Are you sure that was the right thing to do?　Letitia.

My father had always prepared a successor that wasn't me. My father has been preparing a successor that wasn't me for a long time. ...... ever since my mother was alive. He had me in the line of fire and had me doing all kinds of cumbersome work for him.

　Leticia cleared her face and stood taller, "Hmmm.

'So we've been doing the same thing for a long time. This job is my last. When I'm done with this, you can free ...... such a promise, right? I think the real successor was going to appear on the scene at the right moment. So it's all right. It was a good time to get away from home.

...... Leticia.

'Yes. That's the end of the story. Anyway, where do you and Nagi meet up?

It's near my old tool store. Well, ......, there's a message saying 'Dragon Knight (Dragoon)' is coming for you.

What is a 'dragon knight'?

He wants to surprise you. I'll explain later.

All right. We'll take a back way out of sight, okay? You take this corner to the left, the next one to the right, and then...

　Leticia, who had started to run, stopped without a second thought.

　Because the road leading to the meeting point with Nagi and the others - the road leading to the meeting point - was where five swordsmen were standing.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. They might be adventurers.

　The boy in the center of the room was dressed in overly decorated armor.

　He has several twisted horns on his head and fangs at the bottom of his helmet. You'd think it would sting if he looked up, but apparently that's not a concern.

　In addition, there are long horns sticking out from his shoulders.

　If you only look at the shadows, it would look like a person walking around stabbed by countless spears.

...... That person is ...... no way.

Well, well, well, aren't you the young lady from Viscount Mirfe?

　The boy carrying the big sword twisted his lips into a smile.

'I thought we were supposed to be doing some rehearsal today for when we fight in the third round. Why are we here?''

Are you ...... a mad dog?

Tanaka-Koga. What are you doing here?

　Both Rita and Letitia recognized him.

　Tanaka-Coga is a 'visitor' just like Nagi. A long time ago, when there was a conflict between the 'Commoner's Guild' and the 'Nobleman's Guild' in this town, this Tanaka-Coga was the one who attacked the 'Commoner's Guild' that Aine alone was left with.

　In the end, he was intercepted by Nagi and Rita, and furthermore beaten by Cecil's 'Ancient Language Magic Flame Arrow'. After that, he participated in the dungeon attack, and now he should have entered the seeded slot in the 'Martial Arts Tournament'.

　Leticia knows that she's supposed to face him in the main competition of the tournament.

　But I didn't expect to meet him here.

''──rather, what's the preliminary training?''

"You're one step away from beating me and I'm the one who's supposed to be fighting for victory.　Didn't you hear me?

──── Could this be the 'training partner' that the soldier was referring to?

　Letitia bit her lip.

　She couldn't believe it. Her father hadn't even spoken to Letitia, but had called Tanaka-Coga over to her.

'Father...... think about it for a minute. There's no way this man is going to practice properly .......

　In fact, he's already drawn his sword.

　Even though it's not very popular around here, this is still a town. We don't know when people will come.

　And yet, Tanaka-Koga is happily wielding his two-handed sword.

You're going to lose to me anyway. I'd rather beat you here than let you get away with it. Let's stick to the plan. I've already signed a contract with Count Gervis, the Lord of Hamilton.

'Mad dog!　Another 'contract' increase!

　Rita exclaims involuntarily.

'My master was worried about you and now ...... you're adding another one. How many 'contracts' do you have in place?

You don't care if I make a contract with you five times or not. It doesn't even matter in front of the Treasure Sword and this Armor of Warriors!　Even the armor on these things aren't free!　I ain't going to stop at any means to get the armor worthy of a brave man!

"............ huh?

　Rita sighed involuntarily and Letitia held her forehead.

　Seeing them, Tanaka-Coga looked annoyed.

'Then let's settle this right here. For the glory of my 'martial arts tournament'!

There's no point in having a competition in a bad race like that!

It's a big tournament to determine who's the bravest!　There are too many self-proclaimed brave men and women. For goodness sake, it's time for the royal family to decide on an official hero!

'Officially brave!'

I'll tell you if you beat me!

　With that, Tanaka-Coga took a small bottle from his pocket.

　He opened the seal and drank the contents in one go.

　At that moment, Tanaka-Coga's expression changed.

''Hmph, what's with the 'contract'? The nobles are putting me through the ordeal with me in mind. This is the official power of a brave man. That's what I'm going to teach you guys!

...... Rita and ...... Letitia.

　Rita and Leticia exchanged glances.

　Tanaka-Coga is strong. Moreover, the swordsmen around him are also unobtainable.

　We should give him a blow to break through here.

　Leticia confirms her magical power. ''Forced Civility (Manner Geas)'' can't be used for a while. This is due to the fact that when escaping the Viscount's house, I was dealing with quite a large number of people.

　Determined, Leticia draws her sword and Rita holds her fist in the air.

　Tanaka-Coga and the others, who have entered a combat stance, also slowly start to walk away.

　When the distance between them begins to close in on each other...



We are outnumbered, and I am outgunned!



　A swordsman in jet-black armor rushed toward them from the main street.

　Rita, Leticia, Tanaka-Coga and the others all looked at the owner of the voice for a moment.

　The swordsman is wearing a full plate of black armor. He wears a helmet with horns like a dragon, and his chest is decorated with scales.

　His face is not visible. He has a deep face armor down, and all that is visible is his gray hair.

　But Rita and Leticia can see what it is.

''That's the 'Dragon Knight (Dragoon)'! You're Mr. Cutlass?

What the f*ck you!　A better looking armor than mine!

The Dragon Knight ...... is here to welcome our friends!

The dragon knight draws his sword.

　At the same time, Tanaka-Coga and a swordsman point their swords at the dragon knight.

　The remaining three run towards Rita and Leticia.

''Activate──'Mutualistic Singing (Mutualistic Singing)!

　Rita made an immediate decision and belted out a song that sped up the party.

　As expected, you can't use your alter ego in town.

　I know how fast Tanaka-Coga is. We should be able to counter that with this song.

'Thanks for the support!　Activate 'Rotating Shield Shoot (Shield Scramble)'!



　Boom!

　Guru Guru Guru Guru: ──────!



'OWWWWWWWWWW!

　The swordsman's body, struck by Leticia's shield, begins to spin at high speed. The enemy turns his eyes in a flash and falls over.

''I'm coming!　You weren't Katra......, little 'Dragon Knight'!

　Rita kicks the slashing swordsman away without question. The last one is standoffish with Leticia. I'm wary of her 'Rotating Shield Shoot (Shield Scramble)' and can't get close to her.

(Then──I'll be in support of Cutlass-chan!)

　Rita's face as she started to run with that thought - she turned pale.

　Tanaka-Coga's movement is too fast. He gets in between Cutlass in an instant and raises his great sword.

　Furthermore, another swordsman slashes at Cutlass from the side.

　One or two, Rita was about to call out her alter ego - when -.

It is activated. ''Kakusei Randa''

　Cutlass activated the skill.

　Instantly, with a flowing movement, Cutlass unleashed his sword. The blade caught Tanaka-Coga's large sword and received it cleanly. As it was, Cutlass changed his stance and cut off the wrist of the other swordsman.

''Gu, guaaaaaaaaaah!

　The swordsman winces, blood pouring from his wrist.

　In the meantime, Tanaka-Coga doesn't stop attacking. Whether it's the effect of the potion or the 'acceleration' skill, he swings his great sword repeatedly, trying to catch Cutlass.

''This guy!　Why? Why?　Why doesn't it hit me?

　Cutlass dodges the great sword that is being brought out with a flowing movement.

　It's as if he understands Tanaka-Coga's movements.

...... It is. Feen. Instructions for evasion and ...... the point at which I should attack!

　Cutlass spun his body around and cut at Tanaka-Coga.

　Tanaka-Coga flicked it back with force and slashed at Cutlass' armor.

It's already scratched. Isn't that armor apparent?

What do you think?

　Cutlass steps in. Tanaka-Koga intercepts him.

　In terms of speed, Tanaka-Coga is faster.

　Instead, Cutlass's sword is lean.

　He accurately aims at the gap in the armor and hurts Tanaka-Coga.

'...... te, te...'

What is it, sir? Brave man, which one!

　Countless scars run across Cutlass' armor.

　But all of them are missing the kryptonite.

　The scars are on the tips of his shoulders. The horns of his helmet. The only thing injured is the waistband.

　It's just a red wound, but it didn't penetrate the armor.

"It's your armor that's tattered, isn't it?　Brave man, which one!

　Cutlass seemed to laugh as she lowered the face armor of her helmet.

　Just as she had said, Tanaka-Koga's armor was beginning to fray.

　The breastplate and knee pads had already come off, and every time Tanaka-Coga moved, it made a chattering, grating sound. The guy's movements slowed down as well.

'You're only targeting the joints of your ...... armor ......

I can see your movements. Brave man, which one!

　Cutlass's sword sliced through Tanaka-Coga's shoulder.

　At the same time, Tanaka-Coga's sword makes a large gash in Cutlass' armor.

''That armor over there is probably at its limit too!

Yes, sir. Well, I'll take it off then!

"I'll take it off ...... it's ...... it's ......, oh no!

　There was a cracking sound, and the connection of the armor of the cutlass came off.

　And then...



"The second armor, 'Holy Knight Change (Paladin Mode)'!

"...understood. Purging the Dragon Knight's Armor to reveal the Holy Knight's Armor.



　The jet-black armor blew off and silver and white armor appeared from underneath it.

''What the hell is this?

　Tanaka-Coga shouted.

　Cutlass's armor turned into black shotgun shells and flew towards Tanaka-Coga.

　He was hit by a direct hit and screamed and blew away...

　He just fell down.




This is great. Cutlass.

So that's Cutlass-san's 'Engage' skill, isn't it?

　Rita and Letitia emerged from the shadows of the building.

　It was because the moment Cutlass' 'Armor' was blown off, a message came from Nagi. About the ability of Cutlass' 'Dragon Knight's Armor' and the 'Holy Knight's Armor' underneath it.



''Hey!　Cutlass. I told you not to get ahead of yourself!



　I hear Nagi's voice from across the street.

　Rita smiled and jumped out from behind the building.

　Rita and her friends were having trouble getting to the rendezvous point, so Nagi came to pick them up.

'Sorry. I'm late!

I was the one who got there first. There's nothing wrong with you.

　The white and silver helmet opened and Cutlass appeared.

　Rita and Leticia approached her and touched the armor.

　The texture was like metal. But this kind of armor was impossible. It should be physically impossible to put a full plate of armor on top of each other in the first place.

...... is amazing. Cutlass. I can't believe you can move like that with your armor on.

It was like I wasn't wearing anything.

You're wearing it!　At the very least, I'm wearing enough to not be ashamed of it!

"...... huh?

It's because I ran out of the house in a hurry. I wanted to show off my ...... "spirit link" skills with Arujidono to Rita and Letitia, so I wanted to show off my ...... "spirit link" skills.

Not "Engage"?

Awwww. ......

　Cutlass reflexively holds his mouth, while Rita and Leticia have nice smiles on their faces for some reason.

　While watching them, Nagi

Thanks, guys. Good to see you both in one piece.

Rita Melpheus, we're back!　Master!

　Rita couldn't help but hug Nagi.

　She put her face close to her master's neck, as if to replenish her favorite smell.

''I'll be glad to have you back, too. More importantly, .......

Tanaka-Coga, or ...... It's been a while.

　Nagi approached the unconscious Tanaka-Koga.

　While staring at the cool 'Armor of the Warriors', he suddenly

We'll see what we can do.

''That's right. You said something about 'official heroes'.

Fake heroes, gunslinger heroes, and now official heroes.

There's a lot of things. Brave men.

...... The concept of bravery is about to collapse.

...... I agree with you, sir.

　Nagi and the others put their foreheads together to discuss it, and decided to restrain Tanaka-Coga, who was unconscious, for the time being - and then extract information from him.