Manowa - Chapter 389

◎ Torda Hot Spring Town, Adventurers Guild Office

Early morning.

Four parties were gathered in front of Torda Hot Spring Town’s Adventurers Guild office.

Famous for rescuing Tsuvara’s princess and subjugating a dragon, one was the rank S『White Party』that had the world-famous Ogre Killing Princess and the rank S Fang Spear Soldier.

One was the rank A party『Shield Birth』led by the shield warrior Han Mock, who had the nickname『Guardian Shield』.

Focused on using wind magic that affected large areas, one was the rank A party『Wind’s Master』led by Wind Wizard Terrace.

One was the rank B party『Meteor Rain』led by a young leader and archer, Vokka.

The above mentioned were the members participating in the Brutuza subjugation.

Originally, only the two rank A parties were going to be there, but Jinrai was acquainted with『Meteor Rain』, so they were the only rank B party invited.

「Yo, you’re Naoki, right?」

Inside the Adventurers Guild’s adjacent bar, Kazane was having a meeting with representatives from the other parties to fine-tune the basic strategy she had devised last night. Since Naoki had already heard most of the content and didn’t feel like interjecting anything, he was lightly warming up outside.

「Nn, you are from『Meteor Rain』… Vokka-san, right?」

While he was in the middle of stretching, Naoki was suddenly called out, and when he raised his face, the leader of『Meteor Rain』was there. It was a man of slender build with an affable face.

「Yeah. We’ll be fighting together in this subjugation. Best regards.」

「Yeah, please treat me well.」

Naoki also shook the hand Vokka held out to him.

「Nevertheless, I heard a while ago that a guy around my age became rank B, but I never expected that the person in question,『Magic Sword Operator』Naoki, would be here.」

「Well, since I’ve been active in Hyvern up until now. However, I’m surprised you know about me.」

After Vokka’s words, Naoki smiled and replied.

「Well, the Proto Hydra subjugation became a conversation topic over here as well. When young people are conspicuously active, various conversations mixed with jealousy come up.」

The Proto Hydra was a monster that Naoki defeated in Hyvern before he met Kazane and the others. Based on the abilities of Naoki and the others at that time, it was an opponent they could be called reckless for fighting, but Naoki and the others performed splendidly. Naoki’s phantasmagoric operation of magic swords at that time earned him his nickname.

「Although you say that, you’ve caught Master Jinrai’s eye. You’re quite capable, right?」

Naoki replied. It was right on the heels of yesterday. There was no way that even Jinrai would be able to understand the strength of a rank B party just by seeing their name. Which meant Jinrai and Vokka were acquainted and that Jinrai knew his strength.

「Yeah, I’ve teamed up with Jinrai-san several times before. Perhaps that’s why he’s apparently pleased with me. Well, as for my strength, I’ll show it against the Brutuzas.」

So saying, he took a stance with his bow without nocking an arrow. Emily, who was a little bit away from them, unintentionally stared.

(… What a beautiful stance)

That was Emily’s impression. Vokka’s stance seemed to overlap with the figures of her master Maberit and the birdman Morfia nocking an arrow. Emily felt he was a person living at a level she hadn’t reached yet.

「Emily, what’s up? Oh, Naoki’s over there with, uhhh…?」

Lyle came out of the guild office and called out to Emily, then looked in Naoki’s direction.

「It seems it’s the leader-san of『Meteor Rain』.」

Emily answered Lyle’s question, and Lyle replied「Ah, from a short time ago.」They should have briefly exchanged greetings a short while ago, but it seemed he couldn’t remember the name. Lyle wasn’t very good at remembering people. That lack of consideration was one of the reasons he wasn’t popular with women.

Naoki happened to see that the two were together and called out to them. The other members of『Meteor Rain』also gathered with them. Basically,『Meteor Rain』was made up of young members, and it seemed like they would get along with Naoki’s group. And both were similarly hungry for conversation with peers of the same rank.

「However, is it fine for you to be here? You’re the leader, aren’t you?」

「Ah, I’m not good at such things. Our staff officer is standing in, so it’s fine, right?」

As both groups conversed, Vokka nonchalantly answered Naoki’s question.

「Since our leader is dumb.」

「Shut up.」

When another member of『Meteor Rain』teased him, the corners of Vokka’s mouth turned down. For better or worse, he seemed to be a straightforward young man. Unlike Naoki, who was the cool type that didn’t show his emotions on his face, Vokka gave off an impression of being a friendly and lively young man.

「However, even though the leader of your White Party is by all appearances a kid, it felt like she’s used to this. Even with Brutuzas as the opponents, she wasn’t perturbed at all.」

「That’s right.」

From what they heard yesterday, it seemed Kazane, Tatsuyoshi, and Yuuko-nee had relentlessly hunted Brutuzas together for a period of time. They were powerful and fast, but when they were entrapped, they were easy to hunt, and since their materials sold for large amounts of money, according to Kazane, they had probably hunted more than 1000.

Of course, that story was from inside the game, and it seemed they hadn’t fought 5 at the same time very often. On top of that, the character『Sieg』from Zexiaharts and the current Kazane had vastly different Levels and fighting power. However, it was true that Kazane had an established attack method.

「Well, if we leave it to Aneki, I think it will be fine.」

「Eh, that shor… no, that Ogre Killing Princess is your older sister?」

It seemed Naoki’s words surprised not only Vokka, but the other members of『Meteor Rain』as well. That reaction was overly predictable, and Naoki and the others smiled wryly.

「Well, she certainly doesn’t seem to be the age her appearance suggests. Besides, I was wondering why Hyvern’s promising young party『Window Noise』was absorbed by the『White Party』.」

「Even though we’re not siblings, I think I’d join the White Party if I were invited, though.」

「Well, if that happened, we would possibly be burdens, though.」

The other members spoke in succession after Vokka’s words.

「Burdens, huh?…」

「Well, you just have to do your best.」

「That’s right.」

Then, seeing that Naoki and the others were depressed by their words, the members of『Meteor Rain』hurriedly followed up. It felt like Naoki had recently advanced one step further, but the three of them were keenly aware that their strength was still insufficient by far.

◎ Torda Hot Spring Town, Adventurers Guild Adjacent Bar

「It looks like it’s noisy outside.」

「The youngsters are playing around, don’t you think?」

In the Adventurers Guild adjacent bar, Han Mock, the leader of the rank A party『Shield Birth』, said that while looking outside, and the wind wizard Terrace of the rank A party『Wind’s Master』replied from beside him.

「Ah, I think that’s probably our leader. I’m sorry.」

Beside the two, a petite girl that gave off a squirrel-like impression bowed her head. That girl Tanya was the staff officer of『Meteor Rain』… or perhaps it would be better to call her their caretaker.

「Well, no problem, no problem.」

Kazane smiled and replied to Tanya. She could also hear Naoki’s voice, so if there was a problem, she would also be scolded. Therefore, it’s safer to say that there’s no problem… Kazane quickly thought that and spoke. She was a schemer.

「So then, there are no problems with this strategy?」

The person who asked that was Maia, the branch manager of Torda Hot Spring Town’s Adventurers Guild. She also used to be an adventurer, and since she had no objections to the details of the strategy Kazane had spoken so far, she asked the other members if they were the same, and everyone in that place nodded.

「That’s right. The rest depends on whether or not the Ogre Killing Princess can actually do what she said she can, but there are no problems there, right?」

「None.」

Kazane immediately replied to Han Mock’s question. Han Mock didn’t feel like objecting either. Han Mock had heard from fellow adventurers that the rumors weren’t just rumors, and he recognized that she wasn’t someone he should say anything thoughtless towards.

「Yuuko-nee and I will make the traps and baits. The rest is a simple job of attacking from the side.」

「Nyaa」

Yuuko-nee, the giant cat with a golden coat next to Kazane, also cried out to agree with her master.

「She’s smart, and above that, strong. I wonder if you could give me one.」

「No.」

Jinrai immediately responded to Terrace’s frivolous talk. Since Jinrai had suddenly pronounced that, Terrace looked at him and said「Umm.」

「Absolutely not.」

He was told once again. Terrace had no choice but to reply「Ah, ok.」By the way, Jinrai was currently holding the cocoon in his arms. It was about one size bigger than an ostrich egg. It seemed the cocoon itself wouldn’t grow any bigger; once it cracked and the cat inside came out, it would grow bigger all at once.

And according to the talk he heard from Yuuko-nee last night, the basis of the contents had already been completed, and the rest would be an evolution in response to the will of the one who would be its master, Jinrai. For that reason, Jinrai was frantically and wholeheartedly reciting in his mind. The gist was「Become big, become big.」

Yumika was leaning against the wall and thought (how immature) while watching her master’s state, and both Louise and Mefirus with her had similar facial expressions. However, Tiara said「I understand.」Was her brain tissue also in the process of turning into muscle? Scary.

(Well, with these members, that strategy will be fine?)

Yumika thought, but in any case, reality was different from the game. First of all, there was the question of whether or not the Brutuzas would obediently take the bait, and it wasn’t like there were no concerns over whether or not they would successfully completely stop them.

(Also, if we overdo it, they might run away.)

If they overdid it with their first move, the enemies might run away from them before it became a battle. Monsters were unexpectedly timid and clever. Kazane’s strategy was to corner and hunt them down all at once.

Though be that as it may, there was only one thing Yumika had to do. Telling herself that there was nothing for her to get worked up about, she calmed her mind. The moment she thought that.

「?!?」

Yumika suddenly opened the window and looked outside. She momentarily sensed a great bloodlust.

Noticing her state, everyone in that place turned her direction, and outside the window, Vokka was apologizing to Naoki by saying「It, it was just a joke.」

Lyle noticed Yumika’s face peeking out the window and lip-synched to say「The usual.」Seeing that, Yumika’s shoulders relaxed.

(Aah, about Kazane again…)

Vokka probably complimented Kazane or did something. Then, the usual illness activated and he gave a warning. Emily was muttering「He cares so much about us…」so it might not have been directed at Kazane individually. He might have specified the whole party and lightly said「I’d like to put the moves on them」or something like that.

In any case, seeing that, Yumika sighed, said「Ah, it’s fine」to the members inside who were looking at her questioningly, and closed the window. The world was still operating normally today. At least as far as Yumika could see.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

「Kukuku, that was dangerous, don’t you think?」

And a man watching the window close from the shadow of a house muttered that. He thought he might have been found out for a moment, but it seemed that Yumika, who was the man’s target, had simply acted due to another person’s sign.

『Don’t play around too much.』

「I know, Boss.」

After that voice from the bat perched on his shoulder, the man mumbled a reply with a laugh.

「It seems those guys are heading to subjugate Brutuzas.」

『Rank A adventurers are trouble. As I thought, we’ll act while they’re on their way to the royal capital.』

A calm voice resounded from the bat. Not even the slightest hint of emotion could be felt from it.

「However, with five Brutuzas as their opponents, they might die.」

『In that case, splendid. The mission will be accomplished without any work on our part. But, that won’t happen, will it?』

After that voice from the bat, the man smiled. The man didn’t think THAT would possibly be done in by that degree.

『You’re on standby,『Ijika』. After they’ve been corralled, you can fight to the death with your desired opponent. However, Yamaoi’s words are absolute. Don’t forget your pride as a Borgiana Clown.』

「I know, Boss. And don’t forget my wish.」

Assassin’s Dagger Ijika. The man who was formerly defeated by Yumika but then escaped from Hyvern’s royal capital was there. With a face flush with madness, he simply stared at a single point.

「That woman, Yumika, is mine. Mine alone.」

Assassination group『Borgiana Clowns』. From the shadow of a building, the man who was a member of that group stared at the Adventurers Guild office as if he was savoring a taste with his gaze.

Name: Yuihama Kazane

Occupation: Summoning Fighter

Title: Ogre Killer, Dragon Slayer, High Beast Summoner, Rea King, Liberator, Guardian

Equipment: Staff 『White Blaze』, Draghorn Tonfa x2, Dragon Eating Ogre Army Armor (True), Indestructible Cloak, Mysterious Pouch, Crimson Saint Coffin, Heroic Spirit Summoning Ring, Circlet of Wisdom, Aim Bracelet, White Magic Accumulator (Revised) ×2, Rainbow Necklace, Rainbow Dragon Ring, Angel Bracelet

Level : 39

Health: 155+20

Magic Power: 363+520

Strength: 78+45

Agility: 80+39

Endurance: 44+20

Wisdom : 75

Dexterity : 53

Spell : 『Fly』『Torch』『Fire』『Heal』『Firestorm』『Healer Ray』『High Heal』『Golden Dusk「Dragon Exclusive」』『Mirror Shield』『Rabbit Speed』『Flare Mirage』

Skill : 『Kick Devil』『Kick Decapitation Wave』『Warrior’s Memory: Lv2』『Night Vision』『Crushing Blow』『Dog’s Sense of Smell: Lv2』『Golem Maker: Lv4』『Aegis Shield』『Fire Principle: Third Chapter』『Healing Principle: Fourth Chapter』『Air Jump: Lv2』『Killing Leg: Lv3』『Fear Voice』『Invisible』『Tiger Eye』『Wall Walking』『Intuition: Lv2』『Cheat Death』『Nimble』『Charge』『Material Shield: Lv2』『Information Link: Lv2』『Optical Camouflage』『High Dash』『Bloodsucking Blade』『Dragonization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Regenerate』『Soul Breaking Blade』『Stealthy Hand Placement』『Thunder Chariot: Lv2』『Sturdier Teeth: Lv2「Dragon」』『Crystallization: Lv2「Dragon」』『Devil King’s Intimidation』『Stone Minotaur: Lv2』『Mega Beam: Lv2』『Space Expansion』『Pseudo-Silver Creation』『Poison Claw』『Fireball「Dragon」』『Cuticle「Dragon」』『Arms Creation: Black Flame』『Ingredient Connoisseur: Lv2』『Dragon Pheromone「Dragon」』『Boost』『Monkey’s Strong Arm』『Two-sword Style』『Boobies Plus』『Living Armor』『Alarm』『Six-sword Style』『Mental Attack Complete Protection』『Spider Web』『Wire Cutter』『Flexible』『Magic Power Absorption』

Yumika: 「I don’t really understand why, but it feels like my popular period has come?」

Kazane: 「Nn, if I had to say, it feels more like the shadow of death has become visible, though.」