Vol 5 Chapter 2.1 (1/2)

Vol. 5 Chapter 2 Part 1

The next day at dawn.

After s.h.i.+n had finished preparing by outfitting himself, someone knocked on the door. Schnee, who was in disguise, Tiera, Yuzuha, and Kagerou were waiting outside. It seemed like they wanted to have breakfast together.

s.h.i.+n went downstairs with Yuzuha on his head. Though he casually looked in Schnees direction, he didnt see anything unusual about her appearance.

What will you do today?

Tiera asked while eating breakfast.

It seemed that the Flood had already been widely announced, as the residents evacuation had started.

Although adventurers had been recruited to help out at places where help was needed, there was not much work left to be done.

Ill go to the feudal lords castle. Because I have said that Id bring you there, please come with me today, s.h.i.+n.

Ah-Yeah, I understand.

Had she forgotten to tell him yesterday? Since s.h.i.+n hadnt thought about his plans for today either, he agreed.

When he looked at Schnee, whose att.i.tude hadnt changed, s.h.i.+n thought, Am I strange for worrying about what happened?.

What did a man often worry about at such times? He thought about trivial things.

Then, Ill go to the training center. I cant go to the frontlines, but you never know what will happen.

Yes, that would be nice. If I have time, shall we spar again?

yes, thank you in advance.

While hearing the answer from Tiera, who paused at the delicate situation, s.h.i.+n prayed for her in his mind.

s.h.i.+n had seen the two training when they had been travelling together, but from what he had seen, Schnees training was very hard. It was at the level where, without the remodeled wagon and the bed specially made by s.h.i.+n, Tiera wouldnt have been able to move due to the fatigue acc.u.mulated from training. It seemed that she couldnt help but answer obediently.

She could fight adequately if she wanted to go to the frontline because she would be accompanied by Kagerou, but that didnt mean that her own fighting power had increased. Thus, the training was unexpectedly effective.

When one only stuck to gaining levels, they couldnt get really strong.

They entrusted their key to the innkeeper after they had finished their meal and departed.

Though Schnee and Tiera always attracted peoples eyes, with the Flood monsters approaching, no one catcalled them.

Tiera and Kagerou headed to the guild on the way back, separating from s.h.i.+n, Schnee, and Yuzuha who walked toward the castle.

What will we be doing today?

Well be discussing cooperation and meeting with the Chosen Ones who will be dispatched. Actually, its also to see how much we can cooperate.

Though he had already met Hibineko and the others, s.h.i.+n had not yet met the rest of the dispatch group. Perhaps Rionne would be introduced too. Even though Chosen Ones had excellent individual ability, it was absurd to cooperate without preparing.

Because the fate of the city depended on them, it could be said it was only natural to do so.

If I remember correctly, are we meeting Guile and Liege?

You already knew about them?

I heard about them in the guild. I heard well attack with Guiles magic skills, is he a mage?

Yes, his full name is Guile Serget. He is a mage who excels in flame system magic skills. The other one is Liege Latreia, who is a magic swordswoman like Rionne-sama.

It appeared that Guile was a Lord, and Liege was a Dragnil. Schnee seemed to have had the opportunity to fight together with both of them several times before, as she seemed to know their personalities well.

While s.h.i.+n was listening to Schnee talk about Guile and Lieges combat styles and abilities, they arrived at the feudal lords castle.

Just before they entered the castle, Schnee canceled her disguise and walked to the gate with her original appearance. Though the change had been sudden, no one noticed the magic skill.

Schnee Raizar-sama! Thank you for coming here!

The gatekeeper who noticed them approaching saluted perfectly.

With the gatekeepers eyes fixed on Schnee, s.h.i.+ns presence wasnt even noticed.

Um, we would like to enter inside

Huh?! Pardon me! Please show your permit!

The gatekeeper really seemed to be unaware of s.h.i.+n. The gatekeeper said in a hurry when s.h.i.+n called out.

Schnee handed over a permit to the too enthusiastic gatekeeper. She seemed to have had received it beforehand.

Two people and an animal pa.s.sed through the door opened by the gatekeeper, who confirmed their permit, and entered the castle.

One of the gatekeepers guided them with a happy expression. However, if one looked at the despairing faces of the other remaining gatekeepers, who continued working, it was obvious that a fierce fight had unfolded over this role.

(It seems excessive.)

When they walked inside the castle, it was inevitable that they would pa.s.s by a lot of people. Most of them stopped walking; was it because they were fascinated by Schnee? They bowed politely.

The feeling that a number of people were following them increased as time pa.s.sed; it was probably not just s.h.i.+ns imagination.

(Is Schnee popular?)

(Yeah, she is a strong and beautiful woman of a superior race. Its a given that shes popular.)

While answering Yuzuhas telepathy, s.h.i.+n felt depressed as he looked at himself.

The people who pa.s.sed by mostly noticed s.h.i.+n and Yuzuha after they had looked at Schnee. Also, about 90% of them had a Who is that guy walking along with Schnee-sama?! look on their face.

Though only a few of them had directed hostility at him, it didnt change that it was a pain in the a.s.s.

s.h.i.+n regretted underestimating Schnees popularity. Had no one call out to her because everyone knew why she had come here?

s.h.i.+n felt relieved that as no one could openly ask who Schnees companion was.

After a few minutes, the gatekeeper stopped in the front of a certain room. Apparently this was the location of the meeting.

Raizar-sama. I wish to express my grat.i.tude for your coming here.

Dont worry about it. Are we late?

No, there is a person who has yet to come.

When the two entered the room, someone who was wearing the clothes of the highest quality among the people seated at the table stood up and gave Schnee words of grat.i.tude.

Taul Yaxfell.

The figure with eyes that conveyed a strong sense of purpose and hair that was trimmed short was probably in his mid-40s. The body without flabbiness reflected his character.

s.h.i.+n-dono, your partic.i.p.ation in defending our city together with Rionne-sama is indeed rea.s.suring.

Ah, no, you dont have to worry about it.

When he had exchanged light greetings with Schnee, Taul also called out to s.h.i.+n promptly. Though his speech was polite, his sharp eyes seemed to see through the character called s.h.i.+n; perhaps this was what one would expect of the feudal lord of Balmel.

There is still a little time before the discussion begins. Ill ask someone to prepare drinks, so please make yourself at home.

Taul said, and left his seat to step outside. Neither the dispatch group nor Rionne had come yet.

As they spoke to Hibineko and the others while waiting for a while, in addition to Taul and Rionne, two men and one woman entered.

Then, now that all the members are present, Id like to start the meeting by introducing the new members. As its their first meeting, lets us all introduce ourselves briefly.

Once he saw that everyone had been seated, Taul began to speak.

Starting from s.h.i.+n and Rionne, who were partic.i.p.ating on the spur of the moment, the self-introduction advanced in an orderly fas.h.i.+on.

Im Guile Serget. Mage. Im in charge of first strike together with Raizar-dono this time. Nice to meet you.

Although Guile had said he was a mage, due to his appearance, it would have been convincing if he had said he was a warrior. He had a refres.h.i.+ng visage of dark pupils and moderately long brown hair. His height was almost the same as s.h.i.+ns, but Guile had more muscle ma.s.s. Although he was a lord, his appearance was no different from a humans. Perhaps it was because they would be testing their cooperation, but he had also brought a staff and a cloak.

Im Liege Latreia. Im a magic swordswoman. This time Ill be a.s.sisting this guy with Rionne-sama. Lets get along well.

Liege was a woman who had a red hair like a burning wave and crimson eyes. She talked like a man, possibly due to her warrior cla.s.s, but she was a curvaceous, well-proportioned woman who was 170 cemels tall.

Except for the small scales on the area around her eyes, she had no other characteristics of a dragnil. Unlike s.h.i.+baid, whom s.h.i.+n had met before, her appearance seemed almost like a humans.

So there are actually people who wear that here.

Hmm? Is there something wrong?

Liege asked. She seemed to have heard s.h.i.+n muttering.

Ah, no, I was thinking, is that a magic armor that Liege-san is wearing?

Like Guile, Liege had also put on equipment meant for actual combat. However, what she was wearing was commonly called bikini armor. It had appeared in a part of the game, and was equipment that had questionable functionality as armor.

s.h.i.+n, of course, knew what kind of equipment it was. Its official name was the Magic Armor of Dragon Ball, and was medium rank Legend grade armor that used the jewel removed from a monster of dragon lineage.

As for why the armor was red in color, was because the jewel of a Red Dragon had been used. It nullified damage received under certain value, had an effect that further reduced damage, and couldnt be equipped with VIT less than 500. The part where skin was exposed had the damage decrease effect, so it was possible to say that she could catch a knife with her bare arm depending on her stats.

However, though its performance was high, it was not a very popular equipment in the game era. Because the game had been a VRMMO, where avatars acted as the players actual bodies, not many women had wanted to wear it.

Oh my, were youthatfascinated by my armor? I felt your eyes on my chest.

Liege emphasized her chest after she said that. Although it was true that s.h.i.+n had glanced at her chest, which was fully covered by her armor, he hadnt done so with ill intentions.

Please pardon me

While thinking, dont tease me, s.h.i.+n also wondered whether she was wearing that armor because of her character.

Liege, leave the teasing behind. Ill continue introducing myself, Im Elgin Schlafer. Im the leader of knights of Balmel. This time, Ill take command of the army. I dont have the intention to relax because Raizar-dono is here. I hope to get along with you.

As a way of interrupting the banter between s.h.i.+n and Liege, the next man introduced himself.

Perhaps it was because his work required him to shout often, but his voice resounded well. Since s.h.i.+n had been troubled on how to respond to Liege, he thanked Elgin in his heart.

Elgin was a large man about 2 mels tall. His arms and legs doubled the thickness of s.h.i.+ns. His figure was encased in a custom-designed armor which dominated the surroundings just by standing up. s.h.i.+n didnt know if he was a Chosen One or not, but Elgin had a high level of 212. Was he in his late 30s or early 40s? There was a sharp glint toward s.h.i.+n, also in a different sense from Taul.

Without stopping, Schnee, Hibineko, and the others also introduced themselves.

Well then, lets discuss the Flood at once. Though you may have already heard, Id like you to hear this again for confirmation.

After the self-introductions were over, Taul began to talk.

Taul laid out a map on the table once he had everyones attention. It was a rough map that showed both Balmel and Kalkia.

As a result of examining the information brought by Rionne-sama and s.h.i.+n-dono, it was confirmed that large hordes of monsters are coming here. Judging from their travelling speed, they are expected to arrive at Balmel in approximately 4 days. The core of the horde is comprised of humanoid monsters, such as goblins, orcs, ogres and so forth.

While presenting the information, Taul placed a troop marker down on the map to represent the group of monsters. In addition, he placed two markers in Balmel and four big markers behind them.

Here are s.h.i.+n-dono, Shadow-dono, Holly-dono, and Nekomata-dono of the first group. Schnee-sama, Rionne-sama, Guile-dono, and Liege-dono of the second group are here. Youll wait 5 kemels in front of Balmel, while the knight squadron will spread out in the rear. After attracting the monsters to some extent, Schnee-sama and Guile-dono will attack with wide area magic. Meanwhile, because a lot of monsters are expected to remain near the the first group side, they will intercept them. While reducing their numbers, please also let some monsters pa.s.s to the rear in moderation.

Taul re-explained his strategy verbally with the markers afterwards.

Defeating high-leveled individuals took first priority, defense was a primary concern and training was an additional bonus, Taul told them as he finished explaining.

So, the first group will form a party and have cooperation training. Because the main duty of second group is to guard Guile-dono, you will train against Schnee-sama.

Eh!

Come again?!

Guile stiffened at what Elgin had said, and Liege raised her voice almost to the point of screaming.

Schn-nya-san is famous for her harsh training, you know?

Hibineko whispered to s.h.i.+n, who was looking dubiously at their reactions..

Apparently, hard mode was the standard even if the people Schnee trained werent her friends.

Only Rionne looked like she was looking forward to Schnees training; was it because she didnt know how severe it would be? Or was it because she felt honored to be trained by Schnee?

Dont die!

They would have time to recover even if they became exhausted. Schnee would surely work them to their very limits. s.h.i.+n thought as he cheered them on.

Then, we will go train as well.

Following Schnees second group, s.h.i.+n and his group also start moving.

Unlike the second group where Schnee acted as the opponent, s.h.i.+n and his group went outside the ramparts of Balmel. They would train against the monsters that roamed outside during times of peace that were unrelated to the Flood.

Although the difference in abilities between s.h.i.+ns group and the monsters was too large to be a proper fight, there was no problem since they were simply practicing their cooperation.

s.h.i.+n, its been a long time since you and I formed a party.

Shadow muttered a few words.

Yeah. But in my case, perhaps I should say its been a long time since I joined a party.

This was also the result of an excessive difference in ability. s.h.i.+n rejected the party system because it was more efficient for him to challenge an enemy alone than it was for him to join a party and adjust to their level.

There was no other way. It would have been too time consuming for you to train other players, right?

I dont think Id be very happy if it was that easy for others to catch up to me

s.h.i.+n just said few words in response to Shadows remark.

While it was a good thing for other players to become stronger, s.h.i.+n could not be honestly pleased with the prospect because he had already sacrificed so much to become strong himself.

Then Hibineko interjected.

Leave the idle talk for later. We need to deal with these monsters seriously, even if theyre low ranked. You have to be on your guard!

Right. Sorry, I was a little too excited.

Im sorry.

Shadow and s.h.i.+n obediently apologized for being too excited about forming a party. Frankly speaking, they would remain unhurt even if they received a critical hit from the monsters to the face.

Hibineko also understood, so he wasnt offended.

Then, Holly smiled wryly and began to talk.

Hibineko-san is just as high-spirited, though.