As they were both headed toward the same location, they decided to travel together. After all, there was no reason to journey separately when their destinations aligned.

However, despite being companions on the road, an oddly quiet mood hung between them.

Like I said, I have a Tendency called Kleptomaniac that activates without me knowing, how am I supposed to

......

It was more than just oddly quiet. It was freezing.

They continued on horseback, the mood growing increasingly awkward with each passing moment.

- Awkward

- I like this too!

- ???: I didnt want to steal it, alright? And Im not saying this just because I got caught!

However, what certainly didnt help were Agonys quips that it couldnt stop itself from making.

[Its been a while, woman!]

Who?

Agony gave Filia a wide smile.

[Fufufufu It is I the fearsome Agony!]

...So, who are you?

[...Do you really not know who I am?]

I dont remember seeing you before

[I was scary-looking, like Kwargh!!! Do you not remember a sword like that?]

Ah!

[Do you Do you remember me now?]

I dont know

[Th-think really hard, okay Im sure I scared you so much you covered yourself in bed with your blankets]

Sorry I really dont remember you.

[...I hate humans.]

For some reason it felt like Filias horse was further away than before.

Haah

Seol let out a deep sigh, accepting the situation.

He had continuously failed to meet up with Yeo-myeong due to the ongoing battles, which not only delayed their encounters but also hindered timely communication through letters.

As the situation evolved with each passing second, Seol ultimately decided to head to Las Cabras headquarters, Parte, instead of pursuing him.

While on his way, Seol also decided to quickly help out each city he passed through.

Typically, this involved him swiftly dealing with the remaining cartel executives in the city.

So you were Crow.

Crow?

People have been calling you Crow because youve been dealing the final blow to the remaining Las Cabras members in each city. I think its because crows are scavengers that eat corpses.

Haha

At first, Seol was shocked, thinking the nickname stemmed from people noticing his creations. Luckily, it wasnt that.

Isnt that way too disrespectful, though? Someone like you shouldnt be called something like that

Its fine, I wasnt doing this for respect anyway.

Then why are you

"Because Im busy. Theres somewhere I need to go, and I had to take care of them quickly to get there on time."

Ah okay

Filia and Seol completely dismantled the cartel in each city they visited on their way to Parte.

Rumors about them spread not only to Adelines knights, who were waging war against Las Cabras, but also to the other transferees.

Well be arriving in Parte soon, said Filia.

Were ahead of schedule too. I think were almost caught up to them

Filia nodded in response.

"The cartel's end is guaranteed now.

We've already inflicted enough damage, said Seol. It would be impossible for them to recover from this. However, I am surprised Kaio didn't flee from Parte."

Kaio Matos.

He was essentially the head of Las Cabras. In truth, Kaio was just one among many leaders and executives.

However, as their battle with the transferees and Adelines soldiers dragged on, all of the other key figures perished, leaving Kaio as the sole remaining authority.

Who knows, said Filia. He could have a trick up his sleeve

We should be careful then.

I dont know if that word suits you, though.

Huh?

Ive already seen how reckless you are

Haha

- I always do my best! Even against elementary school kids! Because thats my ninja way!

- I will destroy every last middle schooler on Earth!!!!

Filia smirked after seeing Seols awkward laugh.

Despite their exhausting schedule, it would soon come to an end once they arrived in Parte.

* * *

Parte, Las Cabras final bastion, and a large city located in the far west of Adeline.

Kyaaaaaaaa!

Evacuate! Run away!

Run where?!

Anywhere! Just get out of the city!

The citizens were in a panic as they ran off in all directions.

Las Cabras also didn't attempt to stop them, likely because they either gave up or considered it a waste of resources to allocate men to restrain them.

Neigh

Clip clop

The sound of horses echoed throughout the streets. It was a sign the cavalry had arrived.

Weve finally arrived at Parte.

Yes, Sir Bren!

"I am sick of these criminals," continued Bren. "I wish to return to the royal palace quickly to rest."

Bren, a man with shoulder-length curly blonde hair and mysterious blue eyes, was also the leader of the Veregion Knights.

Excuse me, uh Sir Bren? I recommend you wear your helme

"I already know that, hmph. I only have it off right now because its stuffy. I'll put it back on when I enter the fray, so hold on for now."

Yes, sir!

Bren then glanced at the people charging ahead of him.

Spread out! shouted one of the people fighting. Dont let them hit all of us!

This way!

Bren shot a contemptuous look at the men desperately fighting in front of him.

Transferee trash muttered Bren.

Bren did not particularly like transferees.

In fact, it would be much more apt to say he despised them. He didnt despise just the cartel members either, he even hated the transferees fighting on his side.

Obviously, he wasnt so foolish as to make it obvious to others or to make back-handed comments here and there. After all, only low-class people would engage in such behavior.

In the end, associating with trash only meant that you were trash yourself.

Bren simply ignored the transferees.

Neigh

His horse was beginning to become excited by the sound of clashing steel and screams.

Calm down, Richel. You can get excited later, said Bren before turning to the woman by his side. Lalsa.

Yes, sir?

Forward.

Yes, sir!

The woman named Lalsa was wearing equipment that seemed ill-suited for knights.

It was a peculiar goggle-like item with lenses that had strange numbers constantly appearing and disappearing.

So, what do you think about Veregions newest equipment? asked Bren.

"It's incredible! I can't believe there's an item capable of determining someone's power level... I'm amazed that an item created in conjunction with the magic towers has already reached this level!"

The goggles she was wearing were an item that quantified the energy radiating from someone to estimate their strength. It was similar to how transferees could gauge each other's strength through the Points Leaderboard.

However, there were a few differences too.

First, it was impossible to give an exact number like Adventure Points.

It simply stated, ...Points or higher as its result.

Furthermore, combat points often surpassed Adventure Points by a significant margin. But there was nothing that could be done about it. After all, these goggles solely recorded combat ability, not Adventure Points.

Regardless, Lalsa didnt report these issues to Bren.

Bren was closed-minded. Knowing that, Lalsa knew that Bren wouldnt believe in anything she said unless he experienced it himself. Not to mention the fact that he often ignored anything negative she had to say.

Its probably better if I dont report it to him, thought Lalsa. If I want to do it, though, I should do it after the expedition.

Lalsa then checked Brens power level.

8 million points

Lalsa then recalled the Haunted Swordsman she had seen earlier, who had roughly 10 million points.

Theres no way I can tell Bren that hes weaker than a transferee never.

If she did, he would come up with all sorts of methods to demote her. After all, there had been plenty of instances of that already.

Bren calmly closed his eyes, taking in the sounds of clashing steel.

In the end Is there no transferee stronger than Kaio Matos? I guess there is no choice I must defeat their leader myself. To think my blade would have to be covered in foul transferee blood of all things

Lalsa was extremely worried.

It had already been reported that Kaio Matos had over 8.5 million Adventure Points.

As Adventure Points were often much lower than ones combat ability, there was a high chance that his combat level was over 8.5 million as well.

Bren would surely lose to him.

Excuse me, sir What do you think about leaving it to the Haunted Swordsman

You wish to give him the honor of doing such a thing?

N-Not at all, sir. I am simply worried for your well-being and

"Hmph. His swordsmanship is sloppy. He is fast, however... Would his speed work even on me, the great Bren? What do you think, Lalsa?"

Hrgh

Lalsa thought to herself, holding back her hiccups.

What do I say Its so obvious the Haunted Swordsman would win

Lalsa quickly came up with lies that Bren would want to hear.

It would be impossible for his sword to reach you, Sir Bren.

Haha I knew it.

There is no transferee who could be an opponent for you, Sir Bren.

"Hahahahaha! You have quite the keen eye, Lalsa! The Veregion Knights finished our previous job quickly to sweep up this criminal trash, and its only natural for us to make them pay the price. Dont you agree, everyone?"

Yes, sir!

Veregion is invincible!

Woaaaaaaargh!

It was a display of collective madness.

However, as the Veregion Knights were a gathering of fools who deluded themselves into thinking this was fighting spirit, they continued their shouts.

Lets show them our strength!

Sir Bren has ordered us to sound the horns!

Baooooooo

Everyone, charge!

Woaaaaaaargh!

As the cavalry suddenly charged through the citys streets, people stopped to watch the spectacle.

With ferocity, they barreled toward the eerie building, which appeared to be a fortress nestled within the city.

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

At the same time, inside the fortress

Kaio, some idiots are charging toward us.

Kill them.

Civilians will get caught up, though?

Does it matter? commented Kaio, sounding sick of the questions.

Nope, smiled the man before rushing toward a cannon.

Creaaaaak

Ignite

He lit the cannon's wick.

It didn't take long for the fuse to run out, summoning a pillar of fire from the cannon's mouth.

With a thunderous sound, a cannon ball was fired onto the street the cavalry was stampeding through.

Baaaaaaaaam!

Graaaaaaargh!

Neeeeeeigh!

Argh!

Khrgh

One died from being directly hit by the cannon ball, another perished from being kicked by a falling horse, and a third died due to the smoke blocking their vision, causing them to collide with someone else.

Quite a nice scene, commented Kaio.

Bren narrowly managed to dodge the attack, but his prized horse also died from the impact.

Th-those scum Who uses gunpowder inside the city?!

Where did they get so much gunpowder

How noisy, said Kaio. Make them quiet down.

Fsssss

Kaios subordinate quickly lit up one cannon before reaching for a second.

Baaam!

However, unexpectedly, the first cannon misfired, causing it to explode.

What happened? asked Kaio.

Its another transferee!

How annoying

Bren gave the magician, who bought time for them, a nod before charging forward.

Hmph! I guess they can be of use from time to time. Remember their name for me, Lalsa. Make sure to properly reward them.

Yes, sir!

Though Lalsa wasnt sure why Bren was making her remember a name that even he was too lazy to remember, eventually, after many sacrifices, they reached the fortress.

I will go ahead! Everyone, clean up the lower floors as you come up!

S-Sir Bren!

Lalsa! You follow me!

What? U-Uhh

Fwip!

Bren quickly wrapped his arm around her waist before rising to the sky.

Fwip

Fwooosh!

Bren began scaling the wall, ascending higher and higher with each step.

Lalsa struggled to keep up with the sudden speed and began to heave like she was going to throw up.

Bwrgh

Fwip!

Bren leaped up, reaching the top with one last quick step.

Did you think this abomination could stop me, the great Bren?!

Oh no The stupid knight reached the top mocked one of the cartel members.

Clench

Kaio cracked his neck before taking a stance as more transferees entered the fray.

As more and more transferees reached the top floor, Kaio gave an order once more.

Fire.

Baam!

Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!

Urgh

Argh!

The guns in Pandea were muskets at best, so the shower of bullets ended soon.

Nonetheless, that quick bombardment was more than enough to bring the transferees to the floor.

Surprisingly enough, Lalsa and Bren werent hit by any of the bullets. This was something Kaio did intentionally.

Do you understand the situation now? asked Kaio.

...Lalsa, how strong is he?

...He has roughly 10 million points.

And next to him?

8.7 million

And the other guy?

9.1 million

...So it was a trap.

Las Cabras had been pretending to retreat while gathering their forces at Parte.

Lalsa, how strong am I?

8-8 million.

......

Hey, what are you guys having so much fun talking about? asked Kaio, laughing at them.

Sir Kaio, let us have a talk. If you continue to indiscriminately murder innocent civilians like this, Adeline will officially

BAAAAAM!

A bullet whizzed past Brens ear.

What the hell is this dude saying?

He must have lost his mind.

Should we shoot him with the cannon?

That could be fun too!

Creaaaak

A cartel member turned the cannon and aimed it toward Bren.

But then

Ffft!

Khrrrgh

The cannoneer quickly grabbed his neck before falling to the ground.

The man who killed the cannoneer then stopped in front of Bren.

Sir Bren, are you alright?

H-Haunted Swordsman.

Its time, Kaio, said Yeo-myeong, turning to Kaio. The other cartel members are all dead. Its time for you to join them in hell.

Baam!

A sudden shot.

However, Yeo-myeong was faster.

Unsheathe!

Ting!

Khrgh

No one could believe what they just saw.

Not only did Yeo-myeong manage to deflect the bullet with his sword, but he also managed to make it hit another cannoneer.

Hah, look at him

Though they were taken aback by his skill, the cartel members werent scared of Yeo-myeong at all.

Still Theres nothing you can do on your own.

When did I say that I was alone?

Hmph. Stupid transferees are always

Yeo-myeong then turned around, facing the empty space.

"Shes here. Like I said," said Yeo-myeong before turning back to Kaio. "Its time."

What? Who

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The entire building shuddered under the weight of the mysterious woman who landed on the roof.

It was Karen.

...Who the hell is this now?

Bren was utterly shocked by Karens sudden appearance.

Shes strong Incredibly strong!

He could tell even without the goggles, just from the energy that radiated off her.

I-It is nice to meet you. A-Are you perhaps here to help me asked Bren.

Huh? Who are you?

Karen turned around, revealing her red hair, causing Bren to gasp.

A-An elf?!

This is the first time Ive seen your face, though?

Bren then turned to Lalsa, asking her a question.

Lalsa, h-how strong is

18 million

...What? Are you sure that thing isnt brokNo, an elf shouldnt be a transferee, so... She definitely came here to help me!

However, someone else joined them on the rooftop as well.

Step

Is this our final stop? asked the man.

Yeah! answered Karen. Yeo-myeongs here as well.

Hyung!

The man leisurely stepped up, as if he was out here on a jog.

Bren then nudged Lalsas side with his elbow.

......

Lalsa?

......

Lalsa simply took off the goggles and tossed it to the side.

What are you doing? asked Bren.

"Sir Bren," Lalsa replied assuredly, "I am certain the goggles broke from the impact just now."