Death.

It was a word that sent chills down the spines of those without faith.

Bren, one of the top knights of the Veregion Knights, felt death's touch once more.

It felt not like a lump in his throat, but rather, a sword in his mouth.

I-Im going to die.

Bren was certain that a single misstep, or even a single word that could agitate Seol, would lead to his death.

He was acting this way because of the reasonable, logical conclusions he had reached quite a while ago.

It was the conclusion he had arrived at after dealing with the cartel and visiting Adelines royal laboratory.

- So youre telling me it wasnt broken?

- Yes, it never was. What made you believe it was broken in the first place, Sir Bren?

- Obviously, I would think it was broken when it said a transferee had over 100 million points. Transferees are essentially children all born on the same day. Its natural to be suspicious when, in a sea of crawling toddlers, a man with a full beard shows up!

Seol was the man with a full beard Bren was referring to, while the crawling toddlers were the other transferees he had met so far.

The researcher was confused after hearing that.

- There was nothing wrong with the goggles, though. Theyre still fully operational and collecting information.

- Then that means

- If there is an oddity, it would be the man with a full beard and not the goggles. Dont you think?

- Im asking if 100 million is a reasonable point total.

- Was he weak?

- No, he was strong.

- How strong?

Bren thought for a moment, recalling Seol leaping around the city like a playground.

- He was a little no, very strong?

- Hm?

- He was definitely strong. It was the first time Ive ever seen a transferee that strong. I could definitely understand how he would have 100 million combat points

- Haha! So you understood it but couldnt believe it? Theres nothing for me to fix then, I guess.

- I apologize, I was mistaken. I should have just accepted that he was that strong.

The researcher then smiled.

- You must always destroy your preconceived notions if you want to truly learn. Im sure today was just one of those incidents.

- Then What should I do if I meet that transferee again?

- Didnt you say that you fought together? Why would you be

- Im asking this on the off chance that he and I will be enemies.

- Sir Bren, you know about shooting stars, right?

Bren scoffed after hearing that.

- Of course. Youre referring to how people make wishes when they see them, right? Why are you saying that right now Are you treating me like a little kid?

- No, not at all. Couldn't you just think of meeting him as seeing a shooting star?

- What do you mean?

- Because youd die if he hits you. Shooting stars are meteorites at the end of the day, after all. Also, youd make a wish.

- A wish?

The researcher scratched her head before answering.

- Im sure he would let you go if you begged for your life, right?

On that note, Bren was currently fucked.

Its him, its so obviously him!

Bren didn't have the best look at them, but the dark energy gathering in their hands was undoubtedly familiar.

Why did he have to come to my area!

The black energy began to grow even more.

Bren began to waver even more after seeing it as it reminded him of the cartel members that the individual in front of him had killed.

He then recalled a few words his mother had left him with.

- Bren, the most important thing is your life, alright? Honor and trust arent as important as long as you can live.

- How could you say that, honey?! Bren will follow in my footsteps and become an honorable

- Got it, Bren? Dont be an idiot. Treasure your life.

The words of Charlotte, his late mother, echoed in his mind once more.

Suddenly, Brens chest began to feel hot. His heart was pounding louder and louder.

I need to survive! It is strong to survive!

Bren racked his brain as fast as he could, trying to come up with something.

The only thoughts in his mind were how he could prevent the situation from escalating any further.

Sir Bren? Did you find anything?

Ah! I didnt.

It must have been a beast then, huh?

It must have been, hahaha

However, Seol maintained the black energy.,

Damn it! That wasnt enough?

Bren was desperate, to the point that he would have begged for his life if the others werent near him.

However, as there were too many eyes, he searched for another method.

By the way Dont you think were too close together?

Huh?

Fade

Seol pulled back a bit of the black energy.

So thats it!

Bren quickly calmed his pounding heart and retreated toward his men.

We werent even assigned that much ground to cover This is terribly ineffective. Wouldnt you agree?

Werent we forced into this position because a lot of knights were dispatched? I thought you were the one most eager to do this, Sir Bren.

No, I wasnt. I was never eager to do this!

...What?

Ahem Do you really think they would be foolish enough to go through here? There are more people here than trees.

I mean I would get scared off too, yeah.

Exactly! And I, Bren, am also worried about everyones well-being.

Im fine.

It isnt fine! shouted Bren. We might face situations like this in the future as well, but this way of doing things is completely unrealistic. An excellent leader shouldnt be wearing down their mens stamina for an enemy who has yet to arrive. As someone who dreams of becoming an excellent leader, I, Bren, will split us into three groups. I want the other two groups to rest at the base uphill.

S-Sir Bren

In three groups too

I cant believe you thought of us like that hrgh

The knights, in awe, looked at Bren with teary eyes.

Now, Ill split up the groups, so gather around.

B-But our line

No! How else would we divide it fairly? All men must gather now, quickly!

Their positions quickly crumbled as the knights gathered at Brens command.

Now well

Bren glanced at where he last saw Seol, confirming that he and the others had left.

Fuuu

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

[[You are currently wandering through the Bragrand Mountains. The soldiers patrolling the mountains are constantly moving. Which direction will you head?]

1. Toward a ridge to the right.

2. Toward a far-off cliff.

]

Haah Haah

It required an immense amount of effort to move without exposing ones presence.

It was especially difficult for the injured Chadorf, and the frail Riona, as they couldnt ride their horses. Exhausted, they continued to gasp for air.

'The most dangerous thing would be stopping.'

Despite that, Seol continued forward. He kept finding gaps and openings in the soldiers guard.

To the right.

Still no news?

There would have been a commotion if there was.

To the right again.

This is so stupid.

Our job is to follow orders. What can we do?

Left this time.

Maybe they went another way?

Or it could be tomorrow instead of today.

Seols decisions had been correct so far. However, an issue arose as they headed toward the narrow channel at the center of the mountains.

Caw

A bird just happened to cry as Seol was passing by.

Huh?

Seol and the soldier locked eyes. They undeniably noticed each other.

Intru

Fwip!

Woosh

Seol quickly struck the back of the knights neck with his hand, knocking them out cold, and carefully placed them on the ground.

Seol shot a glare at the bird that had made noise.

Caw caw

However, the bird only stared back at him. Reflecting on his behavior, Seol sighed.

Haah

The situation was not good.

Rather than helping me, theyre only making things worse.

It was to the point that Seol almost became frustrated at an innocent animal.

Huh? But this bird

It seemed similar to the bird that Seol saw in the Nogurs Mountains.

Dont tell me it followed me all the way here right?

Caw caw

Seol noticed more birds as well.

What is this feeling?

Bathump

Seol's heart began to pound like it did when he was passing through the smuggling route.

Flap flap flap

The birds all took off from the trees at once.

...Its definitely not just in my head.

A chill ran down Seols spine.

However, it wasnt something he could dwell on for long right now.

Seol quickly headed to the rift at the center of the Bragrand Mountains, a location he had been worried about since the start.

- I recommend you stop right there.

...I felt it too.

- Magicians I sense two different wavelengths up ahead. The first is a wavelength that deters the use of mana, and the other is a wavelength that scouts for any mana that isnt on record.

How are they using both at the same time?

- Its definitely possible; its just a matter of which you set up first. However, there is a weakness.

At times like these there was no better summon than Ur.

A weakness?

- For spells where sequence is important, just tripping the flow a little is more than enough to make it fail. I can change the order so that their search spell conflicts with their mana-deterring spell.

A large-range jamming.

Wouldnt they realize it, though?

- They wont. The mana will flow exactly like it did before. Im sure theyll be clueless for a while. Also, Ill be able to take all of the leaking mana for myself, but

Ur shifted to a more serious tone.

- The flow will be unnatural, meaning once they realize the mana was tampered with, it essentially ensures that there is an intruder. Therefore dont get caught. Itll be troublesome if you do.

Nod.

[Ur, the Sealeds Wizardry activates.]

[Ur, the Sealed, deciphers the unidentified spell.]

[Spell deciphering in progress.]

[The spell has been successfully deciphered.]

Ur was now able to manipulate mana much more easily.

- Done.

Step

Seol and the others entered the rift, making sure to stay near the darkest places.

Step step

Hm? said a magician guarding the rift.

What is it?

No Its nothing.

Thats good.

The security here was much more lax than earlier.

It was a gap formed because of the faith they had put into their trap.

Theres no way they can slip past all of us.

I doubt theyve already slipped past right?

Thats impossible.

Well Even if they did, we have a bunch of transferees behind us. Itll be fine.

I still remember the commotion they caused about wanting to be on the front lines this morning

Right? I have no idea why they were going so far

Flap flap flap!

Wh-what the hell?!

Birds?

A flock of birds landed on a nearby tree.

The magicians wore worried expressions due to the birds strange behavior.

Were they exposed to mana?

No way We made sure it wouldnt harm living things.

Then why would the birds Hm?

What is it?

...We need to report this to Sir Heinkel.

What?

Quickly!

- They found out. I was able to feast on a bunch of mana, but a detection spell will be scanning everything nearby. You need to move, fast.

Seol and the others picked up the pace at Urs word.

However, it didnt take long for their surroundings to be filled with lit torches and loud voices.

Intruders! Theyre already here!

Its the princess! Princess Riona is trying to cross the mountains!

Find her! Search everything!

Soldiers entered the area in droves.

In fact, even the soldiers from the earlier line returned to search for Seol and the others.

Get back! Weve received information that theyve already slipped past!

Theyre already through!

Seol and the others sped up.

Haah Haah

Your Highness, we need to run!

Haah

Hrgh Grgh

Magicians continued to light up the area from behind with illumination magic in an attempt to find them.

Glooooow!

Fwoosh!

Fwooosh!

Find them! Theyre definitely here!

The knights will arrive soon! Locate them, at least!

It was definitely a problem behind them, but the bigger issue lay ahead.

Yeahhhhhh!

Theyre coming here!

Get them! Well get all of the rewards if we catch them!

Catch them before the knights arrive!

I cant see! The useless ones should just fuck off already!

What did you say?!

Seol wondered if this was what a group of starving cats would look like.

Over there! There! I found them! someone shouted.

The individual who shouted that was definitely smart. After all, they only shouted. They didnt take a single step toward Seol, avoiding exposing themselves.

If they had taken a step forward, Seol would have likely killed them to prevent them from saying anything.

Seol scowled.

Over there!

Theyre there!!! They wont be able to slip past us now!

Your Highness! shouted Chadorf. The earl and I will stop them! Crow, take Her Highness

Wrong, interrupted Seol. The two of you wont be able to stop them.

Then what else are we supposed to do?!

Just Just give me some time.

The situation was beginning to resemble a battlefield.

Seol had already summoned Karuna and Karen to protect them.

And like a faint whisper, Seol only caught fragments of their voices.

Who that! sferees to us, and

Stop your bullshit! yeah?!

Ahhh! What the hell? Dont shoot!

They were all slaves to their greed.

The hyenas were fighting among themselves in front of the lion over who should take the rewards.

I guess this is as far as I can go.

Seol no longer had a choice but to accept that he had to fight the transferees to fulfill his goals.

He had no option but to take their lives.

The world could never be kept purely good. No matter how much an innocent child tries to straighten those crooked lines, there comes a time when they must dip their toes into blood.

It was now time for Seol to make a decision.

I could definitely open up a way if I kill them all, but

Countless transferees would die at his hands.

Was this really the right decision?

While Seol definitely wasnt a good person, he also wasnt a bad one.

Seol wouldnt have hesitated if the transferees in front of him were evil. However, he wasn't cold-hearted enough to kill hundreds of innocent transferees.

At least until now.

However, Seol hesitated as he knew there was a price to pay. Once he crossed this line, there was no coming back.

Its fine now.

As Seol was lost in thought, Princess Riona sorted the situation. She ran ahead of Seol before greeting him with teary eyes.

Youve already done all you can for me. That was more than enough.

Your Highness!

Not yet! Its still too early to give up!

I didnt give up, Riona sniffled, smiling at her two loyal but foolish subjects. Ive simply accepted my fate after doing my best.

What are you

Those lunatics are only aiming for me. So you guys should

Bathump

Seols heart began to pound fiercely.

Sensing it as well, Ur brought Seol good news.

- I can temporarily suppress all of the mana here. If you can escape during that opening, youll be able to escape from the magicians.

Seol shook his head.

Its impossible. There are too many knights and transferees.

- Then, unless you can fly, everyone will die. Is that what you want? If its

Fly huh?

Caw Caw

Seol glanced at the birds from earlier, the very ones that had exposed their location.

Bathump bathump

"Yeah, no wonder I thought I lost my mind for a second.

- What do you mean?

I would rather die! shouted Chadorf.

Hurry! shouted Riona. If all of you can escape before they close in on us maybe you guys will be able to

Excited, Seol cut off Riona.

Riona.

...Yes?

We only have one opportunity, got it?

What are you talking about? shouted Riona. Nows not the time for this! You need to escape now, or all of us will be

Get on my back.

What the Uhh

Seol quickly picked up Riona and began sprinting. As he did, Chadorf and Earl Brispin quickly followed.

Get them!

Were almost caught up!

Drive them into a corner!

What the hell are you saying?! We might end up hitting each other! Make sure to maintain distance!

As the transferees and knights rushed them down

Caaaaaaaw!

Above the birds, something emerged from the clouds.

It looked like a meteorite.

Wh-what the hell is that?!

...A griffin?

It was certainly not a griffin.

There wasnt even a hint of griffin on it. Its sturdy wings were much more massive than a griffins, and it had a birds body, not a lion's. Not to mention the flames that continued to gather near its beak.

Fwoooosh

The flames continued to gather and billow.

R-Ruuuuuuun!

FWOOOOOOOOOOOSH!

A ray of fire spilled across the mountains.

Fwooosh

It was a warning. They were not allowed to cross that line.

Seol then sprinted faster toward the strange bird approaching them.

Koopaaaaaaaa! Over here! shouted Seol.

Caaaaaaaaaaaw!

Bathump

The reason Seols heart had pounded so fiercely was because of their connection. Their close proximity had intensified their resonance.

I knew it was you!

[Helper Koopa, the Vulture has appeared in this Adventure.]

[Helper Koopa, the Vulture will join you in this Adventure as an ally.]

Seols friend had returned much larger than before, with an even larger beak and wings.

Get on Koopa!

Th-thats Koopa?

How did

Boooooom!

Krrrrgh!

Block them!

Use spells now!

Koopa kicked up the dirt to block their view.

- Hmph! Who do you think youre attacking?!

Wooooooooosh!

Ur casted the mana suppression spell that he had been preparing since earlier.

O-Our manas dissipating!

Then shower them with arrows!

Fft! Fft! Fft!

Fwoooosh!

Karunas Black Wave repelled all of the projectiles.

Now! shouted Seol.

Caaaaaaaaw!

Koopa, Kiris true inheritance, had opened a path for Seol in the sky.

Fwoosh Fwoosh

Dust kicked up with each flap of his massive wings.

Their arrival was as swift as their departure.