With a sharp sound, the black iron tears through the air.

　The glorious dancing fist technique that Elysealdo is proud of. The black feet were swung with the ease of a literal dance. Telsalat's long legs disappear in a supple motion.

　She is greeted by swaying silver hair. The long black scarlet sword swung with such force that it seemed to bite the enemy's legs off. The sword, which has a demonic charm, welcomes the struggle.

　It was, to the casual observer, an unparalleled bout of murderous intent.

　But Kalia and Tersarat. For these two beasts of prey, it was not a killing contest. They were merely asserting their ownership of their prey.

　The beasts are so attached to their prey that they will do everything in their power to eliminate their enemy if anyone else touches even a piece of it. Otherwise, it would lose its ownership of its prey.

　It's no longer a feeling of love or hate. It's fear. A beast is more sensitive than anything else to the possibility that someone might take something that is precious to it.

　At least, that was all that mattered to the silver cat. As a believer in power, Kalia was frightened and trembling, but still unable to cling to it.

　That's why she's trying so hard to protect what's hers with her power. The hard blow fell.

　--The moment. Iron and scarlet mingle and create a raging fire in the air. Only the reverberating sound of sliding steel remained.

　Iron armor and sword clashed head-on. Tersarat was the first to shift the point of force and let the impact escape. Almost by reflex, she did just that. And then she felt it.

　--At least, not with head-on force.

　A match. With just that much engagement, Tersarat understood that. His right leg went numb as if it were going to pop.

　It was only a momentary cross, but his bones creaked. The strength of his muscles was unbelievably human.

　Telsalat brushes his hair as he sharpens his senses. You're no match for him head on. So what?

　Then just don't fight it head on. Tersarat has fought many battles with monsters that are big and powerful.

　A moment later, when they were out of each other's range, Telsalat caught a glimpse of him, Lugis, out of the corner of her eye. Green military uniform. The slight youthfulness in his face was gone, and he looked fearless.

　Tersarat had met him, and Kalia, once before. He's grown a lot from what I knew of him then. At that time, he was only an adventurer at best.

　Tersarat felt his heart palpitating. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

　I'm sure neither he nor Kalia will remember you, Tersarat thinks. I'm not sure what to make of this.

　It's not uncommon for a person to take on the same request and drink with it, only to die the next time at a different request. There is no way you can remember every one of them.

　No, you can't even remember yourself.

　Telsalat looked at Kalia. Her brilliant silver hair now trembled like a fierce lion's.

　--But you've been by his side all this time, haven't you?

　Such thoughts welled up in Tersarat's heart. Then what's a little hug got to do with it? It's the best way to express the emotion of reunion.

　No, of course, there is a little, a lot, of shame in Tersarat. I wondered why he did what he did. It's never appropriate behavior for a warrior.

　It was at this moment that Tersarat re-positioned his legs, with a little anguish in his heart.

　In the battlefield of just the two of them, a voice echoed.

You're not speechless beasts, you're flesh and blood. Why don't you greet each other in a more civilized manner?

　All the eyes around him were on him as he said the words. Before I knew it, without anyone saying a word, everyone had noticed. The only person who can stop these two beasts from biting each other is the one who is worthy of it.

　Kalia's lips pursed at the words. The great sword has not yet been released from its stance.

What do you mean? People who jump at you when you're not expecting it deserve to have the tip of your sword pointed at them.

　"Or something," Kalia says, her lips pursed in amusement.

You are not going to tell me to sit back and do nothing, say nothing, are you?

　The silver eyes distort to reflect Lugis' image. I'm sure you're not the only one.

"No. I can't let Shield-sama do such a waste of time. But what's the point of wielding a sword when you know you're on the same side?

　Lugis turned his head and looked at Tersarat. The two eyes that seemed naturally stern, Tersarat's expression hardened.

　I'm sure you've met him once before. Looking at it, a warm nostalgia and at the same time a sharp desolation caresses his neck. Tersarat said, closing the edges of his lips.



It's like a greeting at ...... Elyzard. I'm sorry. You look a little like someone I know.

　Lowering his leg, Tersarat released his stance with a clink of his black pommel. He said nothing more.

　In fact, if she had met him again, she would have thanked him for the past. That he had helped me then. But now that they were face to face, no words came out of his throat. There was a silent shudder inside Tel Sarat.

　I want to say thank you. I want to rejoice in our reunion and take your hand. The desire is definitely there.

　But... If they don't remember a single thing about you, and they wonder what you're talking about. I'm sure I'll be overwhelmed. I won't be able to control my overflowing emotions.

　Thinking of this, Tersarat finally couldn't say anything. Not because his ego got in the way, not because he wanted to look good, but because he was afraid.

"May I have your attention, Tersarat and Kalia? Then let's go into the city. There is much to be done, and time is sometimes more precious than money.

　Tersarat's heart palpitated in his chest as an exhausted-looking Largd-Ann called his name. He even felt as if he had stopped breathing.

　Even though he wasn't doing anything wrong, a strange tension gripped his spine. I waited patiently for someone to speak up next.

　There was a sound. It was Lugis' voice.

...... But you've changed, or rather, you've grown well. Weren't you once as tall as Kalia?

　Rougis said this as if it were obvious. He had a chewing tobacco in his mouth.

　For a moment, Tersarat did not know to whom the voice was directed. It seemed like a convenient assumption that it was him.

　Closing his lips tightly, Lugis rolled his eyes lightly, let out a breath, and said. I felt his lips crumple with a chuckle.

"Oh no, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but I don't think you remember me. It only happened once.

　Lugis smiled, as if he was mocking himself. Immediately, Tersarat couldn't stand it. His lips quivered in agitation and he couldn't think of a word to say.

　No... I didn't mean to make him look like this. It's not that. His eyes widened and he opened his mouth. I could see that his tongue wasn't rolling very well.

No, ...... no!　I remember, I remember, I remember. Master Lugis!　It's been a long time.

　That was all I needed to say, and I was almost out of breath. The relief of finally being able to speak to him filled Tersarat's heart. Oh, so he was remembered. Was he worth it?

　On the other hand, judging from the way he had slashed at her without hesitation, it seemed that Kalia did not remember him.

　Suddenly, he saw Kalia walking in front of him, her silver hair swaying, and she looked like Tersarat. When Lugis told her about Tersarat, Kalia said, as if it was no big deal.

"Hmm?　What are you talking about now? I've known all along.

　Hearing these words, Tersarat claps his fists in his black gait, a slight pallor appearing on his forehead.

　I see. That's why you slashed at him after you noticed. It seems that the fundamentals of both parties have not changed.


　◇ ◇◇◆


"An alliance with the southern nation of Illyssarde... I'm not sure what to make of that.

　I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

　The chewing tobacco I had retrieved from Mattia tickled my nostrils. Somehow, I felt a deep emotion in my heart.

　There are many reasons for this, but the heraldic religion, which was only one force at best, a bubble existence, is now forming an alliance with an imposing nation. Even if I am not a heraldicist, I can at least feel the stirrings.

　I'm not sure if you've heard my words, but Ann responded with a wry smile.

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　Demon. The air in the room sank slightly at his words.

　The main reason why this alliance was being formed now was precisely because of those threats. A living disaster that eats heroes, kills heroes, and tramples heroes. A nightmare that would catastrophically invade the sphere of human existence.



　I've heard that in the southern nation of Illyssarde, the demons are exposing their threat on the desert pillow.

　They no longer have the luxury of biting each other's fangs with their spears.

　However, the reason why Elyseald was able to choose to ally with other forces so quickly was because the heraldry was an emerging force. If they were dealing with other nations, they would never have chosen an alliance.

　Illyssarde is an entity that values prestige above all else and has fought hard against powerful nations. In the course of its long history, it has had disputes not only with the Garleist Kingdom, but also with the Borvat Dynasty in the east and the western nations.

　The situation may seem calm and friendly at the moment, but deep down, everyone has their own unresolved feelings. Who taught us that a nation is roughly like that?

　How can such a group of people who have hated and bickered with each other for more than a human life span simply join hands in a time of crisis and forget the discord of the past?

　It is impossible for them to do so, not even for a moment. The barriers of the state that have existed since the birth of the masters will remain intact until the day they spit out their blood and die. They will remain unchanged until the day they lose everything and the nation is finally lost. At least that's how it used to be.

　That's probably why Elyseald sought an alliance with the heraldry. An entity with no history of conflict and so at odds with the abhorrent Garleist Kingdom.

　Anne looked at everyone in the room as if to ask their opinion. But no one seemed to be opposed to the policy Ann was talking about.

　The only person who seemed to disagree was Kalia, who sniffed and said.

The only one who seemed to disagree was Kalia, who sniffed and said, "...... I would disagree with you wholeheartedly if you did not nod. An alliance with the Elysealds.

　I narrowed my eyes slightly at his words. In a way, that was to be expected.

　Kalia may be with me now, but she is a high ranking member of the Garleist Kingdom. It's no longer a matter of her will, but a grudge that can't be wiped out flows through her bloodline.

　In particular, Elyseald and the Garleist Kingdom have been at war for many years. It's not something that can be easily accepted.

　He places a finger on his chin and says with his teeth apart. He looked closely into Kalia's silver eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but you're going to have to stick with me for a little while longer, it's the only way I can keep my head above water without you.

　Kalia opened her silver eyes for a moment. Then she nodded with satisfaction, shaking her silver hair. She is even somewhat proud of it.

"Yes, sir. It's fine, it's my role to go along with your selfishness.

　He shrugged his shoulders and complied. His cheeks fluttered.

I'm lucky to have such good friends.

　I'm lucky to have good friends." Anne looked at Kalia, then let out a breath and continued. She must have understood where Kalia was coming from.

We've become a force to be reckoned with on the continent. If we form an alliance with Elysealde, the suppression of the south will not be a priority for now. On the other hand, the Cathedral in the north is stuck in the middle of dealing with the Great Demon Zebraeliris.

　Then we should look in other directions to prepare for the threat of the Great Demon, Anne said. Anne's thin fingers crawled over the large map on the desk.

"After all, the next thing to look at is East and West. The United Roar of the West, and the Borvat dynasty of the East. How do we establish relations with them?