◆3.01

　The southern rainclouds that had been blackening the dusk seemed to cover Rande's true territory as soon as the sun went down. The rain began to fall in thin but unbroken patches as a humid wind seemed to blow in.
　The Adventurers have an abundance of light, and with their skills, they stay up late at night, but even so, there are few who are drunk enough to make a scene in the heavy rain. The Earthmen are not in the habit of staying up late, to begin with. On this rainy night, both the city of Minami and the capital of Keogh had closed their doors early and gone to sleep.

　The same rain clouds covered Icoma to the southeast of both, as well.
　There was no sunlight, so it was hard to confirm, but thick black clouds swarmed the heavens, and every time a strong wind blew, the trees in Icoma swayed like a wave. It was midnight and the rain had become so heavy that the forest sounded like a raging sea as it was struck by that of a billion millions.
　The visibility was extremely poor due to the heavy rain and darkness, and even more so on the mountain roads.
　The area known as Icoma was not very large. As a land under the direct control of the emperor, private grasses are forbidden to enter and leave the area, but it is a wooded area under the control of the forest officials, where trees are thinned and planted. Since the trees are firmly rooted, there is no danger of landslides or landslides, but in some places the ground is soaked with clay that it can be very slippery when wet with rain.
　However, in some places, the ground was so wet and slippery from the rain that it was not suitable for group activity. Large drops of rain were making their woolen cloaks heavily damp, but they didn't hide their hound-like eyesight as they headed for their destination, sticking to the ground.

　Eventually, what came into view was a small light that wavered dependably in the torrential rain.
''........''
....
　After exchanging glances and confirming their intentions in a silent exchange, two soldiers leaped out of the darkness and rushed over to the red-haired mistress' army.
''There is no disbelief in the state of the detached palace.
'This weather. They look asleep.
　Mizfa nodded at the scout's report, huffing and puffing. She too was clad in a heavy cloak, casting a piercing glance everywhere in the pouring rain.
'Decisions,'
The Red Night Special Task Force (Crimson Knight) can do it. The servants of the Separate Palace, such as the Squire of the Separate Palace, who used the magic train to power-leveling, would be no match for us.
'Icoma is out of the city wards. The guards won't be rushing in.
　The words of the two scouts, who spoke like twins, made Mizfa stare even more keenly into the darkness.
''The level of the Red Night Special Forces is still around sixty. If the adventurers came out, they wouldn't stand a chance, would they?
The numbers are on our side.
　Mizfa stroked the tip of her chin at the sound of their endlessly tense voices. They say that numbers are our allies, but that doesn't mean that we can win by surrounding ourselves with a large group of adventurers. I'm sure you'll find that the 90 level of a top adventurer is not enough to overwhelm a top-tier adventurer, even if they are surrounded by 60 levels. In this unreasonable world, an individual's ability to fight is of great significance.
　They didn't mean that. They meant that if there were a dozen adventurers on guard, a large number of special forces would be able to rush in and slaughter the Daichijin of the remote palace. The purpose of this time was to bring chaos to the Ikoma Palace and Wet Feather's life. Although Wet Feather is a high level adventurer, there is a good chance he can be assassinated by one person with the special equipment Mizfa has prepared for him.
''Further forward. I'm going to take the high ground that will keep the castle in sight.
　Mizfa said with a predator-like smile on her face.
''-- If it's just Wet Feather alone, we have the advantage. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. That would be loose.

　The main reason why Wetha was able to take control of Plant hwyaden and the Westlands in the Catastrophe was because he was able to get the Guards of Minami and the surrounding cities on his side. We do not know what secret agreements were behind this, but the Guild's success in gaining control of the Guards and their leader, the Kunie clan of Western Yamato, as well as the control of the Great Temple was the backdrop for the huge Plant hwyaden guild's success.
　The Guards' ability to physically eliminate even 90-level adventurers, and their ability to blockade the Great Temple, effectively amounted to the absolute imprisonment of their chosen adventurers. That is the source of the power of the Queen of the Night, Wet Feather, who rules the West.
　But that is why Wet Feather could not live in Minami.
　If she lived in Minami, her government of terror would be too obvious.
　In order to give the appearance of a collegial guild, the Ten-Seat Conference and the Plant hwyaden headquarters were located in the remote palace of Icoma, so that the guild would not be perceived as a single person's outburst of power, and in order to reduce the appearance of dictatorship. In this place, Wetu could not use his military power.
　Politically, it was the right decision, but from the perspective of Mizfa, who had done the dirty work so many times before, it was a careless one. No matter when and under what circumstances, if you neglect to prepare, it is the law of the land that you will pay the price accordingly.

　With a wave of his hand toward the troops jutting forward, the cloaked special forces soldier slaughtered the guard of the detached palace as if he were about to slam into them.
　Although they were also Daichijin, the level of the guards and gatekeepers were only a few levels above ten. From the point of view of a special forces unit that had reached level 60, they were little more than infants. This does not mean that the level of the guards is low. Level ten or so is not something that is not inadequate for a nobleman's private army or guard. That's the norm in Yamato, where even the level 20 or so is the standard for knights. The Red Night Crimson Knight is an abnormality, as it was repeatedly forced to level up without risking their lives by their sycophants.
　The advance team that took care of the guard deftly dragged the corpse into the bushes away from the gate. In this late night when it is raining, there is little or no risk of being discovered, even if it would normally be.
''We'll search for Wet Feathers. One group will search the west, two groups will go to the east. Team three will go north. The rest of you, follow me. --Kill any bodyguards you encounter. No need to cover up. It will be the work of the Free Cities Alliance Eastar. If the Adventurers are on guard, we will use a blind eye to escape. Get her away from the palace. Go.
　Entering the corridor, Mizfa bounced up the hood of her cloak.
　She brushed her bangs, moist with water, and glowered at the crossing corridor, which was sinking into the darkness of night. The lights of the midnight watch reveal the courtyard of the detached palace, shimmering through the rain.

　A hazy figure emerged from that rain-hazy darkness.
　A young man with a slender but well-trained physique and trimmed blond hair. He was handsome, but somewhat haughty and seemed even more inflexible than that, looking more like a civil servant than a rugged one.
"A dog?
　Mizfa approached Lorail-Dawn. Ninth seat on the Ten-Seat Conference. One of the targets of this mission.
"Such a late night and the smell of blood. Is it treason, Lord Mizfa?
I'm just picking the fruit from the trees.
　From Mizfa's point of view, this encounter had been planned.
　Lorail Dawn was one of Nebo's close aides. He was a vassal of Wet Feather before Plant hwyaden was established, and was the main force behind the establishment of the guild. He was the driving force behind the founding of the guild. The reason why he pledged his loyalty to Wet Feather and held two seats in the Ten-Seat Conference was so that Wet Feather would have two votes in fact.
''This is my Lord's bedchamber ahead. We cannot let him pass.
Are you serious?　Even though you are from Kunie, you have no power to fight in this Ikoma.
　He seems to be wearing darker, more utilitarian cuirasses rather than the usual ceremonial ones, but either way, there's no way Lorail can resist Mizfa to that extent.
I know that." Chief Konoe." Your level is a little over forty. You're not a match for my kind.
　Mizfa waved one hand with a thin smile as she glared sharply at Lorail. With that, the trained special forces soldier scattered to the dark detached palace. To explore Wet Feather. You know you're stranded, but Lorilele asked with a hard expression, "Is this a toy made by Old Jared?" he asked.
'Is it any wonder old crazy man wasn't that way?'
I didn't know you were using an orb.
　A smile floods the edges of Mizfa's lips.
　What are you talking about, you little bastard?
　It was a pleasure for Mizfa to see the well-bred Lorail's brow contort in disgust, a pleasure that could be called nectar.
　If there was something he could use, he would use it.
　A stick was better than a bare hand for killing people. A hatchet rather than a stick, a sword rather than a hatchet. What does this famous man have to say about the obvious? It may be the affordance of what you have, but that affordance is disconcerting to Mizfa.

I'm sure you're right. That's right, I'm using the Squire Summoner's Pearl!　If only we had the skills to advance to the next level without risking our lives, we could be as good as adventurers!
　The shouting and the jumping in were simultaneous.
　The military saber, which had been sucked out of his blood many times, thrust into Lorail with a false image like May rain.
'Hands!'
　Mizfa attacked Lorail, who had finally changed her complexion, with a "sweet Right, left, flipped forward, dominant leg, side. Aiming at the kryptonite at his disposal, he let his sharp saber dance in all directions.
　Lorail drew his sword, but his reaction time did not catch up to Mizfa at all. As a healer, this man is far superior to Mizfa, a warlord, in terms of combat prowess. And now there is a difference of more than 20 levels.
...The Senate?　Or is it Intix?
　That's why Mizfa replied to Lorail, whose cheeks and forehead were cut up and dyed vermillion.
''Heh, calling you out, huh? Your loyalty is great, but.... Han. Is your master as compassionate as you?
Please stop insulting My Lord Wet Feather.
'Hahahahaha. You're about to die, and you're so disciplined!
　Loreile-Dawn.
　One of the Ten Seats Council and a knight of the Kingsguard who protects Wet Feather.
　He has been called the most loyal man in Plant hwyaden, but to Mizfa, that's more than half a derogatory term.
　Loyal Dog. Ridiculed in Kyou's tavern, the name is apt. Foolish and blind to all intents and purposes, a wet-feathered dog.
　The most spiteful person in Mizfa.
　The most despicable member of the Mizfa family, even more vulgar than that adventurer who was powerful in the true sense of the word, the hubris of a noble family who was born with a rebellious spirit.
　He is a mere obstacle to their extermination, and he doesn't need any hesitation at all.
Die!
　Red hair pulled back into the night, his whole body forming one sword, the blow he unleashed, however, was prevented by a heavy metallic sound and a magic circle.

''Just as you have gained new powers...!
!
　In the darkness, the turquoise blue mana line pulsating eerily in the armor is shining.
The wisdom of Miral Lake can also be my power.
　It was full of power that led to the murderer who threatened Akiva.




◆3.02


''It's...!　You can't move, can you?
　The shock wave emitted by Mizfa propagated like a ripple on the surface of the magic sigil that appeared in the air. It is a function of the armor that hides the magic power, but it is essentially a shock accumulation spell that shares the same principle as the barrier spell of the Kannagi.
　The familiar but ominous appearance is the power armor of the city's guards. However, the heavy chest armor has been eliminated and only the waist armor and leg armor have been selected and arranged. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time in the city.

''Considering my origins, it's only natural,''
　Mizfa's sword attacked Lorail-Dawn, who was lying with a spare tone, two or three times. The attack, which was reaching well enough considering the level difference, no, it should have actually reached him, was deflected by the translucent barrier and only rippled in the air.
'There are no city wards here!　There should be no magic supply........ That's why the Ten-Seat Conference was built in this place!　I don't want you, Wet Feather's boy, to be able to assassinate anyone.
　But the guards' armor is powered by magic.
　It is an ancient artifact that requires an enormous amount of magical power, but without the magical power supply device called a city ward, it would not even be able to support its own weight.
　That's why Plant hwyaden has placed its headquarters in Icoma rather than in the city of Minami. It was supposed to be a measure to keep the Ten-Seat Conference from becoming a private affair, with the guards' more than 100 levels of fighting ability under their control. And that was one of the factors of success that led to Mizfa's decision to attack.

''When are we talking about?''
　But what returned to it was a hint of chuckling.
　And then a strike of Lorail-Dawn's long sword was released.
　The sword controlled by the blond young man who called himself the Wet Feathered Konoe, was a legitimate one, befitting his appearance. An honest blow, as if he had learned it from a teacher. A repulsively nurturing attack for Mizfa, but with an overwhelming speed, however.
　It's not a technique.
　It's just the enormous muscle power that comes from being so high level that turns an apparent kesa-kake into a deadly sword.
　The only reason Mizfa was able to duck is because of the difference in his experience in combat. No matter how high the level, Lorail is a "healing priest" (cleric). It was an unusual position for an adventurer to be in, but it was a restorer, not a weapon attacker.
　The Warlord, however, is an all-round job that specializes in victory. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier by using the same kind of techniques you used for your own.


It was the Senate that gave him the money for his activities.
　A murderer who shook Akiba. A traitor to the Sacrificial Family. A fallen guard. Emberto Nerles. The secret to his strength, which allows him to fend off even a group of adventurers, is the power armor used by the guards. With an increased ability, Emberto's ability to fight at more than 100 levels has been increased, and he has been able to use his magic power to increase his endurance and his ability to shift from one place to another, and for a time he has rendered the city of Akiba inoperable at night.
　It was the Ten-Seat Council that dripped poison on the weak-minded and jealous Emberto Nerles, and it was the Senate that secretly financed his purchase of the Hailstones and Hakumamaru.
　As one of the organization's members, a military officer in charge of the field, Mizfa is aware of this.

　The scent of blood is a favorite of mine to begin with.
　Mizfa approaches Loril with an evasive smile.
　He approaches with a spirit that exposes himself to an attack that will rip flesh and shatter bones if it hits.
''The ... magic power!　Where...!
　We can't run away.
　If you can survive and continue the struggle, that's fine, but even if you ran away now, Mizfa would have nothing to gain. If they didn't at least find out the secret of Lorail-Dawn and the Power Armor, it would be Mizfa who would be the one who would die in a clash somewhere. No, we can't even find out what they are capable of, and the moment we turn our backs on them, there's a chance that they will cut us off.
　The most important priority right now is to gather information, and Mizuhua runs his gaze to the left and right while repeating his words. They are searching for any shred of a hint of this situation somewhere. It is an outgrowth of the defensive instincts of Mizfa, who is also an excellent soldier.

　However, Lorail seemed to have noticed the movement of Mizfa's gaze as well.
''There are no wards. This new model is equipped with a 'graveyard furnace' (mana chamber).
　That's what Lorail revealed while pointing the blue-green magic rising sword at Mizfa, who had flung it away.
"That guy.........
　Blessed that the distance had opened up, a buzzing and strange shiver ran through the flesh that made up Mizfa's body, taking the courtyard columns for protection.
　It was the worst and best news of all.
　Embert-Nerles was powerful.
　In the end, it was reported that he was defeated by Akiva's city adventurers, but I've heard that this was also a victory because Akiva's Round Table stopped the results of the city's defense, thus cutting off the supply of magic power.
　In other words, to put it another way, even those Akiva people with those d*mned cat-heads couldn't defeat Emberto Neles without cutting off their magic power.
''You look pale.
　Lorail's sword, wielded in a loping fashion, shatters the column that Mizfa was hiding behind.
　There is no technique so much as cutting through it, just forceful destruction.
　But of course that poor technique will reap Mizfa's life lightly.

''Kukukukuku.''
　Mizfa laughed.
　Best possible retribution.
　Did you call it a gramophone furnace?
　Being a military man, Mizfa, of course, had no idea of the technical details. I'm not sure if it's a magic technology, even more so if it's a magic technology. But it's probably an invention that can accumulate and use magic power. It's probably the backpack-like bulge that extends from the waist armor to the back. A pulsating blue-green light protected Lorail.
　Mizfa licks her tongue, and she is aware of her desire.
　I want it.
　With that armor, he would be able to run higher and enjoy more blood. Even if that doesn't happen, there is a battlefield in this place, and that alone is a good invitation for Mizfa to investigate.

"I feel so alive, I'm burning!
You're a madman. You're a dying man!
　After a moment of being swallowed up, there was a whirlwind of destruction that tried to swallow Mizfa again. Turning and twisting himself, Mizfa danced.
　At the warning of the impending death, he inserts the tip of his bellows sword and deflects it slightly. Then he slipped half his body into the gap that was created and avoided a fatal wound even if his flesh was cut.
　Fresh blood was sprinkled into the corridor of the night from the wounds created everywhere on his slender body, and Mizfa had a wild smile on his face.
''........Looks like you can't move at a moment's notice!
　With the tip of the sword that was struck, Mizfa's serpentine sword shattered.
　In terms of weapon rank, it would have been an even match, but a simple game of acceleration would have given Lorail the victory. However, Mizfa rather wielded the shattered sword tip's gleaming and pointed cross-section as his newly acquired weapon.

''That's a technology that comes with city wards and guard dispatch facilities.'' --But the strength and speed of this armor is enough to crush you.
　In front of Lorail, who spins words of encouragement to himself, Mizfa wears the madness of warfare aggressively.
"You don't understand fighting at all,
　He is outmatched in strength, his skills are nullified, and his strength and hands are far inferior.
　It is such a battle that Mizfa is challenging now.
　But such battles are an everyday occurrence for Mizfa, and those that are not are more rare. For an orphan from a poor cave, every battle had to be incredibly unfavorable and hopeless. Desperate (the odds are great) means that winning would be an incredible price to pay.
'Its not that shallow of a wound, is it?
That's not what a fight is about, winning, hey!
　Mizfa stepped forward, letting the madness of the war fever he kept within his body.
　I slap a disgusting smile on his face as I feel Lorail's steel slip through my cheeks. From Mizfa's point of view, Lorail is nothing more than a lad who can't even take an eggshell off, let alone half a man.
　He's a cute little kid who frowns at the return blood of the woman he himself failed to kill.
　Mizfa laughed at the breathtaking blond youth, and that's why he smiled impatiently.
''- I know your secret. You were the demon guardian of Suzakuumon, weren't you?　Why do monsters show up in Keough City!　That's why you left the Eastern Sacrifice, or rather, why you were cast out!
!
　Convinced of his mental superiority, Mizfa accelerates his attack.
　She doesn't care if the serpentine sword she wields shatters, scattering shards of silver steel, but rather she scrambles madly to smash the shards against Lorelailel.
'You followed Wet Feather to get away from the 'Senate', right?　To silence even the mouths of the Eastern clans, to keep their tainted history in the dark!　To get permission to destroy the Keogh's demons!
Shut up!
　I can't kill it.
　To Mizfa, that was a fact clearer than the sight of fire, and she knew that long ago. Even though he was so overwhelmed now in the battle of the mind, Lorail's armor still protected its master. The difference in levels is that great.
　He can win temporarily, as he is doing now, but he can't kill it off, and if he does, it's obvious that he will eventually be hit back by a redeemed Rolaire. That counterattack would easily take Mizfa's life.

　That's why Mizfa was able to decide to throw away the localized victory.
　He had already sent a hand sign to his troops to withdraw.
　This crazy battle of Mizfa's was also buying time for the retreat. It was not enough to gather information, but the information obtained there was priceless. The Konoe Chief of the Konoe Guard, who is the bosom sword of Nureha and also her inferior armed guardian - his abilities had never been appreciated until now.
　He is the head of the guards who can control the city of Minami by force. That was all he was known for, and Lorile himself, who served beside Wet Feather, was regarded as an honor guard, an honor guard to raise the heat on the princess. However, the sword in the sleeper had a blade that could kill. Mizfa trembled with joy at that fact.
'Hey Lorail-Dawn.
　Mizhwa's hateful stare, as if she were glaring at her parent's enemies, was swept away like a cool breeze, and she sent a flirtatious smile that was equal parts pity and invitation.
'Your princess doesn't put up with you as much as you do,'
....
　There is no answer.
"You dog clan..." "You will never be out in the sun. Your princess will never put Akiva's loved ones ahead of your family's wishes. More than your family's wishes.
　Only strong hatred connected the two of them in the sound of rain that was painful to the ears.
　As if to show the intense mental turmoil, a demon fire of magical light mysteriously illuminated the area, and in the flickering light, Mizfa escaped.
　That's how much of a victory he had achieved.
　Mizfa was still in a good mood even though she had failed to achieve almost all of her operational goals, both Wet Feather's life and her wealth. Her protégé's special forces were still at hand, and the seeds of discord had been sown in the darkness of Icoma. Wet Feathers were strong, and their system of control appeared to be rock solid compared to the Intix. But in any case, Mizfa knows the difficulty and precariousness of one strong man's climb up the road to dominance.
　Wet Feather is a winner and is winning, but can he keep his grip on that victory?　Hiding a malicious smile behind the rain, Mizfa ran in a heap to the next battlefield.