What, are we compatriots?
"Don't judge me by my color, judge me by my shape.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　You'll be able to get a lot more than just a pair of shoes.

It's true that you're one of us, but if you take away the hair and eye color, you're frighteningly unrecognizable.
Not really.
But if you can blend in with your surroundings, you'll be much easier to guard, and you might want to wear that when walking in dangerous areas.

　It's a Western world, and I thought that an oriental face was unique, but ...... it's not so in this world, or someone's personality is not so unique.
　Maybe it's the latter.

So, can you help me with the escort for my free day?
"Of course I can, I've always thought that the existence of our people is essential for the improvement of the status of Lakra Sarf, and at the same time, we need to do something about its vulnerability. If I could escort you, it would be the fastest way, and it would give me a much better sense of activity than digging a cave.
I thought you were rather concerned about it. I thought you were enjoying it a lot.
Exduk, I'm telling you, that's the only thing that can catch you off guard.
Well, that's good to know. I can't sleep at night worrying about the day I won't be there to protect you.

　Ilias and Exdoik are buzzing and sparking.
　They are the guards and the kidnappers who took advantage of the guards to kidnap, and now they are both guarding the same target.
　You never know what's going to happen in life, and a little competition will motivate you, so I'll leave you alone for a while.
　Today is the day of the Iliad's escort, but for the time being, I thought I'd show you the general flow of the day, so I've brought Ecdysium along to study magic.
　His appearance is a bit intimidating, but I wonder if Luko and Nora will be okay.

Who is this cool guy?　Who is this nice looking guy?
This is Ecdysius. He's going to be my escort when Ilias is off.

　He's good-looking. He's got chains and a wild look.
　I knew it would be good for eighth graders, but it seemed to be okay for Nora's age.
　I wonder if the reason why Wulfe is so fond of him is because of his chain fashion, and Wulfe uses the chains he got as accessories.
　I'd like you to respect him as a person of ability who has been recognized.

I'm sure you'll appreciate this. ...... ecdysiac-san

　Luko seems to be taking a step back, which is how a normal adult woman would react.
　There are few adventurers in Tarz, and they are not immune to people with this kind of appearance.
　This person is too unique for Luko, who is usually surrounded by knights and ordinary citizens.

I'm sorry if I frightened you. I've heard that you're the most important person in this lab, so if there's any inconvenience, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll do my best to keep you from interfering with the protection of my people.
"Ah, yes.

　Such a disadvantage in your personality is beautifully covered by your serious attitude.
　He's serious on the inside, especially to serious people.
　That's what makes him almost uninteresting. ...... Hey, I'm a funny guy sometimes when I'm with him. .......
　It's just my imagination, or maybe it's my imagination.
　So I start to do some research in front of Ecdysium.
　Ecdysium observes the scene, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, and no one tells him to sit down because we have a chair for him.

"Nora," he says, "you're surprisingly adept at manipulating magic at your age. Your magic is above average, you'll make a good sage if you stay on the right path. Luko's magic is average, but his manners are elegant, and he probably used to be a waiter in this castle. It's a good place to start if you're looking for a common sense leader.
"Oh, thank you, sir?
I'm not complimenting you, I'm just giving you my honest opinion. I'm not complimenting you, I'm just giving you my honest opinion. The more people we have, the more likely it is that some of them will get out of control, and that's when I need a little more energy.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
This chain is also an application of magic, it uses a spell to transform metal and infuse it with magic power. Whenever I give it an attribute, I activate the magic.

　He then manipulated several chains at the same time and used different magic on each of them to give them attributes.

Oh, that's great!
The most common spells that can be used are those that can be applied to chains, such as combat and covert spells in case the chains are sealed. The latter can be used for exorcism wards and darkness spells.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to use it in real time, but I'll let you know. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out the best way to use it.

　It's not hard to see how you can analyze a young opponent so calmly, no matter who you're dealing with.
　I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
I don't care. Let's have one.
Yay!
You should try it, too, when you're not busy.
Oh, thank you, ....... Wow.
Let's have a bottle of the Mix.
Oh, I'll take that!

　I'm going to give you a candy bar, and you're going to give me a chain, and I'm going to give you a candy bar.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. No, no, no, no. Think of it as a high-tech toy that you can move around in any way you want. ...... I don't know.
　By the way, I got this one too, not for training, but as a transmitter.
　It's not like Mix, he's more interested in combat and covert magic, but he understands it very well.
　The best part is that his practical skills are second only to Nora's, and he was well received.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.
It's a great idea, and with a talent as good as Nora's, it won't be long before we see results, but then we'll have to bring Rakhra Sarv out there from time to time.
Yes, that was a blind spot.

　The next stop was Maja's church, it had been quite a while.
　I hadn't stopped by since I came back from Gane.
　Wolfe had learned a lot of common sense and seemed to have graduated.

"Oh boy, you've come a long way ...... before I saw you.


"It was a magical accident.

　It was an accident, an experiment, but Nora did it first and it worked.
　Then I tried it on myself, who is not susceptible to magic.

I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.
His name is Ecdysius and he's a guard for one of my people.
I don't know if you've been around long enough to have gotten to know some of the most dangerous people in the world.
"I'm an adventurer, and if you're feeling uncomfortable, it's probably because I was raised by the great demon Vegragudo.
"...... Yes, by that Beguragud.
You know him?

　The Great Demon Vegragudo, the Great Demon that ruled over 30% of the world's largest demon world of Medisus.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　It's a pity that he was defeated by Lakra, but his name is not well known in the human world.

"I know, I used to be a priest of Medis. I know, because I used to be a priest of the Medis. Occasionally a wise demon would mention its name, a unique demon with a powerful name among the demon tribe.
By the way, let me tell you the story.

　I'm going to explain the life of Ecdysius and his relationship with Lakra.

I'm sorry, but you destroyed a unique class and didn't even report it?
I heard it was hard to tell from their appearance.
It can't be, but ...... a unique class of demons would be no match for a bunch of normal demons.
That's right!　My father was a great and powerful man!　And yet!
"I can't sympathize with you for the death of the Great Demon Vegragudo, but I respect your wish to protect the honor of your foster parents. The method you have chosen is simple and certain.

　You're a good archbishop, you know your stuff.
　I was a little worried about the fact that you were raised by a great demon, but it seems that there is no need to worry about conflict.

...... How old are you, Exduk?
I don't remember exactly, but I'm older than 25.
I think I saw you on ...... somewhere, and you're from the village of Ze'at?
I never thought I'd hear that name here, but the village where I was sacrificed was called Ze'at.
Yes, .......

　Maja's caution faded quickly, did she have something on her mind?

Did you know Exoik by any chance?
I don't know him directly, it was just me and Filia, Ilias's mother, when we were slaying demons in Mejlis.

　Maja and Filia, Ilias's mother, were both active as demon slaying priests.
　One day, they visited the village of Ze'at, which was located close to the demon world of Mejis, and was frequently attacked by demons.
　One day, they heard a rumor that a great demon, Beguragud, had appeared in the village, and they headed there.
　There were many victims in the village, and those who could fight were killed early on, and the village was under the control of demons for a long time.
　Beguragud was interested in humans, and was devising all sorts of ingenious ways to deal with them.
　The village of Ze'at, which was close to the demon world, must have been a good testing ground.
　Clergymen had visited the village several times, but they were intimidated by the demon and falsely claimed that nothing had happened, so they could not call for help.
　Maja and her friends were lucky enough to find out about the demons and saved the village by destroying them.
　However, the village had already been spotted by the great demon, Beguragud, and it was obvious that it would become a target for the demons again.
　Therefore, it was decided to evacuate all the villagers to a village far away from the demon world of Medis.

Then there was a woman who was crying out that she had given her baby to the demons just before we arrived, repeating your name all the time.
It can't be. ...... This name was given to me by my father. ......

　After hearing all this, Exequim must have guessed.
　Beguragud was raising Ecdysius as a plaything, trying to make him avenge the humans.
　If he had given him his original name, what would have happened if Ekuduk had attacked the village of Ze'at, or if a killer with the same name had appeared in front of his mother with the image of her son?
　That's what he would have done.

...... Hmm, that doesn't change the fact that you gave me up for your own good.
"Well, your mother was weaker than the devil in strength and mind. Yes, your mother was weaker than the devil in strength and mind, and no one with strength could save you, not even me. I'm sorry I'm late.
If you want to carry it, you can carry it, it's none of my business.
It's none of my business. ...... You know, maybe your mother is still alive.
I don't know. I don't want to know. I don't want to see her.
Do you want me to find her and tell her for you?
Do what you want, but I don't hear anyone asking to meet her.

　...... Hmmm, I'm strangely saddened by this.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　Oh, Ze'at village?

"Come to think of it, Lakra's mother also said she was from Ze'at village.
"What?

　Maja and Ecdysium look at me in surprise.

I'm sure you've heard of it.

　Lakra had once asked him about his mother, about the clergy.
　The village she lived in when she was pregnant with Lakra was destroyed by a demon, and she gave birth to Lakra in another village as an immigrant.
　However, she was not in a physically or mentally satisfactory state, and was not in a position to raise her properly.
　She was about to leave Lakra in front of the orphanage, when a priest at the orphanage found her.
　After hearing her story, he decided to take care of her.
　Incidentally, she later looked for her mother and saw her, but did not show herself.
　She said, 'Because even if I met her, she would only apologize to me.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
It's not my problem because it's .......
"You're right, Exoik, but this is not a bad story.
What do you mean?
"Wouldn't it sound better if I told you that Rakhra didn't destroy Vegragydd as an accident, but in retaliation for the tragedy in Ze'at village?
"......

　Exarch puts his hand down.

That's a beautiful story.


Well, it's a beautiful story if you actually tell it, because you don't know what you're talking about.
"You guys ......, well, I'll do what I want. Ecdysium, when you're not busy, show your face here.
I'm not here for you.
I'm here, and if you know anything about demons, I'd like to hear about it. In the past I was an expert in demon extermination. I wonder if I'm not famous among demons.
Maja ...... Maja ...... don't you have a second name or something?
"...... 'All Bludgeoning', maybe.

　Ugh, I can already tell how bad it is by that name.
　You can't help but feel like you're beating up demons and evil spirits with your bare hands, and that's not a good name for a priest.

"I remember, I heard that there was a clergyman duo who defeated the great demon Zegodelatesta with the 'All Bludgeoning' and the 'Meteor Fist'.
That's it. One of them is Philia.
I've heard that they were a pair of my mother's ...... kind of ...... disturbing people.
Maybe they both had bare hands.
Just so you know, I was the weaker one, okay?
I can see that.

　If you're a martial artist, you could have asked Wolfe to teach you.
　No, Wulfe is not good with fine magic, magic fist is not a good match for him.

So what do you want from me?
I know a lot about it, but I'd like to hear from someone who knows the inside story. Demons can be tortured to death, so I can barely hear what they have to say.

　I can't hear you, I can't hear you.
　I can't hear you, I can't hear you.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.
　In return, he's going to let you learn all sorts of magical knowledge and stuff, and if he learns purification magic and stuff from Maaya, then the hybridization will finally be complete.
　As for Ilias, he's a little unhappy that Maja, who's been taking care of him since he was born, is now getting close to his rival for protection.
　This concludes today's business, and we'll take Ecdysius to the Dog Bone.

It's a good look.　......, who's the avant-garde one over there?
"I'm Ecdique.

　It seems to be avant-garde to Saira, who has a sense of fashion, and I wonder if it's just barely acceptable.
　The ladies of the Ragdoll Women's Association seem to be working well.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

　Godz ...... has lost a little weight, I think.
　I'll leave you alone, you look good.

Wouldn't it be better if Rakhra Sarv worked here too?
"It would, but he's not good at multiple tasks. He's not good at multiple tasks. - He'll get in trouble here.
We can't afford to be a nuisance to others.
I'm not sure what your standards are.

　The drinks and food are brought in, and it's a vegetarian meal since Ex-Doik doesn't eat meat.
　The menu has been expanded to cater to a variety of tastes.

It's a good idea to have a good balance of the five spices that are used to make the seasonal vegetables look their best. ...... Each ingredient is cooked to the right texture. ......But more than that, this crispy taste is ......Oh, so this is salt.
You've got the most honest analysis of anyone I've brought in here.
I can drink, but I'm here to experience guarding my fellow man, so I can't have any.
Ilias, my escort today, has been drinking.
You're a bad escort.
A little bit of alcohol is not going to do you any good. I don't think so. You're the one who's failing to protect me.
What?

　Needless to say, after this, Exoik will be drinking heavily to compete with Ilias.
　You're both failing to protect me.
　However, he won't get drunk like Lakra usually does.
　Ilias seems to have learned to pace himself since he got drunk before, though I think he's getting close.

"Okay, okay, I know you can't be beaten by alcohol, so it's time to stop drinking. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry ......, it's such a sobering taste that it cleanses the murky mire ...... into a pure spring.
You know, I think a food report might be a good idea. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
...... I have no choice.
You're the one with no choice, Sylar. Bring me some water.

　I'm not sure why the target of the escort has to be held, it's not like he's going to be drinking with these two, which is fine.
　It's a good thing that I'm not too excited to drink with these two.

What's the matter with you, Exduk, after you look at me like you're judging me?
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was just wondering.

　I get a glass of water from Cyra, and I get myself the last of the fruit wine.
　It's a little sweet, and I often order it as a substitute for dessert at parties like this.
　It's also moderate in alcohol content, so it's a perfect palate cleanser.
　Godz's taste in liquor selection is such that no one in this restaurant can imitate him.

What, I can answer most of your questions?
"My people will marry Rakhla Sarf, will they not?

　He spewed the fruit wine he had been drinking at the Iliad.