c3 (2/2)

I quietly sheathed the sword.

「You got a sword, so what's the point in putting it in the sheath? What're you planning to do? Beg for your life? Are you scared to stand alone against all of us?」 (Rogules)

Surrounded by the subordinates, Rogules came close from the front. Although the encirclement was good at placing Rogules in the front and center, to me it was just an invitation to their deaths.

Well, at least it saves me some trouble. Holding the sheath in my left hand, and shoving my right hand into my pocket, I maintained a composed appearance.

「That's right. Being alone against 15 of you is quite hard. But it's not a problem. I'll keep you company—」 (Izayoi)

In that moment, as if on cue, the subordinates disappeared.

Without doing anything, a strong wind began to blow, kicking up the dirt and sending it into the air.

Rogules showed no hint of understanding what was to come.

I paid no heed to the 14 subordinates. The one I need to defeat is...

「...you, alone.」 (Izayoi)

Gathering excessive power, I drew the sword.

「Wha!?」 (Rogulues)

Facing no resistance, the sword met Rogules' neck.

Gathering the energy within my body, I scored the earth, and calmed the wind. Shrouded by a dust cloud, I took Rogules' back and silently returned the sword to the sheath.

His head parted from his body, spurting blood as it fell towards the earth. Caught up in the moment, I lost sight of my goal for a second.

Kneeing the body, the slightly overdue sound of Rogules. .h.i.tting the ground could be heard.

Wrapped in silence, everyone became stiff.

Cutting through the silence, I announced, 「You guys acted as you pleased. I killed your boss, do you think you can beat me?」 (Izayoi)

Unsure what had just happened, the subordinates with frightened expressions came to a single conclusion.

「Re, retreat!」 (Subordinates)

On that signal, they all turned to run.

「Was, wasn't that amazing!? I didn't think you could possibly beat them!」 (Receptionist)

The guild receptionist ran over to me.

「Hey… Did you really ask me that while thinking I was going to be killed?」 (Izayoi)

「Ah, no, it was all according to plan!」 (Receptionist)

Could've fooled me. I was a bit impatient, and even though there was no chance of me losing, this receptionist should be disqualified as a human being.

「You're the worst for not helping earlier, even though you had the power to do so!」 (Receptionist)

「...But I didn't say anything.」 (Izayoi)

「What's what your eyes are saying!」 (Receptionist)

The residents that had been waiting for help came out one by one, and begun to praise me. Isn't this disgraceful? If you understand, then get a hint.

Returning the borrowed sword to the adventurer, I quickly left for the inn as if running away.

「Ha... Now that I've done something troublesome, I better leave town, huh?」 (Izayoi)

『”Troublesome” you say, did something bad happen?』 (Astrea)

(Astrea. Are you awake?) (Izayoi)

『I just woke up. So, what happened?』 (Astrea)

(Nothing happened. Rather, how are you doing?) (Izayoi)

『Ah, is Izayoi worried about Astrea-chan!? The grown-up Astrea-chan has understood that she has become an important existence!』 (Astrea)

(Well, I guess so. Whether you're here or not, it doesn't really matter... Really, it would be fine if you slept forever.) (Izayoi)

『Praising me then insulting me! How cruel. Izayoi is mean. I can feel it!』 (Astrea)

Before, I didn't understand Astrea's actions at all, but this year, I've understood just how much of a pervert she's become. I vaguely understood that from some time ago though.

(Astrea. Any new information?) (Izayoi)

『Nope. I tried talking to the fairies, but no response.』 (Astrea)

(No response? What's the meaning of that?) (Izayoi)

Astrea is one of the highest ranking fairies. Governing good and justice, she has regeneration and purification powers. She used to possess the holy sword before, but she's possessing my body right now, and because I don't have any magic power, she can't use any strong magic.

『Astrea-chan might not have enough power, but it's still odd. More than just not getting a response, I can't feel the fairies' power.』 (Astrea)

(...Are they dead?) (Izayoi)

『It's possible. Compared to five years ago, the amount of magic power in this world has decreased.』 (Astrea)

(The core of the demon lord was sealed, so it was supposed to have gotten better, but it's actually getting worse... is it.) (Izayoi)

The state of the world has declined. It's not impossible to think someone is doing it intentionally. Power to move the world, power to change the world. ...the demon lord's core. And Astrea's former host, the sacred sword.

They're probably in Zenesys' hands right now.

『Something has to be done... but what to do? Izayoi?』 Astrea consulted me.

The world's reduced magic power, and the missing presence of the fairies.

What is Zenesys doing? ...no, that doesn't matter.

(...Where is the nearest fairy?) (Izayoi)

『Allele-chan, the Reyl Lake water fairy is the closest.』 (Astrea)

We're currently in Arona, on the southeast edge of the central Asian continent. Reyl Lake is half a day away by the fast royal carriage.

(Got it. Let's go see what they're up to.) (Izayoi)

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