The destination was a Town that had not appeared in the game. However, this was a trade route and a densely populated area, and it seemed Abel and his group had previously used it as a Stronghold for various activities.

After making the request in the carriage, Abel seemed to be arranging a meeting with the organization’s Humans in this Town. He also needed to send a Messenger from this Town, so we decided to rest here for a while.

“I’m going to meet the people who will cooperate with us now… What will Sofia and the others do?”

“We will wait here.”

Sofia replied to my question.

“We are observing the Marquis’s movements. We know Lord Ruon is using Familiars, but I think it’s better to have Humans who can move immediately.”

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Also, Lord Ruon.”

“Hm?”

When I asked again, Sofia met my gaze and said,

“I believe Lord Ruon’s abilities are sufficient, but please don’t overexert yourself.”

Thank you.

After replying, I started walking. The meeting place is the Outskirts of town. I’m supposed to meet Yusuka’s Childhood Friend there.

Even though there’s a childhood friend, the Protagonist Yusuka’s presence can’t be confirmed… It’s definitely outside the scenario, but the problem is where in the scenario it diverged. If it was different from the beginning—

No, there’s no point in thinking about it.

The Game Scenario’s rails have already been derailed. Instead of fixing that, I should use the information within the game to defeat Nefmeiza. This should be the correct choice.

However, what should I do to get there…? Since I’ve already allied with Exon, one of the Four Dragon Marquises, should I try to ally with other Marquises as Richard suggested?

While I was lost in thought, I arrived at the location Abel specified. An empty lot on the outskirts of town. I’m not using magic; it’s simply not a popular spot.

I waited there for a while. Then,

…Sorry to keep you waiting.

A somewhat tense female voice. I shifted my gaze and saw the person I was looking for standing there.

She was equipped with leather armor and a sword at her waist. Short brown hair and vermilion eyes that gave a cheerful impression. If Yusuka was cautious, she was the type to take action. Her name is Katora Yullet.

Um, have you heard the story?

She nodded slightly at my question.

I see. My name is Ruon Madin. I actually needed some extra personnel, so I asked Abel, the leader of the organization. As a result, you were called.

Am I suitable?

A question of confirmation. It’s understandable for her to be suspicious, having been called so suddenly.

…Can I confirm a few things about that?

Katora nodded at my words. So, I placed my hand on the hilt of my sword.

One question: can you use “Creation Ultimate Technique”?

Katora shook her head at the question.

Hmm, for her to learn the Ultimate Technique, a specific event was required, not just a level. In the game, there was an advantage in not needing to level up, but considering the current situation, this is a complete hindrance.

Can she learn the Ultimate Technique without that event…? That’s not the only question. Since she, who is in front of me, hasn’t learned the Ultimate Technique, I can judge that her abilities aren’t very high. In that case, to make her a Leader from here—

While thinking, I watched Katora draw her sword. Perhaps because she had some combat experience, her stance was quite good compared to ordinary Adventurers.

Well… I thought she’d come at me, but she didn’t move. She seems to be gauging my reaction.

Should I make the first move? I can probably gauge her combat experience by how she reacts.

First, I stepped in. Katora responded and parried my sword, but she didn’t seem to have room for a counterattack.

She can’t keep up… I’ll try a follow-up attack here. When I thrust, Katora followed it with her eyes and dodged it by a hair’s breadth.

Her movements are decent. She’s a Human who has traveled various places as an Adventurer without experience as a Soldier or anything… Even if she has natural skill, she’s clearly lacking in power to contend with a Marquis.

Katora managed to deflect the continuous slashes—and then, she suddenly went on the offensive. Perhaps due to her decisive personality, she boldly attacked me.

In combat, whether one is better at offense or defense varies greatly from person to person. If it were me or Sofia, we would have raised both to the same skill level regardless of preference, but that’s not the case for Katora.

Apparently, her movements improve when she switches to offense. I tried counterattacking while she was attacking, and her movements were clearly better than when she was on the defensive. However, in her case, she fights by relying on instinct, and she will eventually reach her limit with this. It’s something that needs to be corrected… In addition, she naturally has many openings, and there’s no doubt she still needs more training.

—In War with the Demon Lord, characters who became allies in the game grew stronger the more they fought. I think Katora also has the potential to become strong in the same way… but at this stage, she still has a long way to go. At this rate, the day she challenges a Marquis might be far off. Nevertheless,

More fighting power is better…

Muttering that, I parried her sword. I immediately slipped in close and pressed my sword against her throat.

Katora stopped moving. It was a conclusion that suited the word “effortless.”

…Okay, I understand. Thank you.

When I thanked her, Katora sighed. Perhaps she was dissatisfied with the outcome of the battle.

…Are you really sure about me?

She asked again. I replied with a smile.

I’m not looking for immediate combat power. Besides, after sparring just now, I have a pretty good understanding of your abilities. You have the potential to grow.

Potential…

Katora looked down at her own body.

“Me, you mean?”

“You can be a little more confident… Personally, the fact that you’re a woman is a big plus. I wanted to ask a Guard, but the person is a woman.”

“I see… Understood.”

She didn’t seem entirely convinced, but she agreed.

For now, it seems I can act with an Emperor Candidate… Since Yusuka isn’t here, I have to guide Abel and Katora. I need to do this properly.

There’s only one Emperor Candidate left, but… honestly, finding that person is extremely difficult. Because even in the game, that person was found by chance.

However, I’d like to include that person as a comrade–

“Is ‘Mister Ruon’ alright for addressing you?”

Katora asked. I stopped my thoughts and immediately nodded.

“Yes, that’s fine… And, can I ask a few questions?”

“Yes.”

“I should at least know a simple profile. Like, where are you from?”

…Since she might know about Yusuka, I decided to check on that through small talk. Still, I don’t think she’d know much about Yusuka, who became a Soldier, so the chances are slim–

“–But, is it alright to throw yourself into the Rebel Organization like this? I don’t think the enemy would investigate your hometown and do anything… But aren’t there acquaintances in the Imperial Army?”

“Indeed, I have a childhood friend in the Army.”

“You might have to fight that person.”

At those words… Katora,

uttered something completely unexpected.

“I know… but I’m determined to fight. I don’t know if I can win, but I will definitely save Yusuka… him, who became a Knight and wields a sword.”