*

　The sky is reddened and the smell of burning is filling the area.
　Countless skeletons swarmed the city walls.
　Suddenly I remembered a documentary that had been streamed online.
　An army of ants moving through the jungle, sometimes supplemented by horses, cattle and other large animals.
　Fire ants that breed in foreign countries where they have no natural enemies and cause extensive damage to ecosystems and people's lives.
　Fortunately, or perhaps I should say, skeletons are not as social as ants.
　They push and nip each other, get trampled and trampled, and try to climb over the walls of the city.
　Of course, the guards aren't going to sit back and watch.
　They are shooting arrows from the top of the walls and dropping rocks.
　Some skeletons were unable to move under the attack, but the numbers were too different anyway.
　If this is the case, the city (Rockwell) - Shelly will be killed.
　Fear, frustration, and anger mix together to create an emotion that resembles a killing intent.
　My right arm is tingling badly.

''Let's make a plan.

　Mako let her emotions sink to the bottom of her stomach and looked at her friends.

'Mako-san, you're too calm--'
Shut up.

　Yuka interrupted Fujica's words.

'You're going to say protecting Shelly is your top priority anyway, right?
Yeah.

　Mako answered shortly.
　I would help you if I could, but my priority is Shelly.
　Don't get your priorities wrong.

''No matter how high level you say we are, our strength is not unlimited.
You think they're dragging me along.
If you don't like it, that's fine with me.
It doesn't work that way.

　Yuka said with a sigh.

'What kind of windfall is that?'
What do you mean? Take joy in your heart.

　Yuka's lips quirked up in frustration and she put her triangular hat back on deeper.

'You may not know it, Mako, but I've been rather indebted to you.
And then you changed hotels?
'That's it, that's it, that's it. And.....

　Yuka crossed her arms and turned away.

''Well you're my partner.
He's such a nice guy!
It's ruined.

　Fujica gave a thumbs up and Makoto rushed in with a whisper.

'We'd love to go with you, but we'd be a burden to you.
Yeah.
Yes.

　Fene and Laura nodded at Liv's words.
　Fene, Liv, Laura and Fujika are a force to be reckoned with.
　But I must say that it is difficult to say whether they can follow Makoto and Yuka.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it's a very good idea to have a good idea.
What?
'I'd like to go and help Master Chris, but...'

　Laura said apologetically.

'You're so disciplined for being fired.
"I'm not completely fired...

　Laura giggled.

'I thought you didn't care about your former employer.
'Does Yuka-san not like Chris-sama?'
That's a stupid question.
'In the meantime, you've got our back...'
'You can't just leave the kids to die. All four of you have asked for Master Chris.
It's refreshingly self-centered.
Money it's hard to be denied the desire to help children.
He was going to say cashmere.
And while you're at it, if those two are around, help them out.

　Yuka ignored Fujika's point.

'Those two, you mean the swordsman and the hunter?
Yeah, well, those two.
You can't split up the number of people any more...
Just see me when you see me. I'll see you when you see me. It's what you call a target.

　Laura said apologetically, and Yuka said it in a light tone.
　She shouldn't be thinking as lightly as her tone, but she must have been thinking about her priorities.
　At that moment, the nearby bushes shook.
　I met his gaze reflexively--

'Ehehe, hi.'
'Thank you for your time in the dungeon,'

　Mary and Anne were there.

'You're both safe!
I saw a skeleton in the transition.
She's in the bushes.

　Mary and Anne said apologetically.

'They're both just starting out. 'It can't be helped,'
That's not a very Yuka line.
What do you mean?
Yuka would have told me to take a shot at him, even if he killed me.
What do you think I am, huh?

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.

'I need a minute!'
What?
If the skeletons were there when you transitioned, then it must have been a long time ago.
Well yes.

　Mako nodded quietly.

'Laura, what's the rule for the residents when the city is attacked?'
They are planning to flee to the church.
Okay.

　Will Shelly, who is blind, be able to reach the church safely?
　That's the kind of anxiety I'm feeling.
　But that's enough to know.
　All that's left is to act.

We must blow up the skeletons attacking the city walls and head for the Golden Fleece Pavilion. If Shelley isn't there, we'll be at the church in a heartbeat.
It's a messy plan. Have you thought about it at all?
In its own way.
A pushover isn't a plan.
Yuka, you're on it.
I'll... hmmm, all right. I'll use my magic to wipe out the skeletons that swarm the city walls.

　Yuka spun her staff around and carried it on her shoulder.
　As it was, she distanced herself from Makoto and the others and began chanting.

'Luno kesta agata!　O Periolis, who is not infinite, freeze, freeze, freeze, like ice, shut up, shut up, like fog--

　A magic circle on the hemisphere unfolds around Yuka.

'Freeze with my enemy!　Reveal!　A world of fog and ice!　Ice bomb (icicle burst)!

　When Yuka pointed the tip of her staff, the magic circle shattered.
　Just when she thought she had failed, a white light was born right above the skeleton.
　It slowly descended and touched the ground.
　In the next moment, the light swirled and exploded.
　The blast rushed in.
　However, it was--.

''Gaaaaa!　Ouch, it hurts!

　Fujica screamed as she held her skirt, which was about to be rolled up by the blast.
　She was right, the blast was pregnant with cold air.
　It was also painfully cold.
　Every time I blinked, I felt uncomfortable.
　Perhaps the moisture on the surface of the eyeball is frozen.
　This is the power of this despite the fact that they are quite far apart.
　The damage to the Skeleton is not comparable to that of Makoto and the others.
　The skeleton, or rather, the hypocenter and its surroundings were stained white.
　Nothing exists there.
　It had frozen and shattered under the influence of magic.
　Fortunately, the city walls are just covered with frost because they are outside the center of the explosion - but.

''Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo powerful!
I've never seen anything like it.
Is it high magic?

　Fene, Liv and Laura muttered in dismay.

'Water's higher magic--the ice bomb.

　Hmph, Yuka sniffed and carried her staff.

'Alright, let's go.'
Hey, wait!

　As Makoto started to run, Yuka followed somewhat later.
　Soon, she enters a realm frozen by magic.
　Her breath turns white and her nose tingles.

It's cold!
It's the magic you used.
'Yes, but...'

　Yuka clammed up.

'So, what are you going to do?'
The plan is the same as before.
'No, I mean, the walls, the walls. I've done all this, and it's going to take a while to get them opened, isn't it?
Is that all you've got?
'Isn't it standard practice for people to think you're one of the monsters if you save them in a pinch?　I'm not going to run around to clear up any misunderstandings.
We'll get over it, won't we?
Of course it's impossible!
Really?

　Yuka raised her voice and Makoto tilted her head.
　'I feel like I can jump over it with my senses--'

''At any rate, try jumping over it.
"You're going to laugh when you hit the wall, aren't you?
Well, that's true.

　It can't be helped, and Makoto stops suddenly.
　He bends his knees so that his shoulders are around Yuka's pigeon tail.

''Ba--Ogg!''
Okay, let's go.

　Yuka crashed into him, and a light shock ran through his shoulder.
　Mako carried Yuka and started running again.

''Hey, how dare you!
Isn't that better than piggybacking and carrying a princess?
I would have preferred a piggyback ride!
There's a lot of hurdles involved in docking while you're running.
Don't say docking!

　Yuka raised her voice again.
　She's probably thinking about something erotic anyway.
　Just by inserting a plug into an electrical outlet, they are going to call it s*xual harassment.
　Is this what puberty is all about?

'Jump over ... no, jump in.
"I'll laugh at you when we crash.
Oh, yeah?

　Makoto increased his speed.
　The walls were getting closer and closer.

'Hey!　I knew it was a stop!
Prepare yourself!
We need more time--

　Mako kicked the ground as hard as she could.
　Freed from gravity, he flew through the air.

'Higher...'

　I was about to mutter that I could fly when something shook in the corner of my vision.
　As soon as I realized it was Yuka's skirt, I was brought back to reality.
　The skirt was in the way, so I pushed it down--.

''Hey, hey!　Don't touch my thighs in the midst of the hustle and bustle!
It's fluttering and getting in the way.
You should have been patient with me for a while!

　Yuka shouted, and Makoto was hit with a floating sensation.
　No, I should say the feeling of falling.
　Mako landed on top of the castle wall and pulled Yuka off her shoulders.

''Wha, who are you?''
You've been right all along, haven't you?

　The guards nearby pointed their weapons at me and I muttered in disgust as I felt disgusted.
　Since there are about ten of them, they should be able to take them down without any trouble.
　The question is, can you go easy on them?

''What are we going to do?''
What are you gonna do about it?
'Wait!　Put your weapons down!

　One of the guards shouted before he could say, "We'll just have to beat them up!
　It's the guard who always checks our passes.

'Those two are the black flames.
'Black flame?　That team of adventurers?
Aren't you an honorary knight?
"Did you rescue my lord?
I heard you took down a giant skeleton?
"Jumping over the ramparts... you've only earned the respect of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

　The guards speak of such things.
　There was an echo of relief in it.

'Did you hear the commotion and come back?
Well, you know.

　The guards groaned when I answered the guards - the old man who always checks the pass - and they groaned when I answered the old man.
　In truth, it was a coincidence, but I should affirm it here.

'What's the situation?'
'Yeah, we were attacked by a horde of undead about five hours ago. We managed to close the gates, but...

　Pops turned his gaze to the inside of the city walls.
　Several buildings were engulfed in flames and smoke was rising from them.
　When he listened carefully, he could hear something that sounded like a faint scream.
　For four or five hours after the attack, the damage was minimal.
　Of course, I don't talk about it.

'What about the other gates?'
It's the only place in the world that's been attacked. So....

　The old man clammed up.
　Perhaps he tried to continue that he was still getting by.
　But it wasn't a good word to utter in the face of this devastation.

'What about the enemy?'
Most of them were skeletons, but there were some strong ones.
A strong guy.

　I don't expect to see a Skeleton Lord-class enemy, but for guards and adventurers, even the Skeleton General is hopelessly strong.

''Hey, hey, hurry up and do something about it!

　The young guard said as if he couldn't stand it anymore.

''Hey!''
I know, but I've got my family over there!

　The old man reprimanded him, but the young guard looked like he was about to cry.

'Yuka, can you ask?'
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.

　Yuka stood on the edge of the city wall and held her staff at the ready.

'Skill and magic maximization (Maximize), parallel activation (Multitasking) x 100! Luno Kesta Agata!　O Periolis the Imperishable--

　Yuka's voice rang out and a magic circle unfurled.
　Perhaps because it is strengthened by the skill, the magic circle releases sparks with a bumblebee.

'Chase, chase, like a hound, be a hound that chases my enemy!　Reveal, homing bullets!

　A ray of light is emitted from the magic circle.
　The light splits in two, slashing through the darkness of the night.
　The light that split in two split into four, and the light that split into four split into eight - split into countless numbers and grew to cover the city halfway.

''Go!

　It may not have been triggered by Yuka's cry, but a light falls on the city.

''What, how dare you--''
Shut up and watch.

　Makoto pushed a young guard who was about to take a bite out of Yuka.
　I thought I had lightly pushed him away, but the young guard struggled and fell.
　In the meantime, Yuka's magic - the tracking rounds are still in motion.
　The light that has descended to the vicinity of the earth's surface begins to move as if it has its own will.
　And then the light pops.
　On the main street, in the alleyway, on the roof - it pierces the enemy.

'Re-chant (repeat)!

　Yuka shouted and the light shone down on the city again.


Hey, hey, how is it possible to do that with lower magic tracking rounds?
I don't give a shit.

　The guards, including the old man, were staring at the city in a daze.
　It's no wonder that their despair was overturned by a single wizard.
　Yuka turned to the guards--.

''Cheers!''

　I was in a hurry to say something like that.
　Then--.

'Whoa!　Long live the Black Flame!　Hail, Lady Yuka!
Lady Yooka!
Yuka-sama!
Goddess!

　The old man applauded at the top of his lungs, and the other guards followed suit.
　The young guard knelt down and prayed to Yuka.

You're getting cocky--
It's a fair assessment.

　I thought she was regretting it, but Yuka ruffled her hair as if she wasn't full of it.
　I forgot to mention that Yuka has the unfortunate part of her that gets carried away with praise.

'Let's go,'
I know.

　Yuka's lips twitched in frustration.

'I forgot to tell you. My people will be here later, so open them up.
Yeah, okay.
Bye.

　The old man nodded and Mako jumped down from the castle wall.

*

　Fene stared at the sky, stunned.
　A few moments ago, a light shone down on the city.
　It must be Yuka's magic.
　She was inconspicuous behind Makoto, but she was a top-notch adventurer.
　When I looked towards the bushes, I saw Mary and Anne opening their mouths like idiots.

'Alright, let's go.'
Yes, I understand.

　Liv and Laura walked off, looking the same as usual.
　They noticed that Fene and Fujica weren't following them, and after a moment, they turned around.

'What, aren't you going?'
Are we going to be of any use to you?

　How could I walk away from such a mythical scene?
　Why do I think I can be useful?
　No, I remind myself.
　Originally, Liv was a well-known mercenary.
　Even Laura is from a family of famous knights.
　He comes from a different background than a poor man like himself.

You have your hands full with Sherry, so why don't we help Chris-sama?
Do you have enough on your plate?
It's obvious.

　Liv said as a matter of course.

'Where's the sss?'
'You were tense, and you weren't participating in the stupid shouting match.

　Liv said in a tone of voice that suggested she didn't understand such things.
　Ah, Fene made a small voice.
　If you ask me, she didn't talk as much as usual.

''You were rather full when you were with Shelly and with Yuka, weren't you?　That's why we're going to take care of the places where Makoto can't.
Yeah, that's right. That's what friends are for, isn't it?

　Right?　Liv laughed.
　You're a brainiac, but you see a lot.
　I wonder if you learn to appreciate such subtleties when it comes to relationships between men and women.

'Well, you'll take command, then.
What?　Do we have to tell them what to do?
Of course you do.

　Liv once again says the obvious.
　'If you're in command, it should be Liv or Laura.

'I'd like to hear why.
You and Laura are the wall, so you can't see the whole thing.
Is that right?

　In other words, there is no one else who can lead the charge but himself.
　I can't say it, but newcomer Fujika isn't even an option.

"What if I say no?
Laura will do it, of course.
Do you know what you're talking about?
I have to.
...I see.

　Laura retreated easily.
　Sometimes she would press on gingerly, and sometimes she would retreat easily like this.
　Maybe it's not the best way, but it's preferable.

I'm not very smart, and I can't do anything but wave my weapon around. You are smart and resourceful.
Well, now that you mention it, I guess I'll have to do it.

　Fene slapped his cheeks and puffed his chest to get his spirits up.
　It was true that he may have been a poor man, but he was a member of the Black Flame now.
　I must do my job as a member of the Black Flame as befits a member of the Black Flame.

''Come on, let's go.''

　Fene took the first step.

*

　As Makoto and Yuka were running down an alleyway, a Skeleton Warrior jumped out of a side street.
　He dodged the sword that was swung down and slammed his fist into it.
　His skull blows off and his bones fall to the ground with a dry sound.
　He tried to run straight through--.

''Hey, wait!''
Sorry.

　I stopped when Yuka stopped me.

'I can't run as fast as Makoto, so you'll have to cut back on that.
Sorry.
Really ... well, okay.

　Yuka let out a sigh and chanted a spell.

'Luno kesta agata. O Periolis, who is not infinite, illuminate, illuminate, be the light that shines on me, like lightning. Manifest, luminosity (lighting).

　A white light is created above the heads of Makoto and the others.
　The white light illuminates the corpses lying in the alleyway.

'Isn't there something wrong with that?'
What's funny?
You really are losing your perspective, aren't you?

　Yuka let out a sigh of dismay.

''I'm not up to par, you know.
That's just the way it is, isn't it?
And the bones?

　Yuka pointed down at her feet and Makoto looked down.
　There was nothing there.

''Well the bones should remain, right?
Yeah. And we defeated the Skeleton Warrior and no magic stones have fallen out. Don't you think it's strange that there's no zombie outbreak with bodies everywhere?
Yeah.

　That's definitely not right.

'Come to think of it, I don't even feel the monster.
'Oh, so that's why your reaction was delayed.

　Yuka nodded, finally getting the point across.

'Sorry. I didn't even notice this.'
I don't mind.

　Unexpectedly, Yuka's tone was soft.

''I think everyone would lose themselves if someone they care about was in danger of losing their life.

　Euka said as she wrapped her hair around her fingers, perhaps to hide her embarrassment.

'Come on, let's just get on with it and help Shelly out and say goodbye.
Yeah, thanks, man.

　As Makoto started running again, Yuka followed somewhat later.
　In addition, the magic light.
　He ran through the alleyway while beating down the attacking undead.
　You're almost at the "Golden Sheep" pavilion.
　Around the last corner...

"--!

　Makoto gasped.
　The door to the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion had been broken down.

''Hey!''

　He ignored Yuka's cries and jumped into the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion.
　There were five Skeleton Warriors there.

''Get out of the way!''

　He passed by the side of the Skeleton Warrior in front of him, extending his right arm and spinning around once.
　Jet-black flames lit up as they traced the trajectory of his right arm, and the five Skeleton Warriors instantly turned to dust.

''Shelly!　Are you here?　Answer me if he's there!

　He calls out his name loudly, but there is no answer.
　Maybe they have been killed.
　Such a fear rises.
　At that time--.

''---ha!''

　Pain flashed in his eyes, distorting his vision.

'What's wrong?'

　As I was holding my eyes in too much pain, Yuka ran over to me.
　By that time, the pain had already subsided.
　Apparently, it was a transient thing.

''Pain in my eyes........an?''
What's going on?
It's red. I see a light.

　Makoto narrowed his eyes.
　A red light drifted through the store.
　It led to the back of the store.
　As if guided, Makoto walked to the back of the shop and stopped in front of the door that led to the basement.

''........The basement. So that's what it is.''

　As I opened the door to the basement, I heard a small sound.

'Shelly!'
Husband?　Is it your husband?
Shelly!

　Mako ran down to the basement.
　Then he saw Shelly and the old woman from earlier.

'Sir!'
Shelly!

　Mako hugged Shelly tightly.
　Oh, she was alive.
　She was alive.
　As she tried to kiss him, Shelly held Makoto's shoulder.

'Why are you here?'
I came to help Shelly. What are you doing in the basement?
I had a bad feeling about this, so I took refuge in the basement.

　Would they take refuge in the basement just because they had a hunch?
　Such a question arises, but there is no time to pursue the cause of the problem now.

'Shelly, let's get out of here,'
Run away? Are we running away by ourselves?
I can protect a couple of people.

　Sherry let out a small breath and gently pulled away from Mako.

'Sir, would you mind putting me on the back burner and helping the people in town?
What?
I said I needed to help the people of the city.

　When Mako asked back, Shelly said in a clear tone of voice.

'We'll have to let Shelly go first.
'Does your husband have anyone else in his life that's important to him other than me?
...Shelly is the best.

　Even Mako knows people.
　It's the old woman in front of him, the girl in the church reception area, the priest, Christine.
　But the most important one is Shelly.
　It's important and I want her to be evacuated to a safe place.
　Why can't they understand that?

'You have the power over your husband, don't you?
How much do you expect from Mako?

　A dumbfounded voice descended.
　I turned to see Yuka about to come down to the basement.

'This guy. He's simply a normal person with a high level of skill. You were pathetic earlier, Shelly, Shelly.

　Yuka spat, but strangely, she wasn't angry.
　Rather, it was me, I thought.

'I know what Shelly expects, though. I'm an ordinary person, you know. I'm just a regular guy who just happens to be strong.

　'No,' he continues.

'I'm less than that. I'm a guy who can't even save himself. I'm a guy who wants to start over, but when the opportunity comes up, I'm a guy who can't think of anything.
Makoto, you are so down on yourself.

　Yuka said in a dumbfounded way, but she was honest.

''That guy's not like the husband I know, huh?
Who am I that Shelly knows?
'The husband I know is naughty, violent and forceful...'
As far as I can tell, it's a lousy assessment.
Yeah, I know.

　Makoto nodded at Yuka's mutterings.

'He has a bad mouth and a big attitude, but he's someone who can be desperate for someone else.
It's overrated.
He's just my husband.

　Shelley chuckled.

'It sounds like a ticker tape from a mail-order show, but I think we can all agree on a few things.
What was it that you thought of me?
Yeah, I think that's pretty personal.

　Yuka cowered lightly.

'What are we going to do?　If Mako is going to do it, I'll go with you, okay?
You're that kind of guy?
I'm the type of person who gets carried away. I was told that I'm a Yuka-sama or a goddess, and I thought, well, it's not so bad to imitate the righteous for once.
Okay.

　Apparently, he was aware of his sycophancy.

Maybe once.
Well, once. Next time depends on your mood.

　Hmm, Yuka sniffed.

Well it's not much of a choice.

　Mako scratched her head.

'I don't have the character for justice, but it's Sherry's request.
...sir.
You have to show them you're a cool guy, or they'll give up on you and you won't be able to enjoy your life unless you think about the people around you.
That's a pretty good excuse.
It's not a pattern, man.

　Mako let out a small breath.

'Shelly, I'll give you this, just in case.

　Yuka took out four daggers from her pouch.
　They were similar to the daggers that Fene had used to create wards in the Wrecking King's dungeon.

''Did you borrow them from Fene?''
I'm the one who bought it.

　Yuka said, sounding miffed.

'Warding and hiding properly, okay?
Thank you.

　Sherry received the dagger from Yuka.

''So there's no need for hindsight now, is there?
Yeah.

　Mako nodded and turned on her heel.