To put it simply, we could not get any new information from that base.

　But that's to be expected.
　Without any particular discouragement and without any time to spare, Allen and the others returned to the city and stared at the map to figure out their next destination.

Hmm ...... the information that Henriette has and I have. The place that matches the two is here, ......?

　With that said, Allen pointed to a place located in the southeastern corner of the Ad Astera Kingdom.

　It's not a remote place with an expanse of lush forest, but it's also a place that's under less scrutiny than it is right on the border with other countries.
　The reason for this is simple: this is a very dangerous place.

　It is a place where demons that lightly exceed twenty are strewn about, and basically all the countries that share borders with it are forbidden to touch it.
　Simply because it is dangerous, and because there is not enough energy to go into it in earnest, above all because the monsters will not come out of the forest even if it is dangerous, we chose to leave it alone for the time being.

　Of course, the minimum surveillance is in place for emergencies, and a certain amount of investigation is also carried out periodically.
　But since the forest is as large as a small country, the depth of the investigation is not as deep as it should be, and since no one is expected to vault through the dangerous forest, the surveillance is very lax.
　It's a good place for a demon to establish a stronghold.

　As a matter of fact, it is one of the most popular places for demon strongholds.
　If you can't find it, it's natural to think that it's in a place where people can't see it.
　Considering the fact that demons are sometimes used by demons, it is a place that is dangerous for people but not for demons.
　Again, it's a very good place for demons to establish a stronghold.

　Knowing this, there has been no investigation because, in addition to the aforementioned reasons, there is no sign of demons doing anything from that forest.
　The forest there is a place where the four borders meet, yet nowhere has it been invaded.
　Considering the fierce demons, it is hard to believe that they would do nothing despite being in such an ideal location, so they are considered low priority, albeit powerful.

"Well, they're sneaky, but they're not as vicious as people say. No, it's more because they are despicable that they make you look despicable?
I think it's the right thing to do. That's why we've been able to hide the base so well.
And right in the middle of it, too. Well, it's nice to know where exactly. It would have been hard to find everything here.
"...... The demons seem to be fine with Allen and his team, but will they know we're approaching them on the way?
Hmm, I wonder?　We don't have to be pessimistic, but we can't be optimistic either, can we?

　The back part of the forest is really untouched.
　We don't know what kind of monsters are there, and it wouldn't be surprising if there was something like that Fenrir monster, or even more.
　We didn't know what kind of demons were there, and it wouldn't be surprising if there was a demon like that Fenrir or even more.

The problem is that now that we know the location of the specific base, how do we get there?
After all, it makes no difference to go through the forest.
"It would be difficult to not encounter any demons along the way.
"Is it possible if I can get Noel to help me with ......?
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in the forest. I think that depending on the situation, there are things that even Noel can't do anything about.
"To begin with, Noel is at work right now.

　They might be able to help you if you tell them, but the place to go is the place.
　I'm not going to ask for help if there's a high probability that I'll be involved in something dangerous.

But for now, let's take a look at this without Noel: ......, does Chloe know anything about this place?
"Huh?　A, me?
Yeah, sure, they didn't bring you to the desert right after they got you. You could have been brought here first?
"...... could be a clue, depending on what you remember?
Yes. It would be helpful to know where you walked from and how you walked, and what the surroundings were like at that time. ......

　Saying this, all eyes are on Chloe at once.
　Surprised by the suddenness of the situation, and slightly hunched over, Chloe opened her mouth somewhat awkwardly.

"Uh, yeah, I'm sorry. It's true that I was somewhere else before I went over there, but ......
"Don't you remember ......?
I'm not entirely sure. There was a lot of confusion at the time and a lot going on at ......, but I honestly don't remember much. Sometimes I still remember a few things from the base, but ......
Well, if you don't remember, that's okay. And it's possible that you don't remember it, you just don't know it at all.
It's true that the inside of the base, but it would be a big problem if information from the outside got out. It's possible that you just didn't see the outside from the start and forgot about it because of the confusion.
Well, if you don't know, I'll just assume that's what you're thinking about. You don't have to worry about it.

　Originally, no, and originally.
　I was trying to think of something to do from there if I could get some information, but it doesn't matter if I don't.

Hmmm, it just comes down to that, does it end up being a game of chance?
Well, we'll have to wait and see as we get information on the ground.
"And with the demons on alert, it's a quick and easy way to charge in without thinking about the trouble. The quickest way to do that is to just charge in without thinking about the trouble, and I've only just tried that and failed. Well, it's up to you.

　Unlike the desert stronghold that was just built, this forest stronghold would have existed before.
　It should be considered to be on high alert, or maybe there might be some devices to intercept it.

　On top of that, you need to be on guard for the demons, and it's just a prelude to a battle.
　What's really important is to break into the base safely.

　But if you handle the process of breaking into the base in a haphazard manner, there is a possibility that you will be able to escape again, as was the case with Akira.

Well, it's certainly a hassle. There's a lot to think about.
"...... I'm really sorry for everything,
...... likes to do it, so what's the problem?
I know. If I wanted to quit, I could do it right now, and that's not your concern.


I'm just trying to beat the shit out of that guy I let go.

　Akira's words may be half heartfelt, half caring: ...... Well, it's true that each of us does this because we like it.

　It's a good thing that the threat has been removed for the time being, and from here on out it should be left to the state to decide.
　The reason for not doing so is that it will take time and in that case, there is a high possibility that the safety of Amazoness and her friends will not be taken into consideration.
　If you weigh the lives of dozens of people against the possibility of avenging the demon, the odds are slim to none.

　Moreover, they are not your citizens who are being held.
　It's even less likely to be remembered.

　The fact that you are unwilling to do so means that you are willing to do so after all.

Well, I wouldn't feel awake if I abandoned you now. But the most important thing is yet to come, and for now, what we need to think about is how we can make it work this time.

　Whether it was an apology or a thank you, those words would be received only after all was said and done.

　To that end, Allen turned his attention back to the map and wondered what to do now, and what to do in the future.