Suppressing my impatient mind, I draw my dagger and release it.
　If I turn the Mist into an enemy, the labyrinth city can't be used as a base, the last time I was told about it was earlier, and it's stuck in my head.

　So I could understand that the current situation was the worst imaginable.
　Reacting to me pulling out my dagger, Hanzam puts his hand on his sword and Narsena goes into an adversarial position.
　As for my master and Ronald-san, there is no visible change.
　However, both of them were radiating a piercing hostility to the surroundings.

　A tense atmosphere rapidly covered the place.
　Nevertheless, only Mist, the cause of that air, was laughing.

'You don't have to look so scared. Didn't I tell you?　I'm going to help protect the labyrinth city.

　At least Mist doesn't have any intention of starting a battle right now.
　Understanding this, a little relief spreads through my chest.

　However, Mist's words were not enough to disarm us.
　Even if he doesn't try to kill us right now, we know for sure that Mist is our enemy.
　That's why there was something I didn't understand.

'Then why did you perversely reveal that you isolated the labyrinth city?　...... Why did you tell me this wall exists?

　Yes, I didn't understand why Master was right about Mist isolating the Labyrinth City here.
　In the first place, only Mist knows about the walls of the labyrinth city.
　If only he hadn't told us, Master wouldn't have been convinced that Mist was involved in the Nerburg barrier.
　Nevertheless, Mist did not hide everything.

'There's no point in hiding it from you guys, who are almost certain that I'm involved, that's all I thought. As far as the Guild was concerned, you were sure I was involved, weren't you?

　Had Mist heard the conversation just before the transition?
　The realization of this no longer surprised me.
　However, there was one thing I didn't understand.

I'm not going to try to hide it here, but it will only make them suspicious. That's why I didn't try to hide it, but I honestly affirmed it. And on top of that, I'll propose again.

　Mist laughs and continues to speak, despite the hostility directed at her.
　The sight of him reinforces my question.

　...... Why is Mist cooperating with us?

It's true that I have isolated the labyrinth city. Not so long ago, I would have been your enemy. But that was in the past. I have my own goals, and I need your cooperation. So, why don't you join me, and we're going to get through the maze.

How can you trust ......?

　The Master did not nod to Mist.
　Revealing his suspicions, the master asked.

''If you want our cooperation, tell me what you want. What is the reason you want our cooperation? How can you trust us without it ......

No need.

　To Master's words, Mist's response to Master's words was only one word.
　Mist's reply, which he didn't have time to get hold of, left even his master speechless.

''That's right, Larma. The only thing you guys need right now is the fact that you can't protect the labyrinth city without me.''

　Mist announced that with a laugh and walked towards the city walls.

It's a good thing that you are able to deploy this wall by yourself. As expected of God's grace and skill. So, how long can you keep these walls up?

......!

　There was a clear agitation on his master's face.
　As if to affirm Mist's words.

'Under the circumstances, you can't just shake off my hand. No matter how suspicious, as long as you find me useful, absolutely not.

　No one had anything to say to Mist's words.
　That affirmed Mist's words more eloquently than anything else.

''Well, keep up the good work, then.''

　I clenched my fists tightly as Mist told me this in a calm but nonchalant tone.

''...... Who would be so pushy!

　I couldn't help but notice that Mist's one-sided way of talking had me clamming up.
　Mist's words were true, and I might need Mist to help me deal with the Maze Runaway.
　But there was no way I could accept Mist in this fashion.
　You can't accept Mist unless you at least get him to tell you what he wants.
　I glare at Mist with a will to not pull out.

'...... Laust back away.'

　But my master stopped me.
　For a moment, the thought of shaking Master off comes to mind.
　However, such thoughts disappeared the moment I saw more anger on Master's face than mine.

''The magical beasts are here. That takes priority now.''

......!

　My head went cold as I was confronted with the reality of the labyrinth runaway in front of me.
　No matter how frustrating it is, I need Mist's presence now.
　I stare at Mist, even with a murderous intent.

...... You're going to regret trying to take advantage of us.

I'm looking forward to it.

　Such obvious defeat was the last resistance I could muster.



◇◆◇


　We then hurried back to the guild in the Mist's transition camp, explaining to the people who were panicking about the city walls that had suddenly appeared.
　Although it took some time at first, the commotion slowly subsided as what appeared was the city wall protecting the labyrinth city.
　Even so, it still took some time, and it wasn't until some time later that we gathered in the guild, ready for battle.

'Are we all here except for Zeke, who is keeping an eye on the Mist?'

　The Master, who had been waiting for us to arrive in the room, was sitting in his chair with his usual arrogant attitude, leaning back with his legs crossed.
　His appearance was the same as usual.
　A pompous, self-important attitude that he had nothing to do with any situation.
　It's an attitude that would be more than a little repugnant in normal times, but in this tense situation, it's also reassuring.
　...... but unlike usual, Master's face was pale.

''Oh, don't worry about me. I've just had my magic power taken away by the castle walls.''

　Before I can say anything, Master tells me this with a flippant wave of his hand.
　From his demeanor, it doesn't look like there's anything wrong with him and I silently back off.
　If Master says it's okay, then it's not something to worry about right now.
　I suppress the anxiety I feel in my chest and keep my mouth shut.
　Confirming this, the master opened his mouth.

''However, I can't fight this time.''

　A master with overwhelming offensive power and a wealth of experience left the front lines.
　It was a shock, but because it was somewhat predictable, there was nothing to upset us.
　If we had built such a wall, no matter how many masters we had, it wouldn't be surprising if we were greatly depleted.
　However, even if we went that far, isn't this wall perfect?
　I mutter to myself as I look at the surroundings getting ready for battle.

''...... I guess it's not enough to just hunker down on the castle walls after all.

'Well. As expected, I couldn't make a perfect wall on my own.

Then I'll work my magic on ......

No, you can't do it.

　'I'm going to put my own magic power into it, too,' the master rejected Aamir, who raised his voice to say so.

'I was wrong in my assessment. This is the kind of thing that can't be deployed no matter how many wizards are gathered together. It can only be used by sorcerers.''

　Magic, that's how to deal with magic without the skills that my master once taught me.
　But the question comes to Aamir's face, which is not supposed to know such a thing.

'A sorcerer, sir?'

Think of it as another name for an elf.

Yes, sir.

　I don't think I'm convinced, but I can see Aamir closing his mouth at the sight of his master's unwillingness to speak further.
　While everyone other than Narsena, whom I had previously explained to, remembered the question, I was the only one who thought differently.

　I wondered if magic is the skill of the elves, then I wondered if the person who taught magic to his master is still the mist.
　If that's the case, then those words are because they saw that the walls of the city are not perfect.

　─ How long can you maintain the walls of the city?

　I remember what Mist asked my mentor, and I understand again.
　It's not the battle that Mist is a threat to, it's another part of him.
　...... Just remembering the way Mist spoke, I feel a little uncomfortable.
　It's not just about the strength of the walls, but also sounded more like he was talking about something else.
　However, my thoughts were interrupted by my master's opening his mouth.

''Well, a mutated super-difficult demonic beast is impossible, but it can withstand up to the level of a mutated ogre. Right now, there is no substitute for this wall being the hope of the labyrinth city. Although it's a karma to admit it .......

　A wall that could withstand the ogre, it was indeed a useful thing, even considering Master's desertion from the front.
　No, such words would not be able to describe the value of this city wall.
　The current situation, where even super-difficult demonic beasts had appeared, was the worst, to say the least.
　In such a situation, this city wall was the only hope.

''So don't let Fenrir get too close to the city walls. Definitely defend the city wall.''

　None of them said a word at the words of their master, which were unusually heavy at any time.
　Instead, they clenched their fists tightly.

　Everyone understood.
　If we couldn't maintain these walls, there was no future for us.
　As if to confirm our resolve, Master's gaze grows sharper.

''However, it's not something that requires that much fervor, though.

　But his gaze quickly turned to a softer one.

''Essentially Ronald alone is enough for Fenrir. Even if there are other magical beasts, as long as you guys move as expected, there will end up being no damage against them. With that in mind, get your head around what we're about to talk about.

　At the words of that master, we closed our mouths as we decided that we would be given instructions now.

''First of all, regarding the other guys, the adventurers in the labyrinth city, we're going to have those guys deal with the demonic beasts below the orcs to make it easier for you guys to fight. I've ordered Mist and the guild staff man to support them. And Lyra.

Yes, sir.

You will recover the adventurers and direct them in the event of an unexpected event.

...... while keeping an eye out for anything Mist might do.

Yeah, yeah.

　After nodding with satisfaction at Lyra's response, the Master turns to Armia.

'For the wizards there, for now, stay in the rearguard with the adventurers' wizards and attack with Lyra or Ronald's support.

Yes, sir.

　And the next time the master turned his face to me and Narsena - his face was different and serious than before.

'I'm going to ask my foolish apprentice, Narsena, and Zeke, who isn't here, to deal with the ogre at first. An enemy the adventurers won't be able to deal with.

　The word "intend" mixed in with my master's words.
　It showed that Master was unable to measure my ability.

''And after we finish dealing with the ogres, you're going to cover Ronald-san. ''I understand.''

I can afford it with your brother!

　Understanding this, Narcena and I ignored our master's concerns.

　I'm going to be able to say that there's no problem if it's only an ogre, while insisting without saying so.

　I know that this kind of self-confidence is not suitable for me, let alone for Narsena.
　Still, I no longer have any intention of despising myself for nothing.
　Because she, next to me, had taught me enough about my worth.
　My master is momentarily blindsided, as if my attitude of not hiding my confidence, which I have never shown before, was unexpected.

'...... You've become quite cocky, haven't you?

　However, Master immediately changed his face to an unnaturally sullen one and spat that out.
　But it wasn't as if his voice sounded bouncy, though it didn't hide the fact that he was bouncing.

'Well, if there's no problem, we'll keep it that way. I'll let Ronaldo do the rest.

　With a feigned sullen expression on his face, the master who had said that, as if the conversation was over, hurriedly got up and tried to leave the room.
　However, just before he left the room completely, he stopped in his tracks.

''...... well, what is it. Anyway, come home quickly. We'll be able to have a small celebration, at least for today, in terms of supplies.

　With those last words, Narsena and I looked at Master, who now left the room, and smiled at each other.
　We knew that the reason Master was gone at a time like this was because he didn't want to be seen to be happy.

'Let's finish this early,'

'Yes. Let's go home hungry!

　After exchanging those last words, we walked out next to each other.

　...... That was the beginning of a grueling defensive battle of the city walls.