Muaji's subordinates stirred with excitement.
It seemed the wanted poster with her likeness had spread far and wide.
Everyone was staring intently at Seras Ashrain after she had revealed her true identity…
The rarity of seeing a high elf may have added to their fascination.
"This… is quite a surprise. To think the true identity of the Fly Swordsman was none other than Seras Ashrain…"
Muaji's expression turned to one of understanding.
"But now everything makes sense. In exchange for helping the leopardkin escape, you asked her to guide you to the dwelling of the Forbidden Witch. You two fugitives were gambling on making it there as your last resort, weren't you? By the way—"
Muaji opened one eye as if probing.
"Was it you who killed the Five Dragon Warriors?"
"And if it was?"
"No… it wasn't you. It was someone else."
"…Why do you think so?"
"It's simple. I cannot believe you are stronger than that so-called 'strongest of humanity'… because I sense that you are weaker than these people here."
Snap.
Muaji clicked his fingers.
One man stepped forward.
He pulled back his hood.
His entire body was covered in tattoos.
Bald head.
Sunken eyes.
"He was supposed to be the leopardkin's opponent in her final deathmatch. His name is Berger. And one more—"
Muaji flicked his finger.
Seras followed the direction with her eyes.
Into the darkness of the woods diagonally ahead.
When she focused, she saw a man kneeling on one knee.
He held a roll-up bow at the ready.
A large arrow was aimed straight at Seras.
"That is Berger's older brother, Varagan. The two of them are the strongest brother pair that Ashinto boasts. However, this is quite a strange twist of fate."
It was instantly clear that neither man was ordinary.
For some reason, the sight also brought a strange sense of déjà vu.
"Let me tell you the name of their youngest brother."
(…Youngest brother?)
"The name of their youngest brother is Zarash Finebird."
"!"
Seras immediately realized who he meant.
Zarash Finebird.
One of the skilled mercenaries who had relentlessly hunted her during her escape.
He was one of the Holy White Walkers that Touka had killed.
The warrior once called "Fang" in life.
A member of the Brave Blood clan.
"It seems you've figured it out. Yes, they are the older brothers of that 'Fang' who is said to have cornered you."
Berger spoke without emotion.
"Zarash was a worthless little brother, but even he gave you trouble… Seras Ashrain doesn't seem all that impressive after all. We're stronger than that failure Zarash, you know?"
"..."
Even with the ritual spirit armor, Seras had struggled against those four.
She remembered especially how hard Zarash had made her fight.
If these men truly were stronger than him, as they claimed…
(Muaji is not lying… they really do seem to be Zarash's older brothers…)
Muaji smiled.
"Do you understand now? Ashinto is not a group that relies solely on assassination and poison. We also possess sufficient combat strength."
The brothers watched Seras without a single opening.
They were ready to attack at any moment.
If Seras made a move, they would strike immediately.
Once again the moon hid behind the clouds.
Darkness covered the area.
Muaji spoke.
"Assassination techniques, solid combat power… and on top of that, my intellect and insight. Ashinto has it all. A leopardkin who only specializes in combat is no match for us. Even if the one who defeated the Five Dragon Warriors comes at us, we are confident we can win."
Berger licked his lips.
The other Ashinto members also fixed their gazes on Seras.
Some looked irritated, as if the darkness was in their way.
They seemed eager to see her clearly.
"What will you do, Seras Ashrain? If you show even the slightest sign of resistance, Varagan's lightning-fast, sure-hit arrow will pierce you. And if the leopardkin attacks from somewhere, Berger will crush her without issue."
Seras took one step back.
"I do not recommend running into the woods."
Muaji issued the warning.
"In the woods behind you, my subordinates have already circled around."
One of the Ashinto members offered praise.
"As expected of Lord Muaji. That girl fell right into the trap."
"You are not the only one who used a decoy, Seras Ashrain. Surprised?"
Muaji placed a hand on his own chest.
"We… were… the… decoy."
The unit carrying lights.
The unit without lights.
Muaji had prepared two groups.
The front half of the second wave carried lights.
The rear half without lights had slipped into the darkness midway and moved into the woods.
They had deliberately carried lights and moved in a noticeable way.
Muaji had spoken loudly on purpose as well.
All of it was to divert attention away from the separate detachment that had hidden in the darkness to strike at Seras and the others from behind.
As a result, Seras found herself surrounded.
There was no longer any escape.
Muaji continued.
"All our conversation until now was simply to buy time. Until the separate detachment could block your escape routes…"
Muaji smiled bitterly.
"You could not help but be drawn in by the revelation of the truth, could you? Yes, I understand… people cannot help but listen when they feel a mysterious truth is being revealed."
For a brief moment Seras glanced behind her.
(If there is a large-scale trap in the woods, the separate detachment would take the damage first… they were probably sacrificial pieces meant to check for traps…)
"The leopardkin and the girl may already have been captured by the separate detachment by now. We placed skilled fighters with them as well… but it is quiet, isn't it? Sneaking up from behind while erasing their presence. This is the technique of an assassin."
Once again the capricious moonlight appeared.
Moonlight poured down on Seras.
Muaji narrowed his eyes in delight.
"Still… what a truly magnificent beauty…"
Those looking at Seras could not hide their excitement.
Just by looking at their eyes and mouths, it was clear what they were thinking.
Even the strongest brothers.
Even Muaji, who gave the impression of calm composure, could not suppress the pounding of his heart.
"It seems I will need to personally bestow my 'blessing' upon you over time and have you 'shed' your old self as a proper follower of the cursed god. If you know anything about the one who killed the Five Dragon Warriors… you will want to tell me yourself during the 'blessing.' Everyone who has received my 'blessing' has become absolutely obedient to me without exception. Hearing what you saw when you faced the Five Dragon Warriors can wait until the middle of the 'blessing.'"
Blessing.
It was probably brainwashing using drugs.
The Ashinto members spread out further in a fan formation.
They encircled Seras.
"The arrow aimed at you is coated with a paralyzing drug. Even a graze will leave you unable to move. At this rate… it seems the brothers may not even get a turn. No matter how strong you are… everyone is powerless before our 'cursed arts' that inflict status abnormalities…"
Muaji took one step forward.
"This is checkmate, Seras Ashrain."
"..."
"Because I had already read this ending, I told you everything. While you were drawn in by my skill at revealing one 'truth' after another, you found yourself completely cut off from any retreat… Now all that remains is to hand the leopardkin and the girl over to the duke and be done with it. Come, kneel there. First, beg forgiveness from me."
Muaji opened both eyes wide.
"Seras Ashrain… in time I shall grant you the honor of bearing my child. Consider it an honor…"
Once again the moon was covered by clouds.
Light was stolen away.
(Lord Touka…)
Cold sweat ran down Seras's back.
(Almost… everything… went… exactly… as… you… read…)
『Can you draw their attention to yourself as much as possible until I give the signal? Do it however you like.』
Yes.
『If possible, I want to wipe out every last Ashinto who chased us this time without letting any escape.』
The ones buying time… had been us as well.
「――――Connection, complete――――」
The king's "signal" was released from within the darkness.