When it happened, there were sixty knights in the second training ground of the Kingdom's Knights' Order.
Thirty were at the outdoor training ground.
The remaining thirty were in the indoor break room.
The entire building shook and normally the thirty people in the break room would wonder what was going on … but they didn't.
This was because more than half of the thirty people were drunk.
Knights' Order members who drown in alcohol in daytime … with the top rotten, the bottom also rots.
That was a truth that doesn't change in any world, at any time, or in any organization.
About ten people who were not drunk left the break room.
There they saw a horde of skeletons, wraiths, goblins, hobgoblins, orcs, and ogres overflowing from the storage room at the back of the hallway.
None of the Knights were able to react to the approaching scene of hopelessness.
They were swallowed without doing anything, without even pulling out their swords.
Let alone the twenty drunk people.
The monsters that rushed into the break room swallowed the twenty of them in no time.
The storage room at the back of the corridor … When this building was a monastery, it was the room that was connected to the Sanctum via the basement.
Of course, the Knights didn't know that.
Regardless of whether they knew about it or not, nothing would have changed.
The monsters overflowing from the building headed for the thirty Knights who were practicing outdoors.
It was as though they were drawn to the living … the principle of action for the undead.
The monsters other than skeletons and wraiths acted the same way too.
The thirty Knights who were outdoors resisted to some extent.
Of course, that was only compared to those who were indoors, and everyone was swallowed in less than two minutes.
Hundreds and thousands of monsters headed further north.
To the first training ground of the Kingdom's Knights' Order.
There, thirty Knights were doing basic training, but … they couldn't resist at all and was swallowed.
Even considering that it was a surprise attack, their lack of resistance did not seem to match their status as the elite of the Kingdom.
The monsters that swallowed the first training ground advanced further north.
Finally, they headed to the Knights' Order guard station.
The Knights' Order guard station.
Along with the Knights' Headquarters in the Royal Castle, it was the most important base of the Kingdom's Knights' Order and the place where many executives reside.
Therefore, guards were on duty at various entrances.
Of course, the guards at the entrances were not drunk.
They couldn't act foolishly as long as they could come in contact with not only the Knights but also external people.
Also, considering that in some cases royalty and national heavyweights also visit, the most decent of the current Knights may be the guards at the entrances.
As expected, their reactions were quick.
When they saw the monsters approaching, they rang the bell according to regulation.
It was a bell that signaled the occurrence of an abnormal situation.
At least now the Knights in the guard station would not be surprised … if they were decent.
Unfortunately, the relaxed Knights couldn't feel any tension even after they heard the bell.
Moreover, the momentum of the monsters was tremendous, and they almost did not allow any resistance from the entrance guards and swallowed the guards and the bell.
This stopped the sounding of the bell.
The sound of the bell that stopped too quickly made them think 'Oh, it was probably a mistake.'
The relaxed Knights decided so and continued their work.
Of course, there was a closed gate at the entrance where the guards were, but it was easily broken through by the Ogres mixed within the horde.
In the first place, this was not a remote area. It was the royal capital.
It was no exaggeration to say that it was the farthest place in the Kingdom from monster attacks.
Even if it was the gate of the Knights' guard station, it was designed to be hard for humans to break.
Such a gate was negligible in front of an Ogre.
The Knights in the guard station noticed the incident only after the monsters invaded the building.
At last, resistance in the corridors began.
In the corridors and stairs, it was possible for one or two people to resist.
However, they were also eliminated one after another by the influx of violence.
By the time all humans were eliminated from the hallways on the first floor and all the rooms, the stairs to the second floor had been abandoned halfway.
It was a coincidence that the Knight-Captain Baccara, who was usually in the Knights' Headquarters in the Royal Castle, came to this Knights' guard station.
He just came to pick up his personal belongings in the Knight-Captain's Office on the fourth floor of the station.
However, it backfired on him that he drank a little of the vintage wine that he had in the office and was slow on the uptake.
By the time Baccara noticed the incident, the second floor was already a battlefield.
Only then did a Knight come to the office to report.
"Knight-Captain, skeletons and ogres are attacking the guard station."
It was a report that anyone who knew all the circumstances would laugh scornfully at.
First of all, he would have been told, 'Only now!?'.
Then, he would have been asked, 'Why did you choose skeletons and ogres over everything else?'.
In the end, he would have been laughed at, 'It's too late now'.
While reporting, the battle on the second floor was over, and soon they began to hear the sounds of battle coming from the third floor below them.
At that point, the Knight-Captain Baccara thought of escaping through the window.
He didn't even consider going down to the third floor and taking command of the battle.
However, if he jumped off the fourth floor, he would be seriously injured even if he did not die.
Moreover, there were monsters outside the building and they were looking up.
While Baccara was hesitating, the sound of the battle was beginning to come from right next to them, that was, from the corridor on the fourth floor.
At that point, Baccara finally pulled out his sword.
At the same time, the door was torn open and something jumped in.
Baccara swung his sword down without thinking.
He cut down the goblin with a swing.
As a Knight, Baccara was by no means incompetent.
However, as the Knight-Captain, he had relaxed a little too much.
Was the fact that his sword stopped just after cutting down a goblin proof?
Immediately, an axe flew and pierced Baccara's chest.
Blood spouted from his mouth.
He involuntarily knelt. He looked up immediately, but it was too late.
The last sight Baccara saw was a hobgoblin swinging its sword down.
Count Baccara Toe, Count of Weir, 38 years old.
The monsters that gained full control of the Knights' Order guard station were finally released into the royal capital streets.
-x-X-x-
Autonomous Region.
A liaison region in the royal capital for the elves that live in the 『West Forest』.
Due to the relocation and expansion five years ago, it had moved to a corner of the aristocratic district, and currently, about 25 elves were residing in it.
Fifteen of them, who were considered to be elite among the residents, were being trained by a woman who had been staying since yesterday.
It had only been less than a day, but when they saw the woman, there was fear and dread … don't worry about how both words have similar meanings.
After training more than yesterday in the morning, they somehow tried to down their lunch.
They already knew that they wouldn't last during training in the afternoon if they didn't eat.
After a lunch break, they came out to the courtyard and found the woman, Sera, on the road in front of the Autonomous Region.
Roxley, who had a bitter experience with Sera yesterday, approached her.
Of course, Roxley, like the other elves, looked at Sera with fear and dread, but at the same time, he began to admire her strength.
It's unclear if that was the reason he approached her.
Recognizing the approaching Roxley, Sera called out.
"Roxley, is that kind of event popular in the royal capital these days?"
At the point where Sera was looking at, a creature about three meters tall was coming toward them with what looked like a club in its hand.
Upon closer examination, it was an Ogre.
"No … there isn't such an event … it looks like an Ogre … an Ogre in the royal capital?"
A monster on the road of the royal capital … it was an absurd sight.
That was why Sera asked, but it was a scene that even Roxley couldn't understand.
"I'll have the pleasure of slaying it if it continues on its path and attacks but …"
Sera muttered terrifying words, which Roxley could hear.
However, Roxley pretended not to hear it.
Somehow, it smelled dangerous.
At that moment, Sara suddenly turned to look at the road behind her.
From there, she saw people chased by something and running desperately to escape.
The beings chasing them …
"Orcs?"
Height that was about the same as humans. A monster with a pig's head, a little stronger than a goblin.
"I see, something abnormal is happening."
Sera murmured, drawing her waist sword and giving instructions.
"Roxley, save those who are fleeing and shelter them in the Autonomous Region. I will defeat the Ogre."
In addition, she raised a loud voice toward the courtyard.
"An emergency has occurred! Teams 1 and 2 are to defend the road. Help those who are fleeing. Team 3 is to prepare all the stored weapons in the courtyard. Call Baba-sama as soon as possible."
After shouting out commands, without verifying if any of the elves moved to action, she charged at the Ogre on her own.
With a height close to 3 meters tall, it was difficult to behead it as it was.
Simply because the position of the neck was too high up.
Recognizing that Sera was heading towards it, the Ogre raised its club and swung it down.
Sara ran past the right side of the Ogre and cut its knee.
When the Ogre knelt and his head lowered, his head was sliced off from behind.
Her appearance of defeating the Ogre without any danger was imprinted in the eyes of all the elves of the first and second teams who were building a line of defense on the road.
No one said a word.
Just as Sera returned to the line of defense that was being set up, Baba-sama ran out of the courtyard.
"I heard that there are monsters?"
Baba-sama looked around while asking Sera.
The carcasses of Orcs and the Ogre, or broken skeleton bones, were already scattered on the road.
"I can't imagine this happening in the royal capital …"
Baba-sama remembered the divination that spoke of 『Signs of unrest in the royal capital』.
Perhaps it was referring to this.
"Baba-sama, maybe we could shelter the people on the road and those fleeing in the Autonomous Region. I have a feeling this won't end so quickly."
"Sure. This is the aristocratic part of town, so most of the aristocrats stay in their mansions, but … they would be in danger if they encounter this while they're out, so we'll protect them. As long as the end is nowhere in sight, it's better if we reserve our magical powers as much as possible."
Baba-sama nodded and responded to Sera's report and suggestions.
"From a distance then. Focus on killing with bow and arrow without allowing them to get close. Skeletons and Ogres cannot be killed with bow and arrow, so we'll deal with those with close combat or magic."
"That's right. Let's go with that policy."
In that way, a long defensive battle began at the Autonomous Region.
But that was only part of the turmoil that was occurring in various parts of the royal capital.
Viscount House of Westwood in the aristocratic town of the royal capital.
The Kingdom's Knights' Order Knights Zack Cooler and Scotty Cobook visited the Viscount's residence to deliver some documents from the order.
Originally, it was not a task that a Knight belonging to the Kingdom's Knights' Order would do, moreover by two Knights, but these two took the initiative in taking on this kind of work.
By no means did they like to buy and eat snacks after delivery, go to a cafe that interests them, or wander around the city … that was not the case.
"That's not true? Ahahahahaha …"
If pointed out, Zack would reply with such a dry laugh.
They would return a little late and they would just be assigned to patrol the city again so it didn't matter!
Basically, the security of the royal capital was carried out by the guards, an organization separate from the Knights' Order, together with the Knights.
But that day, they were late after leaving the Viscount's residence for another reason.
That was because the chef of the Viscount's residence asked them to sample the new dish.
The Viscount Westwood family had been known as a gourmand for generations.
In addition, Harvey, the current head of the family, had assumed the position of Chief of the State Guesthouse, and was responsible for the dishes served at the State Guesthouses in three locations in the Kingdom, including the royal capital.
In other words, in the Kingdom, 『Viscount Westwood』 was a position that could be said to be synonymous with 『gastronomy』.
The dishes served by the chef who manages Viscount Westwood's residence could be nothing but extraordinary.
If his wife asks them to sample such the chef's new work, no one could refuse it.
From the chef's point of view, he knew their names very well.
Because the chef's sister was the proprietress of the tavern 『A drowning man drowns in alcohol』.
『A drowning man drowns in alcohol』 was the favorite tavern of the 『Second Son Union』.
In fact, the members of the Second Son Union were recognized by the regulars as young people who could understand their taste.
They have been playing around since they were teenagers so their palates were refined.
Therefore, the chef requested the Viscount's wife to invite them to try the dish the moment he heard that they were coming.
Naturally, those two people could not resist.
Thus, they were having a good time in the dining room of the Viscount's residence, even though their delivery work was over.
As Zack and Scotty praised the chef's last new dessert, they heard a woman scream in the garden.
They looked at each other and ran into the garden with their swords.
In the garden, a maid sat on the ground.
The maid was looking at the gate of the Viscount's residence. A gate made by weaving thin iron rods.
When they looked at the gate, a skeleton was looking inside from the outside of the gate.
A real skeleton was not a sight seen before in the royal capital.
The first thing that went through their heads was, was it someone's prank? That was unavoidable.
However, when a second skeleton appeared, and it was a skeleton archer that fired an arrow at them … it was probably not someone's prank.
A skeleton archer's arrow would hurt and would even cause death if they were shot in a critical area.
That would not be a prank.
At this point, both of them had to admit that something unusual was happening.
They struck the archer's arrow with their sword and rushed to the gate.
Zack poked his sword through the gap between the iron rods that make up the gate and pierced the archer's forehead.
Scotty similarly pierced the remaining skeleton's forehead with his sword.
The two skeletons collapsed on the spot.
The most effective weapons against skeletons were blunt instruments such as clubs and mallets.
They would stop moving once you crushed their skulls.
However, swordsmen and spearmen preferred to pierce their skulls.
Of course, that was more difficult than it looked.
If the sword did not enter completely perpendicular to the bone, it would slip on the bone and fail to penetrate.
The two had better than ordinary skills as Swordsmen.
After they defeated the skeletons, they looked down the road through a gap on the gate.
Not only skeletons, but also goblins, hobgoblins, orcs, and even ogres were on the road.
"Hey … what's going on?"
"I don't know. I don't know but … I'm sure it's a dangerous situation."
Both Zack and Scotty were confused by the situation they encountered for the first time.
"For the time being, do you want to check the surroundings of the mansion from the second floor?"
"That's a good idea. Let's do it."
After whispering and consulting each other, Zack and Scotty carried the maid, who was still sitting in the garden, to the mansion.
Royal Castle Palace.
"In other words, the monsters are spreading out from the aristocratic town."
King Stafford IV muttered.
On the round conference table, a map of the fairly large royal capital was spread out.
The royal capital in an almost circular shape centered on the Sanctum.
Neighboring the northern end of the Sanctum was the Kingdom's Knights' Order guard station.
Since the royal castle was built in the center of the north side of the royal capital, the area further north of the Sanctum was a region with many mansions of wealthy merchants and aristocrats, and was generally called the aristocratic town.
And now, the monsters were ruining that aristocratic town.
"Just how …"
It was Finance Minister Fuka who muttered.
In response, someone raised their hand.
"We managed to organize some information, so I will explain."
The speaker was Count Harold Lawrence, Minister of Home Affairs.
"The monster outbreak originated from the catacombs under the Sanctum. They reported a considerable number. I was told that they are still in the process of containing it, but with the cooperation of adventurers, it seems that they will be able to hold them back."
It went without saying that many people were relieved to hear that.
The Sanctum was not only the center of the royal capital but also the center of worship.
If the monsters overflowed from there, the faith in the temple would fall to the ground.
It would lead to political instability.
Those there knew that religion could be a powerful tool of governance, depending on how it was used.
That was the first good news since the series of problems occurred.
But that was the end of good news.
"The monsters also appeared at the Knights' Order Second Training Ground, which was connected to the underground tomb of the Sanctum. It seems that they continued to attack the First Training Ground and then the Knights' Order's guard station, and then spread to the aristocratic district."
"Do you know why they attached the Knights' Order's guard station?"
Sir Mattia, the Chief of Construction of the Royal Capital, questioned Harold Lawrence's explanation.
"I don't know the exact reason, but experts point out that they've been heading for crowded places. That is, places with a lot of vitality. As you know, that is a characteristic of the undead. Among the monsters, there are quite a lot of undead such as skeletons and wraiths. That may be expected since the underground tomb was the origin. But the goblins and orcs show a similar tendency. There are reports that they attack and kill living humans and eat them. The guards responsible for the security of the royal capital were also shredded and torn to pieces so there are few people left to maintain contact …"
No one spoke for a while after Harold Lawrence completed his report.
If you open your mouth first, the monsters will hear, and they will come … those who were frightened by such illusions were there.
"The Kingdom's Knights' Order guard station was destroyed?"
"Yes, unfortunately."
Harold Lawrence replied with a grave expression to Finance Minister Fuka's question.
"The only survivors of the Kingdom's Knights' Order are the roughly 100 men who were stationed at the headquarters in the royal castle. Currently, those at the headquarters are guarding the royal castle."
"In other words, our current combat strength …"
"Apart from the 100 magicians centered on the Court Magician Group and the survivors of the Knights protecting the royal castle, there are only the personal guards …"
The attendees of the conference were speechless because of the minuscule forces.
It was unavoidable that the guards, which were by no means strong individually, were destroyed.
There were so many monsters. The guards scattered all over the royal capital would have been crushed one by one.
However, it was completely unexpected that even the Kingdom's Knights' Order, the greatest force in the royal capital, was destroyed without putting up any resistance.
They all heard rumors of Knight-Captain Baccara's amassing of wealth from bribes.
However, no one denounced him.
There were those who … were more or less doing something similar.
Those who …. Baccara gave the flexibility to enter their petitioned place of employment.
And those who … kept the information and evidence so they may be able to use it someday.
All of them understood that they had incurred the current predicament with the rotten Kingdom's Knights' Order.
Of course, no one admitted to it aloud.
Even at this time, no one stepped up.
The collapse of the country was just around the corner.
-x-X-x-
Countries are constantly exposed to external pressures.
Continually exposed to external pressure.
No matter how peaceful it may seem, it is because there are those who deal with the external pressure that it can continue to exist.
Like a balloon in the water or a submarine sailing in the sea.
If it neglects to deal with the water, or if it fails, it would be mercilessly crushed by the water.
Any weakness would be attacked mercilessly.
It was the job of the administrative organization to deal with it, but … when the organization becomes too large, such as at a national level, each person would not be aware of it.
Would it be too cruel to blame them?
If the bureaucrats neglect their job and so do the ministers who lead them … the country will die.
And it was a sad fact that not all nations can survive the process.
Two unfortunate knights were about to be sacrificed by the country.
Zack Cooler and Scotty Cobook.
By no means did the two of them have a habit of slacking off and were involved because they didn't return quickly on this day … that was not the case.
They were unfortunately a victim of the country!
... maybe.
"Only two of us can fight. Ten non-combatants, including the Viscount's wife, daughter, chef, butler, and maids …"
"You're right. There are about 20 spears in the Viscount's collection that can be used. A spear is a good way to attack from a distance so that we don't have to remain at the gate. The Viscount's wife has permitted us to use them."
Zack and Scotty confirmed the current situation.
"There aren't many things that are obsessed with this mansion so far. They are just heading straight down the road to the right."
"I wonder if there's something that interests them there. For now, let's defeat those clinging to the gate with a spear. The gate isn't designed for defense … so it won't last long if they keep hitting it.
After verifying the situation, the two continued their defense of the mansion.
The thought that they should have returned earlier without slacking off crossed their minds for a brief moment.
But then the people in this mansion would have been sacrificed … that knowledge would have made it harder for them to sleep.
Autonomous Region.
The courtyard had now become a refuge for the local residents.
Those who lived in the mansions on both sides of the three houses of the Autonomous Region evacuated to the grounds after seeing the defense line that was quickly set up.
Many of the mansions beyond that laid down defenses too but over time they were overrun and casualties occurred.
The street the entrance of the Autonomous Region faces was one of the main streets extending from the Sanctum of the Royal Capital. In modern Japan terms, its width could easily fit three lanes on each side, the width of a six-lane highway.
At the moment, it was filled with monsters.
Moreover, the monsters were coming from both the left and right.
However, the line of defense held by the Autonomous Region elves with bows and arrows was extraordinarily strong.
If Ryo was looking at the scene, he would say, 'Elves are best paired with bows after all!'
Perhaps it was a racial trait, as the elves' forte is bows, not swords, spears, or axes.
Of course, there were some exceptional cases, such as Sera, who was particularly good with swords, but she was a rare case.
Besides, while Sera boasts transcendental swordsmanship, her skill with the bow was also top-notch.
It was well demonstrated in this defensive battle.
Not only Sera, but the elves who were participating in the defensive battle were never off their target.
The only difference was either they shot the critical points or struck next to the critical points.
Not a single arrow was wasted.
"Sera. I think we have accommodated most of the people evacuating from the surrounding mansions. Unfortunately, we have to give up on those who have not come … we can only pray that they can persist."
"Yes, Baba-sama."
"We must switch from the defense of the entire road to the defense of just the mansion … everything has a limit."
Baba-sama was right.
Not to mention the arrows, even if they ration them, they would sometime utilize magic on their own.
Their magical power was also finite.
But Sera was aware.
From diagonally opposite, the mansion two houses over was still stubbornly resisting.
The enemies clinging to the gate were effectively defeated by thrusts with a spear.
Moreover, the defense was held by just two people.
However, in the last few minutes, their pierce accuracy had dropped.
They were probably tired.
"Baba-sama. That mansion diagonally on the other side two houses over. Only that location has not fallen. They are resisting with spears but it seems that they are nearing their limit."
"Mmm? That is … the Viscount Westwood's mansion if I recall correctly?"
"It's bad Scotty. I can no longer lift my arm."
"To think that our skipped training came back to bite us here."
The Zack and Scotty duo were at the height of fatigue.
So far, they had managed to protect the gate.
However, in proportion to the accumulation of fatigue of the two people, the number of monsters clinging to the gate was becoming more and more.
It also meant that the durability of the gate was being worn down.
If nothing was done, the compound would be invaded sooner or later.
They already knew that no one was alive in the mansions around them.
And, the Kingdom's Knights' Order they were relying on has not suppressed the monsters.
Of course, they knew best how corrupt and weak the Knights were.
Still, they were one of the strongest forces in the royal capital.
It was beyond their imaginations that the strongest force they envisioned had already been destroyed.
As far as they could see, the people alive were only in a corner more than 100 meters away. That was the Elf's 『Autonomous Region』.
However, there are quite a few monsters between the Autonomous Region and the mansion.
That was a distance that was hard to reach when bringing along as many as ten non-combatants with just two people.
"Well, what should we do?"
At that time, just as Zack was wondering if he should prepare himself for the worst.
He glanced at the Autonomous Region by chance.
A woman with long platinum blonde hair, who seemed to be the commander, looked in his direction.
Then, she raised her hand and motioned for them to come over!
He did not mistake it.
At that moment, Zack made the decision.
"Scotty, let's go to the Autonomous Region."
"Oh, that sounds great … but how? Can we survive the trip?"
"It will probably be okay. The commander there will help us."
Scotty felt that Zack's conviction was a little strange but said nothing.
At least, even if they stayed there, it was certain that the situation would gradually worsen.
Rather, he was impressed by Zack's decisiveness at that moment.
Scotty at the lead with ten non-combatants following and finally Zack in the rear.
It was decided that they would head for the Autonomous Region in that formation.
The rest was timing.
In the distance, Sera noticed that people were gathering in the courtyard of that mansion.
"So the other side has finished preparations?"
Sera muttered.
And then she told the first team.
"Follow the plan."
After giving that command, she raised her hand toward the mansion.
Then the man in the mansion also raised his hand.
"Okay, let's get started! First team, release!"
Until now, they had only shot arrows at the monsters that approached closer than a certain distance.
However, the arrows fired with Sera's command only struck those between the Autonomous Region and the Viscount Westwood's residence.
And it was not just one volley.
Rapid fire, rapid fire, rapid fire.
In a blink of an eye, a pathway with no monsters formed.
After verifying that, the gate of the mansion opened and they started running toward the Autonomous Region.
The first man arrived and ushered those behind in.
However, at that moment, the last man who was at the rear fell.
"Shit!"
Zack cursed.
Because he had kept fighting, his feet were unsteady.
Before he fell, he knew that an orc was just beside him.
And then he fell … and knew it was the end … even the optimist Zack had no choice but to think so.
But … he saw a silver light flow between the orc and him.
And decapitated the orc in one swing.
"Can you stand?"
The platinum blonde-haired woman asked without turning to Zack.
"Ye-yeah."
"Ok, then stand and run."
Zack stood up as he was told and ran towards the Autonomous Region.
Normally, he would say, 'How could I leave a woman?', but at that moment he didn't think about that at all.
He could clearly tell that she was an amazing Swordswoman, one that Zack would never come close to.
Once Zack entered the courtyard of the Autonomous Region, that woman's command echoed on the road.
"Withdraw."
With that command, the elves who maintained a line of defense on the road entered the Autonomous Region all at once.
The woman entered last and the gate was closed immediately.
It was easy to tell that the gate was a sturdy gate incomparable to the gate of the Viscount's residence.
"Zack … that was close."
Scotty was almost crying.
When Zack fell, he thought that it was over.
Now that they were saved and protected in a safe place … his tear glands relaxed too.
"Yeah … we were lucky."
Zack replied but he was looking at the woman who helped him earlier.
He knew she was the commander there.
At the same time, he saw earlier that she was a skilled sword user.
"I heard that all the elves are beautiful men and women … it's certainly true but that commander is by far the best among them."
Scotty added on, following Zack's line of sight.
"Yeah, definitely."
Then Zack walked towards the woman as if he had decided something.
"H-hey."
"She saved me so I want to thank her and ask for her name."
Zack replied Scotty as they walked over.
"Thank you for sheltering us. Scotty Cobook, from the Kingdom's Knights' Order."
"Thank you for your help earlier, I'm Zack Cooler, from the Kingdom's Knights' Order."
"Oh, don't mention it."
Sera commented it wasn't a big deal in response to Scotty and Zack's greetings and was about to move away.
"Oh, if you don't mind, could you please give me your name. I'll have to write a report later since the Autonomous Region assisted us …"
Zack lied a little.
Sure, there were requirements to report, but … there have not been any written in years.
"Um … I'm not actually a member of the Autonomous Region. I just happened to be here. I'm Sera, swordsmanship instructor of the Knights of the Margrave of Rune."
"Swordsmanship instructor of the Knights of the Margrave of Rune…"
Zack was at a loss for words.
Rune was the largest city on the outskirts, and even within the kingdom, it was a city on a scale that competes for the largest or second-largest excluding the royal capital.
Moreover, the Knights of Rune were known for their strength.
Now that the level of the Kingdom's Knights' Order has dropped, it could be said to be one of the strongest Knights' Orders in the Kingdom.
The swordsmanship instructor for that order … easily convinced them of the skillful display of swordsmanship just now.
"No wonder … that sword …"
Zack muttered, remembering the swordsmanship display he witnessed when he was saved.
"For the time being, take a rest. We don't know when this chaos will come to an end."
Then Sera walked toward Baba-sama.
-x-X-x-
"Hey, Ryo. I'm really tired so … it's about time to change …"
"Abel, what are you talking about! You can't be a good swordsman if you make such feeble complaints!"
"No, I think I'm probably already a good swordsman …"
On the first basement floor of the Sanctum, the flow of monsters was still continuing.
The annihilation battle continued in an environment where they could concentrate on just the front with Ryo's ice wall.
Currently, Abel and Hero Roman were paired up to slash and defeat the monsters with their swords.
"Look at Roman fighting next to you! He keeps slashing without saying a single word of complaint. Roman, are you good to continue?"
"No problem! I can still do it."
Roman answered Ryo's question with a smile.
"See! Did you hear that Abel? That is the model answer for swordsmen. Compared to that, Abel these days …"
"No, that's because Roman is a hero! A hero! A hero is the pinnacle of humankind. It's irrational to be compared to that."
While having such a conversation, both Abel and Roman continued to swing their swords without any momentary delay.
"Leaving that aside, it's going to be midnight. We've been fighting for more than twelve hours …"
"It doesn't seem like it will end, right?"
Abel grumbled and Hero Roman agreed with a bitter smile.
"I don't know because I wasn't there, but I heard the 『Great Tidal Bore』 in the City of Rune also lasted for quite a long time this year."
"That's right. Normally there would be thousands of monsters but this year it was over 30,000. At that time, it also felt as though it would never end no matter how many we defeated …"
Ryo asked and Abel replied, remembering Rune's Great Tidal Bore.
Hero Roman was surprised to hear that.
"This happens in other cities as well?"
"Oh, no … it's true that the surge of monsters is similar but it's a phenomenon that happens regularly in the City of Rune. There are various means set up to deal with it. But this … Rihya and the High Priest said this is the first time for this so … it can't be compared to Rune's Great Tidal Bore."
Abel politely answered Roman's question.
Of course, both of them were still fighting.
Abel said one thing or another while he didn't stop slashing.
Next to him, Hero Roman who continued to slash with him was also impressed.
"Abel, you're amazing … as expected, a B-rank adventurer …"
"Fufufu, that's right, that's right."
"Roman, it will get to Abel's head right away so don't praise him too much. You see, it's the same as the sign that says 'Don't feed!'"
"Who is the same as a wild animal!"
Abel got angry at Ryo's terrible words.
"I think I'm doing pretty comparable to the Hero who is the pinnacle of humankind."
Abel said without resting his slashing hand.
However, when he heard Abel's words, a shadow flashed across Hero Roman's face.
"The pinnacle of humanity huh …"
"Hey, can't you see Roman is shocked for being considered comparable with Abel?"
"Why!"
Abel argued against Ryo's light jab.
"Oh, no, of course not. Since I was born as a 『Hero』, my potential such as physical strength is certainly quite high, but there are still many stronger people … I'm not at the top."
He said with a bitter smile.
"What? Did you face a terrible defeat?"
"Yes, that's right …"
"You're still young so don't worry about that. You'll get stronger from now on."
"Yes … I know but … I painfully experienced how the sword doesn't work against Magicians at all …"
"Oh, that's a painful experience for me too."
Abel said and looked toward Ryo.
Meanwhile, his sword stopped briefly.
"Look, Abel, your hand stopped. Move your hands more than you move your mouth."
Ryo's nitpicking fired immediately.
"My sword probably can't reach anywhere near the self-proclaimed Magician giving out instructions over there."
Abel said and begins to slash the enemy in front of him again.
"I see."
Hero Roman glanced at Ryo and replied.
"Hey, when you mentioned how your sword couldn't reach a Magician, was it the Explosive Blaze Magician?"
Abel asked Hero Roman while moving his hand properly.
"Yes, that's correct. It didn't work against Oscar at all. During our first simulated battle, he deployed magical and physical barriers but they were too hard and even this Holy Sword Astarte couldn't break it."
"As expected, it was a Fire-Attribute Magician with evil personality. That seems like something he would do!"
Ryo nodded to Roman's explanation and gave his impression.
"What would you do, Ryo?"
"That's easy. All I have to do is surround Roman with ice walls. I won't rely on magical barriers, physical barriers, or anything suspicious."
"Yeah, they are both equally bad. No, on the contrary, I feel that the ice wall which doesn't even allow him to attack is even worse!"
"That's impossible!"
Ryo replied with a 'No way!?' graphic novel-like expression.
And Roman laughed loudly.
"Well, Oscar was strong. But it was something else that gave me the shock …"
"What kind of extraordinary being could shock the Hero?"
Abel asked with interest after hearing Roman.
"That person was probably not human. She looked beautiful and spoke but she had horns and a thin tail."
"Oh … if it had horns and a tail, it wouldn't be human, but I've never heard of a race that looks like that … It didn't say a race or a name?"
"Before it left, it said 'My name is 『Leonor』."
Ryo responded violently to Roman's words.
"Roman … Did you just say Leonor?"
Roman was surprised at Ryo's reaction at first, but came up with one possibility.
"Yes, I did. Ryo-san, have you perhaps ever fought Leonor?"
Roman remembered what Leonor said.
Someone 10,000 times stronger than him.
And it flashed to him that it was this Water-Attribute Magician in front of him.
Roman was the Hero.
Since he had little experience, he was still caught unawares in interpersonal combat, but it was no exaggeration to say that his potential was the pinnacle of humankind.
It meant his senses like 『intuition』 and 『insight』 were far superior to ordinary people.
However,『intuition』and 『insight』 are the results of analysis based on 『experiences』 and 『subconscious information』, so it was a fact that there was still room for growth.
"Le-Le-Leonor, I've not heard of that name …"
Abel looked at Ryo, who was acting suspicious, with a look of exasperation.
"Ryo, it's useless to pretend."
"Ugh …"
Ryo couldn't argue.
"Honestly, she's an opponent I don't want to remember too much of."
Ryo gave up and admitted that he fought her.
"Leonor said that there was a person 10,000 times stronger than I was, and told me to overcome them. It was probably Ryo-san."
Meanwhile, Hero Roman said without resting his hands.
"Well aren't you highly evaluated, Ryo?"
Abel was grinning … but he didn't rest his hands either.
"I don't care about her evaluation. I don't want to fight that again. Rather than that, how did Roman meet her?"
Ryo asked what he was wondering about.
Ryo had to fight because he was pulled into the 『corridor』, but Roman …?
"Actually, there was a ritual to summon the Demon Lord in the Western Countries. We intended to do summon the Demon Lord to defeat him but Leonor appeared."
"That's surprising …"
Abel made a stunned voice.
"Leonor's aim was the tool used in the ritual."
"Well, the role of the Hero is to defeat the Demon Lord, but it seems that there are various troublesome matters."
Abel, in turn, sympathized with Roman's explanation.
"Hey Abel, let me warn you since you have not seen Leonor. You shouldn't try to attack even if you meet her, okay? Even with all four Crimson Swords members, you'll be killed instantly."
"… I see, but what should we do if they attack us?"
"She'll probably ignore us unless we initiate the attack … What do you think Roman?"
Ryo asked Roman while tilting his head a little.
Ryo sensed that Leonor paid no attention to humans … she gave off the air of such an existence.
It was like how humans paid no attention to the stones on the ground around them.
"I agree. At that time, we thought Leonor was the Demon Lord, so we attacked …"
"Ahh..."
A voice leaked from Ryo and Abel's mouths at the same time.
"Well … I'm glad Roman didn't die."
Ryo commented.
"I feel that the pressure is decreasing considerably."
Ryo looked and said that the number of monsters was decreasing.
"It does feel that way."
"I wonder if it is ending?"
Roman and Abel agreed with that opinion.
"Abel, this is when you have to be careful."
"O-oh, why are you only telling that to me?"
"Roman seems to be alert. But Abel …"
"I'm staying alert too?"
"But Abel is Abel, so I thought it would be better to say it."
"Yeah, I don't know but I understand that I've been told something unreasonable."
After having such a conversation, finally nothing came up from the second basement floor.
"Nothing is coming."
"Abel, would you like to go take a look alone?"
"Why!"
Roman confirmed the situation, Ryo suggested to Abel how to improve the accuracy of the information, and Abel rejected it.
"Abel, that time with Rune's Great Tidal Bore, the boss came out at the end, right?"
"Yeah. A king and three generals."
"But this time there isn't anything …"
"Well, perhaps it isn't related to a Great Tidal Bore?"
Abel replied.
"Let's pray that's the case. Well then, let's move forward little by little.
When Ryo chanted, all the ice walls were lifted.
"Wait a minute!"
Abel stopped the two who were about to start walking.
"Why don't we take a break and drink some water? If we take a rest for about five minutes, we can verify if nothing comes out."
"That's true!"
"Abel, you suggested something good!"
"… I feel like I've been praised by Ryo, which is unusual."
After a five-minute break, the group went down, led by the three, and confirmed that there were no other monsters.
Then, on the fifth basement floor, which was the lowest floor, they found something like a blackened fist-sized crystal ball.
"This is … at Rune's dungeon …"
"Yeah, it looks just like it."
Ryo said to Abel next to him, and Abel seemed to have the same impression, so he answered immediately.
"High Priest, do you know what this is?"
Abel summoned the High Priest behind him and pointed to the blackened crystal ball.
"No … at least I haven't seen it in the temple. I've never heard of it in legends either."
"I see."
Abel and Ryo came to a consensus that it was probably something someone brought in and was the cause of this pseudo-Great Tidal Bore.
Also, the passage leading to the old monastery on the third basement floor had been broken through and the monsters might have traveled through the passage to what is now the Second Training Ground of the Kingdom's Knights' Order.
After confirming that, the party decided to exit to the surface for now.
They had been in the basement for more than 12 hours after all.
It wasn't good for their health.
Just outside the stairs, the secretary of the High Priest was waiting and told them that the outside situation was bad.
After hearing that, Abel, Roman, and Ryo ran out of the Sanctum.
It was … a terrible sight that seemed to be a scene after a war.
The scene with many destroyed things reminded him of a scene from a zombie movie and the smoke rising from all over the city cemented the resemblance further.
"Did the Knights fail to contain them?"
"That's probably the case."
Abel replied to Ryo's mutter.
"Did the boss go over that way?"
"There is a possibility."
Abel agreed with Ryo's deduction.
"Everything is Abel's responsibility."
"Oh, that's totally wrong."
Abel completely denied Ryo's words.
"To be able to admit your mistakes means that the person has great caliber. I think it's better to give up and accept it?"
"Yeah, I can't understand what Ryo is saying."
Sure enough, Abel completely denied Ryo's words.
"In the royal capital, roads are laid out in a radial pattern around this Sanctum."
"Radial …? Well, I don't know what that means but this is the center."
It looked to Ryo as if the road extended around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Earth.
"Abel … from the middle to the other side, it looks like there are a lot of monsters only on this road…"
"That's true … it's not that there are no monsters on the other roads, but those are pretty insubstantial."
It was the road that extended northwest from the Sanctum.
"Abel, what's on this road?"
"Even if you ask what's on it … it's just the regular aristocratic town …! Ryo, the Elves' Autonomous Region is there!"
At that moment, Ryo started running.
-x-X-x-
A few hours before Ryo and his group came to the surface.
A fierce battle unfolded in front of the 『Autonomous Region』.
After housing the twelve people from Viscount Westwood's residence, the Autonomous Region barred their door.
After that, time passed without any problems for a while.
Of course, the monsters tried to cling to the walls and gates but the danger was contained with their arrows shot through the windows on the second and third floors.
It wasn't until midnight that the change occurred.
The movement of the monsters, which used to be just charging head-on, changed.
They rushed in as a group and withdrew at the right time.
It was as if a commander had appeared.
"Baba-sama, this is …"
"Umu. Somehow, it seems that a troublesome guy who can command these guys has come. Is it the mastermind … or a monster that can make all of them obey with power …"
Baba-sama answered Sera's question with a frown.
It would have been better if it was the mastermind.
The Autonomous Region would not be able to hold up against a monster that can force this horde to obey through strength.
"Leaving that aside … the fact that the counterattack has not started from anywhere even after such a long time means that the Knights and other forces in the Royal Capital no longer have the strength to do so …"
"Are we the last two …"
Two knights, Zack Cooler and Scotty Cobook, who had sought shelter there, answered Baba's monologue.
Although the question was not directed to them.
"Surviving is a precious thing too."
Baba-sama said with a slight smile.
At that time, a sudden roar struck the area.
"What was that!?"
Zack screamed involuntarily and soon realized what it was.
His eyes were nailed to the place where the gate was. It was the sound of the gate getting blown away.
No one could move at that unexpected sight.
Except for one person.
"All members, prepare for close-quarters battle!"
Only one person, Sera, raised her voice and pulled everyone's consciousness back, drew her sword, and stood in the place where the gate was.
Even though they were delayed for a moment, those who were released from their stunned state by Sera hurriedly headed to the place where the gate was with their swords and spears.
Those who were shooting arrows at the gates and walls from the windows on the second and third floors continued to shoot at a faster speed than before.
Since the gate was destroyed in some way, even children could understand that an attack would follow.
Sure enough, it was a fierce close-quarters battle after that.
Although Sera was a given, Zack and Scotty fought well as active Knights of the Kingdom.
Even though they couldn't compete with them with a bow, they were far more proficient in swords than ordinary Elves.
Centered on these three swordsmen, those around them used spears to prevent the monsters from entering and archers shoot arrows from the second and third floors.
That formation or fighting arrangement was established before they knew it.
But after enduring for a while … they finally reached their first hurdle.
"Baba-sama, the arrows are exhausted!"
The archer on the second floor shouted at Baba-sama in the courtyard.
"Gah, at this timing! I knew it was going to happen … It's shameful for Elves to run out of arrows. If we survive, I'll store ten times, no, 100 times as many arrows as before! You hear me! I instruct you to do so."
Baba-sama ordered Carson, the Chief of the Autonomous Region, who was beside her.
The arrows running out were a bad sign.
It was a given but … in this defensive battle, the Elves' archery skills were undoubtedly one of the best in the Kingdom.
Still, the arrows were exhausted simply because there were too many enemies.
The voice screaming that the arrows were exhausted was also heard by Sera's ears.
(From now on, we will have to defeat the monsters using magic … Magical power is finite. Even more finite than arrows. With so many enemies, the magical power consumption will greatly exceed the recovery speed. This will be tough.)
Sera was anxious but thought calmly.
Do not say that thought out loud, even if it were to be a monologue.
That was absolutely not what the commander should do.
Sera knew that.
If the commander says 'We lost', the battle would be lost; and if they say 'It's a failure', they would definitely fail.
The commander's words have a strong positive or negative effect.
That's why!
That's why Sera shouted powerfully, even if she didn't believe it.
"Just a little more! Persevere until dawn. Then reinforcements will come!"
Where would the reinforcements come from?
What kinds of reinforcements were left?
... Of course, there were no reinforcements. Sera was well aware.
But what should be said then was not the truth.
What she should say were words that empowered everyone.
It didn't matter if it was true or not.
And it was a fact that some people managed to persevere with Sera's words.
Even if they were only delaying an eventual collapse, it was much better than dying now!
They appeared after they repelled several wave attacks.
The monsters split to the left and right and they appeared proudly in the middle.
Three beings.
Above all, the presence of the being in the middle was overwhelming.
"Devils …?"
A mutter leaked from Baba-sama's mouth, who was on the front line to repel the wave attacks.
Sera who was next to her heard her clearly.
"So that is a Devil …"
Sera, who had lived for 200 years, had never met a Devil.
Beings who resent god and angels.
Devils can evolve and eventually a Demon Lord will be born.
However, Baba-sama, who stared at the three beings for a while, trembled for a moment as if she had been struck by lightning, and muttered again.
"No … that is … no way …"
Baba-sama's words stopped there.
"In any case, we have no choice but to defeat them. I will go."
Sera said.
However, there was a person who pulled her arm with all her might. Baba-sama.
"Sera, no, do not. That's no good. Not even you can win."
"Baba-sama?"
"That … the being in the middle isn't just a Devil. It's an Arch Devil."
"Arch Devil?"
The word was something Sera had never heard of.
Roxley, who was right next to them, heard them and also tilted his head questioningly.
"Devils evolve to become Demon Princes, and one of them becomes the Demon Lord. However, there is another 『Evolutionary path』. To advance into the Arch Devil there."
"That sounds strong. Stronger than the Demon Lord?"
"The Demon Lord is beyond normal measures. However, Arch Devils are incomparably stronger than the Demon Princes who can be said to be the children of the Demon Lord. Moreover, the one in front of us is a Swordsman …"
"They are holding a sword …"
The Arch Devil in the middle had a sheathed sword.
It was 2 meters tall and looked like a human being. Of course, its presence was overwhelmingly different.
"If it's a Magician, the Elves have a record of defeating one before … but there were still hundreds of casualties."
"Then I have no choice but to become the Elf who defeated the first Swordsman."
Sera tried hard to say in a bright tone.
"Sera …"
"It's okay, Baba-sama. Anyway, there's no way we can survive except to fight and win. And I've become a little stronger lately."
Then Sera drank water from her water bottle and walked to the gate.
Outside the gate, the monsters retreated a little, forming a circle with a radius of about 50 meters.
"Hmm, they wish to have single combat. I can't hope for anything better."
Sera muttered and went out of the gate.
And she raised her voice.
"Arch Devil, I will be your opponent!"
Upon hearing that, the Arch Devil seemed to laugh a little.
(Well then … my magical power is empty. How far can I go now that I can't use 『Wind Equip』?)
In the fierce defensive battle until now, Sera, who was always at the front line, had squeezed her physical strength, magical power, and mental power to the limit.
But she still had to fight.
No one else seemed capable of competing with the Arch Devil.
The Arch Devil stepped forward and pulled its sword out of the scabbard.
The Devils beside it received the scabbard and retreated behind him.
Thus, the final phase of the Autonomous Region defense war was about to begin.
The first to move was the Arch Devil.
Normally, the battle would start with the sound of Sera wrapping wind around her, but due to the remaining amount of magical power, that was not possible.
Instead, the super-fast dive of the Arch Devil started the clash.
Deflecting the downward swing, dodging the horizontal slash, and deflecting the thrust.
Even if she defended properly, her sword would be safe but she would hurt her wrist or her sword would be blown away.
Just by the exchange of a sword.
Sera understood that. She was made to understand.
Divert and counterattack, dodge and counterattack, deflect and counterattack.
It was a thorough display of counter-attacks.
The Arch Devil may have understood it too and did not step in deeper.
Then, it flew far backward and took distance.
The Arch Devil held the sword with both hands.
Was it a two-handed sword style?
But it was strange.
It was a thin sword that was a little curved. Which was also strange.
But the strangest thing was how it held the sword.
Left hand near the hilt of the sword and right hand just below the sword guard. Both fists were separated and not stuck together.
Normally, whether near the hilt or the sword guard, both fists would be close together.
That's why it was strange.
But …
"I recognize that grip. That is Ryo's grip."
Yes, it was the grip for a Japanese sword or a bamboo sword.
After clashing dozens and hundreds of times … she was familiar with Ryo's sword.
"But it's completely different from Ryo's way of walking and body movements. I guess it's a wide world out there. There are various sword styles."
Sera was honestly impressed.
And a little happy.
Words probably won't get through to the being in front of her.
But that being had definitely spent time and effort training the sword.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be able to wield the sword so brilliantly.
Such a being came from somewhere she didn't know, wielding sword skills she didn't know, and was standing in front of her.
She was genuinely happy to be able to fight such a being.
She may be some kind of a battle junkie …
Their sword clash lasted for over an hour.
Meanwhile, the attack on the Autonomous Region had stopped.
For the monsters, their boss was in single combat.
It would be impossible to ignore the fight and attack.
In other words, Sera kept the Autonomous Region unharmed for more than an hour by fighting alone.
But …
Sera's physical strength was about to run out.
There were countless cuts throughout her body.
It was the same for the Arch Devil.
The power of both was equal.
Sera and Arch Devil kept a distance and took a breather.
Nobody knew who would win or lose.
But there were moments when everyone watching could understand.
That was, the next blow would be the one that would settle the match.
Of course, the two participants in the sword clash understood that the most.
The Arch Devil repositioned its sword.
Sera held her sword against her shoulder.
And the two stood still.
The conclusion would be in an instant.
That's why they had to grasp that instant …
And something caused the balance to collapse.
The trigger came from far away.
They heard the sound of a heavy object falling from a relatively high place.
That was the time when the two started to move.
The Arch Devil stepped in at super-speed and at the same time swung down the sword that it raised.
No one present was able to see it. Its charge was that swift.
However, Sera was not in the vicinity of that swing.
But that was within the Arch Devil's expectations and its sword that was swung down was forcibly twisted around just before it touched the ground.
Continuing to the left and using its entire body to mow sideways.
But … Sera was not there either.
Astonished, the Arch Devil was decapitated with its still shocked expression.
Then, the magic stone in its heart was also pierced.
In a fleeting 『Wind Equip』, Sera rotated 270 degrees around the Arch Devil, moved to the right side of the Arch Devil, and continued to slide into its blind spot.
Her speed was beyond the Arch Devil's imagination.
Her victory was the result of spending more than an hour recovering all her magical power and fighting without casting 『Wind Equip』 even once.
The moment she pierced the magic stone of the Arch Devil, Sera's magical power was completely exhausted.
She fell to one knee and fought to maintain consciousness.
She only defeated the Arch Devil.
There was no way to tell how the other Devils and monsters would act.
It was not over yet.
While she was desperately trying to stand up, she noticed approaching sounds.
The sound of heavy objects falling from high places.
The sound that triggered the final clash with the Arch Devil.
It was approaching them, repeating over and over again.
From the end of the road to the right …
As expected, the monsters, including the two remaining Devils, also noticed the sound.
And they looked in the direction in which the sound was approaching.
The sky of the Royal Capital, where dawn was approaching, was slowly getting brighter.
Heavy objects fell from the dawn sky …
"What's that …"
Baba-sama muttered.
"Ice … boards?"
Sera heard Zack's bewildered comment.
(Ice … ah … is he here?)
A board of ice fell from the sky, crushing the monsters on the road.
A Magician in a robe could be seen running on top of the fallen boards.
-x-X-x-
Ryo started running on the street leading from the Sanctum to the Autonomous Region.
In front of him was a street full of monsters.
Abel and Hero Roman looked at him from the Sanctum.
"Um … Abel-san, Ryo-san ran off."
"Yeah, he's probably heading to the Elves' Autonomous Region."
Abel answered Roman's question.
He only answered but didn't try to chase after him.
Seeing that, Roman asked doubtfully.
"Shouldn't we chase after him?"
Abel glanced at Roman and returned his gaze to Ryo's back.
"Ryo isn't as tired as we are after all. I mean, I've never seen Ryo ever get tired …"
"But he maintained that ice wall the entire time …"
Roman was surprised at Abel's words.
He had maintained the ice wall for hours … he said and came to the realization.
His magical power was not exhausted.
Moreover, he had plenty of stamina remaining to run.
"Yes, Ryo is beyond ordinary standards."
Abel nodded heavily.
Dogon
The sound of heavy objects falling reverberated in the area.
And it was also continuous …
Dogon, Dogon
"Ah, Ryo's specialty, crush it with an ice wall …"
Abel remembered the ice wall that crushed the golem on his way back from the Rondo Forest.
However, he felt that it sounded more amazing than that time.
However, Hero Roman's face who was looking next to him cramped.
"Abel-san … what is that?"
Roman asked a simple question.
"It's an ice wall. You see, the ice wall that separated the monsters. He creates them in the air and drops them to crush the monsters. It's simple but terrifying magic."
Abel wasn't too surprised because he was familiar with how abnormal Ryo was.
"If that is the case, he can crush a lot of things at once, but … couldn't he use it underground? And he's running on the ice … Eh? How is that possible? Normally, won't you slip?"
The point of doubt that Abel had was different from that of ordinary people.
Of course, that was because of his relationship with Ryo.
When Ryo arrived in front of the Autonomous Region, all eyes were on Ryo, including the monsters.
Among them, he found a platinum blonde woman on one knee.
From there, he dived in at supersonic speed to embrace and support the woman, Sera.
"Sera!"
"Ryo … you're here?"
She was conscious.
There were no serious wounds.
However, there were numerous cuts.
Ryo took out a specially-made potion from his bag and brought it to Sera's mouth.
"Sera, potion. Drink."
At that time, the monsters started to move.
Their leader, the Arch Devil, was defeated, and many were crushed by something that fell from the sky. They were in shock but finally returned to reality.
Two Devils gave instructions.
"So noisy."
Ryo said softly to not surprise Sera in his arms.
"
Instantly, the heads of 256 beings, including the Devils, tumbled to the ground.
In succession, 256 beings, and then another 256 beings …
The monsters were beheaded one after another without knowing what was happening to them.
By the time Sera slowly finished drinking the potion, all the monsters that were in sight were beheaded and collapsed.
Everyone was shocked to silence.
However, only Sera, who was hugged by Ryo and looked at the scene, whispered softly in Ryo's ear.
"Thank you."
"They were crushed brilliantly."
The 『Crimson Sword』 and Hero Party were moving through the ice road from the Sanctum to the Autonomous Region.
"If you ignore what's under this ice, it's a good path …"
Rin, the Wind-Attribute Magician wizard of 『Crimson Sword』said while stepping on the path.
All the members of the Hero party were silent.
Only Abel and Hero Roman saw the ice falling.
The others hadn't come out to the surface yet.
The Crimson Sword knew a little about Ryo so they were convinced by Abel's explanation …
The members of the Hero party weren't convinced by Roman's explanation.
Of course, they knew Roman wouldn't lie.
And, in fact, they confirmed that the road was covered with ice.
They were informed and could verify but … they still couldn't agree with what they couldn't comprehend.
Nevertheless, both parties arrived at the Autonomous Region.
With a magnificent hole … they could tell that there used to be a gate, but Gordon, the Fire-Attribute Magician, was very interested in the destructive power that penetrated it …
"Baba-sama, I'm glad you are safe."
Abel called out when he found Baba-sama, who was in charge in the courtyard.
"Oh. Abel, wasn't it? We somehow managed to survive. Mmm … that … you brought a surprising person."
When Baba-sama looked at Roman, she frowned and looked carefully.
"What? You know him?"
"Umu. The Hero, right? I'm surprised you are in the Central Nations."
The members of the Hero party stared at Baba-sama with surprised expressions.
"The number of spirits floating around you is unusual. An Elf with some experience would be able to tell right away."
Baba-sama said and laughed.
"Pleasure to meet you. I am Roman, the Hero of the Western Countries."
"Such courtesy. Lyn, one of the Elders in the Kingdom's Western Forest, commonly known as Baba. Call me Baba."
"That's Baba-sama's name?"
Abel's mutter was also heard by Baba-sama.
"Isn't it normal to introduce oneself when meeting the Hero?"
"Abel?"
When Abel looked at the people who called out, he saw surprising faces.
"Zack? And Scotty. Why are you here?"
"Oh. We were in the Viscount's house right there and were caught up in the mess. Sera helped us."
Zack answered with a small nod.
"By the way, I don't see Sera."
Rin looked around and asked no one in particular.
"Ryo isn't here too … I was sure he was heading this way."
Abel added on too.
"Sera fought to her limit. Ryo is taking her to bed."
Baba-sama answered while looking at a corner of the building.
She was probably being carried there.
"Well, Sera wouldn't lose to anything no matter what her opponent was."
Abel nodded and commented.
However, Baba-sama replied while shaking her head.
"No, it was dangerous this time. As expected, facing an Arch Devil when her physical strength and magical power were exhausted … the outcome came down to a paper-thin difference."
"Arch Devil!"
Priest Rihya responded to Baba-sama's explanation.
"What is an Arch Devil?"
On the other hand, Abel, who had no knowledge of it, tilted his head.
Many people present, not just Abel, tilted their heads.
Of these, the only people who knew what an Arch Devil was, except Baba-sama, were the priests Rihya and Graham from the western countries.
"Devils evolve to become the Demon Lord. Ones that follow a different evolutionary path become Arch Devils."
"They are said to be stronger than Devil Princes."
"They hold the General's position in the Demon Lord's army."
Baba-sama, Rihya, and Graham answered with their respective knowledge.
"I see … I understand that it's a pretty dangerous being …. Wait a minute. Baba-sama, did you say Sera was out of magical power?"
"Yes, I did. Does Abel want to ask about her 『Wind Equip』? Well, Sera fought the Arch Devil without Wind Equip."
"No way …"
Abel didn't know the power of an Arch Devil.
However, he knew the power of the Demon Princes. Abel had a bitter memory of being overpowered by them.
He couldn't believe how strong Sera had become … to fight with an Arch Devil, who was stronger than a Demon Prince, purely with sword technique.
"It's true. Only at the very end, it seems that she used the magical power she saved while fighting to Wind Equip and defeated it. Her skill with the sword has certainly improved."
Baba-sama laughed happily while looking at the surprised Abel.
"Hey, Abel. Do you know Sera well?"
Suddenly, Knight Zack interrupted the conversation.
"Yeah. We're adventurers in the same City of Rune."
"We-well, tell me about Sera."
Abel answered and Zack asked further.
Rin came to sudden realization when she saw it.
Rin whispered in Abel's ear in a very quiet voice.
"I think he's in love with Sera."
"Seriously …"
When Abel heard that, he said only that and nothing else.
No, of course, Sera was a beautiful woman.
To be clear, she was a woman of unmatched beauty.
And even in the defensive battle here, she probably would have taken command while always putting herself in danger at the forefront.
He could understand the feeling of longing after watching that.
From the perspective of a Knight living on the battlefield, she would have been nothing but the Goddess of victory.
But …
Yes, but.
Abel had seen in the City of Rune numerous times the harsh end of those who tried to put their hands on Sera.
It didn't matter what their status was.
In the first place, the next Lord had his shoulder broken and his sword thrust into him …
The only exception was Ryo.
In Abel's view, Ryo didn't dislike Sera either.
There was no doubt that Rin agreed too. That was also the consensus within the 『Crimson Sword』.
If so, they should stop others from making a pass at her.
It was also for the future of those who try to make a pass at her …
And now, in front of him, his old drinking buddy was about to become one.
He had to stop him with all his might!
"Oh … Zack. Sera is a well-known B-rank adventurer in the City of Rune. Yes! And she's also the swordsman instructor for the Knights of Rune. Only a strong man can match her."
"Oh, I know she's strong. I've seen it with my own eyes. I'll live for the sword from today! I'll work hard!"
Zack burned even more for some reason after Abel's explanation.
Rin, Rihya, and Warren held their heads next to Abel.
"Even so, what caused this terrible spectacle …"
Hero Roman said, looking at the road facing the Autonomous Region.
Abel turned to the road in response to his comment.
He didn't notice it when he came in.
Over a thousand headless corpses were on the ground.
"Everything … beheaded …?"
As expected, Abel had never seen such a scene.
"Ah …. The one who suddenly arrived. After Sera defeated the Arch Devil, an ice board came down from the sky. Then a robe-clad Magician came over and hugged Sera. And the monsters suddenly collapsed."
Zack explained what he saw at that time. With some jealousy on his face.
Upon hearing that, Abel was convinced.
"Oh, it was Ryo?"
At that comment, everyone's eyes turned toward Abel.
"Wh-what? Did I say something strange?"
"This is … Ryo did this?"
Hero Roman asked Abel, who answered falteringly.
"I believe … it was Ryo. I've seen him slice through necks with a thin line of water. At that time, he only beheaded three … Oh by the way, he beheaded Devils that time too."
Abel replied, recalling the events of the 40th floor of the dungeon.
"Did he seriously slash all the necks of a thousand? Almost in a blink of an eye? Abel, seriously, this was done by that Robed Magician?"
"Oh … I mean, nobody could have done it other than Ryo. In fact, if anyone other than Ryo did it, that would be scarier."
Abel concluded that the cause of this scene was Ryo.
Therefore, his expression was refreshed.
However, the facial expressions of the others were cramped.
"Needless to say, don't offend Ryo, okay?"
When Abel said so, everyone nodded with all their might.
After talking for a while, they heard a carriage stop on the road.
The coat of arms of the carriage was the coat of arms of Margrave Rune.
Two men came out from inside.
One was Eden, the Captain of the Rune Knights Transfer Corps.
The other one was …
"Kenneth! You're safe!"
Seeing that figure, Abel shouted in joy.
He was Baron Kenneth Hayward, the genius Alchemist.
"Abel! And Zack and Scotty! I'm glad everyone is safe."
Kenneth was also pleased to see them again.
"Did you seek shelter with the Knights of Rune in the Margrave's residence?"
Abel looked at the coat of arms of the carriage and the coat of arms on Eden's chest and asked.
"Yes. Ryo-san took me there along with my subordinates."
"Ryo, you were doing a good job. That's why you were late to come to the Sanctum."
Abel's mutters didn't reach anyone's ears, especially the second half.
"You're lucky that you stayed inside that mansion. The other mansion around here …"
"The whole street was destroyed."
Zack and Scotty celebrated Kenneth's good luck.
"The mansion of the Margrave in the royal capital is almost a fortress … You won't be able to survive without that."
Abel replied, thinking of the Margrave of Rune.
"The alchemy tools Baron Hayward brought helped us a lot."
Captain Eden, who brought Kenneth, commented.
"It was a pretty small prototype I made as a model for the defense weapons of the Royal Capital, but I'm glad it was useful."
Kenneth shyly said and laughed.
"By the way, is Sera-sama safe?"
Eden looked around and asked Abel when he saw Sera missing.
"Oh, she's apparently safe. Ryo is taking her to her room."
"Oh! Ryo-dono is here too. Then, I will inform the Margrave's residence that they are safe.
With that said, Eden boarded the carriage and turned back the way he came.
"Anyway …"
Abel looked around and sighed.
"Restoration of the Royal Capital … It looks quite challenging."