A raid is a battle in which many adventurers join together to fight beyond the usual party limit of six. This was a very popular content in the days when Elder Tail was a game, and many of the game's quests, the pinnacle of which was large-scale battles.
　There are several types of large scale battles. The largest, with a total of 96 players, is called a Legion Raid, but the number of quests that require it is not large enough to cover the entire Yamato Server area.
　The most common type of raid is a full raid, which is said to be the best of all large scale battles, where a party of six players is bundled into four. These large-scale battles, requiring a total of twenty-four participants, were a glorified way to win honors on the server, and back in the days when Elder Tail was still a game, they were the news of the game, with predictions and announcements every weekend as to how the major guilds would fare.
　The Tea Party of the Prodigal (Devocherie), to which Shiroe belonged back in the day, was another organization that was active in targeting this full raid. Even though the reality is that Legion raids, which require more than a hundred participants if you include the reserves, can never compete with the big guilds, there is no doubt that full raids were a great opportunity to attract the attention and popularity of the servers.
　Although it is generally misunderstood, what is needed for large scale combat is not powerful equipment.
　If the introduction to large scale combat required a grade of equipment and specialties that could only be obtained in large scale combat, then there would be no players who could play this end content. No matter how difficult the quest is, that's how the game is designed. If there is no playable audience, then the operators will not know why they are providing that content.
　It should be difficult to be a player favorite, but it should not be impossible to clear. Raid content design is about taste and experience.
　What does good raid content look like?
　Back in the days when Elder Tail was a game, a message from the creator of the game, known as a designer's letter, included these words
--This was the message from the creator of the game, who called it a designer's letter: "Elder Tail is a game that can grow with your friends.
　Shiroe thinks it means exactly what it says.
　A raid is content with a level of difficulty that a group of people with a certain level of equipment and strength can overcome through repeated practice. Practice in this case means analyzing the mechanics of the raid content, investigating the characteristics of the enemy, planning an appropriate strategy, and learning how to work together to execute that strategy.

　Of course, your performance as a game character is important. If you have it, you can get through raid content with all your might. However, if you do that, you will soon stumble on content that requires high performance.　This is where the members need to unify their minds and communicate with each other, as well as connect with each other beyond the game characters' equipment and skill levels.
　In other words, if you're serious about taking on challenging raid content, you need allies who can serve as allies. It takes time to learn how to work together. If you enter a tough fight with a group of adventurers, everything from the level of difficulty required to relationships can deteriorate. If that were to happen, a community like the guild would inevitably collapse.

　That was why Shiroe was suffering.
　Shiroe has gained many acquaintances through the operation to retake Zantorif. Even as a veteran Elder Tail player, Shiroe has gained a friend list several times larger than the one he had before. However, he has been unable to make use of his telepathic network. The best chance of success would be to contact the D.D.D., the Black Sword Knights, or the West Wind Brigade, large guilds that specialize in Raids, but it is safe to assume that all of Akiba's major forces are under the watchful eye of Plant hwyaden and further groups. No, in fact, Shiroe confirms that they are. It's impossible for him to move these forces.
　Of course, there are skilled individuals who are individual adventurers. However, because raids are group content, group proficiency is impossible. The risk of an instant organization increases. If we can gradually deepen our relationship with them from now on, that's fine, but we want to finish this mission quickly. With that in mind, I'm hesitant to set up a new organization.
　If there was a Prodigal's Tea Party, there would have been no problem. Shiroe thinks so. If it was that group of daredevils, they would have taken any raid in two words. It's as if I can see Nukkanda's Tuli screaming out in a strange voice and running off with it on my eyelids. This mission was perfect for Kanami's friends, who only see every difficulty as an opportunity to show off.

'I get it. Good.
　So Shiroe let out a gasp of relief and a range of relief at his quick reply, although he was desperately trying to suppress it.
　The silver-haired man in front of me accepted Shiroe's request with a complex expression.
　This is Susukino. One of the only five player towns in Japan. In the real world, it's a city located in the location of Sapporo, Hokkaido. A large tavern in the center of Susukino is now used as the Silver Sword's guild hall.
　Although it was a tavern, the high-ceilinged structure was open and free of humidity. On a wooden couch that looked more like a bench than a sofa, William-Massachusetts, a full-haired elf, "Mithril Eyes", turned his sharp gaze to Shiroe.
'Thank you.' --but don't we need to hear the details?
You don't have to ask.
　Facing the Guildmaster of the Silver Sword, Shiroe gathered up what she needed to say in her head. In any case, he has accepted the job for now. All that remains now is for me to explain in detail and finalize our cooperation.
　Remembering the gathering for the formation of the Round Table, it is clear that William has a very short temper. It would not be a good idea to explain the situation for too long. In order to split up the situation, we parted ways with Naotsugu and came to the Silver Sword's headquarters. I want to bring back a good result.
Our target zone is a new raid zone that connects from the depths of the Palms' Deep Space. We've investigated the breach. It's a full raid restriction. Enemy level is above the initial 87. Discovered by us. The seal has been lifted in the quest. We believe the difficulty is very high.
"Hmm.
　After the meeting with Violet Star, Shiroe and the rest of the group went to the deepest part of the Palms again to investigate the depths of the seal. The seal itself was still in place, but the investigation was overridden by Li-Gun's permission, which allowed those who had received permission from Li-Gun to enter behind the great door of the seal. The results confirmed that its interior was a large battle zone, as expected.
　The interior was like an ancient ruin with a high ceiling - in other words, it was an area that looked like the image of the Palms' deepest place that had been dug out underground. Illuminated by luminous crystals, the underground space is a strange facility that looks like a series of vertical holes, arches and countless temples.
　The hostile beings that they saw from a distance were ochre-colored jelly-like monsters. This kind of indeterminate creature could be found in underground facilities that were sealed off. Its level was eighty-seven. Although Shiroe and his men could defeat it easily enough, it was a full raid, or in other words, a monster that was expected to be fought by twenty-four adventurers of the 87th level. Shiroe and the others retreated without a single fight.
　Also, as Shiroe had expected, the zone seemed to be under the control of the entry restrictions. Only twenty-four people were allowed to enter this zone. This means that we can't leave it up to the number of people to attack by force.

　William seemed to be examining Siloe's brief report with an expression that seemed to twist the corners of his lips. I'm sure he's gathered a lot of information from Shiroe's words, which can almost be described as minimal. It's a good thing that he's a seasoned adventurer with experience in raiding.
'What kind of enemies do you have?　I'll take a prediction.
What I saw was a slime-like monster, more than five meters in diameter. It's more than five meters in diameter. It's just a guess, but based on the shape of the facility and the lore, we think it might be a giant.
Giants.
　The Elder Tail contains a wide variety of monsters, some of which are as diverse as the production company can imagine. You could say that they are of every kind imaginable that a production company could imagine. However, even among these monsters, there are a few different types. These are the "aquatic green demons" (Safagin) and the "green goblins" (goblins) that Shiroe and his friends fought in the Zantorieff Peninsula. They are also known for their immortal "skeletons" and "skeletons", as well as the powerful "dragons". They are also known as "giants". As the term implies, they are giant, humanoid monsters. They are relatively popular in the Arcuate Islands of Yamato, and are mainly found north of the Kanto region. There are various types of giants, such as the Monocular Titan (Cyclops), the Frost Giant, and the Frost Giant, but in general, these giants boast a high level of HP and offensive strength, but their agility is low. Contrary to the common image of giants, high-level giants possess powerful offensive magic. Compared to the Direbeasts and Trent, they are a more powerful foe.
That's a good thing. We call Susukino home, so we know what we're doing.
　William said.
　Shiroe nodded at his words. In fact, that was one of the reasons why Shiroe had decided to scout the Silversword. In the real world of Hokkaido, the Ezzo Empire is the frontline of the Daichijin's battle against the giants. After leaving Akiba, Silversword has moved its base of operations to nearby Atsuno, where raids to defeat the giants are plentiful. Knowing this information, Shiroe had asked Silversword to be one of the few organizations that could fulfill this mission.

But that doesn't mean there aren't any problems.
　William continues, looking as stubborn as ever.
The Silversword is closed for the time being. It's lacking in talent.
What?
It just means that some of the members couldn't follow the raid. Some of them stay in the guilds, but they don't want to be in a big battle.
　William's answer was harsh.
'I mean, I'm retired. The lukewarm raids will work, but the hottest raids are no better. This time it's the hardest one. We've leveled up to ninety-five, but that doesn't make it any easier. We can only take twenty people with us, right?
It's a memory.
　William shakes his head and denies Shiroe's question, his fear of amnesia.
It's a story about memory loss. We don't believe in that stuff. We're not afraid of that. At least we're not scared of the monsters.
Then why?
　Shiroe doesn't understand.
　I know that it is a fear. No matter how true the resurrection from death is, there is a physiological fear attached to the loss of one's own breath. The pain itself is diluted; even at the point of losing most of your HP, it's only a muscle ache. Even at that moment of dying, it will not be as unbearable as it could be. However, the steel sword growing out of his chest, for example, is a real sight that breaks the adventurer's self-control. Torn by the claws of demonic beasts and devoured by their guts, the scene is unrestrained. There is a fear that only death has in death.
　The major raiding guilds, such as D.D.D. and the Black Sword Guild, have not attempted the most difficult raids since the Catastrophe. To begin with, the difficulty of battle has increased since the Catastrophe. Many adventurers point out that the level of monsters that can be defeated by a party is lower than it was in Elder Tail due to poor visibility and difficulty in monitoring status. It's no wonder that the major guilds have lowered the difficulty level of the large-scale battles they target.
(So if the fear of death is so strong that there's a shortage of raid members, I can understand.
Why?
Shiroe........uh. Mr.
You can call me Shiroe.
Oh. How many times has Shiloh died over here since then?
　Shiroe, who had considered that it might be a 'catastrophe', replied, "Never. William turned his head to the side, his sullen face twisted in confusion at the answer.
　The expression on his face was more confused than sullen.
'I can't explain it to someone who doesn't understand,'
....
You'll learn a lot of things when you die. You'll find out things about yourself, you know, if you're a bad actor, if you're a cocksucker, if you're boring. If you die a hundred times, you'll find out a hundred times. That's why it's so hard to keep going.
　Biting his lip, William looked younger.
　Shiroe stared at the young raid master with a sense of frustration that had no place to go. There was something there that Shiroe needed to understand, but the moment when Shiroe desperately needed to think about it seemed to have run out in a flash.
　When Shiroe turned around at the sound of the explosion, the man she knew was approaching her with a look of rage.


　◆



　Meanwhile, Naotsugu and Li-Gun are wandering around the same place in Susukino.
　It was December. In the middle of winter, Susukino was covered in silver under the high blue sky. The two of them walked along the wide street of the Susukino. There are many restaurants and squares to go to. They are planning to gather raid members in a separate location from Shiroe.
　In Elder Tail, if you look at a person, their name, main occupation and level will be displayed if you look at them. It was Shiroe and Naotsugu's opinion that level 90 was the minimum requirement for this adventure. There are many other factors that go into scouting a member, such as guild affiliation, equipment, demeanor, and manner of speaking, but in the end, Naotsugu thinks it's just a matter of intuition.
''Gathering your friends together?''
Oh.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for," said Naotsugu, who is walking the streets of Susukino with a hunched-over witch doctor.
I don't think it will be able to be a quick twenty people, but I'd like to have an eye on it.
Does it work that way?　Gathering warriors for a decisive battle.
When it works, it works.
　Naotsugu returned such a raw reply and looked around the vicinity. The town seems much calmer than when he was here before. It is no longer the desolate Susukino where adventurers are paranoid about each other.
　The Silversword must have improved the environment a great deal. I had heard about it vaguely through the news via Shiroe. That guild that left Akiva and came to this northern city in search of a raiding environment seemed to have had a significant impact. Susukino, which was on the verge of becoming a violent city due to the collapse of security, had been saved by the Silversword. Even though they do not belong to Akiba's Round Table, they are a group of such size and strength that they were at one time elected to its twelve guilds. They are not the same as the rogues who roamed the streets of Susukino with their heads held high. Even if they are at the same ninety level, they are a well-trained military force group.
　Just having a first-class martial arts guild in Susukino had improved the situation a lot, Naotsugu had heard from Shiroe.
　An old woman wearing a fur coat and a cylindrical hat walked by, carrying a large paper bag. I'm sure there were some foodstuffs in the bag. I'm not in a particularly good mood, but I'm not wary of her, either. The child seems to be enjoying himself, so it must not be a bad situation. The child was walking too fast because of the cold.
　As far as I can see, the street has been plowed and there is about four inches of snow on either side of it. It was cold to cold, but it looked to Naotsugu like a harmonious and gentle landscape in its own right. Glittering icicles hung from the eaves of the roofs, making the city look like an art form decorated with crystals.
　As we passed through the residential area, the streets became wider. This is the artery of Susukino that leads to the center of the city. The abandoned buildings look just as rugged and fortress-like as the last time I was here, but to Naotsugu, they look much more at home in the landscape than they did on our May adventure. Perhaps that was because this snowy building was actually intended to protect against the cold rather than to be as threatening as it appeared on the outside.
'Old man, what about Susskino?'
You've been here a few times.
I think you're going to have to stay at home for a while.
Yes, I'm prepared for that. I am prepared to explore those depths, because I would be the one to slow them down.
　Li-Gan replied with some regret.
　If it is a party-based zone, the monsters that appear there are supposed to be defeated by five or six "adventurers". I'm sure you'll be able to find a good deal more than one way to do that. That's how they explored the 'Deep Place of Palms' while providing an escort. However, in a raid zone with 24 high-level adventurers, the battle would be fierce. Li-Gun had been waiting for Naotsugu and the others to return to Susukino after consulting with them beforehand.
''It looks disappointing after all,''
''Oh well. After all, it's a secret of the sacrificial clan. All the information I can see and hear there is worth more than just gold.
He said he'd bring back as many souvenirs as he could.
　Naotsugu replied to Li-Gun.
'No, no, don't worry about it. This is the role of the Wise Man of Miral Lake. And there are many unusual things in this city as well. This is where the adventurers are developing the city. While Naotsugu and the others are attacking the city, I'm going to learn about Susukino on my own. I'm excited to think about what new things are being born here in the north.
　While saying that, Li-Gun looked around smiling.
　He must really be full of curiosity. Although he is using an honorific term of endearment, from Naotsugu's point of view, he is a man of the same age. Naotsugu thinks he's like a science department seminar student who lives in a laboratory. Naotsugu, who is shy, is an interesting person to talk to. It's easy to see why he or she likes it so much.
Well, you're right. There are many things to see in Susquino, too.
Well, since this is the time of year, I thought I'd check out the Intercity Transfer Gate.

Hibé.
　Their conversation was interrupted by an abrupt voice.
　Reflexively, I looked over and saw a figure plunging his upper body into a pile of snow on the side of a cottage-style house. That's a tremendous posture for a fall. The face plunged diagonally into the snow pile is not visible to Naotsugu. Just a slender and shapely hot pants butt was sticking out.
''Nusupanzu!''
　Naotsugu smiled and gave a big thumbs up.
　The line from her small hips to her smooth, ivory thighs was wonderful.
'I'd have to agree,'
　Seeing a smiling Li-Gun next to him, Naotsugu thought, Oh, this guy could be a friend after all. He's a sullen pantie. He's the same type as Shiroe, but he's also more manly than Shiroe, because he can express his greatness at times like this.
　Regan replied to Naotsugu in an intelligent manner.
'But I'm not familiar with the customs of adventurers, but aren't those what's called low-rise hot pants?　I mean, doesn't that disqualify you from being a real pantser?
Yeah. You're going to feel bad for the rest of us.　If you have a pair of pants in your heart, it's your pants.
That's the word.
Help me!
　The person who had recovered from the grand explosion of the snow pile on the two of them screamed in protest. I'm sure he must have stuck his head in pretty deep, and rather than falling, he must have fallen off the roof, but the tip of his cute little nose is just a little bit red. The toughness of the adventurer also affects the other things.
The Bad Bad Festival.
There was a good ass, and I just couldn't resist.
　The petite shadow barked out a bite at the pair's unflappable attitude.
''If the face of a beautiful girl like me gets hurt, it's the loss of the boys who are thrilled.
　Naotsugu stared at his voluntary victim, who was only up to his chest.
　She was small and pretty. The overall slender silhouette was dressed in a blouse and vest, hot pants that showed off her long white legs, and high socks and tie that also dazzled the absolute realm. The fact that the upper half of her body looked like some kind of school uniform, but the lower half of her body was just barely exposed, was detestable.
　It's a fashion that might make you nervous even if you don't feel like it, from a masculine point of view. In fact, even Naotsugu's cheeks get hot. It feels righteous, so it's only a little bit. However, the expression on his face betrayed the small silk hat on his coquettish attire.
　It was the most boastful, happy, do-gooder look Naotugu had ever seen - a smug look, so to speak. The expression on his face as he declared himself cute enough to call it the loss of the boys was admirably radiant, as if he himself believed his own statement to be true.
　Cute.
　Sure, cute.
　It's frustrating, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't cute.
　But to say that it was a "loss of a crush boy" would be too much, Naotsugu thought, at any price. He thought, but refrained from giving that shove to the girl who was smiling with lips as glossy as jelly, saying that it would be an ogre indeed.
''That would be too much at any price.
　The demon Re-Gun did not refrain from refraining from doing so.
(Another one of Li-Gan's stock went up.)
　Naotsugu is very impressed.
It's a good idea. I never fail.
Oh, I'm back.
　Li-Gan seems to be teasing her as she returns from her stagger. Her expression is one of amusement. She is red-faced and angry at Li-Gun's hailing tweets.
　Even though she is doing so, she has a fun and proud expression, which is not very pretty for a beautiful girl. However, that also seemed to be her unique charm. She has a rich expression, and as she says, she was indeed an attractive presence.
''Hmm.... 　I mean, a festival!
What?
　The meaning of the words Naotsugu had accidentally blurted out with his arms crossed, fortunately neither the girl nor Li-Gun seemed to realize the meaning of the words. Naotsugu waved his hand as if to cover up where he was looking, then pulled a towel out of his pack and tossed it to the girl.
　She was lightly armed, because she didn't look like she was carrying a magic bag.
'Mm, I get it now. I'm fan friendly.
　She doesn't hesitate to wipe the snow with a towel. Naotsugu looked at her status notation as he took the snow from the rim of her apparently clumsy little silk hat with his fingertips.
"Tetra, ka.
You can call me Tetra-chan!
　She has a crisp face, and Naotsugu is drained of his venom. The level is ninety-two. It's the same as Naotsugu's. It seems that even after the catastrophe, he is an adventurer with a lot of battle experience. The guild is the Light Indigo. The main occupation is the "healing priest" (cleric).
Okay, this guy seems to be easier to deal with than you are.
It won't work if you say it yourself.
　While Naotsugu rushed in, Tetra held onto Naotsugu's left hand with the nimbleness of a cat, hanging on to it.
''Yeah?　Doesn't work?　No?　I don't know if my hug works.
　Apparently that's the basis of the question with a pompous, proud face. It doesn't work!　It's easy to deny that it's not, but that's the sad nature of men. He knows he's only teasing, but he doesn't feel bad about being attached to a beautiful girl in a friendly way. You can even smell sweet like an orange.
"Ha, ha, ha!
Hahaha. No, Naotsugu-san.
　When did they read the status. In this world, it's a given that even people you've never met before know each other's names.
I love rubbing on men who are in a hurry. By the way, you should know that I hate being grounded!
So, haha.
　With a twisting motion, Tetra went around Naotsugu's back side and climbed up to his shoulder, as if clinging to his neck. Perhaps because of the adventurer's agility, she didn't even feel much weight.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's not uncommon to find beautiful women in the Elder Tail, which is compensated by the system, but that's only on the outside, and it doesn't mean you can't cheat the atmosphere she exudes. Tetra exudes an air of glamour and positivity, and in terms of standing out, she's one of the best adventurers Naotsugu has ever had.
''She looks like a naki rabbit climbing a tree.
The skeletal man over here is hard, isn't he!
Skeletons?
　Li-Gun seems to enjoy such a tetora's response.
'It's a big deal. Shouldn't we help them?　Fans will cry if a pretty girl like me wears her nose off. Just the fact that she was so clumsy in that place would be the end of her idol life.
Oh, those sweatpants.
I'm not wearing pants!　It's hot pants!
　Re-Gun is not defeated either. It seems that he is quickly detecting the ugliness that he is concerned about and attacking the weaknesses.
''Hot.........warm panties........ Ah.......... I mean did you pee a little in shock?
I didn't mean to rip you off!
Really?
"It's cold in the snow and you'll get a stomach ache...
Yeah.
What do you want me to say, you mischievous skeleton!
　Naotsugu held his head in his arms and raised his large hands, grabbed Tetra's sides and lowered her to the ground in a heap as Tetra and Ri-Gun argued as if holding his head in his arms. He felt a look from Li-Gan.
　The implications of this were immediately understood. I mean, how could this girl be an invitation?　I guess that means.
　Naotsugu observes Tora with the raid in mind.

　The role of the Priestess of Healing in a raid is as a front-line healer. The role of the healer is to recover the first line of defense (the main tank) while relying on the heavy armor. For this reason, it is the most heavily armed among the three recovery jobs.
　In fact, it is one of the three positions among the twelve, along with Naotsugu's Guardian and Souji's Samurai, that can be equipped with full-body metal armor. They can also equip shields, which ranks them second only to the guardian warriors in terms of defense capabilities.
　You'll be able to use your own magic to support the first defender's HP from the front lines. In the fierce battle of a raid, the first line of defense is the toughest position to take on a monster's attack. Naturally, these attacks are not limited to sword and axe blows, but also include dragon breath and wide area offensive magic.
　Such attacks are aimed at the first line of defense, but because they are ranged attacks, they often involve the Priestesses of Healing at close range. Of course, they are in close range because they can use powerful recovery magic, but even so, the front line is a frightening place. The Priestess of Healing is not afraid to take risks, and is sometimes called the "stalwart protector" of the Elder Tail.
　It's a good thing that they're not just for the benefit of the public.
　However, it is possible that the current equipment of Tetra is for walking the streets and not for battle, so this judgment is not very dependable. It's possible that Shiroe might be able to figure out what kind of magical ability the smart vest she's wearing, but that's an impossible feat for Naotsugu to accomplish. In conclusion, Naotsugu's decision is that he doesn't know. The level is perfect, and I want a good recovery role in the raid.
　However, as things go, Naotsugu is hesitant to take the girl out to the battlefield where her life is in danger.

It's a good thing that a girl my age has pheromones at all times.
　That's what Tetra said, with an expression of annoyance on his face, spreading his chest.
　It seems that Naotsugu misunderstood the way he was staring at Tetra. It's not that Naotsugu is bothered by such a statement, but Tetra has his hands on his hips, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone, pheromone. I'm not sure what makes her happy, but she's proudly trying to hug Naotugu, and I can't let my guard down. Naotsugu also tries desperately to pull away from her.
"I don't think it's pheromones that come out of the protruding buttocks, I think it's farting.
　With a finger on the tip of his chin and a thoughtful look on his face, Li-Gan took a swipe at Tetra's attitude.
''Nah!''
Huh?
　Tetra, who turned grief-stricken and forced herself to regain her collapsed knees immediately afterwards, still insisted forcefully.
'Idols don't fart!
Shrooms?
I don't!
　The words of Naotsugu who reflexively plunged into the scene are also picked up by Titora with precision. That pause was innate.
"Good.
What?
You've been accepted. --Look, I know this is really short notice, but...
　As I told Li-Gun, it was ultimately a hunch.
　Besides, Naotsugu sensed a nostalgic smell from Tetra. It was a scent similar to that of his friends, who had not sought victory or defeat, but still rushed through.
　This is how Naotsugu succeeded in recruiting new raid members.


　◆


I don't know how you managed to show your face here again. The Log Horizon.
　When Shiroe looked back, he saw Demiquas, who had come in with a full-body rage.
　Furthermore, behind him, the fallen table that he apparently kicked around and the food that was thrown on the floor were scattered about, and the members of the Silver Sword were staring at Demikus with swift expressions, or in other words, at the table with their leader William and his guest Shiroe.
　This zone exists in the city of Susukino and is naturally a no-fighting zone.
　That's why none of the members have drawn their weapons. It's a good idea to take a break in the back," one of them said to the terrified Daichijin.
　Shiroe's cheeks loosened a bit at those words. It's a good guild, he thought.
　However, Demiquas, driven by a rage, didn't seem to take it that way.
"You're acting like you don't have a choice.
It's been a long time, Mr. Demikus.
　This muscular giant was the one who looked exactly as he did six months ago. It seems that his equipment and other items of equipment have been updated considerably, but his bare arms, thick as logs, and his bloodshot eyes are the same. This world still has a strong Elder Tail influence. The appearance has not changed, even with the passage of time. This is a natural but disappointing discovery for Zoe.
　This encounter was not unexpected. When I decided to head to Susukino, the first thing that worried me was my encounter with Demikus and his guild, Brigandia.
　Shiroe was in opposition to the Brigandia in Susukino when they were on a rescue mission to save Serara in the aftermath of the Great Disaster. The Brigandia, which at the time ruled this town with violence, had rescued Celara from the Brigandia, which Mari was worried about. In a world where death is no longer a deterrent in acts of combat, the victory that Shiroe and his team achieved over them may not have had any impact on the larger picture, but they still managed to rescue Serara, and it's not hard to imagine how much it hurt their self-esteem as they clung to violence.

'Get out front, Shiroe!
　Demikus slammed his fist like a block of iron against the heavy oak table.
　It seems that Naotsugu's prediction had been correct. It was a natural expectation that was hard to dislodge, but it didn't look like Demikus was going to forget about the incident six months ago or let bygones be bygones.
'What are you going to do out there?'
　Shiroe asks in passing with complete understanding.
　I know what Demikus wants, but I still wouldn't be able to skip the steps along the way. It's the usual exchange of provocations and provocations. This is another causal relationship that Siloe has made in the past, so he can't run away from it. Showing weakness to William must be avoided now that he is in negotiations to recruit raid members.
'Do you like hamburgers or menchi katsu?'
I like tofu.
"Softer and better. Get out of here so I can mess you up!
"Shut up, Demi.
　But it was William who interrupted him briefly.
'That's a guest at my place.
"I don't care!　William, he's mine.
You lost.
Huh!
You've lost. Don't f*ck with it.
But...
We'll crush you again, Demikus.
　William warned Demikus in a voice that had a bottomless chill to it.
　Shiroe pushed his glasses up with his fingertips and stared at them in thought. He knew the situation in Susskino itself from the reports he received. Six months ago, after Shiroe and the others had left Susukino, there had been a lot of confusion. After the formation of the Round Table, a caravan between Akiba and Susukino was formed several times, and the rescue of those left behind in Susukino was completed. After that, the Silversword moved its headquarters to the northern part of the country, and although the current Susukino has a somewhat bleak atmosphere, it has settled into a frontier player town.
　The lawless city that used to be home to a number of martial guilds has regained its stability with the Silversword, a group of top-ranking raiders on the server. They were the second most powerful guild in the Yamato server, after the D.D.D. and the Black Sword Knights, and while they didn't actively rule the city, they didn't tolerate amateurs who talked too loud and cocky in front of them. To William and the others, a group of people who were clearly less capable of fighting than the Adventurers and who were rude to the Earthlings were weak and weak people who should be treated with contempt. They would not allow such people to talk about the Elder Tail or battle.
　Shiroe had witnessed an example of such a report.
　Six ears protruded from the counter in the kitchen. A cat person, the Daichijin, with only the tops of his eyes peeking out, was watching the floor. The eyes were troubled, but not afraid.
　I'm sure that Silversword is trusted by the Daichijin in this town of Susukino. Since the time of the Elder Tail, the city of Susukino has been at the forefront of the war against the giants, and was intended to be a frontier town where rowdy people would gather. Perhaps this was a positive development.
　I'm sure that the Silversword, which is a well-controlled group of brusque martial artists, will be able to meet expectations as the city's guardian, rather than the Brigandier and other rogues strolling around the city with their own eyes.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

You can't beat this guy.
I've got a few more raiding items myself.
　It seems that the Wyvern Legace equipped by Demikus has undergone major modifications. Other equipment that seems to have been used for a long time indicates that he has participated in several large-scale battles over the past six months. Moreover, they should not be of a low level. The Exterior of the Beast King is an item found in the 90th level field raid, Lord of the Ten Victorias Plains. If he had done so after the catastrophe, then he had successfully completed a challenge of commendable difficulty.
''You can't win against Shiroe because you think you can win with your equipment.
"~~~!
　To Demiquas, who emitted unspeakable killing intent, William did not lose his relaxed attitude. Siloe, who did not know what kind of relationship had been built between the two, still let her imagination run wild. Perhaps it was a situation like a contest of strength, and the two have already been rated. That's exactly how William won so overwhelmingly that Demikus was forced to shut up.

So Brigandia has been reduced to half its members. Well, there's nothing you can do about it. The cat swordsmen who don't even belong to the guild beat us to a pulp. That's bound to happen. And on top of that, that crappy Rondaq got pulled out of the guild by the Kansai region.
Hey, self-proclaimed idol. Can you say "poop"?
'There will be no feces. It will destroy your popularity.
'Ha!　No, I didn't?　I'm not going to say I'm poop. I'm going to make my mouth dirty.
Are you going for a s*xy pop idol?
I'm a beautiful, beautiful galactic idol. Even Voyager ran out of space barefoot!
It's a little b*tc*y. What's going on with Demiquas?
I'm not bocce!　Demidemi became Silversword's little brother or brother-in-law, and so did Brigandia. And as a result, there's peace in Susukino. We're not bocce, you know.　Well, half of that is thanks to the fact that Demi-Demi's wife is a good person. And I'm not a bossy guy, you know.
　The brainy, cheerful voice reached the searingly tense table of Siloe, William, and Demikus. They must be walking up to it, gradually getting louder and louder. But there seemed to be no thought of hiding the voice at all.
　Demiquas's face draws and contorts red for another reason other than anger.
''Seriously!　Wife!　What a festival!
'A wife-beater? I admire that.
He won't admit it, but my sources tell me that the guild house is spotlessly clean, the sheets are crispy and washed every day, and the guild members are very happy with the three meals provided. The members of the guild are said to be very happy here, and I heard that the Daichijin's daughter-in-law has conquered the guild house.
Uh....
The end of the story is when she's taken care of by the Daichijin, who kidnapped her to become his servant, and she ends up melting in his arms. That's just an erotic story. Oh, but, Naotugu-san. You want me to take care of you, don't you, Naotugu? Heehee. I'll consult with you, because I'm still an idol!
Come on, get out of the car, you fake idol!
　Shiroe heard the pretty voice giggle in a not-so-cute tone of voice.
　Trouble was, the other two voices were male, and yet they sounded familiar.

'Well, that's why Demi-demi is so well rounded these days. Ah. It's Demidemi.
　At that moment, Demiquas ran through the air without any assistance at all. The "wyvern kick". The flying kick with a glide of about five meters is a typical offensive skill of a "martial artist" (Monk). The technique, which was probably launched without using a menu but only with the undulation of the trunk, was incomparably quicker than it was six months ago.
　The attack, which has no preparatory movements, but Naotsugu hits the prepared shield with a swift move that shows no signs of pulling out either. The light, high, clear sound would be proof that Demiquas' attack is not serious. If they are serious, the sacrificial clan's "guards" should be shifting here in the no combat action area. Naotsugu didn't really take it seriously either. He merely held his shield over his shoulder and made contact with it as a warning.
　However, the direct target of the attack, the slender girl who was clinging to Naotsugu's neck, seemed to be pressurized. With her mouth hanging open, she clung desperately to Naotsugu like a baby bear.
　Naotsugu, Li-Gun and the trio of "healing priests" came through the door. They must have gotten information about Demiquas, who is likely to be an enemy of Shiroe, and moved to join them. But in the meantime, they were overheard chatting about sharing information by Demiquas, the man himself.
　It may not be a bad thing, but Demiquas was furious at the conversation that had taken place. Well, Shiroe had to admit that was plausible. It's only natural if a story like that is revealed in public, and in the middle of a fight. It would be too much to unleash a kicking technique in retaliation for that, but if the opponent is Naotsugu, that's unnecessary. He's used to being kicked by Akatsuki in his battles with Akatsuki. He is an expert at receiving jumping kicks and jumping knees, even in the city of Akiba, as a guardian warrior. It's not a bad idea to have a 50 percent defense rate against Akatsuki, but Akatsuki's kicks may be on par with his profession as a martial artist.

He kicked?
Don't get your hands in the mess, don't get attached, don't put any weight on it.
f*cking tator. You've got a problem, huh?
　Thanks to the three of them being completely at odds with each other, the place is even more chaotic.
　It seems that the "priest for treatment" biting into Naotsugu's neck is called Tetra. It's a pretty name. After checking his guild and level, Shiroe was satisfied. I'm sure that Naotsugu must have gathered them for the raid. If he could get one or two more helpers, he and Naotsugu could somehow organize a full raid. When Shiroe was almost relieved, William said with a pleasant smile on his lips.
''It's fine, if you add the healers (healers) and demi there, you'll manage to get the number of people. That's how much blood there is. It's a good idea to have a raid to settle the score with Shiroe. Huh?
　Shiroe felt his earlier mood blown away by the sarcastic laughter.
　The raids that explored the deepest depths of the Palms seemed to bring endless worry and turmoil to Shiroe in every direction.