Chapter 73

Rishi, dressed in a green uniform, wore a peculiar smile.

His expression seemed to mix joy and loneliness.

When the staff member at the outpost realized that the group's gazes were focused on him, he stopped clapping and gave a slight bow.

"Fantastic, everyone. Truly fantastic. To subdue a rampaging hippo without a single injury is remarkable. When the five of them came here unscathed, I was genuinely disappointed. With over a hundred people, what a mess it was. But you were different. Well, let's overlook the help from the Black Steel rank for now. However—"

"Hey, what are you doing, getting all high and mighty? I never gave you permission for that."

Rorolf's words, laced with anger, interrupted Rishi, who had suddenly started speaking.

But the staff member, merely glancing at Rorolf, continued as if he were still at the reception desk.

"The way the three of you moved, that's the ideal offensive strategy. Not just adding attacks, but reading the situation accurately and retreating when necessary. Many frontliners can't do this critically."

"Hey, you know that, huh? Ow! Big brother!"

The second son, who had nodded in agreement with a pleased look, grimaced as the eldest son slapped his shoulder.

Beside him, the third son watched Rishi, who continued to praise everyone, with a suspicious gaze.

"And you guys were impressive too. Your shooting, which thoroughly avoided drawing the monsters' attention. I'd like to see some of those bowmen grow a pair of wings. Archers should stay hidden, after all."

Ignoring the younger brother's flattery, the two older brothers frowned and kept a wary eye on their surroundings.

Tall, standing on a stone mound in the middle of the river, continued to speak while being pelted by rain, causing Taur to feel a strong sense of unease and remain on guard.

The trio and Diargos were breathing slightly heavily but still seemed to have some energy left.

Tapa and Tari appeared no different from usual.

Yuril, still seated, seemed to have recovered some of his magic power, but had used up all his mid-branch magic skill uses.

Moo yawned, looking bored.

Taur's stamina and magic power were almost fully restored, with <Restoration> at half remaining.

Sora had used <Reversal> four times but still had plenty of magic power left.

On the riverbank, there were only the five dead monsters, and no other movement was visible.

In a little while, river slimes would likely appear, but—

Rishi continued speaking, his intentions unclear.

"But you were truly remarkable, Diargos."

"Me? Really?"

"Yes, your flawless parrying despite the overwhelming size difference, and your ability to draw attention at the right moments. However, your most impressive trait is your leadership. To guide the battle to a successful conclusion is rare for a defender."

Diargos, who didn't seem entirely convinced, quickly shook his head in denial.

Rorolf and the others simultaneously placed their arms around his shoulders.

"Ha, of course. He's our pride and joy, our shield. Don't say such obvious things now."

"This is rude. And Taur."

Rishi's friendly gaze shifted to Taur and Sora, who stood beside him.

"Why were you digging in the mud for twenty-five years? I can't help but wonder. Honestly, you're a monster. Ah, but that's a compliment, don't misunderstand."

"None of your business."

"And Sora, what is that magic skill of yours?"

"Huh? Uh, what is it?"

"Is it really a low-branch skill? Impossible, to flip a rampaging hippo. It's too extraordinary."

Sora, confused by Rishi's ambiguous praise, tilted her head in puzzlement.

Unable to hold back any longer, Rorolf spoke in a low voice.

"Stop blabbering and get down from there already."

"Well, listen. The rampaging hippos that the group heading to the upper hunting grounds couldn't handle, you dealt with effortlessly. Do you understand the significance?"

"Be more straightforward. What are you trying to say?"

"You've become so skilled because you spent nearly two years in this harsh hunting ground. This proves that my methods were not wrong. Indeed, adversity is what shapes a person!"

"Huh?"

Suddenly raising his voice, Rishi began to speak loudly.

His self-centered words prompted the two older brothers to respond as if trying to dissuade him.

"Effort should not be forced upon people."

"There's nothing necessary that requires hurting others."

"You're right, brother. There's nothing more futile and painful than wasted effort. However, when that effort bears fruit, people will surely thank me."

Taur noticed a thin, rope-like object extending from the stone mound where Rishi stood, into the river. It seemed to be related to Rishi's true intentions. Taur quietly approached Tapa, who still held his bow, and whispered to him.

"Can you see his feet?"

"…There's something there."

"Can you hit it?"

Tapa, nodding slightly, drew his bow and released an arrow almost without any motion.

The arrow, piercing through the rain, flew straight toward the youngest's feet.

Rishi, who had been speaking animatedly, changed his expression the moment he noticed the arrow and extended his arm.

The arrow, which was supposed to pierce the rope, instead penetrated Rishi's palm.

The man, emitting a slight groan, looked up and smiled regretfully.

"I wanted a bit more time, but it seems the end is near."

"What are you talking about?"

"Yes, I thought I might give you, my excellent group, a gift from me."

As he spoke, Rishi pulled the rope, retrieving a small bag-like object from the water.

He then grabbed its contents and began scattering them over the stone mound.

With a cheerful smile, he looked at Taur and the others, who were watching the situation unfold.

In the next instant, a large something suddenly appeared behind Rishi.

It was a massive, floating red water mass.