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　Ars took another look at his dirty clothes and scowled. He was dressed quite badly, as could be seen by just looking down lightly. The part of the body that is originally protected by clothing is large, and Ars, who is used to the outside world, was trying to reduce the wear and tear on his clothes and equipment. But the trousers are torn, and the jacket and robe, which should have been as good as new, look moderately worn out.

　In addition, minor scratches were on his arms and legs, and every time his clothes rubbed against them, they conveyed a prickly, unpleasant pain.


　The same was true for Loki next to him, and for once, he was able to learn in many ways.
　He burst into a self-mocking giggle and a tired smile. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm single, but I feel like there's still a lot I don't know.

　--did he get too used to fighting alone? No, I forgot to learn to work in more than one as a unit....

　A distant memory reminds me of the time when Ars abandoned coordination as a means of combat. Instead of having the people around me adjust to me, I will now have to adjust to the girls. It was never a tight fit or anything like that. Rather, it gave me a sense that I would have more choices to make.

　The word "believe" is nothing more than a falsehood for the weak to find their own worth... or so I thought.
　Surely, Ars was able to recognize that existence this time.
　It was a strange thing. Perhaps Ars, who had chosen the efficient and best way to survive, was finally able to realize his own flaws.

　If you are going to say such a thing, you can see the image of the bad guys making a mockery of you, so you keep it to yourself. The fact that such mundane - and human-like - people have been around Ars for some time is probably one of the things he has been reminded of.

　If you are able to overcome a situation by yourself, there may be no reason why you can't overcome it with more than one person. At least Ars was able to start thinking that way.

　--a good lesson for me too, I guess. The rest is this guy.

　Loki, who walks unconcernedly next to me with his usual blank expression, is not irrelevant. This time Ars was able to understand the heart movements that accompany the actions, both good and bad. If they breathe well, even if they are in the outside world, they will show their full potential.

　That's why I think that. I'm sure that in normal circumstances, Loki would never have gone on a mission alone.
　There had to be some factor there - enough to affect his actions.

　--Loki's situation would have to be resolved eventually.

　Not to mention a new item added to my brain schedule. It's a problem I don't know how to solve, and I don't know if there's a right answer.


　Gently deflecting his face to the opposite side of Loki, Ars let out a small sigh. It's not troublesome, but rather a very challenging problem.

　So, suddenly and without any reason, Ars turns his eyes to the woman in front of him - it was an emotionless gaze that showed his incomprehension.
　Unlike when she came in, she led the way as if she were stepping backwards to see what on earth was fun.

　She would occasionally look at us as if observing over her shoulder, in a tone that seemed to put everyone in a good mood.

　His smile, which is just the same as the one he shows when he's finished enjoying the playground equipment, has little dimples on his clear skin.
　Her lithe limbs and nubile waist, her hips swaying slightly with every step she takes.


　Based on Bordeaux's reaction to her appearance, she couldn't be a mere clerk or guide. Of course, I don't think of her as an image girl now. If she really is an image girl, she looks a little weak in the head.

　You may have noticed Ars's gaze, and the woman spun around without stopping to walk.

'Can I help you?'
No. Do you know the Colonel or do you know him?

　Ars knows he is missing the point. However, it was a consideration to be rude to hit a direct line.
　Yes, you're not a Hydrangee soldier, right, and so on, a statement that goes too far into someone you've never met before.

　However, her closed mouth visibly lifted in a semicircle as she read the intent of her words.

''We can borrow mages from the Association, but apart from that, the armies of the various countries are keen on recruiting personnel. I'm allowed to do this on a freelance basis, and I'm a hired hand, so to speak. It's just that I was often approached by the colonel, and I only know him.
I see.

　Without interrupting the question for the first time, Ars tried to convince himself. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. They are hired by the military and nobility as an immediate resource, such as guards and mercenaries. They are hired through a community of such people with no affiliation to anything. There are even people who call them a combat group in these circles.
　In other words, they are the forerunners of the dispatch work done by the association.

　With the establishment of the association, they should have been able to bring in that kind of warfare force, but after all, not all of them seem to be able to do so. However, there are cases where it is a criminal organization like Kurama.

''So you're also investigating the [Night Association]?

　Loki represented what Ars was trying to say. But her face was not that of an expressionless one, but a somewhat wary one.

''Generally speaking, I suppose. I'll go ahead and answer Ars-sama's question. I'm imitating a guide because I'm not busy right now. But don't worry, I know the place, and I can look after myself in my own way.
'So ... you saw that too?　That demon....

　Loki asked fearfully, trying to draw out without giving much information.
　Then the woman walked backwards and pondered somewhat deliberately. Then, despite Loki's wariness, she began to speak plainly without any indication of hiding it.

''Are you talking about [Rutted Snake (Kuchinawa)]?　That wouldn't be accurate. Or should I say it was Kuchinawa. It's probably the World Snake [Jormungandr].

　Loki felt that this was an odd thing to say. Because it made him think that he would probably not be able to see all the way to the edge of that size. The girth alone was unimaginable. It could even cover a mountain like a rou.

"World Snake [Jormungandr], huh? That's a nice name.
'As expected, I didn't want to get involved, so I turned back. I turned back because I didn't want to get involved. Please understand that I cannot discuss my investigation report without my client's permission. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to show for it.

　Just being able to escape in front of that thing is worthy of praise. An ordinary wizard would have been unable to sit down and move even a single step from that spot. And once you feel that magic, your physical freedom is taken away against your will.

　Loki stared at the woman intently. Even escaping was not supposed to be possible.
　But the woman in front of him smiled back at Loki's gaze.

''I may have the opportunity to work with the association in the future, so I'd like to get to know you.
Is that why you're doing this?
No, this is more of a hobby. It's a job that won't last long if you don't know the ins and outs of the military.
I know. I mean, I just feel like I've been fed a drink with it. That's the kind of person I want in the association.
I'm very glad to hear it, Master Ars. But I'm enjoying myself.
I envy you.

　With a huff, the woman covered her mouth with her hand, flipped around gaily, and stopped in front of the door.

'Could you please use this one as a changing room? It's a busy time of year for many things, so we've prepared this one for you. A small private shower room is available for your use. Please don't hesitate to use it. The troops who used this place have already been wiped out. The two that I brought in earlier will be here as well.


　And the woman who is guiding us extends her hand and pushes open the door.