"--!　What are you talking about, captain? What would you do if something happened to you, Ars?

　Elina is the only one in this squad who is overprotective, if not the only one. Maybe it's a maternal instinct only for women.

'That would be a needless worry. Besides, Elina's the one who started it. The point is, do we want to be perceived as superior? There's no one else in the house but Ars.
'That's true, but...'
I don't mind.

　Without waiting for an answer, Ars walked toward the cage.
　A tapping and regular light sound.

　As he approached to the distance where his claws could reach through the gap, as expected, the beast called Demon Dog let out a roar, "Grrrrrrrrrr". It was closer to hostility, more like a threat than a killing intent.

''Ars-kun, that's enough, any more of that is dangerous!

　He ignored Elina's restraint and took a step further... it wasn't so much ignoring her as it was focusing his attention on her without averting his gaze, so he just didn't come into the gap between his thoughts.
　Ars was caught in a strange sensation. To call it concentration was questionable. It's probably because although there are many animals in the outside world, I've never seen a creature as magnificent as this one. The closer you look at it, the more your eyes are drawn to it.
　They are fierce and heroic, yet I can't help but feel a sense of fragility. I'm not sure how many times I've seen such a bizarre situation, but I've always felt the same thing.

　That's when - I couldn't stand it anymore. Maybe it's an animal instinct. It was probably because of that sense of danger that my territory was being invaded.
　The claws that thrust out sharply while barking tore through the iron bars.
　No, they couldn't tear, but they swung down, leaving a trail of claw marks. The metallic sound that pierced his ears was exactly like a scream.

''..........''

　That's the moment when Ars's consciousness is touched. It's not intentional, but the act of being attacked switches to a battle stance cultivated in the outside world.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say.

　I'm sure the team members are used to it, but they probably didn't expect to be exposed to it on the inside, where it's not even the outside world - within their right to survive. They unconsciously took a step backwards.

''That's indeed amazing....''
It would be nice if you could at least be in control instead of letting your emotions take over.

　Viziest looks on with a sigh, but the troopers try to deceive him by opening their mouths, as if trying to appear calm.

'Still inexperienced, you mean.
'Nothing you say on your shaky legs will convince me, Lindelph. He's a horrible boy, by the way.
Yeah, that's all right with me, but I think that dog's in trouble, don't you?
Who's more worried?　Ars sees you as an enemy and decides to hand you over?　Or is it the one that makes the dog useless?
...both of them. You can't help but feel sorry for that dog.

　It didn't seem to let his guard down even if he said it out loud.

'It's okay to have a kid like that... come to think of it... you and this kid...'
'She's the same age as Ars, but she honestly doesn't look it. I don't want a girl like that.
Agreed.

　There would have been no problem with a light-hearted remark to the extent that it was a light-hearted remark. Unless it had turned into a slander.
　Erina turned around with a snap and glared at all the shooters.

'Ah!　Wow, all right. I didn't mean to...
Sorry.

　The troopers also apologize with their hands in front of their faces, aware that this is not a conversation to be had out loud.
　Yes, even if they are sincere, they are not words directed at the same fellow man.
　And moreover, in front of the person himself........no, Ars won't be inspired. In this case, he should have taken into consideration the fact that Elina was there.

　Elina turned her face back to face and said, "Ars-kun, that's enough already. And I feel sorry for that boy any further," she says consciously and jokingly.
　That should have been the end of it, but Ars took a step further.

　The moment - a high-pitched sound that shook the air with a pang popped in the room.
　When Ars came back to himself, he turned around and saw Viziest clasping his hands together. As a wind system, he must have used a combination of magic to amplify the sound waves and cause air vibrations.

'Alright, that's enough, Ars.'
....

　Wordlessly, he brings the demon dog into view once more.

''-----!''

　 The tip of his nose, the tip of his nose on the floor, and his eyes were a bit loving, without the hostile intent as before.
　The fact that they were pouring onto the floor without exchanging glances, an act of surrender that would mean death in nature.

　Viziest - common to all the troopers - lifted his cheeks and raised his voice at the sight of submission, as if it were a submissive sight.

''Alright, the Demon Dog will be temporarily taken over by the Special Demon Attack Unit. I'll leave the matter to Ars to take care of. He must be a companion to your actions in the outside world. Good!

　Despite his dignified appearance, Viziest's expression was gentle enough to brace himself.
　He smiled as if it were his own child.

(Maybe owning a creature would make some difference.)

　And there was a relief that he didn't have to say no to it, but this request was too difficult by any stretch of the imagination, so he could make a good enough offer. So maybe this expression on Viziest's face is an expectation for change against Ars.



　It was three days later that the demon dog visited the troop room of the Special Demon Attack Unit. The reason for this is because I couldn't take him out of his cage, so I had to get him out.
　That's why we ordered a collar in a hurry, but we didn't anticipate that much trouble in manufacturing it. It's just a chain on a somewhat rugged collar. It was just a lead that required a lot of skill, as it was designed to be pulled by several adults.
　I guess it's just good manners. It's not hard to imagine that they would be untouchable in the event of a runaway. In addition, the fact that the person holding the reins is a child makes me even more anxious.

　
　In fact, there are rooms that can accommodate 40 people, as well as a nap room, so even if there is one more demon dog, it won't be too small, but I feel that is because of its presence.
　The actual demon dog is quietly lying on the ground with its eyes closed. It is in a dexterous position with its paws crossed and its head resting on the ground.
　He's not too dumb to be taught a lesson. It may be guilty of ethical malpractice, but at any rate, it seems to be more intelligent than a dog, and it understands most things with gestures. It was said that they would eventually understand simple words and be able to move. Of course, as it stands now, it's only at Ars's command.

　Ars is wrapping a lead around his arm that he can't wrap around his wrist. It was a sight that was likely to cause congestion. However, the demon dog never once showed any pretense of forcing him to pull on the road.

　The demon dog is there to communicate with the squad as much as possible, but its intentions can be said to be hopeless in a sense. It's a decision that cooperation is essential as long as it's for the purpose of detection, even if it's a demon dog, because the unit of several people will be on a mission in the outside world.
　However, there are many problems with this, and having a demon dog walking around inside the military headquarters is not good for many reasons. Therefore, except for training, the warehouse in the research building will be used as a hut.
　So why did we bring them all the way to the troop room this time?

It's not a good idea to name them demon dogs, since they're going to be on a mission together. So, first of all, why don't we come up with a name for it?

　Vizaisto called the meeting as he should, even though he didn't have much time to spare since he was between missions.
　In other words, it seems that the person in question isn't there to give him a name that plays an important role in his own identity....
　It would be natural to say that the first thing my gaze went to was natural.
　It's a good thing that you're not a half of a demon dog.

''Arus-kun, is there anything?''
... white.

　When the troops around him heard this, he put his hand to his forehead, waved his face, or dared to silently and implicitly tell them "no".

That's just the way it is.

　Viziest wasn't bad, but he didn't look odd or strong, he complained bitterly. As if to affirm that, the demon dog didn't even try to open its closed eyes. Maybe it's asleep, though.
　Naturally, Elina asks if there's a good name for it.

''Then what is it about the captain?''
'Yes, well, I wasn't taking it, but how about Gormans? It's a name I had in mind for when the man was born.
'Speaking of which, what does Captain Viziest's daughter say?
'Yeah, Felinella, but the name I had in mind for my daughter was rejected.
Hey, just so you know, what kind of name are we going to use?
The Gornea!

　The members of the team, who stood dumbfounded with their mouths open, giggled and shook their heads.
　Elina, having heard the answer, scooped up her bangs with her fingers to hang them over her ears and then expressed her frank opinion.

''How miserable...''
"....!　I mean, sure, my wife stopped me, but it's a name I've been thinking about for three days and three nights. Most of all, it's for a kid who has the ambition to be strong...
'Yes, yes, I understand the captain's sentiments, but I can see his muscles rising and falling. I can't thank your wife enough for that.
'Gu ... no, well, the name Felinella is certainly a wonderful name, but my ...'
'No, captain, I understand now, so anything more would be a matter of morale for the troops.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It is natural for Elina to start the process as the organizer, and this is the moment when the authority of the temporary captain was delegated.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on something else. Please come up with a twist.''
'I mean, before we do that, let's make sure we know if it's a male or a female.
Yeah, that's true.

　Erina turned to Ars, "Which way? He tilts his head back.
　The reason why I and the squad members don't confirm this is because the demon dog only misses Ars. It may be a misnomer to say that he misses her, mainly because he recognizes her, but from the squad members' point of view, it must be because he is an animal that seems to miss her.

'It's a male,'

　Ars answered immediately, as if he had already confirmed it.

'So that's why. I'll give you a fine name.
Well, wait, if it was a male, it would be even better with Gormans...
'Shut up, captain!　Just tell me how the dog reacts. Because if you like the name, they might respond in some way.
Uh.....

　Tobotobo's shoulders slumped as Vizaisto sat down next to Ars and held his knees.

'Well, we don't have much time, and you need to be serious about this. Are you sure you want to name your new squad member a disgrace called Gormans?

　Hearing this, Vizayst said, "Hey! I was about to say it and swallowed the rest of my disapproval.

　Then he listed all the names he could think of, but there was no indication that the demon dog reacted to this one. And none of them seemed to ring a bell. That's when I started thinking about using the name White, which is exactly what Ars gave it.

''I used to buy this cat at home, how about Nique?

　At that moment, Elina also saw the demon dog's ears twitch, but she would be in a bad mood if it continued.

''I don't think it's possible, but you don't say it's dead or anything, do you?
He died a year ago, but he lived his life to the fullest!

　Grunting, Elina takes a glance at Ars and the others, but they just stand on the sidelines. I decide that's a sign that I'm going to leave the decision to them.

'And the Goddess of Victory... well, she's a male, but in this case, it's okay. It wouldn't be so bad if you thought it would bring victory for the squad, would it?
Yes.

　And Elina said, "How's that? I was about to ask, when the demon dog twitched its large ears and opened one eye. It was like waking up from a nap, but it was also the moment the name was decided upon.
　There was no complaint about the smooth and easy name to call.




　From then on, the cooperation in the outside world and on the training ground was repeated many times so that they could be put into actual combat. The team members got used to it and started treating Nike like a real member of the team.
　But they couldn't even touch her without Ars beside her, though.

　It turns out that Nikeh's fighting ability is on par with D-rate, and as far as detection is concerned, she is estimated to be able to cover nearly 2km. In terms of role, if a demon is detected, Nikeh is to stay behind the squad and provide support at the drop of a hat.
　If it were true that such a thing was possible, there is no way that animals could do it. But as for Nike, it is highly intelligent and can make the best move on its own if it is not ordered to. Maybe it's instinct, though.

　Of course, in order to help them learn their coordination and roles, the squad members devoted all their free time to training. It was probably worth it. It could be said that Nikeh had completely mastered the way the squad moved in about a month.
　At the same time, it was also a good opportunity for Ars to learn the teamwork of cooperation. Of course, as far as I'm concerned, it only took me two days to figure it out.
　It wasn't long before Nikeh's collar was removed. Of course it's required when you take her out of the cage, but when exercising in the outside world, she can act rationally even without the collar, so now her lead is also made of pretty pink leather. It's almost like it's not there, but Nikeh has always been one step behind Ars, walking next to him. So there's no such thing as a tug.

　The biggest change that occurred with the arrival of Niké was still in Ars.
　It's not that something has changed, but the squad members and Visaisto have felt it dimly.
　At first, Ars would go to the warehouse in the research building and take care of them. Maybe it was because Viziest's orders, but it was clear to everyone that he was a good partner.

　Soon enough, Nique began to sleep in the troop room, and the entire squad even built a ridiculously large wooden hut to make room for her. It was big enough for a person to fit in, even if it was a dog house.

　The speed at which the months passed was denser and calmer than the busy and hectic days. Days that never degraded piled up each day in vivid color. Fulfillment is so far removed from the military that it seems out of place, if at all.

　The members of the squad who were wagging their tongues at Nikeh's performance on his first outside mission must have far exceeded their expectations. She had a smile on her face that she would never show in the outside world. They would certainly and steadily complete the mission without letting their guard down, but considering the completion time and fatigue, far more than before, everyone knew that it was thanks to Niké.
　So when a demon is approaching, Nique senses it and notifies you of its direction and general distance by barking. They have been trained to make some decisions by barking continuously and also by the volume of their voices.

　In sweeping the demons around the defense line, he was even able to double the number of normal defeats in time. After completing his first mission, Nikeh was officially welcomed as a member of the squad.
　On that occasion, a grand party was held, which will be etched in your memory.
　The meal for the demon dog was human, but since it didn't look good, a chunk of meat with bones was presented to her. It was also a page from my memory that Nike bit into it, drooling like a waterfall, without waiting for Vizaisto's congratulations.
　However, Vizaisto had tried to get Nikeh to drink, and Elina had made him sit upright and chastise her.

　The collar was presented to Nikeh by the entire squad as a sign that she was officially welcomed as a member of the squad. A shiny red-copper-colored plate in the middle with a silver glow. It was engraved with the name "Nikeh".
　This was something Ars had carved himself.

　I'm not going to be able to turn it around with both arms, but with Elina's help, I tighten the belt around the thick neck that I can't turn it around with my arms, and then I do it with enough space to fit my arms so that I don't have to suffer, and then I snap the clasp on.

　The howl that Nikeh barked at that moment was one that wasn't part of his training.