The next move for now

A few days later, we went to one of the bandit lair remains with the

usual 3. There's a bit of distance between the capital of Taizu and here,

it is the place that has already been checked and has the most things

left behind.

It is the best place to stealthily live in and it is the place where the

attacker the other day, Ekdoik, is currently hiding in.

"So you are here, Rakura Salf!" (Ekdoik)

"Can you please stop shouting as if I am the killer of your parents every

time we meet?" (Rakura)

"You are!" (Ekdoik)

"We don't have time. Want to draw a portrait of her or something next

time? If you do, you might feel a bit more attached…"

"…Fine!" (Ekdoik)

"It is okay?" (Ilias)

Even if Ekdoik does feel disgust, there's already no bloodthirst and it

took away the poison of Ilias. Well, from just the fact that it is

bloodthirst towards Rakura, it was destined to not last long.

For now, we give him the ingredients we brought and direct my

attention at the surroundings. There's chains placed here and there. I

don't know whether it is a trap or just decoration.

"Ekdoik, Pope Euparo has entrusted me to look after Rakura. It must be

good news for you."

"Hooh, in other words, you can increase her reputation under your

direction!" (Ekdoik)

"That said, I won't be sending her to the battlefield or something like

that immediately though."

"Waah, as expected of Counselor-sama!" (Rakura)

"Muh… But that way my objective can't be fulfilled!" (Ekdoik)

"Now, calm down. You should know if you are the assassin of Raheight,

right? There's the possibility he will send even more assassins. Stronger

ones than even Pashuro."

"True. It does sound like she would be hitting even bigger targets if she

is close to you." (Ekdoik)

"In the first place, there's the shadow of the Demon Lord on Raheight.

There's no bigger shot than that."

"Really?!" (Ekdoik)

Ekdoik couldn't hide his surprise. Even though he knew I was an

Earthling, it seems like he barely knew anything about the identity of

Raheight.

I decided to compare information with each other to understand the

current situation.

Ekdoik was raised by a devil that used the scar of the Demon Lords in

contact with the Mejis territory, the Nether, as his base. There's several

places called the Nether. The one in contact with the Mejis territory is

named exactly as it is: the Mejis Nether.

Devils are different from demons who were originally humans. They

were born purely in the Nether, and are a race that has high intelligence

within the living beings. They have learned the common language of

humanity that was most likely transmitted to them by the demons and

are strongly cautious of humans.

Them being called devils sounds pretty dangerous, but wouldn't they

technically be pure demons?

Their characteristic traits are that they live long and have no need to

mate. Due to this, there's a lot of them who pride themselves in their

individual strength. The newborn devils like to increase their strength

and position, and spend all their time in battle, but once they reach a

certain standing, they begin to settle down in their own turf, and lead a

leisurely life.

And then, after their turf becomes a certain size, they begin to draw in

other devils into their rule. When the number of devils following them

reaches a certain point, they will begin to be called Great Devils.

There weren't many who were called Great Devils in the past. The

reason behind this is because of the Demon Lords that created the

Nethers. There's no other ones than the Demon Lords to rule them after

all.

Depending on the Nether, there's areas that are ruled by demons, but

Hero Yugura defeated the Demon Lord that created the Mejis Nether at

a pretty early stage, so contact with the demons that were their

subordinates has been lost too.

The father of Ekdoik was the Great Devil Beglagud who ruled over 30%

of the Mejis Nether. He was cruel and had outstanding power, with

many influential devils under his rule. He also had a strong interest in

humans. He has attacked human settlements in the past, and has

caused a great deal of harm.

"Of course he would be subjugated."

"—I won't disagree with that. He attacked humans for the sake of

superiority, raised the sacrifice they offered, and tried to have him

attack them after all. But I hold no pity towards humans who offer a

baby for the sake of self-protection." (Ekdoik)

"Wouldn't you have been able to live peacefully if that threat hadn't

existed to begin with."

"Stop the 'if' talk there. We would both just wear ourselves out."

(Ekdoik)

With all of that being said, Ekdoik is the grown form of the baby that

was offered as a sacrifice by the village that feared the attack of the

devils. Beglagud didn't eat him and entertained himself by raising him

to the fullest. It is truly the whim of the devil.

Ekdoik grew steadily while warped and, finally, he tried to enact his

revenge towards the village that sacrificed him. In all of that, the clerics

dispatched by Mejis attacked with a bizarre invasion. It goes without

saying that Rakura was also part of that cleric party.

The original objective was apparently to subjugate the demons close to

the border of the human realm and the Nether. But they ended up

making contact with a subordinate devil of Beglagud, battled, and the

devil ran away after being half dead. They ended up in the den of devils

after chasing them.

Normally, that could only be called careless, but their enemy was bad.

Rakura defeated a massive amount of devils there. Beglagud was caught

up in that as if it had been an afterthought.

"Was there no difference?"

"Even if you ask me that… They were a group of abnormal looking

beings with high mana and faintly humanoid which is a trait of devils,

so…" (Rakura)

"Ekdoik, did Begladud not have any defining traits in his body?"

"…"

It is a different race from humans. They wouldn't have readily available

differences like the garments for humans. The ones that survived were

the devils that were in other bases and Ekdoik.

The territory Beglagud ruled had returned to a lawless zone, and there

are apparently many devils fighting for the territory even now. Looks

like the amount of devils Rakura has subjugated is indirectly increasing

even now.

Normally, the evaluation of Rakura should have spread within the devils

as a fearsome being that defeated the Great Devil Beglagud. But with

the accounts of the devils that infiltrated the human realm to

investigate Rakura, things turned complicated.

Rakura's usual uselessness and her evaluation within the human realm

had come to light. After learning about this, the devils began to think

'maybe Beglagud wasn't really that big of a deal if he was killed

instantly by a dunce like that?', and the other Great Devils began calling

Beglagud pathetic and unsightly.

The result was that Ekdoik lost his place. He took advantage of being

human and lived in the human realm as an adventurer, moving his

living place.

"Just how much of a troublemaker were you?"

"I was just acting normally though…" (Rakura)

"Even Pope Euparo knows about you despite being someone you

shouldn't be too connected with."

"I have not messed up in front of the Pope-sama… At most, I would say

it was when I broke the barrier of the Grand Church through a small

mistake in the middle of a ceremony." (Rakura)

"I don't really get it, but what I do understand is that you messed up big

time."

If the ramparts of Taizu were to collapse due to a mistake, Marito would

obviously keep an eye on her. Rather, I am actually impressed that she

can stay a priestess after causing something that big.

Let's go back to the main topic.

Ekdoik could skillfully use inhuman techniques, so he became a

prominent figure within the adventurers in a short span of time. But

Ekdoik hated human contact, so the people he got involved with were

the ones living in the darkness at most.

After continuing such interactions, he made contact with Raheight.

Raheight noticed that the battle techniques of Ekdoik were taught by a

devil, and not long after making contact with him, he even managed to

investigate that he had been raised by the Great Devil Beglagud.

"The possibility would be that he has a devil acquaintance in the Mejis

Nether."

"Right. He is an unknown existence. It should be safe to assume that he

is pulling the strings from various places." (Ekdoik)

There wasn't much new information from Ekdoik regarding Raheight.

He at most was warned that I am an Earthling who is said to have

created the taboos.

In terms of new information, it would be that he is currently moving as

a young man. There's the possibility he can quickly switch to a new

body once the current one is inconvenient for him, so it is not like this

info is that useful. I also share the information I have of Raheight with

him.

"The existence of the Demon Lords is famous within the devils too.

However, I have not heard talk of their resurrection. The Great Devils

might be carrying secrets like that though…" (Ekdoik)

"So you were not told about it despite being raised by Beglagud."

(Rakura)

"It is your fault he died, you know!" (Ekdoik)

"But there's barely any information about how Raheight is connected to

the Demon Lords. Ilias, what kind of being was the Demon Lord that

created the Mejis Nether?"

"They created the largest scar in the world called the Mejis Nether and

is the first Demon Lord to be defeated by Hero Yugura, the Purple

Demon Lord." (Ilias)

"This is the first time I have heard of that Demon Lord. The one who

created the Nether lying ahead of the Black Demon Lord Killer

Mountain of Taizu was the Black Demon Lord?"

"No, the one who created the Taizu Nether was the Green Demon Lord."

(Ilias)

"Why did the Black Demon Lord die there?"

"It is unknown. The Black Demon Lord was suspected to be the

strongest, but their origins were shrouded in complete mystery." (Ilias)

That said, Mejis is purple and Taizu is green, huh… In that case, Gahne is

red?

Amethyst, turquoise, garnet; they are all associated with gem colors.

The reality is that Taizu uses turquoise as their motif. The clothes of the

Yugura Church have the purple color in them. I can't deny the

possibility that that kind of knowledge has been mixed in the

establishment of the countries.

No, wait…

"Ekdoik, I would like to ask about the appearance of Raheight when you

met him recently."

"I told you he was a young boy." (Ekdoik)

"Not their physical appearance. I would like to know about his

accessories and the color of his clothes."

"They were clean white clothes. As for accessories… he was wearing a

scarlet necklace." (Ekdoik)

This is worth confirming with Archbishop Ukka.

That's good and all, but where did the other ruffian go?

"Speaking of which, what happened with Girista?"

"Girista finished treating her arms and headed to Gahne. Her face is

now known in the capital of Taizu and she said the other villages were

too rural, it was uncomfortable for her." (Ekdoik)

The official statement given was that two people rampaged around

Taizu, kidnapped someone, and attempted murder. They are being seen

as dangerous as adventurers too, but with them rampaging in the

capital so brazenly, of course they would be wanted people now.

But calling Taizu the countryside, huh. It is true that it is surrounded by

mountains and forests, and there's only villages. I feel like the capital of

Taizu is decently developed, but I would like to check the other

countries too one day.

"She said that she would appear in front of me after she can fight once

again. That's all she left as a message." (Ekdoik)

"I see. Looks like we will have to make preparations for when that time

comes."

I then noticed the gaze of Ekdoik move to Wolfe. By the way, Wolfe has

been directing a wary gaze at Ekdoik the whole time.

"What's the matter? Bothered by the gaze of Wolfe?"

"—Rather than her gaze, I am curious about the amount of mana she

has. I have seen demi-humans in other countries, so I don't think of

them as unusual, however, this is the first time I see this amount of

mana." (Ekdoik)

"Your daily life has been with devils after all. Is it really that

impressive?"

"The mana you are born with and the mana you increase with training

has differences. Ilias Ratzel has an abnormal amount of mana, but I can

see traces of outstanding training in it. However, Wolfe, was it? Despite

having equal amounts, her mana is barely trained." (Ekdoik)

What's trained mana? Does it look like muscles? If I could see

something like that, Ilias would look even more of a gorilla, so I would

like to refrain from that.

"Wolfe apparently has so much internal mana it would normally

overflow after all. She hasn't gone out of her way to do training to

increase her mana."

"Figures. But isn't it a waste to not do actual training despite having

that much mana?" (Ekdoik)

"We have taught her mana emission and mana strengthening though."

"Really? I didn't feel any skill aside from her body movements."

(Ekdoik)

Saying this, he lengthened his own chain by around 1 meter, cut it off,

and threw it to Wolfe. Wolfe avoided that.

"…No, that wasn't an attack. Don't worry. Try this out." (Ekdoik)

Ekdoik poured mana into the remaining chain and made it move like a

snake.

Wolfe observed the fallen chain with suspicion and poked it to confirm

the sensation. And then, she tried pouring mana into it as told.

When she did, the chains began to tremble violently left and right. It is

striking as if it found its parent's killer.

"Who was the one who taught her how to control mana?" (Ekdoik)

"It was me." (Ilias)

Ilias speaks out.

No, I don't think that's a scene where you come out proudly.

"There's a limit to extreme… Even devils use it more delicately…"

(Ekdoik)

"I taught Wolfe from the basics. The first thing to do is to exert oneself,

right?" (Ilias)

"…I will give you that chain, so use it for training. It is a special one

weaved with my mana. You can do a variety of things depending on the

way you pour the mana into it." (Ekdoik)

Ekdoik moved the chain of the same length freely. The size of the rings

and the length, even increasing or decreasing the volume. Change the

color to rainbow, clad it with fire, wet it with water, tinge it with

electricity; Wolfe was watching all of this with a serious expression.

Judging from her waving tail, she must be excited.

"Muuh, how skillful." (Ilias)

"Even though you can do so many things, you didn't use those in the

fight against Rakura."

"I maintained the hardness to its maximum, made it so it melts the flesh

and bones of the one it touches, and poured it deadly poison and curses

inside of it for my strongest attack though…" (Ekdoik)

"It was super dangerous?!"

"There's no need to inject complicated elements to it. If you can move it

like your limbs, the width of use should increase. I wouldn't mind

instructing you, but I am a wanted person, you see." (Ekdoik)

"…Thanks, Ekdoik." (Wolfe)

Ooh, Wolfe thanked him.

Looks like she managed to get along with him faster than Cara-jii. Or

more like, Cara-jii hasn't gotten a thank you from her yet. I should take

this as Ekdoik overcoming him.

"There's no need to thank me. I am simply here thanks to this guy

letting me live." (Ekdoik)

"Even so, a thanks is a thanks." (Wolfe)

"…I see. I shall accept it then." (Ekdoik)

"I also did my best to not kill you, Ekdoik-san." (Rakura)

"Shut up. You are an enemy." (Ekdoik)

"So cruel!" (Rakura)

There's a lot of people who want to teach Wolfe. There's the members

of the Ragudo Division, and even the knights that discriminate against

Ilias because she is a woman. Everyone must feel it is a waste for visibly

obvious talent to just be buried.

On our way back, Wolfe tested out the chain Ekdoik gave her in a

variety of ways. It at first was moving everywhere as if it wanted to run

away at full speed, but after a while, it began to move like a dying snake.

Looks like she quickly learned how to hold back and control it.

"This is hard…" (Wolfe)

"If you could do anything in just a day of work, there would be no

hardships in the world. Hard work doesn't always bear fruit, but what

you have accumulated will remain. Do your best without getting

impatient."

"Okay!" (Wolfe)

"By the way, Wolfe-chan, can I try that out too?" (Rakura)

"Yeah, here." (Wolfe)

Rakura holds the chain. When she did, the chain began to move flabbily,

and eventually began to move as Rakura willed. On top of that, the

shape of the rings began to change steadily.

"You need to get the hang of it quite a lot, but this does seem like it is

good for training." (Rakura)

"Ooh, you are amazing, Rakura." (Wolfe)

Looks like the opinion of Wolfe towards Rakura has improved.

When it comes to using magic, Rakura is an expert overflowing with

talent. Training like this is most likely right in her alley.

The one who was provoked by this was Ilias-san.

"Can I try it out too?" (Ilias)

"Okay." (Wolfe)

Ilias grabbed the chain and poured mana. The chains showed drastic

movements like the first time Wolfe did it.

"Muh, this is hard to use… But if I do this… Hmph!" (Ilias)

When she did, the chains expanded in an instant, made a strange

scream, and exploded into pieces.

The air freezes.

Wolfe is trembling.

"…Ilias, go get one more!"

"S-Sorry!" (Ilias)

Ilias immediately turned back and came back with around 10 more to

have spares. Maybe it might be an unexpectedly good idea to have

Ekdoik as a teacher. Ilias can work for high level mana strengthening,

but I am seriously worried about whether she can teach Wolfe the

concept of holding back.

By the way, I tried my best to see if an otherworlder can control the

chains too, but it didn't move an inch. So sad.

Pope Euparo and the others returned to Mejis after a few days. They

originally planned on returning at once after the Harvest Festival was

over, but they apparently found a place to eat that they liked, and

remained there, finding it hard to leave.

Just from the fact that it was Rakura who introduced it to them, I can

pretty much imagine where it was. Gozu probably didn't even imagine

that the Pope would be on the verge of becoming a frequent customer.

Ekdoik will be hiding in Taizu for the near future and Rakura will be

keeping an eye on him. He can't come into the capital, so he is living a

survivor life in the mountains and forests of Taizu.

I felt bad leaving him bored doing nothing, so I gave him the map of

Dokora and requested him to search for resources. I have been

providing him with food and daily necessities as a reward.

He is an adventurer that, not only wild beasts, even your average

criminal wouldn't be able to handle. He should be qualified enough for

the job.

The remaining problem would be Raheight. Pope Euparo brought the

book back, so he might put his hand on Mejis, but he might target us

again.

The information advantage we have over Raheight is that we know that

the Demon Lords will be resurrecting. Also the fact that the one who

created the Demon Lords is someone related to Hero Yugura.

Honestly speaking, it is weak as a weapon. It would be pretty much

useless to use this to corner Raheight. However, I have formed a

hypothesis with what I heard from Archbishop Ukka. I won't be able to

welcome a peaceful daily life if we are always on the receiving end. We

need to move on the offensive.

"And so, I would like to head to Gahne."

"I would like you to explain it to me in a bit more thorough manner

though."

Marito answered calmly to the topic I suddenly threw at him. It is

completely different from Ilias.

"According to the memories of Archbishop Ukka, Raheight had a bright

red bracelet as an accessory. After that, Raheight has made contact with

Pashuro and the others in the form of a young boy. He had a scarlet

necklace at that time. If Raheight is a Demon Lord worshiper, wouldn't

it be possible that he is wearing the color that represents the name of

the Demon Lord? -is the guess I have."

"So you think the one behind Raheight is the Scarlet Demon Lord. And

so, you want to investigate Gahne where the Scarlet Demon Lord has

shown up before." (Marito)

The Scarlet Demon Lord; the Demon Lord that's said to have strength

second to the Black Demon Lord and appeared in Gahne. Had an

intense battle with Hero Yugura and apparently lost by a narrow

margin.

"Even if I say investigate, I am still troubled from where I should begin

though."

"Isn't there the possibility that Raheight simply likes the scarlet color?

Or maybe it might be a necessary magic stone to move his soul."

(Marito)

"I can't deny the latter, but the former is not possible. His type wouldn't

go for flashy red colors."

The magic that Raheight used formed a transparent crystal. If he likes

red to the point of wearing it on his body, the chances would be high

that his likes should be showing in his magic as well. There's no color

he would consciously favor. Colorless is what fits him the most.

"Fumu, then I will send our Anbus first. If we feel any anomalies, I will

make preparations for you to make an official visit to Gahne. How about

that?" (Marito)

"I feel like that's roundabout, but I can't complain if they are going to be

doing the preliminary investigation. Let's do that."

The cooperation of Gahne would be necessary in order to investigate

the place. If there's the recommendation of the neighboring country's

king of Taizu, the range of things we can do will be wider.

Of course, there's the risk that Raheight will discover us if he is

connected with the higher-ups of Gahne, but that would be easy to read

in its own way.

"I will be sending you as people of Taizu. You won't be able to stay for

long, so make the investigation quick, okay?" (Marito)

"You don't need to try to tie me down that blatantly. I won't switch sides

so easily."

"No, no, you don't know. There's the possibility the Gahne king will take

a liking to you." (Marito)

"You are the only one with such peculiar tastes. Right, a month should

be enough."

That's how Taizu Anbus were sent to Gahne.

The crime rates have decreased drastically with the new king taking the

throne in Gahne. I would like Marito to learn about how he rules.

I don't know if we will be able to find suspicious shadows in a country

like that. But I would like to find a trigger that will allow us to break

through this situation…