“The discussion is about the Five Great Demons we’re about to fight.”

Sofia, who had started the conversation, met my gaze.

“The name Gudis… I mentioned it on the way here, but let’s confirm again.”

—I had explained that on the journey. However, since we were assaulting the Stronghold, she probably wanted to hear it again.

“Understood. First, regarding the Demon Race Gudis’s Stronghold, it’s not a labyrinth like Beluna’s, nor are there underground paths. However, his Stronghold has a Teleportation Device that can only be used within the Castle Interior.”

“So a Teleportation Magic Circle exists in the Castle, and the Demon Race is in the sky, right?”

I nodded… The Teleportation Technology was obtained from the Angel Ruins. Gudis also plays a role in verifying the Angel technology left on the Continent.

“Next, about Gudis himself. Did I explain his attribute?”

“Yes. He has a fire attribute.”

“That’s right. He primarily uses long-range attacks and forms a Wall of Flame to prevent close approaches. To break through that wall, you must destroy the White Magic Orbs that Gudis creates and floats in the air.”

In the game, the Wall of Flame blocked the path, and by destroying the scattered white lights, we could break through the wall. It’s likely that those White Spheres of Light contain the magic that forms the Wall of Flame.

“Regarding the White Spheres of Light, I think it’s magic Gudis prepared in advance. In the story, they kept reappearing no matter how many we destroyed, so just continuously destroying them won’t make it easy to break through.”

“As for how to fight—”

“There are two ways. One is to break the wall and engage in close combat. In this case, you’ll need to continuously destroy the White Spheres of Light.”

“So, we need to destroy them at regular intervals.”

“Yes. In addition, the shape of the Wall of Flame changes, so you can’t always fight the same way… but I think even with my power suppressed, I can handle it.”

Sofia replied, “Understood,” to my statement and continued.

“And the other way to fight is… long-range combat, right?”

“That’s right. A magic duel… However, the members entering the Castle will be Alto and the Knights… inevitably, they’ll mostly be forces suited for close combat. Since only I, Sofia, and perhaps Ignos can use magic effective against Gudis, it would be better to engage in close combat.”

—Gudis’s own offensive capabilities are relatively low, and the game creators might have envisioned a style of fighting where you surround him with Walls of Flame, divide, and conquer each individually. In reality, due to his low attack power, the risk of total annihilation is small, and as long as you heal properly, defeating him isn’t that difficult. He’s said to be the easiest opponent among the Five Great Demons.

“As for the Wall of Flame, if you carelessly touch it, you’ll get burned. I don’t think even Alto would be reckless enough to charge in… but I’ll give them Fire Resistance Tools under some plausible excuse.”

“Understood.”

Nodding, Sofia smiled. I frowned at that and said,

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh… well, I have a question. In a battle like this, would you have a conversation with Lefin beforehand?”

“Well, we used to have various discussions.”

“Is that so?”

She seemed somewhat satisfied… Perhaps Sofia is happy to discuss these matters like this.

“…I’ll be relying on you to work hard, Sofia, so please be ready.”

When I said that to conclude the conversation, she nodded deeply.

“It’s alright… Lord Ruon, please don’t overexert yourself. Also,”

“And what else?”

“If anything happens, I’ll help in any small way I can.”

Her words suggested that she intended to back him up no matter what. Was this a remark befitting an Attendant, or was there another reason?

“…Sofia.”

“Yes.”

“I’m counting on you.”

At his words, she nodded with a faint smile.

“Oh, and also,”

I remembered something else—I used my Familiar to contact Sylvie and the others.

“Ruon, what’s wrong?”

Sylvie’s voice. I then told her about the series of events that had occurred here.

“That’s a big problem… Are the Five Great Wars with Demons alright?”

“If anything happens, I’ll take care of it… Sylvie, on your end, besides Phili and Radi, are there any Nation Knights intervening?”

“You’re thinking there might be traitors on our side too. I don’t think there are any Humans who have been won over by the Demon Race, but… I’ll be careful.”

“Sylvie.”

Sofia spoke up.

“Be careful.”

“You too, Sofia. Hit the Demon Race with the ultimate blow.”

With those words, the conversation ended—and Sofia and I parted ways.

I left the house and entered the private house assigned to me for sleep. There, I spoke in a murmur.

…Garuku.

What is it?

Just to confirm again. Sylvie and the others will also be attacking the Five Great Demons around the same time… Will they be alright?

We’ll make it in time. How about your side?

I’m not too worried about the fight with Gudis, but… the aftermath seems like it’ll be tough.

We will execute the operation. Lord Ruon, we’re counting on you too.

Understood.

I nodded—and finally, a long day ended.

The next day, we began our actions before the sun rose. Balzard had already left the village with Lefin, and Ririsha was leading the Knights.

Alto and I, along with the others, followed behind them. Also, since Sofia was present, Eina accompanied us.

Everyone, are you prepared?

Eina asked. Alto then raised his voice as if to say it was a foolish question.

Of course. Let me tell you, I pride myself on being stronger than any average Knight.

…I expect great things from you.

After saying that, Eina looked towards Sofia.

…Lady Sofia.

I’m fine.

Eina was speechless at those words—it seemed she didn’t want Sofia to venture into the stronghold, but given Sofia’s firm resolve, Eina said nothing more.

—Then, depart!

Ririsha’s voice came from the front of the Knights. At the same time, the unit began to move.

We followed behind them—here, I used my familiar to check the surroundings. There were some monsters around the stronghold. Also, a forest continued for a short while from the village entrance, but there was no sign of anything there.

I think Gudis has noticed the Knight Order moving… Since they carried out a night raid last night, they should be on guard. In that case, I don’t think they’ll let us get to the stronghold easily, but how will Gudis respond?

If nothing happens, we should arrive in no time… just then, I heard a monster’s howl. Through my familiar, I understood it was coming from a monster in the castle surroundings.

Already? Or were they waiting for us to make our move?

Alto voiced his question. The Knights also became wary, but they didn’t stop their march.

…If a large number of monsters were to appear…

Here, Eina spoke up.

As we discussed in the strategy meeting, there’s a good chance we’ll split into two groups.

Are we assigned to the castle interior or the exterior?

To Alto’s question, Eina replied, “I don’t know.”

It depends on the situation… It’s not strategic to exhaust ourselves before entering the stronghold. So, it’s better to make a decision quickly.

Will Lady Ririsha be the one to decide that?

I asked. Then Eina said,

…We were told to make our own judgments.

So, Alto and I are not under the Knights’ command and should act freely?

Are we being trusted, or are they just dismissing us, thinking we wouldn’t listen to their plans anyway?

When Alto said that, Eina’s expression stiffened a little.

It seems they don’t get along. I hope this doesn’t become a problem… With a slight concern, I headed towards the Demon Lord’s Castle.