Chapter 26

On the way back.

I was thinking about those humans.

If my eyes weren't deceiving me, they were definitely humans.

If they were said to be sub-humans who resemble humans, that would be the end of it... but from the magical reaction, they felt not much different from me.

Assuming they are humans, what kind of people are they?

If they are humans in the lower world, the first thing that came to mind was criminals.

The main reason people are sent to the lower world is for committing crimes.

So, if they are criminals, it makes sense.

Regardless of the reason they were sent to the lower world, it's not like the sub-humans who were also sent there would necessarily be hostile to them.

Even if they have some reservations, it's quite possible that they would join hands to survive in the lower world.

However, criminals... even if they are the same species, the fact that they are criminals is somewhat frightening.

Criminals are generally dangerous people.

If they form a gang and even involve sub-humans in their lives...

What could be their purpose?

"Can be done up there too."

That human definitely said that.

So, it's unlikely that they plan to live a peaceful life in the lower world.

Originally, sub-humans fight each other in the lower world, subjugate other races, and increase their forces.

Increasing their forces.

Being able to do it up there too.

From these two points, the prediction that comes to mind is... revenge.

The only thing that comes to mind for sub-humans and humans to live together is revenge against the upper world.

If revenge is the reason, it's not impossible to think that sub-humans who were unjustly sent to the lower world and humans would join forces.

And then, the name Reinhart.

From the way he was addressed with a title, he is undoubtedly the leader of that base.

Could the hooded man who attacked me yesterday be Reinhart?

I hope so.

I don't want to think that Reinhart is the second or third in command.

The idea that there are more people as strong as him is something I'd rather avoid.

In any case, I recalled Reinhart and bit my lip tightly.

The magic I felt at that time.

It was different from anything I had ever felt before.

Reinhart is probably not a human.

If he is a sub-human, I don't think that's the case either.

Then, what is he...?

If Reinhart is the one who commands that base... what is his purpose?

I don't know. It's frustrating that all I can do is make guesses.

As I walked, a goblin guard at the entrance greeted me energetically.

"Ah, Mr. Crest! Welcome back!"

"Ah, thanks."

It seemed I had walked quite a distance.

I was already near the village.

The gate was quickly opened, and I entered the village.

People passing by called out to me, and I smiled and continued walking.

After a while, Elise approached from the opposite direction.

"Crest. You've returned safely."

"Yeah, more or less."

"Did you get any information?"

"Ah, right."

I thought for a moment.

At the night meeting, I gather the leaders of various races, but Elise is not included.

I haven't fully trusted her yet.

Should I let her join?

While I was hesitating over my response, Elise looked worried.

"What's wrong? Oh! Could you be injured? I can heal you if you are."

I shook my head hastily at the concerned Elise.

As Elise closed the distance, I maintained a certain distance and remained on guard, and she gave a sad smile.

"It's fine. Elise. We usually discuss everything in detail at the night meeting. Would you like to join?"

"Really?"

"Yeah. I want to consult with you about this matter."

"Really!?"

Elise's excited voice surprised me.

"What's wrong?"

"Because, you're relying on me. I'll do my best!"

Elise's innocent smile left me bewildered.

...She's completely different from the Elise I knew before.

If someone said she had hit her head and gone crazy, I would believe it.

I can't let my guard down, but it should be fine to trust her partially.

"Alright, I'll head back to my room for now... see you later."

"Okay. I understand."

I said goodbye to Elise with a smile and headed home.

I've heard from everyone that Elise hasn't said anything bad... in fact, she treats sub-humans without discrimination and has a good reputation.

Maybe I can rely on Elise's abilities a bit more.

While thinking about this, I proceeded with the preparations for the night meeting.

This is a new series. ↓ Please read from the link below!

I was helping with my sister's dungeon streaming, and I accidentally went on a rampage against an S-rank monster, causing a huge buzz.

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9783ig/

The dark knight who time-looped uses future knowledge to go on a rampage ~From being exiled as an unfortunate class, I rise from the bottom~

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9795ig/