The shield, made with a gem entrusted by the White Witch, was placed by the bedside.
Cedric, an elf youth who suddenly appeared, calmly continued to speak.
“I’m currently enrolled at Shindo Martial Arts University as a special student. I travel around gaining knowledge and experience. And these women are companions I met on my journey, also active as students at the university.”
He’s a university student? Perhaps it’s because he’s an elf, but he seems quite young for a university student.
“Hmph, the boss graduated from university at eighteen. Unlike you guys who can’t even read,” the Dark Harpy, called Lucy, said proudly, laughing.
”Now, now, Lucy, you shouldn’t say such rude things. And being allowed to exist as a special student is also because we’re acting under orders from headquarters,”
I see, so they’re taking on special missions from headquarters because of their excellence. Still, graduating at eighteen, and not knowing the duration of studies, there’s a possibility he entered before junior high. Truly a special student receiving orders directly from headquarters.
“So that’s how it is. I wonder if you understand a little now. Getting back to the main subject, what do you think? You’ve worked hard so far. But from here on, it’s truly a matter of life and death. The Dark Elves won’t show any mercy.”
“We already know that. We understood your boasting, so we’re leaving now.” Nina turned her face away haughtily and tried to leave. Lauren followed behind her. However, Cedric’s companions blocked their way.
“Tsk, you’re not letting us go.”
“As expected. It seems you’re determined to make this your own achievement.” The large Harpy who stood before the two spoke.
“Don’t misunderstand. My master doesn’t think that way. He’s genuinely worried about you. Amateurs like you won’t survive from here on.”
“Amateurs, you say?! We’ve survived this far, you know? It seems you’re not just large in size.” Philiana soothed Nina, who was getting angry, from behind.
“Now, now, calm down. That’s right, unlike everyone here, we haven’t even received training, we’re what you’d call amateurs. However, our feelings haven’t changed. Please fight the Dark Elves separately from us.”
“I understand. But I’ve received orders from headquarters to stop your journey. I’d rather not use force…” Are we being told to stop them by force? Why do you want to stop us so badly? Come to think of it, it was the White Witch’s doing that information leaked to the Dark Elves. And I recall her saying the one who transformed was the Chieftain of the Light Elves. Could they be trying to hide their own mistakes? They wouldn’t want us to reach heaven with this momentum, would they? Because that would be a huge secret in this world. They must truly want to protect something that much. That path leading to heaven, indeed.
“Hmph, sounds good. Come at us then. I want to see your trained techniques.”
“Stop it. It’s not good to get hurt fighting now.” Sharin calmly stopped the hot-headed Nina. That’s right, with no hospital nearby, it wouldn’t be a wise move. It would be best to pretend to surrender and evade here.
“Sharin’s right. Understood, we’ll stop pursuing the Dark Elves. We’ll leave that duty to you.”
“Huh? Are you serious? What was all of our effort up until now then?!” I exchanged glances with my companions. Did they understand? They said nothing.
“Oh, whatever. Do as you please.”
“So, we’re heading back to where we came from. See you later.”
“Wait. That letter, we’ll have to retrieve that too.”
There’s no other way. I’ll hand it over obediently here. It’s fine, I remember most of the contents. I handed over the crumpled letter.
“Thank you. We appreciate your cooperation. And one more thing, Arisugawa-kun, you’ll be coming with us.”
What? Have they found out I’m human? Humans aren’t supposed to exist in this world; if caught, I’ll be killed or imprisoned. It’s frustrating to obey everything, but I should remain silent. And let everyone else continue on their own. Cedric placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry. We won’t kill you. We intend to protect your rights to the minimum extent.”
