In the dark night, Ars sprinted unnoticed by anyone. He is described as exactly like the wind.
　Because of the emphasis on lightness, he has nothing to bring with him.
　He already has a map in his head and this casing is for consistency.
　It's not that I don't trust the Governor's documents, but there's a lot of information to be gained from seeing them firsthand. It's also because, after all, there is no one more qualified than myself to do the job perfectly. Of course, it happens every time.

　There are still glimmers of light as we enter the mid-rise area known as the civic district. It wasn't as if there were no shadows of people at all. It's no surprise that this is the most densely populated city in Alpha.

'Let's plow through it.'

　No one can catch Ars as he sped up at a moment's notice and sped up to fly over the rooftops.
　Most of the citizens who live here are non-magicians, if you can call them that. No, they are mages in the sense that they can handle magic, but they are counted as non-combatants in the sense that they are not trained to master it.

　He leaps to the roof and glares around without even making a sound of footsteps. Ars's battle results. There was a temporary peace gained from continuing to slaughter demons.

'Drinking things.'

　Their expressions and voices could be taken as either dumbfounded or happy.
　Almost all of them are drinking at the eaves. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. It is tempting to say that they have never even seen a demon before. They pay taxes in exchange for fighting demons, so they are not limited to that, but it is still a swagger.
　It was really a coincidence that I saw a group of people in an alleyway away from there, in a passage that was even darker and darker.

　It wouldn't be a magician. It was nothing more than a disturbance to witness five large adults pushing one away on a sparsely populated street. I'd like to put the feeling of smallness to the side of my mind.
　It's impossible to tell if the person brought in is a woman. It's also impossible to recognize the face from the position where you look down, because it's wearing a similar robe and a deep hood as Ars.

　Even so, I could tell even from the top of the robe that she has a poorer body than the men.

　It wasn't just because they were drunk. The men were giving the men a lowly look.
　It's a good idea to leave this kind of people to the security forces, but sometimes late at night it's hard to reach them. It's a good thing, because this kind of criminal-like behavior is difficult to eradicate.
　It's a very good idea to be able to have a good time with them, and when they were about to leave.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it here. I'm at the end of my patience, sister.

　The first man tossed the bottle of liquor he was holding and went straight to his pants.
　The rest of the men behind him let out a wild laugh, as if inspired.

"Hey!　You have a wife.
Oh, no, that's not true. Don't ruin his invitation.
"You won't find a pretty face like this around here. Don't waste your time with that nonsense.
Yeah. You're great. And if anything goes wrong, the booze will erase my memory.
I've had enough of waiting around for you ladies. Come on, let's get rid of this nasty stuff.

　The man reached out to pull off his robe.

'----!　Hmm!

　The man stumbled for a moment around a step. It was obvious that it wasn't from drunkenness. It was more like his body's balance was out of whack than his legs were tangled. At the second step, he regained his position and finally got close enough to reach the robe again.
　But he was reaching for it but couldn't grab it, and the frustrated man looked back at his hand.
　The moonlight that came in reflected the man's hand. But the white light did not illuminate beyond the wrist, and the intended five-fingered hand rolled around at his feet like a broken string.

'Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!　My hand!

　With a scream, blood spurted up, raining red all over the place.

　Ars watched as silver light flashed through the cracks in the robe. Then he muttered as he felt a headache.

'It's too much.'

　It's even more troubling that he's too skilled for the average citizen. It might have been better if the woman had resisted in fear of her own safety. I'm not trying to be a hero, but it's supposed to be a deed that should be praised by the public.
　That, too, is apparently not likely to be suitable.
　At any rate, it should be the woman called "sister" who invited the men from their story.

　As expected, they won't come around to this incident, but if they do, it's twice as bad.
　I put my mask back on, thinking it would be best to interrupt before it becomes a big deal.

'What the hell happened?' 'They cut off my arm!

　Fear propagated and the blades reflected the moonlight. None of the drunken men could escape properly, only to fall on the spot. That's because they were covered in red splatter from each other, too.

　The woman in the robe held a knife in the gap and charged at the men.

''----!

　The black shadow that intervenes between them is Ars's.
　He grabs the swinging knife by the arm.

'Leave it at that.'
..........

　Don't look away.

'You guys get on your way. Take that hand there for the sake of it and go home, it might still be connected.

I never thought I'd end up helping the men.

Okay, okay.

　They grab the crawling fallen hands and run away in a flash, forgetting to thank them. The two of them are supporting the man whose arms were cut off from both sides, so they can't seem to run away.

"Before the security forces arrive, you guys should get the hell out of here too.

　He pushed his hands away and let them keep their distance. If he was going to run away like this, that was fine.

''Then ... don't ... interfere ... don't ...

　Blood dripped from a lip that had been chewed off under the hood.
　Their eyes looked at Ars with ferocity.

　Then two more robed men and women descended from behind Ars with the flutter of their cloaks.

'You're going to come all the way out here to let all three of us off the hook.

　He looked back at them without giving them a second glance.

　Their eyes bleed so much that even the two men behind them can't seem to talk, and they take out their swords and kunai-like dark weapons, and are full of killing intent.

(Too public to do it here.)

　The three of them shimmer their blades at the same time towards Ars.

　Faster than that, Ars soared back to the rooftop with a quick leap to the rooftop.

　The trio kicked the walls alternately and leapt to the rooftop and followed soon after. The three of them arranged themselves around Ars on the roof.

''You guys are wizards, aren't you?''
..........

　There are no words to return. Mage is an inference from the AWR. Not a bad position, though it's annoying that he moves better than just a mage.

"Interloper I'm going to get rid of him.

　All at once, the siege shrank, and the blades struck from three directions.
　Ars formed a magic sword the size of a knife in both hands and greeted them.

(Fast, but--)

　All the attacks were wayward, and instead of catching the knife with his magic sword, he looked at it with a kick.
　As the attacks stopped, Ars ran as it was, jumping and shifting across the roof.
　I don't need to see it to perceive that he's chasing me.

　The magic power that wears AWR is moderate. I can't measure out the actual power, but it's probably about three orders of magnitude just by looking at it.

　We land in a moderately open area.
　There are benches and fountains, perhaps in the plaza, with streetlights placed at equal intervals to repel the darkness. It's somewhat noticeable, but any further away and you might get numb and unleash your magic.

　As soon as Ars landed, the three of them landed in a line.

　No disruption of breath.

'I don't have time for this either. The persistent ones are going to die early.

　The moment the shadows descend from the hood, four kunai fly in, and a man leaps high into the sky and swings his sword over the air.
　

　It's not the coordination that was shown. It was a trained move.

　Ars looked at the two people who were in a straight line without looking at the countless kunais that were flying at them.

　As it is, he pulls one arm and shoots a palm strike at an empty place - directly in front of him.
　An invisible wall blows the kunai away and blows the two of them together. Naturally, the magic formula of the surgeon who followed the damage to no small extent is cancelled and the luminescence stops. He then ducks a sword that attacks from above, half a step off the ground.
　The man's sword ends up destroying the ground and sending pieces flying. It's powerful, but with such a monotonous sword streak, there's no need to divide your consciousness.
　Ars didn't miss that stagnation and unleashed a merciless kick to the side.
　The kick that bites deep into the mishap should have blown the large man's body lightly and given him a deep hand that he would not be able to move satisfactorily.

　Even though he was unarmed, he wasn't an opponent that Ars would envy his hand. The triple digits was a judgement based on the simple flow of magic power, but not so much for interpersonal combat.
　Rather, it could be said to be overwhelmingly inexperienced. The power and speed are perfect, but there is no variation in the attacks.

''Hinder, hinder, hinder, hinder........''

　The woman who was blown up collectively mumbles as she heaves her body up.

　In the distance, the security forces are approaching, sounding the alarm, but from their position, they won't be able to rush in right away.

　The three of them turned around in a huff at the high-pitched sound.

I'm going back. I'm going back.

　He looked in the direction of the day after tomorrow as if he had forgotten about Ars, and they scattered in all directions at once and fled in all directions.

'Well, what to do now?'

　We don't have time to catch them all. If they were dispersed, they would be caught and two people would be the limit, and I felt that the effort was not worth it.
　Since we've already lost much more time than planned, we decide that we should hurry ahead.
　Reporting to the security forces would definitely take up a lot of time with Ars, who didn't have a license.




　It was just before the sun came up when Ars returned to his room. He entered through the window as he had come.

'Which way have you been going?'

　As soon as I entered, Loki, standing in front of me with his arms crossed in front of him, followed me with an inquisitive remark.

'Just casing the mission. I didn't think it was a good idea to wake them up. Besides, I'd have been good enough on my own.
You don't need me if you talk like that.
'I didn't say that. I just couldn't bear to take you with me this time, when I'm really tired of being a snakebite.

　I'm just going to say it.

"Huh~

　It's hard to determine if this sigh is satisfactory.

'I understand,'

　At least they seem to understand it. But Loki urges him to the table to hear the contents firmly. The tea poured into the pot is steamy, and Ars scratches his cheeks as if it's going to be long.

'So what exactly has been done to you (...)?'
....

　It's like a little mother-in-law, Ars thought, but if you say it, you'll be on fire. This partner is a good talker because his emotions do not come to the surface.

It's time to check the information the Governor gave me. It's better to see it with your own eyes.
I don't know, I've never done this kind of mission before, but is that the way it works?

　That's probably true too. It's almost as if Ars is doing all the work behind the scenes all by himself.

'Well, it's quite different from defeating demons. The less you know, the better.
'Not so fast. Now that we're partners, I'm going to have to....

　Ars instantly interrupted him.

'Loki, partners are only allowed on missions against demons. This is a job that has come my way. You don't have the right to tag along.

　The words were meant to keep Loki from being guilty of killing a human.
　But Loki recoiled without a moment's pause.

'No!　Ars-sama's sins are also my sins. Can't we both bear it.... and if it's righteousness, it's enough... oh, there is.

　Those eyes. I couldn't hear the last one because it was in a butt whisper, but I put it aside for a moment to say that it seemed better not to hear it back.
　It was the same eyes in the mock battle with Loki as my partner. Eyes with a firm will that never looked back and never gave in.

'I didn't say I wouldn't take anything with me.

　That's why I made Loki listen to the outline of the mission as well.

'I'll take you with me, but I'm the only one who has to bear the guilt. You just need a backup.
I'm prepared to do the same.

　He stood up vigorously, banging the table with a bang. Loki's eyes, which insisted with a hand on his chest, certainly had the strength to understand and accept the sin... maybe he was.
　His shoulders slumped and he raised his various hands.
　No matter what he said, he wouldn't back down anyway.

'I understand.'

　The surrender of various hands.
　He understood the contradictions of Ars, too.

　Bringing him along with her is itself a risk of killing a human being. Rather, if you are not prepared to do so, you put even your own body in danger.

　Still, I'm worried. I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on. It was quite conceivable that it might make it impossible to use magic.
　I think it would be okay, but I still ask myself if I should take the risk of wasting my precious strength.

　


I'm not sure if I've already shared this information with you, but it's pretty much the same as it was in the materials. However, if the research is fruitful in any way, there are a number of unnatural points. Human experimentation is essential to our plan to isolate the factors. That means extensive research. They'll have to have someone behind them.
I'm afraid I didn't have that information.
Maybe the Governor doesn't have a clue. Now let's see what we can catch.

　The trouble with this kind of mission is that there's no end to the number of people who will be after you if you don't round them up like a hot potato.

　Perhaps the fact that the specified date and time is four days later is an investigation period in that area.
　The mission is based on the premise of not letting him escape. We don't want them to get any ideas.

"Hope the Governor doesn't screw it up.
'Well...'

　Loki is about to open his mouth to tell her something, but his words are stifled.

'I mean ... to Miss Alice.

　This time the target is Gudma Verkhong, the person who has ruined Alice's life.

The less said, the better. You can't do anything about it. You can't even take him with you.
Yes....right?

　Loki is unusually concerned.
　She tells him that she doesn't like the two of them, but he mistakenly thinks it's a chance for him to get over Alice's past.
　Ars doesn't see that as a mistake.
　However, if faced with it, Alice would surely surrender to her hatred. If that happens, the consequences are obvious.

　A magician must always remain calm because the use of magic requires self-control that allows him to control his emotions. It is highly likely that the current immature Alice will be consumed by hatred.
　Alice's revenge may not be accomplished and happy. Magic did not continue to evolve for that reason.
　What will be left after revenge, what will be left after killing someone for revenge...Ars doesn't know. Even so, he could only foresee that it would never have a happy ending--something he knows because he kept killing repeatedly, Ars.

　If Alice wanted it, that would be fine. But the path to that point would be meaningless unless Alice reached it herself. If it's revenge for lending a hand, it's the same as not knowing it from the beginning.
　If she learns the news of his death later, she trusts that time will tell. Alice is not alone.

This story is over.
Yes, sir.
I'm going to sleep until noon, so when Alice comes in you can watch her train.
I understand.

　With a somewhat relieved look on his face, Loki agreed. He interpreted it as the Lord's consideration for Alice.

　When he opened the bedroom door, the futon was already laid out.
　Ars huffed and lifted his cheeks. He couldn't get his head around his caring partner, so he quickly changed his clothes as it was and got under the covers. It's probably not my imagination that I think it was an unprecedentedly attentive time.

　It was probably a wild thing to bother thanking him. That's what makes you care and care.
　He closed his eyelids and suddenly thought that he hadn't told them about the attack, but it didn't seem to have anything to do with the mission, so he closed his eyelids in order to recover from his fatigue, hoping that this time would be better.


　It was several hours later, around eleven o'clock, that Alice came to the lab. It's not that I've specified this, but I've made it a habit to show up in the morning ever since I've been on summer vacation.

'Quiet, please,'
Yes.

　Smiling back at Loki, who held up a finger in front of his mouth, Alice nodded without asking the content.

'Master Ars is off, sir.
I see.
It is my pleasure to fill in for Mr. Ars.
Yeah. Nice to meet you, Loki.


　Alice also brings home a training stick every time she takes it home, so she only has one stick in her carry-on, which is a very suspicious look.
　It's a good thing that you're here for training, because it's not very s*xy for everyday wear, and if there was a school, the uniform wouldn't be a problem, but Alice thought it was tasteless to wear the uniform every day during the holidays.
　In truth, it was just a hassle to wear a formal uniform every single time, but she kept that to herself.

　Then the training began quietly.
　Unfortunately, it goes without saying that Tesfia, and Alice, too, are having quite a hard time with this training.

　It's not that there were no results at all, but it was hard to say that they had made significant progress.

''Can I borrow a few things?''
Good.

　Loki is also new to the bizarre training of holding down magic power. Most of what is taught in the military is training to consciously move magic power. The actual menu was still mostly in a real battle format.

　The moment I received it, my eyebrows were raised.

''It's true that even if you just hold it, there is some repulsion.
Yeah, yeah.

　This is due to the fact that the magic power is leaking out, albeit slightly. (Ars would be able to consciously stop it.)
　It's also because of the unconscious concentration of magical power that goes along with it, because of the force that is applied to the grip.

　Focusing his consciousness on the stick, he released his magic power.
　The magic power was transmitted from Loki's hand to the tip.

''This is........''

　The magic power that hits the wave to prevent it from being played when it reaches the tip slowly but surely, unlike Alice.

　Gradually, the gap between the magic and the stick increases in density and the wave subsides.

''As expected!

　I let out a paused exclamation.

　There's a difference in the degree of surprise between him and Ars, but that's to be expected when you're a partner and the Lord who gave his life (selfishly), and at the same time, I'm proud of him.

　Loki exhales with a huff and quietly releases his magic. When it weakens and is pulled outward thinly, it pops with the force of a decisive river.

''I'll let Ars-sama grant it perfectly.
Oh, yeah I've seen it before.

　Alice counters that she is known to Loki, who brags about it as if it were his own.

'And anyway, I understand about it. Alice.....
Yes!

　This is the only time I listen to the advice of Loki, who is in the position of a teacher and not Loki-chan, but I can't help but feel my cheeks loosen up a bit.

''Why don't you try to figure out how much to suppress your magic power? It's my opinion, so I can't give you as much advice as Arus-sama.
'You've got to keep your al up tight. You're right I usually run out of steam and get played.

　Smiling, Alice receives the stick with a satisfied look on her face and quickly tries it out.

　Loki also catches a glimpse that it's almost time to wake up Ars. He was a bit anxious to wait.
　But there was no need for that--.

''It's the worst way to sleep.''

　The door was opened as he fell asleep.

　Loki belatedly realized the worst of it, too.