The pinnacle of the adventurers is the first class adventurers.
　There were several discussions about whether or not to create a special quota above that, but each time it was passed over.
　In other words, a first-class adventurer was the highest rank.
　The members of the 'Sacred Tree Penetrating the Clouds' were not proud of their current situation, and were steadfastly carrying out the guild's humble directive of safety investigation today.

''There's nothing unusual about it. That's why I'd say it's an anomaly.''

　It was the leader of the party - Abel.
　He was a thirty-three year old serpentine man and a sorcery warrior by profession.
　They have been meticulously searching the streets of the big city and town and the surrounding area, but nothing strange is going on.
　As a party of first class adventurers, they were assigned a large city, an area where the demons were likely to be highly dangerous.
　As a result, they've crushed two swarms of goblins and one swarm of ogres.
　If it had been a low-ranked adventurer, it might have been a big deal, but in their case, the request also meant that the ogre was to be destroyed as soon as they found it.
　The fact that they had made it this far without any particular attrition was what Abel wondered about.

'I agree,'

　The one who said that was Benjamin, an elven sorcerer, who was probably about forty years old in appearance.
　Elves are much longer-lived and less likely to age than people, so their actual age cannot be determined by their appearance alone.

''An increase in border demon activity, hordes of demons that have suddenly appeared in several areas. It's definitely creepy that there's nothing after that.

　And Riela, the female swordswoman of the werewolf tribe, agrees.

'Is this the calm before the storm?'

　Karol, the dwarf female archer, says something plausible.

'I think that's very likely. After all, we don't know what caused it.'

　Buon, the recovery magician, speaks with a depressed look on his face.
　They also have a large party of two rangers, two heavy warriors, one recovery magician and one sorcerer.　
　It is no wonder that they were born from the merger of two second-level adventuring parties that felt they were on the verge of becoming first-level adventurers.
　The adventurer rank system does not have a limit on the number of adventurers.
　Even a large group of adventurers could be given a higher rank as long as they met the requirements.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

''Oh man, ...... empire, are we being targeted?

　When Riela frowned, Abel nodded meekly.

''It's such a rich country that it's strange not to be targeted. Even though the Knights and Yagami Akira are standoffish, the country that is messing with you will not go away.

　He turned his gaze to Benjamin there.
　He thought that with an elf, he might be able to give a different opinion.

'What do you think, Benjamin?'

'We don't have enough information. But I have a feeling it's not that simple. I think it has deeper roots than that.

　Benjamin offered a cautious opinion.

'Deeply rooted, ......?'

　Riela, who is afraid to ask him, says with a questioning look on his face.

I know it sounds scary, but if all the incidents in the chain of events are the same person, you're going to be very strong. There may not be more than one country behind it. After all, this country has the Eight God Teru, right?

　They knew the substandard strength of the eight gods Akira.
　In fact, it was not uncommon for them to understand it because they were rather capable of becoming first-class adventurers.

''...... Knowing that and planting it on you, does that mean you have the confidence to fight Yagamihui?''

　Buon sounds surprised.
　The stronger he is, the more he understands the stronger he is.
　He thinks that if he were really strong, he wouldn't want to fight Yagamiaki.

''It's conceivable.''

Isn't it dangerous to be even with Yagami Akira?

　Abel frowned, and Benjamin's expression became almost cynical.

'Because the fact that you believe that is not the same as the fact that you believe that, you know.

　In other words, it seems that the elven sorcerer doesn't really think he's even with Yagami Akira.
　They all have a slightly softer expression.
　Yagami Akira is a far superior being in their eyes.
　The fact that they might be defeated is a nightmare just to think about it.

''Well, it can't be helped that there's nothing unusual about it. We have no choice but to report back.''

　Abel says as he regains his composure.

'Because it's possible that our area of responsibility happens to be safe.

　Benjamin continues to be cautious only.

''In that case, there should be an emergency contact at ...... and if not, there should be a message to the nearest guild branch. Let's drop by.

　Abel's decision was supported by all of them.
　The "Sacred Tree Through the Clouds" was made up of highly responsible members.
　It was probably one of the reasons why they hadn't had any major problems so far.　
　They took turns resting and then headed to the nearest city.
　There, Benjamin perceives a demon flying in the sky.

''A gargoyle. There have been more reports of sightings in this country lately.''

　He told them to think of something and then began to chant a spell.

''O spirits of thunder that dance in the sky! Fierce at large and wear the majesty of a celestial champion. [Roaring Thunder]

　His chanting was so fast that a spear of lightning, about five centimeters in diameter, obliterated the gargoyle in an instant.

''I think it was ...... overkill, Benjamin.

　One of his companions said in dismay.
　His companions knew that Benjamin was an intense spirit magic user and would not struggle against a gargoyle.
　However, from the side, it looked like he had gone somewhat too far.

''That's right. I'm not sure if that was a bad choice. Let's be careful.''

　Benjamin honestly admitted his mistake.

''It's about time you started to get tired. Everyone else should realize that this is a time when you're prone to making mistakes.''

　Abel follows him and reminds all of his friends.

'Aye. It's just that the city's already there.

　Riela laughed at that.
　Instead of being optimistic, it was her role to be a mood-maker to lighten the darkened air.
　They arrived in the city without incident.
　The city was a towering white, high wall, with soldiers at the watchtower and a gatekeeper.
　They were positioned as the lord's private soldiers in the employ of the lord of this region.
　The private soldiers saluted the 'Sacred Tree Penetrating the Clouds' with a respectful gaze.
　It was not uncommon for first-class adventurers to be paid respect.