At night, the Extermination Squad set up camp. They veered off the Highway before evening and entered the Forest. Observing through my Familiar, I could tell their camping skills were quite good, so I imagined they had pre-selected such locations when heading out for the extermination.

Is it alright even if there’s some distance?

Sylvie’s question—we are currently camping some distance away from the Extermination Squad. The surroundings are still Forest, and we are using magic light instead of fire to illuminate the area.

Even the Extermination Squad would be vigilant at night. They’re probably on edge, so it’s better not to get too close.

I told Sylvie while looking up at the night sky above.

Besides, look, we can handle it even from this distance.

That might be true, but—

Lord Ruon, what’s the situation?

In response to Sofia’s question, I lowered my eyes for a moment to receive information from my Familiar.

No abnormalities so far. Arete is chatting with the Knights, and there’s no movement from the person named Marion.

If he’s the traitor, will he act after everyone is asleep?

Kuuza asked. I thought for a moment before replying.

Perhaps he’ll slip away at some point while on watch.

Will the Familiar also keep track of that?

It’s set to move even when I’m sleeping, so it’s fine… Now, here’s a problem.

I told my companions.

If there’s an Insider, there’s a possibility that person might contact the Demon Race.

“Then Ruon will also be able to track them, right?”

“Yes. It’s possible to track them and find the Demon Base. If that happens, we’ll have a few options.”

After speaking, I glanced at Sofia and the others and began to talk.

“The first is to tie up the Insider we find and report it to the Extermination Squad… but there’s no real benefit to that. Even if we say we were watching them using a Familiar, I don’t know if they’d believe us… Even with Kuuza, it’s unlikely they’d believe our words.”

“Then the clearest option is for us to go ahead to the Stronghold and attack, right?”

Sylvie said. That method was an option, but I made a difficult face.

“Regarding that, we need to consider the level of the Demon Race and their subordinate Monsters…”

“Is there a problem?”

“No, if it’s a scale large enough to form an Extermination Squad, there’s a possibility of a considerable number of Monsters. In that case, I also question if we can handle it alone.”

“Since Ruon can’t use her Book power, it would be difficult to preemptively defeat them?”

“For this, it might be better to see what kind of Demon Base it is first. If it’s a Fortress, there are ways to do it, but if it’s a Cave, it’s difficult to check inside.”

“Then, the other means are—”

As Sofia spoke, I stopped her with my hand.

“Wait a minute.”

What’s wrong?

A report from my familiar… It seems Marion has started to move.

I thought she was going to relieve herself… but no. I moved my familiar as close as possible to observe.

It seems Marion is moving after sneaking away from the watch… No, this is–

Is it a demon?

It seems so.

When I answered Kuuza’s words, he suddenly made a grim face.

So Sofia’s premonition came true.

It seems so. Anyway, I’m glad we found out. Now then.

With that, I cast a short incantation. I created another bird-shaped familiar. Sofia reacted to it.

What is that?

I can project my voice through the familiar. The reason it’s a similar bird shape is that similar familiars have good compatibility, making the voice easier to hear.

The familiar landed on the ground. Sofia and the others approached me, watching the familiar with bated breath.

“–Were you able to sneak out without being found?”

“Even without checking, I wouldn’t make such a blunder.”

After an unfamiliar voice, Marion’s voice was heard. It’s safe to assume the other party is a demon.

“Regarding the details of the Extermination Squad, the combat strength is correct, right?”

“Yes, the combat strength is definitely correct. However, I haven’t meticulously recorded each individual’s combat ability, you know?”

“I don’t expect that much. It’s enough if I can grasp the number of people and so on.”

“As expected, the information is leaking.”

Sofia muttered with a face like she had bitten into a bitter bug.

“If they fight like this, the Extermination Squad will be in a dire situation.”

“Probably. I don’t know how capable the members of the Extermination Squad are, but… even if the Elite Guard is there, if the enemy can read their movements, there’s nothing they can do. If we leave them be, there will be great sacrifices in this battle, is that it?”

When I voiced my question, I heard Marion and the others’ conversation again.

“You’ll reach our Stronghold by noon tomorrow, right? Are the arrangements alright?”

“You’re such a worrier, your master. All the procedures are in my head. No problem.”

It seems they’re setting some kind of trap. Now, what to do.

“Alright. That concludes the confirmation. We will execute the operation once you reach our territory.”

After those words, the conversation ceased. It seems the Demon Race retreated.

Checking with my Familiar, Marion also returned to the Extermination Squad.

“If they proceed like this, the Extermination Squad is headed for hell.”

Kuuza said. With a stern expression, he questioned me.

“Ruon, what should we do?”

“First, I’ve started tracking the Demon Race… Arete, using the Familiar that was observing them. Since they’re Demon Race, there’s a fair chance of being discovered, but I’ll manage. And there’s definitely a trap. As for how we respond to it…”

“Considering the word ‘operation,’ isn’t it something like hiding Monsters and then attacking all at once when the time comes?”

Sylvie spoke. While thinking that was probably reasonable, I spoke to Kuuza.

“Kuuza. Just to confirm, the Extermination Squad has countermeasures against traps, right?”

“I don’t know the specifics of the court’s military strength, but I assume they have countermeasures for that. However, if the information is leaking, there’s a possibility they might bypass those countermeasures.”

“I’d like to confirm what kind of operation it is, if possible…”

“Are you going to interrogate Marion?”

Sylvie showed a mischievous smile. That’s one method, but–

“…Marion might not be the only insider. Also, there was no mention of us in the conversation just now, so they probably aren’t aware of our existence. If we capture Marion, it will affect the Extermination Squad to some extent, and the Demon Race will also realize our presence… I want to utilize the advantage of not being discovered, though.”

“Then, we should first understand the Demon Base.”

Sofia said. When I looked at her, she met my gaze and said,

“What kind of operation the Demon Race has… couldn’t we get some understanding by asking Lefin and Lord Garuku for their cooperation?”

“Indeed, we might be able to grasp the location of the Monsters and such.”

Garuku suddenly appeared on my right shoulder and stated. In that case–

“The Familiar’s pursuit is ongoing. Once we find the Stronghold, we’ll get there ahead of the Extermination Squad and figure out a response.”

After saying that much, I turned to Kuuza.

“Depending on our actions, we could gain quite a bit of favor, but what do you want to do?”

“My only wish is for them to be swiftly subjugated.”

“Understood. If we encounter them during the battle… we’ll adapt as needed.”

The discussion concluded, and we rested—the Stronghold would likely be identified during the night. Until then, my companions would rest, and I continued to communicate with my Familiar throughout the darkness of the night.