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I didn't expect Lynne to be along for the ride.
Yeah, I didn't think I'd have to go along with you.

　If Linne is actually accompanying him, Ars realizes a convincing reason. In the first place, depending on Alpha's intentions, it would not be surprising if a strike force came to this place.

　But the fact that they are delivering supplies in this way is something that Ars, who currently has nothing, is gratifying.

''Sorry, the worst part is I almost had to show my face to Alpha.

　Although they didn't show it on the surface, both Sajik and Linne knew exactly what the words meant. They could even say that they were here to prevent that from happening.

　In fact, Arus was prepared to stoop to stealing in order to get the supplies he needed. Of course, there was a possibility of a battle, but it was unavoidable in regards to the things that had to be obtained at a minimum.

'Which way now?'

　Sajik asks fearfully. It's not good at this kind of tactics, but we have to take the lead here to get started. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　If there was a demon's reaction to this place, Rinne would notice.

''I'm using the nearby cave as a temporary lodging. Can you take us over there?
'But first I have to ask you one thing before I do that.

　Ars, who had turned his back and moved to move, stopped for a moment and looked back.
　He sensed the tension in the air, not from a realistic threat, but from a statement of disbelief in the current number one position.

''That's true, too. That was part of it.''

　Ars knew that Sajik hadn't come here just to bring supplies to the place. He had a hunch that he would be, but it would be correct to say that he dared to wait for him.
　He didn't mention it as a means of getting the other side to draw out the information.

　As much as they were friends, the boundaries between them were fuzzy now.
　And moreover, Alpha definitely lacks the information to make a decision about what to do with Ars in the future.

The first thing that comes to mind is to ask yourself, "What do you plan to do in the future, Ars-sama?　Do you intend to make a formal request for assistance to Alpha?
No.

　Lynne's grievous wishes were prematurely broken. Of course, realistically, it would be necessary to hold Ars in custody, even if only temporarily. But if he was under Alpha's protection, it would also give him a chance to explain himself to the seven nations. We need him to avoid being ruled out based on unwanted speculation.

　A moment later, Sajik's muscles rise up as his body expands, clinging to the magical power that has been converted into electricity.
　His sharp eyes are filled with disappointment and resolve.


(The Force, or the amount of electricity it wears is far different than Loki's. You're quite familiar with it.)

　Full steam ahead from the beginning.
　Ars reminds me of Sajik's highest ranking. He's as close to a single as you can get, albeit in double digits. He is the man who is considered Letty's right hand man.
　Almost no one may be able to cross Sajik when using the Force in a meatball fight against an Alpha.

(Good for arm training though...)

　I saw out of the corner of my eye that Sajik's resolve was extraordinary. It's a powerful force that is willing to use any means possible if it's matched like this.

　I'm sure you'll be able to see that Loki, behind him, is also ready for battle, and Arus raised his hands in the air.

I'm not going to be the only one. I'm not going to make a mess of the supplies we've brought with us. I'm sure there are several reasons why I can't return, Rinne-san, but where do you want to start?
You're kidding...

　Naturally, Ars listens to the implication that it's all there and leads him to the cave to change locations.


　The reason why Ars doesn't ask for help from Alpha is not because he thinks he can solve the problem by himself, or because it's hard to say before he cut off the stretcher to Beric.
　The one who is backing out this time is undoubtedly Kurama.

　It's also very well prepared. As a result of Ars's speculation about Krama's purpose, he had to consider that in the worst case scenario, the human race would be drastically reduced.

　His opponent is a strong man who has eliminated countries so far and has survived until today.
　It could be said that the opponent's combat power was unknown, even though they had taken Ilyce under their wing. On top of that, they relentlessly treat Ars as a hindrance because they have judged him to be Kurama's greatest and most difficult enemy. On the contrary, if they lacked Ars and even got their hands on the now deceased Hispida, they wouldn't see the current single magician as a threat.

　Whether this is due to competence or whether he has some secret plan is unknown.

　Nine times out of ten, Ars has been accidentally kicked out to the outside world. So far, he's probably in the palm of his hand.

　For Krama, it shouldn't just be about getting rid of Ars. He became a target because he saw the power itself as a threat.
　If that's the case, it will surely be a life-or-death battle, and the preparations for that have already been made.


　The team members listen to Ars as they lean against the wall inside the cave.
　One thing is certain, Ars told them.

"It seems that Krama wants to kill me no matter what.

　A shocking expectation. No, the squad members were dimly aware of it during the course of the conversation.
　That's why the means of intercepting them with an alpha seemed realistic.

　However, Rinne was the first to realize that this was not possible.

''So Arus-sama has decided that we should avoid fighting in the country. In other words, the threat level of this organization called Krama is estimated far higher than we think,''
You will.
'Let the nations punish Master Ars as a criminal. No, they might think that even such an unfettered restraint would be enough. As long as Master Ars can't move freely, it's easy for Krama to do whatever he wants to do. More to the point, if you think it's enough if only Ars-sama can be turned into a deceased person.......

　Lynne can't stop her thoughts from going ahead as she's led. That would be the worst thing that could happen no matter how it turned out.
　If this was a board game, a single move would be a bad move. And that mistake is a one-way street to defeat.

　There was no option for Ars to make a move from the start. The current situation itself is the only way left for him to make a living.

No matter what Krama does after that, he won't be able to stop even a single. I don't know what it is, but if the result is a disaster with less than half the magicians, we're stuck...

　Choking, it's not just about Ars. Even in the current defense, many mages are being driven out of the city. And with Babel's protective walls also weakening, if they can't be defeated outside the protective walls, it will be easy to invade.
　Like an avalanche, the demons will rush into the survival zone. It would mean the collapse of the Tower of Babel.

　Loki, who was listening to this next to me, said firmly.

''We can't expect help from anywhere. Does that mean we can't request it, Al?'
Well, I'm alone as usual I'm sorry. There are two of you this time.

　Loki happily accepts the hand that is placed on him with a clunk. It's no reason to be afraid if the other party is going to rival the single wizard. The fact that the trust in him to feel that way is a change of hair color from the usual takes away the fear.



　Flatulence, Sajik slams his head on the ground with a gun and apologizes with tears in his eyes. There was already a sense of depression that passed for an apology.
　The sight of such a huge body thrusting its hands into the ground and putting its forehead on the floor in a scraping manner is a powerful sight that I don't even want to see. It's more than that, it's sickening and hot.
　But Loki's eyes, looking down at you half a step back, are as cold as iron. It's probably out of the question for Loki, even if his opponent is of a higher rank.

　Ars is a step off to hide the gaze that Loki doesn't even know if he's looking at.

No, don't apologize for that. You're just doing your job. I would have been suspicious if it hadn't happened. It's a little hasty, but that doesn't mean you did anything wrong. Don't worry about it, you won't be able to do it if you keep worrying about everything.

　The eyes, which remind me of my childhood, tell me that this is the same path I followed. I'm not sure if he was as faithful to his role as Sajik was to his indifference, which is why he only bought the depression.
　I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find the right one.

''Ars-sama ah!

　He stepped on Sajik's face as he tried to hug him and returned to the conversation.

'Linne-san's arrival means that there has been movement there as well.
'As you may have guessed. I would like to bring this to the attention of Lady Cicerunia as soon as possible.
'Well, that's fine. There's nothing you can do about it at this point. The rest is just a matter of time, I suppose.
'The time is of the essence. Lord Ars, this is not just about Alpha already. This is the wolfsbane of rebellion against humanity!

　Lynne is certainly right. That's why Ars thinks there's only so much he can do. No, it is made to be so.
　The time has begun when it's too late to do anything about it.

''If it's as I think it is, I think we've already placed each of the enemies. Each and every enemy.
What do you mean?
You'll know that when you get there, won't you?
Master Ars!
'No, I'm not saying that in any mean way. I don't know if I'll ever change my mind. As for me, I'm going to play the clown and go along with their wishes. It's the best way to make a living. Well, Sisernia-sama might get a puffy look on his face.

　Even in a situation like this, Ars could still talk lightly. It was because he didn't feel more alone than usual, but it was yet to be realized by Ars.
　However, I would be lying if I said I had no concerns at all.
　I should say here, but in the end, Ars never opened up about it. Yes, the fact that Krama is challenging Ars is something they've been cautious about, surely they must have known about the different abilities.

　If that is the case, what exactly is the deal, and how much do they know about it? That was the only thing that concerned me.

''Truly, Ars-sama is a bad person. The seven countries have already called an emergency meeting. I'm afraid things could be much different than this.
I know.
'I'm sorry to tell you, Master Ars, but both the Governor and Cicerunia have already gone to great lengths to exonerate him. We will need reinforcements...
"Then I'm staying!　Of course, Lady Letty will understand. Lord Ars, to me........

　Sajik's offer is very much appreciated. For some reason, Ars returns the ripple that sinks in and hits his chest blissfully calmly.

'Thank you. But you shouldn't do that now. In the current alpha, if your class passes you, the hole is big. Besides, the absence of double digits will tie up Beric and Cicerunia's movements. Remember, you're an Alpha wizard.

　Both Sajik and Lynne roll their eyes at the sudden gratitude. It's the first time they've heard the word. They don't miss the change unleashed by Ars.
　And Lynne has happily lost the bet with Letty that she started on her own.

　In contrast to Linne, who was deeply moved, Sajik reflexively answered. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get a good deal more than you think.

''If you say so, then so is Lord Ars.

　The quickness of the change is still a concern, but I guess this is what he has.

''It's an ostensible problem. I'm sure the countries won't be able to ignore the movements of the alpha who had me in his arms. The best thing to do right now is not to leave any openings. If you're going to come to our aid, it's time to go.

　No wizard should be let out of Alpha who would come to help. Ars himself hadn't thought that far ahead. More to the point, it didn't matter either way.
　But that is only if you think about what Beric and Cicerunia are about to do.

　But in the unlikely event that a helper were to arrive it would probably be a stupid guy. It's probably a naive guy. He is probably a helpless people-pleaser who doesn't know what to do with himself.

'I would have liked some help if I could, but I guess I'd better get back soon.

　Linne must tell Cicernia about this as soon as possible. Naturally, it would be better for Sajik and the others to return for escorting.
　As far as a quick look at the cargo, everything I ordered is in place. Don't tell me they're not getting permission to scrounge these things up one by one. In other words, it's gray, almost like stealing.
　It's also ridiculous to raise the risk by staying longer.

　I wonder if Sajik is still thinking about whether he will stay for the rest of his life.
　He clenched his fists to lament his unworthy self. Once the decision has been made, Sajik must accept the decision of the highest order.
　He turned his face to look back.

'Good luck, Master Ars. I will surely come running as soon as my suspicions are cleared.''
I won't be waiting for you, Mr. Rinne!
Yes, can I help you, Mr. Ars?
'It's not much, sir, but please tell Lady Cicernia to be good to Lady Lithia.

　The kyotoned Rinne inputs it as word of mouth first rather than thinking about it.
　From the look on Ars's face, he wouldn't tell me if I asked.