Chapter 170: Secret (3) (1/2)

There was no vegetation in the frontier. The land was dead, suffocated by an oppressive fog of dark energy. Therefore, in Annihilation, the danger came not only from the beasts but the very ground below them.

“Julie. You’re bad with directions, so why do you keep trying to guide us?”

In such a place, Julie was taking the lead. Gwen was disconcerted, as Julie was someone who got lost even inside the knight’s training grounds.

“It’s fine. All I need is this map.”

Nevertheless, Julie moved forward with the map in hand. The team members, Gwen, Drent, and Devron, were curious about what that paper held.

“This red dot is where we are now. Thus…”

Julie stopped and looked around.

“It seems to be here. Let’s set up the station.”

One of their missions was to set up new stations in unexplored areas. Gwen paused, unsure.

“Is it here? Are you certain?”

“Yes. Look.”

Julie showed her the map directly. Where they currently stood was marked with an X.

“…Huh? I guess this is an artifact, huh? Nice purchase, Julie.”

“I didn’t buy it.”

“Then?”

“It’s mission equipment, Sir Drent.”

“Yes, it’s mission equipment.”

Julie and Gwen put down the materials they had brought. The wizard, Drent, built the station with magic while Gwen watched.

“…But I don’t know why he wants to build this here. The beasts will destroy it anyway.”

“We’ll also put this mirror in.”

Julie set down the mirror without listening. She didn’t know why they had to install the mirror, but it was their mission.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah-

Then, a scream cut through the air. The three knights glared toward its source.

“Oh, that’s fine.”

But, hearing that voice, Drent waved his hand as if not to worry.

“It won’t be a big deal. It’s Leaf’s screaming.”

“Leaf?”

“Epherene. She’s my colleague.”

“Then shouldn’t it be a bigger reason to help?”

Drent smiled and shook his head at Julie.

“No. Leaf… um, her talent is unusual. She also received practical training from Professor Deculein.”

“That’s right. Well, if it’s Epherene, she’s the wizard on the team with Syrio. Syrio will take care of it.”

Gwen chimed in.

“We just do what we have to do. It’s not polite to help blindly. Julie, you know that too, right?”

“…Yes.”

When Julie nodded-

Whooooosh!

Beyond Annihilation, the air sharp as steel engulfed the world. It was an advanced destruction magic that blew away the scream.

“…I guess that your friend Epherene is good at making a fuss over nothing?”

“Hmm. Rather than making a fuss, I would say that she still doesn’t know how strong she is.”

“Why? That level-“

Whiiiiiiiiiiirl!

The wind Epherene created was a blender grinding everything caught within.

“Oh. As I said, she received practical training from the Professor. Since she only lost to him… she still doesn’t know that she is strong.”

“…Hmm.”

Gwen thought for a moment and then nodded.

“Indeed. Because Deculein is a sorcerer specialized in practical combat… it was written that way in the scout report too.”

That was part of the advanced information provided to members of the Imperial Knights. Julie cocked her head.

“You mean the report?”

“Yeah. Among the wizards, the Deculein report is the longest.”

When a knight and a wizard cooperated, mutual recognition of their abilities was necessary. So, these days, the Knights shared the wizard’s information beforehand, and among them, Deculein’s report was the longest.

“Is that so?”

“Even if not taking into account that he’s a magician, his fighting ability is outstanding. He’s very cool-headed; he doesn’t mind killing… the general summary is even more amazing. That-“

“‘It seems that he doesn’t need to cooperate with the knights.'”

The third knight, the quiet Devron, who was still until now, cut in. The middle-aged man was a famous knight belonging to the Imperial Palace.

“I have never seen such a wizard report in my lifetime. In general, a report emphasizes the ‘how to protect’ aspects of a wizard. His seems to state that we don’t need to protect him… I was perplexed.”

“…”

After hearing those words, Julie looked at her watch. She pretended not to be uncomfortable, and Gwen was also deliberately trying to ease the mood, but it wasn’t helping.

“There is not enough time. Now let’s head to the second position. Move out.”

“Okay. Hey wizard guy, are you okay? Can you run more?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Okay. Let’s go. But you’re kind of cute. How old are you?”

“…Hm?”

The four of them advanced even deeper into the wilderness.

* * *

…The battle was over, leaving the snow-covered fields littered with the carcasses of wild beasts. The world that was such pure white minutes ago was dyed red. A metallic scent emanated from the blood and intestines that had spread here and there, but I was focused on the system message.

[Action Bonus: Due to fierce battle, the attachment of Iron Man will bloom]

◆ Completion of Attribute Experience

◆ Acquire the attachment Steel Bone.

[Perfect Kill: Killed more than 3,333 beasts in one battle.]

◆ Acquire the rare characteristic Beast Slayer.

First, Steel Bone. I didn’t know in detail, and the only explanation provided was that ‘bones grow stronger.’ On the other hand, Beast Slayer was easy to grasp.

──「Beast Slayer」──

◆ Rating

: Rare

◆ Description

: Achievement realized through large-scale battle.

: The larger the size of the monster you are dealing with, the greater your magic power.

──────

“P-Professor! Are you all right?!”

The guards and the wardens came running, each wearing a matching expression of fright.

“Take these bodies away. You will be able to sell it for a reasonable price.”

“Y-Yes!”

I killed them with that in mind. There were 3,000, but I didn’t want to damage any of their hides too badly.

“Oh, farewell! Take a good rest! Leave this to us…”

I walked through the gate feeling dizzy for a moment, but I endured it. My remaining mana was 0. All of it had been consumed during this battle. Yet, I did not stumble. I was forced to maintain a regular stride length.

Thus, I returned to the mansion. I wiped my body clean, put on a robe, and lay flat on the bed.

“…”

I closed my eyes.

* * *

Meanwhile, Zeit and his party arrived at Reccordak.

“I see you, Lord—!”

The guard guarding the entrance stood up straight and saluted. After all, no one in the North did not know Zeit by sight.

“Step aside. Keep it a secret that I came.”

“Yes! Of course!”

Thanks to that, the other five, Lia, Sylvia, and Primienne, were able to safely enter Reccordak without further notice.

“But what are you going to do? There isn’t much to do here. There is nothing to spy on for Iliade.”

“It’s not espionage.”

Sylvia shook her head. Zeit grinned, and then Lia answered.

“We are waiting for Ganesha here!”

Lastly, Primienne.

“I have a separate business to discuss with Professor Deculein. I plan to wait in the prison office.”

“Good. Anyway, let’s do our own thing here. The brief meeting with your star-like talents will end here, but our reunion is not far away. May your journeys be completed safely.”

“Yes! Thank you!”

“Goodbye, King of Winter.”

The three Musketeers, Lia, Leo, and Carlos, bid him farewell warmly, and Primienne showed him the courtesy of the North. Sylvia was already gone.

“…Hmm.”

Zeit, now alone, crossed his arms and looked up at a tree. The shadow wavering there took shape before his eyes.

“…Are you here?”

Josephine. She looked at Zeit with a smile.

“Where is Deculein?”

“Huh? Right away?”