The battle for humanity's survival is over, and the land, where the scars of the battle are still fresh and cratered, is located near the ore deposits, and there is currently not a single life-sign in the area, including all of the combatants.
　It was only a few minutes ago that the clearing out operation was completed.
　The sun has barely begun to slope and is about to turn citrus color.

　And then, as if with great care, a figure emerges and walks briskly toward the center of the crater.
　Her beautiful white hair, hanging down from her tall frame, swayed smoothly as if she were both long and female as it swept in the wind.
　She was wearing a long coat with blue and white stripes and had her hands in the pockets of her coat. Her body was slender but not supple like a woman's. However, the only thing that can be judged from the little information we have from the top of the clothing is that it is toned. The body is not thin, but rather condensed. A unique atmosphere clings to you like a thick fog even as you walk.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

'Ilyce is as cautious as ever. I thought Hazan would go off the rails, but he seems to have pulled back the reins well. I suppose I was saved as a result I was hoping you would have killed the current number one, but it looks more troublesome than I expected, Ars Regin.

　The tone of her voice, which is spun in an indifferent manner, is clear and sincere. Depending on the listener, it would sound like a woman's tone. The man raised his reputation as a vigilant person several notches. But more than that, the expression visible through his neatly trimmed bangs forms a fearless cold smile.
　He stops in front of the central pool of blood and shifts his gaze downward.
　A bright red blood was spread out on the ground as if it had been soaked in. Of course, it's not a liquid called blood there, it's just dampening it, darkening its color.
　The man pulled one hand out of his pocket and held it to his chin as if in distress. But despite the pretense of thinking, his expression does not look distressed. You're standing here with a role to play.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find the best way to get the most out of this article.

I'm not going to have any complaints about this. In fact, he should be praised for it. Gudma's research was not in vain. Good work, totally.''

　It comes with the limitation of being for me, but that's the only way I can say the man is here. The enhanced human was a shame, but with a flaw, it would be hard to make it practical.
　It might have been a little different if he had gotten the research data alone, but that was crushed by his #1. But for the man, the data given to him before that would be enough. The plan was screwed up, but it could be fixed, as it had only resulted in procrastination in the best way possible.

'Well, I suppose that means time is limited, too.

　He leaned to the side for a moment as if his eyes were looking into the distance and saw multiple people coming towards him.
　On top of a trail of blood, I stick out my arm.
　-- and then countless red drops emerge from the ground. The drops of blood gather in one place to form a sphere the size of a fist.
　When he pulled out his other hand, his hand held a container that looked like a test tube. As soon as the lid is opened, all the blood goes into the container as if it were sucked in.
　After closing the lid tightly, the man looked through the contents before inserting it into his pocket.

''Surprisingly fast.......then this face is bad.''

　The man grinned.
　In a moment, his body contorted in a gnarled manner. Even his hair was dyed bright red as if it were a lie, and his entire body changed shape with a movement that reminded me of a liquid like a mollusk.
　Everything from his height, to his body, to his face, to the color of his eyes, he was transformed like a different person.
　He had a stubble, and his hair was messy, but his body was ridged as if his muscles were taut. Even his clothes had been replaced, and instead of a robe, he wore the uniform of the Balmes regular army.
　And as the form took shape, the man asked himself in a wild voice.

'Who was this guy?　Well, I don't think it was my imagination that he was a Barmes mage, but it doesn't help that I don't remember the name of every single person I killed.

　In any case, with this appearance, they shouldn't be suspicious if they ran into a mage who was probably a troop behind them.

''Hm?　This guy is the only one who can use magic, and I don't know why he remembered it. It was useful this time, but do we need to sort it out once?

　The man rubbed his beard with an unaccustomed hand, but he scowled as if it was only uncomfortable.

'But I suppose this one will be different, I'm looking forward to it now, but I guess we'll have to be patient for now.

　I put my hand on top of my pocket to rub it and become ecstatic.
　If he transformed himself into the owner of the blood now, he would be in some kind of trouble when he was found.
　The man ran in the direction of Barmes with his poorly performing body. From the fact that his speed was not even half of what it was before, this man he remembered was probably a triple-digit mage at best.
　It was hard to run with his muscles in the way.
　Even though he could be anyone in his memorized form, it would be a drawback that all of his abilities would be reflected in himself. This peculiar ability could be used continuously, but magic could only be used by those who changed their appearance.
　I'm not sure I'll ever be able to use the same magic that the wizard can use, even if I memorize a superior wizard, but it's up to the man to use the magic that the wizard can use. Also, even if he changes his appearance, it does not change his magical power.

Even if these shortcomings are discounted, it is still very useful and easy to use. In addition, Gudoma's research has given us the technology to accurately duplicate the information in the bloodstream. In the past, only superficial information was available, such as the ability to change appearance, and only the magic and lineage that the person was good at was known. The information tendency of magic power is separate from lineage, and the magic power information is biased by the frequency of use of certain magic. The man only scooped up a small amount of that information.
　However, it has now been sublimated into an ability to copy it accurately. By taking in blood, he can obtain more detailed information written on it.
　This includes, of course, the magic that is being mastered. But it's only the fixed information left in the blood that can't be read to experience or thoughts.

　Even so, the body specs, the characteristics of the magic can be used.
　That's why this blood that was taken was more than enough treasure to make the man delighted.

'You'll be a sight to behold. I wonder what you'll look like when you're betrayed, or will you just be at the mercy of it? Either way, we're going to see some great dancing.


　♢♢


　Ars and Loki were carried in. Although it was only within the Balmes headquarters that there was a temporary commotion, it would only be a matter of time before this commotion propagated.
　It wasn't long before Bellic, who was in charge of overall command here, heard the news of the defeat directly from Letty's mouth, but he broke out in a cold sweat at the unbelievable scene.

　It's the very reason why his association with Ars has been going on since before he became a wizard. Even though he had carried out many tough missions in the past, he would never have been dealt with this deeply.
　The fact-checking of what in the world had driven him to this point left Beric wondering about much more than just the administrative process.
　He watched the two wizards being carried off to the emergency room, but from the point of view of the man who had tended to several of his dying subordinates, Ars's condition must be described as hopeless.

　The numerous wizards gathered together have pale faces and their mouths are drawn together in a powerful manner. Relief that the threat had passed was coiled in their chests.

'Viceroy, about Al-kun's power!

　Letty's voice is filled with supremacy, her eyes sharp as she glares.

　What are you talking about?　He was about to ask back, but a bad feeling came from within, and one thought made his body stiffen. Ars, whose success rate in missions was 100%, was his only concern.
　Since nothing had happened so far, the results of the mission had only driven the concern away.

'--!　No way, you've gone off the rails!

　Beric's face froze as he remembered something, when he remembered that he had been shouting louder than he thought.

'No, not here. Let's hear it in your room, as well as the report.
..........

　Beric made a fist and hobbled back, and Letty followed silently after him, staring at his trembling back.
　Was she waiting for an opportunity to call out to them as they walked off in such a hurry, or was it because she happened to be in view when she heard the commotion and rushed in?
　Probably, but it seemed to be the latter. Because if the person was here from the beginning, there's no way Letty wouldn't have noticed it.
　He didn't seem to have missed the important conversation.

'Commander-in-Chief, I ask permission to be present. I didn't know that Ars was such an enemy to be cornered to that extent.......if it really was an SS-rate, the type, form, etc....

　If you look, you can see Jean with a few of his men in tow, posture straightened and offered a divine look. Behind him, a subordinate dressed in an azure military uniform and wearing a cloak towered behind him.
　Letty poisoned it with impatience, an afterthought. There was some personal feelings there, but above all, it was true that the Governor knew of Ars's abilities. It's not a good idea to let other countries hear about it, since he doesn't even let himself, the country's single wizard, know that information.

　Letty's prediction was correct.

Letty's prediction was correct, "Mister Jean, of course I will make a report and publish it to the seven countries. More importantly, you are still in charge of the defense of the country. We cannot let our guard down when we have eliminated the greatest threat to our country. Without your cooperation, the defense of this country would not be possible in this day and age. We are in a situation where no one is indispensable, and now we need to receive reports and take new measures as soon as possible.
"As representatives of Rusalka, we have a right to be informed.

　Jean bites down on the bitterness of his understanding. He felt that Ars wasn't just a single mage to each other, but that there was a weirdness that lived with him as an enigmatic mage. He'd had a fair amount of company, but the Seven Nations meeting had convinced him of that.
　Information about a single mage that should be kept secret, but he had been approached on numerous occasions in Rusalka about being too different to disclose.
　Previously, Alpha, Rusalka's joint operation was also intended to refer to that. Of course, we got nothing.

"Enough of that. Jean Rumbles!

　A voice rises to take control of the aircraft. It was uttered by someone other than the three people present here.
　A mature man stood with his hands folded behind his back at the entrance to the headquarters, looking down from several steps above.

''Haorg-sama!''
"Mister Jean, what we need to do is to eliminate the threat of the demons as soon as possible. There are demons in the outside world that could gather at any moment... and Governor Bellick, you didn't take out the target, did you?
Definitely.
It was supposed to be a scouting party, but we weren't in a position to set policy at the gathering when we were called up. If we succeeded in defeating them, there is no one to complain about it. So, Jang-dono, if you have something to say, why don't you wait until after all this is over? Of course, after all the reports have been shared.
I understand.

　Letty glanced at him, while Jean choked up and shook his head in disapproval.

　The head of Iberis, Haorg Maison Jeffress, took note of Jean's concern and lightly checked Beric with his eyes.

'Leave the defense to us, Governor Beric. And the report that the Hydrangees are behind in their formation is.......telling.
'Yes, I'm afraid they haven't left the country yet. We've received word that Kreviedito will be arriving here soon, and that one will be stationed north of Hydrangee.

　Balmes and Iberis are only neighbours, and this is a consideration to avoid unnecessary conflicts by placing Iberis's troops on their side of the country. Hydrangee is located above Barmes in the east, and Iberis is below and to the southeast. And further south than Iberis is Clevidito.
　But--

Don't worry about Iberis. I've notified them to leave a reasonable number behind. If Hydrangee is behind, we'll take care of the northern part of the city, and you'll place the krevidites on the Iberian side, and the distant Harkapudia will be on their way from the north, which should be communicated first and then join us. If we can gather enough men, we can clear some of the area.
Thank you.
I'll get Vadgett up there right away.

　Haorg uttered into the communication device attached to his ear, "You heard me.
　However..........

Could you give me that role?

　Jean looks straight at Haorg. Then he turns to Beric. 'I suppose it's because the decision of the Commander-in-Chief is at the top of the list.

It will be dark outside in another hour or so. ─ It will be dark in about an hour or so and rather than wait for the nations to arrive, let us clear it out. I'll be the first to arrive, and I'll be the first to arrive, and I'll be the first to lose my position if Ars is the only one to take advantage of the situation. I will certainly exceed your expectations.
All right. But you're going to have to keep the 50.
Is that all you need to know?

　Scowling, Jean even sounded like he had enough on his own.

'Yeah, but instead, we'll take sunset as our time limit.

　Jean straightened his posture and flipped over with a bang as he lightly lowered his eyes and flew his instructions to his subordinate who was standing behind him. All the while, his mouth was slightly up in the air the entire time.

　Beric was going to contact Haorg as well, so it was a hassle-saving experience for him to come here.

'Haorg-sama, I would like to discuss with you, his person...'

　Before he could finish his request, Haorg lifted his cheek as he controlled Beric's words with his hand.

'They've already arrived. Now that you understand that this is a situation that needs to be lifted heavily,''
Oh, really?
He should be working on both of them by now.

　Even though he is indeed a head of state, he's so adept at it because he has an undisputedly imperial background of commanding in the military.
　For Iberis, the position of head of state was more than just a decoration of dignity; it was an opportunity to add dignity and prestige.
　His influence on the military, despite his position as head of state, is one of the reasons why he is so influential. His prowess is known throughout Iberis.