Chapter 4

"Lady Ridea! Let's retreat!"

"Be quiet!"

The master of the nest of flame-wrapped monsters, I never expected it to be this far!

Half of the extermination team has been annihilated, while the master remains energetic!

To challenge even my hands like this!

"Aaaaaah! My body, i-it's burning, help me..."

"I'm coming to save you now!"

Once engulfed by the flames, the body burns at an abnormal speed.

The arrogant firepower that melts even the equipment leaves the knights helpless.

"High-level water magic!"

I create a cold air using ice that sublimates water attributes!

The master's surroundings are filled with cold air to extinguish the flames—how could it not work?!

It was blown away along with the cold air by an explosion of flames!

"What is this! The flames should be weak to cold air!"

"That master is on a different level! Lady Ridea, make a decision!"

I refuse to acknowledge that it's on a different level. I will assess it!

Name: ? ? ?

Attack Power: 10,000~?????

Defense Power: 10,000~?????

Speed: 1,000~?????

Magic Power: 10,000~?????

Skills: ? ? ?

Well, it can withstand my magic, so it must be at least this level.

" Lady Ridea!"

"Don't tell me what to do! Do you know what will happen if you all run away?"

"Such...! If we continue like this, we will all be wiped out!"

With my talent, I could master all attributes.

An ordinary court magician can handle at most two attributes.

There is no one who can match me, who can use high-level magic of all attributes.

"High-level lightning magic!"

A straight line of lightning with multiple electric shocks, raised to the extreme!

Come, my divine lightning! Finish it!

"It... It disappeared in the flames..."

"That monster's flames are different! Let's retreat and plan a strategy!"

"Are you telling me to run?!"

"Life comes first! Make a decision!"

"Ugh~!"

I have no choice but to follow the noisy captain of the knights.

I issued a retreat order, and everyone left the monster's nest, but some were burned from behind.

When I turned around, the muscular monster wrapped in flames was looking down at us...

* * *

"Lady Ridea failed the extermination again..."

"How many times is this now..."

As I walk through the capital, the commoners whisper about us.

They, who are only protected, say whatever they want.

"At least the 'Hunters,' who are independent from the 'Holy Knights' and the Adventurers' Guild, are doing better."

"Ah, maybe I should just join the 'Demon's Church'?"

"Stop it... That's suspicious too..."

"You people!"

When I shout, the commoners run away.

With their tattered clothes and emaciated bodies, they complain to me.

Once protected, they complain about not having food.

If there's no food, can't they just drink water?

"...Lady Ridea. Regarding the losses and casualties from this extermination..."

"Be quiet. My magic and injuries take priority over such things."

"There are those who can't move! Some can never hold a sword again!"

"Then just mobilize the court magicians. After all, knights who rely on swords are not needed."

"You...!"

A knight who can't even use magic glares at me with hatred.

If I wanted to, I could make these people evaporate in an instant.

"Most of the magicians are gone. With the worsening health conditions in the country, there are more sick people. They are overwhelmed with dealing with them, and some have quit."

"Exactly, that's why the weak commoners are..."

"...If only Lady Soaris were here..."

"What did you say?"

Gripping his fist in anger, he trembles.

To say that name, does he want to die?

"Since we're at it, let me be clear. I still believe in Lady Soaris's innocence."

"What are you saying at this point? In front of me!"

"When I heard that you would take Lady Soaris's place, I believed in your success! However, with the mass appearance of monsters, the country is in decline!"

"Who is the one being carried around like a saint and celebrated?"

"You were the one who wanted this position!"

I'll erase that old knight who is close to retirement!

"Stop it, Ridea."

"Huh! Prince David!"

Prince David, the king's younger brother, appeared with a refreshing smile.

I can't show my ugly side in front of him.

"What good will it do to torment a dying old man?"

"T-That's true."

"Hehe... Unlike Soaris, I like your straightforwardness."

"Prince David... What a waste of words."

"By the way, how about tonight?"

"Of course!"

Ah, Prince David is touching my shoulder...

The former king and queen are bedridden and on their last breath.

Prince Adolph, the first prince, is on the throne, but in reality, this is the top.

After all, more than half of the powerful nobles in the country support Prince David.

"But I need to report to the king first..."

"I'll tell Adolph for you."

"That's too much for me."

"Don't worry, he believes everything I say. The king is just doing the tiring job of being the king. We need to let him work a bit more."

No matter what happens, he will comfort me.

With this joy, the failure of the extermination is a trivial matter.

"Lady Soaris... What should we do..."

I heard something from behind, but it doesn't matter.

Try your best until you die.