episode_0148

When I met Margrave Frederick at court for the first time in a long time.

Ian asked a small favor.

I’ll be sending an elf scout team, so please be kind to me.

Friedrich was dumbfounded by his shamelessness, but Ian was, after all, a man who was difficult to hate.

So he helped the elves as much as he could.

They provided me with a place to stay and provided me with an escort.

It seemed like he was receiving expenses from Ian, but since he never knew when he would run out of money, he entrusted him with a very simple request and helped him earn some money.

Simple things like finding a dog or cow that has run away from home, or persuading a wild boar that has come down to the field not to come down.

It was a useful time for the elves to learn about the economy of human society.

The elves’ original purpose was not only to study human society.

They were weak.

At that time, Lucia, who had just decided to become a warrior, was struggling with a dungeon that she could solve alone.

I needed strength.

As I experienced human society, I felt its need more keenly.

so.

The front line of the empire, the king and shield that protects the frontier.

He went directly to Margrave Friedrich and asked for it.

I want to become stronger.

Frederick, a veteran soldier who was impressed by their love for his country, willingly helped them with their training.

***

“… Huh, heh heh.”

I was so dumbfounded that I burst out laughing.

What is this tearful growth story?

If you think about it, the reason these elves came out was because of their helplessness.

And, Margrave Frederick.

The old man is a true soldier who is willing to sacrifice his life for patriotism.

“The general even asked Ian to take special care of him!”

It’s the general.

long time no see.

That old man likes being called that by his subordinates.

“Thank you so much! Ian!”

The eight elves bowed sternly.

The appearance of not knowing anything about the world before has faded a lot.

“What… I’m glad it was helpful.”

Now I see that each of them is wearing a weapon.

Bow, sword, spear, shield.

It was consistent with the regular equipment organization of Frederick’s infantry.

“… Wow.”

Lucia briefly expressed her admiration.

Vivian and Helena also look puzzled.

Yes, the elves I saw in the elven forest turned out like this, and it would be strange if I wasn’t surprised.

“Oh my goodness, princess! I have something for you!”

“Huh?”

One of the elves held out an envelope.

“This is the letter that His Majesty asked me to send to the princess when I returned to the forest!”

“Dad… .”

“You asked that you do not have to write a reply.”

“… okay. Thank you for telling me. What was the atmosphere in the forest like?”

“Fortunately, the dungeon did not appear again. Everyone is still the same.”

“Okay… . Thank goodness.”

We chatted and entered the tent.

It’s late at night.

There was no portal installed near Veneto, so it took some time to get there.

Today, the day before my first A-level challenge, I had to get enough rest.

***

Late at night, Mercy lay in bed and took out a letter.

Soft candlelight illuminated the contents.

[To Mercy. Daughter, how are you? It’s the path you chose, so I believe it will happen. I hope so. The father is also healthy. The forest these days… .]

Mercy smiled and read the letter.

I didn’t know why I was laughing but also crying.

Just, a corner of my heart felt warm for no reason.

My father’s daily life, and the daily life of the forest.

What fruits are in season these days, what mushrooms are like, what the scenery is like, and what the weather is like.

Such small news.

It was nothing special, but it was somehow touching.

[…] Those elves who went out into society also seemed to be doing well. Although it seems like a lot has changed. Yeah, um.]

I must have hesitated to write in the middle, so a large ink mark remained.

[I said I would love you until you regret it, but it won’t be easy. Because of your personality, you are probably still suffering alone and not being able to speak properly.]

Startle.

Mercy was slightly surprised by the accurate diagnosis.

[It’s uncomfortable to say this as a father, but you’re an adult too, and as a parent, you can’t spare advice. So, that is. If you’ve made up your mind, don’t wait and just do it right away. They say that all human males are the same.]

Jump up.

Mercy stood up without realizing it and checked her surroundings.

The room where everyone was asleep was quiet.

He was the only one reading the letter by candlelight.

Still, for no reason, I felt embarrassed and uncomfortable.

Mercy carefully lay down and read the letter again.

[Is there anything wrong? No matter how good you are, what happens if you visit late at night? I did the same thing to your mom… .]

There were traces of writing on the back and then scratching and erasing it, but I could clearly see what the writing was.

[anyway. Once you have made up your mind, there is no benefit in holding it back for too long. It would be easier to take action quickly. Sometimes I feel lonely, but I think it would be less so if I had seen my grandchildren.]

“… … .”

Mercy touched her forehead and sighed deeply.

‘dad… . Why are you doing this… .’

The sighing continued continuously.

Although it was a ridiculous and somewhat shocking letter, its contents were flawless.

In fact, it was a worry that had been bothering Mercy recently.

“Hmm… .”

Father, there was nothing wrong with what Miseri said.

I made up my mind to stay and couldn’t say anything to Ian.

It was clearly lagging behind.

‘Nowadays, not only Katy but also fruits are looking at Ian with harsh eyes… .’

Vivian in particular was the worst among them.

Every time I see Ian, honey drips.

It was completely different from Katy, who was relatively good at hiding her emotions.

Meanwhile, Vivian herself seemed to firmly believe that she would not show it.

‘It’s funny to say we’re falling behind… . Saying something early doesn’t increase your chances of success.’

But I was still afraid to say it.

It’s not that I’m afraid of my own regrets.

It’s just that Ian probably feels a strong sense of responsibility towards himself.

He’s still like that now.

He takes care of himself when he is of no help, but if he even expresses his feelings like that… .

‘I don’t want a relationship like that again…’ .’

Why is it so difficult to convey the truth?

Mercy closed her eyes after saving the letter.

What can you do?

Cooking, massage, paperwork.

Once again, I wondered if I had been relying too much on Ian.

The elves who followed Ian changed so much.

As for myself, nothing in particular had changed.

It was always in the same place.

Since I was next to Ian, that was just fine.

Even though it only leaves me with the regret of not being able to get closer, still… .

Mercy decided to stop thinking about work tomorrow and go to bed early.

I just blamed everything on Ian.

‘fool. Dull guy. Stupid idiot… .’

Even so, my thoughts did not stop.

***

The next day, before departure.

“There are two parties participating with us. One is A, and the other is B-class with experience participating in A-class dungeons.”

Only the party that holds the dungeon’s magic stone is recognized for the success of the attack.

Therefore, if you participate but end up not being able to grab the magic stone, only ‘participation’ will be recognized.

“Party A is in the north. Party B is to the east. We entered from the southwest. We will clear the city and move to the dungeon entrance in the center.”

“Yes.”

The following is a description of the monster.

“The main monster in this dungeon, and the monster that comes out of the city, is the ‘Frog man’. It’s a bipedal frog-man.”

“Eui profit… .”

Vivian trembled.

“Be careful when using weapons. Since there is mucus on the surface of the skin, the effect of fire or water magic will be reduced.”

“Yes… . Slime, ugh, I hate it… .”

“The internal environment will be a mountainous area full of moisture… .”

All necessary information was provided.

What remains now, in my opinion, is the most important element for the party in this dungeon.

“It turned out that the other two parties did not have any particular personality problems. Rather, they were good and very cooperative warriors.”

“Oh… .”

“So, you will probably be ‘cooperating’ in this A-level dungeon.”

“Cooperation?”

“Yes. Haven’t you all been fighting among yourselves? This time, you will have the experience of cooperating with warriors you meet for the first time.”

From C-level dungeons onwards, the difficulty level increases significantly each time the level increases.

Somehow, only the three of us could solve the problem up to B level, but from A level onwards, it was difficult.

I don’t think it’s impossible, but it would be impossible.

Above all, once a war begins, situations frequently arise where you have to cooperate with warriors you have never met in your life without any prior meeting.

Today’s experience will be of great help then.

“I’ll try my best!”

The three were nervous about collaborating with a stranger, but they did not lose their will.

I don’t have anything more to tell you, so I’m going to leave now.

“Ian!”

The elf scouts came.

“Can we help you?”

“… yes? It must be dangerous.”

“I’d like to help!”

“And I’ve patrolled dangerous areas a few times, so it’s okay!”

Umm.

I have no idea what or how I’m going to help you.

“There’s no need to push yourself like this?”

Mercy also seemed worried and tried to dissuade her, but the elves’ will was quite firm.

“I’m not saying I’m going to go into the dungeon. I would like to help guide you until you are halfway into the city!”

If it’s a grade A dungeon, you can beat it in the Kati line.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out their skills.

“Good. Instead, if it’s dangerous, get out right away.”

“Yes!”

The temporary companionship of four scouts was decided.

The other four decided to stay in the refugee camp and help the wounded.

So, the time decided to enter at once.

The operation to retake Veneto has begun.

***

To conclude, the elves’ help was quite useful.

“3 groups lurking in the building on the left.”

If they say so, there really were three Frockmen hiding in the building on the left.

“On top of the building on the left front, 2 gunners are lurking.”

“4 ambushes in the right canal.”

If you’re far away, Vivian will shoot you with magic.

“Right corner at the fork ahead, approaching unit 6.”

When it was close, it responded according to the terrain and situation.

Because it was a level A monster, the elves did not fight, but the advice alone was incomparably useful.

Such instructions are impossible even for Ian.

“How on earth do you know?”

“Woohoo!”

When Ian asked a question when they felt somewhat relaxed, the elves laughed, puffing out their chests as if showing off.

“It’s tamed!”

“Tame it?”

“Yes!”

When an elf stretched out his hand, a dragonfly flew out and sat on his hand.

“We can communicate with many living things. Some of these insects are so fast and small that they don’t attract the enemy’s attention!”

“… Huh, is that possible? I know that communication is more difficult for creatures like insects.”

It is not possible to communicate equally with all animals.

For example, a ‘dog’, which is inherently familiar with the human species, and a ‘spider’ in the forest, which does not even live close to humans, are bound to have different communication abilities.

Sleeping is also difficult.

“You know a lot about elves! That’s right. However, not all species are like that. There are people who communicate well, and there are people who don’t, right?”

“… That’s a very accurate analogy.”

For example, it means that you have become friends with the dragonfly that you can communicate well with.

It wasn’t just about sleeping.

They became familiar with flying insects, which were much smaller than dragonflies, and were able to understand the situation in advance.

“Huh… .”

Ian was purely amazed.

I never knew it was possible to use that ability in this way.

On the one hand, this was a human way of thinking.

Elves do not tame animals.

Just become friends.

But these people tamed flying insects.

To suit their own purposes.

Just like livestock.

“Wow… .”

“You’re amazing!”

“Isn’t it very different from what you saw in the forest?”

The fruit warriors were each impressed, and the elves became even more proud.

Mercy on the other hand.

‘Something like that… It was possible… .’

I was shocked.

I realized how complacent I had been living all this time.

‘If I do that, I can be of even more help to Ian… .’

*

Thanks to the elves, Ian and his party were able to clear the city safely and quickly.

After passing the entrance to the city, the elves returned, but there was no problem moving forward.

The fruit warriors alone were enough to get through.

“Uyaaa… . It’s gross… .”

However, Vivian shuddered because of Frockman’s hideous appearance.

Smooth, shiny green skin due to secreted mucus.

Black eyes that stick out without focus.

A somewhat awkward posture, walking around while holding a tool with a lumpy frog hand.

“Uhhh… . It’s so sour… .”

“Sister. They didn’t look like that because they wanted to look like that. Although I don’t like it either.”

“ing… . I feel sorry for thinking that way… . Still, I hate what I don’t like!”

A square in the middle of the city.

There should be multiple Frogmen guarding the dungeon entrance.

“Everyone is dead.”

The only thing in the square was Frockman’s corpse.

It was evidence that another party arrived first.

Ian saw a blood trail leading from the northern corner of the road.

“It seems to be a class A party. It hasn’t been long since I went in. Let’s hurry and follow.”

“Yes!”

Losing the dungeon strategy is not a problem.

This is something that can fail once in a while.

However, I am worried about the A-class party that entered first.

Veneto’s dungeon has a unique entrance.

As you walk down a path where you can’t even see an inch in front of you, the floor suddenly collapses, and the hidden Frogmen suddenly attack you.

If you don’t know the hidden path, you have no choice but to suffer.

No matter how much an A-level party you are, it is dangerous if you are attacked without knowing the fact.

Ian’s party hurriedly entered the dungeon entrance.

*

A class party that participated in the operation to recapture Veneto.

The party’s archer, ‘Dora’, stood back to back with her colleagues.

“There are too many!”

The surrounding area is full of Frogmen with various weapons.

As soon as I entered the dungeon, the ground suddenly collapsed, and I was in this situation.

I had no idea that the monster had dug a trap at the entrance.

“ Try to clear a path! If you get one, get out!”

“Is it as easy as it sounds? !”

A meadow full of knee-high wild grass.

Frogman is full of more than that.

The Frogmen, with their empty eyes wide open, became increasingly tense.

“Even if it’s the last struggle… .”

If you throw your body and clear the path, you might be able to save your comrades.

The moment Dora made a promise.

-thud!

The approaching Frogmen were thrown away.

A hemispherical protective shield was spread around them.

“Huh? Marco, is that you? When did you get such great protection… .”

“It’s not me?”

Marco was a priest who specialized in healing and burning rather than protection.

It was impossible for him to deploy such a large hemispherical protection.

“What is it then? Another hero? In that case, it’s long-distance protection, but it should be at least like Aria… .”

At that time, an orange-like priest passed through everyone’s mind.

She, who is active recently, is known to be able to use protection from a distance like Aria.

Next moment.

-Kwagwagwang!

The ground exploded as if cracked, and electricity exploded.

“Lightning Wave… .”

It was a magic with firepower comparable to that of their colleague, Katarina, who is a current A-class magician.

What was important was not just firepower.

The magic was cast continuously without any time lag.

A red-haired wizard flashing through my memories once again.

The king slime slayer who is said to have the talent of no casting… .

Far away in the Frockman’s siege, I could see the battle line collapsing.

Soon, a priest dressed as a paladin wearing a fancy tin helmet appeared at the forefront.

Because of her protection like a castle wall, Frockman couldn’t even get close.

Behind him, the red-haired wizard easily used magic to eliminate the Frogmen.

The A-list party looked at them blankly, as if they had met a savior.

That moment.

-Gurgling!

A larger and stronger entity than other Frogmen.

The Frockman Chief rushed towards him, making an evil noise.

Jumping up and down, it kicked off the ground and approached the walls and ceiling by stepping randomly.

It was a complicated movement that was difficult to intercept with magic.

-Gruk!

The moment when the Frockman Chief threw himself at Helena.

-Slap!

A brief flash of light passed the Chief.

Next, a knight with flowing purple hair landed, and Frockman, whose neck was detached, fell helplessly.

“Hmm.”

After shaking off the blood, the knight saw an A-class hero.

Beyond the fallen Chief’s body, a priest and a wizard also approached.

And behind them, a man with a fierce look is calmly watching the situation.

The elf sitting on his shoulder and the beast maid standing next to him.

‘Ian Party… .’

Recently, Ian Party, whose popularity and growth is extraordinary, has appeared.