Early in the morning - just as she was getting ready to leave her quarters after an early breakfast, Serafina-san received a call from the Guild Saber Headquarters.

　The stampede in the fifth district had started earlier than expected. The Guild Saber unit of the Fifth District, the title-holder searchers who had been called in, and the explorers of the Fifth District were already in charge of dealing with the situation.

　When I entered the 'Green Hall' and went to the Guild Saber Headquarters, Kuzelka-san, Khosrow-san and the Guild Saber Unit members were waiting for me.

''Thank you for responding to our call for help. A battle has already taken place in the city of District 5, so I will explain the situation.''
This is the reason for the stampede this time is the 'Calm Sea of Sand'...Although this labyrinth is a unit every few months, the population tends to increase due to the demon's biology. When they come into town, all hands will be on hand to deal with them, but the average party below level 10 will only be able to defeat one of them.

　Khoselka's assistant, Khoselka-san's assistant, explains it to me instead. An average level of 10--a party that is definitely stronger than us if you just look at the level alone, and a demon that would struggle even against one of them.

　That, and the fact that it's a stampede means that the demons will be moving all over the city. The defenders must also spread out their forces, and it's difficult to always fight back with an advantageous situation.

''However, even if you take them one by one, they will certainly be an effective battle result. The stampede will stop once the enemy's 'named' is destroyed, but if the 'named' is working together with its cronies, a struggle is inevitable. It's going to be a tough battle, but I want you to be aware of the fact that you should try to split up the demons as much as possible, and if the rest of the party is struggling, I want you to think about joining them.
All right, I'll keep my eyes open for anything that comes my way.
''Well I'm not a boss and I'm not a boss, so when you reply so honestly, I mean........''
'Hosslow, this is no time to be shy. Keep the tension up.
Yes, sir.

　I thought I responded normally, but Khosrow-san's response is favorable. I wonder if the explorers who are called in from other wards are nervous or something, and their replies are stiff.

''Well that's a good point about you, Rearward-kun, but it's not fair for me to say that.
What's wrong, Igarashi-san?
No, no....really. I was going to say, "Since you've come all this way, let's do our best.
'Wow, that sounds totally different to me, doesn't it?
''Misaki-chan.......don't be too agitated like that.......''
I'm sure I would have preferred it as well, but I'm not surprised that Lord Khosrow has a soft spot for Lord Atobe.

　Serafina-san had no hesitation in saying such things, and she said it with a straight face - she would be more embarrassed in such cases. Khosrow-san also scratched her cheeks as she walked.

''There are some non-combat personnel in Atobe-dono's party, aren't there? After the transfer, you will be asked to stay inside the Guild Saber headquarters in the fifth district as is.''
'Thank you for your consideration of my companions. I suppose we'll just have to fight as instructed at first?
''Oh ... if it's difficult to defeat them, there's no need to push it. The searchers are not obligated to subdue the stampede, but there are parties that will willingly fight the demons. It's not necessarily a disadvantage in terms of strength.

　It's the same as when the Stampede happened in the Eighth Ward - there are many people who are prepared to fight demons in the labyrinth, but won't willingly fight demons that come into the city, even if they're prepared to fight them. That's probably because they don't absolutely have to participate in subduing them, and it's customary to wait and see what happens.

　But just as the explorers dive into the labyrinth with as much safety as possible, the guild savers are also looking for as much strength as possible. That's why they called out to us.

''........I'll tell Atobe-dono and the others. There is a district in the fifth district where a corridor has been formed to hunt down demons in case powerful demons come into the city.
'Third Lieutenant Kuzelka, it's not yet time for them to...'
''It's not fast. Demons cornered in the Corridor may use vehicle weapons such as the Impulse Car or special weapons planted in the city itself to attack. If you decide to use these weapons, ask a nearby guild saver for advice, if possible. If your guild saber uses a weapon, please evacuate the area to avoid getting involved.
''Leave the role of driving the 'named' into the 'corridor' to us guild savers. But if we ever need your help we'll take care of that for you.

　Mr. Khosrow bows his head - it's a good sign that he's not calling us decorous because we have a title.

''This time, up to two charms that grant 'Poison Resistance 3' will be given to the party participating in the suppression. Please consult with me to decide which members to equip.
Speaking of poison in the sand, it's the scorpions. Well, the scorpions of the labyrinth are monsters several times bigger than humans.
'Hee........Scorpions......scorpions, are there a lot of those things in town.......?
'They hide in the sand, which makes it difficult to reduce their populations. The same can be said of the flying demons.

　It's a scorpion demon, and it uses a powerful poison - it may use a long-range attack, but the priority is to counter the vanguard's poisoning. I give one of the charms to Seraphina-san and consult with her about the other one and ask Sion to wear it. It's because Sion, the escort dog, can go out to 'cover' at will.

All members, follow me.
""Ha!"

　As Kuserka-san walks out of the room, Khosrow and his troopers follow. Adeline-san and the others said they'd be coming later to provide logistical support, but they're already armed, and they line up to see us off ahead of them.

　There are several doors in the hall at the end of the corridor. When Kuzelka-san holds her hand over one of them, a crystal embedded in the wall beside the door displays '5' in the labyrinth country's notation, and the door opens.

　Is the Guild Saber Headquarters connected to all the districts - if so, do Kuzelka-san and the others ever go to the fourth district and beyond?

　After walking inside the transfer door for a while, the air changes - Cuselka-san, who is leading us, opens the door, and we emerge into a different place, similar to but different from the headquarters of the Seventh District. Then, the Guild Saber Squadron member who was waiting for me rushed over.

''Third Lieutenant Kuzelka, as I have informed you, there was a stampede earlier today!　The number of demons that have appeared so far is 134, and the current number of demons defeated is 13, and the battle line is spreading from the entrance to the 'Calm Sand Sea' to the entire Fifth District!
Yes, sir. We'll check out the battle plan and join the front line. Our unit and a party of explorers will join the fight, and we'll provide logistical support as soon as the rest of the squad arrives later.
'Yes, sir!　Report to Furet 3rd Class at once...
I'd like to inform you that there are several demons in the eastern sector moving at high speed!　We are directing non-combatants to the waiting area, but the evacuation is not yet complete!

　There must be a lot of searchers in the fifth district as well, but only 13 of the 134 were defeated - if that's the case after a few hours since the stampede occurred, it would take a lot of time just to defeat one of them.

''East of the fifth district - that's the area where many of the supporters' residences are located. ''Captain Kuzelka, what do we do now?''
We must hurry. Lord Atobe, I'll share the map with you. I should have given it to you beforehand, but the system only allows me to disclose it after I arrive in the Fifth Ward... I'm sorry.
'No, it would be helpful enough if you could tell me now.
I like to see a man of principle, I do. Come with us, Mr. Atobe. I want to buy some time for our supporters in town and for those who can't fight, to get out.
'I understand. Madoka will be waiting here, and I'll come for you as soon as we're done subduing.
Yes..........brother, I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen, watch out.......

　The Guild Saber Headquarters in the fifth district also seemed to be built underground, just like the seventh district. I ran through the corridors and up the stairs - there was a sense of transition in the middle, and I flew to the building on the ground.

''-- Atobe-dono, everyone, please stop!

　We should have gone out to the inside of the guild building - I thought there was no need to be wary of demon attacks here yet, but I was naive in my thinking.

　◆Current Situation ◆
　Deathstalker G" activates "Poison Blaster".

　When I was about to go up the stairs and into the corridor, Kuserka-san stopped - something passed through the corridor at a furious pace.

If you don't want to muck up your equipment, don't touch what they spit out.
'Khosrow, I'll get it. While I draw the enemy's fire, you guys can come out too.
I can't let you go alone, sir. Leave the rough stuff to my subordinates..........you ain't listening to me!

　Current Situation
　Kuserka activates Galm Drive, which greatly increases speed and evasion rate.
　Hot Rod activates Battlecry, which increases the party's attack and defense power.
　Hosslow activates Burst Dash.

(e.g. "I'll be back")

"--Mr. Kuzelka, Mr. Khosrow, 'I support you'!

　I run out into the aisle and see Kuzelka-san and Khosrow-san ahead of me and the demons that have invaded the entrance of the building.

　The demon I encountered ◆
　Deathstalker G Level 11 Enemy Versus Poison Disabled Attribute Reduction Drop: ?

　A huge scorpion with a body about three times the size of an adult, covered with armor-like armor all over its body - its tail tries to take aim at Kuserka-san, who is running at high speed.

　◆Current Situation ◆
　Arihito activates Other Assist → Target: Kuzelka and Khosrow.
　Aricht activates 'Support and Defense 1' → Targets: 'Kuzelka' and 'Khosrow'.
　Arihito activates 'Support Attack 2' → Support: 'Force Shoot Stun'.
　Deathstalker G activates "Poison Blaster" → Target: "Kuzelka
　Kuserka activates Spin Defend → Disables Poison Blaster

Huh...!

　Kuzelka-san spun her sword and misted the poisonous liquid released from the scorpion's tail like a jet stream - a defensive skill that consumes magic power, not just received by the sword.

''--Hosslow!

　Current Situation

　Hosslow activates Power Charge and hits Deathstalker G. Confused, knockback in progress, stunned.

Ooh-la-la!
"--Geeeeeeeee!

　At the same time as Kuzelka-san flies to the side, Khosrow-san furiously tackles him and blows the giant scorpion wide open.

''This additional effect........is it Atobe-kun's skill.......!
I'm going to push you all out of here in one fell swoop.
Huh...!

　Elitia and Theresia jumped out and unleashed 'Slash Ripper' and 'Azure Slash' - 'Azure Slash' has an attribute on it, so the attack can barely get through, but the aim is to get the enemy out of the building for knockback.

'Elitia, Theresia, 'Support'!

　Current Situation
　Aricht activates 'Support Attack 1'.　
　Elitia activates "Slash Ripper" → Target: "Deathstalker G
　Theresa activates Azure Slash. Target: "Deathstalker G".
　Death Stalker G changes to Makatsu no Stance. Confusion and stun are removed. Defense against the front is increased. Defense against the back is reduced.
　The counter of "Deathstalker G" is activated.

What did you do.........if I attacked them like this.......

"-- in the Fifth Ward and above, attack 'when you can be sure to attack'.

　Current Situation
　Kuzelka activates Active Feint → Target: "Deathstalker G
　Counter for "Deathstalker G" → Target: "Kuzelka
　Kuzelka activates Ryusha no Chimney and avoids the Deathstalker G counter by doubling her attack power when counterattacking.

What...?
--!

　The 'Death Stalker' that was about to counterattack against Elitia and Theresia changed its target to Kuzelka-san and unleashed the needle in her tail - she drew the enemy's aim to her at that timing and tried to evade it.

''Captain, please leave some for yourself........!
-follow them, Khosrow.

　Current Situation
　Aricht activates Other Assist and Support Attack 1 → Target: Kuzelka and Khoselu
　Kuzelka activates Sword Rain, which hits Deathstalker G at 12 levels and deals double damage of 156%.
　Slash Ripper hits Deathstalker G. Support damage 13
　Activate Elitia's additional attack and hit Deathstalker G. Support damage 13
　Azure Slash hits Deathstalker G. Knockback small, magic burning
　Hosslow activates Burst Shoulder and hits Deathstalker G. He leaves the battlefield and takes 13 damage.

　The speed of Kuzelka-san's technique was just like flowing - the slash that she had poured down with the silver sword pierced the 'Death Stalker' like rain and shaved off its armor.

　When Elitia and Theresia's stance collapsed due to the attacks of Elitia and Theresia that followed, Khosrow-san blew it wide open with a slow-acting, but immensely powerful shoulder bludgeon. It's not in the dimension of a knockback, it makes him leave this battlefield temporarily.

''--Atobe-kun, I haven't finished him off yet!　We'll take care of this, and you'll head east!
'We'll be there in a minute!　If you run into a 'named', please don't force it!
'Depending on the circumstances we may not be able to say that we'll do it our way!　Let's go, guys!
Yes!

　I run out of the guild entrance and head east. Explorers and guild savers are engaged in the mix - the walls of the building have been melted by 'Poison Blaster' and the cobblestones have been turned up by the scorpion's tail stinger sticking out.

　Some didn't realize that the scorpion had taken the 'Demon Scorpion Stance' and were blown away by the counter, but soon after, the 'Death Stalker' was hit by a concentrated fire from a distance and a smoke screen went up. However, the attribute reduction did not make it an effective hit, and the scorpion that leapt out of the smoke began to rage again.

''Geeeeeeee...!


　I couldn't answer Misaki's question as she asked me breathlessly while running, but I couldn't answer it right away.

　The Eighth Ward's 'Stampede' also had some epic phases, but it was too different in dimension. Each and every one of the giant scorpions possessed high breakthrough and defensive power, equipped with close and long-range attacks, and would not sink easily even with the total attack of a party of eight people.

''--You guys head to the street over there!　If we don't, we're going to get into an area with a lot of non-combatants!
''I understand!　Good luck to you all!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

　With this position, you can support them in passing - with 'Other Assist'.

(Those two men and one woman........will it work.......!

　Current Situation
　Arihito activates Other Assist → Targets: Marcus, Genji, and Lies.
　Arihito activates 'Support Attack 2' → Support: 'Force Shoot Stun'.
　Arihito activates "Support Linkage 1".
　Marcus activates Hammer Swing → Deathstalker 22 is hit.
　Genji activates Katae Hei-Tsuki Ni-ren→Death Stalker 22 hits a second level. Hardening time extended.
　Reigns activates Delay Snipe → hits Deathstalker 22. Delay nullified, hardening time extended, third level of coordinated move.
　Extension of rigidity of the "Hammer Hitting Delay" technique

"GISHAAH...!

　The skin-headed guild saber swung his war hammer (warhammer) and clicked up the scorpion's scissors, and the swordsman with the straight sword slammed in a double thrust, followed by a crossbow bolt. Unable to resist, the scorpion stepped on the tatara, spilling venom from his mouth.

'Oops!　Hey, I don't know what it is, but it's like a special move.......wow......!
'Someone was just passing by and helping us out...!　Thank you!
Anyway, here's your chance we're gonna fold.

　They could have increased the damage as well, but the stun effect was extended and the 'Death Stalker' stopped moving. Furthermore, other party members other than Marcus and the other three attacked and gave them a state anomaly, and it was beginning to look like they were going to win.

''Atove-dono, you did a great job. I didn't expect you to succeed in assisting them in this short time...''
Yes, I knew the stun would work.

　However, 'Other Assist' consumes a lot of magic power - it's not easy to drink a potion while running. In the future, in some cases, you may need to acquire the 'Back Order' skill and share your magic power with your friends.

　I look down at the map of the fifth district displayed on my license - I can see a red dot in front of me, is this the demon that is heading to the non-combatant district? It's moving so fast that I can't believe my eyes, but sometimes it stops because it's engaging or attacking the residents.

'We will be close to them soon, what is your strategy?
'If you can see them from a distance, I or Suzuna will manage to stun them with me or Suzuna's attack before the 'Poison Blaster' flies at them. After that, the vanguard will attack as usual, but if the enemy takes the 'Demon Scorpion Stance', Seraphina should attack with her shield. That way you can get behind them while preventing a counter. That stance will solidify the forward defenses, but the rear defenses seem to be stretched thin.
Yes, sir....

　We haven't seen all the means of attack of the 'Death Stalker' demon yet. Even if we find an effective tactic, we can't be caught completely off guard - not only do we need to achieve results in the fifth district, but we all need to be safe.