277 - - a nostalgic encounter

"It's been a long time, Mr. Thor.

The woman bowed with her bluish hair falling in graceful waves and a bashful smile on her face.

Her body, even smaller than Sola's, was wrapped in the blue folds of a temple priest's uniform.

She held a long staff with a disproportionately large rain crystal stone on the end.

It is a very obvious water wizard's attire.　

The person who approached Thor and the others was a familiar face.

A large woman, in contrast, appears from behind him.

"How are you, old man?　And Ram-chan, why did you say that twice?"

"Well, that's, that's, that's, that's just for emphasis."

"You're looking as good as ever too, Ram, Kugasse."

Rummella and Kugasse look at each other happily in response to Thor's answer.

Just as they were about to open their mouths in unison, a loud voice came from behind them.

"Well, well, well... isn't it Thor-dono? It has been a long time. I see you have a new suit of armor. It suits you very well. Oh, I see that Sola and Yuril are doing well. ....... No, you look a little pale, Miss Thora.

"Hello, Mr. Barconia. I've been a little bit sick. But I'm fine now.

Oh, I'm glad to hear that. This is a somewhat miasma-inducing place. I'm having trouble keeping from breaking out in a cold sweat.

The man who spoke to me in a bouncy voice was also a familiar face to Thor.

With an exaggerated smile on his face, Barconia looked down and spoke to him.

"Oh, Mr. Mu. You are still as small and lovely as ever. And those rings look wonderful on you.

"Moo fits everything. Hey, old man, your hair is growing back.

"How do you like it?　I was told I lacked a bit of dignity, so I grew it out."

With a nonplussed expression, Barconia strokes his neatly trimmed mustache.

The impression is that his featureless face has become a little more memorable.

The child, who has been staring up at the laconic man's face for a long time, now turns around and stares at Thor's nose.

Then he suddenly giggles and hugs Thor's thigh, burying his face in it.

"You don't look like me, Tor-chan..."

"Really?"

"That means it looks good on me. I am very flattered by your compliments.

Exhaling ruefully, Thor turned to look behind him at the amused Barconia and the disgruntled Rummeleras.

Two figures remained seated in their chairs.

Razzel, who was polishing his double-handed greatsword, remained silent and gave a small chin tilt.

Licori, a woman of the Soukei tribe who was tuning a stringed instrument next to him, glanced at me with a sardonic look.

These five were the current members of the "Platinum Flame.

"Are we going on a search now?

No, we have been waiting for you, Thor.

"I see. Tell me why..."

"Ah, there's a traitor in the house!"

As if interrupting their conversation, Kugase suddenly shouts out loud.

The twins of the Shigeki tribe, who are turning away from him, are in the corner of his eye.

Kikiriri, who has been called by his former colleague in a disturbing manner, clicks his tongue in annoyance before replying.

"That's not a very nice thing to say. I just gave up on you guys."

"Mwah!　You're too honest, and it makes me even more angry."

"Don't fight, Kugasse. Lili has a point.

The "Platinum Flame" used to be the only party that made its name as a vigorous party, but now it seems that they are not so proud of their current status.

They lost Stratchia and Ninessa, who were the key members of the attack, and Chita, who is a very useful wind user, has also left the team.

On top of that, the twins, who were excellent rangers, have also left, and it is no exaggeration to say that they have lost all their mainstay players.

"Sounds like a tough time."

Yes, thanks to you, I am completely out of control now.

The two newcomers also seem to be having a tough time at this level, as they are also users of flame-based techniques.

Therefore, Ram Merulla, who has taken over as leader, has decided to ask for help from others in order to reverse the situation.　

"Co-operation?"

Yes, I am ashamed to admit that I am not strong enough, but I can't just sit on my hands. I would honestly like to ask for your help here, Mr. Toll.

"I'd like to check with the old man first. What is your relationship with the other three?

Of course they're close. You know, Thor.

I don't trust my sister Lili, she's so quick to lie.

"Yeah, not too close, but close enough."

When Thor brushes off Kikiriri's hand, which had been placed on his shoulder in a familiar manner, Rummella's expression is one of blatant relief.

"I couldn't get the blue skeleton to come to this level. So I'm asking for your help."

"Oh, well, in that case, would you like to use our key?"

"That's fine. I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from making any unnecessary gestures."

I appreciate the sentiment, but it's a prior arrangement. I'm sorry."

"And unlike you, we have no trouble dealing with fire heads. There's no reason for us to join forces with you.

"Peek!　You're the one who's supposed to be taking me down anyway!"

"What about it?　It's great to have it easy."

Rummella calmly replies to Kikiriri's triumphant words.

But that's only up to the fire. I'm talking about the three heads, Lili.

For Thor and the others who had just left, it was a word they could not deny.

Kikiriri, who had been crossing his arms beneath his chest as if to show his appreciation, twisted his lips slightly in frustration.

"I can't say for sure what we're going to do yet, but let me ask you a few questions.

Thor's words led to a hastily arranged tea party.

While enjoying a cup of warm, light tea, the members of the group sit down in chairs to discuss how to deal with the demon with the unearthly laugh.

Moo, who had brought Nenemimi to help him, was rolling around on the hanging bedclothes by himself.

"I see... a decoy..."

"Yes, if one of us keeps them on their toes, we can get through that cavity safely in the meantime."

There are several side roads, so if we take a short detour to get there, we will be able to proceed onward without being noticed by the three heads.

The party that took the bait would not be in much danger if they could escape into the narrow passage.

"That head is a nuisance. We can't take them seriously.

"I've heard that. I'm really surprised that they can eat anything. Thanks to you, I am completely out of the picture.

The front of the three heads, the face of the Glutton, has the property of devouring all things.

Naturally, heat and electric shocks from magic are no exception.

And the face of anger.

This one is said to blow out its inhalation into a wide area as a burning breath.

And the face of laughter.

The loud laughter emitted by this one is said to be dangerous, causing people to lose their concentration and become distracted if they listen to it too closely.

"And they keep changing their faces. It's a real pain in the ass.

As Kugase said, the huge body seems to be surprisingly maneuverable.

They are said to be able to turn around frequently using the tentacles under their necks, and to be able to play both offense and defense with great dexterity.

When Stratchia was the leader, he tried to defeat it several times, but it took too much time and in the end, he was never able to defeat it.

"That's why decoys are the easiest way."

"Well, that's fair enough. But, of course, you're going to take care of the decoys for us.

"What the hell are you talking about? Of course we take turns!

"What are you going to do?　Thor."

"What are you going to do?　Pops."

When the two men pressed Thor, he scratched his chin and thought for a moment, and then simply stated his conclusion.

"No, it would be faster if we just beat him.