Pasquantine has perished - Vaham told Alford so.
　At those words, Alford understood the meaning of this air.

'Wait, wait a minute?　Pasquinquin is extinct?　What do you mean?　I thought that country was part of the Eight Points.　It should be so easy to destroy--

We were attacked.

　Zeke tells an upset Alford, who is upset.

'Attack?'

Yeah. They don't have the country anymore, and I'm going to check it out now.

　Hearing those words from Zeke, Alford stopped asking questions once there.
　More than that, he was stuck for words because there were too many matters to handle in the future that were too much for him to handle just by imagination.
　Ichijo, on the other hand, didn't understand what the story was about.
　The fact that the country was attacked and destroyed may indeed be a problem, but what does it have to do with the dragon's heart?　There are many wars in this world. So isn't it an everyday occurrence that countries fall? -- and Ichijo had a question mark floating in his mind.
　Then, reading Ichijou's emotions with the sound of his heart and the heat emanating from his body, the Black Dragon Carpent replied.

'Ichijou, this is a vicious situation.

"How serious is this?　What is pascantine?　What the hell is wrong with you? .....

'A country is defined by the size of its territory and the size of its military force. That's where you determine if it's a threat or not. Of course not all of them. And the power seeks stability. The answer to this is the alliance. By interfering with each other, they deprive each other of their freedom, and thus restrain their power from running amok. The exception to this is the Empire, of which Durmscales is a prime example.

　Carpent spoke from the mechanics of what is called a country, as one can see in the article.

'There are eight great powers that occupy the major regions of the Vanome continent and are scattered about as if they control the continent. One now destroyed, seven now; one was Artemias. But now there is one less...

Is that pascantine?

　Ichijo hurried to answer.

''........Yes. The Pascantine Kingdom, a nation built on forced labor by beast slaves - part of the great coalition known as the "Eightfold King". It was attacked and fell this time.

''So what the hell is the problem with that?　What makes it different from other countries?　It's the kind of country that forced the beastmen to work, right?　Wouldn't that be rather convenient, then?

The territory that Pasquantin ruled at the moment belongs to no one. That country is like a crossroads, so to speak. When you connect the countries that are dotted together, at the point of intersection you will find the territory of that country. In other words, it has served as a deterrent until now.

'Deterrence?　What the hell?

It's a deterrent to war. With that land being ruled by one of the Eighty-six nations, no other nation could trespass on that land without permission. As a result, no wars have occurred between the nations involved. Until now?

'So you're saying that the destruction has opened up that territory, is that what you're saying?

Yes. Yes, a country seeks rest, and as a result, more power. A nation seeks repose, which in turn leads to a search for more power. War could break out right now. Do you understand, Ichijo?　This is an urgent situation. We must do something about it immediately.

　Ichijo still doesn't have a clear picture of what this story is about.
　But the true purpose of this organization, which aims to eradicate corruption and corruption. That is to stop the war.
　So this is precisely the problem at the heart of the organization. If we don't take action now, it will be too late. If that happens, even the raison d'être of the organization will be in doubt.

　The world has an idea of what the Heart of the Dragon is doing to assassinate people in power. As Arthur of Greiberg said, "They are a necessary evil.
　But if a war were to break out here, that notion might change.

　There is a reason why dictatorships like the Pascantines have been neglected until now.
　That's why [they] have been neglecting this country until now," people know. But as a result, if a war breaks out, the organization will receive criticism. Of course, criticism does no real harm to the organization.

That's the way the world works,' Carpent told everyone again.

"War is about inflicting fear on the unwanted and happiness on the seeking. Those who are ruled by fear seek rest and turn on us. After all they have depended on us in the shadows.

　It's a complicated story, but I didn't see any seriousness in Carpent's words or expression. Perhaps it was a story that was 《after all this time》.
　Like the White Dragon Tinker said one day, he knows that it's humans who will betray him even if he reaches out to them, and he knows that. But it's the same with the other races that might turn their fangs on them.

They are not stupid, even for the eighteenth king. They have a "pipe" that works in case of emergency. If Vaham's information is correct, then this matter has already reached the remaining six nations. They will begin to act individually. But, sadly, the Yagi are a bunch of fools. The only one who can still be called better is Dames Aldan. Chances are they won't recognize this as a crisis.

Probably not.

　It was Zeke who answered clearly.

'Just because there's a war going on doesn't necessarily mean they're going to get involved. Then it might not be a risk for them. But if it's Utopia, which has a friendship treaty with the 《Yakki Alliance》, could it possibly be a risk? .....

　Zeke was thinking as he spoke - what was the first thing to do.
　He could send out a document to each country, warning them not to invade Pasquantin territory. The dragon's heart would make a statement in person, it would work.

"Hey, you got a minute?

　Then, to Zeke and Black Dragon, who were thinking in the same gesture, Vaham said, "That's not the problem, is it? I ask.

'A problem?　What do you mean?

　The black dragon's gaze caught Vaham's. Of course, it wasn't glaring at him.

'Oh I'm sorry, no, I think there's more to the problem, don't you?　Yes, I know it would be bad if there was a war, but the main problem is that Pasquantin was attacked. You know what I mean, don't you?

Um ... sure, yeah.

I believe there is such a thing as the Gang of Eight in that country. It's not a country that would fall just because a couple of bandits attacked it. We don't know how long it took them to get there, but they are the ones who are the problem. Whoever attacked Pasquantin...

Wait a minute. You come back and you don't have a clue who did it?

　Alford was surprised at Vaham's lack of information. But it was not unreasonable.
　There was no way that Vaham could forget to confirm the information of the "someone". In other words, it would have been difficult or impossible.

　At Alford's words, Vaham looked up at Carpent's face with an apologetic look.

'I'm sorry I haven't finished casing the place yet. I haven't been to Pasquantin. It's not safe for me to head there alone I've decided that.

I'm pretty sure it's the presence detection?　Not really? The Black Dragon asks.

Yes, this one's a disaster. I'm sorry, but I'm an intelligence officer. I brought back a certain amount of information. You tell him that and he'll take care of the rest. That's all I have.

　The conversation between the two of them caused everyone to have a question mark in their minds.
　《Existence Sensing》 - they all wondered what that word of the black dragon meant, and they all wondered that.

　Vaham was a mystery, but apparently Carpent knew a part of that mystery.
　In other words, Vaham was using his abilities to gather information.

'Father, what are you talking about?　Did I just hear you say "presence detection"?

It's a skill I have.

　And it was Vaham who answered that simply. Apparently he wasn't hiding it.

'Skills?　But I've never heard of presence detection. Is it an inherent skill?

No, it's just a skill. But it's a rarity.

　To which Carpent replied instead.

'Rare is not the word to describe it. It is not an exaggeration to say that Vaham is probably the only person in this world who possesses the Skill, the Presence Sense.

　Zeke gives you a questioning look, as if he doesn't get the point.

'Well, what do you mean? .....

'As the name implies, this is a skill to sense existence. The Dragon King once told me that it is a skill to sense existence itself. That is, it can sense the Existence itself.

　Then the black dragon turned to Vaham to continue.

''That's right. I can sense the Being.

　What does it mean to be able to detect existence?　Zeke and the others have no idea.

''The skill does not consume magic. In this respect, this skill would be the same as any other. But this is a power beyond one's control, isn't it?　If I wanted to, I could find out who's in Pascantine right now from here.

　Zeke looked at him with no small amount of suspicion at those words.

'What?　Are you kidding me?　How is that even possible?　It's not entirely at the skill level.

　Then, on the other hand, Alford, although not entirely, did not seem to believe Vaham's words.
　Skill 《Existence Sensing》 - that's not something that could possibly happen in the common sense of this world. Eliza also smiled a little bitterly and felt the same as Zeke and Alford.
　Of course the three of them are not doubting Vaham. However, they think that they must be talking too much, at least that much.

'I'm telling you, this is not a joke, okay?　I'm not trying to spice things up. I'm just saying it's theoretically possible. A theory that only I, the user, would understand.　But I can't. If I did that, I'd be dead for sure. Either I'll be lucky and be able to sense it or I'll die before I can sense it, right?

　I don't understand the three of them. Especially Ichijo and others like him are out of the mosquito net.
　And it was something that even the long-lived Black Dragon couldn't understand.

''Skills, right?''

　Alford didn't understand what he was saying.

　As for the skill, it's actually not unraveled beyond magic. But it is believed to be something that can be used indefinitely because there is no change in status after it is activated.
　But Vaham says that if you force yourself to use it, it can be fatal. This is enough to change the common sense of skills that the three of us have had. That's why the three of them still don't believe it.

I've been working with this skill for a long time now.　To some extent, I've figured out the lethal line for myself. So I've been using it as much as I can. So far, there's nothing this skill can't detect. It slips through both magic and recognition blocks, right?　Well, I mean, it's a great skill to gather information only. It does use a certain amount of physical strength, though, right?

　''It's a strength. Although this ability was excellent, it was so exhausting for Vaham that it was no exaggeration to say that it was a life-threatening experience for him. At times, it was to the point where he felt like he was in danger of death, as he said.

''So?　You know that Pasquantin was attacked, which means you used your skills in one way or another, right?　Who was there?

"Alford, I told you.　I didn't have it. I didn't sense it. We knew there was more than one assailant when we detected the attack. So it was a question of who was the mastermind. As I said, my abilities are limited. Wasting time detecting it will only drain my energy.

So what did you see?　What happened that made you decide that the country was destroyed?

'What I see is a crumbling chimney. And the look on Tonpar's face in one corner of the room. And the entourage around me...

　I don't know how far away Vaham spied on the situation from a distance. But Alford noticed the abnormality of the ability in his story, 'Is 《Existence Sensing》 something that can be perceived that clearly?

''The sensation of using this ability is probably only known to me, the person who used it. So I'll explain a bit more to everyone, but I can't use this power perfectly. Should I call it 《Density》?　I basically use a diluted version of that concentration. I use it to send it in all directions, with me at the center. With that, I can sense as little as a drop on the surface of the water, but I can extend the range of my senses farther. When I did my sensing, I don't know if it was a coincidence or what, but it was the first one I detected. I knew where Pasquantin was, and I had passed by it many times. So I had a pretty good idea at that point that [it] was that country.

　In other words, it is a sense that Vaham can sense. This was something only Vaham could know, and it seemed difficult to explain.

''And then? ...I mean, so what did you see?

　Alford listened to Vaham, thinking and organizing as he listened, his eyes pleading with him to get to the bottom of it.

'I don't know--that's the result,'

You don't know?

When I sensed something was wrong, I focused on the king's presence. Because if the king dies, it's the end, right? Then, like I said, I saw Tonpar and his entourage. At the back of the room was a beastman, probably a slave. And Tonpar was impatient. No, more than that, the looks on the faces of the entourage around me spoke volumes about the urgency of the situation.

...What do you mean by that?

　Vaham's expression is both serious and crisp. As he says, he doesn't understand.

'Tonpar was obviously talking to [someone]. And not in a calm state. I knew right away that there was someone else across from Tong Paar. So I shifted my attention a little bit, trying to get a better look at that person. But then...

Huh, what?　Why don't you shut up?　Who was there?

There was no one there.

What?

'There was no one there, no, not exactly?　What I was seeing was a "black haze". I don't know if it's the level difference or not, but I couldn't detect that guy. But there was definitely someone there. The next thing I knew, the heads of the entourage were gone, and blood was splattered all over the room as far as I could see. I could see the frightened look on Tompard's face, too, if only for a moment. That's when I realized that I wasn't mistaken. I wasn't mistaken.

　Explaining the sensation was difficult. Vaham tried to explain his view to everyone, including Alford.

The question is, who is that guy? The question is, who is that person? I don't think I'll be able to use my powers for a while. I've gotten a little carried away. I'm sorry, but I'm going to rest. That's all the information I have. I'll leave you to it, but you just be careful, okay?

　Vaham's face gradually turned pale, as if he had been pushing himself too hard, and he told everyone this and left the hall.

　The remainder of the group remembered Vaham's words and pondered what to do.
Stopping the war is important, but if we don't cut it off from the source, the same thing will happen again.

　But the first thing to consider is--.

I mean, why would they attack Pasquantin, right? 'What do you mean?' asked Alford to Zeke.

'Oh, yes. 'It wouldn't be hard to find out, though, would it?'

Did he go for Yaki, or did he go for Pasquantin.......

　Eliza doesn't know that either.
　Since we don't know what the ringleader looks like, it's all speculation.

''But you don't think it's possible that they were in this country by accident, do you?

'Yes, Pasquantin is a great power. There is always some intention there. It's better to assume that the eighteenth century itself is the target. Either way, if it's not, that's all that matters. Let's consider the worst case scenario.

Then we'll start with the kingdom of Utopia.

　Alford cuts him off there and then.

'....I see.

　Apparently, Zeke was thinking the same thing.

'We have a personal treaty with Pasquantin and a country not far from there.

Those two things first?

　Zeke responds to Eliza's question with an "Oh".

　This is a theory. The three of them discuss it while being watched by the black dragon. In the meantime, Ichijou is unable to get into the conversation, but they haven't grasped the substance at all yet.
　However, the three of them seemed to be making some kind of progress in their talks.

'Me and Ichijo will head to Pasquantin. Utopia is Alford and Eliza. From here, we'll split up into two groups. And also, this is just information gathering to the point of being boring. Since we don't know who we're dealing with, I won't allow us to go any deeper. If there's nothing else, we're going to come back here and reconsider. This time it's a preview. And the two of you can go and find out if there's anything unusual or not, that's all you need to know. Is that clear?

Okay.

Yeah, that's all right.

'Well, I can go to Pasquantine with Mr. Zeke, can't I?

　One person, in a state of being left alone in the conversation, asks.

'Yeah, just follow me for now. I'll tell you the details later.

Okay, I understand.

　Ichijo responds for the time being, in a hurry, as if he was half rushed.

　Then, with a word from Zeke, "That's all," the discussion is over for now.

　Carpent has left them to solve the problem as much as possible. It's all about making them self-reliant.
　Since the lifespan of a dragon comes so suddenly, Carpent will have to leave this organization in charge of someone else at some point.
　This is Zeke, Alford, Eliza, and, in a subtle way, Ichijo. It was an answer they had come up with on their own and came up with. Carpent did not object.

'Until Vaham gets back on track, we'll have to find him on our own.

　Carpent told him that it would be difficult to solve the problem.

According to Vaham, the attack took place three or four days ago, so that someone else will not be there anymore.

'What?　Three days?!

　So Alford is surprised by the words.

'Three days!　What the hell was Vaham doing in there?　You let this problem sit for three days?!

Didn't you hear me?

　Then Zeke turns his accusing gaze to Alford.

'Vaham used too much power. Probably to the point of making it difficult for him to come back here.

　Alford agreed with a whisper, "So that's what you mean," he said. Eliza was dumbfounded by the situation.
　Alford shows his ditzy side at times, but there is no need for it now. Alford was concerned about Eliza with such an expression while smiling bitterly.

''Then we'll head over, three days have passed and we'd better hurry.

　Zeke looks at Ichijo as he replies, "Let's go.

Well, why don't we go check on the Nut King for now?

　The king of Utopia is well known. He has a big face for his height, so people call him "The Choked Up Guy".

You have to be serious, right?　Maybe they have enemies, you know?

　Eliza is dismayed by Alford, who is in good shape. But that heart is out of concern for him.

'I know,'

　Alford is not messing around. This is tantamount to bullshit. This lack of confidence is subconsciously manifested in every section of his behavior. This behavior was also due to that. But even he was not aware of it.

　And then, at that time, a magic circle appears at the feet of both parties - a transfer magic circle.

"Alford, don't pursue it too far, okay?　Come right back in if nothing else.

You too?　Don't worry, I understand.

　Zeke and Alford; they're the two best, so to speak. Two forces in an organization.

Eliza, you got Alford for me?

I'll take care of it.

"d*mn, I don't trust you, I don't trust you either...." said Alford.

While saying such things, but in the end the three of them lightly smiled at each other. Ichijou was beside them, looking at the three of them with a smile.

　At the end of that faint smile, Zeke and Ichijo are enveloped in light and disappear when they do. Then, following the two, Alford and Eliza left the hall, along with the light, and left the hall.

''Huh, you're young. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

''I wish all humans were like them...''

　Sebastian muttered by the side.

Yeah, let's hope so. Let's just hope that one day they won't need us.

　The dragon and the demon race's otherless words echoed through the hall.



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　After that, they each finished the transition, and Alford and Eliza arrived in front of the swampy area, with a view of Utopia's towering bulwark.

''Hey........lie, right.......''

　But when the two men opened their eyes, what appeared there was a sight they hadn't expected to see. No, it would have been a possibility. That's why they came here. Nevertheless--

What the hell is this...

I guess it's a little late for that, isn't it?

　A collapsed firewall. A smoking domestic. A castle on fire.
　They couldn't believe their eyes when they saw a horde of white-clad men gathered in front of the main gate. They can't believe their eyes, and soon realize who was responsible for the attack.

"A believer's bloodline...

　But it was too late to notice.
　The two men gasped and stared at the scene for a moment, speechless.



o



　Meanwhile, Zeke and Ichijo descend into the open wilderness as the light of the transference converges. However, as soon as they finish the transition, Sieg has an unexpected expression on his face.

''........Should I have thought about the location?

　But other than here, there's no other transition network that has been set up. Nevertheless, Zeke regrets with a sigh, wondering if he should have at least kept his distance, even if it takes time to move.

''Ki, you guys!　Who are you?!

　The next thing you know, what Zeke and Ichijou found in front of them was a group of knights in gold armor. In the meantime, the two of them were surrounded in a flash, and they were unable to even make the transition.

''Zeke-san!

Don't call me names.

I'm sorry.

　Ichijou was completely distraught.
　But that impatience was what Ichijou was feeling.

　Then we should just kill him. That's the way to do it. Then it would be solved in an instant. As an organization, it is a risk to be seen and to have your name heard. But Ichijo doesn't. They can't even get their hands on a counter-propelled weapon. There's a reason for that, in this golden armor worn by the knights in front of him.
　Ichijou had seen them before. In fact, they had even fought together.
　It was obvious to Ichijo at a glance that they were Dahms Ardan's 《Golden Knight》.

''What's going on?!''

"Your Majesty!　It's....

　Then a knight opens the way and a man appears there.
　Long wavy white hair and a long beard of the same color, so long that it connects to his headband.

'You guys...'

　--Schneizel Dames Aldan.
　Toyohou stared at Zeke and Ichijou, his brow furrowed, his sharp eyes peering into their faces.