The fifth branch of the Adventurer's School was covered in black shadows.
　The students and instructors who had been training outside looked up.

　They all peeled their eyes away when they saw what was floating in the sky.

　It was a raven with wings outstretched.
　Large enough to hide the blue sky and the sunlight, the raven slowly circled around and descended to the ground.
　The students and instructors gathered around to see it.

　That's not all.
　The guards who were on alert for the perimeter also come.
　Among them was Reverie, who was leading the Knights, and his second-in-command, Amage.

''Good grief..... What's this all about?''

　Reverie cowered her shoulders as she stroked her hair.
　Amage had already drawn his sword and released it.
　The guards were also pointing their spears to match it.

　It was a raven of such a huge body that an outdoor practice area could be completely filled with it.
　No matter how you looked at it, you could only think that it was some kind of monster beast.

''Huh, this raven........ Where have I seen this one before?

　Tilting his head, the one who came in late was the head of the adventurer's school, Vael Dee Rivild.
　His secretary, Lucian, was waiting at his side.
　He was already armed and ready to protect the Lord.

''Vael-dono........ Is this raven a school pet or something?''

　Reverie asks a little jokingly.

　From the point of view of Vael, who is also the daughter of the Grand Duke, it's a bit rude.
　Hence, Lucien beside him narrowed his eyes.
　It's rude, she said.

　But Vael himself had a smile on his face.

'That's quite an interesting joke. If you know of any freak shows that sell ravens like this, let me know right away. I'll buy it for a asking price.

So the headmaster doesn't know either?

I'm sorry.

　Vael cowered his shoulders.
　Then his mouth parted and a thin smile appeared on his face.

'But I have an idea of who the main culprit is.

'Then I've got it, too. He's the only one who would do something so far-fetched.

'Oh..... You're absolutely right.

　Vael walked towards the raven.
　Lucien and Reverie followed after him.

　When they came to its feet, the raven didn't do anything.
　It just stared at Vael and the other humans with its red-black eyes.

　Then something moved at its back.

　With a whiff of wind, it jumped up and landed in front of Vael and the others.

"I knew it was you--

Hmm?　Oh..... The head of the school. It's an honor to welcome you.

　The man raises the corners of his mouth.

　Lacelle Girell Stark has returned.

　With a huge raven.........


　◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆


　It's been about a week since I've been here.
　Surprisingly, it took me a while to find the chrome.

　However, there's nothing unusual about it.
　Except for the blue expressions on the faces of the humans who greeted me in full force.
　The only person who is calm is the headmaster of the school, Vael, who is at the front of the line.

''Brother!''

　A sound similar to the sound of a polone and a harp hit my eardrums.
　I turn around and see Sheila running at me.
　She jumps on me and spoils me in her chest.

'I'm so glad you're back. Are you hurt?

Injured. Do you think this brother is going to get hurt?

Oh, excuse me. That's my brother, indeed.

　Sheila's eyes sparkled.

'You continue to show us off, you guys.

　I hear voices.
　It was Cecil who showed up.
　Beside her, Sarasa and Rowan were also there.

　Were they in the middle of training?
　They were still armed.

''Welcome home, Lacelle-kun.

　Sarasa's eyes narrowed.
　Rowan promptly patted my head.

'Shh ... what's with the raven?　You're not going to call me your pet or anything, are you?

I mean, no way. What's the matter with you?

Duh!　Seriously!

　Hearing the word "pet" upset the other students and instructors as well.
　The guards and the Knight Commander Reverie also froze with their mouths open.

　Well, it's a raven of this size.
　Is it natural to be surprised?
　Although, in the past, demonic beasts that were about the size of today's chrome were rather rumbling around.
　From my point of view, it's a familiar size....

I'm not surprised, because I honestly thought it was Lacelle. It happens all the time.

　If Cecil tries to be strong.........

''Well......... It's what Lacelle-kun would do (give up).

　Sarasa had a faraway look in her eyes too.

'By the way.... What's wrong with those two sprawling people?

　Rowan points to the two men I'm carrying on my shoulders.

　They are Mattelus and Mucha.
　The two of them, who are demons, were completely unconscious and limp.

''Ah........'' Chrome just got serious.''

'Chrome?　Is that the name of this big raven?

'Oh...'

　It was Mattelus who started the whole thing.
　It seems that when he asked Chrome to fly faster, he was so fast that he lost consciousness.

　Chrome's speed is twice as fast as the speed of sound.
　It's not a speed that a flesh-and-blood person can withstand.
　Nevertheless, both Mattelus and Mucha are demons.
　It's a bit shameful that they can't endure something like this.

　I lightly panned my cheeks, but there was no sign of waking up.
　All they did was grunt.

　Apparently, these guys need to work out, too.
　'Don't your arms snapping.

'So what are you going to do with all these ravens you've brought in?

　It was Principal Vael who asked me.

'I think I'm going to take the whole school on a school trip.

'That's quite a nice suggestion. A raven this big could hold more than six hundred students in it. So, have you decided where you want to go?

Sawyer.

"[Sow merchant country!

　A shout echoed through the outdoor playground.
　As expected, Sheila and her friends also rolled their eyes at my suggestion.

'Wait...... If we go by your report, there's........

'Yes. It's where we think the demon's headquarters are located.

'We're going to the demon's headquarters!　And we're all in!

　It was Cecil who sounded like a kink.
　Sarasa beside her also had an uneasy look on her face.

'Isn't it dangerous?'

If I go alone, I don't know if they won't take someone from the school hostage. In that case...

'We'd better all go together.... That's quite a bold move.

　Headmaster Vael praised me, half-heartedly.

'You'd be safer if I was within earshot.

'Sure, but......... I don't think that's comforting. We're on a school trip....

What are you talking about, Cecil?

'What?　Sorry. I had a bad feeling about this, now...

　Seeing me smirk, Cecil gave me a blue face.

'A school trip is a trip to study. It's only natural to have this level of tension.'

'Huh.... I knew Lacelle would say that.

It's Lacelle.

　Cecil held his head in his hands and Sarasa gave a bitter smile.

'If your brother is going, I'll follow you!

　Sheila bends her knees in front of me and swears an oath.

"I'm coming with you. It's a trip. We'll have fun.

　Rowan clapped his hands together with Pasin.
　Then the other students joined in.

'It's a nice trip out of the country.
Lacelle is here.
You'll be fine.
When the moment comes....

　Protect yourself.

　Then the fighting spirit was released from all the students.
　It flared up like a huge fire as it wavered.

　Literally, the students were on fire.
　A year and a half ago, I'm sure no one would have been scared to raise their hand.

　But now, we are not the same as we were a year and a half ago.
　Aside from the primary students, the second and third class students had completed the rigorous curriculum Lacelle had imposed on them for this day.

　Their strength could be tested before the Kowloon Cup........

　Most of the students were in a state of wariness.

　Vael let out a breath of relief and asked a question.

''Well.........let's leave the second and third class students alone, what about the first class students?''

They'll be fine. They'll be good, they'll be strong, a week is all they need.

　I grinned.

　Then Vael realizes something.

'Come to think of it, I don't see the primary student but...'

They'll be fine.

　It was Sheila who answered with a creepy, smiling smile.
　If she looked closely, she could see blood stains all over her sister's uniform.
　It wasn't just Sheila.
　The same goes for Cecil, Sarasa and Rowan.

'How's your first class this year?

Your basic skills aren't quite there yet, but they're worth working on.

Yeah. Maybe if I stay over there for a week or so, I'll be strong enough to defend myself against the demons.

'Especially this year, we've got a couple of guys with a lot of promise. Those two (sic) are going to grow.

　Rowan shushed and laughed out loud.

　Hearing my companion's report, I turned back to Headmaster Vael.

''So that's why..... How are you doing, Headmaster? Would you approve of the school trip to Saw Commerce Country?

Let's not ask what the hell they're doing. All right. If you're that well organized, I don't have a lot to say. What do you think, Sir Knight Commander?

　Vael turned back to Reverie, who had been listening to the entire exchange.

　The Knight Commander also looked half-hearted and brushed his hair back.

''Alright. Leave the protection of the kingdom to us........ We have elites for anti-magician use here as well, so it shouldn't be a problem.''

　The Knight Commander acknowledged.
　Once again, Vael turned to all the students and raised his voice.

'Good!　I approve of the school trip to the Sow Commercial State. All of you, go ahead and riot with all your might!


　Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!


　A shout like a battle cry of victory echoed through the playground.