Chapter 18

The city that could be seen beyond the lizardmen was on a larger scale than our village.

Who could be concealing an entire city?

"Do you think the lizardmen could do it?"

"If they have the skills, they could, right?"

...I see.

Is it one of the lizardmen, or perhaps that hooded man?

If it's the hooded man, the question is, how much of a blessing is it to be able to use both magic and engage in close combat?

Moreover, if he turns out to be a powerful enemy, I'd rather not have that possibility.

"I'd rather not be found by them right now. ...Of course, it would be fine if we don't end up as enemies, but if we do... it might be quite difficult to win."

It's a sorry state of affairs, but I have to be honest.

I'm probably not a good leader, I think.

"...Are the lizardmen really that strong?"

I do think the lizardmen are strong.

But I believe they can handle it.

...The problem is, of course—

"There was a strong-looking man. I think he's the leader, or someone who leads the race like the others."

"...A strong-looking man?"

"Yeah. He was wearing a hood, so I couldn't tell his race, but to be honest, I could barely manage to escape."

"...Hold on a moment."

Revia looks at me intently.

"What's wrong?"

"Did you, by any chance, fight?"

Of course, that question would come up.

I tried to say it casually, but it was noticed.

"I didn't mean to fight. I was detected in Assassin mode, and he attacked, sweeping the entire area. I managed to dodge and escape, but... that alone showed he was a formidable opponent."

Revia let out a small sigh at my excuse.

"...Are you hurt?"

"Just a slight graze, I'm fine. I've already healed it with a potion."

I quickly tell Revia about my injury, as she looks worried.

I've been making potions using herbs I picked up along the way, so there's no problem with the injury.

I tell everyone not to worry, and

"Krest, don't take unnecessary risks."

Orphe tries to lighten the mood, and things calm down for the moment.

Still, some people still looked worried, so I decided to end the conversation.

"Anyway, be careful not to use too much light. Even though you've been assigned to the lookout, try not to use it if possible."

Light is easily visible to the enemy.

Vanya nodded promptly in response to my request.

"Understood. I'll pass the message on to everyone."

"Thanks. For now, we don't know if they're enemies... but they are definitely a higher class. Don't forget your daily training."

With that, I forcibly ended the conversation.

The meeting ended successfully, and I returned home with Revia.

I don't know if everything is truly fine.

But if I say I'm fine, then I'm fine.

"Sir Krest, about what you said earlier."

"Earlier? Oh, about being cautious of the lizardmen?"

"I mean the fight."

It seems I need to have a proper conversation with Revia.

"What do you want to know?"

"Please be honest. Do you think you could have won against that man in a serious fight?"

Good.

It doesn't seem like I have to talk about the dangerous situation I was in.

"To be honest, I think it would be quite difficult. At least, with my current abilities, there's nothing I can do."

I have many excellent skills, but none of them are outstanding.

I could probably fight using those skills, but it's questionable whether they would work against the hooded man.

It's more likely that his powerful attack would sweep everything away.

"Is it that serious?"

"Yeah. I'd rather not end up as enemies."

"...I see. It would be best if we don't become enemies."

"Right. But even if I can't do it now, the gacha will be updated soon."

"Speaking of which...! It's been that long already?"

Indeed.

This month has been eventful...

I thought we had just formed an alliance with Sphy and the others, and then met Vanya.

And after preparing to fight the orcs, we finally managed to repel the threat, only to face another subhuman.

"Is the lower world always filled with such conflicts?"

"...No, it hasn't been like this before. All subhumans have been living secretly to avoid being discovered by humans. We believed that if we were found by humans, it would cause trouble."

...That makes sense.