I no longer need to ask Marya what's going on. The long-haired man in front of me now, he's wearing something that's not quite right, and he's got a bad vibe about him. He matches the profiling of Rahite's gang, and the one in charge of this Trinh.

"Hey, hey, what do you say? Marya, right?
...... I knew you were following me!
What makes you so sure? It's a good idea to take a look at the web site and see if you can find any useful information.
"Lies: ......?

　So that's what it is. I understood the situation from Marya's presence here and the conversation we just had. This man, Solide, must have approached Marya while the merchant was in the middle of a business meeting and asked her about me. And Marya lied to him. At the same time, I'll use my men and friends to inform the merchant of what just happened. You can tell Marya and the others on your way home if you say, "Your guard seems to be interested in him.
　If she hadn't lied to Solide, the three guards would have made their way home as usual. But Marya was lying. She was told that Solide was a priest who could see through the lies, and she thought that Solide knew that she was related to me. In other words, instead of going straight home, I took a detour and acted suspiciously.

"Well, well, well, I met a man with dark hair and dark eyes. I don't mean to say that it's a bit disappointing that he's just a subhuman,....... I'm not going to say that it's not a good idea, but it's a good idea. I'm sure you have some guilty feelings, right?

　If Solide is one of Rahite's people, he's definitely looking for me. But what he actually found was a man in the form of a black wolf. This was a blessing in disguise. If he hadn't encountered Marya here, she might have been captured by Solide before she could return home.
　Mixu, who was currently our greatest asset, was still unaware of this situation. I've given him a lecture on bargaining, and he's practicing bargaining. I don't know how good this Solide is, but judging from Marya's reaction, I'd say he's more dangerous than her. In addition, if we are to find anyone suspicious from the previous means, we need a way to monitor the guards away from the Horstal Chamber of Commerce. Then there is a good chance that Solide's men and friends are lurking nearby.

"...... Marya, who is this stinky looking man?
Oh, uh, the ......
It's called Solide, who's guarding the Horstal Trading Company. That's how it's done.
I see. Well, I'd be tempted to take a detour home if this stinker was on my radar. Hey, Solide, right? Don't mess with my fellow adventurers. He's got a girlfriend. If you have ulterior motives, give it up.
"...... Hmm?

　I'm not sure if Marya understood our intentions or if she was confused ....... In the meantime, this solide is not yet certain. If he can fake it, so much the better. At the very least, we need to buy enough time for the Mix to join us.
　The quickest way to do that would be to order Kuto to send out a wavelength of magic to make Mikus notice something is wrong. But this is a last resort, and the presence of Kuto, a demon under the control of the Purple, is more than enough to convince them.

You look like you're about to say something different.
That's right. You're the one I'm here for. Or is it you?
"......, that's who. Is it so rare to find a pure subhuman family? If you're a nobleman, you'll find people who maintain a certain amount of pure blood.

　The Kuro Wolves have kept their bloodline pure and unmixed with other subhumans. It's rare, and it's an object of interest to subhumans who are conscious of their lineage. It's a good idea to try to make it look like you don't want people looking at you like that. ...... Does that sound wrong?

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. ......
You're not having a conversation. Anyway, I have no plans to have a special relationship with any other nobleman, and I don't want to hang out with a shady guy like you.
"Forget about that. You're from the planet Yugra, right?
What are you talking about?

　If you're sure, you can just launch an attack or shoot your next move. The reason why Solide himself continues to talk like this is because he wants to be sure, and it's obvious that he's just trying to be funny.

...... is amazing. You can lie like you breathe, can't you?
You know, if you want to have a conversation, at least try to make it--
Marya is so upset it shows on her face.
What?
d*mn, you're a cheap bastard.
You're so good that even Littoral appreciates it. I don't have much chance of winning in a head-on deception. Then it would be wise to use someone other than you.

　That was a lame attempt, and Marya didn't react much to it, remaining moderately frightened. It's a good idea to have a poker face. I can only make a poker face for myself, and there's no way I can quickly prepare a way to keep Marya from showing her face.
　Solide, with an amused look on his face, holds his staff in his hand, ready for battle. There's no way we can cut him loose.

"Kutou, let the magic fly as far as the mix can sense.
Yes, sir!

　Marya is a holy knight, and from a quick glance, I'd say she has more physical skills than Solide. She's a holy knight, and from a quick glance, I'd say she has more physical skills than Solide. The only thing to pay attention to is the weapon, which looks more like a magical aid than a fighting weapon. The ornaments on the wand look like bells, or something that makes a sound as a starting point. I've learned a lot about what magic can do from Ecdysium, but I don't have the experience to be able to tell at a glance.



"Oh, that wooden sword, it's got a demon in it. So you're threatening me, or you have allies around you? You've made the right decision. You're no match for me.

　Do you also notice that Kuto emitted magic to call the mix? It's definitely not something an amateur can handle. You'll be able to see that Marya is moving forward and backward.

(Kuto, deploy to protect your hearing.) Marya, don't approach carelessly. Protect only--

　A huge metallic sound echoes in my ears, as if my eardrums are about to burst. As if I had forgotten my equilibrium, my knees collapsed, and just as I was about to fall to the ground, Kuto held me up.

"Or ...... is .......

　I can't hear anything. My whole body is shaking. I doubt if I'm even conscious. He must have had a flash bang or something. Just as I expected, his only means of attack is sound. Even if it didn't hit him directly because Kuto was covering his ears, this damage is still bad.
　Sound is just as much of an impact as a slash or a blow. And it's worse because it can't be protected by ordinary weapons or armor. However, if the sound is at the level of destroying the human body, there is no way that Solide is safe from it. The sound attacks used by Solide seem to be limited in their impact on balance, hearing, and consciousness.
　Marya is also on one knee, perhaps because she is not accustomed to the attack, or perhaps because she has not been trained to prevent it in the first place, but it seems to have had some effect. There is no sign of a follow-up attack, and they seem to be enjoying our reaction.

...demon...protection... Good reading.

　The ringing in my ears begins to subside, and my hearing begins to return. I can now afford to pay attention to my surroundings, but it's pretty bad. Nearby passersby were in a similar state to Marya, some of them even collapsed.

"Are you alright, compatriot?
I don't know. You're the one who got hit the closest. Can you stand up straight?
You're the one who got hit the closest, can you stand up straight? Stand up... that's not a problem, but it's going to take some time for the damage to heal.
The attack was sonic. Your hearing is--

　The attack was by sound. Hearing--" "Warding to protect," he said, remembering the warding deployed by Ilias and Lakra. Both of these wards could prevent physical impact, but they were able to emit voices from within them and deliver them to the outside. So you're saying that the wards can't prevent this attack?

"Oh, that's a good response. That's right, warding won't stop my attack. Yeah, but it might be a little better if you fortify your eardrums with magic. I don't think a quick fix will do much, though, will it?

　At the same time that Solide slammed the tip of his staff into the ground, the sound he had just made came at him. In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... No, if you cover your ears properly, you won't be damaged that much. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not sure what to make of this. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

You've already dealt with it? That's great.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　Attacking with sound would be in the rare category. This is because, although it can be used to surprise, it is harder to increase the power of a weapon than a normal weapon because you have to take measures against yourself. And as Marya said, anyone who is familiar with magic enhancement can counter it.
　So if Solide is going to beat his opponent with the current sound, it has to be a first strike kill. But in reality, while it makes a strong impression, it's only a weak jab or a check against the monster-like fighting power of this world. What's the reason for a check? Even a layman can figure that out.

"Wait, Marya! It's a trap!
"Oh, you've already figured it out. You've already figured it out. But you know, she's had her eardrums magically enhanced, so she can't hear anything around her anymore.

　A strange sound rang out from the wand Solide held. A cacophony of sound that changes erratically and causes discomfort to the listener's mind. A sound that even I, an inexperienced fighter, can intuitively determine that I must leave.

"Arjisama! Arjisama! Arjisama!
I know! I know! I'll stay back, and you stay back with Marya!

　Kuto extends his shadow, wraps it around Marya's body and pulls. I'll take one step back while you do that.

"What are you doing? What are you--
"Good call. But it's too late. Now it's time for the absurd plunder.

　Kutou had blocked his ears to some extent. An explosion would have been tolerable. But the sound that came from Solide's wand was a magical sound that went directly to his head, not his ears.

　It was a sound of magic.

　The roar that I heard as soon as I felt Lord Kuto's magic, it was obvious that something had happened to your friend. It was obvious that something had happened to your friend. The fact that Kuto's magic hadn't been interrupted meant that it hadn't been a disaster, but a second roar followed. This is not the time for shopping, so you let go of your unnecessary belongings and run to your friend.

(It's just around the corner from here...)

　But suddenly you hear an unpleasant sound, and your body reflexively stops you in your tracks. I don't know why, but my body understands that this sound is dangerous, that something precious is about to be taken away from me. Not only me, but also the onlookers around me have started to retreat, which suggests that I am under the influence of some kind of magic.



This is not the time to make such a judgment!

　Your friend is down the road. Even though your body hesitates, that is no reason not to protect your friend. Just as I was about to step forward, a shuddering sound ran through my body. It was as if emptiness was attacking me, trying to crush my head, and I couldn't help but strengthen my entire body to resist it.

That was ...... your friend!

　The cacophony was already gone, and there was no longer any reason to stop. I turned a corner and checked the situation. The first thing you'll notice is that your friend is lying on the ground in front of you, with Lord Kutou surrounding his body. A little further on, Lord Marya is lying on the ground, and there is a man with long hair looking down on her. I don't need to think about who could have made this mess. Marya was set upon by this man, and her friend was involved by some unpleasant coincidence. ...... That's about it. You'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the following article.

I'm sure you'll agree.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'd like to know what you think. You should assume that he is using some means other than his eyes to grasp the space around him. He intervenes between you and your friend and holds up the Embu.

"Lord Kutou, is your friend safe?
"Mixch, Kuruno-osoi! Arjisama, hennakougeki, makikomareta!
I apologize for the inconvenience, but I need to know how your friend is.
I'm sorry about that. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

　Mind-altering magic? But the amount of magic that your friend possesses is such that any magic that interferes with him will not work. ....... I'm not sure what to make of that.

"Crystal knife. Yeah, that's consistent with the report. You must be Mix-Taze, the Blade of Annihilation. My name is Solide, how do you do?

　Solide's weapon is a staff, and judging from the roar and cacophony of noise, he's a user of sound magic. There are no signs of combat in the area. .......

I don't like that name, though. I don't like that name, but I'd rather you tell me what you did to your friend and Lord Marya.
"What did I do? That's an attack. It's an attack. It's what I do best when I'm a bastard. Well, that guy was only half involved, so it won't have that much of an effect on him.

　Bastard, so you're saying that this guy is one of Rahite's men. The most important thing to do here is to take your friend and Marya, or at least your friend, and run away. Even if you defeat Solaide, you can't be sure that there won't be others, and if you take too long, there's a risk that Ritual will show up as well. It would be better if I could take him out quickly, but I don't expect that from the way he handled Ilonasi. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. .......

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will help you.
I'm sure they'll be happy to have a go at the Blade of Annihilation, though, won't they? It's time for Trinh's army to show their faces, so I'll just retreat from here. Wouldn't that make you happier?
"Do you think I'll let ...... escape?
You'll get away with it. I'm going to let you off the hook. You have no idea what these two did to me, do you? They're unconscious with no apparent injuries. At first glance, you seem fine, but I told you, didn't I? I told you he was a bastard to the hilt. That means the situation is more serious than you think, and these two may need medical attention as soon as possible. What's the priority for you? I'm guessing it's the same one I'm imagining, right?

　This is how people talk about their concerns. But it's convenient to say that. .......

You're a terrible liar. You're a terrible liar, and I can see you're going to laugh about it later when you say, 'Actually, my symptoms aren't getting any worse.
"Cheap bluffing isn't good enough. But I'm sure you'll miss it.

　Solide's gaze turns from me to Marya. If you are going to attack or use magic on Master Marya, be prepared for an immediate attack. ...... You don't seem to be doing anything. On the contrary, Marya is slowly getting up and .......

"Lord Marya! Are you alright?
"...... here?

　Marya is looking around in a dazed state. You'll be able to't see any reaction to the fact that Solide is right in front of you, the one who hunted you down.

"......
"Arjisama! Are you okay?

　Your friend seems to have regained consciousness. It's a relief, but since we can't read Solide's movements, we can't let our guard down. ...... He turned around,...... and ran off with impunity!

I'm not sure what to say.
I'm not sure what to do. Sister!
"What?

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea. It's obvious that she's not in her right mind.

I told you so. I told you, this is no time to be chasing me.
What? Marya! Calm down!
Aaah!

　It's like a little child crying. You've been subjected to powerful mental interference! I'm not sure what to say. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it. There is nothing unusual? I'm not sure what to make of this.

"Oh no. I've lost sight of Solide. ......

　I'm not sure how much of a loss it is, since I was originally planning to run away, but... I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll help.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ....... Oh, my friend! I'm not sure if there's anything wrong with you...


"......?

　No anomalies? Nothing but anomalies. I'm eye to eye with your friend right now. No, your friend is observing me. But his eyes are wrong. They're like the dark eyes of ...... an enemy you're trying to understand.

"Oh, my friend ......, it's ...... a little ...... to be looked at like that.

　I have seen your friend trying to understand something like this a few times. But I've never looked directly at myself in this way. More than discomfort, fear is creeping in.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You suddenly acted like a friend.
"What?

　Oh, what? I'm not actually friends with your friend? No, no, no, that's not possible. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I'm calling you friend because you're a friend of my brother's.

I'm calling you my friend because you're my brother's friend and I know you're not hostile. So I'm just wondering, where am I? Are we at a cosplay event? You speak Japanese very well, but are you Japanese? You're like an acquaintance of mine, but you know a lot of things, don't you?

　There were many times when I couldn't understand what my friend was saying, but I thought it was refreshing to hear him say words that I really didn't understand. What's that? "Me"?