It Was Unexpected.

“Something…?”

“Yes. Something.”

Kikori thought it would be peaceful if the problem had already been resolved and the only thing left was that the report simply took time.

After all, the ones investigating were veteran adventurers—far more experienced and far stronger than Kikori.

There was no way they couldn’t handle it.

That was what Kikori thought—until, in the next instant, Aria shoved him hard.

What—? Before he could process it, something burst out of the forest, and Aria took a vicious kick that sent her flying.

“Aria-san!?”

It looked a bit like those lizards he’d seen in his previous life running across the surface of water.

Of course, this was far larger, far more muscular, and far more vicious.

“Ggh… a Lizard Runner…! No way—something like that…!”

Sitting atop the Lizard Runner was… a Hobgoblin holding a halberd.

As Aria pushed herself up, she glared at the Hobgoblin and the Lizard Runner.

“A goblin lizard rider…! I see. This situation is worse than I expected.”

“Gyagyagya!”

The lizard rider cackled and raised its halberd—about to charge—when Aria’s War Cry rang out.

“Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

“Gueeh!?”

The Lizard Runner flinched at Aria’s War Cry.

In the same instant, Aria shifted into a throwing stance.

“Mjolnir!”

Boom—an explosive crack rang out. The lightning-wreathed axe flew, crushing the lizard rider’s head and charring it to black in one blow.

The axe returned to Aria’s hand… but Aria staggered, breathing hard as if in pain.

Kikori rushed over and caught her—large beads of sweat stood out on Aria’s forehead.

“Are you okay, Aria-san…!?”

“S-sorry, Kikori. I didn’t expect the situation to be this bad. It might be that the survey team is already… no, this isn’t the time. Let’s run!”

“Yes!”

This wasn’t over yet.

Understanding that, Kikori supported Aria with his shoulder and started back the way they had come.

But… at that moment, a swarm of magical arrows threaded between the trees and blasted both Aria and Kikori away.

“Gah…!”

“Ungh…”

When they fell, what appeared before them was another lizard rider… no—different.

The monster riding it—something like a Hobgoblin—was holding a staff.

Magical cavalry. Clearly that kind of thing, and Aria muttered,

“A Magi Rider… Mjol—nir!”

Aria’s third Mjolnir of the day still smashed through the Magi Rider’s smug face—then Aria toppled over, swaying.

The amount of sweat was already abnormal.

He didn’t know why. He didn’t understand—but… this was too much.

Certain of that, Kikori hoisted Aria onto his back and sprinted with everything he had.