--Once through the forest, we found ourselves in the wilderness.

　After stopping at the capital of LATESTWOOD, Helian was confronted with the wasteland that separates the great sea of trees from the border city, and was often overwhelmed by the landscape that unfolded before his eyes.



　To the east, beyond the forested area, was a desolate land as far as the eye could see.

　There are many small hills that have been uplifted by tectonic movements, and the valleys are endlessly stretching out in the shape of a leaning canyon. Looking at the sheer cliffs, we could see geological strata that must have been formed over hundreds of years.



　It is like the Grand Canyon.

　I have been on many expeditions to similar places in [Tactics Chronicle], but the scene spread out before my eyes was more vast and filled with a sense of desolation.

　Above all, the sense of reality was different.

　The feel of the wind on my cheeks, the dust that occasionally hit my skin, the relentless heat raining down, the hardness of the ground on my soles. It is literally real, something that cannot be reproduced even with today's VR (Virtual Reality) technology, and once again we are reminded of the fact that "this" is an unmistakable reality.



"In the game, there was no such bad status as motion sickness. ......"



　Helian complains with a sour look on his face.

　Most of the trip is spent in a horse-drawn carriage, but the journey is anything but comfortable. The carriage made by Alkimaira might be a different story, but the wagon, which was bought from Ratestwood to avoid being seen in a bad light, has no suspension and picks up the vibrations of the ground directly.

　I thought I had a certain tolerance for car sickness, but I realized that it was only a certain level. In addition, my buttocks are very sore. It has already been two days since we left Alkimaira, and it will take me a while to get used to this shaking.



"Hmmm, Grand Master?　...... no good, rejected because it doesn't look like the setting for a fledgling merchant. ......Mr. Helian?　But this would be called Levee and ...... hmmm ......."



　Trying to distract myself, I looked ahead to the carriage and saw Celes walking ahead of me. It seems that he is pondering over the name of the novice merchant Helian, the King of All Evil.



　I have already explained to all of them that they are to be treated as merchants in order to operate in the sphere of human life. Since we cannot be called or outside of the country, I have asked them to choose a different name to match the setting, but Celes still seems to be having trouble with it.



"Are you still wondering about it? Why don't you just make a quick decision?"

"You're so annoying and single-minded. Have you made up your mind yet?

"Of course. It was decided long ago.

"...... By the way, what do you call it?"

"General."



　Celes gave me a dazed profile.



"You didn't just drop the 'so' from the usual way of calling them. It's too lazy."

"Yes. Even the young merchants in Alkimaira call their superiors "general" or "general of something". What's so funny?

"......You haven't thought much about it, but you've always been good at what you do. That's what really pisses me off."



　With a wrinkled brow, Ceres returned to her thoughts.

　Every once in a while, a troubled "hmmm" escapes her lips.



"If you're so worried about it, why don't you just call me general, too?



　Celes responded with a contemptuous glance at Gardi, who had made a random suggestion.



"Hey, single cell. Imagine me calling you in a friendly manner."

"........................ nothing. I mean, who is this guy, he's disgusting. I can't believe I just got a picture of him.

You'll be like. Then shut up. I'm trying my best to think of something to call you that suits me."



　As usual, the conversation is not so clear as to whether they get along well or not, but the truth is that they are quite compatible. They were created close to each other at the same time, but they have fought through many fierce battles since the first war in the early stages of the game, and they know each other very well.

　From their conversations, it seems that they are still the same as they were when they became a real pair. Helian smiles a little, and smiles.



　As a side note, the presence of Gardi was the deciding factor in adding Celes to this year's group.

　While we had already decided on Levee, whose concept is to be operated as a set with the king (Helian), and Galdi, who is the most skilled in the fully humanized form, we had some trouble deciding whether to take Camilla or Celes as the other member of the team. In the end, I chose Celes because of her special mission in RATESTWOOD and because of her compatibility with my companion (Gardi).



"Mr. Helian. May I be excused for a moment?"

"Hmm, what's the matter?"



　Levee, who was holding the reins of the carriage, looked at Ceres and the others with a steely gaze.



"The clever idiot and the simpleton are getting a little too relaxed, so I'm going to have to give them a little chastisement."

"...... allow him at least to chit chat. You can't keep yourself busy if you're always on your toes."



　Levee is as serious as ever, but I think she is a little overconcerned.

　Maybe he is conscious of his previous failed escort mission, but that was almost an accident. There is no use in worrying about it.

　But even if I comforted her, she would be more concerned about it because she is a serious person. I decided not to say anything else and to change the subject.



"By the way, have you gotten used to your body (・・・・) by now?"

"Yes, no problem at all. I was a bit confused at first, but I am getting used to the feeling.



　Levee looks back from the dais and answers. Her face is as clear as usual and her emotions are unreadable.

　No, normally it would be possible to read her inner feelings with her tail and ears, but now that means is no longer available. Because now Lieve does not have a bushy silver tail and her usual wolf ears are gone.



"I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to use my fully humanized form ...... in this way."

I agree.



　--full humanized form.

　That is the name of the form that Levee is taking now.



　In the game [Tactics Chronicle], all the demons you join are given the ability to change form. They are given two or three forms depending on their race. The number of forms they possess differs depending on whether they were originally a hexenbiest or a subhuman.



　The first form.

　<, the original form of demons.



　For demons such as slimes, cockatrices, griffons, and dragons that deviate from the so-called humanoid form, the is their original form.

　While they can display their true fighting ability, they tend to be less fuel-efficient than other forms, and have the disadvantage that they can only be equipped with one-of-a-kind (custom-made) weapons.



　Next is the second form.

　<


　For example, in the case of Nogard of the Twilight Dragon, he can grow dragon wings and assume the form of a demon.




　The remnants of scales on their arms and legs are characteristic of their original form, and although they are humanoid, they are different from human beings. This is the .

　This form has the advantages of better fuel efficiency and the ability to wear various types of equipment designed to meet human standards, compared to the . Most of the demons in Alkimaira usually take the because the facilities in the city are standardized to the size of human beings, making it easier for them to live there.



　For humanoid species such as Levee and Celes, there is no in their original form, and this is their original form.

　Incidentally, Balan is a demon-beast type race that possesses the , but he almost never assumes the due to the fact that his occupation is that of a "sword saint". He fights with weapons and has reached a very high level of skill in his demon form and weaponry, so now he is rather strong in his demon form.



　And finally, the third and final form.

　It is called the <, which is the form of a human being itself.



　However, with the exception of Gardi, almost no one uses this form on a regular basis. Not only is there almost no advantage, but there is a fatal disadvantage that all the statuses are reduced by two ranks.

　In fact, this is the first time that Leewe has taken this form since his reincarnation and evolution into a [moon wolf]. < is essentially a form that is used only for the purpose of using human-standard tools and facilities by subordinates whose physique (size) is too large even for the demon form.



"First of all, they have to blend in with human society. Celes can't be seen from a distance if she hides her ears, but your big tail can't. I'm going to put you in a tight spot, but please be patient for the time being."

"No, I understand your policy, Mr. Helian. It is a natural course of action. Besides, the demons that live around here are not much of a threat. We are more than capable of fighting them in this form, so please don't worry.



　As Rieve says, the demons around here are weak.

　No, I mean, all the demons I have met in this world are weak.



　The strongest enemy I have ever met was the Fairy Dragon of Noblewood, but its threat "rank" as appraised by Rieve and the others was B rank. To tell the truth, it was not much of a threat to Alkimaira. It is no wonder that Nogard, whose threat level has reached the SS rank--the mythological level--knocked it out of the competition. They would have been able to defeat them with their normal forces alone, even without sending in a corps commander.



　As we have realized during the last war, it seems that Alkymyra's forces are far superior to those of this world.



(It's nice to know that we don't pose much of a threat, but ...... we could have a fatal negative impact on the situation of each country, don't you think?)



　In the history of the earth, there have been empires that were too powerful and were intervened by the powers one after another, and eventually had to fight the world as an enemy. Considering the end of those empires, we should avoid becoming at all costs. We should proceed with the policy of concealing the existence of the nation of Alkimaira as much as possible.



Helian-sama.

Hmm, what?

How are you feeling, Mr. Helian?

"...... Well, you'll just have to put up with it for a while."



　I am not feeling nauseous, but I am in a mild state of carsickness that lasts for a long time. I can't say I'm in good shape, but the people of this world endure this shaking. We have no choice but to endure it for the sake of experiencing people's lives.



"If you don't mind, would you like to use my knee?"

"...... hmm?　Knees?"

"Yes. In the meantime, I'll leave the reins with Gardi."



　Levee turns around, a straight face on her face.

　I guess he means to use his knees, in other words, to fall on his knees.

　As if to prove it, Lieve puts her hand on her thigh.

　...... Her healthy skin tone is dazzling.



......No, not even close. I'll have to get used to this shaking someday. I'm not going to take you up on your offer."

Yes, sir. Please accept my humble offer.



　Rieve bows his head to show his appreciation. His expression remained serious throughout.

　As usual, I can guess some of her inner feelings from her ears and tail. .......



(......, I can't read)



　In her fully humanized form, Rieve had become a perfect expressionless (cool beauty) character. Thanks to this, I don't know whether my current response was correct or incorrect. I am irresistibly worried that I might have offended him with my response.



　If I have offended them by refusing them, this is the time to follow up, but since I can't be sure of that, I feel like it's a bit of an excuse to ramble on here. ...... No, I'll admit it. I just don't have confidence in my communication skills.



(I need to work on my communication skills as well as my negotiation skills ......)



　At the very least, I need to be able to understand the feelings of my subordinates.

　I feel like a middle-manager," said a college student (Helian), his shoulders slumped.







　　　　+ + +







"Ummm ...... good way to call me ...... that fits my personality (character) ......."

"Oh, that's annoying. At least don't say it out loud."



　With a voice that sounds like he's had enough, Galdi complains to Celes.

　It is always the case that he can't stop thinking, but it was very annoying to hear him muttering on and on beside him.



It's a rule that when you're thinking, it's better to say it out loud. That's what Torus wrote in his book published thirty years ago. Have you never read it?"

"Books are useless in the field. The knowledge that can be used in the field is learned through experience, you big-headed person.

"You made fun of my book!　That's a declaration of war against me, right?

"I'm not crazy enough to fight with my own people in the middle of an unexplored area. I heard that bandits are easy to come by these days. Just shut up and watch the perimeter--wait!



　Gardi, walking in front of the carriage, suddenly stopped and held out his hand.

　The horse pulling the carriage stops in front of the large hand outstretched as if to block his way.



"--enemy?"



　Celes, who had been bracing herself for a moment, asked a short question.

　Her hood reveals her bamboos ears, and she is busily trying to listen to the sounds around her.



"No, I'm not the enemy. No, I'm not an enemy...but ...... I can smell something fishy... It's just a feeling."

"I don't know. Which way?

Around one or two o'clock. I'll throw it to you, just look a little higher up.

"Okay."



　Galdi held his right hand low, palm upward, and Ceres, who had deployed a barrier, placed her foot on top of it. The next moment, Galdi raised his right hand so high that the force of the projectile sent Celes flying straight up.






　Normally, the wind pressure would have been terrible, but she wrapped herself in a spherical barrier and reached several tens of meters above the ground in an instant, without disturbing her clothes or hair in the slightest. Then, while deploying gravity-reducing and far-sighted magic in parallel, she gazes in the direction of 1:30 a.m.



"......What's that? A giant beast?"



　A few kilometers away, in a hollow, was a gigantic magical beast that must have been over 20 meters tall. It lay motionless in the wilderness. It seemed to have already died. And there were many humanoid-like figures lying around the area.



　Ceres stays in the air, and widens her field of vision to observe the surroundings. Then, in the southerly direction from the depression, on the other side of the valley from their position, they found a small figure on the flat land at the bottom of the cliff.



"I'm not as good at detection as Camilla, but ...... eagle eye (Hawkeye)"



　He deploys a new detection technique to confirm the identity of the figure.

　Celes recognizes the figure as an out-of-this-wilderness presence and frowns, sensing trouble.



>



　The Lord's question came from a carriage on the ground.

　Celes, holding herself in the air, thinks for a moment how she should report the situation, and then answers.




<-- human figure? >>



　There was a momentary pause in the Lord's reply.

　Celes hesitates slightly in response, but describes to the Lord the scene as she sees it.



.