Prologue

"Hey, are you guys done with your preparations!? You properly maintained your equipment, right!?"

"Aah, my armour is really glittering after all that polish! My beloved greatsword too has been sharpened to a fine edge, so expect great things from me!"

As we were gathering outside the mansion, Darkness, clad in equipment that has been polished to the point where it looked brand new, excitedly replied.

Even as I was looking over everyone's equipment, I didn't slack off myself.

In addition to my usual equipment, my bag was also stuffed full of various expensive magic items and scrolls.

"Say, Darkness, maybe you should give up on fighting with a sword and just use your fists instead."

"Well, then, if you're going to say that, maybe I shall start making use of my fists right now. Come over here, Aqua."

Bearing a backpack just like me, Aqua ran away as soon as she heard Darkness's words.

In direct contrast to us, who have been extremely excited since morning, Megumin bore the bare minimum of equipment as she joined us.

"… Why's everyone so motivated? In the first place, there are stores in the Crimson Demon village, so I don't think there's any need to bring so much stuff with us…"

"What are you saying!? It's a trial, you know!? A trial! One that can challenge even the tribe of elite mages, the Crimson Demons! No matter how much preparations we make, it will never be enough!"

Hearing my words, Megumin returned a bewildered look-