Chapter 36

Bab 4: Laki-Laki Berkumpul

Bagian 1

Lower Fire Bulan (Bulan ke-9) Hari ke-3 04:01

Akumulasi kelelahan otak memukulnya sekaligus, sehingga ia tidur hampir sehari penuh setelah memasuki rumah Gazef. Dia bangun untuk makan sedikit, dan kemudian segera kembali ke tempat tidur.

Dia tidak ingin mengakuinya, tetapi dia bisa tenang di rumah Gazef karena dia merasa aman di sana. Dia tahu bahwa saingannya Gazef tidak dapat menahan satu pukulan pun dari Shalltear itu, namun rumah bekas musuh bebuyutannya sekarang adalah tempat teraman di dunia baginya. Itu meredakan ketegangannya dan membuatnya bisa tidur nyenyak.

Cahaya jatuh di wajah Brain melalui bilah jendela beralis.

Cahaya membangunkan Otak dari tidurnya yang tanpa mimpi.

Dia membuka matanya, tetapi sinar yang menusuk membuatnya menyipitkan mata lagi. Dia mengulurkan tangannya untuk menghalangi sinar matahari.

Brain menopang dirinya dengan satu tangan dan kemudian mengayunkan kakinya sehingga dia duduk di sisi tempat tidur. Dia melihat sekeliling ruangan seperti tikus yang ketakutan. Kamar polos hanya memiliki minimal furnitur di dalamnya, dan otak Brain ditumpuk di sudut ruangan.

"Apakah ini kamar yang digunakan Kapten Prajurit Kerajaan untuk menerima tamu?"

Ketika Brain melihat sekeliling ruangan yang kosong, dia membiarkan beberapa kata menggigit jatuh dari bibirnya ketika kurangnya orang membuatnya nyaman. Kemudian, dia meregangkan badannya, dan persendiannya membuat suara pecah ketika tubuhnya yang kaku rileks dan darah kembali mengalir ke seluruh tubuhnya.

Menguap besar keluar darinya.

“… Dia pasti membiarkan orang-orangnya menginap di sini di masa lalu, bukan? Mereka pasti merasa sangat kecewa. "

Alasan mengapa bangsawan dan bangsawan menjalani kehidupan mewah seperti itu bukan hanya karena mereka menikmatinya. Itu juga demi kesombongan; untuk melindungi gambar mereka.

Demikian pula, ketika para pria melihat gaya hidup mewah pemimpin mereka, itu akan memacu keinginan mereka untuk membuat nama untuk diri mereka sendiri dan memberi mereka motivasi.

"… Tidak, ini bukan tempat saya untuk mengatakan hal-hal seperti itu," Brain bergumam. Lalu dia mendengus; tapi itu diarahkan pada dirinya sendiri dan bukan Gazef.

Itu pasti karena dia telah ditarik kembali dari ambang kegilaan, tempat di mana dia hampir didorong oleh guncangan mental kembar itu. Memikirkan dia sebenarnya akan memikirkan hal-hal sepele seperti itu.

Ketika Brain memikirkan monster yang kuat itu, dia mendapati bahwa dia tidak bisa menghentikan getaran di tangannya.

"Seperti yang kupikirkan…"

Teror yang melekat di hatinya belum dihilangkan.

Shalltear Bloodfallen.

Sosok kekuatan absolut, seseorang yang bahkan Brain – yang telah meninggalkan segalanya untuk mengejar keterampilan pedang – tidak mungkin bisa menyamai. Dia adalah monster di antara monster; namun yang terlihat adalah jumlah total dari semua keindahan di dunia. Dia adalah orang yang memiliki kekuatan sejati.

Sensasi ketakutan melesat dalam hatinya pada memori belaka.

Dia telah hidup dalam teror terus-menerus dari pengejaran monster itu, dan begitu dia mencapai jalan ke Ibukota Kerajaan dia tidak tidur atau bahkan beristirahat, hanya melarikan diri untuk hidupnya. Momok Shalltear muncul di hadapannya ketika dia tidur, dan malam itu sepertinya berubah bentuk ketika dia berlari di sepanjang jalan. Hancur di bawah keresahan ini, dia tidak bisa mendapatkan istirahat malam yang baik. Yang bisa dia lakukan hanyalah berlari seolah tidak ada yang lain di dunia ini baginya.

Dia telah memilih untuk melarikan diri ke Ibukota Kerajaan karena dia percaya bahwa dia bisa kehilangan dirinya di antara massa orang di sana dan membuangnya dari jejaknya. Namun, dia tidak mengira korban besar yang ditimbulkan oleh pelariannya yang melelahkan, atau kurangnya penyelamatan diri yang telah berkembang sebagai hasilnya.

Pertemuan Gazef adalah perkembangan yang tidak terduga. Mungkin Brain membayangkan bahwa Gazef dapat menghilangkan Shalltear, dan kakinya tanpa sadar membawanya mencari saingannya. Namun, dia belum menemukan jawabannya.

"Apa yang harus saya lakukan sekarang…"

Dia tidak punya apa-apa.

Dia membuka tangannya, dan semuanya kosong.

Dia melihat wargear-nya di sudut ruangan.

Dia telah memperoleh 「Katana」 untuk menang atas Gazef. Namun, apa yang akan dia lakukan setelah mengalahkan Gazef? Dia sekarang tahu bahwa ada beberapa perintah besar yang lebih kuat daripada dirinya sendiri. Jika dia tidak bisa mengalahkan kata makhluk, apa gunanya menang atas mereka yang berada di bawahnya?

"Aku mungkin harus mengambil bajak sebagai gantinya … itu mungkin akan lebih bermakna."

Kemudian, Brain merasakan seseorang di luar ketika dia akan mengejek dirinya sendiri.

"Unglaus, kamu sudah bangun? … Kamu seharusnya, kan? ”

Suara itu milik pemilik rumah ini.

"Ah, Stronoff. Saya bangun. "

Pintu terbuka dan Gazef memasuki ruangan. Dia sepenuhnya dilengkapi dalam pertempuran dengan lengkap.

“Kamu benar-benar tidur lama. Saya terkejut dengan betapa dalamnya Anda tidur. "

“Ya, terima kasih sudah mengizinkanku. Maaf tentang itu. "

"Jangan khawatir tentang itu. Namun, aku harus pergi ke Istana sekarang. Ceritakan padaku apa yang terjadi setelah aku kembali. ”

"… Ini sangat buruk, kau tahu? Anda mungkin berakhir seperti saya. "

“Meski begitu, aku harus mendengarkan. Saya kira seharusnya lebih baik jika kita minum sementara kita berbicara untuk meringankan suasana … Perlakukan tempat ini sebagai rumahmu sampai aku kembali. Minta bantuan rumah tangga jika Anda ingin makan apa pun, mereka harus bisa menyatukan sesuatu untuk Anda. Dan jika Anda ingin keluar … Anda punya uang, bukan? "

"…Tidak. Tapi … Jika aku butuh sesuatu, aku bisa menjual item sihirku. ”

Brain menunjukkan pada Gazef cincin yang dia kenakan.

“Apakah itu benar-benar oke? Itu tidak murah, bukan? "

"Tidak apa-apa. Saya tidak peduli. "

Dia telah membeli barang-barang ini untuk mengalahkan Gazef. Sekarang dia tahu tidak ada gunanya melakukannya, apa artinya ada dalam menghargai pernak-pernik ini?

“Barang-barang berharga tinggi kadang sulit dijual. Pembeli memang perlu mengumpulkan uang. Ambil ini."

Gazef melemparkannya kantong kain kecil. Brain menangkapnya, dan mendengar suara logam berdenting dari dalam.

"…Maaf soal ini. Saya akan meminjam ini untuk saat ini, kalau begitu. "

Bagian 2

Lower Fire Bulan (Bulan ke-9) Hari ke-3 10:31

Sebas berjalan santai sambil merenungkan cara berurusan dengan lima orang yang mengikutinya sejak dia meninggalkan rumahnya. Dia percaya bahwa menggerakkan tubuhnya akan mengangkat suasana hatinya dan membantunya memikirkan ide yang baik.

Segera, dia melihat kerumunan orang macet di jalan di depannya.

Suara yang datang dari mereka adalah kutukan setan atau tawa mengejek, disertai dengan suara sesuatu yang mengejutkan sesuatu yang lain. Tangisan di sepanjang baris “Seseorang akan mati” dan “Lebih baik dapatkan para penjaga” bangkit dari mereka.

Kerumunan menghalangi pandangannya, tetapi dia yakin bahwa beberapa jenis kekerasan sedang berlangsung.

Sebas berpikir bahwa mungkin dia harus mengubah jalannya dan mengambil jalan lain. Dia ragu-ragu sejenak – dan kemudian dia melanjutkan lurus ke depan.

Jalannya membawanya ke pusat keramaian.

"Permisi."

Sebas menjelajahi para penonton dengan kata-kata itu dan mencapai pusat keramaian.

Melihat seorang lelaki tua bergerak dengan keanehan, cairan anggun mengejutkan dan membuat kaget para penonton, dan orang-orang yang melihat Sebas lewat di depan mereka tertegun kaget.

Tampaknya ada orang lain yang mencoba masuk ke jantung kerumunan selain Sebas. Orang itu berkata, "Maaf," tetapi dia tidak bisa maju melewati kerumunan umat manusia dan terjebak, tidak dapat maju atau mundur.

Sebas melangkah ke pusat sidang tanpa kesulitan, dan di sana ia melihat apa yang terjadi dengan matanya sendiri.

Beberapa pria yang tampak tidak rapi menendang dan menginjak sesuatu.

Sebas pindah tanpa satu suara, berhenti hanya ketika dia berada dalam jangkauan lengan para pria.

"Brengsek, bung ?!"

Salah satu dari lima pria itu memperhatikan Sebas mendekat dan menggeram padanya.

"Tempat ini sepertinya agak berisik jadi, aku datang untuk melihatnya."

"Kau mau ini ?!"

Orang-orang berlari menghampiri Sebas. Ketika mereka meninggalkan posisi asli mereka, mereka mengungkapkan objek yang telah mereka tendang selama ini. Itu terlihat seperti anak laki-laki. Dia meringkuk di tanah dan berdarah dari wajahnya. Tidak jelas apakah darah itu berasal dari mulut atau hidungnya.

Rupanya bocah itu pingsan setelah dianiaya begitu lama, tetapi dia masih terlihat seperti bernafas.

Sebas memandangi para pria. Bau alkohol menggantung di mulut dan tubuh mereka. Wajah mereka memerah, tetapi bukan karena aktivitas fisik.

Apakah mereka kehilangan kendali atas dorongan hati mereka karena mereka mabuk?

Sebas memiliki ekspresi kosong di wajahnya saat dia bertanya:

"Aku tidak tahu mengapa kamu melakukan ini, tetapi kamu tidak berpikir sudah waktunya untuk berhenti?"

"Hah ?! Punk ini mendapatkan makanannya di bajuku! Bagaimana saya bisa membiarkan slide itu? "

Salah satu pria itu menunjuk titik di bajunya. Itu memang terlihat seperti noda. Namun, pakaian pria itu kotor untuk memulai. Karena itu, noda hampir tidak jelas.

Sebas memandang orang yang tampaknya adalah bos dari kelima pemuda itu. Perbedaannya mungkin terlalu halus untuk dideteksi oleh manusia biasa, tetapi Sebas – yang memiliki persepsi indera pejuang yang tajam – dapat memilihnya.

"Tetap saja … keselamatan publik di kota ini cukup buruk."

"Ah?!"

Sebas berbicara seolah-olah dia baru saja mengkonfirmasi sesuatu yang telah dia amati dari jauh. Orang-orang mengira dia telah meremehkan mereka dan membuat suara tidak senang.

"…Pergi."

"Ah? Persetan denganmu, pak tua? ”

"Aku akan mengatakannya lagi – pergilah."

"Kakek sialan!"

Pria seperti bos itu merah padam dan mengepalkan tinjunya – dan kemudian dia jatuh lemas ke tanah.

Suara kejutan datang dari sekeliling mereka, termasuk keempat lelaki yang tersisa.

Apa yang dilakukan Sebas cukup sederhana. Dia hanya membentuk tangannya menjadi kepalan tangan dan memukul dagu pria itu – meskipun dengan kecepatan yang bahkan manusia akan sulit sekali melihatnya. Itu memberi pria itu gegar otak berkecepatan tinggi. Dia juga bisa mengirim orang itu terbang dengan kecepatan yang tak terlihat, tetapi itu tidak akan menakut-nakuti yang lain. Karena itu, dia menahan diri dalam serangannya.

"Apakah kamu masih ingin bertarung?" Sebas berkata pelan.

Ketenangan dan kekuatannya memotong keracunan pria. Mereka mundur beberapa langkah dan membuat permintaan maaf.

Sebas berpikir, Anda meminta maaf kepada orang yang salah, tetapi dia sebenarnya tidak mengatakannya.

Orang-orang itu meraih rekan mereka yang tidak sadar dan melarikan diri. Sebas tidak repot-repot memperhatikan mereka dan malah menghampiri bocah yang jatuh itu. Namun, dia berhenti di tengah jalan.

Apa yang dia lakukan?

Saat ini, dia seharusnya berurusan dengan masalah yang dia hadapi. Hanya orang bodoh yang akan pergi dan mengambil lebih banyak masalah pada dirinya sendiri pada saat seperti ini. Apakah dia tidak berakhir dalam keadaan genting ini karena dia terlalu simpatik dan bertindak tanpa berpikir?

Bagaimanapun, bocah itu telah diselamatkan. Dia harus puas dengan itu.

Pikiran itu terlintas di benak Sebas, tetapi dia masih menuju ke arah bocah itu. Dia menyentuh punggung bocah yang tidak bisa bergerak itu dan memasukkan sedikit ki padanya. Menyalurkan ki sepenuhnya mungkin akan menyembuhkan semua lukanya dengan segera, tapi itu akan terlalu mencolok.

Dengan demikian, Sebas melakukan kebutuhan minimum, dan kemudian dia menunjuk ke seseorang yang kebetulan bertemu matanya.

“… Tolong bawa bocah ini ke kuil. Tulang rusuknya mungkin patah, jadi harap berhati-hati saat memuatnya ke papan untuk transportasi, dan jangan terlalu mengguncangnya. "

Pria yang dipesan Sebas mengangguk, lalu Sebas melangkah maju. Dia tidak perlu mendorong kerumunan, karena mereka menyingkir ketika dia melangkah maju.

Sebas terus maju sekali lagi. Tidak lama kemudian, dia merasakan bahwa jumlah kehadiran yang mengikutinya telah meningkat.

Namun, ada satu masalah – yaitu, identitas ekornya.

Kelima orang yang mengikutinya dari rumah kemungkinan besar adalah pria Succulent. Kalau begitu, bagaimana dengan dua yang bergabung dengan mereka menguntitnya setelah dia menyelamatkan anak itu?

Mereka tampaknya menjadi orang dewasa dengan suara langkah kaki dan langkah mereka, tetapi dia tidak tahu siapa mereka.

"Aku tidak bisa memikirkan jawabannya. Bagaimanapun … saya mungkin harus menangkap mereka terlebih dahulu. "

Sebas mengubah sudut menjadi daerah yang remang-remang. Para pengikutnya tetap mengikuti jejaknya.

"… Tetap saja, apakah mereka benar-benar menyembunyikan diri?"

Mereka tidak menyembunyikan suara langkah kaki mereka. Apakah mereka kurang memiliki kemampuan untuk melakukannya, atau adakah alasan lain? Dia memutuskan untuk tidak terlalu memikirkan masalah ini. Lagi pula, dia bisa memverifikasi kebenaran setelah menangkap mereka. Sebas memutuskan untuk bergerak begitu dia tidak bisa lagi merasakan kehadiran orang lain di sekitar mereka.

Saat itu, suara laki-laki yang serak – tetapi awet muda – datang dari salah satu orang yang mengikutinya.

"-Permisi."

Bagian 3

Lower Fire Bulan (Bulan ke-9) Hari ke-3 10:27

Climb berpikir dalam perjalanan kembali ke Istana Kerajaan.

Dia memikirkan pertempuran yang telah dia lawan dengan Gazef pagi itu, mengulangi pertarungan dalam pikirannya berulang-ulang dan mempertimbangkan bagaimana bertarung dengan keterampilan yang lebih besar. Taktik apa yang akan saya coba jika saya mendapat kesempatan lagi, pikirnya.

Ketika Climb perlahan mencapai kesimpulannya, dia melihat sekelompok orang berkerumun di depannya. Tangisan marah datang dari mereka, dan dua penjaga mengawasi dari jauh, tidak yakin apa yang harus dilakukan.

Suara argumen datang dari pusat kelompok, dan itu tidak terdengar seperti pertengkaran biasa.

Ekspresi Climb berubah dingin, dan dia berjalan di samping para penjaga.

"Apa yang sedang kamu lakukan?"

Penjaga itu melompat ketakutan, mengingat seseorang memanggilnya dari belakang, dan dia menoleh untuk menatap Climb.

Pria itu mengenakan kemeja rantai dan membawa tombak. Dia mengenakan surcoat dengan lambang Kerajaan di atas kemeja rantai. Ini adalah seragam standar dari penjaga rata-rata di Kerajaan, tetapi Climb bisa merasakan bahwa tidak ada orang di depannya yang terlatih dengan baik.

Pertama-tama, tak satu pun dari mereka yang mengasah fisik. Untuk itu, mereka juga tidak dicukur dan kemeja rantai mereka belum dipoles. Udara samar-samar terlihat di sekitar mereka dan mereka tampak jorok dalam penampilan keseluruhan.

"Kamu adalah…"

Climb lebih muda dari dirinya sendiri, jadi penjaga itu menanggapinya dengan nada yang merupakan campuran kebingungan dan jengkel.

"Aku sedang tidak bertugas saat ini."

Kebingungan menyebar di wajah penjaga ketika dia mendengar suara Climb yang ngotot. Mungkin itu karena dia memancarkan aura superioritas meskipun lebih muda dari mereka.

Para penjaga tampaknya telah menyimpulkan bahwa mereka tidak dapat salah dengan mengambil sikap tunduk, dan mereka menegakkan tubuh.

"Tampaknya menjadi gangguan sipil."

Climb menahan keinginan untuk menghukum mereka dengan mengatakan aku sudah tahu itu. Berbeda dengan para penjaga Istana, para penjaga yang berpatroli di kota itu diambil dari penduduk sipil dan tidak terlatih dengan baik. Sebenarnya, mereka hanyalah warga sipil yang tahu cara menggunakan senjata.

Climb mengalihkan pandangannya dari para penjaga yang gugup ke kerumunan. Akan lebih cepat menyelesaikan masalah secara langsung daripada menunggu mereka melakukan apa pun.

Sementara menyodorkan hidungnya ke bisnis penjaga mungkin dianggap melampaui wewenangnya, dia tidak akan bisa menghadapi nyonyanya yang tercinta jika dia hanya berdiri ketika seorang warga negara diperlakukan dengan buruk.

"Kamu tunggu di sini."

Tanpa menunggu jawaban mereka, Climb mengukuhkan tekadnya dan mendorong ke kerumunan, dengan paksa mendorong tubuhnya masuk. Sementara ada ruang antara masing-masing orang, ia tidak dapat melewati jalur. Tidak, itu tidak normal bagi siapa pun untuk dapat melakukannya.

Dia hampir terdorong keluar, tetapi dia berjuang untuk mendorongnya ke depan. Saat itulah dia mendengar suara dari pusat keramaian.

"…Pergi."

"Ah? Persetan denganmu, pak tua? ”

"Aku akan mengatakannya lagi – pergilah."

"Kakek sialan!"

Ini buruk.

Preman-preman itu tidak puas dengan pemukulan yang mereka lakukan; sekarang mereka ingin menyerang seorang lelaki tua juga.

Wajah Climb memerah ketika dia dengan putus asa mendorong maju, dan ketika dia melewati kerumunan, dia melihat sosok seorang lelaki tua di depannya. Dia dikelilingi oleh sekelompok pria yang lebih muda. Di kaki mereka adalah seorang anak laki-laki yang telah dipukuli dengan sangat parah sehingga dia tampak seperti kain kusut.

Pria tua itu berpakaian elegan, dan memberikan perasaan menjadi bangsawan atau pelayan bangsawan. Orang-orang yang mengelilinginya berotot dan tampak mabuk. Sisi jahat tampak jelas dalam pandangan.

Salah satu pria – yang terlihat paling berotot – mengepalkan tinjunya. Dibandingkan dengan dia, lelaki tua itu tampak jauh lebih rendah, baik dalam kekokohan tubuh mereka, otot-otot mereka yang menonjol, atau kebrutalan mereka yang haus darah. Tentunya pria yang lebih muda bisa dengan mudah mengirim orang tua itu terbang dengan mengayunkan tinjunya. Orang-orang di sekitar mereka menyadari hal ini, dan tersentak ngeri pada tragedi yang akan menimpa orang tua itu.

Di tengah semua ini, hanya Climb yang merasa ada yang aneh.

Memang, pria yang lebih muda terlihat lebih kuat. Namun, Climb bisa merasakan aura kekuatan absolut yang berasal dari orang tua itu.

Dia membeku sesaat, dan kehilangan kesempatan untuk mengekang kekerasan pria muda itu. Pria itu mengangkat tinjunya—

—Dan kemudian dia jatuh lemas ke tanah

Orang-orang di sekitar Climb berseru kaget.

Tampaknya pria tua itu telah mengepalkan tangan dan meninju pria lain di dagunya, dengan kecepatan luar biasa. Bahkan penglihatan Climb yang terasah nyaris tidak bisa mengimbangi kecepatan pukulan itu.

"Apakah kamu masih ingin bertarung?"

Orang tua itu mengarahkan pertanyaan yang tenang dan serius ini pada orang-orang yang tersisa.

Kombinasi bagian luarnya yang tak dapat dipahami dan nadanya yang tenang menembus kemabukan para pria. Tidak – bahkan orang-orang di sekitar mereka takut dengan kehadirannya. Para pria telah kehilangan semua keinginan untuk bertarung.

"Eh, um. Kami mohon maaf. "

Orang-orang mundur dan membuat permintaan maaf, dan kemudian mereka meraih kolega mereka – yang telah diletakkan dengan tidak sopan di tanah – dan melarikan diri dengan ekor di antara kaki mereka. Climb tidak berpikir untuk mengikuti orang-orang itu. Lagipula, postur lurus lelaki tua lelaki tua itu, dengan dadanya yang kokoh, telah mencuri hatinya dan membuatnya beku di tempat.

Dia tampak seperti pisau karya. Itu adalah pemandangan yang akan mengisi prajurit mana pun yang melihatnya dengan hormat. Tidak heran dia tidak bisa bergerak.

Pria tua itu menepuk punggung bocah yang jatuh itu, seolah memeriksa luka-lukanya, dan kemudian ia memerintahkan orang yang lalu lalang untuk merawat anak itu sebelum melangkah pergi. Kerumunan itu membuka jalan bagi lelaki tua itu untuk berjalan. Mata semua orang tertuju pada punggungnya, seperti daya pikat kehadiran orang tua itu.

Climb bergegas menghampiri bocah yang jatuh itu dan mengeluarkan ramuan yang diberikan Gazef padanya setelah sesi latihan mereka.

"Bisakah kamu minum ini?"

Tidak ada Jawaban. Dia pingsan mati.

Cimb membuka botol dan menuangkan cairan ke tubuh bocah itu. Banyak orang percaya bahwa ramuan harus diminum, tetapi faktanya ramuan itu akan bekerja bahkan ketika terciprat ke daging. Sihir benar-benar hebat.

Kulit bocah itu sepertinya menyerap cairan itu ketika menghilang ke tubuhnya, dan warnanya kembali ke wajah bocah itu.

Climb mengangguk lega.

Ketika orang banyak menyadari bahwa Climb baru saja menggunakan barang mahal seperti ramuan itu, mereka sedikit terpesona olehnya juga oleh keterampilan praremajaan orang tua itu.

Climb tidak menyesal menggunakan ramuan itu. Setelah mengambil pajak rakyat, wajar saja jika dia – sebagai orang yang hidup dengan pajak tersebut – harus melindungi mereka dan menjaga ketertiban umum. Dia merasa bahwa dia harus dapat melakukan sebanyak itu, bahkan jika dia tidak bisa membela rakyat.

Bocah itu seharusnya baik-baik saja sekarang karena Climb telah memberinya ramuan, tetapi akan lebih baik baginya pergi ke kuil hanya untuk aman. Dia melihat ke penjaga yang berdiri dan memperhatikan bahwa pasangan itu telah menjadi trio. Rupanya seseorang datang terlambat.

Kerumunan telah melemparkan pandangan kritis ke penjaga sejak tadi.

Climb berbicara kepada penjaga yang terlihat sangat tidak nyaman:

"Bawa bocah ini ke kuil."

"Apa yang terjadi padanya…?"

“Seseorang menyerangnya. Saya sudah menggunakan ramuan penyembuhan untuknya sehingga dia seharusnya baik-baik saja, tetapi saya harap Anda akan membawanya ke kuil untuk pemeriksaan, demi keamanan. "

"Iya. Dipahami! ”

Setelah menyerahkan pembersihan kepada para penjaga, Climb menyimpulkan bahwa tidak ada yang tersisa baginya untuk dilakukan di sini. Sebagai seorang prajurit yang ditugaskan ke Istana, akan lebih baik untuk tidak ikut campur dalam urusan tempat lain.

"Bisakah aku menyulitkanmu untuk menanyai saksi mata tentang detail apa yang terjadi di sini?"

"Dimengerti."

"Kalau begitu aku akan menyerahkan sisanya padamu."

Climb mencatat bahwa para penjaga tampaknya telah mendapatkan kepercayaan diri dan bergerak lebih cepat setelah menerima pesanan mereka. Dia berlari ke depan tanpa sepatah kata pun.

"Kemana kamu akan pergi …" salah satu penjaga memanggil, tapi Climb mengabaikannya.

Dia hanya melambat ketika sampai di sudut yang diambil oleh lelaki tua itu.

Setelah itu, dia mulai membuntuti orang tua itu.

Segera, dia melihat pria tua itu berjalan di sepanjang jalan.

Dia ingin memanggilnya, tetapi dia tidak bisa mengumpulkan keberanian untuk melakukannya. Itu karena dia merasakan dinding yang tak terlihat di antara mereka; rasa kekuatan luar biasa yang sepertinya menghancurkannya.

Pria tua itu berbelok ke sudut dan menuju ke daerah yang lebih gelap. Climb mengikuti. Dia berjalan di belakang pria tua itu, namun dia tidak berani berbicara dan memanggilnya.

Apakah Climb tidak membuntutinya?

Climb mulai merasa kesal dengan apa yang dia lakukan. Bahkan jika dia tidak tahu cara mendekati orang tua itu, dia tidak bisa terus mengikutinya seperti ini. Dalam upaya mengubah situasi, Climb terus mengikuti dengan diam.

Begitu mereka memasuki lorong belakang yang kosong, Climb menarik napas dalam-dalam beberapa kali, seolah-olah dia anak laki-laki yang berusaha keras untuk mengakui cintanya pada seorang gadis. Lalu dia memanggil keberaniannya dan berkata:

"-Permisi."

Pria tua itu berbalik setelah mendengar seseorang memanggilnya.

Rambutnya putih, seperti janggutnya. Namun, punggungnya lurus, seperti bilah halus yang terbuat dari baja. Wajahnya yang tampan berkerut, memberikan ciri-ciri yang bagus, tetapi matanya tajam dan fokus pada mangsa mereka seperti mata elang.

Dia bahkan memiliki aura bangsawan tentang dirinya.

"Apakah ada masalah?"

Suara pria tua itu terdengar agak tua, tetapi dipenuhi dengan vitalitas yang tidak dapat disangkal. Climb merasakan tekanan yang tak terlihat meluncur ke arahnya dan dia menelan ludah.

"Ah ah-"

Climb tidak bisa berbicara, kewalahan karena kehadiran pria itu. Ketika dia melihat ini, pria tua itu tampak santai dan membiarkan ketegangan lepas dari tubuhnya.

"Dan siapa kamu?"

Nada suaranya lembut. Dirilis dari ketegangan yang luar biasa dan menghancurkan, tenggorokan Climb mendapatkan kembali kemampuannya untuk berfungsi.

“… Namaku Climb, dan aku adalah prajurit yang rendah hati dari bangsa ini. Terima kasih atas tindakan berani Anda dalam menyelesaikan tugas yang seharusnya menjadi hak saya. ”

Climb membungkuk dalam-dalam terima kasih. Pria tua itu berpikir, lalu menyipitkan matanya. Setelah itu, dia diam-diam pergi "Ah …" saat dia menyadari apa yang dimaksud Climb.

"…Tidak apa-apa. Lalu, aku akan pergi. "

Pria tua itu menghentikan pembicaraan dan pergi, tetapi Climb kemudian mengangkat kepalanya dan bertanya:

"Mohon tunggu. Sebenarnya … yah, ini agak memalukan, tapi saya sudah mengikuti Anda sebentar karena saya punya permintaan untuk membuat Anda. Saya tahu saya mungkin terdengar seperti saya mencoba untuk menggigit lebih dari yang saya bisa mengunyah, dan Anda bebas menertawakan saya, tetapi jika Anda tidak keberatan, bisakah Anda mengajari saya teknik Anda mulai sekarang? "

"…Bagaimana apanya?"

"Ah. Saya telah mempelajari seni bela diri untuk waktu yang lama dan saya ingin meningkatkan keterampilan saya lebih lanjut. Setelah saya melihat gerakan Anda yang sempurna tadi, saya berharap Anda bisa mengajari saya sedikit teknik Anda, jika itu menyenangkan Anda. ”

Pria tua itu mengukur Climb.

"Hm … tunjukkan tanganmu."

Climb mengulurkan tangannya, dan pria tua itu dengan hati-hati memeriksa telapak tangannya. Itu membuat Climb merasa sedikit canggung. Pria tua itu membalikkan tangannya, melirik kukunya, dan mengangguk puas.

“Tebal dan keras. Ini benar-benar tangan prajurit. "

Dada Climb memanas ketika dia mendengar pria lain itu memuji dia. Sukacita dalam hatinya seperti perasaannya ketika Gazef mengucapkan kata-kata pujiannya sendiri.

"Tidak, seseorang seperti aku … hampir tidak berpegang pada gelar prajurit."

"Aku pikir kamu tidak perlu terlalu rendah hati … Bolehkah aku melihat pedangmu selanjutnya?"

Orang tua itu menerima pedang dan memeriksa gagangnya. Lalu dia mengalihkan pandangan tajam ke pedang itu.

"Begitu … apakah ini senjata cadangan?"

"Bagaimana kamu tahu!?"

"Seperti yang kupikirkan. Lihat, apakah Anda melihat penyok ini di sini? "

Climb melihat ke mana lelaki tua itu menunjuk. Benar saja, sebagian bilahnya telah rusak; mungkin dari saat dia memukul dengan buruk selama latihan latihan itu.

"Saya minta maaf atas tampilan memalukan ini!"

Climb sangat malu sehingga dia ingin merangkak ke dalam lubang di tanah.

Climb tahu bahwa keahliannya membutuhkan penyempurnaan lebih lanjut, jadi dia telah berusaha keras untuk merawat senjatanya, untuk meningkatkan peluang kemenangannya. Atau setidaknya, dia pikir dia punya … sampai sekarang.

"Saya melihat. Saya pikir saya punya pegangan pada Anda sekarang. Bagi seorang pejuang, senjatanya seperti cermin yang mencerminkan kepribadiannya. Anda adalah pria yang sangat mengagumkan. ”

Ujung telinga Climb masih menyala saat dia mengangkat kepalanya untuk menatap pria tua itu.

Dia melihat senyum jinak, lembut dan penuh rahmat.

"Saya mengerti. Lalu, saya akan mencoba sedikit melatih Anda. Namun-"

Ketika Climb hendak mengucapkan terima kasih, pria tua itu memotongnya dan terus berbicara.

"Aku punya masalah yang ingin kukonsultasikan denganmu. Anda bilang Anda seorang prajurit, apakah saya benar? Yah, beberapa hari yang lalu, aku menyelamatkan seorang gadis— ”

Setelah mendengarkan cerita lelaki tua itu – Sebas, dia marah besar.

Dia tidak bisa menyembunyikan ketidaksenangannya pada kenyataan bahwa hukum perbudakan Renner telah disalahgunakan sedemikian rupa, dan bahwa hal-hal tidak berubah sampai sekarang.

Tidak, itu tidak benar. Climb menggelengkan kepalanya.

Hukum Kerajaan melarang perdagangan budak. Yang mengatakan, itu adalah pemandangan umum bagi orang untuk dipaksa bekerja dalam kondisi yang buruk untuk membayar hutang mereka. Celah seperti itu ada di mana-mana. Bahkan, itu karena mereka bahwa hukum terhadap perbudakan telah disahkan.

Hukum Renner tidak berguna. Pikiran yang mengerikan itu melintas dalam benaknya sejenak, Namun. dia segera mengusir pikiran itu. Saat ini, dia harus memikirkan situasi Sebas.

Climb mengerutkan alisnya.

Sebas berada dalam posisi yang sangat buruk. Mungkin jika mereka dapat menyelidiki kontrak gadis itu, mereka dapat menolaknya, tetapi Climb tidak berpikir bahwa pihak oposisi tidak akan siap menghadapi kemungkinan itu.

Jika masalah ini sampai ke pengadilan, Sebas pasti akan kalah.

Lawan-lawannya mungkin tidak mengajukan gugatan karena mereka merasa bisa merendamnya dengan uang lebih banyak dengan cara ini.

"Apakah Anda tahu ada orang benar yang bisa membantu saya dalam masalah ini?"

Climb hanya mengenal satu orang seperti itu – selirnya. Dia bisa mengatakan dengan penuh keyakinan bahwa tidak ada bangsawan yang lebih jujur ​​dan dapat dipercaya daripada dia.

Tentu saja, dia tidak bisa memperkenalkan Renner kepadanya.

Mengingat bahwa orang-orang ini dapat melakukan sejauh itu, mereka pasti harus memiliki koneksi yang luas dalam ruang kekuasaan. Setiap bangsawan yang terlibat dengan mereka pasti akan menjadi penggerak dan pelopor. Jika Putri – yang berafiliasi dengan Fraksi Kerajaan – berusaha untuk menyelidiki atau mengirim bantuan dan dengan demikian merusak anggota Fraksi Mulia, itu mungkin memicu perang habis-habisan antara kedua belah pihak.

Penggunaan kekuasaan adalah bisnis yang rumit, terutama di negara yang terbagi seperti Kerajaan. Perang Saudara adalah konsekuensi nyata dari penanganan situasi yang buruk.

Dia tidak bisa membuat Renner melakukan sesuatu yang akan menghancurkan negara itu.

Itulah kesimpulan yang dia raih saat berbicara dengan Lakyus dan yang lainnya. Itulah sebabnya Climb tidak mengatakan apa-apa – tidak, tidak bisa mengatakan apa-apa.

"Aku mengerti," kata Sebas pelan.

Tidak ada yang tahu bagaimana dia berhasil mengatasi kekacauan batin Climb, tetapi kata-kata itu memiliki dampak yang jelas pada Climb.

"… Menurutnya, ada beberapa orang lain di sana, baik pria maupun wanita."

Bagaimana ini bisa terjadi? Seharusnya hanya ada satu rumah pelacuran yang dikelola oleh Divisi Perbudakan. Apakah ada yang lain? Atau … apakah tempat itu bordil yang kita bicarakan tadi?

"Mungkin kita bisa memikirkan cara untuk membebaskan mereka … Aku harus meminta penghubungku terlebih dahulu, tetapi mengingat bahwa penghubungku mengendalikan domain, jika kita bisa membiarkan orang-orang melarikan diri di sana …"

"Bisakah kamu melakukannya? … Apakah itu berarti dia bisa berlindung di sana juga? "

"… Maafkan aku, Sebas-sama. Saya perlu menjelaskan hal itu dengan penghormatan saya juga. Namun, rasa hormat saya berbesar hati. Saya pikir tidak akan ada masalah! "

"Oh … bujukanmu pasti orang yang luar biasa jika kau menjunjung tinggi mereka."

Climb mengangguk dalam menanggapi Sebas. Memang, tidak ada nyonya yang lebih besar daripada Renner.

“Mari kita beralih ke topik lain. Apa yang akan terjadi jika ada bukti bahwa bordil ini melanggar hukum? Misalnya, jika mereka terbukti terlibat dalam perdagangan budak. Apakah bukti ini akan dihancurkan juga? "

"Kemungkinan itu memang ada, tetapi begitu informasi yang relevan dibawa ke pihak berwenang yang tepat … Saya harap Kerajaan belum membusuk sejauh itu."

"…Saya mengerti. Lalu, pertanyaan lain, jika Anda mau. Mengapa Anda ingin menjadi lebih kuat? "

"Eh?" Climb mencicit. Itu hanya yang diharapkan, mengingat bahwa perubahan topik ini lebih drastis daripada yang terakhir.

“Kamu baru saja mengatakan bahwa kamu ingin aku melatihmu. Saya percaya Anda, tetapi saya juga ingin tahu mengapa Anda ingin menjadi lebih kuat. "

Climb memicingkan matanya pada pertanyaan Sebas.

Kenapa dia ingin menjadi lebih kuat?

Climb adalah anak yang ditinggalkan. Dia bahkan belum melihat wajah orang tuanya. Itu bukan kejadian yang tidak biasa di Kerajaan. Anak yatim yang sekarat di lumpur bukanlah berita besar.

Climb awalnya ditakdirkan untuk mati sedemikian rupa pada hari hujan itu.

Dan kemudian – pada hari itu, Climb telah melihat matahari. Dia – makhluk yang hanya bisa merangkak di tengah kotoran dan kotoran – telah sangat terpesona oleh pijar kotor itu.

Sebagai seorang anak, dia hanya merasakan kekaguman. Tetapi seiring bertambahnya usia, perasaan di dalam dirinya itu semakin tak tergoyahkan.

-Itu adalah cinta.

Dia harus menghilangkan emosi itu. Itu adalah mukjizat, dari jenis-jenis yang dinyanyikan para Bard dalam kisah-kisah heroik. Itu tidak mungkin terjadi dalam kehidupan nyata. Sama seperti tidak ada orang yang bisa menyentuh matahari, perasaan Climb tidak akan bisa menjangkau wanita itu. Tidak, dia tidak bisa melakukannya.

Wanita yang sangat dicintai Climb ditakdirkan untuk menjadi pengantin orang lain. Sebagai seorang putri, dia tidak bisa menjadi milik seseorang seperti Climb, yang asalnya tidak jelas, dan yang bahkan lebih rendah dari orang biasa.

Jika Raja meninggal, Pangeran Pertama akan mewarisi tahta, dan Renner akan dinikahkan dengan salah satu Bangsawan Besar. Kemungkinan besar, Pangeran sudah mengatur sesuatu seperti ini dengan salah satu dari mereka. Dia bahkan mungkin dikirim ke negara lain sebagai bagian dari pernikahan politik.

Fakta bahwa Renner – yang sudah cukup umur untuk menikah – masih lajang dan tidak memiliki tunangan cukup mengejutkan.

Waktu mereka bersama sangat berharga sehingga dia akan membayar berapa pun untuk menghentikan gerakan tangan jam, supaya dia bisa menjaga momen emas ini selamanya. Jika dia tidak menghabiskan waktunya untuk pelatihan, dia bisa menikmati lebih banyak momen ini.

Climb tidak punya bakat. Dia hanyalah manusia biasa. Melalui latihan berulang, ia menjadi sangat kuat untuk seorang prajurit belaka. Lalu, bukankah dia harus puas dengan itu? Haruskah dia tidak berhenti berlatih, tetap di sisi Renner dan tidak membuang waktu singkat mereka bersama?

But — would that really be a good thing?

Climb admired that sun-like brilliance. It was not a lie, and neither was he mistaken. It was Climb’s sincere wish.

Namun-

“It’s because I’m a man.”

Climb smiled.

Memang. Climb wanted to stand by Renner’s side. The sun shone brilliantly in the sky, and a mere man could not hope to reach it. Even so, Climb wanted to climb the highest peaks in order to get as close to it as he could.

He did not want to merely admire and praise the sun from afar.

This was a young man’s feeble wish, but at the same time it was a wish that perfectly fitted a young man.

He wanted to become a man worthy of being joined to the woman he admired, even if their union could never be.

He could endure his friendless life, his harsh training, and his labors which took away from his sleep because of his wish.

Let others laugh at him for his foolishness.

After all, they could not understand how he felt unless they truly loved someone.

♦ ♦ ♦

Sebas narrowed his eyes as he studied Climb. There was a stern look on his face, as though he were trying to decipher the compressed subtleties of Climb’s simple reply.

Then, he nodded.

“After hearing your answer, I have decided how to train you.”

Just as Climb was about to offer his thanks, Sebas’ outstretched hand stopped him.

“However — and I pray you will forgive my bluntness — you have no talent. Proper training will take a very long time. However, I do not have that time. I wish to train you in a way that will show results quickly, but it will be an… arduous process.”

Climb gulped again.

The look in Sebas’ eyes sent a chill down Climb’s spine.

Those eyes were filled with unbelievable power, exceeding the spiritual pressure which Gazef exerted when serious. Thus, he could not respond right away.

“Frankly speaking, you might die.”

He was not joking.

Climb’s instincts told him that much. Climb did not fear death, but he wanted to die for Renner. He did not want to throw his life away for a selfish reason.

He was not a coward… no, perhaps he might be very craven.

Climb gulped once more, and froze. Silence filled the surroundings for a while, and he could even hear the clamor from the distance.

“Whether or not you die depends on your attitude… if there is something important to you, something which makes you want to live, even if it is only to scrabble along the ground, then it ought to be fine.”

Was he not going to teach him martial arts? That question surfaced in Climb’s mind, but that was not the question now. He pondered the meaning of Sebas’ words, made sure he understood it, and then gave his response.

“I am prepared for it. I leave the rest to you.”

“Do you believe you will die?”

Climb shook his head. He did not.

That was because Climb would forever have his reason, one which would keep him clinging to life even if he had to do so by crawling like a worm.

Sebas looked into Climb’s eyes, as though divining his intentions through them. Then he nodded heavily.

"Saya mengerti. Then, we shall begin here.”

“Right here?”

"Iya. It will be quick. A few minutes will do. Please draw your sword.”

What’s he going to do?

Climb drew his sword as asked. His heart was a blend of uneasiness and confusion about the unknown, with faint underpinnings of curiosity and expectation.

The sound of the sword leaving its sheath echoed through the cramped alley.

Climb braced his weapon in a middle stance, and Sebas’ eyes were fixed on him.

“Here I come. Please try and remain conscious.”

And in the next moment —

—It felt as though icy razors had exploded forth in all directions from Sebas.

Climb could no longer speak.

Sebas now stood at the heart of a vortex of murderous intent.

This bloodlust felt like it could crush Climb’s heart in an instant, and it seemed almost visible as it washed over him like a tsunami. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the scream of a soul being pulverized. It felt close to his side, yet far away, and perhaps the voice might even have been his own.

As the obsidian flow of killing intent swept him away, Climb felt his consciousness slowly bleaching away into whiteness. This overwhelming terror made his body want to abandon his mind, which was carried away by the wave that swamped him.

“…Is that all a ‘man’ is? That was only a warmup.”

Sebas’ disappointed voice seemed abnormally loud through the depths of Climb’s fading consciousness.

The meaning of those words pierced Climb deeper than any blade. It even made him forget the fear before him for a moment.

His heart pounded heavily in his chest.

“Huuuuuuuuuhhhhh!” Climb gasped.

Dia ketakutan. He wanted to run. But he fought the urge to do so, even as the tears streamed down his cheeks. His hands trembled as they gripped his sword, and the point of his sword danced around like a demented bumblebee. His chain shirt made rustling noises from his full-body tremors.

Even so, Climb clenched his chattering teeth and tried to bear up against the mortal terror which came from Sebas.

Sebas laughed at the pathetic sight before him. Then he brought his right hand before his eyes and slowly clenched it into a fist. In the blink of an eye, the fist in front of him was as round as a ball.

He then pulled that fist back, like he was drawing a bow.

Climb understood what was going to happen, and shook his head. Of course, Sebas paid his response no heed.

“Now then… prepare to die.”

Sebas’ fist ripped through the air with a whoosh, like a fully-drawn arrow being loosed.

—It was instant death.

As time seemed to slow to a crawl, Climb’s instincts spoke to him. The image of his certain death dominated his mind, like a massive wrecking ball that was far larger than himself, approaching at incredible speeds. Even if he raised his sword to block, that fist would surely smash it easily.

His body was frozen. It had gone stiff from tension.

—He could not escape the death before him

Climb’s resignation to his fate filled him with anger.

If he could not die for Renner, then why had he not died back then? He should have frozen to death in the rain and shuffled off the mortal coil by himself.

Renner’s beautiful smile appeared before him.

It was said that on the brink of death, people would see their lives flash before their eyes like a zoetrope. The common opinion the brain was desperately searching through its past records for a way to escape its current predicament. However, it was somewhat laughable that the last thing Climb would see was the smile of his beloved princess.

Indeed, Climb saw Renner as she smiled.

When she had saved him, the young Renner had not smiled. When had she started smiling upon him?

He could not remember. However, he vividly remembered Renner’s timid smile from back then.

How would she react if she learned that Climb had died? Would that smile darken, like the clouds obscuring the sun?

—Are you kidding me?!

A blaze of anger roared up within Climb’s heart.

She had picked up the life of his that had been thrown away along the roadside. That would mean his life was no longer his own. He lived for Renner… to grant her joy, however miniscule it might be—

Isn’t there any way I can get out of this—!

The exploding passion within him burst the chains of fear that held him prisoner.

His hands could move.

His legs could move.

The eyes that sought only to be closed slowly opened, desperately seeking the image of the fist which was streaking in at him.

His senses were pushed to their very limit, to the point where he could even sense the faint movements of particles in the air.

There was a phenomenon called an “adrenaline rush”, where the brains of people in extreme duress would release the limits on their physical bodies, allowing for a burst of incredible power.

At the same time, the brain would secrete vast quantities of hormones and the mind’s full capacity would be focused on survival. The brain would compute vast quantities of information to find the best possible way to live on.

In that moment, Climb had stepped into the realm of a first-rate warrior. Yet, the speed of Sebas’ attack was beyond even that lofty domain. Perhaps it was too late to dodge Sebas’ fist. Perhaps it had always been too late. Even so, he still had to move. He could not  give up here.

As time slowed to a crawl, Climb saw that his own movements were as slow as molasses. But still, he turned himself, trying to move.

Lalu-

Sebas’ fist roared past Climb’s face, with the sound of thunder. The gale which followed clipped off several strands of Climb’s hair.

A calm voice filtered into his ears.

"Selamat. How does it feel to conquer the fear of death?”

–

Climb stood there dumbly, unable to understand his meaning.

“How was it like to face death? How was it like to surpass it?”

Climb breathed heavily, looking at Sebas like his soul had been stolen away. There was no hostility around Sebas, as though it had been nothing more than a lie. He relaxed as he began to realize Sebas’ intent.

Climb collapsed like a puppet whose strings had been cut, as though he had been supported by the murderous intent from just now.

He fell on all fours in the alley, hungrily gasping fresh air into his lungs.

“…Fortunately you did not die from shock. These things happen when one is so certain of one’s death that one gives up the will to live.”

There was a bitter taste in the depths of Climb’s throat. He was certain that it was the taste of death.

“If you repeat this a few more times, I am sure you will be able to overcome ordinary fear. However, one thing you must know is that fear triggers the survival instinct. If you are numbed to that sense, then you will be unable to feel even clear and present danger. You must be able to clearly tell when a true threat approaches.”

“…For-forgive me for prying, but what kind of man are you?” Climb groaned from his place on the ground.

"Maksud kamu apa?"

“That, that killing intent was not normal. What exactly…”

“I am simply an old man who has some confidence in his skills. For now.”

Climb could not tear his eyes away from Sebas’ face. What seemed to be a congenial smile also looked like a savage grin from one of absolute power; one who far surpassed Gazef.

He was probably a being who was greater than Gazef, himself the mightiest warrior of the surrounding nations.

—Climb willed his curiosity to be satisfied. He felt it would be best not to continue prying into that mystery.

Even so, where had the old gentleman Sebas come from? That was the sole question that burned within his heart. He even wondered, Could he be one of the Thirteen Heroes?

“Then, let us try again—”

“—Wait! Mohon tunggu! I have something to ask you two.”

The voice of a frightened man interrupted Sebas from behind.

Part 4

Lower Fire Month (9th Month) 3rd Day 10:27

Brain left Gazef’s home.

He looked back and thought about how he would get back, and then he committed the house’s exterior appearance to memory. His mind had been blurred from hypothermia when Gazef brought him here, so his memories from back then were hazy.

He knew Gazef’s address because he had been planning to challenge the man to a duel someday. However, that information had been gathered by word of mouth, and it was somewhat inaccurate.

“There’s no sword stuck in the roof.”

He cursed the information broker who had told him that, and carefully inspected the house.

It was much smaller than the noble residences, and it looked more like a commoner’s dwelling. However, it was more than enough for Gazef and the husband and wife who lived there with him.

After memorizing the house’s exterior, Brain set forth.

He did not have any particular destination in mind.

He did not want to buy weapons, armor or magic items.

“What should I do from now on…”

His mumbled voice faded into the air.

He was not particularly opposed to just vanishing somewhere. In fact, the notion was still quite attractive to him.

He searched within himself for what he should do next, but he found only a yawning void within his heart. His goal had been destroyed, utterly annihilated without leaving a trace behind.

That being the case, why—

He looked down to his right hand, which still held his 「Katana」. He still had his chain shirt on under his clothes.

It was fear that had kept his sword in hand during his journey to the Royal Capital.  He knew that his blade was useless against that monster who could deflect his best attacks with her pinky fingernail, but going unarmed still frightened him.

That being the case, why was he still holding his blade? He could have left it in Gazef’s home. Was it because he was still afraid?

Brain thought about it, and then shook his head.

That was not it.

In that case, why was he holding his 「Katana」? In the end, the answer still eluded him.

Brain recalled the first time he had come to the Royal Capital as he walked. Some buildings had remained the same, like the Magician’s Guild or the Royal Palace, but there were many new buildings which were absent from his memories. Just as Brain was savoring the difference between his memories and reality, he noticed a commotion ahead of him.

The noise made him furrow his brows. He sensed violence coming from the crowd ahead.

Brain was about to turn and head elsewhere when an old man caught his eyes. The old man wormed into the crowd, like he was sliding his way in.

“…What, what’s that? What’s with the way he’s moving?”

He blinked several times, unconsciously gasping in awe. The old man’s movements beggared belief. Brain wondered if he was dreaming, or if he had been affected by some kind of magic.

Perhaps even Brain might not be able to move as the old man had. It was a godly technique that required one to keenly grasp the will of one’s counterpart, or in this case, the flows of strength and motion within the entire crowd.

—In other words, those movements were at a sort of a pinnacle.

His feet carried him toward the crowd without hesitation.

Brain shoved others out of the way, and when he reached the center, he saw the instant when the old man struck the younger man’s chin.

Apa? Could I… could I have blocked that blow just now? It’d be hard, right? Did he draw away the other man’s vision and attention? Am I overthinking this? Still, that was a magnificent strike. You could teach it in a textbook…

He grunted to himself as he replayed the punch he had just seen in his mind.

Granted, he had not gotten a good look at it, and it was very difficult to measure swordsmen and pugilists on the same scale. Even so, that brief glimpse had made Brain realise that the old man before him was incredibly skilled.

For all he knew, that old man might even be stronger than himself.

Brain bit his lower lip as he compared the profile of the old man’s face to the list of martial exponents in his memory. However, he did not find a match.

Who on earth is he?

The old man left the crowd in an instant. A teenaged boy trailed behind him. On a whim, Brain followed the boy, as though he had been hooked by some bait.

His instincts told him that the man had eyes in the back of his head, so did not dare tail him directly. However, if he followed the youth, he would not have to worry about being spotted. From a more cunning point of view, he would still be safe even if the boy was discovered.

While following them, Brain sensed several other presences. However, Brain did not care about them.

Before long, the two of them turned a corner and entered a darkened area. Brain felt uneasy, because that move seemed like it was calculated to lure him into a trap.

Doesn’t that kid find it strange? Just as he began to feel surprised, the boy spoke to the old man.

The two of them spoke near the turning point of an alley. Thus, Brain took cover around the bend and eavesdropped on them.

In summary, the boy was asking the old man to train him.

Seolah-olah. An old man like that would never accept a punk like that as a disciple.

If one were to compare the two of them, the boy would be a pebble, while the old man was a gigantic gemstone. The two of them lived in completely different worlds.

…How sad. Not knowing how badly you’re outclassed is truly sad. Give it up, kid.

Brain did not speak those words, merely mumbled them to himself.

Those words were directed at the boy, and they were also a frank criticism of an utter idiot who had once thought himself invincible — namely, his past self.

He continued listening in — although he had no interest in the brothel — and it would seem that the old man was willing to train the youth up. Brain had no idea what that kid had to offer that interested that amazing old man.

Apa ini? Have I misjudged someone again? Tidak, itu tidak mungkin. That kid has little ability as a warrior. Surely he can’t have any talent!

How was the old man going to train him? He could only hear them from here, but he could not see what was going on. Curious, Brain concealed his presence and eased himself forward to spy on them. But before he knew it—

A terrifying aura shot through him.

He screamed wordlessly.

His entire body froze.

It felt like a massive carnivore pressing its face against his and exhaling all over him. The oncoming torrent of murderous intent actually dyed the world a different color. He could not even blink, much less move. For a moment he thought his heart had stopped beating.

Brain felt that Shalltear Bloodfallen was the most powerful being in the world, but what he felt now was comparable to her.

It might actually have stopped the heart of a weak-willed person.

His legs trembled, and then dumped him onto his butt upon the ground.

Even I’ve been reduced to this state. Doesn’t that mean that kid’s going to drop dead on the spot?

If he were lucky, he might pass out first.

Brain crawled along the ground, nervously stealing a glance at the two of them. What he saw shocked him to the core, to the point where he forgot his fear for a moment.

The kid was still standing.

His legs were trembling like Brain’s had. But he was still standing.

What, what’s going on? Why is that talentless punk still on his feet?!

Brain could not understand why the youth could still stand while fear had reduced his legs to a puddle of quivering jelly.

Did he have some sort of magic item or martial art which resisted fear? Or did he have some special talent?

Indeed, there was no way to guarantee he did not possess such an item. However, his instincts told him that none of the above applied as he looked at the kid’s wavering back. The answer was hard to believe, but it was the only one possible.

That kid was stronger than Brain.

Mustahil! Tidak mungkin!

The kid looked like he had been training himself, but he did not have enough muscle on him. After observing the way that the kid moved while trailing him, Brain had concluded that the kid was hardly talented. And yet, this average kid was standing where he had fallen.

What, what’s going on? Am I really that weak?

His vision blurred.

Brain knew he was crying, but he could not bring himself to wipe his tears.

He tried to swallow his moaning, but the tears continued flowing regardless.

“Why, ah… why.”

Brain clutched at the dirt and tried to force himself back to his feet. However, the tsunami of killing will rendered him immobile. His legs refused to move, as though under someone else’s control. All he could do was lift his head and watch the two of them.

He saw a back.

The boy was still standing, even now.

The boy could still stand against that old man and his wave of murderous intent. That feeble back now seemed so far out of his reach.

“Am I…”

Was he really that weak?

By the time the surge of bloodlust had dispersed like mist, he had only managed to get back onto his feet. That fact frustrated Brain.

The old man and the boy looked like they were going to train further, but Brain could no longer contain himself. Gathering up his courage, he rushed out from around the corner and shouted:

“—Wait! Please wait!”

Brain no longer thought about not interrupting their training session, or even picking a good time to make his appearance.

The youth turned around as he heard that desperate cry. His shoulders shuddered and there was a look of shock on his face. In his position, Brain would probably have done the same.

“First, please let me apologize to the two of you. I simply could not wait any longer.”

“…Do you know him, Sebas-sama?”

“No, I do not. I see, so he was not a friend of yours either.”

The two of them turned suspicious looks on him, but Brain had already expected as much.

“Please allow this one to state his name. This one’s name is Brain Unglaus. Please permit this one to apologize once more to the two of you. I really am very sorry for this.”

He bowed lower than he had before, and he could sense a slight movement from both of them.

After waiting for a sufficiently long time to convey his sincerity, Brain raised his head, and he sensed that their caution towards him had dulled somewhat.

“Then, what brings you here?”

In response to the old man’s question, Brain glanced at the youth.

“How did you do it?”

As he saw the clueless look on the kid’s face, Brain asked once more, like he was coughing up blood.

“How… how could you remain standing before that murderous intent?!”

The boy’s eyes went wide. Since he typically feigned a blank look on his face, even this small change signalled a huge emotional upheaval inside him.

“I just wanted to know. That surge of bloodlust was more than most people could bear. Even I… pardon, even this one could not endure it. Yet you were different. You endured it. You stood against it. How did you do it? How did you accomplish such a feat?!”

His excitement was making him repeat himself, but he could not tamp it down. When faced with the overwhelming power of Shalltear Bloodfallen, he had been so afraid that he had fled. Yet, this boy had faced the same degree of killing will and held his ground. He wanted to know what was the difference between them.

He had to find out, no matter the cost.

Brain seemed to have conveyed his earnest passion to the kid. He was confused, but he carefully considered the matter before answering:

“…I don’t know. I don’t understand it myself. I have no idea how I could take that storm of bloodlust. Still, maybe… maybe it was because I was thinking of my liege.”

“…Your liege?”

"Iya. As long as I think of the great person whom I serve… I have the strength to carry on.”

How could anyone endure like that for such a reason, Brain almost shouted. But before that, the old man quietly explained his meaning.

“In other words, his loyalty was sufficient to overcome his fear, Unglaus-san. People can exert great strength for something they cherish. For instance, a mother can hold up a pillar in a collapsing house to save her children, or a husband could hold up his wife with one hand before she falls. I feel that is the power of mankind. In other words, this young man has tapped on that power. It is also not limited to him. As long as you have something which you will not forsake, you will certainly be able to draw on strength you could never have imagined.”

Brain could not believe it. His goal, the thing he would not forsake — was his thirst for strength. But that was meaningless now. That dream had been shattered with ease, and all he could do was run in fear.

Brain’s face turned gloomy, and he lowered his head to look at the ground. Then, the old man’s next words made him jerk his head up again.

“…Something built up by yourself is fragile. Once you fall, it is the end for you. Do not rely on yourself for everything. If you can build your confidence with someone else and give of yourself for others, then you will not fall even if you suffer a setback.”

Brain fell silent. Did he have something like that?

He could not think of anything. That was because he had abandoned everything else save his quest for the sword. Could be that the things he had discarded in his search for strength were actually the most important things?

Brain could not help but laugh. He laughed at his mistake-filled life. Neither could he help the bitter complaint that next escaped him.

“I abandoned it all. Is it too late for me to take them back?”

“You’ll be fine. Even someone without talent like me managed to do it. Someone like you can surely do it too, Unglaus-san! It’s definitely not too late for you!”

There was no basis to the young man’s words. Yet, strangely enough, his words warmed Brain’s heart.

“You really are a gentle and strong person… I am truly sorry.”

The boy froze as Brain apologized to him out of the blue.

Brain had taken such a brave lad as a punk and looked down on him.

I’m a fool. I’m such a fool…

“Ah, yes, you said you were called Brain Unglaus… were you the same Brain Unglaus who fought Stronoff-sama to a draw in the past?”

“… So you knew that too… Did you watch that fight?”

“Ah, I didn’t. I just heard someone talk about it. Stronoff-sama said that you were an amazing swordsman, and that you were easily in the running for the strongest man in the Kingdom. After seeing your movements and calm poise, I now realize the truth of Stronoff-sama’s words!”

Swamped by the sheer force of Climb’s goodwill, Brain struggled to stammer out an answer.

“…Er, thanks… thank you. I feel I’ve got a long way to go, but it… pleases me to receive such praise from you.”

“Hm… Unglaus-san.”

“Sir, please call me Unglaus. There is no need for you to be so formal to a mook like myself.”

“In that case, I am Sebas Tian, but I hope you will call me Sebas… Now then, Unglaus-kun.”

Being addressed as “-kun” embarrassed Brain a little, but given the difference in their ages, such a term was only fitting.

“Can I entrust you with training of Climb-kun? I believe that will be beneficial to you as well, Unglaus-kun.”

"Ah! Maafkan aku! My name is Climb, Unglaus-sama.”

“Were you not going to be trained by him… forgive me. Was Sebas-sama not going to train you? I believe I interrupted the two of you while you were in the middle of discussing something…?”

"Memang. That was my original intention, but it would seem we have guests. I had intended to call them over — ah, they are here. It would seem they took a while to prepare themselves for battle.”

Sebas looked off to one side. Brain took a bit longer to look in the same direction.

Three men slowly revealed themselves. They wore chain shirts and carried sharp daggers in hands protected by heavy leather gloves.

They were not radiating hostility, but full-on murderous intent. Said intent seemed to be directed at the old man, but they did not look like the kind who would let witnesses live.

Brain was visibly shocked as he saw them, and he screamed:

"Tidak mungkin! They’re still coming even after feeling that bloodlust? Just how strong are these people?!”

If that were the case, then each of them was probably on par with Brain — no, they would be stronger than him. Could it be that their lousy tailing skills were because they were trained warriors who were not adept at following others?

And then, Sebas eased Brain’s worries.

“I trust you’re aware that I only directed my will at the two of you, right?”

“…Eh?”

Even Brain felt that his reply sounded very stupid..

“The murderous intent directed at Climb-kun was to train him. In your case, it was because I did not know who you were, and wanted to draw you out. Either that, or sap your will to fight, hostility and so on. But I viewed them as enemies from the start, so I did not direct my killing intent at them. It would be bad to frighten them off.”

Brain was shocked beyond the capacity to even express it as he heard Sebas casually explain the startling truth. Being able to finely control killing will of that intensity was beyond what he knew to be possible.

“I, I see. Then, do you know who they are, Sebas-sama?”

“I can guess. Still, I cannot be sure. Thus, I wish to capture one or two of them for questioning. However—”

Sebas dipped his head in apology.

“It would seem I accidentally involved the two of you in this. May I trouble the two of you to leave this place?”

“Before that, I wish to ask you a question. Are they… criminals?”

“…They feel that way to me. They’re obviously the evil-doing sort.”

A fire blazed up in Climb’s eyes as he heard Brain say that.

“Perhaps this might be getting in your way, but I wish to fight as well. As a man who protects the public order of the Royal Capital, it falls to me to defend its people as well.”

It’s not like we’re sure that Sebas is on the side of good here, Brain thought to himself as he played devil’s advocate to that statement. Indeed, given his honest and straightforward attitude, Sebas certainly seemed to be in the right compared to that lot. However, they could not be sure of that.

He’s really green…

Still, he could understand how the kid felt.

Even Brain could instantly conclude who to help, between the man who had saved a kid from a bunch of drunken toughs and the other men.

“Personally, I don’t really think you need the help, but… Sebas-sama. Please allow me… er, no, please allow this one to lend you a hand.”

Brain took his place by Climb’s side. Sebas did not need their aid. Indeed, he had even said that they could leave and he would be fine. However, he wanted to learn from Climb, who fought for others. He wanted to choose the path he would never have travelled in the past. He wanted to protect the boy with a strong heart, but whose swordplay was lacking.

Brain saw the weapons they were holding, and frowned.

“Poison, is it… Using a double-edged sword like that indicates they ought to have some experience under their belts… are they assassins?”

The daggers they were using were called mailbreakers. There were reservoirs carved into the the blades of their weapons, and said reservoirs reflected the oily glow of a dangerous liquid. The fact that these men seemed to prioritize agility and ease of movement — unlike professional swordsmen — was a better indication of the truth than Brain’s self-directed mumblings.

“Climb-kun, you’d best be careful. Unless you have a magic item that resists poison, don’t let them nick you so much as once.”

Someone with Brain’s level of physical prowess was pretty much immune to poison, but people like Climb might succumb to strong toxins.

“They’ve appeared in front of us but they’re not making a move yet. Are they waiting for the other two people to circle around behind us? Since this is a rare opportunity, why don’t we break through them from the front?”

Sebas deliberately raised his voice loud enough for them to hear, and the men’s movements froze. They had clearly been shaken by the exposure of their encirclement plan.

“That seems about right. It would be safest to crush the ones in front and then mop up the ones behind.”

It would seem Brain shared Sebas’ opinion. However, Sebas himself rejected Brain’s words.

“Ah, but that would let them get away. How about this — I’ll deal with the three in front, so could I leave the two circling around behind us to you?”

Brain nodded, and so did Climb. This was Sebas’ fight, and they were the ones imposing on Sebas to let them help. They ought to listen to Sebas, so long as he had not made any fatal errors.

“Alright, let’s go.”

After saying that to Climb, Brain turned his back on the men. The reason why he dared show that defenseless side of himself to those men was because Sebas was around. As he left his back to Sebas, he felt as safe as though he were defended by a thick castle wall.

“Well then, while it is a shame… please allow me to be your opponent — oya, please do not harbor any designs on those two, alright?”

Looking back, Brain saw Sebas with three daggers trapped between the fingers of his right hand. He opened up his hand and the daggers which they had hurled at the otherwise-vulnerable Brain and Climb clattered to the ground.

The men’s killing intent was getting weaker.

But of course. Anyone would lose the will to fight after seeing their thrown daggers blocked in that way. Do you finally see how powerful Sebas-sama is now? However, you’ve learned that too late.

They were all trapped within the old man’s palm. Even splitting up three ways would not save them now.

"Luar biasa."

Climb stood by Brain’s side,

"Memang. I’d believe anyone who said that Sebas-sama was the strongest warrior in the Kingdom.”

“Even stronger than the Warrior-Captain?”

“You mean Stronoff, right? Hm. Well, that old man is someone that I… myself… … sorry, I’ll speak in a more relaxed tone now. Even if Stronoff and myself went up against him at once, we’d still lose for sure… oh, here they come.”

The other two men had circled around and appeared behind them. Those two were dressed the same way as the first three.

The sound of a sword clearing his sheath came from beside Brain, and a moment later, Brain drew his own blade.

“They probably didn’t keep someone in hiding to throw knives at us because that old man saw through them.”

Ambushes only worked when they were unexpected. If someone had seen through it beforehand, then they would only be splitting up their forces. The enemy must have judged that it would be better to attack all at once now that they had been exposed.

“How naive… Climb-kun, I’ll take the one on the right. You handle the one on the left.”

After examining their movements, Brain sensed that one of them was weaker than the other and indicated as much to the youth beside him. The young man nodded, and raised his sword. His unhesitating movements were those which one could only find in those people who had fought for their lives. Brain was relieved that he was not an untested newcomer to combat.

Climb-kun ought to have the advantage, but… given his opponent uses poison, it might be a close-fought victory.

Even if Climb had actual combat experience, Brain did not feel that he was a blooded warrior who had faced poison-using opponents. For all he knew, that might be his first time doing so.

Even Brain had trouble against monsters who used flesh-corroding acids or powerful venom. When fighting them, he became overly cautious and could not bring his full might to bear.

Should I kill this guy immediately and then help him out? Would that help him? Would it hurt his pride if I went out of my way to help him? Should I fight them on his behalf? Or did Sebas-sama intend to help if there was any danger? If Sebas-sama doesn’t step in, does it mean I should? To think the day would come when I’d actually worry about something like this…

Brain scratched at his head with his free hand and stared down his foe.

"Baik. Do excuse me for using you as a sacrifice to make up for my time spent idle.”

♦ ♦ ♦

Three hits.

Sebas stepped into range of the three men, who could not even react to him, much less defend themselves. Then he punched three times and the battle was over.

But of course. Sebas occupied the pinnacle of Nazarick’s combat power. He could deal with assassins of that calibre with only the tip of his little finger.

The men keeled over, collapsing limply to the ground like cuttlefish. Sebas turned away from them and looked at the battle behind him.

Brain had overwhelmed his foe from start to finish, which put him at ease.

The assassin facing him seemed to be looking for a chance to flee, but Brain did not let him off. In fact he even looked like he was toying with his opponent… no, that was not playing with him. Sebas sensed that Brain was running through his repertoire of moves to re-hone his rusty skills.

Right, I think I heard him say something about a “time spent idle”. Also, he seems to be worried about Climb-kun. Thus he’s not fighting in earnest so he can come to his aid at any time. He seems like quite a nice fellow.

Sebas turned his attention from Brain to Climb.

Hm, he ought to be alright.

The battle went back and forth. The fact his opponent used poison made him a little uneasy, but there did not seem to be a need to rescue him right away. He felt uncomfortable about involving an outsider — particularly one whom he favored — in his own matters, but—

If he hadn’t said he wanted to become stronger, I’d have gone to assist him. A fight for one’s life is very good practice. I’ll help him if he’s in danger.

Sebas stroked his beard and observed Climb as he fought.

Climb blocked a thrust with his blade.

A trickle of cold sweat flowed down his back. It had almost hit his armor. A hint of disappointment flashed across the cruel face of the man he was fighting.

Climb stabbed forward, measuring the distance between the two of them. He noted that his foe was slowly backing off, and he did not want to let the man get away.

Climb’s usual fighting style was to defend with the shield and simultaneously attack with the sword. Being forced to fight with only his sword was a tortuous experience. The poisoned blade also made him very nervous. Mailbreakers were weapons specialized for thrusting attacks, so he knew he only had to worry about thrusts. Even so, the fact that he could not allow himself to be so much as grazed by the weapon made his movements stiff.

He calmed his breathing, which had been thrown into disarray by his physical and mental fatigue.

The other guy’s the same too. I’m not the only one who’s tired.

His foe’s forehead was covered in sweat. The man used his agility to make a mockery of his foe, which was a truly assassin-like way of fighting. Thus, wounding any of his limbs would make him lose the advantage and upset the balance of fighting power.

The battle would be decided in one hit.

This was the source of both parties’ tension. Granted, all evenly-matched battles were like that, but it was that much more obvious in this fight.

“Huuuh!”

With a sharp expulsion of breath, Climb swung at his foe. The swing moved slowly and he did not put much force into it. That was because he would leave himself wide open if he went for a full swing and his opponent dodged.

The assassin easily dodged it and reached into his breast pocket. Climb observed the upcoming attack and kept an eye on the assassin’s hand.

A dagger flew forth and Climb cut it out of the air with his sword.

He had been lucky. He had managed to deflect it since he was paying attention.

However he could not breathe easy just yet. The assassin had already lowered his stance and slid into attack range.

Ini buruk!

His spine turned to ice.

He could not block the follow-up hit. He had swung too hard when deflecting the thrown dagger out of fear. His sword was now hanging out of position in mid-air, and it was too late for him to turn it back to intercept his foe. He thought to evade, but the assassin’s agility was superior to his own.

There was nothing else to be done. Maybe he could use his arm as a shield—

Just as he resolved himself, the incoming assassin clutched his face and stumbled backwards.

It would seem a bean-sized pebble had struck the assassin just above the left eye. Climb’s perceptions, heightened by the dangerous situation, confirmed that fact.

He knew who had thrown it even without looking back. Sebas’ voice from behind him was the best proof of that.

“Fear is an important emotion. But you cannot be ruled by fear. I have been watching you fight from just now, and I feel that your fighting style is too plain and conservative. If your foe had been willing to sacrifice one arm, you would assuredly be dead. If your physical abilities are inferior to your opponent, then you must defeat them with your spirit. The strength of one’s will can sometimes surpass the weakness of one’s flesh.”

Climb answered “yes” in his heart, and he was quite surprised to find himself much more relaxed. He did not feel like he could depend on someone else to watch him, but he was relieved that someone else was watching him.

Of course, his fear of death was not completely gone, but even so—

“If… if I die, please tell Renner-sama… her Highness… about my glorious battle.”

He expelled a long breath, and then silently brought his sword up into a ready stance.

Climb sensed a gleam in the assassin’s eyes that was different from just now. It had only been a short while, but he felt like he had connected with the assassin’s spirit on some level during this life or death struggle.

The assassin sensed that Climb was prepared for death, and he seemed to have placed his life on the line as well.

He stepped forward, without saying a word, of course, and closed the distance in a single move.

After verifying the assassin was within his attack range, Climb brought his sword down in a scything chop. At that moment, the assassin leapt back. It would seem the other man had gotten the measure of Climb’s swings and had used himself as bait to make a feint at Climb.

However, the assassin had forgotten one thing.

Perhaps he might have grasped the speed of Climb’s. However, he did not know this move. Climb had the utmost confidence in this downward strike of his. It was faster than all his other moves, and more forceful.

The chop at the shoulder was stopped by the chain shirt and so it did not cleave the man bodily in two. However, it easily broke his clavicle and crushed his flesh along with his shoulder blade.

The assassin collapsed heavily to the ground. He was drooling from the intense pain and howling in agony.

“Magnificent.”

Sebas appeared behind him and casually stomped on the assassin’s belly.

With that, the assassin fell silent, like a puppet whose strings had been cut. He must have fainted.

From the corner of his eye, he saw that Brain had already finished off his assassin. He waved casually to Climb to celebrate his victory.

“Then, I shall begin the interrogation. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

Sebas brought over one of the men and slapped him awake. The man regained consciousness with a shudder, and Sebas placed his hand on the man’s head. Sebas had not used much force but within two seconds the man’s head lolled back, then snapped back to its original position like a pendulum.

The man’s eyes were now unfocused, like he was drunk.

Sebas began asking questions. The assassin, a man of a traditionally tight-lipped profession, sang like a canary. Faced with this bizarre sight, Climb asked Sebas: “What did you do to him?”

“This is a skill called the (Puppeteer’s Palm)… fortunately, it looks like it worked.”

Climb had never heard that technique before, but he frowned at what the man was saying.

They were assassins trained by Six Arms, the strongest combatants of Eight Fingers. They had apparently followed Sebas in order to kill him. Brain asked Climb:

“…I don’t know much about them, but Eight Fingers ought to be a major crime syndicate, right? I think they have connections with some mercenaries…”

“Yes, and Six Arms are the scariest of them all. Six Arms refers to the six fighters who make up the organization’s strongest fighting force. I heard that each of them can rival an adamantite-ranked adventurer. However, I’m not sure exactly who those six people are, since I’m not too clear on the details of  their organization.”

The man went on to say that Succulent, the one who had visited Sebas’ house, was a member of Six Arms, known as “Devil of Illusions”. His plan was apparently to eliminate Sebas and do as he pleased with the young lady of the house.

As he heard this, Climb felt a chill wind blow over him. The source of that cold was Sebas.

Sebas slowly rose, and Brain addressed him.

“What do you plan to do next, Sebas-sama?”

“I have decided. First, I will destroy that troublesome place. Besides, it would seem that Succulent is there as well, according to this man. It is best to stamp out fires before they can grow.”

Brain and Climb both inhaled sharply at that casual answer.

The fact that he had declared his intention to fight his way into the enemy headquarters indicated that he was confident of defeating an adamantite-ranked adventurer — in other words, a man whose fighting power was at the zenith of human achievement.

However, neither of them was surprised.

He could defeat three skilled assassins in the blink of an eye and even the renowned Unglaus-sama showed deference to him. What sort of man is Sebas-sama? Could he be a retired adamantite-ranked adventurer?

“…Also, I hear that there are other captives in there. It would be best to move quickly.”

"Itu masuk akal. If the assassins do not return, it will arouse suspicion. We will not be able to save the captives if they are moved elsewhere.”

Sebas was in a situation where time was not on his side, but on the enemy’s.

“Then I shall be heading there presently. I apologize, but I am set in my course. Can I trouble the two of you to drag these assassins to the nearest guardpost?”

“Please wait, Sebas-sama! If you don’t mind, could you let me… could you let this one lend you a hand? Of course, that is only if you are willing.”

"Saya juga. Protecting the peace of the Royal Capital is my duty as Renner-sama’s loyal servant. If the Kingdom’s citizens a

re being oppressed, this sword of mine shall hasten to their aid.”

“…I don’t think Unglaus-kun will have a problem, but it might be a bit dangerous for you.”

“I understand that.”

“Climb-kun… I guess Sebas-sama thinks you might get in the way, no? Although, I’m probably the same as you in his eyes.”

“No, no, that was not what I meant. I was simply worried about you. I hope you understand that I cannot protect you like I did just now.”

“I am prepared for that.”

“…What I am doing next might not win honor for you or your mistress, you know? I feel that there will be other chances for you to stake your life in battle, do you not think so?”

“If I watch mutely from the side because things are dangerous, that’ll only prove that I am a man who does not deserve to serve his mistress. Just as my mistress saved the common folk, I too wish to do everything I can to lend a helping hand to those who are in dire straits.”

Just like how she reached her hand out to me—

Sebas and Brain looked at each other. Perhaps they had sensed his iron determination.

“…Are you prepared for this?” Sebas asked.

Climb nodded.

"Saya mengerti. That being the case, there is nothing else to be said. I hope the two of you will lend me a hand.”