Chapter 0160 << Intermission >>
-x-X-x-
A week after returning to Rune with a large amount of Kona coffee and a French press as a souvenir.
The members of Room 10, including Ryo, and the Guildmaster Hugh were in front of the Adventurer's Guild.
In front of them was the Hero party prepared to set off.
"Thank you for taking care of us."
Hugh shook hands with Hero Roman.
"No, that's our line. We had a lot of good experiences."
Roman replied, bowing his head.
"When you come to Western Countries, please visit us …"
"Well, the Western Countries is a little too big to find you."
Hugh smiled at Roman's words.
"Everyone may go their separate ways after we defeat the Demon Lord but I will remain with the Western Church, so please look for 'Graham' at the Church."
In response to Hugh and Roman's bitter smiles, Priest Graham, the negotiator and the oldest party member, proposed.
"Okay. It's 'Archbishop', right? That's quite an esteemed position."
Hugh nodded, remembering what Graham had told the Vampire Kalinikos.
"Until we defeat the Demon Lord, I'm just a priest."
Graham replied with a faint smile.
Archbishop.
It was a rank not found in the temple organization of the Central Nations.
On Earth, in a Christian Catholic church, he would be a considerably high-ranking clergyman.
The Pope was at the top, the Cardinal beneath him, and the Archbishop below them. Further down would be the bishops and the priests.
Historically, the archbishop's standing was high and strong.
Three of the seven electors who elected the Holy Roman Emperor were archbishops. They were Archbishop of Mainz, Archbishop of Trier, and Archbishop of Cologne.
Although not exactly accurate, they had, in a broad sense, the authority to choose an emperor.
By the way, the remaining four were King of Bohemia, Count of Palatine, Duke of Saxony, and Margrave of Brandenburg.
Of course, at that point, Ryo didn't know exactly what the position of the archbishop entailed in the Western Countries.
However, from Hugh's tone, it seemed certain that it was quite a position.
After sending off the Hero party, the four people from Room 10 were called to the Guildmaster Office and sat at the reception table.
Of course, Kona coffee was brewed in front of them.
"For this recent case, the royal family and the temple have issued a gag order. It is forbidden to reveal anything about this incident. If you are found to have revealed anything, you will be sent to prison, so be careful."
Hugh warned and the four from Room 10 nodded.
『Vampire』 and 『Majin』 were involved. It was easy to guess that this would happen.
"You could say that in exchange, the reward has been significantly increased. Well, think of it as hush money and take it. You should already have it in your accounts."
"Ooh!"
They were happy with the increase in reward.
Even Ryo, who was not particularly troubled with money, was happy.
Guildmaster Office after the four people from Room 10 had left.
"Majin … Vampire … We somehow managed to solve it … and the dungeon has finally normalized from the Great Tidal Bore, so I can take a break for a while."
Hugh said to himself and started his usual paperwork.
-x-X-x-
"Is it true that Count Haskil Kalinikos has been destroyed?"
"Yes, it's true. It was confirmed with the 『Crystal』."
It was a room plainly called the 『Study』.
Many bookshelves were lined up in the room the size of a school gymnasium.
The walls were lined with books from the floor to the ceiling, and could be said to be a 『Study』 that is likely to be featured as one of the 'Beautiful European Libraries'.
But it was not a public place so it was a study, not a library.
A room built solely for the owner of the building and a collection of books for the owner of this building.
The 『Lord』 listening to the report looked like he was slightly over 20 years old.
A young man with pale white skin.
However, the air of calmness around him gave the impression that he had experienced a long life … he produced that kind of atmosphere.
"Where was he killed? Which of the Western Countries?"
"No, it was not a western country. It was in the Southern Kingdom of Knightley in the Central Nations."
For the first time, the Lord looked up from his book and looked at the informer.
"Southern Kingdom? That's a problem …"
He placed his hand on his chin, pondered a little, and then gave instructions.
"I want to know what happened. It would be best to verify if anybody in the Central Nations knows how to destroy us. Or if someone from the Western Countries travel over and destroyed him …"
"Understood."
"Be sure to let the 『front』 people do it. If the 『behind』 people take action and something happens, it would be irreparable."
After the informer bowed out, the 『Lord』 muttered.
"Destroying a Count-class who manipulates the Dark-Attribute … That's a decent foe."
After shaking his head a few times, he started reading the book once more.
-x-X-x-
Rune's inn 『Golden Wave Pavillion』.
A Water-Attribute Magician entered through the door.
"Welcome."
The proprietress of the inn greeted the familiar guest.
The Magician guest looked toward the dining room next to the lobby and found the person he was looking for.
Abel was sitting in a dining room chair reading a book.
A Magician sat in the seat opposite him.
"Hey, Ryo, what's up?"
Abel greeted him without lifting his head from the book.
"Abel … Do you know how to form trust?"
"That's out of the blue, why?"
Abel raised his face and asked, perhaps because Ryo suddenly started a conversation without any preface.
"What you need is successful experiences. First, you need to build up your achievements. Then they would slowly think 'I can leave it to him', 'He would be able to do a good job', or 'If he can't do it, nobody can'. And then, when you try it or others let you do it, they experience what they expect of you over and over again. That's how trust is built up."
"O-okay …"
Even at this point, Abel nodded for now as he still couldn't grasp Ryo's intention.
"Then how do you lose trust? A failed experience doesn't mean you lose trust right away. But if you lie or deceive, that trust is lost in an instant."
"That's correct …"
He still couldn't guess where this was leading to but Abel nodded because he could agree with what Ryo was saying.
"There is something I want to check with Abel."
Ryo deliberately paused there.
"W-what is it?"
Abel felt somewhat uncomfortable and urged him to continue.
"Abel wears an item that defends against mental interference magic, right?"
"Yeah, I'm wearing it."
Abel wore an item called the 『Necklace of Calming』 that doesn't leave his skin at all times.
It was a surprisingly effective item that resists mental interference magic and eliminates the harmful effects of poison.
"I heard it's a national treasure-grade item. It's strange that Abel, a B-rank adventurer, wears such a thing!"
"So what … B-rank adventurers are still top-class talents in the Kingdom."
Abel argued with cold sweat dripping down his back.
"But even Hugh, a former A-rank adventurer, doesn't have such an item."
"Uh..."
Ryo pressed him with keen words as if a ruthless police officer cornering a criminal.
Ryo's right hand pushed up glasses that he wasn't wearing.
Of course, Abel didn't know what that action meant.
"I wondered why Abel, a B-rank adventurer, has a national treasure-grade item. No matter how much I thought about it, I could only draw one conclusion. That was ..."
There, Ryo deliberately took a breath.
Abel desperately endured the oppressive feeling.
"The conclusion is that Abel is actually a bandit and stole it from the treasure vault."
"And I said that conclusion was wrong before!"
It was a repetition of a conclusion Ryo had made previously.
"But that's the only possibility I can think of. In the first place, Abel is a Swordsman but your hands are as dexterous as a Scout and can detect traps. That's strange too. But if I consider you as an excellent thief capable of stealing from the treasure vault, everything makes sense!"
Ryo looked at Abel with an expression of 'How about that?'.
For Abel, who couldn't answer even if he's asked, there was nothing he could do about it … but he was driven by the desire to tell the truth.
If it was Ryo, he wouldn't spread Abel's true identity and he didn't think that his attitude would suddenly change after knowing it.
"Haa … Okay, I'll tell Ryo the truth."
Abel frowned and took a breather, then raised his face and looked Ryo straight in the eye.
"I'm Albert, the second son of the current king, King Stafford IV. Albert Besford Knightley. Now, to gain experience and well, for various reasons, I'm an adventurer. So, this necklace, the 『Necklace of Calming』 is certainly a national treasure-grade item, but it's a special necklace that only members of the royal family are allowed to wear. Well … that's it."
Abel revealed everything and had a look as though he had a weight off his shoulder.
However, Ryo, who was told the truth, did not have a satisfied expression.
"Abel … Even if you plan to lie, you should make up a better lie. Didn't I say earlier? If you tell a lie, you would lose your trust …. Sheesh, you don't even listen to people at all. I don't think that's good."
"No, that was actually the complete truth though …"
Ryo didn't believe him at all.
Abel was troubled.
"The ones who know this are Gilmas and the Crimson Swords … Oh, and Phelps. That's about it, so please don't go spreading this around."
"I won't do that … I would be called a liar …"
"Hey, it's unbelievable but it's true? You can ask the guys I just named?"
"Abel has already bribed everyone, right? It's a common move."
"No, why!"
Abel had steeled his heart and told the truth … but Ryo didn't believe him at all.
Relationships were extremely difficult.
-x-X-x-
Acre, the largest city in the south.
The three from Room 10 were requested by name by the Rune Adventurer's Guild to come to this town.
It was pretty rare for a nomination request to be made for a party that had just been promoted to D-rank.
Of course, nomination requests gave more rewards and were seen as a greater contribution to the guild than regular requests. At the very least, after knowing that one successful nomination request would give the same points as two successful ordinary requests, anybody would be enthusiastic.
When they arrived in the city of Acre, they headed for the Acre Adventurer's Guild first.
The brief details for the request were explained in Rune, but they were told that a detailed explanation would be given in Acre.
Since there was a possibility that they would be asked to 'depart' even after they just arrived, it was common sense as adventurers to visit the guild before finding an inn.
There was a certain Water-Attribute Magician in the world who did not know that common sense, but the three people from Room 10 have completed quite a number of requests and have become accustomed to them.
The importance of common sense could be seen once you go out into society ….
At the reception desk of the guild, they showed the letter of introduction from the Rune Adventurer's Guild and their adventurer's cards, and were directed to the reception room in the back.
They waited for about twenty seconds.
They didn't have to wait for long before a man came in.
"Hey, thanks for coming. I'm Guildmaster Landenvia."
The man had an intellectual atmosphere and seemed like he would definitely have been a Magician or a Priest during his active career.
"I am Niels from Room 10, and my party members Etho and Amon."
"It's been some time since the Kyradea request previously. Please take a seat."
Landenvia used to be the vice guildmaster at Kyradea.
'The Conscience of Kyradea' as Goro, the Magistrate of Kona Village, put it.
Landenvia urged them to take a seat and at that moment the guild staff brought tea for four people.
"Have you been told about the content and details of the request?"
"We were informed briefly, but if possible, I would like to ask for a detailed explanation once more."
Landenvia's question was answered by the leader, Swordsman Niels, on behalf of the party.
In that aspect he has had a lot of experience, so he was tactful.
"I see. This began when our C-rank party 'Six Petals' found a small wayside shrine."
"Small wayside shrine …"
Priest Etho muttered.
"Yes. It is reported as a 'Small wayside shrine' on the documents, but the priest of Six Petals said 'It's a hidden temple'. However, she said she has never seen a hidden temple before, so she asked for someone familiar with them. Right now, Acre does not have anybody with that knowledge, and it would take too long to request one from the Royal Capital, so when I consulted Rune's Master McGrath, he introduced your party."
"I see."
Niels nodded and looked at Etho sitting next to him.
"That's right. We did see a 'hidden temple' when performing the request from Kyradea …"
Etho nodded and said after noticing his gaze.
"Yes. I read the report. So, this time, there is a place about half a day from Azone Village that seems to be the 'hidden temple', but I would like all of you to head over first. There, Six Petals, who is currently working on another request, will join up with you and guide you to the temple."
"Six Petals will guide us to the temple while working on another request …?"
Etho verified while feeling a little worried.
"Oh, I understand your concerns. You wouldn't like to receive another request in the middle of a request. However, the request they are working on this time is related to the temple, so it's okay. The guild will increase the rewards they will receive so … on the contrary, they were happy."
"That's good."
Niels nodded and answered.
Next to him, Etho and Amon nodded too.
Two days later, an inn in Azone Village.
Although Azone was a 'village', it had established itself as a relay point for the supply of agricultural products to the largest city in the south, Acre, and was a fairly large 'village'.
In addition, since many people, mainly merchants, stayed there, the village was also characterized by abundant accommodation facilities.
Six Petals and Room 10 met in a lounge-like place in one of them, the 'Moon and Star Inn'.
"I'm the leader of 'Six Petals', Vandash, a Swordsman."
"I'm Ash, a Fire-Attribute Magician, these are my sisters Nash, a Wind-Attribute Magician, and Cash, an Earth-Attribute Magician."
"Priest Terence and Gorky, the Shield-bearer."
Gorky gave just a small nod.
Warren from 'Crimson Sword' and Gorky, it seemed that many of the Shield-bearers were taciturn.
After the three from 'Room 10' introduced themselves as well, Etho added more.
"Terence, it's been a long time."
"I knew it! Etho, that Etho? It's been five years? Sheesh! You could just call me Terence-neesan like in the past."
"No, that's a bit …"
Etho's face was bright red.
Niels and Amon look on with interest, along with Six Petal's Vandash.
"In the past, Terence was the first person to take care of me when I entered the Sanctum …"
"At that time, were you ten years old? Or was it nine? Etho was crying after being separated from his parents …"
"Wa-wa-wa."
Etho raised a voice to block Terence, who was reminiscing.
Amon watched Etho with interest at an aspect that was not usually seen.
"Anyone would be embarrassed listening to talks about when they were little."
"Yes..."
Vandash and Niels had such a conversation in whispers.
"But I'm glad that it was Etho's party who came to verify the 'Hidden Temple'. It would have been a hassle in a lot of ways if it was some people we didn't know."
"That's right."
Terence commented and Six Petal's Swordsman, Vandash, answered with a nod.
"The party from Kyradea that you worked with previously … on second thought, let's not go there. More importantly, the temple was reported to be half a day from here, but we asked the villagers to show us a shortcut. So we found that it would only take two hours one way."
"Ooo."
Niels, Etho, and Amon said the same thing.
'Half a day' became 'two hours'. That would save a considerable amount of time.
"So, we will be setting off now … along the way we will cross the forest, but it seems that even Lesser Boars don't appear there, so I don't think there'll be a problem."
While traveling to the 'Hidden Temple', the three from Room 10 were listening to Six Petal's request.
"That is, recently there had been frequent disappearances of cows and goats around the Azone Village."
"Yeah. Well, usually, search requests of that kind don't come to the guild. The villages wouldn't want to spend that money either. So, 'search' requests are mostly put up by temples but they hardly pay any money but … this search request was a direct request from the lord."
"Azone Village's … lord?"
"To be exact, it seems to be from the Lord of the manor in the south of Azone Village. What was it again … Baron …"
"Baron Hayward."
Swordsman Vandash couldn't recall and the Fire-Attribute Magician Ash supplemented the information.
"Well, to the guild, it's okay as long as the money is paid properly. It was a request from a Baron, an aristocrat, so it was even more okay."
As Vandash claimed, they arrived in two hours from Azone Village.
"Oh, this is certainly …"
Etho spoke after just a short walk from the entrance.
Unlike a shrine, there was something that seemed to be an altar in front of them.
When he looked around the altar, he found something like broken crystal fragments scattered about.
"These are …"
"Yes, it's a broken one, isn't it?"
Amon pointed out and Etho nodded and answered.
Etho judged that the fragments were similar to the fragments from the shattered crystal-like sphere in the 'hidden temple' in the village where Niels was born.
Then, when he looked around the altar further, he found an engraved coat of arms.
"Fire…"
Etho muttered.
"In other words, this is a hidden temple of fire."
Priest Terence commented.
Even Etho and Terence didn't know why the Sanctum was rewarding the search for 'Hidden Temples'.
That was because they have never heard any reports or announcements that something was found from such temples.
However, as adventurers, they were deliberating if it was okay to report it properly to the guild because they would get a reward … especially Terrence.
"And so Van, it is confirmed that this is a hidden temple of fire."
"That's great. With this, we and you folks from Room 10 are getting rewards."
Terrence informed Vandash, and Vandash happily told the three from Room 10.
It was a win-win situation.
From there, the group returned to Azone Village through the two-hour one-way trip.
However, the village that they returned to … looked completely different from how it was four hours ago.
-x-X-x-
Pandemonium.
The situation in Azone Village was perfectly summarized by that word.
Corpses were strewn across the village with wounds as though they were cut by some giant sharp blade and the villagers and merchants were at the height of confusion.
"Hey, what happened!?"
Swordsman Vandash located and asked a guard who had collapsed near the city gate.
At the same time, Terence healed the wounds of the guard with Heal.
"It's a Wyvern … a Wyvern appeared."
The guard said after much effort.
"A Wyvern …?"
Vandash couldn't say anything else.
Of course, he was not the only one. Everyone there was silent.
Wyverns were different from other monsters.
The Wind-Attribute magic called 'Wind Defensive Membrane' was always active around them and invalidated any damage from attacks.
What's more, their invisible Wind-Attribute attack magic Air Slash and Sonic Blade were incomparably larger and more powerful compared to the attacks cast by human Magicians.
A single spell could cut the bodies of multiple people.
Being such a powerful monster, it required a great deal of preparation when subjugating it.
At least 20 adventurers of C-rank and above.
Moreover, they would need a lot of Magicians.
Normal attacks do not work and attack magic would be deflected.
Therefore, they had to keep attacking until the Wyvern tires out and the Wind Defensive Membrane disappears … with magic.
The party headed for the Magistrate building.
In the case of this village, it was the Magistrate building that responded in the event of an emergency.
But … it was already in the state of rubbles.
"That's terrible …"
Ash, the eldest sister and Fire-Attribute Magician, muttered.
"The Wyvern's Air Slash is powerful after all."
Nash, the second sister and Wind-Attribute Magician, said.
"It's more thoroughly destroyed than the other buildings … they either attacked or counterattacked and brought the Wyvern's wrath …"
Kash, the youngest sister and Earth-Attribute Magician, commented as if she had seen it.
Of the three sisters, the youngest sister was the one who excelled the most in logical thinking.
"No matter how you look at it, there would be no survivors."
Niels nodded to the mutterings of the Swordsman Vandash.
It was so thoroughly destroyed.
"By being here, it would think that we are their compatriots."
At the same time as the younger sister muttered that, a voice rose from a distance.
"It's here again!"
Within five seconds of hearing that voice, the Wyvern had reached the Magistrate building.
And saw the party.
It turned its gaze that seemed to indicate that there were some it failed to kill.
"This is bad. Everyone stay behind Gorky."
Vandash shouted.
The three sisters and Terence reacted immediately, and after a short delay, the three from Room 10 also hid behind Gorky, the Shield-bearer.
Gorky held a huge shield that he always carried on his back at the same time as Vandash shouted.
At that moment, they hear a sound …
Gakin
The sound of something hard hitting the shield.
"That's definitely not the power of an ordinary Air Slash …"
Nash, the Wind-Attribute Magician, whispered but it was indeed an Air Slash.
"The distance is quite close."
Her younger sister, Cash, peeped through a slit in the shield and calculated the distance to the Wyvern, which fired an Air Slash.
"Usually Wyverns cast magic from a height of 50 meters or more. But this Wyvern … casts from about 15 meters?"
"Why?"
The Fire-Attribute Magician Ash explained and the Swordsman Vandash asked.
"No idea? Perhaps it is an individual that can't fire long-distance Air Slashes … or it likes to see humans sliced up close …"
Either way, it was unavoidable if it was released from such a short distance.
They were fine because Gorky's shield was protecting them but the situation would deteriorate as time passed.
However, perhaps it grew bored after a while, the Wyvern flew away.
That said, it was destroying other parts of Azone Village.
"15 meters … if I can fly to that height, I can do something about it …"
Vandash said.
At that time, it was a coincidence that his line of sight turned to Nash, the Wind-Attribute Magician.
However, Nash, who was looked at, shook her head many times.
"I can't fly, you know?"
"No, I haven't said a single word …"
"Your line of sight is saying that! Even Wind-Attribute Magicians can't fly in the sky! There are spells, but those usually only allow us to float! Of course, the capital's Ilarion-sama can hover in the air but … ordinary Magicians can't hover or fly!"
Her elder sister Ash and her younger sister Kash nodded in response to that.
"It appears that 'normally' Magicians can't fly, but a person who would be able to fly comes to mind."
"Isn't it .. because it's Water-Attribute?"
"Yeah, he would fly while saying, 'There is a perfect spell for that in Water-Attribute Magic'."
The three from Room 10 conversed in hushed voices.
Of course, Ryo never flew in front of them.
However, the three perceived that Ryo would be able to do it.
After a while, they heard the sound of a fist hitting a palm.
"I came up with a good idea."
The Swordsman Vandash said with confidence.
"Van at such times is a little …"
"Hey now Terence, as a Priest, don't say things that break people's feelings."
Terrence sighed as she commented and Vandash grew angry and argued back.
"I'll listen for now. So what's the plan, Van?"
The eldest sister Ash urged Vandash to talk.
"The point is that we only have to reach a height of 15 meters. And if it's a Swordsman, we might be able to defeat it by with a single blowby piercing a sword into its eye. That's why I'll have Gorky toss me up!"
"I see."
Only Niels, a fellow Swordsman, gave a positive voice to Vandash's opinion.
All three sisters shook their heads many times, Terrence sighed, and even Gorky in question frowned and shook his head a little.
Etho and Amon worked hard to wait for someone to open their mouth without changing their facial expressions.
"Well, Van. Take a look at your physique."
The eldest sister, Ash, told him clearly in a dumbfounded tone.
Vandash had a majestic body of height of 185 cm and weight of 85 kg.
Vanguard Swordsmen generally have a good physique. Niels had a similar physique.
Abel of 'Crimson Sword' was an exception, looking quite slender as a Swordsman.
The Shield-bearer Gorky was one size larger.
He was over 2 meters tall and weighed 100 kilograms.
A giant.
However, even for that giant, to throw the imposing Vandash to a height of 10 meters … would be impossible.
"Oh … is it impossible?"
Vandash looked at Gorky, asking.
Gorky shook his head silently.
"What about me?"
Amon spoke up.
Amon was also a Swordsman, but frankly, he was not big.
He was 170 cm tall and weighed 60 kg …. He was 16 years old and was still growing.
Gorky surveyed Amon.
He looked at Amon from top to bottom many times and then nodded.
"No, but …"
Vandash turned anxious.
That was because the operation was based on the premise that he would be tossed and he was most aware that the person flying was in the most danger.
He felt hesitant about pushing the task to another party, and even more, a junior Swordsman who had not become an adult.
"Please let me do it!"
Amon exclaimed with strong determination.
Niels and Etho exchanged looks silently.
And they both nodded slightly.
"Amon, can you really do it?"
"Yes."
Amon calmly answered Niels' question.
Without any haughtiness but his expression was full of spirit.
As the party leader, Niels turned to Vandash, the leader of Six Petals.
"Vandash, please let Amon do it."
"Niels …"
Vandash was about to question him, but Niels' expression showed that he had faith and confidence in his party member.
In fact, there was no other way.
After some time, they may be able to contact somewhere and additional forces such as adventurers and knights may come from the city of Acre, but by then the village would no longer exist.
And they wouldn't be able to resist until then.
If the situation was about to become worse, it may be a good idea to bet on a chance.
"Okay. Amon, I leave it to you."
That was the decision made by Vandash.
"Ideally, it's best to toss you right after the Wyvern fires an Air Slash, but even then, it may fire magic again."
"Okay."
The eldest sister Ash explained to Amon and Gorky when to attempt it.
"If we three sisters combine our magic, we can erase that insanely strong Air Slash … well, but only once."
"I'm in your care."
Amon listened politely and expressed his gratitude.
A short distance away, Priest Terence asked Priest Etho quietly.
"Etho, honestly, about that Amon kid, how is his skill?"
"It's okay, he can do it."
Etho confidently answered Terence's concerned question.
"If he couldn't do it, Niels would have done his all to stop him. But this time, Amon can do it. Amon seems to have a talent for swords and he has the most courage among the three of us."
"If Etho claims that much, maybe it will really be okay."
Although still far from full confidence, Terence looked at Amon with a much stronger look of confidence than before.
He was 16 years old, and although he was not an adult yet, he looked calm.
(I see, maybe it's okay to leave it to him.)
"It's coming."
Vandash announced the approach of the Wyvern.
Terence lightly raised her right hand to signal the timing.
Then, the moment the Wyvern came into range, he swung down, and Terrence and Etho fired two lines of light that flew toward the Wyvern.
It was one of the few offensive magic in Light-Attribute magic, Light Javelin.
Of course, it couldn't do any damage to the Wyvern.
It was just to divert its attention and provoke it.
Sure enough, the Wyvern came towards the party and fired an Air Slash, showing outright hostility.
Three types of magic javelins from the three sisters clashed against it. The Air Slash dissipated.
"Go!"
Amon shouted as he jumped towards Gorky.
Gorky grabbed Amon's ankles securely.
And rotated on the spot.
So to speak, a hammer throw … with Amon as an alternative to a hammer.
One rotation.
Two rotations.
And the third turn!
Amon was thrown out vigorously.
He flew straight toward the Wyvern.
But …
"Magic is coming! Avoid it Amon!"
It had a higher rate of fire than expected.
Nash, the Wind-Attribute Magician, shouted from the ground.
Being a Wind-Attribute Magician, she had a keener sense of the Wyvern's magic generation than the others.
However, her cry did not reach Amon in high-speed flight.
In Amon's eyes, the magic generation of the Wyvern was clearly visible.
And the invisible air slash that approached while tearing through the air was also caught in his sight as he recognized a slight distortion in the surrounding scenery.
He drew his sword from the scabbard and slashed with that momentum.
Shun.
With such a sound, the sword bisected the Air Slash.
"He cut it …"
Nash, the Wind-Attribute Magician who was watching the scene from the ground, muttered in amazement.
In the meantime, Amon continued to fly, and when he finally approached the distance to reach Wyvern's head with his sword extended, he saw the Wyvern close its eyes.
When discussing with Vandash on the ground, he said that the easiest way to do it was to pierce the sword from the eye and insert the sword into the brain.
That was the commonly used method to drop the Wyvern to the ground and kill it by stabbing it once it is on the ground.
However, the Wyvern in front of him closed its eyes.
In 'Wyvern Subjugations', if the Wyvern was in a state where its magical power was used up, it may be possible to penetrate even from the top of the eyelids by using a combat art, but this time its magical power was not depleted.
Amon couldn't use combat arts yet, and his sword was only a 'slightly better than ordinary sword'. Overdoing it would cause it to break.
What to do then?
One of the weaknesses of monsters was their 'ears'.
But the Wyvern's ears … he couldn't tell where they might be.
When it came to that, his aim was,
"Nose!"
Amon decided in that split second, and from the flying state, he twisted his body and stabbed his sword directly into the Wyvern's nose.
He pierced all the way to the base of its brain in one thrust.
At the moment of the stab, the Wyvern quivered as if it had been struck by lightning, and its eyes widened …. and strength was rapidly lost from its eyes.
And it fell.
Amon gave up pulling out the sword that pierced deep into its brain, pulled his arm out of its nose, twisted his body and moved above the Wyvern.
On top of that, he could afford to observe the state on the ground while falling.
He could see the men running toward the crashing point.
Upon confirming that, Amon kicked the Wyvern giant body and jumped into the air.
He spread open both hands and feet and fell.
Before striking the ground, he succeeded in aiming and falling into the spread cloth the two Swordsmen and one Shield-bearer stretched out.
-x-X-x-
"Hah ~"
Returning from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Kenneth Hayward, the chief researcher and Baron, gave a truly deep sigh.
"Welcome back."
Immediately, his subordinate Raden made tea for him.
"Oh, thanks."
Kenneth then sat down and took a sip of tea.
"Vaedra's development will remain suspended this month."
He said bitterly.
"Is that so…"
Raden also sighed deeply.
That was the Royal Alchemy Workshop.
Various alchemy tools were manufactured, researched, and developed there, and Kenneth was one of the key personnel in that field.
Therefore, he was advancing various research and development apart from Vaedra and there was no shortage of work.
Of course, as he performed those jobs, Kenneth still considered the development of Vaedra, which was related to the survival of the country, a pressing matter.
Certainly, he understood that the facilities of the Royal Capital, which were impaired by the 'Capital Chaos', had not yet been restored.
But that was why they had to progress.
The world was never that gentle.
If there was a weakness, it would be targeted intensively … that's what the neighboring countries would do.
Even though he was a Baron, Kenneth was merely a researcher and an alchemist and couldn't sway the decisions …
Suddenly, Kenneth looked to the seat on his left.
There was a vacant seat.
The seat where a man, who once developed many alchemist tools together with Kenneth and coveted the same title of a genius alchemist, sat.
Kenneth was still in his twenties, but he was already over sixty years old.
His accumulated achievements and creativity on par with Kenneth, Kenneth admired all of that and even looked up to him as a mentor in his heart.
Since his affiliation was with the Magic University, he was only temporarily transferred to the alchemy workshop but he doted on Kenneth.
Despite being old enough to be his grandson, his eyes were always very gentle as he watched Kenneth absorb his knowledge and experience as if sand soaking up water.
But …
"It's been two years since Frank disappeared …"
Frank de Verde.
The name of a man who was once called a genius alchemist alongside Kenneth.
-x-X-x-
Chapter 0165 Cologne's Bread
-x-X-x-
Fifteen kilometers east of Jayclaire, the capital of the Handal Union.
There was a closed city known as Yeast.
It was under the direct control of the Union Government, and as the name "Closed City" suggests, it was a place where only those with special permissions could enter, not just the ordinary citizens, but even nobles.
Cohn was in such a city, where extremely strict controls were in place for both exiting and entering.
The Inbury Duchy, located in the south of the Handal Union.
As a result of the 『Great War』, the country achieved complete independence.
Cohn was a C-rank adventurer in the Inbury Duchy, and at the same time, he sometimes took on jobs as a spy for the Duchy.
After he and Ryo delivered His Highness Prince Willy, the eighth prince of the Kingdom of Ju to the Kingdom of Knightley, he received an order from the Inbury Duchy to infiltrate Jayclaire, the Capital of the Handal Union.
After infiltrating Jayclaire, and performing various intelligence activities, he obtained intel that a 『new weapon』 was being developed in the closed city, Yeast.
The new commission was to find out the details of this 『new weapon』.
The infiltration of the closed city, Yeast, was extremely difficult, but Cohn, with his wealth of experience, managed to infiltrate the city and was about to obtain information at the weapons workshop today.
There was one big question in Cohn's mind.
In this world, 『weapons』 were often created through alchemy.
The Kingdom and Empire were big players when it came to alchemy…but, the alchemic attainments of the Handal Union was nothing to write home about, to say the least.
In the past, the alchemy of the Union was supported by the Inbury Duchy, which was a vassal state.
However, now that the Inbury Duchy had become completely independent due to the Great War and had become, if anything, an enemy of the Union, the level of alchemy in the Union couldn't possibly have improved.
However, a 『new weapon』 was said to be under development.
And it was on the verge of being put into actual use.
Where the hell did such grand alchemic achievement come from?
Or, to put it more bluntly, how did they get hands on such a brilliant alchemist?
That was the question going around in Cohn's mind.
"Guess I will find out once I sneak inside…huh."
Muttering to himself, the wagon Cohn was driving arrived at the entrance of the weapons workshop.
Although it was called a 『weapons workshop』, it was a vast site, perhaps for the test firing of weapons.
At the entrance, the wagons were subjected to strict checks every time they entered.
"Yo. Cologne Bread here."
"Oh, Cologne. You're here again."
'Cologne' was a pseudonym for Cohn.
"I am very grateful for your patronage. My sick father's medical bills are quite high you see, so I need to earn as much as I can."
With that, Cohn, as usual, opened up the entrance to the wagon to make it easier for the guards to inspect it.
Cohn does not bring in any strange tools for his undercover investigations.
So it didn't matter how much the guards turn the wagon down during their inspections.
"All right, clear."
For a full five minutes, two guards opened and examined the boxes and barrels.
"Hey Cologne, are you heading to the first loading dock again today?"
"No, I was told to bring it to the fifth loading dock today…"
As Cohn said this, the mood of the guards changed.
"The Fifth … then I can't let you go alone. You two, go with him. And I'm sure you don't know the way there too right, Cologne?"
"That's right, thank you. Yesterday, I was asked to go to the fifth, and since I don't know where it is, I was wondering what to do."
Of course, it was a lie.
He knew the location perfectly well.
But he had also researched the fact that outside vendors who enter the so-called 『Fifth Area』, commonly known as the fifth loading dock, were always accompanied by guards.
"Cologne's bread is indeed delicious…and even so, for its reputation to have reached all the way to the 『Fifth』, that's amazing."
Having said that, the captain of the workshop guards laughed.
'Cologne bread'
The pastry shop itself was neither a store nor a brand that Cohn created.
It was a small but reputable pastry shop that had been operating in the closed city of Yeast for 20 years.
The reality, however, was that it was a pastry shop that had been set up and operated by the Inbury Duchy Intelligence Bureau since when they were a vassal state.
Normally, the pastry shop would never be used for any outward espionage activities and had always posed as an ordinary pastry shop in the town with no suspicious people coming in or out, but this time, it had received a special order from the home country's Intelligence Bureau.
The mandate stated, to secure the information, even at the expense of all intelligence resources.
In other words, to gather information on the 『new weapon』 even at the expense of losing the intelligence base 'Cologne's Bread' which had remained undetected for 20 years.
An information base in a closed city like this one was something that could only be secured over several decades.
When he heard about the information that he had to obtain even if he had to lose the undercover base … Cohn, as expected, couldn't help but be surprised.
It was truly an intelligence operation for the very survival of the country.
The 『Fifth Area』 was the most secluded area of the Weapons Workshop, separated from the other four areas.
Only those who had passed special qualifications and screening processes were allowed to work in this area among those who worked in the alchemy workshop.
"Wow, impressive as always."
"Yeah. It's exceptional even among the other workshops."
The guards leading the way in front of the wagon were having such a conversation.
"What's so special about this place?"
Cohn asked, joining in their conversation.
"It's special. Be sure not to do anything brash, Cologne. Since there are guards authorized to use offensive magic."
"Whoa, that sounds scary."
One of the guards, looking out for Cohn, gave him the warning.
In the 『Fifth Area』, there were stone towers about 10 meters high all around, which can be called watchtowers, and each was guarded by several guards.
(It would be tricky if I get shot at with bows from there.)
Cohn was holding the reins, thinking of an escape route in case things go south.
After several inspections by the guards stationed in the fifth area, they were finally able to arrive at the fifth loading entrance.
"That was quite the inspection…"
"Right? Told ya this place was special. There are more guards at the loading dock. Of course, you can't go beyond that point, so you'll have to deliver your bread at the loading dock."
The escort guards said.
That was where Cohn's plan fell apart.
(There are even more guards at the loading dock…shit. And obtaining the information without entering the innermost part is…very unlikely. Damn, I guess I'll leave the rest to luck…)
At the fifth loading dock, the escort guards processed the wagons and they were allowed to enter the loading dock with the wagon.
There, nearly 30 guards were waiting for them.
(You gotta be fuckin' kidding me…)
Well, that was unexpected.
The first and second loading entrances, which he had entered several times before, had only two guards at most, but this one had more than ten times that number….
"All right, time to unload. You're the pastry shop guy, right. We'll take it from here, both the unloading and the carrying. So just tell us what's inside each one."
"O-Okay."
Cohn replied, and did as he was told.
And finally there were two boxes left.
"Oh, I was told yesterday at the first loading dock that the small box was specially made and specially ordered by an individual called the 『Doctor』 apparently…"
As he said this, the atmosphere among the guards changed.
"Seriously…. Did they mention anything else?"
A man who appeared to be the captain of the 30 guards asked.
"They said to deliver it warm and in person."
Cohn said, looking around.
Many of the guards were shaking their heads.
"Argh, I knew it…"
The captain muttered quietly.
(Could this perhaps be…an opportunity?)
Cohn was biding his time in anticipation.
"It can't be helped. It's the Doctor's orders. I'll take him. Two others, come along. Pastry guy, take the box and follow me."
Cohn hurriedly followed the captain with the smaller box, a specially made box with alchemical tools to keep it warm, the only one of its kind in the whole of 'Cologne's Bread'.
(I guess my luck hasn't run out yet.)
He muttered to himself.
The room to which Cohn was taken was a considerable distance from the loading entrance.
Above the door was a sign that read 『Fifth Maintenance Room』.
The double-opening door was quite large.
The guard captain knocked on that door and entered without waiting for an answer from inside.
Cohn, carrying the box, followed him in.
"Doctor, the pastry guy is here, and I've brought him with me. As you're aware that outsiders are prohibited from coming in here, so I would like if you'd limit your requests within reasonable…"
"Oh, you're finally here! Come on, over here."
The elderly man, called the Doctor, interrupted the captain's quibble and called for Cohn.
The captain, perhaps already used to this, simply sighed.
"I had the 『Special Cologne Bread』 at the director's place yesterday, and I have to say, it was a masterpiece. That box is a heat-retaining alchemy box, right? Very good, just as I requested. Now, pass me one."
The 'Doctor', who was probably in his mid-sixties, had long, unkempt white hair and an equally long white beard.
He was dressed in what the research institute called a white coat, but if he were to hold a wand, he would look like a grand mage.
Despite his age, he had a fierce gaze and an erect posture that gave a certain intimidating impression to those who come in contact with him.
But what surprised Cohn even more was the very person who was called the 'Doctor'.
Even Cohn, who was from another country, knew his face and name.
In other words, he was somebody who had been closely related to the affairs of the country for a long time.
But at the same time, he was someone who should not be there.
That's right, the 'Doctor' should be in the 'Kingdom', not the 'Union'.
Not a weapons workshop, but an alchemy workshop, in the Magic University.
He was one of the two leading alchemists in the Kingdom of Knightley, and was also known by his nickname 'Master Alchemist'.
That was the identity of the man in front of him, the genius alchemist Frank De Verde.
"Yes, this is it. Gosh, It really tastes good. I hope you have the three I ordered? Good, I'll have the other two."
Frank, the 'Doctor', accepted the two untouched loaves of his Special Cologne Bread and put them in the warming box provided in the room.
"Great, this should keep me going for a while. Um, pastry guy…Cologne, right? I would like to order more for tomo…"
"Nope, that won't do, not everyday, Doctor."
As Dr. Frank was about to order for tomorrow, the captain of the guard stopped him.
"Mhmm, what a cheapskate. I know all about the rules, but come on…fine, the day after tomorrow then. Three loaves, same as today."
"G-Got it, order received."
Cohn nodded his head in confirmation.
Then he looked suddenly to the side.
There, the front of the wall was a clear crystal window, and at the back of the room beyond the window was….
(Is that…)
"Hey, pastry guy, let's go."
"Uh, yes."
Urged by the captain, Cohn left the room.
Burning the scene beyond the window into his memory.
-x-X-x-
'Cologne Pastries' was located on a back street in the closed city of Yeast.
It was a popular bakery that made fresh cream bread, jam bread, and other pastries that require a little extra effort.
Cohn was in the basement of the bakery.
"Cohn, your report."
The man in front of him was a man who appeared to be way past his prime and advanced in years, and was considered by the store's regulars to be the owner of the store.
However, he had been ill recently, and it was said that his second son, Cohn, was filling in his shoes.
And so, Cohn commenced his report.
"I succeeded in infiltrating the 'Fifth Area' as per our objective. In the back, I caught an actual glimpse of what I believe to be the 'new weapon'…however…"
Then Cohn faltered.
"What is it? Understand that the fate of our country is riding on your report."
He did not raise his voice, but there was an inexpressible pressure in the 'shop owner's' voice, perhaps confidence that came from the fact that he had been on this mission for so long and reported to the country without incident.
"I know, but…I mean we're talking about a 'new' weapon, correct. So basically, something that's yet to be seen, right?"
"Hmm, I see your point."
The owner nodded in agreement to Cohn's defensive words.
"But from what I've heard and from my experience, the new weapon of the Union … is a golem."
Even after Cohn went silent, the shop owner said nothing.
It stayed that way for a while, and eventually, Cohn got tired and broke the silence.
"Hey, are you with me?"
The shop owner jumped up at those words.
"Ah, sorry. Did you say…golem?"
"Yeah, golem. It is two and a half meters long, about the size of an ogre, and has four legs. It had a human-like upper body with two hands and a head."
The shop owner snorted at Cohn's report.
No Central Nation had succeeded in producing an artificial golem.
Still, there were 'wild' golems.
They were rarely encountered, and they came in all shapes and sizes.
Once, when Ryo and Abel were on their way back from Rondo Forest, they met golems that looked like rocks.
There were wild golems like that, and some of them, although extremely rare, were said to resemble living creatures at first glance.
Furthermore, while there were no mention of artificial golems being created in the Central Nations, there was an army of golems, also known as the 'Golem Corps', in the Western Countries.
The tale had been circulated by bards and the like, and Cohn was aware of it.
But this in particular, although it had four legs, its upper body was so human-like, and was close to an artificial golem that Cohn had envisioned.
That was why he reported, 'The new weapon is a golem'.
"So, what's this golem made of and their numbers?"
"The material is unknown. The surface looked like metal from a distance. There were about 20 of them. However, there may be more."
"At least twenty metal golems…"
The shop owner's voice faded and became quiet.
A golems of the Western Countries were reportedly equivalent to the fighting strength of five B-rank adventurers.
If comparable, then twenty golems would be the equivalent of a hundred B-rank adventurers….
"Which superpower could…"
He couldn't even imagine how it would look, but he had to at least inform his home country.
However, a half-baked alchemist couldn't accomplish the manufacture of an artificial golem…which had been impossible for any of the Central Nations until now.
Considering that the level of alchemy in the Union was pretty mediocre….
"Who was the leading alchemist? You saw that too, did you not?"
"'Yeah, I did. And I'm pretty positive because I have seen him before. It's Frank de Verde, the genius alchemist of the Kingdom of Knightley."
"Nonsense…"
The name Cohn gave was indeed shocking.
Frank de Verde is one of the leading alchemists of their time, and alchemists of his caliber were usually banned from leaving their country for the rest of their lives.
That was because his talent was a national treasure.
Even though it may be called inhumane, it happened even in the Kingdom that was said to be quite lenient…compared to the Empire.
That such talent was in an enemy country and at the center of weapons development was….
But it wasn't his job to judge.
That was for his home country to do.
The home country's intelligence bureau would have more detailed and extensive information than what was available there.
"All right. I will report back to our home country. Good work."
With that, the shop owner began to compose the message.
After leaving the basement, Cohn stretched out and muttered.
"Seems like my second hometown will be seeing some turbulent times soon as well, uh."
Four days after Cohn brought back the information from the fifth area.
In a room in the castle in Aberdeen, the capital of Inbury Duchy, Loris Baggio, the Duke of Inbury, was receiving a report.
"You mean that at least twenty artificial golems, made by Frank de Verde, are the new weapon of the Union?"
"Yes sir, that appears to be the case."
Joseph Salieri, Secretary of Intelligence of the Inbury Duchy, made the report.
"I have to say, that doesn't sound good at all."
Loris said with a frown.
It was not surprising.
To begin with, the gap in strength between the Union and the Duchy was more than tenfold.
Moreover, if new weapons such as artificial golems were to be introduced, it was extremely difficult to believe that there was any chance of victory.
The situation was already untenable, and the war was inevitable.
They had also approached the Kingdom for reinforcements, but their response was not favorable.
Naturally, Loris had been informed of the disturbances in the Capital, and understood that it might be difficult to expect reinforcements from the Knights.
But even so, the Kingdom was dawdling even more than expected.
"I guess we can't rely on other countries, after all."
Loris' mutterings were heard by Secretary Salieri.
Of course, he understood perfectly what he meant.
"We have our defense force, the 'Green Storm'."
Salieri asserted emphatically.
"Well, yeah. Gecko was able to procure the magic stone, and we managed to get it in time…. But, only one unit can be deployed right? Although the core part is for two units, the consumption is so high that it takes those two large magic stones to finally power up one unit…. So, only one unit is operational. Simultaneous operation of two units is impossible. Now, where should we set them up…"
"Had it been built based on the original design, it would have been mobile and could have been taken to the battlefield…"
Secretary Salieri said with a frustrated look on his face.
"It can't be helped. The Union moved more quickly than expected. It's unavoidable that many things could not be done in time."
"The Union has a deployable force of 200,000. Assuming that some troops remain on the borders of the Empire and the Kingdom, the forces that will be sent to our country would number around 60,000…. In which case, 5,000 will be Knights, 200 magicians, and 1,000 adventurers. The rest will be conscripts."
Loris Baggio, Duke of Inbury, was muttering the contents of the report.
"We have 500 knights, 30 magicians, and…at most 100 adventurers. Even if we gather the people together, we won't number up to 10,000…"
The strategy had already been decided.
It had been repeatedly developed through a series of desk exercises at the stronghold of the Duchy's military.
From Loris' point of view, there was no other way to go about it.
The problem, however, was that there is a high probability that even that strategy would not work.
It was still better than the alternatives.
Then, a knock sounded.
"Your Excellency, Mr. Gecko is here."
"Send him in."
Gecko, the great representative merchant of the Inbury Duchy, was a man who is even unofficially rumored to be the Trade Minister of the Duchy's government.
He was also one of Loris' most trusted men.
"You asked to see me, Your Excellency."
"Yeah, Gecko, we pretty much have an idea of the Union's new weaponry. To put it bluntly, we have no means to defend the capital. As soon as Fionn is ready, you must flee."
Simple and short.
Even Gecko, who was one of the fastest thinkers in the Duchy, took a few moments to understand the implication.
"You mean we have no choice but to resist with a scorched-earth strategy?"
Draw the enemy as deep into the country as possible, destroy the towns and villages along the way, make provisions for the people to escape, and thoroughly extend the enemy's supply lines.
Thereafter, the extended supply lines will be repeatedly cut off in local skirmishes to prevent supplies from reaching the front lines, and when the enemy reaches its limits, they counterattack to grasp victory.
Even if the enemy could be defeated, the cities and villages would be in shambles and the lives of the citizens would become extremely difficult.
Postwar reconstruction will be a horrendously difficult process.
It's one of the least popular strategies any policymaker would want to adopt, but it was the only way.
Loris decided that it was the only way.
Of all the strategies proposed by the military, this was the most difficult to adopt. But the Union's new weapon left practically no other option save this strategy.
Loris Baggio, being a duke, head of state, and the ruler of a country with an excellent intelligence bureau, had more detailed information about the Golem Corps of the Western Countries than was generally known.
If the creator of this artificial golem had been some random nobody, he would have decided that they wouldn't be as powerful as the Golem Corps in the West….
But the creator was Frank de Verde.
Until ten years ago, the term 『Genius Alchemist』 was reserved for him.
Later, a young genius named Kenneth Hayward came along, but even so, Frank de Verde's name never faded.
Rather, Frank and Kenneth were said to have even accelerated the alchemy development of the Kingdom by 20 years through their friendly rivalry with each other.
So if it was made by one of these geniuses…it will be no less powerful than the golems of the Western Countries.
Loris had already made up his mind that it would not be possible to prevent the Union's advance to the capital.
For this reason, he called Gecko and instructed him to flee.
"Yeah, a scorched-earth strategy, using the whole country. No doubt I'll be branded a failure as a policymaker."
Loris said self-deprecatingly, then let out a sarcastic laugh.
Loris then stopped laughing and continued.
"Gecko, if I win this battle, you and your fellow merchants will be the ones most needed for reconstruction. Domestic supplies will be no more and the people will starve. You will need to bring in supplies from other countries as soon as possible. To that end, I need you out of harm's way."
It is natural for any nation to accurately predict the outcome of a battle and take action before the battle even begins.
While this is a natural course of action for any nation, it is also a matter of course to consider the possibility of desertion or betrayal.
However, Loris trusted Gecko and his trading company.
Young men would probably flee to other countries, but they would still help in rebuilding after the war.
"All right. Fortunately, we have a strong connection with the Kingdom, which is a major agricultural power. You can leave all the reconstruction work to us."
Gecko assured him firmly.
He knew that was what Loris wanted to hear the most at that moment.
"I'm counting on you."
Gecko left the room, leaving Loris alone.
In front of him was a map displaying the Inbury Duchy and the Handal Union.
Looking at the map, Loris said in a small but strong voice.
"We will never go back to being slaves."
-x-X-x-
On that day, as usual, Ryo had lunch with Sera at 『Houshoku-tei』 and were on their way to the Lord's manor.
They were going to have their mock battle at the Knights Training Ground, which was almost a daily routine by now.
However, the atmosphere in the Lord's manor was unusual and there was a flurry of activity when they arrived.
Sera asked a nearby knight.
"Johan, what happened?"
"Oh, Sera, Ryo. The news just came from the Royal Capital. It seems that the Handal Union has declared war on the Inbury Duchy."
As long as both countries had borders with the Kingdom, the war was pertinent to the Kingdom of Knightley.
However, Ryo was clearly shaken.
"Ryo?"
It was a first for Sera to see Ryo so distressed.
"Well … my disciples are in the Inbury Duchy…"
"Disciples?"
Ryo's answer was unexpected for Sera and she could only return the same words to him.
"They were children who worked with a company … I don't think they will enter the battlefield because they are merchants in the making, but if the Union pushes into the Duchy capital …"
"Ryo, calm down."
Sera squeezed Ryo's hands.
She only squeezed them and did not say anything more or do anything else.
However, that alone mysteriously calmed Ryo's anxiety.
"Thank you, Sera."
Ryo let go of Sera a little shyly.
"Ah."
Sera's voice was so tiny that it almost didn't make any sound and it disappeared without reaching anyone's ears.
"Yeah, it's okay. Gecko would keep the kids away from the battlefield. And if they practiced every day, they should be able to use Ice Wall. That's the best spell to protect themselves so it'll be okay. Yup, it'll be okay."
Ryo repeated the words many times to convince himself.
"Ryo's Ice Wall …"
He had shown Sera before so she knew that even a single layer was not something that could be easily broken.
Future merchants who could use such a spell … it was a secret that she felt a little terrified.
Squad Captain Eden passed beside them.
Eden was the Knights of Rune's squad captain of the transport team, who stayed in the Royal Capital during the Royal Capital chaos.
"Eden!"
"Sera, Ryo. Did you hear about the declaration of war?"
"Yeah, we just heard about it. So, is it likely that the Knights will participate in the war?"
Sera verified whether they would participate in the war.
An ordinary Knight wouldn't know at that stage but Eden was the most senior squad leader and therefore held the highest position.
So, he would likely have detailed information.
"No, it seems that the Knights will not participate in the war. The Royal Capital's Kingdom Knights' Order was annihilated so the other Knight Orders of the Kingdom, including the Knights of Rune, will probably not participate in the war …"
"I see..."
Sera looked toward Ryo.
"I will go alone."
Ryo had already decided.
His disciples may be at risk. If he didn't go and something happened … he would probably regret it for the rest of his life. He was certain of that.
"Wait, Ryo. The Adventurer's Guild will likely recruit volunteers to dispatch under the 『Mercenary Request』system. It would be difficult for individuals to leave the country because the borders should already be closed. But guild dispatched units can cross the border so it's better to travel that way."
Sera was also certain that Ryo would depart for the Inbury Duchy at all costs.
In that case, it would be better if he used a more reliable way to reach there.
"I see. Thank you, Sera. I'll go to the guild now."
Ryo said and tried to turn around.
But before that, he was wrapped in a soft sensation.
Sera had hugged him.
"Sera?"
"There's no telling what will happen on the battlefield. I really want to accompany you, but as long as I'm the instructor of the Knights, I can't decide to do as I please this time. So … be careful. I want you to come back."
Ryo couldn't tell what kind of expression Sera had with her face on his shoulder.
However, the words to say at such times were already decided.
"I will definitely come back. I promise."
"Mmm..."
Ryo promised and Sera nodded.
By the time she untied her arms and took a step back, Sera was already smiling.
And she said with that smile.
"Have a safe trip."
"I'll be back soon."
Ryo replied and headed for the Adventurer's Guild.
The Adventurer's Guild was congested.
The news that the Union declared war on the Duchy and the 『Mercenary Request』 for adventurers that was issued culminated in the hustle and bustle Ryo saw in the guild.
For『Mercenary Requests』 issued by an Adventurer's Guild, the country of affiliation would act as the client.
As it was a life-threatening request, the reward promised was great.
In the case of a Mercenary Request from the Kingdom of Knightley, the country would provide all the meals while on the move and the battlefield.
On top of that, each person would receive a daily allowance of over 50,000 Florins inclusive of hazard pay.
However, not everyone could participate. There was a restriction that only 『C-rank or higher』 adventurers could apply.
It had to be done because even if a low-level adventurer went to the battlefield, they would easily lose their lives.
The problem was that Ryo was still a D-rank adventurer.
By the time Ryo arrived at the Adventurer's Guild, the peak shortly after the Mercenary Request was made had passed.
Still, there were a lot of people in the lobby, and pockets of adventurers were having discussions.
Adventurers of C-rank and above talked about the battlefield they were going to and adventurers of D-rank and below talked about how they would one day stand on the battlefield and dreamt of getting rich quick … such conversations happened all over the guild
In the first place, since the danger to life was a daily occurrence for adventurers, they had no reservations about going to the battlefield.
Rather, they gave the sense that they sought honor and reward there.
After all, the Guildmaster of Rune himself became a hero through the Great War.
Perhaps it may be natural the guild members would think 'Someday we will too!'.
Ryo weaved between those adventurers and arrived at the counter.
There, the veteran receptionists who have handled crowds at peak hours revealed looks of exhaustion as they continued with their professional work.
Among them, Ryo stood at receptionist Nina's window.
"Nina, I'd like to apply to join the Mercenary Request."
"Eh..."
Hearing Ryo's request, Nina was at a loss for words.
Nina was a professional receptionist.
She pretty much knew the ranks of all the adventurers in the City of Rune.
According to her knowledge, Ryo's adventurer rank was …
"Ryo-san is a D-rank, so … a Mercenary Request that only C-rank and above can receive is …"
"Eh..."
After hearing Nina's reply, it was Ryo's turn to be at a loss for words.
However, Ryo was not one to give up.
This time, the lives of his disciples were at stake … maybe.
"In that case, please make me C-rank right now."
"Th-that's a little …"
Nina had also heard rumors of Ryo's extraordinary fighting ability.
Being a receptionist, she naturally heard various stories from adventurers.
Of course, that didn't mean she would show favoritism.
However, she understood that Ryo, who was usually rather laid back, may have some reason to be so desperate.
For an ordinary adventurer, money or honor may be the reason … but she knew Ryo had a lot of money in the guild.
She didn't know the exact amount, but she knew it seemed to be an amount that he could play and live on for the rest of his life.
And she also knew that he was a person who cared little about honor.
So why would he act this way this time …
"I have to go to the Inbury Duchy at all costs because the lives of my disciples are at stake."
With Ryo's desperate appeal, Nina was finally able to understand.
『For my disciples』
That was certainly a good reason to be desperate.
But …
"But the rules can't be bent …"
Nina had no choice but to say so.
Unfortunately, it couldn't be helped.
"Okay. Let me talk to Hugh for a moment."
Saying that, Ryo began to head towards the back door.
"Ah, Ryo-san, wait a minute."
Ryo was already in front of the door when she imagined he was just about to take a step.
He was so swift that it seemed as though he had teleported.
And by the time Nina called out to him, he was going through the door.
Hugh McGrath, Rune's Adventurer's Guild Guildmaster, was busier than usual and as such, wasn't in a good mood.
That was a given since a Mercenary Request was made.
Gathering the adventurers wasn't an issue.
It was done by the reception and the majority would be C and B-ranks.
At most, there were also the adventurers temporarily staying in the City of Rune.
Their numbers could be estimated.
The problem was food.
When sending the adventurers that have gathered, he must also procure and dispatch the food they would eat.
Although the cost was borne by the country, the money would only be transferred after a few months.
He had to secure food with the money he currently had, arrange for transportation, and in some cases, secure drinking water too.
There would not always be a river that can be used as drinking water.
Especially in the eastern part of the Kingdom, which was the route this time, the security was not good because the Rho Bridge collapsed and the city was destroyed recently.
In such places, the water would often be polluted from the corpses tossed into rivers and wells.
The more he thought about it, the more problems came up … that was usually the case when it came to provisions.
There was a knock on the door to Hugh's office.
"Enter."
If it was an urgent matter, the guild staff would enter without knocking.
However, he had no plans to meet anyone at that moment.
Although he was skeptical, he couldn't take any action other than 'Enter' because he couldn't do anything without knowing who the other party was.
"Excuse me."
It was Ryo who entered.
"Ryo? What happened?"
"I have a request to ask of Hugh. Please make me C-rank."
"...Hah?"
"I understand why you want to go, but this time it's impossible."
Hugh replied while looking at the paperwork.
The document was Ryo's guild record.
Information from the resolution of requests he picked up to his contribution and other information were described.
After checking, he decided that he couldn't promote him to C-rank yet.
"Uuu … I think that I have contributed quite a bit though …"
Ryo had indeed received very few requests. However, his contribution to each request should be a considerable amount. He focused on that.
"You're right. But C-rank isn't a rank that is easy to promote in the first place. C-rank signifies a 'first-class' adventurer. Some adventurers can't move up to C-rank and retire as D-rank. That's why there are strict rules for promotion to C-rank and even guildmasters don't have the authority to ignore them."
"Then who has that authority?"
"No one has. Even if it is the Duke or His Majesty the King, they cannot promote to C-rank or higher unless they clear the requirements. It is a rule on the number of resolved requests and the success rate that can't be bent. Over a hundred completed requests and a success rate of more than 98%. That cannot be changed."
Hugh McGrath said.
"Muu …"
At that point, even Ryo understood that it was impossible to push further.
He had to change his means.
"I will carry luggage or do anything!"
He couldn't think of a good idea.
Still, he had to try.
"You say you'll carry the luggage … but they are mostly transported by carriages, but can Ryo control horse-drawn carriages?"
"… I can't."
"Yeah, it's more difficult than it looks."
Ryo and Hugh sighed deeply.
Ryo sighed in despair after all means were exhausted.
Hugh sighed deeply, remembering the transportation problem.
"I guess I have no choice but to break through the border by force. If I freeze everything, I can somehow …"
Ryo muttered to himself but it reached Hugh's ears.
"Hey, seriously don't that."
Hugh felt a little worried but Ryo stopped his rash train of thought.
"But there is no other way … Oh, I can't control a carriage but I can make wagons!"
"Wagons?"
"Using carriages means you use horses and need to transport food for the horses too, right? You'll have to procure a good number of carriages, right? And what do you do with the carriages when you're done? You can't sell it in the war zone. But my wagons can solve all those problems!"
Hugh was also quite interested in that.
Because he had been troubled by the transportation problem many times since just now.
If it could be solved …
"I'm a little interested. Somewhere … okay, show me the wagon at the outdoor practice ground."
Adventurer's Guild Outdoor Practice Ground.
Usually, there would be F-rank and E-rank adventurers, but no one was there today.
They were probably in the lobby, engaged enthusiastically about the Mercenary Request.
"
When Ryo chanted, a four-wheeled ice wagon two meters wide was created.
And when Ryo walked, the
"Ho ~"
Hugh was impressed.
It didn't need a horse and could be cast or canceled freely with Ryo's magic.
"Hey, how many of this can you make?"
"I have no idea … I haven't tried it. I can make it a little bigger too."
Ryo said and remade the previously cast
He made them in the image of boxcars on Earth.
With that, it resembled a carriage with a cover and they could pack their luggage inside.
After one was completed, another wagon was created behind it, another behind it, and so on.
It seemed that he could easily form 20 of them.
As Ryo walked, the twenty wagons followed in single file.
A very fairy tale spectacle was happening in the practice area.
"Oh, yeah, I'll let Ryo assist with the supplies."
Hugh sounded a little drained as he approved Ryo's participation in the 『Mercenary Request』.
Albeit, as a luggage carrier.
Early morning two days after the 『Mercenary Request』 was posted to the Adventurer's Guild.
It was still five o'clock in the morning, but Ryo was in front of the Adventurer's Guild, creating twenty
"Ryo, it's a little late to ask now, but are you really okay with this?"
"Huh?"
Hugh asked while watching them load supplies alongside Ryo.
"Well, this is pretty eye-catching? Although adventurers will be coming from every city, people will still gossip about you. I figured you were trying to avoid that?"
Ryo could supply an entire army on his own … which could be said to be a coveted ability for those who run an organization.
The military was a given, but merchants would covet him such that they no longer have to hire carriages, and aristocrats from all over the world would find it easier to transport goods.
Hugh knew that it was something Ryo didn't want.
But …
"Well, that might be the case … I can't replace solve this without making some sacrifices. I'm worried about Gecko and the other and I need to confirm the safety of my disciples."
"I see…"
Hugh replied and stopped their conversation there.
It was because the adventurers participating in the 'expedition' started gathering little by little.
Among them …
"I'm enthusiastic about being led by Gilmas himself … wait, Ryo? Why is Ryo here?"
It was B-rank adventurer Abel.
The B-rank party 『Crimson Sword』 would participate in the expedition.
The White Brigade, also a B-rank party, would watch over the City of Rune.
In such cases, the Crimson Sword would be the highest-ranking in the expeditionary force departing from Rune, and their leader Abel would inevitably lead the expeditionary force, but this time it was different.
That was because the guildmaster Hugh McGrath himself was participating.
Of course, no one would find fault with Master McGrath, the hero of the Great War, participating in the war, but Hugh was participating in the war to watch over Abel.
Abel was the second son of the royal family.
The crown prince was talented but had a weak constitution. If something were to happen, Abel would lead the country.
Abel had to survive for that 'possibility'.
To that end, Hugh was thinking of taking part in the war, holding Abel's reins, and taking the brunt of the battle himself.
It wasn't known if Abel anticipated such a situation, but he welcomed Hugh's participation.
However, he didn't expect Ryo to be there.
Ryo was a D-rank adventurer.
Even though he knew that his combat power was far superior to even that of himself at B-rank, there were no exceptions to guild regulations.
For that reason, he didn't think that Ryo, a D-rank, would be allowed to participate in the war.
"Abel, I am the luggage carrier."
Then, Ryo pointed to the
"I see … that's ice? Amazing. I'm seeing it for the first time … but … why does it feel familiar?"
That was because Abel was carried by that wagon before when he was unconscious.
Ryo had no intention of revealing that no matter what.
Ryo created a wagon and carried Abel on it, when he found him washed up on the shore of Rondo Forest, to his house.
Abel, who should have been unconscious the entire time, seemed to recall the wagon, probably because he had a more sensitive perception than others.
"W-well, it's a common wagon …"
"No, it's not common at all."
Ryo's poor excuse was cut down by Abel in a single swipe.
And at seven o'clock.
Rune's expeditionary force, led by Hugh McGrath, set out for Red Post, a city on the eastern border, where adventurers from other cities will gather.
-x-X-x-