The Sirgilten Region.
A branch of the Knights of Color in a certain town.
“Prioritize the safety of nearby residents. Units 3 and 4 will follow the instructions of Knight Rack.”
“Yes!!”
Two days ago.
From people traveling on the Gashidou (Street/Road).
“There were pools of blood. Large pools of blood.”
Reports were received.
An incident occurred that fueled unease in the rear during wartime.
When contacting Headquarters about how to deal with it.
The Colorless Knights.
A newbie reserve army not yet officially assigned to any of the Knights of Color’s branches.
Although they are called newbies.
Their abilities are not significantly different from other knights.
They just lack color.
The knights are exceptionally strong.
And since healers always accompany them.
It’s difficult to transfer.
Retirement << Dying in the line of duty << Temporary absence due to injury or illness.
This is how knight transfers are in peacetime.
Dying in the line of duty << Temporary absence due to injury or illness << Retirement.
This is the current situation during wartime.
"Knight (Golem)."
"We can sortie at any time."
"Horses."
"The necessary equipment has been prepared."
"All units, sortie. Investigate the unknown entity appearing along the Gashidou (Street/Road) and subjugate it before its damage spreads to the citizens. Understood?"
"Yessss!!"
***
Led by Knight Rack, the 3rd and 4th squads, a total of 39 people.
Among them, 4 were healers.
Knights (Golems).
4 for close combat, 2 for long-range with staff cannons, and 4 for defense.
20 mounted, and 5 infantry.
The infantry rode on the shoulders of the Knights (Golems), their operators, and kept watch on the surroundings.
"Captain Rack?!"
"We see a covered wagon ahead!"
The covered wagon had overturned.
The cargo was scattered inside.
Beneath it... a corpse.
"The damage... are there any traces of the driver or others? The shield units will deploy around, concentrating on the bushes and the sky. Dismount and we will pay attention to our feet. Alright, let's investigate."
Under Knight Rack's orders.
The scene was investigated, and survivors were searched for in the surroundings.
"Survivors! Is anyone there!"
Rustle.
"!!!"
The bushes swayed. Hands reached for weapons.
They stared at the bushes, but nothing emerged, nor was there any voice.
Was it my imagination? Just as I thought that.
The bushes swayed again.
"Captain?!"
Immediately, hearing that voice.
Those nearby became vigilant.
Ready to deal with whatever happened together.
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
"............"
What emerged from the bushes was someone injured, carrying an injured person on their shoulder.
A survivor?! But why didn't they respond?
Everyone had drawn their weapons and were ready.
"Haa... haa..."
Their breathing seemed rough. They couldn't speak a word.
However, through their gaze.
It was understood that they wanted help for the person they were carrying on their shoulder. But.
It was necessary to determine if these two were really survivors.
"Protect them,
The person who was cast with magic to reduce physical damage.
Received the unconscious injured person.
“Heal their wounds,
“Give them the vitality to live,
“…………”
The healers tended to them.
The bleeding from the stab wounds stopped.
Their breathing stabilized.
The other person was then treated.
And they recounted what had happened.
***
At first, one of the adventurer’s guards.
Was unable to sense anything and had their head blown off.
The remaining guards yelled to the driver, “Hurry and escape!”
And engaged in battle with something deep in the bushes.
However, that something blocked the driver’s escape route, just like the adventurer, blowing off their head.
The out-of-control horses tried to run straight ahead.
Their tethers snapped, and only the horses safely escaped the scene.
After that, the covered wagon shook and overturned.
I hit my head on the cargo and lost consciousness.
When I came to, was I the last remaining guard?
I saw someone clearly crushed by the cargo.
I also, without even looking sideways, fled into the bushes so as not to be noticed by something.
I don’t usually walk long distances.
Just as I thought I had reached my physical limit, I stumbled.
The sound of something chasing me, rustling.
Desperately holding my breath, praying not to be found, my heart pounding loudly against the sound until it faded away.
As the sound receded, I turned back in the direction of where a safe town would likely be.
“And that’s where you found him.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I’m terribly sorry, but what attacked us…”
“Don’t worry about it. From here on, we knights will definitely escort you safely back to town.”
“Thank you. Cough.”
“Please don’t push yourself.”
After receiving treatment from the knights who could use healing magic.
I felt a desire to recover the covered wagon’s cargo, thinking of the future.
But if their lives were lost, there was no choice but to give up in the current situation, which was frustrating.
“Thank you.”
Expressing my gratitude repeatedly for their kindness.
We headed to our original destination with the knights.
The knights reported to the knights stationed in the town.
Entrusting us to them,
They returned to the scene of that tragic incident.
I asked if I could contact the place where the cargo was to be delivered.
And felt humbled that a knight would go in my stead.
But why are we still confined to the guardhouse?
“We apologize. This is also part of the mission.”
“Ah… ahh…”
This… this couldn’t possibly be.
Are they suspecting us of the crime?! No, no, no, no!!
Surely not…
What if I were deemed the culprit? I…!!!
