Oh, jeez.

　The undead who thought they had been killed by the demons were, to my surprise, still alive.
　What did he even bother to pretend to be dead all along?

Yup.

　Standing up, the undead kneeled on the floor and then lay down and resumed pretending to be dead again.

''........''

　No, no, no, no, no. Wait, wait, wait.

"Why play dead again?　It's too late for that.

Tsk.

　The pointed undead get up while clicking their tongues.
No, chit you........

I mean, aren't you supposed to be dead?

Yeah, yeah!　I would have killed you from behind!

　At Roddy's question, the demon came to himself and shouted.

'Baaka. What kind of undead would die that easily when the fruits of their own research are right in front of them?''

　Well, it's not hard to understand what the undead have to say.
Speaking of the undead, they're beings who cling to this world through attachment and gratitude.
If he's the undead of the staff member who was studying at this ruin, it's only natural that he can't die if he has an extraordinarily large amount of remorse in front of him.

''But if that's the case, why would he pretend to be dead?　Isn't that exactly what we can't allow a demon to take away our research?

'That's right!　Why didn't you run away and stay down here all the way?

　I mean, it's a strange sight to see a demon agreeing with our words as enemies.

"Mm, it was pretty tough for me to stay still and not move.

'No, that's not what I'm trying to say...'

But the truth is that I have been changing my pose every day. I moved my body a little bit without being noticed, and now I was in a different pose than I was when you first cut me to death!　What do you think?

"What?!

Yeah, I think that's exactly what's important.

I mean, it doesn't matter!

　Now I've come to my senses.

Why did you pretend to be killed by me after all... What the hell are you up to?

　Yeah, that bothers me too.
　Why would he let a genie take away his precious research?

Well, you're welcome. I'll tell you what.

　The undead's voice lowers and tension builds in the place.

"..........

You already know that this laboratory is dedicated to the study of the Chimera and the white plague that once threatened this world.

　The undead hold out their hands and point to the chimeras around them.　

The undead hold up their hands and point to the chimeras around them, "And we have sacrificed so much to get a piece of the white disaster. We are delighted. "We were delighted," we thought, "this would be a great leap forward in the study of white disaster. But it was not easy. Many of our fellow researchers were dying as a result of the chimera's outburst. There is a limit to how long they can prolong their lives through magic. There were others who continued their research until they became undead, just like me, but they gradually lost faith in themselves, and eventually I was all alone.

　The undead looked down as if they were thinking about the past.

But at the end of all that suffering, I have finally perfected the study of subjugating a chimera that I created with a piece of white disaster!　And that's when I got to the point where all I had to do was to actually make a chimera.

　The undead stop moving.
　Then, just barely, it shudders.

"I ... could not perform the experiment.

Why?

It's a...

　He turns his gaze upwards as if the undead are looking into the distance.

'What's that?'

...because he's too good for it!

" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "

　Um, what do you mean?

'Every chimera experiment that has ever used the White Mischief Shard has failed without a single exception, as it ran amok. And each time the shard has been lost!　And there was only one piece left to experiment with. ........it would be a waste to use that thing!

""Huh?"

What is that?　I didn't want to experiment because I didn't want to waste it!
　You're losing your mind!

I know.

　Huh?　Do you understand that, Miss Ramies?

'Rare items are the ones you want to collect without using. I know very well.

'Oh, you know what, young man!　Of course you don't want to use it, of course you don't want to use it!

　For some reason, Ramise and the undead are starting to get along with each other.

My only regret, however, is that we must use this piece to complete our research. I'm not sure if there is any way to make the final decision. And then he came along...

　Saying that, the undead turned to face the demon.

''What?!''

　The demon, eh?　Me?　It's upsetting, like.

I thought it was a revelation. I want this witch to use the piece of white disaster. And if I can't use it, I will end this process by having someone else use it!　For this reason, I have unreservedly shared with you the results of my research, and I have caused the witch to use the White Mischief piece for herself!

　Does that mean that this undead was the cause of all this?

''But still, what's too good to be true is too good to be true. Honestly, I can't tell you how many times I've thought of attacking you from behind to stop you...


That's karma, though.

''Oh, you're telling me that you let me take away my own research for such a silly reason⁉

Because it was such a waste!

There's no such thing as a...

　Mr. Roddie commented in a dumbfounded tone of voice.

It was good that I let him do it, but honestly, it was so poorly done that I couldn't even watch. It was too much work for me to watch, so I made some adjustments while he was asleep.

What did you say?

I just had a really close call... and a lot of valuable material that could've been wasted.

Huh!

Wow, they're saying all they want.
That demon's pride, I'm sure he's beaten up by now.

But thanks to you, I was able to have her make a chimera out of white disaster material. It wasn't quite right, but I'd like to say thank you for your efforts.

And then the undead turn around and stare at us, or rather at me.

You are a bad, bad boy for killing a chimera without a fight!　I think you need to be punished for this.

Doesn't that sound like an outburst?

''I mean, there's a lot of trouble on earth because of your demon's incompetence in supervision!

　Foca and Roddy protested, but the undead seemed to be having none of it.

"Hmm, the fulfillment of my research is more important!

Seriously, just when I thought I had defeated the chimera, this is it.
You really are an annoying researcher.

The undead and I are in a state of violent conflict.

"That's enough of that, you guys!　A mere mortal and an undead person ignore me!

Ah, the abandoned demon got angry.
Well, it's natural to be angry........?

　You're not going to be able to do that.

Chimera!　Kill them all!

Following the demon's hysterical command, more than a dozen chimeras, who were sleeping inside the crystal, opened their eyes and jumped out, shattering the crystal.

　The chimeras jumped at us with a fierce glow in their eyes.
　Oh dear, it looks like we're still in a pinch, even though the big eater has defeated the decapitated Chimera.

'We're going to intercept it!'

"Got it, Mister Twin-Tusked Fang!

　We each wield our weapons and begin to intercept the chimeras.

'Goooooooo!'

''Whoa!''

　I managed to catch the chimera's claws with my white fangs as it jumped at me faster than I expected, but I was pushed in by a force that far exceeded my expectations.

''Ugh!''

　Deciding that it would be very unbearable if I took it properly, I half-turn my body and shed the claws I received.
　d*mn, if only I could use the power of the White Fang.
But unfortunately, the power of the white tusk magic item was used up in the fight against the chimera in the courtyard. It took a few days of time to be able to use the power again.

'Kukku, these chimeras are high-ranking chimeras made to accompany the chimera that used the pieces of white disaster!　This isn't the same as a defective courtyard!

"What?!

　My mind reminded me of that creepy chimera I fought in the courtyard.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time in the city.

How far can they fight with their white and black fang power unavailable?
　And that's not all, even if you defeat the chimeras, that demon is behind you.
　A demon, an enemy of humans that is only spoken of in legends.
　You're too unprepared to fight such a legendary monster.
　But we have to do it. Whining will have to wait!

'Saints, celestial magic, I need magical support!　Me, Seiran and the undead will take down the chimera.

　I turn my attention to the big bite, giving immediate instructions.
　The key is this guy!

"Big game, you take care of the genie!

'What?　Me?

The big game eater is surprised to hear that he has been nominated.
They want to know if they can take on the toughest boss as a newcomer.

'You're the strongest of them all!　We'll be there to cover you!

　Yes, it pains me to admit it, but this thing is strong.
　He took down a huge chimera in a single blow, just as I was about to be killed by a single cleave of the arm.
　In fact, there wasn't a scene on the road where she didn't play a role.

　There's no doubt about it, this guy is strong.
　There have been many fierce warriors hiding in the field until now.
　Among them, this guy is the most exceptional of all.
　If there is an existence of a hero, it will be a guy like this guy.
　I'm sure this guy can even beat a demon!

"...I understand, Mr. Risou!　Leave it to me!

　Determined, the Big Monster Eater runs towards the demon.
　The chimeras stand in the way of letting him do so, but the Big Monster Eater easily avoids their attacks and pushes his way down to the demon.

　Alright, now we have a bit of a chance to win.
　If we can defeat the demons that give the chimeras command, the chimeras' command will be disrupted and they will show an opening.
　Now if we can manage to hold off the chimeras until then....

So, am I going to fight with you?

　The undead will ask you in a carefree tone of voice.

''You are considered an enemy by the demons anyway, then help me.

Hmm....

　The undead put a hand to his chin and made a slight thoughtful gesture.

'The enemy of my enemy is your friend, is he?　Well, that's fine. It's not a good idea to show off a badly made chimera because it makes you feel good about yourself.

"Screw the undead!　My Chimera will devour you... and this time you will die!　Chimeras, chew up those undead over there!

　Thank God for this.
The Chimera's targets are now focused on the undead.
You're the one who disgraced yourself for so long, right? I'm sure he wants to be the first to go down.

"Well, I'm not very good at roughing it up. I'll leave the savage stuff to you guys. "High Area Enchantment Boost, High Area Protection, High Area Mana Boost.

　When the undead activate their magic in succession, our bodies are enveloped in a strong light three times.

''Guow!''

　And then, without a moment's pause, the chimera jumped in.

"d*mn!

　I take its claws to ward off the chimera's attack with my black fangs.
　That's when it happened.

"What!

　Instead of getting hit by the chimera's claws, its arm was cut in half along my black fangs.

"Woah, what is this?

　I'm sure you'll be able to see that Seiran also used his sword to cut the chimera's leg in half.
　I turn to the undead, wondering what the hell happened.
　If there's anything, it's the magical light that enveloped us just now.

I've put some auxiliary magic on you guys. I'm sure that this can handle a chimera or two.

This is supplementary magic?

　Didn't this kind of magic exist in ancient times?

Guaou!

　I cut off another chimera that attacked again without matching it's attack.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

I'm sure that's exactly what I'm going to do.

"Air Lancer ministry.

　The Heavenly Magic magic opens a wind tunnel in the chimera's body.

''A supplementary magic to enhance magic?　Didn't this kind of magic even exist in ancient times?

"Ho-ho-ho, that's about as good as it gets.

　I'm not sure what the Heavenly Demon Guide is surprised by, but this is a welcome reinforcement anyway.
　But, well, I'm afraid of what will happen after the big eater defeats the demons.
　It would be nice if we could negotiate peacefully.

　Anyway, we have to focus on the enemy in front of us now.
　Please, big bastard.

　I saw the back of the big bastard running off while I defeated the chimera.

　◆

Taaah!

　I avoided the chimeras that blocked my path, cut them down and beat them down, and headed down to the demons.

　For some reason, Lissou-san told me to defeat the culprit, the demon.
　But why is that?
If that demon was the source of all this, we should all be working together to fight them.
　Honestly, the chimeras who are getting in the way are not much of an enemy.
　The only thing we should be wary of are the demons.

　........Could this be another test to see if I'm worthy of being an S-ranked adventurer?
　Before coming to this cave, when I dealt with the demons that attacked me while traveling from the capital, Lisou-san and others asked me to show them that I was worthy of being an S-rank. If that's the case, then this fight, no, this request is just a test for that purpose.......
　Otherwise, they wouldn't have entrusted me, the new S-rank, with the important role, would they?

Hmm?　So maybe that means that the struggle you had against the Chimera in the courtyard was an act?

　So that's what it's all about!
　When you think about it, there is no way that all of the strongest adventurers, S-ranked people, would struggle against a chimera like that.
　They were deliberately fighting to avoid showing their strength.
　This request itself was prepared from the start as a test to see if I was worthy of being an S-ranked adventurer!

　An S-rank is the strongest adventurer, if that's the case, then just because you've been promoted to an S-rank doesn't mean you're recognized as worthy of an S-rank.
　That's how much of a position of responsibility being an S-ranked adventurer is!

'This makes perfect sense!　In other words, Lissou-san and the others are asking you to try to defeat a demon or so by yourself!

　When I step forward, the demons fall back and the chimeras stand in front of me like a wall.
But this level of chimera is not my enemy.
I cut off all the chimeras that came at me.

"Wow!

Chimera jumped out from the shadows to take advantage of the gap between me and the chimera swarm I had defeated.

"Gyuuun!

　But the Fluffy Fluff jumped out from behind me and pounced on the chimera, intercepting it.

"Gyaun!

　The poor chimera is knocked to the ground and turned into a mofumofo rice bowl.

You don't even want to slow those chimeras down, do you?　Who the hell are you?　And what's that white stuff?

I'm just an adventurer!　And this one is my pet mofo!

　I let the chimeras mooch off the chimera as they come toward me and jump into the Majin.
　However, the Majin grins at me.

'Chimeras!　Be my armor!

　The chimeras jumped at the demon who jumped back and swarmed the demon, and the chimeras deformed and wrapped their bodies around the demon's body to look like clothing.
　Then the chimeras' bodies transformed and wrapped around the witch's body and became armor-like in appearance, just like clothes.
　I'm pretty sure this is...

What the f*ck is that?

That's an armed mecha.

　To Roddy's surprise, the undead explained.

'Hey undead!　What the hell is an armed chimera?　I've never heard of a chimera like that!

　Then Mr. Roddy asks the undead in a voice that can't hide his curiosity.

The Armed Tokimera is a living weapon that can be used as an armor to dramatically strengthen a master. The arm-dokimera is a living weapon that becomes a weapon of the master and greatly strengthens him, but this is more than made up for by the overwhelming strength of the arm-dokimera. You're no match for these chimeras, who are struggling with them.

There was no such thing as a chimera?　But why is it that we have no mention of this chimera today?

　It's pretty fast-paced in the middle of a fight, don't you think, Miss Ramies?

This is bad. The boy must have some skill, because he defeated the chimera that used the White Woe fragment before it started to move. You can't stand a chance against a demon wearing an armed chimera.......is it better to run away?

"It's not looking good for you, is it?　God, it's a big bite!　Step back!

　I'm going to be instructed by Lissou-san to return, but the ordinary chimeras block my way out of the way.

I'm not going to be able to get a chance against a chimera that used the white disaster shards, but I'm wearing an armed chimera all over my body.　Curse your own bypass for sticking out to a position where you can't get support from your friends!

　It seems that the reason the demon stepped back was to lure me out.
　Even so, I'm still surprised that a mage would use an arm-dokimera.

''Die, boy!''

　When the demon thrusts out his right arm, a large number of magic bullets are spat out of the mouth of the arm-dokimela that was fused to his arm.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a kind of magic without a spell.

'Oh!　Unconventional magic!

That's not what you guys are talking about!

　While listening to the contraptions of Rameez-san and the others behind me, I avoid the rain of magic bullets released by the magicians.

'It's useless, it's useless!　It's impossible to avoid this rain of magic bullets!

　Just as the demon said, the rain of magic bullets is getting denser and denser, and there is no more room to avoid them.

''Can't help it, mana protection boost!

　I strengthen my magical defenses with my body-enhancing magic and jump into a rain of magical bullets.　

''Fuhahahaha!　Finally, I give up....

Oh, no, no, we have to get out of here...

What the hell is going on?

　The magician and the undead shout in surprise as I run through the rain of magic bullets without even defending myself.

"Ba, are you a monster?

Or is that little bastard a monster?

Excuse me. I'm just a regular adventurer.

"There's nothing normal about it!

""Yeah, I know."

　I thought I heard a voice behind me agreeing with me........well, whatever.

"d*mn!　But I wonder if you can keep up with my speed!

　A demon tries to disrupt the walls of the large facility by leaping over the walls with the leg power enhanced by the arm-dokimera fused to its legs.

"What speed and jumping power is that?

This is the power of Armed Tombstone?

　At that moment, the facility was enveloped in darkness.

You've turned off the lights. You have turned off the lights.

　The voice of a demon resounded as my vision was enveloped in darkness.

''Die!　Boy oh!

　I avoided the blade of the arm dokimera that extended from the demon's right arm at a minimal range and took a half-step forward, thrusting my sword out.
　I feel a dull thud on my arm.

''Gofu!''

　In the darkness, the voice of a demon can be heard.

''Light, light.''

　As the undead raised their voices, a light lit up the facility again.
　And in front of me was the figure of a demon with the sword I had thrust out deep into it.

''Ba, that's stupid.......how could you avoid my attack in the dark.......?　On the contrary........you're going to fight back and pierce my body protected by the arm dokimela armor?

　The demon looks at me in disbelief.

The answer is exploration magic.

Probing... magic?

Yes, the moment the facility was enveloped in darkness, I activated my probe spell to detect the direction you were coming from and when you sprouted a blade from the arm dokimera on your arm. All I had to do was avoid that reaction.

　The demon widens his eyes in astonishment.



I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. You've been using too much magic power without realizing it, and your movements have slowed down.

　Yes, that's why the armed dokimera never became a major weapon.
　And it's a living thing. It's hard to maintain, so that's why it was so costly.
　That's why the demand for magic items that are easy to maintain is so high.

　Even if a witch has more magic power than a human, wearing a full-body armed torch shell is still a significant drain on their magic power.
　If this fiend was seriously studying the chimera research that he had taken from the undead. If I had at least read the documents, I would have realized that and been able to counteract it properly.

''The only thing left to do was to match your counter with the gap in your confidence of victory.

　Yes, it was just that simple a counterattack.

'Kuk..., you say it like it's an easy thing to do... gop.

　The demon spits out blood from his mouth and collapses.

''Ugh, what is that little boy? Isn't it still a bakémon?　I've defeated a demon in flesh and blood, dressed in arm-dokimera.

'Oh, come on, you're the one who used the bullshit auxiliary magic.

That's crazy. It's not possible for an ordinary human to do that. If you're used to fighting, you can't just switch to search magic and shoot counters in the dark. If it were me, I would be dead the minute it was dark.

You're undead and you're going to die...

　There's something about being told what to do behind the scenes.

''Anyway, it's over now. Lisou-san, we have completed defeating the demons that are the cause of the mass appearance of the demons. Please confirm.

Oh, yeah well you've done a great job.

　In retrospect, it looks like Lisou and the others had finished defeating the chimera without incident.
　I'm almost completely uninjured, and I guess the chimera incident in the courtyard was just an act to measure my ability.
　As expected of the senior S-ranked adventurers, I didn't notice it at all.