Chapter 10

It seems they are in high spirits. The three men were talking loudly.

"But, you did a good job, boss."

"Yeah. It was a pity about Azamu, but considering the results of the battle, it was well done."

"But, this spear. I wonder how many gold coins it will fetch. Its owner was something else, though."

"He couldn't fight as soon as he saw blood. For a noble, it's strange to be alone in such a place. He was really a weird guy."

"Well, it doesn't matter. Let's get back to the hideout quickly. The elf is waiting. Hehehehe."

"Hahaha. That's right. I'm looking forward to seeing that stubborn elf cry and scream."

From the conversation, it seems these people are thieves.

Then, what should I do? I think while watching Al and the thieves.

If I fight the thieves, there is a risk to my life. However, it's also an opportunity to gather information.

"……………"

I weigh the options and make a decision. My stomach aches sharply.

"Kyo-san?"

Al looks at me with concern, and I shake my head to indicate that I'm fine.

"Al, can you hide in front of them?"

"I can, but what are you going to do?"

I explain my plan. Al nods without arguing and heads to the front of the thieves.

Then, a rustling sound comes from in front of the thieves.

"Who's there!"

The thieves, on guard against the sound from the front, draw their swords. I gather my magic behind them and cast a spell.

"I beseech the power of fire. I ask for it.

What I seek is the fiery trajectory that pierces the enemy.

'Fire Arrow'"

I aim for the one called "boss," the largest man. He is the best target to demoralize and to hit.

The fire arrow is released. My magic hits the chest of the man called "boss." Fire erupts from the point of impact, burning his upper body fiercely.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!"

The man called "boss" screams as he is burned.

"Boss!"

The subordinates are helpless against the raging fire, running around in confusion.

And at the moment the fire hit, I moved.

I run toward the thieves with my sword drawn. The thieves notice my footsteps and turn around.

I am one step short of the range to swing my sword.

Then!

I turn my gaze to the back of the thieves and shout loudly.

"Al! Now!"

The thieves, drawn by the voice, turn around and are confused.

The enemy they thought was there was nowhere to be found. Or rather, if they looked closely, there was a fairy, about 20 cm tall.

What are they planning to do? The thieves must have thought.

I don't miss this moment and approach, pointing my sword at the enemy's neck. With a sickening sound, the thief's head is severed.

One remains.

I discard my sword and approach the enemy. I grab the man's waist, who is still unable to react, and throw him using my feet as a pivot. I then stomp on his exposed torso. With a thud, the thief loses consciousness.

"………phew"

I catch my breath and look around. The man called "boss" is burned to death off the path.

"Hey, Kyo-san. That was cool at the end! What was that technique?"

It's a technique called "haraigoshi" in judo. I learned it in my first year of school when judo was a required course. I've forgotten the other techniques.

I've forgotten the other techniques, but I understood the essence of judo. The key is to unbalance the opponent's center of gravity. With that, you can throw them with a little force. I used this to take down the opponent.

I look at my hands. The unpleasant sensation of cutting off the thief's head still lingers.

"Kyo-san……"

Al looks up at me with concern. I shake my head to indicate that I'm fine. I thought I shouldn't make Al anxious.

Anxiety and regret can come later. I need to focus on what I can do now.

"Don't make that face. Just laugh with a 'Guhuhu' and roll your eyes while drooling."

"I won't! That's too scary to laugh with rolled eyes and drooling!"

While joking like this, we search the thieves' belongings and find some rope. We use it to bind the last surviving man.

"Al, watch this guy."

I point to the thief and continue searching the belongings.

I feel like a thief myself after defeating the thieves.

Al occasionally looks at me, but I can't meet her gaze due to a feeling similar to shame.

From the three men's belongings, we find water, food, silver coins, and copper coins.

We put the thieves' weapons and tools into the item box or bag. I want to put everything in the item box, but there is a limit to its capacity.

I pick up a fine spear.

This must be the spear the thieves were talking about. This finely decorated spear, which could be used for display, feels like it has some mysterious power.

I try to use the appraisal skill to identify it.

'???? Spear'

My level is probably not high enough. I can't tell.

After some thought, I put it in the item box.

I think it would be a waste for me to keep it. It's meaningless if I can't use it.

After finishing the search, I approach the unconscious man.

It's too dangerous to wait here.

"Water spirit, lend me your power."

I cast a spirit magic to produce water and pour it on the unconscious man's face.

"Ah! What! Where am I?"

The water hits the thief, and he regains consciousness.

The thief shakes his head and looks around.

"You're awake... then I have some questions. Answer if you want to live."

I press a knife to his neck as I threaten him.

"Please, help me!"

"Answer the questions first."

"What's your name?"

"...My name is Abira."

After a moment's hesitation, the man speaks.

He must have realized that staying silent was pointless.

I feel relieved inside as I continue the interrogation.

"What about this spear?"

"I just got it a little while ago."

"Where?"

"About ten minutes south."

"Where did you live? Is there an abandoned village?"

I ask various questions about the town, the thieves, and other matters, as if having a casual conversation.

The thief, initially confused, gradually calms down as I ask about mundane topics and things unrelated to them.

However, I don't allow this. I ask about the thieves at key points, hit the man, and cut him with the knife, not allowing him to lie and keeping him tense.

"Last question. Tell me the location of your hideout and the members."

"Will you help me if I answer?"

"Yeah."

"There's a cave about an hour west. Five of my companions are there."

I listen to his answer and stab the knife into his palm.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!"

The unpleasant sensation of the knife piercing flesh is transmitted to me.

I whisper in a low, cold voice in the man's ear.

"Don't lie. And there's an elf, right?"

It was a guess, but it worked.

The man's body shakes and stiffens.

Then, he speaks.

"S-Sorry. It's north. About an hour north. We captured the elf to make her a slave. I'll give her to you, so please help me."

"Is that the truth?"

I press the point home, threatening the thief with a gaze that doesn't allow lies.

"Y-Yes, it's the truth."

The thief nods repeatedly.

"I've finished asking what I need to know."

"Then!"

The thief's face lights up. He thought he would be free.

At that moment, a force is applied to his neck. A crack is heard.

Before he can understand what the sound is, the thief's consciousness is lost. Forever.

"Kyo-san, that's pretty ruthless."

Al looks at me with a stern gaze, criticizing me.

It doesn't seem to be a serious criticism, but I feel a bit awkward.

I wonder if it's because I'm starting to trust Al.

While thinking about such trivial matters, I respond to Al.

"I had no choice."

There was a reason for breaking the thief's neck.

I had to do it.

"If I let him go, he could alert his companions, bear a grudge, and seek revenge later. Mercy is not always beneficial. I had to harden my heart and punish the evil."

"No, that's not what the saying means.

But, Kyo-san, you killed him so easily.

I thought you would be more troubled by Earth's ethics."

Al points out the discrepancy with a sharp comment.

"I thought the same. I suspect the gods control the ethical standards here. This world is one where you have to kill people."

Of course, I don't intend to use this as an excuse, but I need to be prepared to commit murder if necessary.

Otherwise, I might not even be able to protect my own life.