done with his task.
When he entered Ilarion's office on the top floor, there were more people than when he left in the morning.
About seven people.
"Oh, Abel, sorry for the intrusion."
The leader, the Hero Roman, saw Abel had returned and greeted him.
"O-oh."
Abel could only return that answer.
Finding Rin, who had stayed in the house, he asked why the number of people increased.
"Oh … they left Flitwick's residence."
Rin heard that Nancy, the secretary of Viscount Othniel Fletcher, who manages the Duke's residence, was the cause of yesterday's conflict.
She made Gordon attack Abel in the guise of being injured by Abel.
But when things were over, Nancy wasn't there anymore.
Everyone searched around for a while, but couldn't find her.
Upon returning to the Duke's residence, they heard that Nancy was found to be a foreign spy and was sent to the Duke City of Carlyle.
After one night, Hero Roman said he could no longer trust Viscount Fletcher so the whole party left the Duke's residence.
By the way, Gordon remained crouched in the corner of the room since arriving there.
"Roman is a Hero so he has strong intuition or premonition ability. Their priest Graham said that."
"I see … So that's why they are here now …"
Ilarion's office was quite large, but when the number of people increases from three to ten, it felt like it had increased quite significantly.
The original three were Abel, Rin, and Warren.
Rihya was still in the Sanctum and Ilarion had gone out three days ago and hadn't returned yet.
"Sheesh … where did gramps go?"
"By the way, I remember the fast messenger from Stonelake coming and leaving a message … I remember him looking through that message and muttering 『Ryo』."
Rin replied to Abel's monologue, remembering the day Ilarion went out.
"Ryo?"
"Yeah, but Ryo is in the royal capital …"
"Yeah. He's talking about alchemy with Kenneth at the Alchemy Workshop right now …"
As they were talking about that, suddenly they heard a mechanical sound from a corner of the room.
If Ryo heard it, he might have said 'London air raid warning!'.
However, it was the first time those who were there heard the sound.
"What?"
"What is that?"
While Rin and Abel were flustered, the door opened and Ilarion's secretary Sura entered.
Then he went to a corner of the room and pressed the button on the box there, and the air raid warning sound stopped.
"This is Ilarion House. Please go ahead."
Sura spoke to the box.
Then, a voice came back from the box.
It reminded Abel of the alchemy ball he had at the time of the infiltration.
It was a machine that picked up voices and delivered them to an alchemy box in a remote place.
"This is the Sanctum. It's an emergency. Many things that aren't humans are overflowing from the basement of the temple. If nothing is done, they will overflow to the royal capital. Please help us immediately."
Abel turned to Sura and nodded immediately.
And when he looked at the Hero Roman, he nodded too.
"Currently, Ilarion is absent. However, the B-rank party Crimson Sword and the Hero Roman party are heading there as reinforcements."
Crimson Sword and the Hero party jump out of the room faster than Sura ended his reply.
However, as he left the room, Abel asked Sura to convey a message.
"Contact Ryo at the Royal Alchemy Workshop."
Gordon, who was crouching in the corner of the room, stood up and ran after them.
The Sanctum of Crystal Palace, the royal capital.
The center of worship of the Goddess of Light in the Kingdom of Knightley.
Located almost in the center of the royal capital, it was a place visited by ordinary citizens, aristocrats and royalty for prayer day and night.
The innermost and northernmost 『Silent Room』 in the Sanctum … with a dome-shaped high ceiling, it was an oval room with a radius of about 50 meters.
In the center of it was a crypt, a staircase leading down to the catacombs.
Currently, a battle was taking place in front of the stairs that go up from the second basement floor to the first basement floor.
"Kuh, no, we can't hold them back any longer."
"Monk squad retreat! Bombardment support accordingly!"
The 『Monks』 in the Kingdom were warrior monks.
Those who devote themselves to the Goddess of Light and continue to fight.
Some priests, such as Rihya from 『Crimson Sword』 and Etho from 『Room No. 10』, do participate in battle as adventurers, but they are at most rearguards.
However, 『Monks』 are vanguards who wear armor, hold staffs that have received holy blessings, and fight at the forefront.
Rarely, some work as adventurers, but most spend their lives in temples.
Therefore, although they cannot be said to have abundant combat experience, they were still a valuable force to hold the front line of this Sanctum defense line.
"Bombardment, release!"
"
A dozen or so spears of light were released.
Each spear of light pierced several bodies.
The spears efficiently defeated their enemies without overlapping targets.
It was proof that they had gained experience in communicating their intent through the withdrawal battle from the fourth basement floor to the end of the first basement floor.
However, Rihya, the commander, was feeling quite anxious.
(Although we should have thinned their numbers considerably … the pressure does not seem to have decreased at all.)
Even if you defeat wave after wave, monsters kept appearing … Yes, it was like a Great Tidal Bore.
(Behind us is the first basement floor … even if we continue with a withdrawing battle, it will be difficult once we exit to the Silent Room … it is too wide.)
They had managed to take advantage of the narrowness of the catacombs and the narrowness of the stairs to reduce the contact area with the monsters and managed to persevere. But if they exit to the Silent Room which was oval-shaped, they would succumb to the pressure of numbers.
However, if they could defeat these enemies before they reach that point …
(First, that's impossible.)
Rihya thought in her heart, but never expressed her thoughts in her expression.
Once the commander shows weakness, the unit would immediately lose power.
If the commander says it's impossible to win, the battle can never be won.
If the commander had no confidence, the unit would be pushed back.
The commander plays such an important role.
In the first place, Rihya was in charge of the battle because she was appointed by Gabriel, the High Priest who was in charge of the Sanctum of the royal capital.
Originally, it would be most appropriate for the highest-ranking priest to take command.
With the authority of the High Priest, everyone who belongs to the Sanctum would obey.
However, Gabriel knew that he had no ability and experience in combat command.
In the first place, he was not good at fighting and had not had many experiences of endangering his own life.
Such a person could not calmly take command … moreover in a battle against a considerable number of monsters.
When Gabriel, the High Priest, realized that, he suddenly looked sideways.
There, Rihya stood, showing a dignified expression and strength of will, looking at those inhuman monsters.
He knew that Rihya was once called a saintess.
After all, Gabriel himself appointed Rihya as a saintess.
Gabriel could only think that it was just god's will that Rihya was there at that moment.
That's why he appointed her as the combat commander.
And, under Rihya, he led the artillery unit, following her instructions in full.
That sight made even those who were surprised that Rihya was appointed as combat commander agree to fight under Rihya.
Coupled with Rihya's fame as a saintess, the support of Gabriel, the High Priest, and the full support of Monk Captain Gwain, they managed to hold the defense without failing.
"Preparing for bombardment. After bombardment, Monk Squad will charge once more."
"Yes!"
The Monk squad responded.
As expected of warrior monks. Their morale was still high.
"Bombardment, fire!"
"
It defeated a considerable number of enemies, mainly skeletons.
Some of them were goblins for some reason …
(Really … why are there goblins? I would understand if it is a monster within the bone type such as a skeleton or a spirit type like a Wraith … it's a crypt after all. Of course, I've heard of that happening before. But I don't understand how goblins appear here … where did they come from? And …)
"Ogre!"
The monk squad that charged after the bombardment shouted.
(Yeah! Ogres. How are Ogres, which are two and a half meters tall, found in this crypt with a ceiling which is only a little over two meters high at most …?)
An Ogre with a height of about 2 meters and 50 centimeters … would have to walk hunched in this catacomb.
Therefore, it could utilize neither its size nor its strength.
However, since they have terribly high durability, just a single Ogre causes the annihilation speed on the human side to rise sharply.
And as they spend time dealing with it, the monsters lagging behind would catch up.
(We can't advance forward and it has to be a withdrawing battle …. Both the monk squad and the artillery squad have high morale, but their physical strength and magical power are not infinite. Why has the Kingdom's Knights' Order not arrived yet? They should have been contacted first? The Knights' Station is just around the corner …)
Thinking so, Rihya looked toward Gabriel, the High Priest.
Gabriel also understood what Rihya wanted, but … shook his head.
In other words, the Knights have not come yet.
Rihya clenched her teeth, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
Deep breathing to calm down was very effective.
Then opened her eyes and gave instructions.
"Once you have defeated the Ogre, the monk squad will retreat for now. Bombard the enemy if they pursue."
Even in the withdrawing battle, she bought as much time as possible between the second basement floor and the first floor until reinforcements arrived.
Rihya's policy was consistent.
In front of the stairs from the second to the first basement floor, they were able to hold back for a considerable amount of time compared to the battle below the third basement floor.
However, they were finally reaching their limit.
"Abandon the second basement floor. The monk squad will suppress the enemy at the stairs. The artillery squad will withdraw to the first basement floor, the middle of the floor, and assume bombardment positions. After you are in position, the monk squad will also retreat to the center of the first floor."
"Roger that!"
Up to this point, there had been quite a few injured personnel, mainly in the Monk squad, but miraculously no one had died.
Of course, because everyone was a priest, any injury would be healed quickly.
Therefore, they were fighting with virtually no damage suffered.
Originally, such a battle was impossible, but the advantage of the battle zone and the large number of priests made it possible.
Also, it may be that Rihya's command was focused on 『minimizing sacrifice and buying time』.
However, Rihya knew that the physical strength of the Monk squad and the magical power of the artillery squad were both close to the limit.
Even if she knew it, there was nothing she could do about it.
Buy time and wait for reinforcements such as the Kingdom's Knights' Order … there was no other way.
"Artillery squad, withdrawal complete. Monk squad, retreat to the center of the first floor."
According to her command, the monk squad that was holding down the enemy at the stairs retreated to the first basement floor and ran to the center.
The first was Captain Gwain, and the last was Deputy Captain Chase.
Both of them had overstretched their physical bodies at the forefront.
In other words, the two had expended the most physical and mental strength.
Captain Gwain arrived at the center of the first floor in a stumble.
However, at the rear, the last person suddenly fell.
Deputy Captain Chase had collapsed.
By the time Rihya noticed, a Hobgoblin was just behind Chase.
Rihya tried to chant Light Javelin.
However, her arm was grabbed from behind to stop her.
At that moment, she heard a chant.
"O Wind, Become a blade that cuts through the enemy by the will of the wind
At the same time, she saw a Swordsman running past like the wind.
The Air Slash Rin released sliced through the head of the Hobgoblin without missing.
Almost at the same time, Abel arrived at Deputy Captain Chase and returned to Rihya with Chase on his shoulder.
"Abel …"
Rihya's eyes were full of tears and they almost spilled out.
"We made you wait, Rihya."
It was the reinforcements that the priests had been waiting for.
-x-X-x-
Abel and Hero Roman fought at the forefront and Rin, Alicia, Bellrock, Graham, and, the Fire-Attribute Magician still in shock by the disappearance of Nancy, Gordon bombarded with spells.
Meanwhile, the priests who had fought the entire time finally could have a break and focused on recovery.
Although only five people were focusing on bombardments, it was Rin, a Wind-Attribute Magician from a B-rank party, and the Magicians from the Hero party.
Priests were not suited for attacks in the first place so it could be said the reinforcements had sufficient firepower.
Furthermore, although only two people were fighting on the front line, they were the genius Swordsman Abel and the Hero Roman.
Their fight was heroic.
"Amazing..."
It was hard to tell who said that.
However, that word represented the feelings of all the resting priests.
In the first place, not only the priests but also the High Priest Gabriel could not comprehend why the Hero was there.
Eventually, he gave up and assumed it was God's grace, just as how Rihya was there.
At such times, those who serve God have an advantage.
Because God could take all responsibility.
"It's like a Great Tidal Bore."
"Yes, you're right."
Despite focusing on the bombardment, Rin had the leeway to speak to Rihya because the two people on the front line possessed the greatest physical strength in humankind.
And Rihya, who had been in command while fraught with nerves the entire time since the withdrawing battle on the 4th basement floor, could finally take a break.
"Isn't a Great Tidal Bore the phenomenon where monsters spring up endlessly from a dungeon?"
Alicia, who heard the conversation, entered the conversation.
"Yes. About half a year ago? It happened for the first time in ten years in the dungeon in the City of Rune, where we are based. But this is not a dungeon, isn't it?"
"Yes. It's just an underground tomb. Up to the fifth basement floor, there are only remains of the great priests, saints, and saintess of the ages."
Rin answered and Rihya explained that it was just an underground tomb.
There were mummies but it was essentially different from a dungeon.
"Does that mean it is connected to somewhere else …"
Alicia nodded as she continued.
"Is that possible?"
Rin was surprised and asked Alicia.
"Humans can't do that and I've never heard of such an item … But in the past, a being appeared in front of us. How do I put it … it felt as though it split through space. It wasn't human but it understood our speech. We made an altar to summon and defeat the Demon Lord, but it appeared instead. Since that's possible, I think it's possible to connect this basement with another place."
Alicia recalled the Akuma Leonor in her head.
Rin and Rihya could not comprehend it but somehow they could understand that it was a ridiculous existence.
Without any connection to the conversation, Rihya remembered something and looked back at the High Priest Gabriel, who was resting behind her and asked.
"Why didn't the Knights come, High Priest?"
Yes, when this happened, the Kingdom's Knights' Order was the first to be contacted by the Sanctum.
However, no one came yet.
In the first place, the Kingdom's Knights' Order was only three blocks away from there.
Even if they ran in armor, they should be able to arrive within 30 minutes.
"I felt it was strange too and I confirmed it earlier, but it seems that they officially refused to be dispatched."
"Hah?"
Gabriel, the High Priest, replied with a frown, and Rihya replied with a hysteric voice.
"What are the Knights thinking …"
"They said that the Knight's role is to protect the King. It has truly become a hopeless organization after that Knight-Captain took up the position."
Rihya was astounded, and Gabriel, the High Priest, was even more exasperated.
Two hours after Abel's group arrived.
The priests who had recovered to some extent took turns and they had continued the fight to push it back to the center of the first basement floor.
With their battle strength in good order, there was no further need for a withdrawing battle.
But still, there was no end to the monsters.
Abel and Hero Roman defeated quite a few enemies on the front line but the corpses would be dragged back whenever they were not looking.
Abel's plan to create a wall of corpses once they defeat a lot of them was too naive.
"This is really endless. Roman, are you still okay?"
"Yes. It's not a problem yet. But I'm worried about the magical power of the Magicians firing bombardment shots."
Hero Roman answered Abel's question.
Abel glanced at the expression of Rin, who was in the bombardment squad.
She would not run out of magical power right away but he felt that she was approaching her limit.
He could tell because they fought together in a party.
Abel and Roman retreated and the Monk squad replaced them.
During that time, Abel called out to Rin.
"Rin, save your magical power … I want to tell you to but I guess it's a little late now?"
"Well, yeah. Magicians can't keep fighting for such a long time. The Magicians from the Hero party next to me have more magical power remaining, but I think they are close to depletion too."
Rin answered Abel's question quietly.
Abel looked at the Magicians of the Hero Party.
Certainly, even in Abel's eyes, he could tell that they were approaching the limits of their magical power.
"That's bad. Did someone call Ryo?"
"Ryo?"
"Yeah, with him around, it would be a little easier."
Abel sighed when he said that.
At that moment, he heard a voice from behind.
"
The enemies that the Monk squad was facing were beheaded one after another.
"
In addition, the entire area up to the stairs to the second basement floor turned to ice.
Not only the Monk squad but everyone there stopped moving due to the sudden development.
"Abel, you can't grow as a Swordsman if you always thinking about having it easier, you know?"
Ryo, the strongest Water-Attribute Magician as far as Abel knows, appeared.
"You're late, Ryo."
"Even if you say that, I had a lot to do."
Abel grumbled while Ryo complained that he was busy.
"As far as I can tell, the Magicians are on the verge of running out of magical power. What do you want to do? Should I set up ice walls so that they come out one by one and Abel can defeat them on your own?"
"Why is it only me? Even in the Hero party, Roman still has plenty of stamina."
When Abel said so, Ryo also looked toward the Hero Roman.
"That's true. He's brimming with energy."
Ryo looked at Roman and nodded.
"O-Oh, you're the one who arbitrated yesterday, right? Thank you for that."
The Hero Roman bowed his head.
It was doubtful that the conversation was appropriate for the occasion, but expressing gratitude and apology was essential for smooth communication.
"It's okay, don't worry about it."
"Yeah, don't you think it's a little weird to say that at this time?"
Ryo was humble while Abel retorted.
"For the time being, the people who are fighting in front … the knights of the temple? Have them fall back and rest. They appear quite tired as well."
According to Ryo's opinion, the Monk squad should fall back and have proper rest.
"Hey Ryo, you froze everything, but what are you planning to do?"
"What do you mean?"
Ryo asked back without understanding the intention of Abel's question.
"They die once frozen, right?"
"The goblins and orcs are dead. But undead like skeletons … it's hard to say if they died."
"Yeah, well, I don't think it matters much … I think there will be more coming from the second basement floor …"
After saying that, they could see more monsters coming up the stairs leading to the second basement floor.
"Skeletons walking in a world of ice … that's quite a surreal image."
Ryo said in a monologue.
"I envy that carefree attitude."
Abel sighed loudly.
"But we shouldn't spend so much time here. Abel and Roman should annihilate the monsters in front. I will deal with the enemies who slip by or support the two of you. In the meantime, the other Magicians should devote themselves to recover their magical power."
Ryo said the last line to Rihya and Gabriel, the High Priest.
Of course, he didn't know Gabriel, the High priest, but because he wore the finest attire, he decided that he had the highest authority.
"Yes, if Ryo can do that, please."
Rihya nodded and gave the go-ahead.
With that as a signal, Abel and Roman charged forward and the two of them began their annihilation battle again.
"Oh, this is amazing. Both of you are amazing."
Ryo's impression came from behind as he watched the movements of the two.
Most of the monsters that attacked were defeated by the two.
The few that escaped from the two's hands were beheaded by Ryo's water jet.
The extra-fine lines of water were so thin and so invisible that to most eyes, it seemed as though the monsters' heads suddenly fell off.
However, it was also a fact that the annihilation battle Abel, Roman, and Ryo showed gave the people present an absolute sense of security.
At last, those who fought felt that they could see a possible future.
A while after Ryo joined.
Ryo suddenly turned to Rihya and Gabriel, the High Priest.
"Is there a passage leading to another place along the way?"
"There shouldn't be …"
"No … why?"
Both Rihya and the High Priest Gabriel replied no to Ryo's question.
"Somehow, I feel that the number that appeared has decreased … Is it because the number itself has decreased?"
"Then, I wonder if it will be over soon."
Rin replied happily to Ryo's mutter.
"Ah."
At that time, High Priest Gabriel exclaimed a little.
Ryo, Rihya, and Rin looked at Gabriel.
"The third basement floor leads to the basement of the old monastery. But there are three doors along the way, all with sacred seals."
Gabriel, the High Priest, said as it came to mind.
"I did not know..."
Rihya was surprised as she didn't know about it.
"Yes, that's expected. It's not used at all. In the first place, the monastery was relocated so I don't think anyone has confirmed that the passage itself is still there since then."
Gabriel, the High Priest, nodded.
"What is at that old monastery ground now?"
"Now … it is the second training ground of the Kingdom's Knights' Order."
"If they tear through there and went through that side, I guess it won't be a problem since it is the training ground for the Knights?"
In response to Gabriel's answer, Ryo decided to concentrate on dealing with what was in front of him with peace of mind.
Was it unfortunate that the standard of 『Knights』 that Ryo thought was the Knights of the Margrave of Rune?
Leaving aside the former Kingdom's Knights' Order, the current Kingdom's Knights' Order was …