Thank you very much for your feedback and suggestions.
Though I am still inexperienced, I will strive to improve.
Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, has a girlfriend.
His girlfriend is Suella Handelberg.
Memoria Tris.
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time Employee).
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class).
Position: Warrior.
“What should we do?”
“What shall we do?”
Several hours after fleeing from the magic beasts, we, who had safely escaped, were moving with the plan to make camp by the river as dusk was approaching.
In Isal, where night doesn’t exist, there isn’t even a word for “night.” This cloudy sky, which is beginning to hide the sun, apparently serves as its substitute.
Honestly, it just feels unnatural.
However, without time to get used to such strangeness, Memoria and I were once again in trouble.
“We’re being attacked.”
“We are being attacked.”
“By the way, do you know any of them?”
“This is my first encounter.”
Even while fleeing the magic beasts, Memoria had her location well-managed, so we were actually in a situation where we had gained distance.
Considering this, the current escape could be said to have been worthwhile and beneficial in terms of effort.
Although I was a little tired, I thought we had gained more distance than our initial goal and would be able to rest today with plenty of leeway.
What happened at that moment has led to the current situation.
“Someone is approaching,” Memoria detected an unknown group, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, we took refuge in a large tree.
As we tried to pass by unnoticed, we felt presences approaching, and after waiting a few minutes.
This time, it wasn’t a magic beast, but a group of five genuine humans who appeared and were about to pass by our feet.
Just when I thought we could finally rest, we were interrupted. Cursing them in my heart and wishing they would leave quickly.
Perhaps that was a mistake, or perhaps this is what they call a ‘flag’, but they couldn’t simply pass by.
They were attacked by a Forest Bear that appeared with a roar.
Ever since coming here, one predictable trouble after another has occurred. I’m starting to feel nauseous, wondering if problems will occur even in the unseen future. While sitting next to me, I shift my gaze from Memoria to the ground below and observe.
“We weren’t able to shake them off?”
“No, it seems to be a different individual as it’s smaller than the previous presence. And that’s a Forest Bear; they are magic beasts that do not move while the sun is out, so perhaps it just woke up?”
“Was it because it was sleeping and its presence was weak that we couldn’t detect it…?”
“It seems so. We can only say the timing was bad. It appears those knights, thinking from the direction the magic beast came from, stepped into the territory of a grumpy, just-awakened Forest Bear.”
“Knights, huh?”
Based on her equipment, Memoria speculates on the professions of those below.
Well, their equipment is quite magnificent.
Even from my perspective, the full metal armor matches the image of knights often heard in novels.
One of them is lightly armored, but perhaps their profession is different?
“Is it still five days to the city from here?”
“Approximately. That’s if we travel normally, but there are plenty of ways to shorten the time.”
“So, it’s possible to get there in a day. Did they investigate us because of our magic?”
“It’s possible, but unlikely. We also had concealment functions active. It’s more reasonable to assume it would be impossible unless a Saintess or a Hero class was nearby.”
“Is there a possibility that a Hero would struggle against that magic beast?”
“Perhaps in an initial battle, maybe.”
This significantly lowers the possibility that they came to investigate us.
For now, I’m relieved, but the problem remains: why are the knights here, and who do they belong to?
In situations like this, I’d like to gather information, but…
Those knights are fighting a Forest Bear with giant arms and deep green fur at our feet.
Although they have a numerical advantage with five against one, it’s becoming clear that the knights are gradually falling into a disadvantage as time passes.
Besides observation, the only way to gather information would be to step in and fight alongside them…
“Then, all we can do is wait for the storm to pass. Our only option is to ignore them.”
“Yes, from our position, there are more risks than benefits in contacting the knights.”
We choose to remain silent and wait in the tree.
As Memoria said, it’s not the kind of information worth taking risks for.
We would probably win if we fought, but that would lead to complications afterward.
With the continuous string of predictable troubles, I’m afraid of getting involved in human relationship problems next.
“Priestess, please escape!!”
“Priestess?”
“Isn’t that the mage in the back? If so, that equipment and crest…”
“Judging by the atmosphere, they must be someone important. It smells like trouble.”
I couldn’t hear the latter part, but looking in the direction Memoria points, there is one person wearing a white robe.
From their demeanor, they seem to be a healer and a mage.
However, the firepower seems insufficient against a Forest Bear, and eventually, one knight fell.
That became the catalyst, and the tide of battle completely shifted to the Forest Bear.
The fallen knight is not dead, but it will take time to return to the front lines.
It’s probably just a matter of time now.
It would leave a bad taste in my mouth to watch them die, but getting involved in trouble like this is even more undesirable.
I have no hesitation in choosing to hold my breath and let this pass.
“? …! Memoria, grab on!”
However, the cry of the knight who seemed to be the captain turned out to be a poor choice.
The Forest Bear’s movements changed slightly, shifting from fighting the knights to lunging toward the person called the priestess, who was trying to retreat backward.
From the beast’s perspective, it was a natural action to prevent prey from escaping.
And it is not wrong for a human to try to dodge the massive arm, which is clearly declaring itself a special move by being imbued with magic.
I can understand that I would do the same.
I could accept it if the path of its charge wasn’t the giant tree we were using as a foothold.
“Seriously!?”
“It seems so.”
“You’re so calm!”
It turns out the Forest Bear is more powerful than I thought. The swung arm brilliantly gouged and snapped the tree trunk.
As a result…
“Who are you!?”
“We’re refugees!!”
We ended up falling due to gravity.
Despite having hidden, we were forced into combat.
Hugging Memoria, I reached out to jump to another tree, but it was just out of reach, and we were dropped to the ground.
Fortunately, the landing was fine, but landing in a position caught between the Forest Bear and the knights was not ideal.
Furthermore, my sudden appearance from above seemed to have made the captain, who appeared to be a knight, wary. Is it impossible to escape events?
For now, I hide Memoria behind me and draw my Ore Tree, preparing to deal with both the Forest Bear and the knights.
“You’re adventurers!”
“You said you were refugees!?”
“Well, if you are in a place like this and dressed like Jiro-san, it’s understandable that they would mistake you.”
I claimed to be refugees in the sense that we had fled to the trees, but they didn’t seem to accept it.
It’s true what Memoria said, given that we’re still in the attire for tackling dungeons.
My attempt to avoid combat by reacting to the female voice coming from within the hood of the robe is hopeless, as the knights, who desperately need any bit of combat power, literally had us fall from the sky, so they wouldn’t have been listening.
I can strongly feel the atmosphere of them not being able to not get us involved.
“I am Eshlee Lia Micaldo, a traveling priestess belonging to the Theocratic Nation Tris. Please join forces with me to overcome this disaster.”
On top of that, she’s from a great religious nation.
It seems to be the last kind of person I wanted to meet.
Although it was a one-in-three chance, considering the events of today, it would be wise to avoid any form of gambling for a while.
“…What do we do?”
“There’s no helping it if it’s come to this. I’ll handle the conversation. For now, let’s eliminate the danger. They don’t seem to be able to wait.”
“It appears so.”
For now, we’ll postpone dealing with the person we can potentially converse with.
Let’s deal with the opponent who is likely to target us and attack, the one we can’t reason with.
“If possible, try not to reveal your skills.”
“Understood.”
Following Memoria’s order, I plan the battle without using Monkey’s Roar or Slash Attack.
Given its strength, its opponent is likely around the level of a third-floor boss. If I’m not careless…
“No problem.”
“Going straight at it is reckless!!”
While ignoring the opposite conclusion to my judgment, I dash towards the Forest Bear.
I don’t want to waste time.
I never expected to be able to cooperate from the start.
In that case, it’s better to skip unnecessary trouble and go solo from the beginning.
In the current battleground, the force distribution is one versus two versus five.
In terms of numbers, we are the second-strongest force, but in terms of combat, we are likely at the top.
As I run, and within about ten paces, I glance back for a moment, but the group of five seems to be in disarray.
There doesn’t seem to be any possibility they are hiding their strength, but it’s also possible their fight with the Forest Bear earlier was an act.
It’s best not to let my guard down.
I only looked away for a moment. When I returned my gaze to the direction I was facing, the Forest Bear, which seemed to have just finished its warm-up, had gathered its strength in its legs and was about to pounce on me.
It’s two steps away from my Ore Tree’s range, and before the Forest Bear’s attack.
I swing my Ore Tree in response.
The sound of metal colliding, along with the general power dynamic, is conveyed to me.
I have slightly more strength than it does.
However, its claws are hard and sharp, possibly enhanced by magic. I am at a disadvantage in terms of the number of attacks, as I am responding to its two-armed attack with just one Ore Tree.
But I haven’t been defeated.
After clashing for several minutes, I wasn’t defeated by its brute force attacks. As we were in a stalemate, or rather, I was slowly pushing it back, the Forest Bear distanced itself.
Perhaps it’s time for a rematch?
It glares at me and stamps its feet, showing no sign of giving up.
Without a pause, it attacked even faster than before.
GAAARGH!
Letting out a roar typical of a beast, it then swings its right foreleg down, using inertia as it charges, and finally, its fangs to capture its prey. A three-stage attack like this is surprisingly elaborate for a beast’s behavior.
“For a beast, yes.”
As for me, I don’t flinch at the roar. Instead, I feint as if I’m also charging to disrupt its rhythm. By bracing myself with my left foot before its arm is supposed to descend, I completely stop its movement.
This alone neutralizes two of its three-stage attacks. My effort is minimized to just one move.
“Oh, throwing sand to blind me, clever.”
Just as I was about to attack, it seemed to sense my movement instinctively. Its arm movement switched from a downward swing to a sweeping motion to disrupt my initiative.
Sand and fallen leaves swirled up. If this continues, the sand will enter my eyes.
If my vision is obscured, my combat effectiveness will decrease.
The Forest Bear, which performed these actions instinctively, is indeed a formidable opponent.
“Well, if you rely only on your eyes, that will happen.”
However, I was trained by an instructor who removed the word “mercy” from his mind.
Even if you try to seal one of my five senses…
“I can tell the distance by the air currents.”
I can compensate with my other senses.
My ears catch the sound of its footsteps, signaling the timing. My skin feels the sand’s texture and the oppressive pressure pushing against me, indicating the direction.
My nose catches the smell of the beast; its increasing intensity signals the proximity.
As I swing the Ore Tree I carry on my shoulder down at the precise moment, feeling the Forest Bear fly past my flank, I sense that I’ve severed its left arm with my fingertips.
“First one down.”
Emerging from the sandstorm, I open my eyes and, relying on the sound of the giant body sliding on the ground behind me as it loses its balance, I turn and pursue.
“It’s bound to happen.”
I had hoped to make it collapse to the ground with this one strike, but it’s a beast, after all.
It instinctively understands that writhing in pain means death.
Without a glance at its severed arm, it gathers magic into its remaining right arm, filled with rage, and attacks me.
Although its balance is off, taking one hit will still damage me.
It would take several hits to be fatal, but there’s no need to take unnecessary damage.
I try to sweep away its right arm with my Ore Tree, but contrary to my expectations, the Ore Tree doesn’t bite into it. Its fur on the surface becomes stiff like individual needles, and I slide off it.
“Ooh.”
I shouldn’t be admiring it while it’s hidden, but its ability is quite impressive.
However, my body moves in parallel to my mouth. Using the sideways force, I deliver a roundhouse kick to the tip of the Forest Bear’s nose, staggering it.
Although the damage is minimal, it at least buys me time to regain my posture.
“If slicing doesn’t work, then thrusting.”
As I land, I start running clockwise around the opponent.
The beast is over five meters long. If I can’t break its arms, I’ll target its legs this time.
The Forest Bear, now unable to move on all fours, skillfully stands up and moves its legs to try and catch me, determined not to let me escape.
The difference in height and weight is obvious. Attacks from above are certainly a threat, but only if it has stable support.
If its footing is unguarded, it’s a different story.
Perhaps understanding this instinctively, its leg fur has become as stiff as needles, just like before.
But there are still gaps.
I shift gears, increasing my running speed by one level.
From the outside, it probably looked like I suddenly turned at a right angle, lunged sharply at a low posture less than a meter from the ground, and thrust my Ore Tree into the Forest Bear’s knee joint.
To me, it felt similar to thrusting a billiard cue.
Placing my left hand on the spine of the Ore Tree, I push my right hand forward as if it were a rail.
My body, enhanced by the magic crest, perfectly replicates that movement.
“Alright, got its left leg.”
As a result, I decapitated its lower leg, finishing the King’s move with a technique that was more of a thrust than a slash, though it resembles a slash.
“It’s over. Don’t hold a grudge.”
Losing its left half of limbs, the Forest Bear, which could only thrash wildly, had its neck, along with its prized arms, severed from above as I jumped up.
“It’s finished.”
“Good work. Are you injured?”
“Just a little sand. Have you finished your business?”
“No, not yet. But let’s move to another location before other magic beasts arrive. What about this?”
In the end, even though I won without injury and saved them, it’s still a form of pilfering.
So, I confirm as a precaution.
“Our objectives are different. Besides, this is their prey; let’s quietly withdraw.”
“Understood.”
Our objectives are different, huh?
She’s not lying.
Our objective is to go to the city, not to defeat magic beasts.
Then, why did Memoria choose her words as if she had some particular interest in this mountain?
I glance at the five people who have been sidelined.
It’s probably to fit the narrative.
If it continues like this, the question of why we are in the middle of this mountain will arise.
From our perspective, the same can be said for them, but for now, as long as we maintain the pretense that our purpose is not the magic beast but something else, it will serve as an excuse.
Negotiation is Memoria’s domain, so I’ll be careful not to say anything unnecessary.
“So, what shall we do? Our objective has not been met, and our cooperation has concluded, so shall we part ways here?”
“I would like to do so, but may I ask what your objective is? Judging by his ability to defeat a Forest Bear alone, he must be a renowned swordsman. Who might you be, to be employing such a person?”
She’s demanding my identity.
They introduced themselves before the fight, but I haven’t.
Leaving without introducing myself would seem suspicious.
Since I’ve already stated I have business in this mountain, not disclosing my objective, unless I have malicious intent, would be a source of suspicion.
Now then, what will happen?
Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, has a girlfriend.
His girlfriend is Suella Handelberg.
Memoria Tris.
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time Employee).
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class).
Position: Warrior.
Today’s word:
Heal wounds while they are shallow; postponing work-related troubles can lead to a major catastrophe.
Compulsorily!!
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