Episode 16

Samaris, which they reached after crossing the harsh mountain road, was an isolated city surrounded by mountains. Samaris, which gave off a closed-off impression, was currently overflowing with energy.

“Everyone looks like they’re having fun.”

“They do. …So much that it’s hard to believe something is going to happen.”

Objects celebrating the tunnel opening were decorated all over the city. Smiles overflowed from the people, and children were running around energetically. The adults showed anticipation that their lives would change greatly from now on, and the children seemed to be sensing that as well.

“If what he says is true, then these people are…”

“Indeed. We must avoid the worst-case scenario.”

If the information was correct, then the residents of Samaris were being targeted. Even if it was an underpopulated region with few people, it was still a city. It would not be realistic to cover all of Samaris with only this many people. They also could not neglect Arnica’s protection.

“For now, we need to speak with the city’s representatives.”

“Yes. It was originally scheduled, so I do not think any adjustment will be necessary.”

The fact that a royal would attend the tunnel opening ceremony had been secretly conveyed to them. After their arrival, they were supposed to confirm the schedule for the day again.

“It would be wise to explain the situation and ask for cooperation.”

“Right. …And we’ll need you to cooperate on that part too. The enemy’s movements and objectives, I mean.”

“Are you stupid? As if I would know such things.”

“…Excuse me?”

Her eyes unconsciously went blank. After hearing Zeke’s story, they needed to reorganize their plan, including the escort arrangements. Yet Zeke flatly declared that he did not know.

“Huh? Haaah!? You’re the one who gave us the information, aren’t you!?”

“You people really are useless. If I had grasped everything down to the details, do you think I would give information to garbage like you? It would be a waste of time.”

Zeke looked down on others as though it were only natural. It was astonishing that someone this arrogant existed in the world.

“W-What should we do? Would anyone believe in an attack with no basis…?”

“No one would. If it were me, I’d think they were idiots. Either lie and guide them, or force them to evacuate.”

“…This is the worst. There isn’t much time until the opening ceremony.”

The three desperately exchanged opinions, but no brilliant idea came to mind. Even if there was no evidence of an attack, if they had at least known the enemy’s hand, there would still have been something they could do.

“In that case, I will speak directly. I will call out to the people of the city.”

A dignified, firm voice came from the carriage. It was Arnica, who had been watching the course of events.

“If I face them sincerely and wholeheartedly, I am sure they will understand.”

“…Do not do anything unnecessary, Third Princess. Do you intend to flaunt the royal family’s authority only when convenient and incite the citizens?”

He cut her down in a single stroke. From inside the carriage came the sound of someone swallowing her breath. Zeke mercilessly insulted even royalty.

“The enemy’s target is everyone in Samaris. Now imagine them running away however they like. Who will protect them? There is no existence more troublesome than uncontrollable garbage.”

Even if they called for evacuation, there was no guarantee that each person would be able to act calmly. They would flee however they wished, using the unopened tunnel and the existing mountain roads.

Even if they combined the Royal Guard Corps, Arnica, and Zeke, there were only six of them. They had to face the enemy while protecting every resident. Anyone could tell that it would be a harsh battle.

“…Then, Zeke, you mean to…”

“We deliberately go along with the enemy’s plan. We crush the fools who come strolling in.”

He did not look like he was joking. Zeke seemed serious. He intended to keep the more than five thousand residents of Samaris in the city and fight.

“You’re going to use them as bait? There’s no way such evil can be allowed.”

“I do not need your permission. If you have another plan, present it. Do not think that mouth-only garbage can change anything.”

Rachel fell silent. She could not accept it, but it was also true that she had no plan. It was extremely frustrating, but Zeke’s strength was genuine. They probably could not overcome this crisis without borrowing this devil’s hand.

“Do not make such a sour face, Rachel. A man who is like the incarnation of arrogance is casting aside even his pride to ask for our cooperation. The situation must be grave.”

Rachel gasped. Certainly, Zeke had said it just now. That he would not go out of his way to give information to them. In other words, the situation was that desperate.

Zeke, a powerful individual capable of defeating Baccus, was relying on them. Put another way, he was trying to protect the people of Samaris even if he had to go that far.

“…He could just say that honestly.”

“What incomprehensible interpretation are you making? …If we do not resist, everyone here, including the people around us, will be wiped out. We have no choice but to do it.”

Zeke (Hiroto) parted from them as they went to hold the scheduled meeting with the city representatives. It was unclear what decision Arnica would ultimately make, but either way, it was not appropriate for Zeke to be present. He was still a wanted criminal, and there was a risk that his usual abusive language would ruin everything.

Samaris had appeared in the original story. …It had appeared, but Hiroto did not have detailed information about Samaris itself. That was because in the game, Zeke, who had become a tyrant, had annihilated the entire city. All that was depicted was the protagonists despairing as they saw Samaris, where everything had perished and become nothing.

The ancient magic he obtained through the combination of his overwhelming talent and the factor of a spirit (god)――Summon Frozen World. It was forbidden magic that froze and destroyed every concept. Zeke unleashed it without hesitation… He had unleashed it. According to his own desire. For the sole purpose of showing his power. The vanished lives became sacrifices and were used for Elzen and the others’ ambition.

It was a scenario that could not be changed no matter how hard one tried in the game. Some choices and actions changed the story, but events related to Zeke never changed no matter what happened. That was also another reason Zeke was hated by players.

(This time, that Zeke has no motivation to do it. …Though I can’t afford to let my guard down.)

Even with knowledge of the original work, not everything had gone well. There was no sweet fantasy of a perfect clear through a carried-over playthrough. That was because this world was not a game, but reality. Even if Zeke did not act, Hiroto could not imagine Elzen and the others simply giving up.

The building Zeke (Hiroto) reached while thinking things over had not appeared in the story, but its existence had been mentioned in the fan book. It was the Adventurers Association, where much information and many people gathered.

Given the characteristics of the city of Samaris, escort requests were in fairly high demand. Just crossing the steep mountain road was difficult enough, but in this world, dangerous monsters roamed about as though it were only natural. The role of adventurers who protected travelers was important in Samaris.

(I can’t expect much… but it’s better than having no one.)

In the original work, Zeke had gone on a rampage as he pleased, but that would not happen this time. At present, the means by which the enemy would attack were unknown… and that was where the adventurers came in.

Even if he told them verbally, there was no guarantee that the people of Samaris, residents included, would move according to his demands, and the same applied to adventurers. If they would not move out of goodwill, then he planned to bind them with money.

(The more people I can move, even a little, the better. It’s bribery in the name of a request.)

Even if he piled up money, he did not know whether they would function properly. If the requester were an ordinary noble, that would be one thing, but this time, the sponsor was the wicked and inhuman Zeke. Naturally, resistance was expected. From an adventurer’s perspective, the highest-ranked A-rank adventurer had become a criminal.

He placed his hand on the door, entered, and headed straight toward the reception desk.

The adventurers were full of energy, just like the residents of Samaris… was not the case; the atmosphere was subtle. Thinking about it, that was only natural.

The adventurers who had gathered to guard people traveling along the mountain road were now no longer needed. With the tunnel opening, their role would decrease greatly. There was no reason to accompany people through a tunnel where monsters did not live.

Samaris, which had many adventurers, would surely change its form along with the flow of the times.

“Our long activity in Samaris is ending too, big sis.”

“That’s right. It was a very good experience. Though I do feel a little lonely.”

There were customers at the reception desk before him. Just as Hiroto had thought, they were probably an adventurer party that would leave this land after the opening ceremony. The reception staff looked reluctant to part with them.

“Thanks to everyone from the ‘Wings of Light’ coming here, monster damage around Samaris has greatly decreased. …No one will call you Fallen Birds anymore.”

“…It was painful, but it was for the best. Because that incident happened, we were able to return to our senses.”

A five-person party made up of both men and women. They were nodding, tearing up, and putting their arms around one another’s shoulders. …It did not matter, but he wanted them to move out of the way.

(Wings of Light? Fallen Birds? What are these people talking about?)

Perhaps one of the adventurers noticed Zeke staring at the reception desk, because he brought the moment to a close.

“Let’s leave the gloomy stuff at that. There’s a customer. Leader, maybe it’s a request for us, the ‘Wings of Light’… wait!? You’re!?”

“What are you making a fuss about, Rock? You’re ruining the nice mood… !? You’re!?”

The adventurers looked at him and were shocked. Some even had their mouths hanging open and had frozen, though he did not know what they were so surprised about.

“Zeke Lagias!? Why are you in a place like this?”

The members of the “Wings of Light” were shocked by the unexpected reunion. The last time they had been involved with Zeke had probably been more than two years ago, during the royal capital attack. After that incident, the Wings of Light’s position had changed completely.

Originally, they had been known as the leading young A-rank party active in the royal capital, the “Wings of Light.” Starting with small requests, they had steadily built up achievements and advanced forward, eventually climbing to the rank of A-rank party. Their ability had been recognized to the point that they were called upon as the core of the escort request for the Lords’ Council.

“What business does an A-rank adventurer have in Samaris?”

“Did you come to laugh at us?”

The one who had participated in the escort request was Zeke, standing before them now. Various things had happened during introductions, and they had ended up holding a mock battle, but the result had been a crushing defeat for the adventurers. The excessively proud royal capital adventurers, who had been beaten down to the point that they could make no excuses, had been left with lingering resentment.

“…Say something. We’ve been, ever since then…”

“We had a comeback story that can’t be told without tears!”

Though it had been supposed to be an escort for the Lords’ Council, it had suddenly developed into a battle against monsters that sprang up. In the face of monsters that kept appearing no matter how many they defeated, they ultimately chose to retreat, including the “Wings of Light.” That action was later regarded as a problem, and many adventurers ended up being punished.

Two of the members spoke passionately, while the others teared up. In contrast, Zeke, the person at the center of it all, was somehow unresponsive. Haria, the leader, found this strange. Although it was mildly traumatic, she decided to make contact with him for the first time in two years.

“…Just to confirm, do you remember us?”

“As if I know. Do you think I remember suspicious riffraff like you one by one?”

“““““!?”””””

He cut them down in one stroke. After that incident, the “Wings of Light” had their adventurer rank stripped. They had suffered bitterly as the public mocked them as fraudulent adventurers, Fallen Birds, and people whose gilding had peeled off. Even so, none of them, including their leader, had given up, and they had restarted from F-rank like beginners and made it this far.

“…I have many feelings toward you. I resented you, and I hated you. But now, I truly think it was for the best. Because that happened, we were able to become stronger.”

There were many adventurers who strayed from the path. Some also gave up on being adventurers and returned to their hometowns. That incident had ultimately become an event that sifted the adventurers.

“I’ve made it back to C-rank. Our party rank is D. We are nowhere near you, but one day, I swear we will catch up.”

The current “Wings of Light” were low in rank, but their ability had risen far above what it was back then. They had cast aside arrogance and conceit and aimed to become adventurers who stood close to the people.

“What incomprehensible nonsense have you been spouting for a while now? You are in the way. Get lost. I came to submit a request.”

“!? C-Could it be that you really forgot about us!?”

“Are you stupid? As if I would remember low-ranked adventurers one by one.”

There was no malice from Zeke. He was simply, purely looking down on them. His attitude said that they were not even in his sights.

“…I see. You were that kind of person, weren’t you? Fine! Your request shall be accepted by us, the ‘Wings of Light’!”

It was the moment their final request in Samaris was decided.

The sky was perfectly clear, without a single cloud.

Many residents and construction workers gathered to celebrate the long-awaited moment. In Samaris, which could be called a turning point for the city, the tunnel opening ceremony was being held.

“Today, the tunnel in Samaris is finally being opened.”

Beside the city representative proudly giving his greeting, Arnica was attending as a guest, along with her escorts, the Royal Guard Corps, and many other influential people. That itself showed how much attention this event had drawn.

“Until now, countless hardships have struck Samaris. However, we did not give up and continued forward until this very day.――All of it was for our beloved Samaris.”

Zeke stood at the corner of the venue, which was wrapped in excitement. His arms were folded, and his expression looked uninterested.

“I feel truly happy that I can greet this joyous new beginning together with all of you on this auspicious day.”

As each person smiled, Arnica and the Royal Guard Corps wore somewhat stiff expressions. Normally, someone might have noticed that oddness, but the residents of Samaris saw only a bright future.

“From now on, Samaris will change. Toward a shining future.”

The representative stopped speaking and turned his face toward everyone. The greeting was reaching its climax.

“Together, here, all of us, ‘let us fall into hell!’ …!?”

A mysterious voice drowned out the greeting and echoed through the surroundings. An eerily cheerful voice, seemingly that of a young child, invited the people into the world of death.

――Boom!

A sound like breaking glass and an impact erupted near the center of the ceremony. At the center of the impact, where dust flew into the air, there was a being that looked like a child and Zeke, who was pinning it down.

“It seems it has begun…”

Zeke ignored the child as it tried to open its mouth and kicked it high into the air. He himself leapt high in accordance with the ice pillar he generated beneath his feet. Using multiple pieces of ice he generated in midair as footholds, he flew around the target and sliced it to pieces. The child could not respond to his overwhelming speed and was helplessly cut apart.

“Your Highness, please step back!”

“This is the attack!?”

The residents could only stare blankly, unable to understand what had happened. The Royal Guard Corps, which had barely grasped the situation, formed up around Arnica to protect her.

“…Spirit (god).”

In the air where Zeke flew around, there were trails of blue-shining light. They connected and drew a geometric pattern. A magic circle had appeared in the air.

“Everyone, get down!”

Baccus shouted while looking up at the sky.

A giant ice star appeared from the magic circle constructed in the air. The meteor, ignoring gravity, rose into the heavens while engulfing the child in question.

When the ice star had risen so high into the sky that it was difficult to catch with the eye, it shone and burst. The impact reached even the distant ground, which shook violently as fierce gusts blew wildly.

“T-That’s way too absurd.”

“I’m glad we didn’t fight him…?”

The ceremony venue had become a mess, and the participating residents were rolling on the ground. Fortunately, there did not seem to be any injured.

Zeke descended into the uproar. Baccus ran up to him.

“…What happened, Zeke?”

“Damn it! I failed to finish him. …That bastard had already p-l-a-n-t-e-d it.”

An especially strong light flashed.

Suspicious pillars of light rose from three points at the edge of the city. They linked together and became a giant barrier. The barrier, which covered from their feet to the sky, became a cage that trapped the people of Samaris.

“No way… This isn’t on the level of evacuation anymore.”

“W-What should we do, Commander!?”

As Rosetta said, no matter how many personnel they allocated, it would not be an evacuation if they could not get outside the city. Even protecting Arnica, their first priority, would become difficult.

“…This is truly bad. There a-r-e t-w-o o-f t-h-e-m.”

“!? Who…”

Something black suddenly appeared. It had a human shape. Its color and aura were similar to the fake Baccus they had fought the other day.――But its appearance was different.

“A… fake Zeke?”

“Hah. It is not something that gentle… This is…”

To bring down a single city, the enemy had deployed two of the ducal house’s strongest forces.