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Defiled Hero Chapter 006

Defiled Hero

A-Rank Monster and Former A-Rank Party

I stood up, going to the roof rack where the male elf was.

「...I feel something ominous.」 (Male Elf)

I took a low stance on the roof rack atop the carriage, speaking to the male elf who was looking deep into the forest.

「We came straight here, but what now?」 (Izayoi)

The elf man was somewhat surprised and turned around, looking at my face, but immediately turned back to face the forest.

The morning sun hidden in the mountain shone forth on the path before the carriage, as birds far in the distance ascended as one. It's close. Everyone's realized that an Aspis has come.

「We're gonna ambush it. Watch it, boy.」 (40 year old man)

Moving away from the carriage on the road, they stopped near a cliff which jutted out.

Ambush? Are three people enough to defeat an A-rank monster? I have a weapon, and I probably won't have to fight, but...

(Astrea. Check their statuses for me.) (Izayoi)

『Okaay... Ah, they're outdated, but they have guild registration cards. Is that information fine?』 (Astrea)

(Yeah, that's fine.) (Izayoi)

【Aaron】 Age：42 Race:Human Guild Rank:A

《t.i.tles》 【Blunt Attack | King】 【Magic Machine Technician | Tier 1】

【Rosef】 Age:35 Race:Dwarf Guild Rank:A

《t.i.tles》 【Fistfighting | King】 【Blacksmith | King】 【Blunt Attack | Tier 2】

【Bratt】 Age:120 Race:Elf Guild Rank:A

《t.i.tles》 【Archery | King】 【Wind Magic | King】

…no way.

I haven't actually met them, but I've heard all the rumors. The strongest guild party, 《Berserk Fang》. The leader is Aaron.

The three of them mowing down enemies one after another was reminiscent of a rampaging boar. Summoned to this world as a hero, I spent a year studying and acc.u.mulating knowledge, venturing around defeating monsters all over the place, but I didn't hear their names much.

A long time ago, I would have liked to fight them. To think I would meet them after they moved on to more... shady jobs... They seem similar to me.

Because they're a former A-rank party, there should be no reason to worry.

Disembarking from the imperial carriage, they got off one by one holding their weapons, preparing in front of the forest.

「Old man, step back, I'll do it myself.」 (Izayoi)

Heading past them, I advanced towards the forest.

「Hey, boy, what're you thinkin'? I dunno how strong you are, but it's impossible to do it yerself, ya' know?」 (40 year old man → Aaron)

「That's right. I saw you beating up the thieves. You have the ability to beat an A-rank monster. However, there's no reason to fight alone. We're here too. It's safer to fight together,」 the male elf Bratt said, indifferently. That's right. When I fought the thieves, I was by myself. If someone else could do it, they wouldn't rely on me and leave me out of it. Therefore,

「—If I do everything myself, the time spent and work required will be the lowest.」 (Izayoi)

『Izayoi! It's coming!』 (Astrea)

The ground shook as if a tremor was quickly approaching. From the forest shrouded in darkness, two sharp lights caught my attention.

Confronting them, I took one step forward.

「Don’t do it! Think like an adventurer!」 the male elf shouted.

Retiring from being an adventurer and delving into shady dealings, and you tell me to think like an adventurer? Knowledge, instruction, I no longer need such things. Continuing to advance, with glinting eyes that threatened to devour their prey, I looked behind me at the three and flashed a small smile.

Pretending to not notice the Aspis, they probably thought I was suicidal. Surprise colored the faces of the three as they ran towards Izayoi.