22. Beyond good and evil (3)
“Go when you’re saved.”
No one objected to Kati’s arrogant declaration.
Everyone has already been overwhelmed.
Catching a flying dagger and returning it to its correct trajectory.
And, the job of overpowering the fastest cheetah among the group at once.
Those two skill events were enough.
There is no need to go all the way to Galatea.
Kati was confident that she could deal with all the Mines who came here alone.
Ramnus also vaguely felt it, but he couldn’t back down.
“okay. kill.”
Throwing off his robe, he stepped forward.
The thick bear’s physique was revealed.
“I’d rather be killed by my own people than to live miserably without achieving revenge.”
“Ramnus, no… ! No matter what, life… !”
“Shut up, traitor!”
Kati, who looked at them alternately, intervened.
“Have you heard the story of Galatea?”
“okay.”
Ramnus stretched out his hands and smiled.
“Still, I can’t help it. Hate and revenge are just like that.”
Is it like that?
It was difficult for Kati to understand.
No matter what kind of emotion it is, it’s something she can acknowledge and control in some way, as long as she gets entangled with it.
… Except for the last time we couldn’t stand it and kissed each other.
“let’s go.”
Rhamnus spoke lowly, and everyone nearby threw off their robes.
It was the first time Kati had ever seen a procession of so many people.
“I found the laboratory for the 2nd plan of Gearko, but am I going to die like this… .”
At the words Ramnus slowly approached and murmured self-deprecatingly, Kati and Galatea met their eyes at the same time.
Galatea exclaimed urgently.
“for a moment! Secondary… what?”
“Pretending not to know. Didn’t you know everything and protect this place? Those humans from earlier will be the moderators of the new experiment.”
“What do you mean… ?”
Galatea asked as if he didn’t know.
In response, Ramnus also noticed that there was a misunderstanding between them.
The hordes of beastmen that were creepily approaching slowly stopped.
Carty looked at them and judged that there was room for negotiation.
“Looks like a situation that can be resolved through conversation.”
Ramnus had no choice but to admit it.
“… Tsk. great. As far as talking.”
***
-Kooung… .
The ogre’s huge ax fell, followed by the ogre’s body collapsing to the ground.
The 4m tall giant collapsed noisily.
Vivian, Helena and Lucia.
As soon as they confirmed that the ogre was down, these three gathered and exchanged opinions.
I watched it from a distance.
I’m pretending nothing is wrong, but I’m a little embarrassed.
‘… Why is it so fast?’
Growth is too fast.
Hap even fits well like veterans who have already been matched for several months.
It wasn’t like that from the beginning.
When I caught my first ogre, it creaked a lot.
Lucia misses the entry timing.
Like Helena trying to protect Vivian and forgetting to rush in with Lucia.
Like Vivian missing the timing to finish with magic.
Or miss the move and miss the target.
Etc., there were many twists and turns.
But as they repeated their mistakes, they gradually made adjustments.
It wasn’t a big deal, since he wasn’t weak enough to catch an ogre in the first place.
It’s just that it didn’t work out because it was the first time that we were in this situation where we all came together.
I even helped out with a word or two.
They did not hesitate to actively exchange opinions among themselves.
Every time a mistake happened, I didn’t have to point out who was at fault.
Because they themselves admitted that they were wrong, and even comforted them by discussing what to do next time.
I thought it would get better little by little.
From the 6th ogre onwards, they were killed as soon as a fight started.
‘Even if it’s fast, it’s too fast… .’
Saying this just makes me feel better.
Beyond my advice, they are finding ways to improve the situation on their own.
Not only that, but I am still trying ways that deviate from the composition I expected.
At first, the standard position I thought of was that Vivian had great firepower from the back.
Lucia engages in the closest enemy position.
Among them, Helena adequately supports Vivian and Lucia.
That’s it.
After repeating this a few times, it seems that they thought it would be good to try other methods.
At all, Vivian tied her feet with great firepower from the beginning, and Lucia stepped on it and finished it.
While Lucia draws attention, Helena withstands Vivian’s ‘Flame Strike’ with maximum protection, and at the same time flies up with the explosive power, and finishes off by striking the ogre’s head.
… Anyway, I’m trying everything I can, and I’m succeeding.
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Just now, after Vivian hit ‘Rock Shot’ everywhere and made a terrain out of rocks, Lucia stepped on it and jumped into the air and decapitated the ogre.
Helena drew attention from beneath her feet.
“How was it?”
“It is definitely more stable than ice.”
“Especially, the fact that we fight after transforming the terrain to our advantage seems to be flexible enough to use in any situation. It would have been impossible if it wasn’t for Lucia-sama’s quick movements!”
“Hehe, thank you.”
Lucia started talking to Helena before she knew it, and Vivian became close enough to call her sister.
“Mum. Then, for the next magic, I need to learn a few rocks… .”
I don’t know anything else, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about as long as the three of us work together.
After the three of you have had a decent conversation, it’s my turn to add a word.
“Helena. If you need to immobilize the opponent while drawing attention, as before, it would be better to reduce the rebound a bit. It’s okay if the ogre stumbles and Lucia’s sword strike misses.”
“Yes!”
“Vivian. I know you’re worried about getting hit by your allies because of the size of the magic, but I think you’d be better off supporting them anyway. At least, the lightning-type projectiles have small projectiles, so try using them.”
“I know.”
This time, Lucia had nothing to say.
As if that alone made her proud, Lucia smiled and gave me a V.
I also just smiled at him.
Among these geniuses, each of whom was born differently, Lucia’s talent was by far the most unique.
Even though he had no interest in the hero and it is clear that he is not used to fighting like this, he knows how to keep his eyes wide open.
He is also adept at adapting to improvisation.
‘Is it because I basically handle multiple weapons… .’
Today, like when she fought me, she was wearing all the weapons that could be worn anywhere on her body.
‘It’s all basic, but I use it well.’
Before taking the formal exam, everyone should get a good piece of equipment.
So decided.
*
Being a red ogre didn’t mean they lasted particularly long.
After a brief skirmish, Vivian’s multiple fireballs hit like a bombardment.
With one ankle cut off by Lucia and the other toe broken by Helena, there was no way to escape the Red Ogre.
“Yeah-!”
Vivian jumped up and down, probably excited about the easy solution.
I looked away from something shaking.
“Wow… .”
Helena looked down at the fallen Red Ogre’s corpse in disbelief.
They are far away, probably because of the strong smell of burning, but they can’t help but keep their eyes on them.
It was an understandable reaction.
I was sure it was possible, but Vivian and Helena would have been hard to convince themselves.
It’s because it’s a monster that turns into a red ogre.
“Hmm.”
On the other hand, Lucia, who could not measure the size of what she had done, did not react violently.
He just grinned at Vivian running like a child while wiping the blood off his weapon.
‘I can apply for the official exam right away. As the hero’s rank goes up, he can enter higher-level dungeons, so he can accelerate his growth.’
Soon after, the floor shook, and a columnar platform rose up.
The magic stone at the top of the podium is purple.
It was the color of a D-class dungeon.
The party climbed the stairs in a single file and took the magic stone in their hands.
The portal that shimmered in the deepest part slowly shrank and disappeared.
“Can I take the formal exam?”
I said so to the people who came down.
Vivian smiled shyly and averted her gaze, and Helena cleared her throat for no reason.
Earlier, I said it was too soon, but after solving this dungeon, I must have changed my mind.
Lucia was the first to speak.
“If Ian is possible, wouldn’t it be okay?”
I’m also brave because I don’t know.
However, because the talent was so innate, it could not be called reckless.
“What… . I think it will be fine… . Hehe… .”
Vivian babbles and then laughs.
“I trust Ian’s judgment! I’ll try it!”
Helena said confidently.
With this, it was decided to challenge the formal hero test.
“good. When I go back, I start with the reception right away. Just because you apply doesn’t mean you can take the test right away anyway, so take your time.”
By the way, before the official exam, I have to solve Helena’s worries… .
It looks fine now, but it will definitely get serious when you are alone or given time to think.
‘I’ll have to talk to you soon. I don’t know what it is, but if I waited this long, I would have had some time to organize my thoughts by myself.’
“Let’s leave at once.”
*
At the entrance of the dungeon, I faced a completely unexpected scenery.
Kati and Galatea guarding the entrance.
And Mercy and Malion.
I understand that far… .
“Why are there so many beasts?”
Around the outside of the entrance, there were overflowing people exuding the energy of unusual beastmen.
In particular, one man who took off his robe had the upper body of a bear.
“master.”
“What happened?”
“I didn’t inform you in advance because it could be disruptive.”
Does that mean he didn’t wear the Ring of Subordination because he feared it would interfere with supervising the warriors?
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Judging from the atmosphere, it seems that Kati has organized it by herself, so there is no problem with that.
“And these… It is ‘Lesantiment’.”
“Lesantiment?”
The beasts next to that bear?
Katy briefly explained to me.
Speaking of conclusion, it is said that he came across Kati who was guarding the entrance while coming to stop the 2nd experiment going on inside this dungeon.
“So, the experiment of the Mine Soldier Training Plan is currently underway here?”
“I do.”
Lessantiment was about to raid the laboratory, and coincidentally coincided with my party’s visit.
“Hmm.”
I took a moment to organize my thoughts.
In the third round, he visited the imperial family and threatened them halfway with the imperial family’s plan to bring ‘Majin’ to the human side.
to cooperate with me
The very idea of having demons as allies is dangerous.
In particular, they may be subject to any religious sanctions known to Seonghwagyo.
At that time, I did not completely cancel the plan.
Because I thought that the devil was only a subordinate of the devil.
‘I met Kati after that.’
This Mine Soldier training plan experiment, which was conducted during the second round, did not proceed twice.
It was because the imperial family found out that the plan was impossible through a single experiment and immediately destroyed it.
‘At this time, it’s already been a long time since I destroyed it. Then, the experiments being conducted here are from forces other than the imperial family… .’
There are only two forces that can handle the experiment.
Empire.
and Seonghwagyo.
‘Then, is the Seonghwagyo the host of the experiment here? It’s an inference, but… .’
“Did you say Rhamnus?”
At my question, the bear man took a step forward.
“okay.”
“According to what they said, it seems that the 2nd Mine Soldier training plan is underway here. Are you sure?”
“It is certainly. There is also an agent of our organization inside.”
“Hmm.”
I pretended to be worried and stepped back and carefully asked Galatea.
“Are you familiar?”
“Yes. I saved you before… .”
“Is it trustworthy?”
“That is a difficult question. but… I’m not the type to lie. Honest and very honest.”
A lot has changed.
In the past, I would have been indifferent even if the plan to brainwash the demons was underway here.
I wouldn’t have negotiated with this bunch of demons in front of me.
‘However… . Now I know that they are ‘beasts’ and not demons.’
My gaze moved from my side to Kati, who was still not fully alert.
‘Above all, it must be difficult to pretend not to know because of him.’
“More than that.”
A man named Ramnus said.
“I have a question about this too.”
“Say it.”
“… Why are you traveling with Mine? Human too.”
Ramnus’ gaze went over me, Kati, and Galatea in order, then returned to me.
“Such casually… .”
A roar of beasts was mingled at the end.
I could read various emotions from that devouring voice and distorted expression.
anger and sadness.
And confusion in the face of something difficult to understand.
Also, the fear of ignoring the ideal of harmony between humans and demons.
The longing hidden behind it.
When people hate something extremely, they also love it extremely.
Love and hate are so similar.
That’s Mine too… .
No, Suin is no different.
“Is there any reason? It’s just that if we both agree, we’ll live together.”
“Such a simple… .”
“It’s a simple matter. no need to think deeply If you know about Galatea, don’t you know anyway? At least the distinction between beastmen and humans is false.”
Ramnus referred to them as ‘demons’, but I corrected them as ‘beasts’.
“… … .”
“I think the argument is enough. So, are you going to kill us humans as well?”
I stood as if facing Ramnus head-on.
There are Katie and Galatea here, but there are more non-beast party members.
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Just because their main purpose is a laboratory, there’s no guarantee they’ll leave us mostly human.
Ramnus looked back and forth between Kati and Galatea with a furrowed brow, then shook his head slowly.
“… no. I don’t see any reason why.”
“Leader!”
Another prisoner shouted in defiance from behind.
Compared to Ramnus, it seemed that he was full of hostility toward humans.
“Are you saying you’re going to step down with humans in front of you!”
It was a reptilian-type beastman whose body was covered with black scales.
A thick, hard tail was also visible beneath the robe.
Perhaps he was injured, but Rob’s shoulder was stained with blood.
‘… Could it be that he was hit with a dagger by Kati earlier?’
“then.”
Ramnus looked at the prisoner and Kati alternately and said.
“Can you win?”
“… … .”
“This is also a practical reason.”
Ramnus looked at me again.
“good. We have business to see here.”
“That thing to look at.”
It’s the 2nd Mine Soldier Training Plan.
Whoever the host is, I don’t want to stand by like this.
“I want to help with this too.”
“… What?”
*
Ramnus did not refuse a temporary alliance.
Some of the prisoners seemed uncomfortable, but they couldn’t break Ramnus’ will.
Before opening the secret wall and entering.
I spoke to Vivian, Helena and Lucia.
“I’m sorry for arguing. But it is not something that can be ignored.”
“Oh no… .”
“I think it was a good choice.”
Vivian and Lucia cheered like that.
On the other hand, Helena’s expression was complex as expected.
“I don’t know the exact details, but the sights you’ll see when you go inside will be unpleasant. You will be dealing with humans, not monsters.”
“… I guess so.”
“So, all of you warriors don’t have to follow me.”
I don’t know the scale, but Lessantiment and I will be enough.
Because I was able to organize the lab where Kati was by myself.
“Of course, if you want to follow me, I won’t stop you.”
“… … .”
The group pondered for quite some time.
Unexpectedly, Helena was the first to respond.
“I will go.”
She said, resolutely checking her armament.
“I can no longer turn a blind eye… . I really want to know the truth.”
“… All right.”
“Hey, drop it… .”
Vivian quietly raised her hand and glanced at Carty.
“I want to help… .”
“All right.”
“Being a hero is ultimately for world peace, right?”
Lucia grinned.
“Then I have to help. I thought he wasn’t even our enemy.”
“Oh oh… .”
Beside him, Vivian nodded in admiration.
“You’ve become a warrior before you know it.”
“Absolutely? Who raised you?”
“then.”
Inside the secret door was a fairly wide aisle, and the members of Le Santiment, who were going to take the lead, were waiting for us, lined up against the wall.
“Let’s have a look.”
It was decided that the whole group would be together.
*
“Mine? Mine is nearby?”
“That’s right. Aren’t those Lessantiment guys a huge number… .”
“Damn it! Fuck! How the hell is this hidden place… ?”
The man stomped his feet and became nervous.
It was a situation that had no choice but to be.
Because this hideout didn’t even make a back road just in case.
This is to be prepared in case someone finds out about the back road and sneaks in.
“Even now, first head on… . Whoops!”
The priest who was reporting to the man collapsed vomiting blood.
Behind him, as he fell, was a woman who had pierced the priest’s body with an awl-like hand.
Gently bending her six eyeballs at the same time, she smiled at the man.
“It’s finally today.”
“Test subject… ? No, there’s no way there’s a spy inside… !”
The man stopped talking and ran away.
As he passed the main gate and ran through the cavernous passage, he felt a number of people.
His run slowed to a halt, and someone emerged from the darkness ahead.
“… Huh?!”
The man recognized him at once.
He had a stern face as if he was indifferent to everything, but a stern face that seemed strangely angry.
A man who stopped the plan to establish a holy nation early and turned all the capital and time invested there into trash.
He intruded into the public exam at Magdalen Monastery and caused his daughter Salome to commit suicide, as well as making his henchman, Paladin Lydia, confess… .
“Apostle… .”
second apostle.
“Ian… . why are you here… .”
Ian was in front of me.
Ian also recognized the man.
“… Bertolt?”
When he dismantled the plan to establish the Holy Nation, the only parishioner he had ever confronted head-on was in front of him.
‘Why is he here?’