I continued to follow the three students through the cave.

　After a while, Maifa reacted with a twitch.

　At about the same time, my high hearing also picked up a faint sound.
　I could hear the sound of footsteps walking slowly and the sound of sniffling.

　Maifa turns back to me.

"Did you hear that, ...... brother?

"Yeah. Orcs. I think there's one.

I think it's ....... I can only hear one snort. ...... Still some distance to go. Rio, Iris, let's go quietly until we get close.

　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I'll try.

　The three of them began to move forward quietly.
　I followed them, trying not to make a sound.

　Eventually, we came to a place where we could see a hall at the end of a large, winding cave.

　In the hall, there was an Orc, wandering around in a haphazard manner.
　The Orc did not seem to notice our presence.

　If that was the case, the three of us would be able to take it out with a single attack, just like the guard orcs at the entrance of the cave.

　That's what I thought, but...

"Hey, brother, I need a favor.

　I was about to retreat and have a strategy meeting when Rio walked right up to me and spoke in a whisper.

"A favor?　What is it?

"You know, bro ......, I want to fight that guy alone.

　Rio said.
　I was surprised and asked him back.

"By yourself ......?　So you're saying that Rio will go toe-to-toe with the orc without the help of Iris or Maifa?

Yes. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to do it. I'd like to try it. ...... I guess that's a no?

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　Hmmm .......
　Actually, it's a good idea, in my opinion.

　From my point of view, Rio is more than capable of going toe-to-toe with an orc.
　And even if something should happen, I would be able to help him before he was fatally hit.

　More than anything, the desire to let Rio have that experience was welling up inside me.

　If it's really dangerous, I think it's the teacher's responsibility to stop him even if he wants to do it, but this time it's within the range of my judgment.

"Are you okay with that, Maifa and Iris?

　I asked the other two students, who also nodded.

If I can make it easier for ...... me, so much the better. If Rio wants to do it on his own, I'll leave it to him. ......

I'm good with that too. ...... Rio, are you sure you're okay?

Yes, I think I can ...... do it. I think I can do it. Come on, bro. Let me do it, like this!

　Rio said this, and finally he looked at me.
　He really wants to try it.

　Incidentally, there was no sign of any other Orcs within the range of my [High Hearing].
　Then...

"Okay, fine, go ahead. But if I think you're in danger, I'll come to your aid right away.

"Really?　I love you!　I love you, bro!

　Rio hugged me tightly.
　I reflexively hugged Rio's back and patted the girl's head.

"Good, good, good, Rio is cute.

I love you.

　"I love you, big brother!
　Then you realize, "Hmmm...

　Hmmm ......?
　I don't know if Rio is this kind of character.

　Rio, on the other hand, seems to have noticed something.
　He hurriedly walked away from me.

...... Oh, really. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ...... Well, I'm off, Iris, Maifa. And also, brother, don't hug me too casually like that.

　In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　No, ...... I think it was Rio who just hugged me. .......
　That's weird, maybe I'm remembering it wrong. .......

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.　I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea.

I'm sure you'll understand. I'll ...... understand.



　One of the girls, Mayfa, nodded with a knowing look on her face.
　I don't know what it is, but I guess it's a complicated and sensitive age.

　In the end, Rio won a complete victory against the orcs.

　He tossed the sluggish orc around with his quick movements, and when the orc lost his balance, he hit him with a [two-step cut].

　The tough orc would not fall by itself, but Rio did not panic at all.

　The damaged orc was furious and swung his club around like a bullfighter, but he handled it with aplomb and hit it with two more [two-stage cuts], and the orc finally collapsed and stopped moving.

　By the way, Orcs are not weak monsters.

　Even if a few big men with weapons join together to fight them, it would be difficult for an ordinary person to win without suffering casualties.

　But Rio overwhelmed them all by himself.

　Rio, a young girl who could just as easily be called a child, is already making her presence known as a hero after only one week of training.

　I've said it many times before, but it's nothing short of terrifying.

　The victorious Rio smiled contentedly and gave me a V-sign, which was, to put it bluntly, extremely cute.