Kays Translations

Chapter 52: Exit

"Strengthening monsters and leveling up... It's such an enticing idea."

In reality, it was more challenging to find higher-ranked monsters than to fight against regular monsters. In other words, it meant securing hunting grounds suitable for one's level.

I decided to try my luck and asked Karla if I could participate in the secret training of the demon tribe.

"Hehehe, sure. As expected, Takumi is on our side. Welcome," Karla responded.

Our side? What was she talking about?

Are all demons battle-mad perchance?

For some reason, even Gale is looking at me with a grin.

……No way, could it be that I was led into this situation intentionally?

Although I became a little scared of going to the demon territory, I knew that training would have to wait for some time. We were currently dealing with an emergency, and there was no time for that.

We encountered a few more ogres along the way, and Mia and I gained experience points from defeating them. We had been walking for about an hour since we reached the first underground floor.

According to Gale, the exit was close.

Shortly after that, we reached a dead end in the corridor, and there was a staircase. We climbed it and finally reached the ground floor.

If the layout was the same as the Melkid Kingdom side, we should be able to go outside by walking a little further down this corridor.

We emerged into a space about the size of a basketball court. There was light ahead. That must be the exit.

As we approached the exit, two figures entered from outside. Due to the backlight, we couldn't see their faces clearly, but they were dressed like adventurers.

"We finally found you, Takuma and Mio."

Takuma and Mio...  wait, it can’t be?

"Ah, Arthur-san and Mary-san?" Mia exclaimed, surprised.

Their names were the last ones we wanted to hear.

"I'm glad you remembered. By the request of the elves, we were supposed to capture Takumi and Mia..."

"Kisamaa! You scum! How dare you harm our companions!"

Karla, in a fit of rage, unleashed a magic spell without incantation toward Arthur. A ball of flame, the size of a soccer ball, attacked Arthur at high speed, distorting the surrounding air.

Arthur stood in front of Mary, extending his right hand to intercept the fireball. At that moment, a massive explosion occurred, followed by a shockwave that blew away everything in its vicinity.

I protected Mia in front of me with the "Heart Wall" barrier. The barrier cracked under the impact, leaving visible cracks on the wall outside its range.

Whoa! What tremendous power! Was Karla always this strong?

The smoke from the explosion settled, revealing Arthur with a seemingly unaffected expression.

The upper part of his clothing was charred around his right arm. His right palm, which had intercepted the magic, seemed to have a minor burn... but there was no trace of blood.

"Wait a minute..."

"Shut up! It's because of you that everyone died!" Karla interrupted Arthur's words and shouted.

In that instant, Gale appeared out of nowhere and attacked Arthur's abdomen with his sword, catching him completely off guard. Moreover, that sword was my "Adamantite Sword," which I had tampered with to increase its attack power to "+95."

However, the area where Arthur was struck only tore his clothes, and there were only superficial wounds visible.

"I-impossible...", A stunned voice escaped Gale.

We were speechless.

Indeed, we were amazed by that incredible defense power. However, something even more abnormal was happening. Not a drop of blood flowed from the wounds.

"Everyone, calm down! Please listen to me first," Mary's voice echoed.

"Takumi, these people are our enemies. Don't stop me!" Karla glared at me, her eyes blazing like fire.

"Takuma-san, please at least listen to what I have to say," Mary's voice carried an anxious tone as if clinging to me.

Whose opinion should I listen to... No, there was no need to hesitate. The choice was nonexistent from the beginning.

"Alright. I'll listen. But please keep some distance," I said.

"Takumi!", Karla shouted in objection.

"Gale! Take Karla and move away a bit," I ordered.

I moved closer to Mia.

"Takumi, I've connected you to Mia. Is this okay?" Gale said.

"Yeah. Gale, Mia, thank you. Karla, can you hear me? First, calm down. Our top priority is for you to return to Zoff and stop the war between the demons and humans. If we die here, we won't be able to stop it."

Karla glared at Arthur with a bitter expression and stomped her feet.

"...Fine. I won't forgive him, but for now, let's hear what he has to say."

Based on my prediction, as long as we didn't make the first move, it wouldn't turn into a battle. As proof, Arthur hadn't even wielded his sword despite being attacked repeatedly.

Besides, we won't be able to win even if we fight now.

First of all, Arthur's attack power is a threat. It's doubtful whether even the "Heart Wall" barrier can defend against it.

But even more threatening is his defense power. It's not just about being tough. It must be a skill. To be honest, I don't feel like I can inflict any damage.

Looking at Arthur, his wounds had disappeared. His healing ability is extraordinary... Is he really human?

An air of truce permeates the place. Sensing that, Arthur and his group step back slightly and bow deeply.

"First, an apology... I apologize for participating in the execution of your demon clan in the capital," Arthur says.

"Don't be ridiculous! An apology won't solve anything!"

"I won't make personal excuses. However, the human clan does not want to be in conflict with the demon clan. There was pressure from the elves behind us. That's the only thing I want to convey."

"Pressure or not, you still participated. Especially with your abilities, you could have stopped it, couldn't you?"

"What about my brother..."

"It's okay, Mary. The princess is right," Arthur stopped Mary, who was about to say something back to Karla's words.

"That's right. I could have stopped it, but I didn't. If you want to resent someone, resent me. Now, let's continue the discussion."

Now we're getting to the main point. I give instructions to everyone through telepathy, not to let their guard down.

Arthur looks at everyone.

"The purpose of coming here is to stop the war between the human clan and the demon clan manipulated by the elven tribe. Under pressure from the elves, I was ordered by King Melkid to capture Takumi and Mia, but there is no order to capture the demon clan."

Arthur turns his gaze towards Mia and me.

His eyes reflect a sense of sympathy or perhaps pity.

Huh? Seriously…

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