144 Episode 144 "I tried to put in a tsukkomi after a terrifying greeting in order to ward off trespassers.".txt

"Sent by: Nagi

Recipient: Iris.

Body: A demon in town?　Why?

"Sent by Iris.

Recipient: Oni-cha.

Text: I don't know. This has never happened before. Anyway, you brothers should hide in the mansion. It's the job of the Ilgafa regular soldiers to protect the town!''

That's how the message from Iris concluded.

I immediately passed on the information from Iris to the others.

The monster that invaded the town was the Stone Gargoyle.

It's a lower class of the steel gargoyle I've fought before, a stone statue with wings. Ten of them have been seen in the past.

They have the ability to fly, so Iris guessed that they climbed over the walls and entered the town.

But gargoyles are magical creatures that have magical crystals in their bodies and can move only when necessary. It can't occur naturally. So that means someone is moving them.

...... I was thinking about this when I received another message.

"Sent by Iris.

Recipient: my brother.

Main Content: I heard that the stone gargoyles can be taken care of by regular soldiers. If it's a group fight, you can win. Please hide, big brother. Please don't be reckless when Iris isn't around. I'm sure of it!''

............ You worry too much, Iris.

I'm not supposed to do anything rash.

Yeah. I'm not reckless. Unless the odds are stacked against me and I have to do it.

Well.

I closed the window of 'Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage), Revised' and turned to Cecil, Rita, and Cutlass.

'Aine and Leticia haven't come back yet, have they?

I said, and Cecil nodded.

'Not yet. I'm still going to the market to buy food: ......

'If you see someone being attacked by a gargoyle, Lady Letitia, you won't shut up. ......

I've only spoken to him for a few minutes, but he seems to have a strong sense of justice: ......

Rita and Cutlass also look worried.

Letitia is a righteous aristocrat, you know. I have a lot of respect for that trait.

So...

So, will Rita join me in finding Letitia and the others?

Yes, sir. You'll take him home when you find him?

Nope.

I shook my head.

'With Letitia, I'm sure she's either fighting gargoyles or letting people get away with it anyway. We're here to help with that. However, to make things quicker, Cecil, get your 'wand' ready. I'll send you a message and an attached picture when we encounter the enemy.

...... attached image. Yes, I understand!

Cecil nodded with a serious face.

As expected of Cecil, I think he understood what I wanted to do.

'Cutlass, I want you to guard Cecil. And also observe the surroundings.

All right, sir. Where do you want us to be, sir?

Where you can get a clear shot.

I said.

It's almost nightfall. I'm going to have to use some discreet magic to get some backup from a safe distance.

"Sender: Nagi.

Recipient: Iris.

Text: As your master, please. I think you've got information on where the regulars are headed. Tell me that. Once you know where the gargoyles are, that too.'

"Sent by Iris.

Recipient: Nagi

Main Body: My brother is...!　I told you to stay out of trouble...?

I was pissed.

That said, the part where they send me a map of the town and the location of the gargoyles' appearance with an attached image is Iris. But 'Later, it's a spanking! The message says.

...... Is that going to get me spanked?　Or do you want me to spank you?

And just so you know, take it easy.

After explaining the plan, I said to them.

'The only objective is to rescue Letitia and Aine. All right?　

Yes. Mr. Nagi.

It's a force majeure that has to be dealt with.

We only have to get rid of the sparks!

We all high-five each other with a bang, and the mission begins.

Our top priority is our friends and family, but this is our home town.

The next time we meet Kerkator, we'll protect them from getting angry.

Leticia's point of view

Leticia's weapon of choice is a 'shortsword'?

Aine said while taking out a spare 'Shortsword (for Nagi)' from the leather bag she carried at her waist.

It's an ability of the Soul Contract (Engage) skill 'Sis's Treasure Chest'.

Aine's leather bag is connected to a mysterious space that contains her beloved Hagane's Mop, Nagi's spare weapon, cooking utensils, and a piece of maternity clothes she sewed up in a small piece of cloth. There's no need to panic even if a battle breaks out in the city. She's a big sister.

It's totally a good thing that you're prepared. In so many ways.

'Aine is my big sister. She's always looking for ways to help everyone.

It's mainly about Nagi, right?

Letitia looked at Aine's face and smiled.

Aine didn't respond to that. She just smiled gently and held up her 'Hagane's Mop'.

This is the downtown area near the port.

When the two of them came to buy cheap seafood, they came across people running away. They heard a voice saying, "A demon is out," so Leticia and Aine immediately moved to the edge of the street. They made way for the fleeing people and looked for the demon.

''There he is .......''

On the roof of a small house - an eerie shadow was seen.

It's a stone statue with wings and claws, a "stone gargoyle".

Its size is about the size of a small adult. It has twisted horns and a long tail.

It is a low grade monster, but it is a threat enough for those who don't have weapons.

The town gates have been breached: ......

The blessing of 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' is only available to the sea ...... and not to land demons.

''Why are all these crazy things about the eldest son of the Lords family and all this crazy stuff: ......

The people of the town were screaming and running away.

'Calm down!　Help is on the way!　You guys go to the lord's house and give the soldiers protection ...... hey, don't do it!

The guards who were present shouted, but the people did not listen.

They cling to the guards as if they were calling for help.

'You need to calm down!　People blessed by the 'Sea Dragon'!

Standing in front of everyone, Letitia shouted.

''Don't panic, run towards the lord's house!　There are many soldiers over there. He will protect you all!

Leticia's dignified voice and mannerisms that followed the formal etiquette of a nobleman were enough to get people moving.

The people who were on the verge of panic began to run in unison towards the lord's house.

''...... As expected of Letitia. I'm sure the viscount's dignity is not justified.

This is the kind of thing that Nagi would say, 'I want Leticia to be king,' Aine thinks.

But Aine is also aware that her best friend's hand is trembling faintly.

Letitia is calming down because Aine said, 'Nah-kun is coming. With Nagi's cheat skills, the 'stone gargoyles' are not the enemy.

The problem is that there are so many of them and the enemies are flying around.

But I'm sure Naa-kun can handle it.

''...... Aine. Nagi-san is really coming, isn't she?

...... Yeah. Because Aine is here.

If all you want to do is help Aine and Letitia, you can use 'Slave Summoning (Sammoning Slave)'. It's a skill that summons a slave to Nagi without question. If used, Aine would return to Nagi in a flash, and once she was left alone, Letitia couldn't help but run away too.

But that didn't happen.

That would mean that Nagi would come to her rescue, Aine thinks.

'Really, you trust your master, don't you? 'Aine,'

Because, you know, it's me.

You're an enviable trust. ...... Enemies, here they come.

"GYAAAAA!

The 'stone gargoyle' howled to intimidate Aine, Leticia and the guards.

Pi────!　Beep!

At the same time, a guard blows a wooden whistle.

''This is how our people will come. If we all get there, you and others!

'Moo!　What are you going to do to stimulate him?

whistling sound

The 'stone gargoyle' that was facing towards Leticia and the others waved its arms towards the guards.

He punched the soldier who reflexively held up his shield, and then punched him away.

The shield cracks, and the guard rolls and crashes into the building, unable to move.

'While Aine and the others are stalling for time, ...... I wish the guards had gone to call their friends ......

This is not good. This.

The sound of feathers could be heard.

The sound of the whistle could certainly have reached the guards nearby.

But the gargoyles were moving faster. There were three feather sounds that Aine and the others heard. Together with the ones that were here, six gargoyles had descended to surround Aine and the others.

'...... Aine has a 'magic stick technique'. That one turns the mop into a magical weapon, so it should be effective against the gargoyles.

You can't fight at ...... but you can't fight when you're surrounded. You'll end up getting attacked from behind.

...... What skills did you get from Naku?

...... Oh, that's the one.

Letitia touched the center of her chest.

The two cheat skills she had made earlier were both installed. Other than the fallen guards, they aren't popular around, and this skill is not noticeable even if you use it.

It's frustrating to use it out of the blue after receiving it, as if I've lost to my 'best friend' (Nagi-san), but it can't be helped in this state. ''I'll show you the power of the 'character with strong special skills' as Nagi-san calls it──Leticia murmurs in her mind and clutches her short sword.

''I'll use my skills before I'm surrounded. Aine, in the meantime, attack.

You got it.

Why do you look so happy?

Because Letitia is in love with you, right?

My 'likes' are not the same as Aine and her friends!

As she said it, Leticia kicked the ground.

She jumps out of the way to weave through the gargoyles that have yet to land. The gargoyles who noticed her movement move to block her retreat. When everyone's attention was focused on Leticia──.

I will not die until Aine and her children are named. Activate!　'Compulsory civility (Manners Geas), LV 1!'

Letitia throws down her longsword and stops.

Then she straightens her back and bows.

''Hello!　Letitia-Milfe here!

"Gaga-Gaga!　Gargoyigdeguy!"?

Snap.

The 'gargoyles' stop moving when they see Leticia's bow.

All at once they descended to the ground and lined up side by side.

Then they bowed their heads in a 'this is polite' sort of way.

''Forced Civility (Manner Gears) LV1'' (R(Rare))

The skill to 'regulate' the 'enemy's movements' with 'courtesy'

This skill forces the opponent to be polite by us being polite.

If you activate this skill and then bow, your opponent will have to line up and return the bow.

This is a cheat skill combined with "Homaku LV1" (a "rope" that restrains the enemy's movement) that Cecil and the others had bought earlier.

Nagi had said that it was 'useful when dealing with a group of enemies', but Leticia hadn't thought it would be as effective as this.

'Regardless, Aine!　It's now: ────!

Activate.　"Magic Stick Art Lv 1!

Thud!

Aine thrusts the hilt of the Hagane Mop into the flanks of the gargoyles lined up side by side.

The magic stick technique turns the mop and the Hinoki no Bou into a magical weapon. It also deals penetrating damage. What's more, it can shoot magic power directly into the enemy's body.

''GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAA────?

With a thud, the six gargoyles fell right to the side.

The bodies of the 'gargoyles' lined up in a row beside each other were tightly attached to each other.

Aine's magic power had shot the entire six bodies from their sides.

'After not seeing you for a while, you've become even more insane, Aine!

Even Laetitia can't talk about people.

My skill is not a 'special move' but a 'special technique'. You are no match for insanity.

Leticia and Aine, who naturally braced themselves with their backs to each other, smiled wryly.

Of the fallen gargoyles, two of them had their arms shattered. The other four also had cracks in their torso, but they seemed to be fine for action. They bared their fangs and barked at Aine and the others, as if they saw them as complete enemies.

Leticia wiped the sweat from her forehead.

The trump card had been used. Aine had shot most of her magic power into the air with the current blow.

Leticia's 'Forced Civility' could only stop the opponent's movements for a few seconds and each time she used it, she would expend her magic power. You can also ask Aine to take out a pot lid and attack with 'Rotating Shield Shoot (Shield Scramble)', but that can only deal with one body.

'But I don't feel cornered at all.

I've bought myself enough time.

The town's people have been let go and it's time to retreat, but the two of them don't feel the need to do so at all. Because they have a companion in their party who is good at sensing signs and moving fast.

''GUAAAAAAA!!!''

A single "gargoyle" has jumped up.

Aiming at Aine and Laetitia, it tried to swoop down - but...

Stay away from my people!

I don't mind!

A kick from a blonde girl (Rita) flying from the roof snaps the gargoyle's wings.

The gargoyle falls straight to the ground and stops moving.

''I'll take ...... five strikes. Activate!　"Delayed combat...

The black blade, which had become huge, blew away the "stone gargoyle" that had stopped moving.

The one who wielded the sword...

Mr. Nagi! Nay-kun!

It's all right now.

A strange sense of relief surged through Leticia and Aine's chests.

Gazing at the figure of their best friend and master, they both let out a relieved breath.

─ ─ Nagi's point of view...

There are only five gargoyles left.

I looked at the 'stone gargoyle' while swinging my magic sword Reggie blankly.

They're taking a dense form, as if they're using us as a warning. But the theory behind this is to destroy each and every one of them.

"Then Rita, stay on schedule.

Roger that. Tee-hee!

Rita threw a glowing object at the enemy.

She thought it was an attack. The 'gargoyle' knocked it to the ground. But there was no point. Rita threw a mere wooden stick with a magical "light" attached to the tip. The stick is broken, but the light stays on and shines underneath the gargoyle's feet.

Okay, the first step is clear.

Next, let's open up the map and...

I put it in my sight and crunched it.

'GYAGYA, GYA!

"Brace yourselves, 'Gargoyle of the Stone'

The 'stone gargoyle' begins to move, and Rita enters the battle.

''I will not allow you to destroy the town where your master's home is located!

Rita uses some gorgeous footwork to draw his opponent to him.

That's Rita. She knows exactly what she's doing.

I see who Rita is fighting, take a picture (・・・・・・・) and send it to her.

"Rita, I'll go after this guy first. "Rita, I'll go after this one first.

Yes. Master!

Rita kicks the body of The Stone Gargoyle and breaks away.

Snap.

Immediately after that, a black lightbulb hits the ground underneath the fallen gargoyle's feet - and it pops.

I quickly took a picture of the scene at that moment.

The sender is Nagi.

Recipient: Cecil.

Body: sighting correction. For two of Cecil's arms above. On the left, for one arm. Image attached'

It takes about 8 seconds to fire the next round.

I swung the magic sword leggy to intimidate the enemy, and after swinging it three times, Cecil sent me another message. When I moved away from the "stone gargoyle" - it came. This time it's a close-in bullet. And when I send another aiming correction message, the third light bullet - comes in on a perfect hit course.

The black light bullets - the "Arrow of Fallen Power" that was compressed with the "True Holy Wand Neuerut" and increased in power and range (・・・・・) (・・・・).

Pashun!

"GIYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Alright, it's a hit.

I corrected my aim, and Cecil's "Compression Magic Corrupting Arrows" hit the chest of the "Stone Gargoyle". The enemy, deprived of all its magical power, will not even move.

One of them is destroyed.

You are going to be able to get your hands on the ...... that 'magic depriving arrow'?　But the power is ......

Hmm. I've been doing a lot of stuff and I'm getting stronger.

'How 'tiny' have you become in the short time we've been meeting!　You guys!

Leticia spoke up.

She's looking at the direction that the 'Arrow of Fallen Power' flew from. She's looking for Cecil's figure──and is surprised to find it. It's not surprising. Cecil is on a roof several times farther away from the normal range of the 'Arrow of Fallen Power'. If you get down, you'll hardly know where he is.

The strategy is simple.

I point to a map and send the image to Cecil using the "Mind Linkage Kai".

The place I pointed out is my location - that is, the enemy's current location.

Furthermore, I look at the enemy and tell him the enemy's detailed location. I tell him the impact point of the "Arrow of Fallen Power" and how far it is off. Sharing Consciousness Kai allows me to send a screenshot of my view to others. The enemy's current location at that moment, and the impact point of the "Arrow of Fallen Power".

All that's left is for Cecil, who saw it, to correct the target. The stick with a light thrown at the feet of the stone gargoyle is a landmark for Cecil.

The reason why Cecil and the others were placed high is to secure a line of fire.

And Cutlass should be next to him, guarding Cecil and making sure the area is safe.

In other words, this mission is a sniper's mission.

It's not that far away, so it's a "sniper-like attack" to be exact.

I figured out the quickest way to take out all the gargoyles without moving too much, and this is what I got.

"To put it plainly, it would be like me taking the place of a sniper's scope and acting as a ballistic measurement?

All I can tell you is that I'd like to sit down with you later at ......!

Me and Letitia start running.

There are four enemies left. But as soon as Letitia and I meet up with them, we'll have won.

"Laetitia, is that skill still working?

I think we can do one more!

Well, let's see some common courtesy from the Viscount's household.

'Yes!　Watch closely so that you can teach your children too!

Leticia stops in front of the 'Stone Gargoyle' and gets into a posture of caution.

''Activate 'Forced Civility (Manners Geas)!　"Greetings to you once again!　How do you feel?　It's Letitia-Milfe!

"Giggles. ──────!

Has there ever been a greeting more feared than this one?

The Stone Gargoyle is "No, no, no! I'm shaking my head like that. He screamed, "Gah, gah... They must have understood the meaning of stopping and lining up here.

But they couldn't resist the "Mandatory Etiquette".

The four "Stone Gargoyles" lined up side by side, bent their stone bodies and bowed back to Leticia - and then the "Compression Magic, Arrow of Fallen Power" exploded.

The enemy is lined up neatly side-by-side and also stopped moving.

It's hard to miss such an obvious target.

Pow, pow, pow, pow!

The bullets landed one - two.

The two "stone gargoyles" fall down. Is that the limit of what you can defeat in the duration of the 'forced courtesy' effect?

"...... As expected ...... this will use magic power. ......

Letitia, step back. Rita and I will take care of the rest.

There are only two left.

I can handle it myself if I have to keep them moving. And if Rita joins in, it's a dead end.

Cecil.

Received by Nagi, Master, my love

Body: Lord Nagi!　Please stand down!　A suspicious army is coming!'

I want them all!

The moment I received Cecil's message, I exclaimed.

The message had an attached image. It's an image of the approaching corps. This is pretty bad.

'Sender: Nagi.

Recipient: Cecil.

Body: Cecil, get off the roof after you turn off the light. I want you to run away with Cutlass down the alley. The rendezvous point will be...

I point to the map and send a picture.

Iris gives me the location of the Ilgafa Regulars and the 'Stone Gargoyle'. In addition to that, I show him where they won't collide with the "Corps" and tell Cecil to wait there. I've also unlocked the ancient language spell "Light" for you to use in your escape. You can also unlock the ancient language spell "Light" for use in your escape.

We're coming with you. We'll come from the alley by the sea.

""Yes, sir!"

Rita, Leticia and Aine reply.

We run into the alleyway at hand. As we run, I explain to everyone.

That Cutlass found a corps of soldiers fighting the 'stone gargoyle'. Cecil saw it and sent me a picture of it through 'Consciousness Sharing and Reform'. That it was a group of guys who looked strong enough to be cheat-grade.

'What kind of people were they ......?　Nagi.

I used to beat up gargoyles with my axe on my spear, the Halberd.

And the armor was gold.

And the most alarming thing was the faint cry that Cutlass said he heard.

''In the name of the Princess of Charity (Jiai)!''

I heard voices on a deserted street.

I decided to run away, this is what I was going to do.

They were under the command of Claudia, Princess of Mercy.

""Those who defy order, we will bury them once and for all!"

What appeared was a group of people dressed in golden armor.

Just like Cecil's image, all of them are holding the 'Battle Axe (Halberd)' in their hands.

Rita says, "If they're skilled, they might notice us with their footsteps," so we stop running for a moment. We look down the street through an alleyway and see one of the soldiers kicking something out from underneath us. It's the head of a 'gargoyle' from where it was brought from.

As if frightened by it, the rest of the 'gargoyles' shuddered.

''GYAAAAAAAAA!!!''

"'Brace yourselves!　O abominable demon of order!

The battle began.

We began to run again as the sound of the soldiers' shouts echoed.