I came down to the first-floor living room.
On the sofa, Primienne had taken over the living room and was speaking through a crystal orb.
—Do well. This is a chance for you to catch His Majesty’s eye, too.
It seemed she was talking with the chief of the Public Security Bureau. I leaned against the wall and watched.
“Yes.”
—He’s an honored guest, so don’t you dare treat him carelessly.
“Yes.”
Primienne listened to him with a sullen face.
—Your answers are awfully perfunctory, aren’t they?
“Yes. No.”
—What? Is it yes or no? Pick one.
“Yes.”
—……Ahh. What am I supposed to do with you? Are you under-socialized or something? If you want to become chief, work hard on your social skills, too. You might have clawed your way up to deputy chief somehow, but society isn’t so—
“Yes.”
—Don’t just keep saying yes, yes. Do all the homework I gave you. Go learn some baduk since it’s hot these days. Stop with the stocks. Put your money in the bank. You only ever lose money anyway. You haven’t saved a thing, have you? You’re broke, right? The rumors about you blowing your money are all over the Public Security Bureau.
“…….”
More nagging continued after that. Primienne merely repeated yes and no with her puffed-up face.
—I’m hanging up. Seriously, do well! If you throw another fit this time, you can say goodbye to the chief’s seat forever. If you don’t want to be pushed out by your juniors, then do it properly. Got it?
“Yes.”
—Don’t you “yes” me. Hey! Is “yes” the only answer you know? Back in my day, answering in curt little words like you do was unthinkable. What crazy bastard talks to a chief like that……
“Ah, my mistake.”
Primienne cut off the communication as if by accident. Then she glared at the orb and muttered.
“Bald octopus head, calling someone else a head. I’ll slice him up and eat him raw.”
“You have quite the foul mouth.”
Primienne looked up at me. She worked her lips for a moment before offering a brief excuse.
“My appearance is refined, so you may not have known, but I am from the North.”
“Not everyone from the North has a sharp tongue. Nor would they enjoy backbiting.”
“……You would understand if you tried being a civil servant, Professor.”
It was then.
Bang, bang, bang, bang—!
A rather loud knock rang out. It was too rude a noise to be called a knock.
—Professor! There is a report that a Great Tiger has appeared!
“…….”
Hearing that, I could understand it to some extent.
I looked at Primienne. Primienne looked at me as well.
We nodded to each other.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
* * *
The basic principle of flight—scatter.
The eight team members split into six directions in an instant and fled. Gwen carried Drent on her back, Julie took charge of Epherene, and Syrio lured the Great Tiger away.
It was a movement as natural as habit. In an emergency, protecting mages was a knight’s duty.
“…….”
As a result, Julie arrived at a certain demonic forest. It was not that she had intended to come here; she had simply ended up here while running.
She looked at Epherene in her arms.
“Miss Epherene. Are you all right?”
Epherene’s entire face was twisted in pain. Her complexion was pale. Cold sweat beaded on her like raindrops.
Julie’s face hardened.
“No…… not really.”
Only then did the knight check the mage’s condition. She needed only lower her gaze a little.
Epherene’s pubic bone. The area around it had been torn away. The skin and muscles were completely gone, and her organs were exposed.
She had been caught in the mana the Great Tiger had emitted.
“I apologize. This was my negligence.”
Julie lowered her head and reached out. First, she spread a thin membrane of mana to control the severe bleeding.
Epherene gave a bitter smile.
“No need…… to apologize. It’s not your fault, Knight……. The tiger is just too…… strong.”
“Stop talking now.”
Julie calmly examined Epherene’s wound.
Even with the naked eye, she could roughly discern the situation.
Her organs were fully visible. Part of them had been torn, and blood and fluid were pouring out.
“Will Knight Syrio…… be okay?”
“Yes. Syrio is the fastest among us, so do not worry. For now, Miss Epherene, you must worry about yourself first!”
“That’s a relief…… haa, haa…….”
Epherene breathed roughly. Still, the smile on her face remained.
“Ah…… I should’ve learned some healing magic.”
“Healing magic is extinct, Miss Epherene.”
“Right…… that’s true……. But it’s okay. I won’t die here…….”
Epherene’s mind was unstable. Her blood pressure and pulse were gradually falling as well, and her body temperature was cold.
Julie made the diagnosis inwardly as she rummaged through her pockets, but because they had fled in haste, she had not brought any emergency supplies.
“First, we have to get out of this forest.”
The Forest of Annihilation had a high concentration of demonic energy, making it the worst place for a patient.
She closed her eyes for a moment. She intended to spread her senses through the surrounding radius and locate the Great Tiger.
……There was no need.
Grrrrrrrr───!
Just then, the beast roared. Syrio’s provocation followed.
—You’re really slow! What kind of cat is that slow?!
───!
That tiger still seemed preoccupied with Syrio, but the barrier was far too distant.
Therefore, leaving this forest was dangerous in another sense. If they appeared in an open area, it would immediately change targets after following the smell of Epherene’s blood.
“Ah!”
……A sudden thought occurred to her.
“The waystation.”
Julie quickly took out the map. Fortunately, there was a waystation installed by another team nearby. There should be medical supplies arranged inside.
“Miss Epherene, please endure just a little longer.”
“I told you I’m fine…… ehehe. Ah, it tickles.”
“…….”
She gritted her teeth.
Epherene’s condition was severe. Mistaking one’s senses was the most dangerous symptom.
“We’re going. Map, please provide the safest route possible.”
Julie spoke to the map. Then the map displayed not only the route, but even the Great Tiger’s current location.
“Thank you.”
Julie bowed her head and moved.
Quietly, holding her breath, she followed the map’s guidance exactly. She ran, pushing through the thickets of demonic energy.
“……We’ve arrived. Miss Epherene?”
At last, they reached the waystation hidden well in a concave spot along the mountainside. However, Epherene had already fainted and lost consciousness.
“Oh no…….”
Julie quickly opened the door to the waystation.
“…….”
The first thing she saw was a mirror. A full-length mirror stood against the wall of the waystation.
Julie gazed into that mirror somewhat blankly.
There was someone inside.
“……?”
The professor, Deculein, was staring at her from the other side.
Julie instinctively turned around. But Deculein was not there.
She looked back at the mirror. Deculein was still there.
“How is this……”
—Tsk. I found you.
He clicked his tongue and took a step forward.
From inside the mirror to outside the mirror.
Julie was confused as to what kind of sorcery this magic was. However, she had no time to be flustered.
“……We need medicine.”
Deculein lifted Epherene with 「Psychokinesis」. He set her before his eyes and looked at her wound.
“I will take this one with me.”
He applied 「Duct Tape」 to Epherene’s injury.
A versatile trait that could be used in every aspect, including healing, support, offense, and defense. The tape blocked the damage to her organs and completely stopped the bleeding.
“You gather the other knights. There is no need to come on foot. Tell them to find my mirror. I will transport them. The wounded first.”
Julie nodded silently.
Then Deculein, holding Epherene in his arms, stepped back into the mirror.
“…….”
Julie was curious about the principle behind that mirror.
However, in this urgent situation, rescue took priority over curiosity.
“This is Julie. Professor Deculein is participating in the rescue. Find the mirrors installed in the waystations……”
She transmitted the information through the crystal orb as she ran.
* * *
……Epherene opened her eyes.
For some reason, she felt hazy.
She stared blankly up at the ceiling. The light was spinning round and round on its own.
“……?”
What happened? Did I just have a dream?
Is the tiger gone?
“…….”
Blink, blink. Blink, blink.
As she repeatedly closed and opened her eyes, she heard the sound of pages turning from somewhere.
Rustle— rustle—
It was quiet and peaceful. It strangely calmed her, as if it were white noise or something.
Epherene turned toward it and flinched in surprise.
“Aaah!”
The most immediate cause was the pain near her pubic bone, but—
“……You’re awake.”
Deculein watching over her was also bewildering.
No, to be precise, he was not watching over her. He was merely reading a book as if he had no interest at all.
“Lie still. The healing is still in progress.”
“Ah…… um. Yes. Ahem.”
Epherene looked at Deculein from where she lay.
Facing Deculein while lying down. For some reason, it felt luxurious.
“Professor. The Great Tiger…… wasn’t a dream, was it?”
“It was not.”
“Gasp. What happened to the knights?”
Rustle— rustle—
Deculein spoke while still turning the pages.
“Nine died, and eleven were critically injured. Knight Deia transported the wounded on her own.”
“…….”
Epherene opened her mouth blankly.
Nine dead. It was too heavy a fact to accept as mere numbers.
Rustle— rustle—
Deculein, who had been reading, asked.
“How is your body?”
“……Pardon? Ah……. I’m, well…….”
Heavens. Good heavens. Deculein is asking how I am. Is this a dream?
But if nine people died, then I really hope it’s a dream……
“Is it not all right?”
“Huh? Ah, no. I’m fine. It hurts a little, though.”
Epherene said, scratching her temple.
“I won’t die anyway. I met my future self……”
Thud—
At that moment, Deculein closed his book. Then he glared at her with those uniquely frightening eyes.
“You do not know that.”
“……Eh, yes. That’s true, but.”
“You will die if you are so certain.”
“……Yes. I’m sorry.”
Epherene apologized and lowered her head.
──Rustle.
At that moment, a presence was heard. Both Deculein and Epherene turned in that direction.
One of the hospital room windows was open.
“Hm?”
Cold wind pushed in through the window frame. On it lay a single note.
Epherene tilted her head, and Deculein brought it over with psychokinesis and took it in his hand.
“What is it, Professor?”
“…….”
Deculein read the contents without answering. His expression was rather serious.
“What is it?”
“…….”
“What is it?”
At the third question, Deculein raised his gaze. He spoke as if chewing the words to Epherene, who flinched.
“Shut your mouth.”
“……Yes.”
Epherene tightly closed her mouth, and fwoosh—!
Deculein burned the paper. The small note turned into a handful of ash.
“Rest.”
Deculein said, rising abruptly. He dusted off his glove with 「Cleanse」.
“Huh? Ah, yes.”
It seemed to be serious, so Epherene did not ask further.
“Oh, right! Thank you, Professor!”
However, she did convey her gratitude.
“…….”
“For saving me.”
He stopped short and looked back at her. For some reason, his gaze looked as if he might kill her. Epherene smiled bitterly and said,
“I remember everything. You treated me, Professor—”
“There is no need to be grateful.”
Bang─!
Deculein left just like that and immediately shut the door.
“……Really. Is he embarrassed?”
Epherene pouted as she looked at that door.
* * *
Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was in full swing at the prison.
The atmosphere was not particularly positive. Rather, everyone’s complexion was dark, and the heavy air pressed down upon the narrow round table.
It was because an enormous beast called the “Great Tiger” had appeared.
“If, if it is a Great Tiger of this size, then perhaps we should abandon Reccordak after all……”
The beast had killed nine knights in a single blow and crippled eleven. If this were a war, it would be a military achievement close to that of a grand general.
“……That would be the best method.”
Those were the warden’s words. Since he was not a knight, he had already turned deathly pale. His was the very image of a face tormented by tigers and plague.
“A-abandon Reccordak. At the second defensive line—”
“I object.”
“That cannot be allowed.”
Gwen and Julie objected. Deculein glanced at the two of them.
“Why can it not be allowed?”
However, the knights from the Imperial Palace refuted their objection. They were clearly on the side of approval.
“It is a Great Tiger, a Great Tiger. Among them, an Evil Tiger. Right now, it is looking down at us from that mountain, and unless Sir Zeit comes, defending Reccordak will be difficult.”
“We can flee while the prisoners buy time. Is that not so, Professor? The Great Tiger is a variable no one could have anticipated, so His Majesty will naturally accept it.”
Knight Delic asked Deculein.
At that, the room fell silent for a moment. Ihelm, Julie, and everyone else in the conference room looked at Deculein.
He answered curtly.
“A reasonable plan. If there is no one willing to step forward.”
“Indeed! Professor, you are truly remarkably wise—”
“No!”
As expected, Julie stepped forward. Deculein shook his head as if he had known she would.
Seeing Deculein’s reaction, the Imperial Palace knights let out snickers. It was ridicule directed at Julie.
“We cannot allow the evil tiger to cross this barrier. If it enters our mountains, no knight will be able to stop it, and every resident of the mountain villages will die. Truly, every last one. Not a single person will be able to flee or survive.”
“……”
Deculein watched Julie in silence. His gaze was cold enough to freeze.
“Syrio. You faced the great tiger, did you not?”
He turned his eyes to Syrio. Syrio shrugged and said,
“Mm. I didn’t exactly face it. I got crushed. It’s strong. Wow~ I never thought a beast would be faster than me. I barely managed to run away, you know?”
“You see? This is no time to be thinking about mere mountain villages.”
The Imperial Palace knights glared at Julie. Julie clenched her teeth, and Deculein tapped the table with his finger.
Tap— tap—
Tap— tap—
A sound ringing out with the regularity of a metronome.
The knights who had been glaring at one another withdrew their gazes, and a breathless silence fell over everyone.
At last, Deculein drew in a small breath and said,
“That great tiger will attempt to cross the barrier. It is filled with a desire to prove itself and has an intense fighting spirit, so it will likely attack the barrier several times a day. As Knight Deia says, if such a creature enters the civilian mountains, there will be no way to pursue it. Thus, I ask. Is there anyone who will go beyond the barrier to hunt the great tiger?”
He looked around.
There was no one.
Syrio was already injured, Gwen and Raphel wore somewhat uncertain expressions, and the Imperial Palace knights looked away entirely.
But one person.
When Julie raised her hand.
“……I will—”
“Good.”
Deculein nodded. At that moment, the people in the conference room had a rough idea of what he was about to say.
He would abandon Reccordak.
And then, surveying each of the knights with a lowered gaze, he declared,
“Since there appears to be no one, I shall do it.”
“……”
“……”
Silence settled like a curtain.
Julie froze with her hand still raised, and the officers, including Raphel, Gwen, and Ihelm, all wore blank expressions.
There was even a knight who dug at his ear for a moment, wondering what he had just heard.
Yet, amid all that astonishment, Deculein spoke calmly.
“Why are you all so surprised? Was it not you who said I was a mage capable of facing even Rohakan…….”
* * *
……The prison infirmary.
Epherene, who had been drifting off in a daze from the painkillers, suddenly came to her senses at the sound she heard. It was the creaaak— of a door opening.
“……Hweh?”
“Miss Epherene! Are you all right?! I heard you were injured!”
It was Allen. After confirming it was him, Epherene grinned.
“Ah, yes…… I’m fiiine……. Heeheehee……”
“You don’t seem…… fine?”
She wagged her head back and forth at the flustered Allen.
“No. Fine. But what. Ahihihihihi.”
“……”
Epherene, giggling weakly, seemed somehow like a ghost. It was needlessly chilling.
Allen, who had been quietly backing away, suddenly noticed the remnants being crushed under his foot with a rustle.
“……What’s this?”
“Huh? Ah……”
It was the note Deculein had just burned. Epherene said as much.
“It’s the note Professor Deculein just burned. I don’t know whose it was……. Heeheehee.”
Epherene laughed again for no particular reason other than that she felt ticklish, and Allen also gave a faint smile as he gathered the remnants.
“After he read that note, his expression suddenly stiffened…… Hehehe.”
“Ah. Is that so~ I wonder why his expression stiffened.”
“I know, right……. Khehe.
Allen pretended to throw the remnants into the trash can, but instead gathered them in both hands. Then, he manifested the spell 「Restoration」.
Crackle─ crackle─ crackle─
The ashes gathered in his hands began to burn again, and slowly returned to their former shape. The blackened ash regenerated into pure white paper.
“Heehih. Heheheheh. Kihihih.”
Allen injected mana while keeping an eye on the giggling Epherene, and at the moment the note Deculein had read was restored to its original form—
“……”
His expression hardened rigidly.