The Wraith starts moving before the skeleton wakes up.
　'Making a move' means increasing the likelihood that we might be able to break the current situation. The Wraith isn't thinking optimistically enough to think that they can escape successfully as it is.

　If the skeleton chasing the Wraith was a normal individual, though, it would still be possible for the Wraith alone to deal with it. Although there are differences in ability between individuals, this is the first time I've seen a skeleton this strong.

　For Wraith, that abnormal skeleton is an unknown quantity. We have no choice but to always assume the worst when we move.

　For example, if that skeleton had the means to track the Wraith, this time the Wraith alone would be no match for it.

''I guess that's about it.''

　Wraith stops in the middle of the move, in an open area of trees. I try to listen carefully, but I don't hear a sound like a skeleton moving.

　It's such a huge body.

　But even if it does move, it is inevitable that it will make a loud noise.

''Shall we hurry up and do it........''

　Wraith said that and quickly took out three bright red colored kola berries from his bag. These are the berries that are used to make the dye that was used to fight off the Blood Wolf.

　However, this time they are not to be used as dye.

　Wraith then took out a small pot from his bag and put the kola nut inside. Then he grabbed a gear-like knob on the side of the pot and turned it.

　Then, heat began to be generated from the pot.

　This pot is a type of magic tool, an excellent one that can be heated without the use of fire.

''Compression.''

　The Wraith applies pressure to the kola seed in the pot through alchemy.

　The kola fruit is a very difficult material to process, and only by applying the right amount of heat and pressure can the juice be obtained to make the dye.

　However, the purpose of the Wraith right now is not to get the juice.

''Well it's about time.''

　Wraith looked at the state of the kola nuts in the pot and blurted out. Then, the pressure that was continuously being applied against the kola nut was deliberately (...) increased in strength.

　With the pressure exceeding the proper value, the shape of the kola nut changed rapidly. The kola nut that was on the verge of melting turned into a liquid form all at once...

Shit.

　Immediately after the dry sound of a pan, bright red smoke rose from the pot at a tremendous rate. Wraith moved away from the pan just before the smoke rose and looked at the situation.

''This is what happens when you fail...''

　What would happen if they failed to process the kola fruit?
　Wraith knew about it as knowledge, but this was the first time he had actually seen it in action.

　With the slightest change in pressure and heat, the kola seed will change its form into a gas all at once. As an added bonus, the gas does not lose its efficacy as a dye.

　Recalling the story of an alchemist who was unaccustomed to processing, who failed indoors and caused a catastrophe, Wraith felt indescribable.

''Well, it's the least I can do from my side of the equation, but...''

　I look prayerfully at the red smoke rising up.

　The reason why Wraith deliberately failed to process the kora fruit on purpose was to let Raffy know his location.

　Of course, there is a risk that other demons, such as Bloodwolf, will also know his location, but it's better than continuing to act alone.



　Wraith decides to make do with the tree, just as he did with the Blood Wolf. When he finds a suitable tree, he runs up to it.

　-- The next moment, a sharp sound that cuts the air reaches Wraith's ears.

''Huh?''

　As he looked back with a bang, Wraith's eyes reflected the figure of a great sword that flew while spinning vertically. It was the great sword that that skeleton was carrying.

　The speed of the approaching great sword is considerable, and although it's not very fast, you can't avoid it in time.

"That's not true, hey...!

　Wraith swears and quickly raises his right hand to the great sword as quickly as possible. Then the ring in the middle finger of the Wraith's right hand emitted a red glow.

　Immediately after, the great sword collided with the Wraith.
　After a sound like glass breaking, the great sword was flung off.

　It was the effect of the 'shock resistance' contained in the ring. It has the power to shoulder attacks on the wearer only once.

''With this, I've used up the last of my insurance, but...''

　The ring is no more.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for when you're ready to buy.

　It is not an exaggeration to say that the Wraith is unarmed.

　The destination he was staring at was that skeleton. The reach of the attack was shortened because he threw a large sword, but it was still a threat.

　Most of all, it hurt that he used the ring in a way that caught me by surprise. If I could have used the ring a little more effectively, though, I would have still been able to buy some time.

''Yeah, it's rather seriously killing me.

　Analyzing the current situation, Wraith gives a drawn-out smile.

''I mean, you, where did you come from?''

　Like the first time it appeared in front of Lace's eyes, he didn't feel any sign of it at all. Normally, he would have noticed it by sound when he approached.

　He hadn't failed to be alert. There was no doubt that that skeleton was somehow able to take him by surprise.

　The skeleton starts to move ahead of Wraith's gaze. It moves its jaw and makes a caracara sound, as if it is laughing.

　However, it's not a laughing situation for the Wraith.

　He has no means of intercepting it, he's cut off his time-buying cards, and his strength has long since reached its limit.

　The last resort is Raffy, the adventurer with the highest level of ability.

"Please, Raffy...!

　Wraith took a deep breath as he caught sight of the skeleton running in his vision.

　And then he shouts.

'Raffy!!!!!'

　The skeleton raises a large hand in front of the shouting Wraith. It's an arm that has the physical strength to wield a great sword. If you take a direct hit, you won't get away with it.

　When the Wraith unintentionally almost closed its eyes - suddenly the skeleton's arm shattered with a high-pitched sound.

　When Wraith was momentarily unaware of what had happened.

Wraith, give in!

　A familiar voice was heard from behind, and Wraith quickly followed the voice as soon as possible.

''Crushing (Kai).''

　Raffy's kick, which shook his red hair, hit the torso of the skeleton, who was stepping on a tatara with his arm destroyed. The impact of the kick blew the skeleton away, and pieces of broken armor scattered in the air.

　After landing dangerously, Raffy exhales heavily, as if relieved.

'Glad you made it in time. Are you hurt, Wraith?''
Yeah. It's worse than that. I'm in love.
'You've got a lot of room for this...'

　Wraith uses a small, embarrassing word with a flat face. Raffy picks up the sword on the ground with a dumbfounded face.

''........Hmm?　Did I ever drop a sword on the ground?
I threw it to destroy that skeleton's arm.

　Raffy said, as if it were obvious.

'Oh, I see,'

　Wraith nodded in a respectful tone of voice without thinking.

　He doesn't think about destroying the arm of a skeleton wearing armor with a sword throw or whatever the hell is going on. Never.

'Regeneration, that's tricky.

　Hearing Raffy's muttering, Wraith was brought back to reality. At the same time, the skeleton that had fallen to the ground could be seen getting up.

　However, the arm that had been missing due to the sword throwing has been restored.

''Well, how shall we attack it?''