AIjh

Part 1

"Uooooooooooooooooh!"

Along with a tremendous roar, a strong electric shock was released from the golden large sword to the surrounding area. The electric shock knocked down the trees, blew away the corpses of Monsters on the ground and cleared the surrounding area.

When we were on the way, I had heard in a conversation that it was an ability derived from Monster materials, but it was just as powerful as a Mage's magical attack. I can now understand why they say that he is a Dragon Slayer.

However, even looking at him, Ruda couldn't be relieved at all.

Arnold, who stood in the lead and swung down his sword, was breathing roughly.

The surrounding area had a terrible stench in the air and it was scattered with butchered Monsters' corpses and organs. It wasn't something Ruda and the others did, but something else that did this before they arrived.

Monsters don't only attack humans. There were also territorial disputes among Monsters and when powerful Monsters enter the fray from the outside, the ecosystem of the forest drastically changes, it was a common story you can find in any forest.

However, a strong sense of malice could be conveyed from the appearance of the corpses, they were crushed way more than what was necessary.

Then again, we have already encountered the Monster that had probably done this.

"Damn, it ran away again! What the hell is that Monster?"

Hay without blinking, concentrate and search for it with the surrounding sounds. However, there was no sign of any living things around, not even the sound of insects buzzing.

The first attack occurred just after climbing past the top of the mountain, it was the road where corpses of Monsters were lying.

That monster attacked as if it were weaving through the gaps in the trees. It was when coincidentally, one of our companions was looking in that direction and at about the same time as he was shouting an alert, one of the "Fallen Mist" flew in the air.

It was a dark green Oni with abnormally long limbs.

The blow from its slender arm was as fast as the wind and easily blew away a Hunter wearing heavy and sturdy armor and possessing a body which has been reinforced by Mana Material. He easily evaded sword and magical attacks immediately launched at him in a counterattack and disappeared behind the trees at a gliding speed.

What was the most frightening was the fact that its movement was done almost silently and disappeared at the moment we were ready to intercept it. It was obvious from its natural movement that the monster was used to it.

Fortunately, the member who received the blow was safe, but the blow was certainly aimed at his neck.

If one of our companions hadn't been able to detect the attack, it would have been dangerous.

And yet, that was only the beginning of its assault.

Both carriages had already been lost. The second attack was targeted at the horses.

In the first place, it was impossible for two carriages to pass through the narrow road of the mountain, especially "Fallen Mist" carriage was so large that it was completely blocking the road making it that once they proceeded into the road, you couldn't retreat anymore. It was impossible to protect the horses from the Monster when it was aiming at the horses and attacking them and we couldn't force our Party Members into a dangerous situation.

Ruda also followed Hay's lead and concentrated her mind to search the surrounding area.

The Monster's stealth was quite high and it was hard to see it in the dark. However, it wasn't as if there wasn't any sign at all at the moment its attack.

A sound similar to the rustle of the wind. That was the harbinger of its attack. It was hard to distinguish it from the sound of the wind, but there were several pairs of eyes here. If we all stay alert, there was little chance of having a surprise attack.

"I don't know... I have never seen a Monster like that before!"

"It wasn't ... A regular Monster. Its vindication, intelligence and power. And brutality. To think it had still attacked after seeing Arnold-san..."

While sweating, Hay smirked.

It was Gilbert's Party Members who were the most exhausted. The Leader of the Party, Carmine, seemed to still have some room left, but compared to the veteran Party, "Fallen Mist", and Ruda who has been exploring solo, the strength of the members of "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" had dropped significantly.

Their abilities, experience. The Members' faces were haggard and I could also see a strong sense of fear in every move of theirs.

That cunning Oni was probably aiming for this. He carefully and meticulously scrapes off the weak ones little by little.

From what Ruda saw, the abilities of the Oni was quite high. It would probably be one of the strongest one in this Garest Mountains.

Still, it didn't attack us head-on, is it because it was cautious or is it because it wanted to strike fear into its prey.

It must have been measuring our abilities after those attacks. The Oni never targeted Arnold, the strongest among us. It only went after the weakest link.

Even in Arnold's party, there were differences in ability among the members. As we descended the steep mountain path, dealing with? attacks that could come at any moment took a heavy tool on our spirits and the members' movements were gradually slowing down.

The mountain road where dead Monsters were piled up strangely seemed to lead to hell. Fortunately, no other monsters appeared, perhaps because they were afraid of that Oni.

Around the time we somehow managed to parry the tenth attack, Hay advised Arnold in a small voice.

"Arnold-san, it will be bad if we don't end it now. We can still hold on, but "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" is at their limits. At this rate, we will never make it."

"..."

Arnold silently nodded. At his response, without showing it on her face, Ruda felt a small sense of relief.

In this situation, the quickest way for Arnold and his companions to end the Oni was to abandon the weak. Especially in this case, to Arnold, the weak such as Ruda, Gilbert and others in "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)", aren't people he needs to take the trouble to protect. If it was just "Fallen Mist (Lightning Dragon's Mist)", they would be able to increase their descent speed.

That's why, Ruda had briefly considered the possibility that Arnold might abandon Ruda and the others and run away, but it looks like he had no intention of doing so.

She was a little ashamed of herself for worrying about a needless worry.

Their Party was scary enough to be mistaken for a band of bandits, but apparently it is different when you are Level 7.

Hay turned around and whispered to Carmine and the others.

"... O?, you guys. We've got to take it down ―― It'll be bad if this keeps going on. You understand, right? That thing got some brain in its head. He's getting more and more cunning in his attack and it doesn't seem like he'll give up. If we keep this up, someone will definitely die. And if anyone's going to die, it's going to be one who's exhausted and being targeted by it, someone from "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)".

The Members of "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" listened to Hay's words with a mysterious expression.

Fortunately, no one seemed to make a fuss. They probably understand the situation they were in.

"We also don't want people who are accompanying us to die. So here's the thing ―― That Oni's vindictive and powerful, but not without weaknesses. Its body was full of injuries and as far as I can see ―― It got a big injury in his right leg."

"!?"

Gilbert opened his eyes when he heard Hay. Ruda also gasped.

Indeed, when I observed it, the entire body of the Oni was covered with countless injuries. It was as if it had been attacked by a large number of Monsters.

But even so, its movements were as fast as the wind. If that was how it was with an injured leg, what would his original speed have been.

"You saw the burned forest at the encampment above, right? It was probably because of the one we're after. And also, the one who wounded it."

"Aaah... I can understand that... But wait, what does that mean? Are you saying that the Monster took out "Infinite Variety"?"

Gilbert shouted out in a loud voice. Hay chuckled at his words.

"No, unfortunately that's... Improbable. There were no corpses or traces of human blood along the way and the injuries left on the Monster are too few. Did they deal with it, did the Oni run away or did they think that it wasn't a worthy opponent to chase after ―― I don't know which it was, but either way, "Infinite Variety" and his companions failed to kill that Monster. And we're the one being made to pay for it."

"I see... That would make sense!"

"So troublesome..."

Carmine, tiredly said next to Gilbert who nodded broadly after listening to the end. If she needs to pick, Ruda's opinion is the same as Carmine's.

If they could beat it, I wanted them to quickly beat it and not just injure it.

Part 2

While talking, our foot doesn't stop.

If we walk along the road for half a day, it would take us down the mountain. Most Monsters don't leave their own territory. That Oni's fighting style is specialized for mountainous and forested areas with many obstacles. It shouldn't follow us to the bottom.

I look back at our companions. Because of her habit as a solo, Ruda had packed her luggage compactly, but the others were now carrying large bags that used to be loaded in their carriage. It was too much of a hindrance to run and escape.

However, even if they threw it and ran away, I don't think they would escape safely because of that Oni's speed. Maybe if Ruda was alone, she could escape, but that would mean using Gilbert and the other slower members as bait. Only this she doesn't want to do.

"Anyway, it's injured. If Arnold-san fights it head on, he isn't that much of a deal. Only problem is that it won't stand in front of Arnold-san. In other words ―――― We need a bait."

Bait. At that word, the Members of "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" gulped down their spit in nervousness.

Hay deliberately explained it in a cheerful voice. However, his expression was serious.

"If we know who it's going to attack, even if we're a few meters away ―― We can intercept it if we know about its trajectory in advance. What, that's an easy hunt."

"... Bait, huh."

"Aaah, moreover... The weaker the better."

Hay continued while Carmine's expression tightened.

"Looking at its attack so far ―― It seems that most of the people who are being attacked are Members of your Party. The Members of "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" are quite promising, but at the moment you're far inferior to us. If our strategy fails once, that Oni will never fall for the same trick again. We need to end it in one shot. Understood?"

At these words, the Members of "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" looked at each other.

Everyone had a pale look. Being a bait meant that they had to pretend to be more defenseless than ever. It was clear from the corpse of the Monsters what kind of cruel fate awaited them if they failed to intercept it.

No one spoke and time passed by. Gilbert raised his hand.

"Then I will be the bait. I'm quite sturdy and there won't be a problem if I get hit a little bit."

At his proposal, his fellow Party Members widened their eyes. For a moment, Carmine's expression turned into a surprised one, but then quickly returned into a frowning one.

From Ruda's point of view, that Oni was far more superior than her. Which means, it must be the same for Gilbert.

However, there was no fear on Gilbert's face. Even though it was impossible for him to not feel fear, neither of his limbs were trembling.

Knowing the difference in their abilities, he stood up for his friends. It was truly ―― Courageous.

To Ruda, he looks so different compared to when she first met him a few months ago.

However, Hay quickly shook his head.

"It's not good, Gilbert. Just by looking from the outside, you can clearly tell that you are one step ahead of the other in "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)". Your courage is admirable, but that Oni will be wary of you."

"No way... You won't talk me out of this. Even if I'm above, it's only a little bit. It's the same thing from that Oni point of view. Isn't it!?"

Gilbert quickly looked around at his friends in panic, but none of them nodded and only wryly smiled.

Carmine took a deep breath and looked at his friends. He said as he gathered his resolve.

"... There's no way around it, this is so all of us can survive, we need to be ready. I am "Crimson Flame (Fire Gale)" Party Leader. I will decide on ―― Who will be the bait... Leila, I am sorry, but can you do it?"

"..."

At the end of his line of sight was a petite female Mage.

She was about the same age as Gilbert, she was putting on a brave face, but now she was pale.

From what we have seen so far, that Monster is more interested in women than men. If you are a Mage, then you can cast a defensive spell beforehand and you will be a little safer. There are more options you can take in case of emergency. Among our members, I am sure you are the most qualified.

"B-but ――"

Billion-dollar money laundering convict expelled by Cambodia after deportation from Singapore

CNA

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"... I-I understand."

Gilbert was about to speak up, but as if she wanted to interrupt him, Leila answered in a quivering voice.

While being pale, she forced a smile and looked at Gilbert.

"If Gilbert is the only? one who keeps showing his good side... We won't be able to compete."

"What, don't worry. Arnold-san is a Dragon Slayer. Don't worry, we'll make sure to finish it off."

Hay's words showed a strong trust in Arnold. The other Members of "Fallen Mist" strongly nodded.

This is the moment of truth. Arnold, who had been silent until now, said with a frown to Ruda and the other as they gathered their determination.

"Bullshit. It's just an annoying Monster. Let's get this over with and get off of this mountain. We will take care of it in the next attack."

The plan was simple. Leila, who was in the middle of the formation up until now, will be placed at the back of the line where she will most likely be attacked.

At the moment when it attacks, the Members in the formation will all give way at once and Arnold will close the distance with all his might and finish it off.

Leila casts a defensive spell on herself and those around her are preparing to heal Leila at any time.

It is a simple strategy, but among all the strategies we can do right now, it was the one with the highest success rate.

While walking, we change the formation so that it doesn't feel unnatural.

While being careful, we bait an attack that could come at any moment. My spirit was wearing down as time passed. Perhaps we weren't the only one who were trying to be cautious, there wasn't any sign of another attack.

At that time, trees fell down and the view on my left opened up. I unintentionally let out a small gasp.

The Oni attacks from blind spots. If one side is barren, then the direction of the attack can be determined. This will be favorable for the strategy.

At that moment, something strange enters Ruda's field of vision.

"!? Wh-What, is that...?"

Far below us, at the foot of the Garest Mountains, there was a shining mark next to the lake. With care, the nearby trees had been cut down and made it clearly visible from the top of the mountain.

Gilbert's eyes widened, Carmine and his companions narrowed their eyes at the sight of something that shouldn't be normally seen.

"... A fire? What? A mark?"

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"Do people live in a place like this? What is that? Some kind of signal? It looks like...? Someone's laughing ―― Huh!?"

Carmine held his tongue. What he was looking at was the face of the one who was walking in the lead, Arnold.

Until now, the expression on Arnold's face remained stoik no matter how rude Gilbert had been, but it was now distorted as if he was wearing a demon mask.

A blue veins popped out on his forehead and glared down at the foot of the mountain like he wanted to kill someone. Both of his muscular arms were *purupuru* twitching. A snarling voice escaped from his mouth.

"Infinite... Variety... Everything, was, within your calculation, huh."

"Eh...?"

I didn't understand what he was talking about. Ruda's eyesight was pretty good but she couldn't see the foot of the mountain from the top of it.

No, no matter how much Mana Material you have been enhanced with, there was no way you could see from such a distance.

Hay looked down at that place with a heartfelt disgusted look. The others were looking at the mark with a similar expression.

"Kah... Hay, change of plan. No need for a decoy. We'll press it onto him."

"... Aye. Of course."

Change of plan? No need for decoy? What the hell are they planning to do?

The group was puzzled by the sudden change of the reliable Level 7 Hunter. In front of them, Arnold pulled out his 『Heavy Lightning Strike』.

Reflecting the moonlight, the blade shined in a golden color. The air bends and the polished blade spurts purple light.

From somewhere, I could hear the rustling sound of the wind. But now wasn't the time to be concerned about it.

Arnold raised his sword and shouted loudly in a thunderous voice.

"I am, not going to do, as you want! You are going to clean up your own mess! "Infinite Variety"!"

Then a huge pillar of light passed in front of Ruda's eyes.

Part 1

The streaks of light that flashed across the sky in the night were like giant shooting stars.

Its sound shook the air. Although there was still some distance between us, I could tell that the meteor strike was quite destructive as I had tagged along on Lucia's magic spell trials many times.

... Is there a Dragon rampaging or something? I am really glad that we went down the mountain in a hurry.

I left Black-san and his friends who were looking at the light in a daze and headed for Sytry.

At the campfire, Liz was sitting cross legged and her eyes were *kirakira* shining as she looked up at that light in the sky. Her expression seemed like she was watching some fireworks. It was a stark contrast to Tino's drawn-out expression who was sitting next to her.

When Sytry saw me, she smiled and offered me the bowl and spoon which was in her hand.

I smell stew. It smells good. I suddenly start to get hungry.

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"Here you go. It has been a while since I have made stew. The seasonings and potions were limited, so sadly, it isn't as good as usual ――"

"Aaah, thank you. ... Un, it is really delicious."

"I am glad. I had a hard time preparing it because Onee-chan kept getting strange meat ――"

Apparently, Sytry doesn't mind that light. It is true that the stew was excellent, but I can't help but be bothered by that light.

I was sure that Sytry, who knew so many things, would be able to guess what that light was. When I sat down next to her, Sytry made a blank look and for some reason happily leaned close to me so that our shoulders were touching.

A sweet smell drifted from her well-groomed hair. It was a soothing smell.

"... Sytry, you know, it is about that light ――"

"Eh? ... Aaaaah, it is the usual, right."

!? ... I see... The usual... It is the usual, huh.

The outside is full of danger. Although it was supposed to be a vacation, we had already three near misses with danger in Elan, Gula and Garest Mountains.

I wonder how all the peddlers and other people in the world move around safely. I would like to know their tricks.

The lightning-like lights were shining sporadically and showed no signs of ending. Even an ignorant person like me knows that this was not a natural phenomenon. I got a bad feeling about this.

"... Do you think we should run away?"

"Eh... Hmm... I think it is still too early... And we still haven't eaten yet."

Unlike the scaredy cat me, Sytry was calm and collected. She is used to traveling.

There were several chunks of meat skewers roasting on the fire. There were stews and also fishes. We wouldn't be able to load everything on the carriage. So I was planning on staying here for the night.

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Abandoning this place meant that we would have to march into the night again. Even though I just told White-san and his friends about not overworking them ―― But the lightning seemed to be slowly approaching us. Is this what it means either you go or not, hell is awaiting you.

While frowning, I put the stew in my mouth when Sytry suggested something to me. Despite the situation, she seemed to be enjoying herself.

"At that speed, it will be a while before it gets here. That's right! It is only a little but... We also have alcohol. Shall I take it out?"

I see. It is going to take a while before it gets here... Why are you already assuming that it is heading here?

No, there is another possibility too, you know? I think there is also a small percentage of chance that it isn't heading here. Before I could answer, Sytry pulled out a clean bottle and glass from her backpack and poured me a drink.

I took it as she handed it to me and gave it a sip. It was probably a very strong drink, a burning heat spread across my tongue like it was on fire.

Sytry squinted and as she looked up at the night sky, her cheeks got hotter.

"However, it seems the output is quite high... It doesn't look like a Relic ―― Is it derived from a Material?"

"? Derived from a material?"

"It is probably from a "Lightning Dragon (Thunder Dragon)". Material from a Dragon class magical beast is indeed a first-class material. According to a theory, the body of an mythical beast of such class doesn't realize that its body is dead even after being subjugated, therefore it retains the power of when it was still alive. Don't you think it is a very romantic story, Cry-san?"

Sytry said this in a fascinating and glossy voice, but I couldn't understand her at all. It seems that the romance Sytry and I are pursuing is different.

Sytry's body heat is transmitted to me as she was huddling close to me. Sytry and Liz seem to have a difference in their body temperatures.

Her skinship isn't as intense as Liz, but when she is this close to me, even I, who has a long relationship with her, will start to feel a little nervous. It might also be because of the alcohol.

I take a deep breath and look at the top of the mountain. I see, a "Lightning Dragon (Thunder Dragon)", huh... A "Lightning Dragon (Thunder Dragon)"...!?

... Isn't that seriously dangerous?

Even among Dragon species, "Lightning Dragon (Thunder Dragon)" is known to be the strongest of all dragons. By the way, it is extremely tasty when Sytry roast it.

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I just got a bowl of stew, but now I am feeling hungry again.

At that moment, Liz noticed us and stepped between us, waving and shouting with a skewer of large chunks of roasted crocodile meat on it.

"!? Syt!! You are too close to Cry-chan! Come on, get away, get away... I really can't let my guard downnn!"

"I am sorry, Cry-san. ... We will continue the rest of the story, another time."

"Haaa? What do you mean another time? Don't try to lay your hand on someone else's property! Don't you have any common sense, haaa! Cry-chan too, don't get *deredere* fawned over."

I am not getting *deredere* fawned over... As an advocate of the badass attitude, there is no way that I am getting *deredere* fawned over.

Liz pushed Sytry away and stuck over, but she was oddly cold, probably because she had been in the lake earlier.

"Liz, your clothes are cold, so go dry them before coming here. You will catch a cold."

"Eeeeh!? There is no way that it's cold!? Because, I took off my clothes when I was bathing in the wateeer! What? Was I in the way? All right, I just need to take it off? Hereee!"

"!! Onee-sama, it's not good! Don't be so indecent!"

As Liz was beginning to take off her clothes without any hesitation, Tino bravely jumped on her from behind. She was instantly knocked over, but she immediately got back up and jumped at her again. Even though you had just cleaned yourself in the lake, you are now getting dirty again.

No one was looking at the lightning anymore.

Liz was exhibiting herself a lot, but Tino is mostly the same. Her stomach wasn't exposed, but her shoulders were exposed and her legs, in particular, were exposed, right down to the bottom.

The sight of the two of them being entangled was a little lascivious. Their skin was glistening lustrously in the campfire light. To be honest, I think you could make money if you put it as a show.

If they show that kind of appearance it is a sight for sore eyes, but if there was more than this it would be uncomfortable. If Luke or Anthem were here, this wouldn't be happening though...

Part 2

"... Cry-san"

"Ah... Ahaha... We-well, anyway ―― Right, Black-san and the others, why don't you eat? If you are going to be the next coachman, you need to get some rest."

"... I see, so you aren't going to release them here."

Sytry looked surprised at the words I thought on the spur of the moment.

No way... I am not going to abandon them. As we always have, we are all going to go back alive. Black-san and his friends are outsiders, but the main guidelines stay the same.

In order to do that, I have to do something about the two people who are struggling on the ground ――

"I will go prepare the food and get the carriage ready. I am sorry for the inconvenience, but, well... For Onee-chan's case, Cry-san ―― In the worst case, I think she will come back, even if we leave her here."

"Ahhh ―― No, I don't plan to leave her here!?"

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Sytry chuckled and walked towards Black-san and his friends.

Now then, how can I fix Liz's mood.

§

"Here Cry-chan. Do Aaaanh? Do you like the crocodile I hunted? It's delicious, right? It was at the bottom of the lake... I caught the biggest one there was. I know, next time let's dive together? The view inside the lake was beautiful, I'm sure Cry-chan will love it."

"You are wrong, Master. I am not such an indecent woman. Onee-sama, insisted, insisted on doing this ―― Uuuuuh... Please, don't look, at me, like that."

How did this happen?

From my right, at a really close distance, Liz offered me a crocodile skewer while purring like a cat. She looked the same as usual, but her cheeks were flushed and her skin was hotter than usual.

Apparently, she was very upset at the fact that Sytry was a little closer than usual. I could hear her heartbeat from her chest which was strongly pressed against me.

However, the problem was with Tino who was sitting to my left.

At her Shisho's order, Tino was exposing her skin as she had taken off her elbow-length gloves she was always wearing. She had categorically refused the order to take off all of her top and had settled it with only taking that off. However, that alone seemed to have greatly increased her exposure rate compared to the usual Tino.

As her face was turning bright red up to her ears, Tino's arm was *surisuri* slippery rubbing against mine.

I am wearing long sleeve clothes, so we aren't in a skin-to-skin contact, but that flirtatious behavior is rather shameful to Tino, who is always rather modest.

I felt like I was receiving some kind of erotic service though. Her rough breathing tickled my ears and made me a little thrilled.

Liz reprimanded her for her somewhat reserved behavior.

"Hey, Ti! Make sure you press on those pointlessly growing breasts! How are you going to take responsibility if Cry-chan is taken by Syt? Haaaa!?"

"Uuuh... I am sorr… I'm sorry, Master. Sorry... Sorry… Ugnnn!!"

As if Tino had resolved herself, she tightly hugged my arm.

How Liz's use her disciple is odd. All I could do was keep being expressionless, so that Tino wouldn't be embarrassed.

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I tried to stop her beforehand, but she wouldn't stop. Even I am no match to the power of a rampaging Liz. If I forcibly stopped her, I won't know where that excess of energy will go next time. From my experience, in a situation like this, the only thing you can do is to wait until she is satisfied.

By the way, I wonder why both Liz and Tino are so soft.

Even though their arms and legs are much thinner than mine, it is a real wonder how they are able to *bambam* easily defeat so many Monsters and Phantoms with a physique like this.

Mana Material is amazing.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

While apologizing, Tino leaned on to me. I wonder why… I should have received this from Liz a lot of time, but it is so new when it is done by someone different. I am being apologized to, but if anything, I would want to thank her.

I am in an unpleasant popular situation. From the side, it might look like I was surrounded by girls, but it was so different compared to Ark.

But, since I was at Liz's mercy for all of this, it is about time she is satisfied.

Let's apologize later. And I will try to convince Liz to not get Tino involved again.

As I was very seriously making up my mind, I heard a loud clap of thunder in the distance.

When will that end? When I looked up above me, I noticed something strange floating in the night sky.

A big man with a shiny sword. I can't see his expression due to the backlight, but he was coming down towards here.

I made an instant decision and moved away from Liz, hugged Tino and arbitrarily activated my "Barrier Ring (Safe Ring)", which I hadn't forgotten to wear even at a time like this.

The light and impact from the thing that was free falling from the sky was repelled by the barrier that I had activated just in time.

The lightning burned the earth, a great sword was deflected before my eyes and rebound widely because of the barrier. I don't even have the time to scream.

In an instant, the darkness returned and the figure that had suddenly attacked me greatly jumped back.

That is when I learned the identity of my assailant.

"You… Bas… Tard... What the hell, are you doing!?"

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"Eh... No, that's supposed to be our line..."

The one who fell from the sky while launching a powerful blow was Arnold Hale. However, his entire body was stained with mud and even his already powerful face was twisted like some kind of demon.

In my arms, Tino raised her head and let out a small scream. A tremendous killing intent ―― A heavy pressure was forced on my body. While being confused, I patted Tino's head with my empty hand.

On Arnold's hand was a huge, glowing sword. The golden blade made an electrified noise, that is when I finally realized the nature of the light that had been? flashing around Garest Mountain up until earlier.

His face reddened with rage. Because of the brightness of his shining sword, I could see his appearance very well.

What? What kind of situation is this supposed to be?

Arnold was shaking in rage.

"... You pressed, everything onto us ―― Ha, you dare ――! Un-under ――"

"... Underwear?"

"D-Dieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

With a roar that seemed to contain all of his emotions, Arnold attacked me.

Part 1

His intimidation was so tremendous that it looks like my existence will likely be overwhelmed.

The light filled my view and a golden blade was swung down at my head. If this had been my first time, I might have made a wrong decision due to my fear.

But it wasn't the first time that I had been in a dangerous and desperate situation. That's why, without showing any resistance, I tightly hugged Tino in my arms and voluntarily activated my second "Barrier Ring (Safe Ring)".

I am not boasting, but I am confident that I won't lose to anyone when it comes to using a "Barrier Ring (Safe Ring)". Or rather, I am sure that even in this era where so many powerful Hunters exist, no one has ever used this emergency protection tool as much as I have.

From my experience, I am completely unable to respond to any attack from a Hunter around Level 3. If the opponent is aiming only at me in a one-on-one manner, whether he comes from the front or comes at me from the side or behind me, no matter how much I struggle, I can't avoid their attack, let alone dream of counterattacking.

That's why I will take on the attack as it comes. Rather than hesitating about how to avoid the attack, I will use that time to activate my Barrier Rings.

The blade and electric shock was powerfully repelled by the barrier that was coated just over my body. Apparently, Arnold's fighting method is to fight using all his power on each blow rather than attacking with a lot of moves, but even so, I had completely no idea how many times he swung that blade at me in that second.

That is fine. That is what being a Hunter is all about. However, no matter how many slash he launched at me, his blade will not hurt me, because I know the performance of the Barrier Ring.

Eventually, the attack Arnold swung down with all his anger stopped and he took a step back. His pair of eyes, which were narrowed like a sharpened blade, wasn't only showing anger anymore, but also a strong sense of caution.

The ground ―― There was now a huge hole behind me. It was probably caused by the aftermath of Arnold's attack. When I released Tino, who had been shrinking in my arms, she stepped back cautiously while having a pale expression.

It seems like we can finally start to 『Negotiate』. Thanks to the presence of Liz and Sytry nearby, I can be more forceful than usual.

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lizs.xyz

I don't know why Arnold is so angry. I am sure it is due to a misunderstanding, like usual.

"Are you satisfied?"

"... Why... Can you… Still stand? Impossible."

I have faith in my Barrier Rings.

It is generally believed that a 『Barrier Ring (Safe Ring)』 is a Relic that automatically creates an invincible barrier against deadly attacks, but it was in fact slightly different.

The Barrier Ring has several functions on it. And just by mastering them, I can extend my survival time a little bit.

One of them is to be able to activate the Barrier Rings, which are supposed to be activated automatically, at will, the 『Voluntary Activation』.

And in my case, if it is an attack swung in front of me, I can usually activate and put up the barrier right on time just at the moment I think, "Ah, it's gonna be bad" (By the way, if I don't make it in time, other Barrier Ring will be activated automatically).

I unintentionally became proud of it.

Arnold has a scary face, but I have been attacked by scary-looking people more times than I can count for. It isn't something to brag about, but isn't it fine for me to be a little proud of the fact that an ordinary person like me has survived those kinds of hellish situation.

"Arnold-san, calm down. This is... The difference in our experience. I have been attacked a lot of times in all my life, but ―― No one has ever been able to hurt me."

"Ah!"

Along a small sound of something disappearing, Arnold's huge body disappeared. Before I could grasp the situation, I heard a loud sound from the back of my head.

"Master!?"

Tino screamed.

One of my Barrier Rings was automatically activated. Apparently, he realized that he couldn't break through the front and switched to an attack from my blind spot. His speed was unbelievably fast for a man of his size.

But it is useless. Yup, useless. Arnold doesn't seem to understand, but what he is fighting against… Trying to break through, isn't me.

What he is trying to break through is ―― The 『Barrier Ring's (Safe Ring)』 history!

Considered to be one of the strongest of all defensive measures in the world whether it is in the ancient or modern era, the very story of the 『Barrier Ring (Safe Ring)』 itself!

I am a small being, but I have equipped on me seventeen of those, eye-popping price tag, 『Barrier Ring (Safe Ring)』.

As if he didn't know when to give up, Arnold doesn't stop attacking and keeps on slashing my back in rapid succession.

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lizs.xyz

"Impo-ssible!"

"Calm down. It is time for you to stop."

Someone will die, I will.

The remaining numbers of 『Barrier Rings (Safe Rings)』, which had been replenished by overworking my Clan Members, were being whittled down.

There is a trade-off between the Barrier Ring's activation time and the time it can keep being maintained. In other words, seventeen attacks will absolutely be prevented, but after that, it cannot prevent even one blow.

A normal fighter would find a way to fight back if he could prevent the blow, but all I could do was to prevent it.

To buy some time, I turned around and gave a big swing with my right arm. My right arm which was swung with all my strength collided with his golden blade and stopped.

The barrier of the Barrier Ring is impervious to impact, light and sound above a certain level. So, with the right numbers, even I can temporarily compete with a hero.

It was clearly unnatural to see my slender arm competing with a huge blade without wearing any armor on it. Arnold's eyes opened widely in astonishment.

The blade that he had been swinging so wildly was stopped. This is my chance to persuade him. Arnold was trying to kill me, but I don't have any will to fight with him.

I pretended to be calm and smiled. Even though it was my long-awaited vacation, I'm gonna puke.

"I'm sorry, but have no intention to fight. In the first place, I hate fighting. Because even if I do those kinds of things,? it is all pointless."

As I will die. You are strong, so you should fight with strong guys. In the first place, if I had been hit by the first attack or any of his other attacks, I would have died.

This is why Hunters who don't know how to control themselves are so scary. They think I am Level 8, so they usually come at me with full force.

"In the first place, why did you come here? It isn't a coincidence, right? You know, I am on a vacation though..."

"Huh...!"

In response to what I thought was a perfectly reasonable question, Arnold glared at me with a look that said I'm going to kill you.

Perhaps he was looking for an opening, he kept his sword at ready, lowered his stance and calmed his breath. You don't need to look for an opening, I am always full of openings.

However, it is good that we are in a stalemate now. As talking is my only weapon.

"If you are here because of Liz teasing you, I apologize for that. Sorry."

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lizs.xyz

"..."

Say something will you. Should I do a Dogeza?or something?

However, even if I was suddenly attacked, I still have something I want to say. It wouldn't have been strange if I had been killed earlier, you know. In particular, Tino could have been seriously injured as she doesn't have any Barrier Ring.

I pull Tino, who is standing on guard next to me, and pat her head. The range expansion of the Barrier Ring at that time was properly made on time, so she doesn't seem to have any injury. Good, good.

I *perapera* rapidly talk while turning on my brain.

"But, to be honest, how to say this... I am not that interested in you guys ―― Ah, sorry. I said nothing."

As soon as I said it, I thought that I messed up.

I unintentionally said my honest feeling. Because, you know, even though Liz was teasing him, it was just out of a bit of mischievousness, something which isn't that unusual for Hunters. That's why, in my mind, they don't have any justification to chase and attack us.

However, if explaining this to them was enough to convince them, then they wouldn't have chased after us this far into the mountain in the first place.

In a hurry I withdrew my words, but it seemed to be too late. Arnold's eyes widened for a moment and then probably because he understood what I just said, his expression distorted like a demon. I was completely pouring oil on the fire.

"You… Bastard… Saying this at this point ―― Huh!?"

From the side, Liz kicked him with a surprise attack. Almost like on reflex, Arnold raised his blade, but like magic she slipped through it and struck him hard on his chin. His huge body was greatly blown away, but he was able to adjust his stance in the middle of it.

Liz was completely pissed off. Maybe because of the aftermath of the lightning strike, there was black smoke coming out of her clothes, but from her appearance there was no signs of any damage on her. It wasn't like I had prioritized Tino over Liz when I protected her instead of Liz, but it was just a simple judgement as I thought that Liz would be okay even if she does take some damage.

Part 2

Liz had a demon-like expression which wouldn't lose to Arnold.

"Is the story… Over? So… Annoying. You fucker… Your inferior existence isn't even worth garbage… Dare to disturbed Liz-chan ――"

Apparently, she was upset about being interrupted. She has completely lost it.

In a thug-like tone, Liz jumped at Arnold. Even though she was a Thief, she jumped on a swordsman with a higher Certification Level than herself, her will to fight is way too strong.

Arnold successfully maneuvered his greatsword to put it against her godlike fast kick.

She kicked without hesitation against the blade that was covered in electricity. No doubt the electric shock must have passed through her, but her speed didn't decrease in the slightest.

"Fucker! When we were at the best part! Go get kicked by a horse… And dieee!?Make up for it with your death!"

"Hah!!"

Arnold was on the defensive as Liz jumped at him while spewing abuse.

Liz's attack which specialized in speed is at another dimension to most swordsmen. Even so, the fact that Arnold was able to endure her attack without being completely defenseless was proof that he is an outstanding swordsman.

Tino looked at the scene, stunned. This was a battle between heavenly heroes.

Liz's movement which was launching a series of continuous attacks suddenly accelerates for a moment. Arnold raised his great sword to defend himself,? but Liz ducked down, went behind him and placed a blow on the back of his knee.

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When Arnold's posture was destabilized, she made a large swing at the back of his head with her leg. At that moment ―― Arnold's body shone brightly.

It was 『Lightning』. Sparks flew and lightning burned Liz. As if she had been repelled, Liz flew in the air, did a couple of turns and perfectly landed on the ground.

Arnold slowly stood up, glared at Liz while breathing wildly.

Was that Arnold's 『Trump Card』? Did he flow the lightning from his sword into his body?

I wondered if the fact that he was unaffected by the lightning was due to his resistance against it or if it was due to some kind of technique.

"Moving so much… Such an annoying… Girl ――"

"Lightning, huh, I strengthened my resistance just the other day, you know."

Said Liz with predatory eyes. However, it was completely unexpected to me.

Well even if I said this, between Arnold and Liz, I think that Liz is stronger than Arnold.

Of course, I know that he isn't weak since he is Level 7, but it was completely unexpected that she couldn't win even with a surprise attack.

Then it occurred to me that maybe if I praise him, he would be in a good mood, so I said something flattering.

"Going toe-to-toe with Liz, Arnold-san, so strong."

"Hah..."

"By any chance, is that sword made of Lightning Dragon material? Was it its bones? That's a shame... I should have made one too. I never would have thought of that. Seriously, it is pretty surprising, un."

Despite being agitated, I succeeded to lift him up, but I heard a voice behind me. It was Sytry-chan who was preparing the carriage.

Apparently, her timing was perfect. Then she says in a calm voice.

"Well, we did throw the bone in the soup as broth, right. Because you said it was in the way."

"Ah... Aaaah... Was it? ... W-Was it delicious?"

"You said chicken was better..."

"Ah… Ahahahaha... I don't remember at all... You see, I am kind of forgetful. But you can't make a sword out of chicken bones, so in a way, you can say that each have their own roles ――"

"It is not that you can't make it, but... You know, I made one the other day."

I don't know what I was talking about, but Sytry gives me an out of context answer.

It's bad. Arnold has a blue vein on his face and looks like he was about to jump at me. If Liz wasn't here, he would have definitely attacked me. It has completely backfired.

And then, Sytry put her hand behind her back and whispered in my ear.

"Do you want to run away? Everything is ready."

"!!"

As expected of Sytry, she knows me very well. We will run away, of course we will run away. In the first place, if I had run away the moment I saw the lightning on the mountainside, I wouldn't have been in a situation like this.

The problem is that nine out of ten, Arnold's legs are faster than our carriage. If we don't do something about him, our escape won't work.

"Aaah, Arnold-san. Actually, I am kind of busy, you know..."

"Hmpf... You mean you are busy… Having an affair with women, haa?"

You are misunderstanding. But, right... If you think about it calmly, it might have been a good thing as I was able to come out of that situation when Arnold came. No way, that's true.

I want to get away from Arnold, but to do that I have to do something about Arnold. There is no way out.

The standoff between Liz and Arnold continued. The durability of a High-Level swordsman is ridiculous. I trust Liz's abilities, but I couldn't tell who had the advantage.

At that moment, Tino, who was standing beside me, shouted as if she had made up her mind.

"Master... I will fight too!"

"Eh...?"

This is the most unlikely option. No matter how talented Tino is, I doubt she would be able to put up a good fight against Arnold, who is an even match against Liz.

However Tino stuck her chest out and looked at me with straight and pure eyes.

"I can't keep being protected. Now, I understand ―― The reason why Master gave me the training to be struck by lightning, it was all for this moment, right!"

"Eh..."

"Hah!?"

In the first place, I wasn't the one who imposed that training onto you...

Arnold is looking at me like I am some kind of monster. No, you are wrong. Because it wasn't me.

"Even I… If it is a two-on-one with Onee-sama ―― If it is just an opening ―― I am sure, I can do it."

Seriously, why do Hunters want to die so badly?

This time it isn't training, you know. Tino's body would be cut in half if she took a serious hit from that huge sword. In fact, there was a time I have seen Luke cut a man in half. It is something that is possible.

Well, as expected, his sword will be restrained by Liz, so it might be okay, but the next problem is the lightning that is coating him. No matter how much resistance she has against it, I don't think she would be safe after being hit by that. Unlike swords, lightning is hard to avoid. It is reckless when Anthem isn't in the Party right now.

However, there was no one who seemed to agree with me. Neither Sytry nor Liz showed any sign of stopping Tino. They are the kind of girls who push their children over the cliff.

Then, I suddenly remembered something nice. I reach into my pocket and pull out something slimy. Tino's complexion changed. Arnold's complexion also changed.

I am glad I brought it with me just in case. It was rolled up, so I stretched it widely.

The 『Over Greed (Evolving Devil Mask)』 that had been forcibly stuffed into my pocket said in a fed up voice.

『I have been treated terribly ―― Is it my turn...?』

"Mas… Ter? This is ――"

『Over Greed (Evolving Devil Mask)』 is a Relic that draws out the latent potential of those who wear it.

In fact, the last time Tino wore it, she was so powerful that she was able to hold her own against the two-girl team of Liz and Sytry. To be honest, I was wondering whether I should bring it, but I did it in the end because it was definitely a powerful Relic.

Putting aside regular Tino, there is no doubt that the Tino of that time must be able to fight against Arnold.