Before sneaking into the cave, Aisha finally finished changing and was ready to go.
　Aisha, wearing a black and white over-the-knee maid's outfit, looked the cutest thing ever. The equipment that existed since the days of the game, the equipment that is concerned with appearance, the so-called mesmerizing equipment, is collected and given to Aisha for practical and high performance. Of course, there are many ordinary equipment that are better in terms of performance alone, but this is a non-negotiable. This is not a reason to give up the blonde girl's maid outfit.
　Obviously, this is not an outfit for fighting, but this is still a full-body speciality-class (unique) equipment. If it's only a bandit's attack, it would have enough defense to repel both physical and magical attacks.
　Well, to begin with, as long as Nacht is around, I would never allow Aisha to touch him.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it's a bit of a grotesque image, but are you okay?

'I hope you don't say this in the mood for a picnic, Master Nacht and it's too late now--'
　When I first met Nacht, it was Aisha who was shown some, or rather, a rather harsh image of Nacht. Nacht's warning was really a new one.
　To Aisha, death was something that was always close by.
　Everyone knew that life was about the slightest hint of death.
　Aisha herself was no exception, and Aisha's father was no exception.
　So Nacht's fears were unfounded.

'I see--and yet, it's deep.
　The cave, which must have been formed naturally, was dim and eerie the more I looked into the bottom.
　There was a barricade right next to the entrance that must have been made out of logs, and it was easy to imagine a hail of arrows flying at them if they were forced to plunge through. In fact, according to Nacht's perception, there were several people who were waiting for their prey to come in now and then.

　Nahat is not naturally suited to fighting in such a small and confined area with few places to escape to.
　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for, because you're going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for. In addition, to avoid destroying the cave itself, they are also limited in the magic they can handle.

The only thing that can be done is to make sure that all of them are in the same place.

'No!　I'm sure there are hostages and stuff. Don't you want to help?
　At Aisha's anxious voice, Nacht dissipated the magic power he had gathered in his hands.
　If it weren't for the people trapped inside, Nacht would definitely have chosen the means to annihilate the entire cave of thieves.

'Aisha, you are firmly attached to me!
　The trouble is that the bandits here are reasonably well coordinated.
　It's not just the troops in front of them, but beyond that, the enemy soldiers in front of them on the branch road that is divided into three branches are planning to use the decoys and the pincer attack from the left and right, they are trying to fight by using the terrain and coordinating well with each other.

''Ha, yes!''
　So why did Nacht rush into the cave?
　Two reasons.
　One was that he didn't expect the bandit's attack to get through Nacht's armor.
　The other was because he could legally hook up with Aisha in the dark cave, and that was it.

　One step, two steps, and then the moment he took the third step. A rain of arrows struck Nacht and the others.
　There were ten of them, which represented the number of bandits, and a second arrow would soon be approaching.
　The first thing Nacht was wary of was the type of arrows. If you master the profession of an archer, it is possible for you to create an infinite number of demonic arrows of immense power and continue to shoot them.
　However, the arrows in front of me are no more than wooden arrows.
　A wall of arrows with no place to run with the sharp sound of the air being ripped open.
　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to find a way out of the situation that looks like a desperate situation, and the only person who could hear Nacht's sigh is Aisha, who was tightly attached.

''It's boring--''
　Along with the words, Nacht's magical power showed a momentary glow.

''Kyah!''
　It was a storm that suddenly blew in.
　Aisha's maid's clothes floated in a heap, stained with shame. Aisha also seemed to have enough room to glare at Nacht.
　The storm converged as a mass of force, crushing the arrows like a gravity field.

　That wasn't all.
　The wind under Nacht's control took on the form of a willing scythe playing with it. In the blink of an eye once, three heads floated in the air, and in the blink of two, six heads flew through the air.

''N, so.........?''
　Without realizing what had happened to them, the thieves' consciousnesses departed into the darkness.　

　According to the bandits who had been set up in the illusion, out of the eighty-three bandits, seventy of them were mere peasants. And there were only thirteen mercenary companions with combat experience, and none of them were likely to be able to take Nacht's magic.
　No, there seems to be one person.
　A small smile, it was also a faint hope.

　And one more thing. There was one thing that bothered Nacht.
　It was about the means of attack in this world, the strange techniques (skills) called martial arts. It is said that all creatures, not just human beings, have trained and arrived at the ultimate skill, but they are slightly different from the job skills of the real world online.
　It's hard to say that they are generally degraded, but I can't help but feel that they are less powerful.

''Die, you monster--martial arts (arts)--Senya's Mindfulness!

　For example, a single arrow released just now would somehow turn into dozens of arrows, accelerating and attacking the martial arts (arts). This was like adding and dividing the primary job of the archer system, the shadow arrow alter ego and the flowing bow.
　It took on the body of multiple skills, but was not very powerful.

''Dance grandly, Scythe--''
　Every arrow that flew in the air had a visibly bright wind that tangled and obliterated them. A broken and crumbling arrowhead stabbed into the ground, empty.

''Nah, dammit, a thousand arrows--''
　The bandit tries to unleash his attack again.
　But the first time he only let it strike on purpose to see, and Nacht has no intention of allowing it to happen a second time.
　It's exactly the same as a thunderclap, just as the lightning is striking when it's perceived to have flashed, and just when you think Nacht's figure has disappeared - it's gone.

Huh.........................

　--It's a good thing that you've got a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Nacht's agility is exceptional, and even though he's adjusted to avoid causing damage to the area, his speed cannot be seen by the human eye.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it.
　About three minutes after Nacht had entered the cave.
　There were only two hostile forces left.



◇



　The enemies were fewer and fewer, and as she walked through the cave at a leisurely pace, Aisha's body, which had been hooked up to Bikri, trembled.
　It drifted away, a strong fighting spirit.
　Nacht paid no attention to it and looked at Aisha.
　Nacht's expression was kind and somewhat happy, as if the goddess had smiled at him.
　In fact, Nacht was happy.
　The sharpness of that perception of Aisha's - he thought it was purely wonderful.
　In any case, what was being directed at him was not harm or killing intent, but just a fighting spirit.
　Nevertheless, the fact that she stopped walking showed that her perception, and by extension, her ability to sense danger, was high.

''Aisha's amazing--you'll be strong in the future, I'm sure.
　Nacht was gently stroking Aisha's head when a knot, knot, knot of footprints approached her.

'It makes me sad when you ignore me so blatantly.
　Duran didn't hide his presence, he just walked forward with an overflowing fighting spirit, saying, "Come on, let's fight.
　But Nacht's response was curt. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the majority of my attention was focused on Aisha, without regard to Duran.

　It was also humiliating for Duran.
　Despite the fact that he was releasing all the power he had as fighting spirit, he was ignored.
　That meant that the girl in front of her did not recognize Duran as an enemy.
　This is the first time I've experienced something like this.

''I didn't expect--I didn't expect it to be a woman--''
　Krista was also a female warrior with enormous magical power. But what is this? It was as if Krista, who had many times the magic power of an ordinary person, could not even be compared to her. It was such a different dimension of existence.
　Alarm bells were ringing in Duran's mind more May than ever before.
　You must not fight that thing.
　Yes, I felt like my instincts were telling me.
　The difference in physical ability was easily overturned by magic.
　Giving a wizard time would lead to instant death, even if he was a good warrior.

'Gender is a trivial matter--and you--'

It's Duran.
　While interrupting the conversation, Duran drew his greatsword and was wary of letting him chant.

''--Why is this Duran guy here?　Your soul was rough, but not stagnant, was it?　If I had to say it was empty, let's just say it was empty.
　Nacht said, provokingly.

'What--!　Why ... no, it doesn't matter now. My blessing tells me--that you'll be the next one to catch me.
　Duran had the illusion that just by talking to her, she was peering into the depths of her mind. The beautiful doll-like girl who smiled bewitchingly was almost unknowable. Her eyes, which were clad in a golden ring, seemed to see through Duran.

''So, you're imitating a bandit?''
　Duran laughed at Nacht's denouncing tone of voice as he mended.

'No way--I was going to crush you after I fought you, but it saved me a lot of trouble. I've tied up the chieftain in the back and left him there. If I lose, that guy's head, and those who were captured, can be released or obtained, or do whatever you want.
　Duran had planned to destroy this place from the beginning.
　There was no way he was going to leave the triggers that created the abominable illusion behind.

''Do you really want to play with me like that?
　Nacht didn't dare call it a fight.
　But that word was a denial of Duran's life.
　It was tantamount to a denial of Duran's existence that he could only get up on the battlefield and live on the battlefield.

'I want to fight.'
　To Duran it was only a gut feeling.
　But his instincts certainly told him. That the girl in front of him was far superior to Duran.
　So it was close to a plea at the earliest.

'If I fight--you will die, and that too, in an instant.
　A moment later, the air exploded around Nacht.
　It was only the intimidation that pushed away so much of the atmosphere that it was overflowing.
　Nacht invoked the dragon's intimidation that he had turned off, that was all.

　But to Duran, it was an impossible intimidation (pressure).
　He knew he was of a higher rank, but the difference between the signs was like that of a man and a dragon.
　The four great dragons existed in front of him, or so Duran perceived, and he looked into Nacht's eyes, even as he broke out in a cold sweat.
　Nacht looked down on him from above as if he were an examiner, and Duran almost bent his knees to Nacht.
　However, he still held the last line of defense and opened his mouth.

'Still,'
　Contrary to Nacht's expectations, Duran's fighting spirit did not disappear.
　Such an overwhelming presser, like a man trampling down an ant, like a dragon trampling down a man.
　However, Duran couldn't just turn tail and run away here.
　Otherwise, Duran's life would have no meaning.
　Because to fight, to put yourself on the battlefield, is to regain the value of what your parents threw away that day with your own body.


"Ho...
　For a moment, just a moment, a smile appeared on Nacht's face.

'Are you ready to fight?'
　Duran is a genius in battle. He sees the battlefield from a broad perspective and plays the most advantageous moves to win. He is a man of valour and courage as an individual, and he has the ability to lead an army and give precise instructions to his own side.

　At this moment, he has the highest chance of victory.
　That was to aim at the girl who was clinging to block Nacht's movements. If he did so, Nacht would surely protect the girl. That was Duran's sure prediction.

　But is that enough?
　Even if the other party is superior to you, is it permissible to turn your blade on something that is not standing on the battlefield?
　A faint conflict passed through Duran.
　A moment of hesitation.

''Preparedness--''

　When he shook it off, Duran moved his body before he could think.
　A momentary pause as Duran closed in on Nacht.
　Duran, who was strengthening his body, could see that Nacht's mouth was slightly open, and Duran could see that Nacht's mouth was slightly open.
　While receiving Duran's spirit as he closed in with all his strength, Nacht said.

　-- You can aim at--.

　And.
　I could see through it.
　I didn't even look at him. It's not that I was really aiming for it, I was just going to pretend that I was, in order to get them to let their guard down and increase their chances of winning.
　But it was all predictable and even provoked.

　I've been trying to get to Nahat at high speed with the Instantaneous Movement, which is an evolved version of the bandit's martial art (art), the Instantaneous Movement, and I was unable to do so.
　It's not as if he or she was in golden bondage, no matter how much force he or she put into it, the body doesn't listen to him or her.
　What is this?
　When I thought that, I looked at my body and saw a thin, parted, thin shadow entwined with my body as if to bind it.

'Shadow magic - the treachery that lives in the shadows (shadow binding). You didn't think the wizard would allow you to get close?　That's shallow.
　Distance is more important than anything else in the wizardry profession.
　Attacking unilaterally from a favorable distance, the magic profession is a gain, but it's a concept common to all professions.

"Wha, d*mn it...!
　Nacht floated four magic spheres to Duran, who grunted.
　Each one was dyed a different color.
　Earth, water, fire, and wind.
　It was struck mercilessly by Duran, who was restrained.

''Kook, magic arts, magic wall--''
　The great sword glowed dully as it sucked in Duran's magic power.
　The combination of magic and martial arts was Duran's original technique to create a highly resistant barrier for the anti-magic user. Duran's magical barrier that even played off the magic of the Ice Emperor. A wall of dense and intense magic power embodied by tracing the sword.
　But.

'Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'
　A tremendous pain that consumed his entire body washed over him.
　The feeling of burning skin, a shock that seemed to break the body, a slash that seemed to tear the whole body apart, and as an added bonus, the freeze froze my fingers.

''Hmm, well, I guess it's something like this--''
　The ground was gouged out, and the ice, seared by the fire, turned to steam and filled his vision. There is no doubt that Duran has wounds all over his body.
　Nacht tried to break free of his battle plan, but...

I haven't... yet... yet... yet...
　Constrained by his own shadow and bleeding from all over, Duran still hadn't bent his knees.
　He hadn't done anything yet.
　He hadn't done anything yet.
　He hadn't gotten anything yet.
　A dry craving was all that kept Duran's body afloat.
　A full-bodied Duran, his grim expression reflected for a moment in Nacht's crystalline eyes.
　The smile that emerged was a little deeper than before.

''--ha-ha, I see...--all right, then go ahead and hit it with all your might.''
　Nacht clasped his hands together once with a pan.
　At the same time, Duran's restraints were released.

'My name is Nacht. In the name of Nacht Schatten, I shall receive your thoughts.'
　Without composing himself, Nacht looks at Duran, with Aisha on his back.
　Nacht's attitude is not what it once was.
　It's not like the time he once wanted PVP, serious, desperate, hot and sometimes deadly.
　But the feeling was a little bit the same.
　There was a strange elation in his chest.
　Perhaps it was Duran's willingness to be serious. Nacht looked at Duran with amusement.

'Oh, thank you.'
　Duran held his hips low and gripped his great sword.
　The mightiest enemy in Duran's life was now in front of him.　
　If this is the case, then the attack he unleashes will have to be the strongest blow of his life.
　He raised the sword held at the upper level further. His body, supported by instantaneous movement and body strengthening, moved while leaving an illusion behind. There was an illusion in my body, as if each of my cells were united. At some point, the sword became a part of me, waiting for the time of the decisive battle, now or never.
　A momentary silence--.
　The moment his heart, ringing like an early bell, quieted like a clear stream, tokens, and once. Duran began to move as his instincts dictated.
　The blow that split the mountain and scraped the ground now--

　The intersection was fleeting.
　Nacht's figure was never reflected in Duran's eyes.
　Just the moment he swung his sword down, Nacht's figure disappeared.

　--Kiiiiin.

　And such a sound stopped time.
　The inherited blade screamed and stabbed into the ground empty.
　The only feeling left in Duran's hand was numbness, as if he had cut through a mountain range of metal.
　The only reason Duran's consciousness still existed was because of Nacht's gratitude.
　If Nacht had wanted to, he would have just lost his head.

''Race Skill (Origin Skill) Dragon Claw--Dragon Technique, Divine Dragon Flash--''

'Haha.........'
　The admiration and praise encouraged me to smile.

'-- I sure did fight, didn't I?　Are you happy now?
　Even though it was physical, Nacht used a top-level skill against Duran that he didn't need to use.
　It was just a whim, bought into his spirit.
　It could be said to be a reward for overcoming the dragon's intimidation.

''Oh thank you I lost--''
　All I could see was a momentary shadow.
　Only a phantom figure. But that was enough.
　It was as light as a dance, as fast as light, as fierce as lightning, a blow.
　It was the very power of being beautiful that Duran had pursued.
　It is true power that no one can mock the sight of, true power.
　It was an art that would be admired, no matter how many people it killed, no matter how much blood it bathed or how many people it killed.
　There was nothing more Duran could do if he was shown such a thing.

'Do what you will,'
　Duran wanted to give it all away as a loser.
　He said that he didn't care if they took his life or not, he didn't care one bit.
　But Nacht only frowned blatantly.
　Then he said briefly.　

'No, I'm not with the old man.

Hey, I'm still in my 20s...

'Eh ... I don't see it at all ...'
　Duran doesn't look like a twenty-something at all at all due to the burly body he has and the stubble he leaves growing.

''I don't look...''
　Aisha, who was following him, seemed to agree with Nacht.

''Just kill.........''
　For some reason, Duran, who was kneeling in astonishment, even though he had just honestly revealed his heart, felt more sorrowful than when he lost the battle earlier.