Chapter 48 of 100

Chapter 48

8 min read1,955 words

〈Granos' Perspective〉

"Time to switch."

I nod at Naga, who shakes me awake, and start to get ready. Naga lights a flame at his fingertips and shows me a note, confirming that if anything happens, I should stay inside the tent. When he asks if I can read it, I reply, "I can manage."

It's troublesome that it's hard to see in the dark. It's still dark outside, so I need to be on high alert... I step out of the tent.

The man waiting outside the tent looks more like a butler or a servant than an adventurer. Considering he can also act as a scout, he must be skilled at covert operations.

"Please take care, Mr. Granos."

"Is that a line to say while hiding a knife in your sleeve?"

The metal in his left sleeve glinted. It was probably a hidden weapon, and he likely showed it to me on purpose, not by chance.

Clain had been wary of this man all along. Though he didn't say it, his gaze during battles was clearly more focused on this man than on the enemies. In other words, Clain didn't consider him a comrade.

I wanted to hear more, but it would be dangerous to make us sleep-deprived and lose focus during the dungeon exploration, so I held back. If Clain really gets scared, I'll take action, but for now, it seems we're both watching each other.

Raz is said to be aligned with the prince. From what I read in the newspaper, it doesn't seem like there was a major conflict for the throne between the current king and the prince, but I couldn't get the full details. I'll need to investigate more when I get back.

At the very least, if Raz acts on his own, this man named Fol will likely report to his superiors. There seems to be some disagreement within the faction about how to handle us.

"It's for self-defense."

"Sure. I hope it doesn't come to that."

"...Yes, me too."

I sit and keep watch, alert to my surroundings. The sky is starting to lighten. It's probably about an hour before sunrise.

This is the most troublesome time of day.

Then, someone I don't know opens the door to the boss's room. Someone who defeated the boss at this hour is heading our way. Moreover, the other adventurers seem to be awake already.

"The other adventurers are on the move... I wonder what they want from us."

"...Isn't it hard to see in the dark?"

"Yeah. I can't see what's happening over there. If it were bright, I could see at this distance. ...But with 'Presence Sense,' I can tell they're not sleeping."

"I see... That's a problem."

If they head to the next floor, it's fine, but if they come here, we need to be ready to fight. The opponents are 5 + 4, plus the man in front of me.

How much can I handle alone... This is going to be a bit troublesome.

If there's a danger, the message to stay in the tent suggests Clain probably has some plan...

Running isn't my style.

"...You often say that. You're not in trouble. If they fail to kill me and I kill them, it's not a problem, right?"

"...Not hesitating to kill is unexpected."

I grin, and Fol's presence changes.

Is he trying to make me let my guard down, or does he have another purpose? It would be tough if the other adventurers get support.

"Got it... Sorry. I doubt Naga and Clain can handle it."

"Then why are you okay with it?"

"Hmm? It's a matter of priorities. I'm not a saint to care about others' lives when my own is threatened."

I stand up, take a stance, and prepare to draw my sword at any moment.

Fol doesn't seem to be attacking, so I close my eyes and sharpen my 'Presence Sense.'

...Three of them are circling behind me. The others are hiding and observing, but if they come one by one, I have a chance.

"How long have you been suspicious of me?"

"...My sister isn't good at hiding her thoughts. She's smart, but she can't keep a poker face. And she's very eager to survive."

"What do you mean?"

"She's more focused on your movements than on the monsters in front of her. In other words, she's telling me you're more dangerous... though she's not aware of it."

"...I don't intend to eliminate her. That's a problem."

"Who is your master? Not Raz, right?"

"...Raz, sir."

I cut off the arm of the man who attacked from behind without hesitation and kick him towards Fol, who also dodges and stands up.

Fol's skills... are above mine. The hidden ones are about the same level, but their numbers make it dangerous.

"I have no ill intentions. I was helped, so I'll return the favor."

"...Return the favor? What do you mean?"

"Right, showing respect and courtesy."

"...Swear loyalty?"

"That's impossible. The concept of loyalty you speak of is different from ours. We don't have the idea of knights pledging loyalty."

"...Why?"

The man whose arm I cut off and his companions are screaming. They won't die... but they might bleed out if left alone.

Still... it's a disadvantage to be outnumbered. If they attack from a distance, it would be tough, but it doesn't seem like they're targeting me alone. More are coming with weapons raised.

"First, we don't have the concept of a 'master.' There's a culture of respecting elders, but not of pledging loyalty and living for someone else. It was a different world, a different time. Loyalty was valued in the past, but in my time, we were taught not to have it. Everyone was equal, with no one in charge. The chosen representative would govern for a few years and could be removed by the people if they failed."

"...I see. So, you were taught differently from us."

"...All foreigners?"

"Maybe. From what I know, Clain and I are probably from the same time and country, so we share similar views. Naga might be from a different era, but I think we're from the same country. We haven't confirmed the specifics, though."

Is it a generational gap, or just a different time?

It doesn't matter, really. The past is the past. We've agreed to cooperate to survive. For that... I'll do what I have to, as the eldest.

"...What about the other foreigners?"

"Some seemed from different countries, but others seemed from the same. But their self-importance was so strong that I didn't bother to ask."

"...I see. Foreigners... are seen as dangerous and different in this world. Naturally, your superiors are hearing from them directly... and considering them a threat."

"Yes... I understand why the upper echelons see them as a threat. They have revolutionary ideas that could overthrow the state."

"I'll adapt to this world to survive. I'll serve the king and work for him. If you let them go, I'll do the same."

While talking to Fol, I search for their presence. Two from behind and one from the front attack, and I quickly dispatch them. I don't just incapacitate them; I kill with intent, regardless of their survival. They don't actually die, though.

They start to retaliate, shouting, "This isn't what we agreed on!"

A woman, likely a healer, approaches to heal her companions. I glance at Fol, who seems uninterested in their survival. Since he's given up on attacking me, I let her heal them.

"Some prefer to kill before they can act..."

"I don't understand. You intended to recruit them, so why the change?"

"Pamela. Adopting them would make them quasi-nobles. The nobles who oppose this are loudly advocating against it. In this world, status is highly respected. Pamela was a commoner but saved many nobles and has a title. Her child would be a quasi-noble... and if she dies, the title would pass to the child."

"The possibility of us having a higher status has them panicking... and there are issues within the faction. If we're revealed as a hidden asset, it could be a problem."

"Yes, that's a fair understanding."

Sigh. Organizations are never monolithic... and they can be troublesome.

Still, there's only so much we can do about political struggles.

"Who's in charge of dealing with them?"

"Probably a noble from the prince's faction ordered their deaths... but I haven't been told to kill or spare them. I'll consult my superiors after this."

"You're not acting on direct orders, then?"

"No. I swear... I haven't received orders. I knew about the attack from other sources."

"Got it. ...Still, you're not planning to help me?"

Raz and Leonis finally emerge from the tent.

The adventurers are keeping their distance, treating their wounded. The four I attacked won't die but will have lasting injuries. Not my problem.

The other party seems to be an acquaintance of the man. They apologize, but he mutters, "Idiots," and doesn't want to get involved. They ask for our healers' help, but the answer is no. I refuse to give them potions as well. It's only natural.

"Sorry, Granos. I was testing you. You're the hardest to read."

"Ugh, that's harsh, Leonis. You act like a brawny, emotional old man, but you're actually a cunning strategist."

"It's not an act. I'm not good at this, but Raz needed it. Are you hurt?"

"No. So, what about the camp?"

"I doubt we can stay with Fol. I'll take over."

"Then... what about this blood? I don't want to show it to Naga and the others."

"You... if you're going to do that, think before you act..."

If I had acted sweetly, it would only put us at a disadvantage later.

Besides, the commotion will probably wake Naga and the others... but they might have judged it too dangerous to come out.

"Mr. Raz. I apologize. I'll deal with these people."

"...Alright. Go ahead."

"Yes. If it takes too long, please proceed. Clain can handle traps, and Granos can deal with them once it's light. Be careful of status effects."

"Got it."

The adventurers, with their wounds somewhat treated, leave the dungeon.

They've stopped the bleeding, but their injuries can't be fully healed by magic, medicine, or potions. They take the severed arms with them.

"Mr. Granos. I apologize for the trouble."

"Ah."

The return array on the boss's floor is activated, and they leave. I don't know the details, but if they've cleared the boss, they can return to this floor.

After the adventurers leave, Clain and Naga emerge from the tent...

But...

The area is not a sea of blood, but it's a shocking sight.

Clain, taken aback, clutches his head and faints.

After that, I get scolded by Naga and the old man... but it was a necessary action given the danger. I'm not that insensitive.