Early in the morning, the hotel where the Second Academy of Wizardry was staying began to move hurriedly.
　Time moved slowly on the needle for such a situation, and outside the fake sun was in full view; it was around five o'clock, and the only thing left inside the conference room was quiet and empty.
　There had been so much controversy, but now no one was in sight. Yes, those who were already present in the room have started to move around. The first thing they did was to hurry up and bring back to their home countries what they had heard here.
　The first thing I did was to contact them. The high-ranking mages of each country were formed into a squad on the verge of war. Instructions were given to prepare a departure for Balmes.
　However, it's hard to imagine that a single mage can be ready immediately because he or she could be on an outside mission.
　Even so, the reason why they gathered their best forces is probably because they were told of a threat comparable to the great disasters of the past.
　Ars first gathers the members of the squad together with Letty in one place, and specifies the lineage and specialties of each member that she told me about in the information column in her brain.

''Letty, we don't need any forces this time. Rather, I want you to gather about ten mages who are detectors, barriers and inhibitors of action. And considering that it's Letty's unit, I'd better leave it to you to organize the squad, it should be smoother if my instructions are routed through Letty.

　Ars was in a spare room with Letty, giving rough directions.
　It is one of the rooms on the fifth floor where the troopers stay, and at one point it is quite spacious. It's a little uncomfortable, but we'll just have to be patient.

"Yes, sir!　All the troops are well prepared. The Governor knew this was coming, didn't he?

　He joked with a gailey-tongued smile that he hadn't shown at the meeting. He still seemed to want to say something, but there were no words to follow.

''Arus-sama, it's been a long time since I left the front line...''

　There is also Linne, who is wearing a maid's uniform here. This is because she is now included in the operation.

Linne-san will follow you as a detection magician. Please don't get involved in the actual battle. If you die, I can't study you.
Yes?

　Is the tone of voice that weakens on the buttocks not anxiety about the demon, but the fear of being a subject of research?

　Hearing the anxious voice next to him, Ars hesitated, as if regretting it for once. It's a good thing that I didn't leave my name in the military. I'm not sure I'd like to have the opportunity to have the big ass of not only an alpha, but also another country.

"As far as being a scout, I mean...
It's definitely a defeat. It seems that Alpha has decided to take over this case completely.
Yeah. That's not something we can spend a lot of time on. Do we have to get this over with before there's another intervention?

　Sajik and Mujer, who are the top of the assembled Letty-led troops, raised a natural question on behalf of the team.

It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you want to do.　This time we're talking about an elite few...
I would be honored to dive into the fires of war with you, Master Arth, but I'm not sure that the greatest wizard in the world, Lord Arth, needs to be present.

　Ars nodded and opened his mouth to explain. Of course, since we don't have much time to spend on it, I'll be brief.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more information about the demons here as well. Or rather, it's more accurate to say that no one knows. What we do know is that they are probably comparable to the SS rate. As an added bonus, it's a bad meal.
...
Does that mean a repeat of the great disaster of 50 years ago?

　Mugel asks back, dismayed that it doesn't match his face. It seems that even the fiercest of the successive battles could not easily pass off this shock.
　It seems that they have announced to the city to defeat it, but in reality, they missed the demon called the SS rate [Cronos] that had caused so much damage and driven them to the brink of death. It wasn't simply that he was standing still on his back as he fled, but that there was no one left to make him stop. The demon with one arm slashed off flew through the air and disappeared into the sky.
　Countries rushed to strengthen and train their magicians because they were prepared for another attack. It was also during this period that inhumane research was carried out. The human race regained its senses after being absent from the world for the next ten years, and the research was abolished as an abhorrent practice. Those who took part in it were subject to punishment.

'That's hard to imagine. Kronos in the demon database, if it was that big, it would have been easy to find out.

　The demon will change its body shape as it absorbs. It tends to change to petite as it increases its rate to become huge or, conversely, to condense. In that case, it tends to take on a more complete form as a creature, rather than being oddly shaped like some combination of appearances.

'We'll be on our way to Barmes at once. All of you begin to prepare, and we'll be off in half an hour.

　The regular salute made the floor shake, and then he walked out the door without even making a sound.
　There's no time for a long talk. If you have any questions, it's enough on the move.
　Ars and the others follow at the end of the line.

''What about the tournament?''
Of course he's not going to be there. But I've put in all this work. We'll get the win.

　Letty returned a similar smile to Ars, who smiled wryly.

''Even though it's a waste of money on the way, I'll just take all that I can get at this time... And Linne-san, don't you still have something to report to me?
...!

　There had to be more to it, because that s*xist woman had gone so far. That's what Linne must know, because she guessed that she had gathered all this information.
　Linne draws her mouth together a little awkwardly.

''It's no use hiding it at this point in time, you know. Or are you being muzzled by Sisernia-sama?''
I'm sorry.
'So, Lynne. Does that not affect the defeat at all?

　Ars didn't miss the fact that his gaze was diverted for a moment.

''Hah! I understand. I'll ask the Governor later.''

　Even though Cisernia is at the helm, she is a country...................and she is a human being above people. It can't be helped even if she only sees humans in that view, but it's the least amount of civility to disclose all information in order to carry out her duties in the outside world. Otherwise, mages would be like dying for a mouthful of money. Of course, the food problem has improved to some extent, and it's unlikely that there will be starvation. In other words, it's unlikely that those who gave the orders would wish to return.
　Of course, it's not always possible to tell a single mage everything, but it's always a good idea to issue a warning that's included. Including an apology to those who risk their lives it is the responsibility of the one giving the instructions.
　This is a matter that involves so many countries. Although it will become clear sooner or later, it is Ars and others who are currently risking their lives.

I don't know what's going on here. What the hell do you think our troops are?

　He states flatly, but there's definitely a simmering anger in his voice tone.
　Letty's anger would be natural. Maybe even more so if she trusts her subordinates.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea for the Governor to leak information when he sees it coming. Either way, it's nice to know it's there early.

　The three of them part ways around the stairs. Ars has preparations to make. They stopped downstairs because it was the floor where the girls were staying.
　First, Ars visited Felinella's room.
　He thought she might be asleep, but remembering her personality, he didn't hesitate to chime in. As expected, he was greeted by Felinella, who was completely out of sleepiness. She was in her loungewear, but there was something elegant about it. She's wearing a thin cape, probably because it's a little cold in the early morning.
　Apparently, my roommate seems to be sleeping soundly.

''Ars-san........'' and the expression on her face turned faded, as if a bad feeling had come true.
　'I told Felinella just yesterday about what would happen if it happened.

''That was surprisingly quick. Mission. I'll leave the rest to you and assign Loki to it as planned. I'm not taking Loki with me this time.
I understand. Please take care of yourself. This one will definitely bring back the winner's report...
I'm not worried about it. I'll hear about it when I get back to the academy.

　With a subtle pause in Ars's response, Felinella smiled and said, "Yes! I returned it. I thought I might have interrupted his words by being separated at one end, but I decided that it seemed unfounded.
　The next place to head is Loki's room. Of course, it's Loki who has something to do with it.

''----!

　The door opened faster than Ars could chime in. As expected, he was frankly surprised, as he was afraid to see it by another sight.

You noticed.
'Of course. I know what Master Ars is doing at all times.

　That made Ars's cheeks twitch a little, not being honestly happy about it. I don't know where he was grasping it from, though.

'I have an urgent mission to attend to.
Well, I'll just get ready to go...

　It's not the kind of thing to talk about at the door, but I guess Tesfia and Alice are still asleep. I wonder if I should go in as they are not showing up. It's because I remembered that when I went into their room in the girls' dormitory with Zuka Zuka before, they said a lot of things to me.
　However, in terms of priority, it was far beyond the things that could be said about her sleeping face.
　I didn't have time for a long talk, but I didn't think Loki would be convinced by just standing around. It's important to be let out loud.

'That's it here. Let's go in for a start.

　He nodded and entered the room, prompted by Loki, who was a step off.
　The inside was scattered as quickly as possible. All of it must be Tesfia's things.
　The two of them were unaware that they were sleeping in three beds. Alice's face was turned to the side, half buried in her pillow. Her hair was hanging over her head, so it was impossible to make out her expression.
　And Tesfia still did not disappoint. She's just brushing off the thin quilt with her feet and hanging apologetically around her waist. It's not that he's a helpless figure, but he doesn't look like he's sleeping well. Her crimson hair was scattered around her body like a spider's web.
　I'm sure it's better that he doesn't snore, but he must look unacceptable for a nobleman.
　Ars sat down on a chair, unconsciously paying attention to the sound of footsteps.

''It's a trickier mission than I expected this time, but there's no problem since Letty's there too. I mean. Loki you're going to have to go to the tournament instead of me, who will be absent.
..........

　The reply took time. The scrape of teeth sounded from behind tightly drawn, shapely lips.

(Again, mission, mission, mission.)

　Loki had hoped that this tournament would give him a chance to see his true worth. But now that he was there, that didn't matter. You'll be able to feel an inexplicable resentment overflowing from within at times like this at those who let their duties go down without a second thought.
　As if to add to that, the disappointment of not being able to accompany them again begins to torment them.

''Again...?''

　A weak tone of voice is muttered from a slightly open mouth.
　I can understand what Loki is trying to say. It's not worth it if you don't take them on missions in the outside world, because that's not the point of being a partner.

''This time it's a division of roles. The only way to complete both the mission and the victory is to divide up. And the mission is more difficult than you thought. It's also true that this is a very difficult task for you.

　The harsh words were more than powerful enough to make Loki realize his lack of power.
　There was a mountain of words in Loki's mind to say back, but none of them were reasonable, one-sided, just a way to get his emotions out.

(And even then, I can be at least a wall. Even if I have to sacrifice myself...)
...

　Ars didn't know what Loki was thinking out of anxiety as he exuded an unusual feeling, but he lightly slammed the chop into his brain that he should interrupt his thoughts for a moment.

'I appreciate Loki's efforts, but this time the demon is the other guy's fault....but yes.
The "Hail Mary　Oh, really?!

　Something ... a bud with a large flower on it bloomed in an instant. Loki's eyes widened and he moved his face much closer to Ars. Their gazes meet each other as if to expose the truth behind their eyes.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a good deal more information on the subject.

''It's not a lie, right? There's no such thing as 'I knew it later'.
Oh. Oh. I know, no two words.
Absolutely, absolutely, sir.
'I swear, I don't lie, and I don't make up random excuses. But it won't be easy. Phililic from the First Academy of Wizards, or was it Phililic, he seems to be doing pretty well there too.
I understand. It can't be easy but there's no way I'm going to lose.

　He is expressionless and has no emotions, but there seems to be an illusion of certain victory there. No, maybe it's of determination.

''All right, but don't cross the line.

　Don't mess with the forbidden, as Ars advised before. But Loki turned his face away as if he was in a bad mood.

''The situation is different from that time. Besides ... there's no need to rely on taboos anymore.

　The gruff statement that made him include it made Ars relax his cheeks without pursuing it.
　At that moment, he didn't pay attention to the volume of his voice for some time, so he said, "What? I heard a voice from the bed.
　It was just Tesfia rubbing her eyes as she tried to get up, and Alice was blinking her eyes and biting off a lackadaisical look as she woke up from her neighbor's reaction.

'Then don't worry about it. I don't have time for this either, so I'd better get going.
'Yes!　Please be careful. I'm sure you won't have to, just in case, but please be sure to come back.
Not even a chance. I'd say three days at the earliest. You're on it.
I'll take care of it. You have nothing to worry about.

　Loki made a fist in front of his chest and flipped it around as he walked Ars off to the door.
　There was no choice but to sleep again now. Should I sharpen my knife, or should I make a plan? As you sit puffing on the bed with that thought in mind, you decide that you should do both.

"Loki, why is Al here? And while I'm asleep, at least wake me up.
'I've been disappointed. That too. I was sorry to see you drooling like that.
'What!　Lies!

　Tesfia scrubbing with her sleeve.
　Alice watched such an exchange absentmindedly. It's still a dreamlike state of affairs. My head is wobbling to the right and left.

''Loki-chan. What is it that Al came so early?
He said he's going to miss the convention because he's got an urgent assignment and he's leaving the rest to me of course.
It's tough on him. I can't believe you're on a mission even at this time but if you asked me to do it, I'll have to take off my clothes.
He asked me to do it, but I'm the only one.

　Tesfia didn't hear me, or she got up on the bed with a lot of momentum.

'Then let's have a morning practice and get ready for it!
Can I help you with that?
Please, Alice.
Probably, but since Lady Ars is absent, I'm thinking that Alice will be in that slot, which means you two will be the first two opponents.
Heh?

　Loki told him with a wicked human smile.

　♢♢

　At the back of the hotel, there was a group of less than 40 people in black cloaks lined up there.
　This is a scene that gives one an odd sense of urgency, but the faces of the group in black do not seem to be so tense. On the contrary, they lightly unraveled their bodies with distracted faces.
　There are a variety of ankle and wrist rotations.
　But then the captain of this squad appeared, and the original leader was also visible, and an undisturbed salute was shown.

The cloak handed to Letty as "Al-kun's", Ars receives the cloak that was handed to him.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this topic. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of cloak.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Harkapudia, for example, wears knightly armor, which shows its national character. I'm sure you'll find that the quality of the mages in Barmes and other financially inferior countries are different because they have to buy their own armor and armor.
　Therefore, it is said that the reason why the number of mages in Barmes is low in relation to the total number of mages is because they do not have this kind of protective armor to protect themselves. In other words, the mortality rate of mages on outside missions is high, as is the supply of mages.

''If you're going to come all the way to see me off, can we hear anything?

　Ars asked Cicernia and Beric as they came to see him off.
　Beric rubbed his chin with a frown.

'Ars, there's a Vizayst over there, you'll receive your plans and information from him when you get there.
'Also, this is a stipulated temporary transfer of command from Lord Holtal.

　Ars takes the letter, which is probably in a packed, glossy, painted box, and tucks it into his pocket.

'Take care of Lynne for me, will you?
Of course I do.

　I took it on, Ars, but I wish I had.
　I let out a big sigh without being noticed, and Beric put his hand on top of it and whispered so that I couldn't hear.

'I'm sorry. I heard there's a deposit near the demon.
"I'm not going to let you go...　What's that?
I'm afraid so, but I hear it's Mithril.

　Ars snorts at that.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. But even with the age, Ars's chuckle can only give you a bad feeling.

It's time to head out now. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this one. You can also take a look at your old books and credit exemption, as I'm sure you haven't forgotten, Viceroy. And please don't do this kind of mission for the time being.
I will. You look out for yourself.

　The troopers who were listening to this story changed their minds about being a student to the line "unit".
　As a single, it's hard to hide the sense of surprise in the midst of the many who are tongue-tied and in awe of Ars' achievements. It's easy to think it's a foul thing to be a student with that, but knowing how tough the mission is, they can't be optimistic. That's why their ranking of first place is so significant.
　The only people they can trust with their lives are Letty and Ars. I'm sure that even if I was left behind by a crowd of cowering demons, I would not waver in my confidence.

　Lightly lowering his eyes, Ars turned to the troops in line.
　Then Ars slowly raised one hand and called out "Go".
　It's not a loud and dominating voice, but there is no one who will not hear it, and like a spider's spawn, the troopers run off towards Barmes like a gale.
　It was such a gathering of strong men that they seemed to have disappeared.
　Arus stopped the cloak in his hand and stopped it at his neck and disappeared before he could flap it.

'You really are going to run, aren't you?'

　Linne adds to the dumbfounded Cicernia.

''A mage as good as them would be faster than diving through several transition gates.
"Since we are in Iberis, close to Barmes, we should arrive at noon or so. As for Arth, I'm sure he'll be off to defeat them tomorrow.

　Beric switches it up as he makes his predictions and gets busy.

(Krama first?)

　We have received word from Gagarid, Governor of Barmes, that he is considering a request to Krama. We have no proof of this, but if we assume the worst, there is a chance that we will be in conflict with Ars and his men, and we will have to eliminate them sooner rather than later.

We'll be on our way to Barmes as soon as possible.

　He gave orders to the wizard who was guarding him as he shouted.
　Cisernia knew that she was useless where she went, so the rest of the time she was excited to continue her one-sided negotiations with the remaining head of Balmes.
　And then, "Hmm? He raised his voice.

'Lynne, are you allowed to sell oil in a place like this?
'Ah!　I'm sorry. I'll be right back--

　After bowing for about a blink of an eye, Linne, with her cloak on, also chased after it at breakneck speed.
　Linne's AWR, which is as tall as her body, is a bow and arrow. It was awkward to run while holding down the arrow barrel lowered at her waist, but that was probably unnecessary. It's because this squire is also a high-ranking detection magician.
　Her combat skills are not that high, but her physical abilities trained in the outside world surpass those of an ordinary person.

　Early in the morning when the silence had fallen, Alpha's proudest and best strength left for the suburbs of Balmes and the outer world to take charge of defeating the demons that had appeared in the outer world.