The next day, we began our journey using the Dragon that Richard controlled. Of course, I didn’t forget to observe Nefmeiza’s movements using my Familiar.

And so, we stepped into the Mountainous Region Anastasia had told us about. Since Yusuka and the others also needed to improve their abilities, we decided to engage in combat with Monsters while climbing the mountain. This was a place that didn’t appear in the game. Therefore, I had to proceed by trial and error, but—

“Sofia!”

“Yes!”

“Yusuka is struggling against the Monster! I need your support!”

“Understood!”

“Alright, then… Romilda, don’t go any further! I’ll take care of it!”

I am currently in the middle of a fierce fight with a Monster.

The Monsters that appeared were of a level that would typically show up around the middle of the Story in a game. They were tough for Katora, but Yusuka and Romilda could manage. Yusuka, in particular, showed unexpected adaptability, pushing back against a Minotaur wielding an axe without being overpowered.

However, the problem was their numbers. Perhaps attracted by our Magic Power, we encountered Monsters every time we advanced. A few steps, another Monster. Turn a corner, and there’s a Monster. It was a constant repetition.

The encounter rate felt like we’d run into one every few steps. If this were a game, I’d be frustrated enough to throw the controller at the floor.

“Ugh…!”

Katora let out a short cry. She was currently clashing with a Wolf with black fur. Her movements had improved after fighting countless times in the mountains, but she was still a bit of a hindrance.

“Romilda!”

When I gave the order, her fingertips moved. As she waved her right hand like a conductor, light spilled from its tip.

Then, a light arrow was fired. The purple projectile pierced the Wolf’s head, utterly destroying it.

Though it looked unremarkable, I was convinced during our battles that its power was quite formidable.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

After exchanging a brief dialogue, Katora confronted another Monster. A red slime. Katora should be able to defeat that one.

“This is incredible, though.”

Richard’s voice came from behind. Turning around for a moment, I saw him using the Monsters he commanded to hold back the enemies from the rear.

“Richard, leave it to me.”

I quickly stepped in front of him and began engaging the Monsters. This time, I wasn’t using the Dragon Demon Stone Weapon. I used a simple sword I created myself, shattering enemies with a single blow.

“As expected. I wish I could be that strong.”

“There’s no point in complaining. Since I’ve defeated them, I’ll go assist the others.”

At this point, Romilda once again created light. She attacked the Monsters in our path, greatly stunning them.

Thereupon, Sofia and Yusuka, who were on the front lines, went on the offensive. Sofia’s precise swordsmanship and Yusuka’s direct Sword Strike. Those two steadily defeated the Monsters.

“For now, it seems all the surrounding enemies have been wiped out.”

I checked with Resveil, who was in the air. Yes, the presence of Monsters in the vicinity had disappeared.

“Alright, then let’s take a break.”

We entered a rocky area and rested. After taking a sip from my water bottle, I observed Yusuka and Katora.

Both of them seemed quite fatigued, but in exchange, their combat proficiency in the previous battle had significantly improved since we first entered the mountain, and they were definitely becoming leaders. If Anastasia had dispatched us with this in mind, it was quite a drastic measure. Nevertheless, the results were clearly showing.

“How much longer will it be?”

Sofia murmured suddenly. I thought to myself,

“It’s past noon now… We’ve been in here since morning… Our progress is slow because we’ve been fighting Monsters continuously, so it might take a while longer.”

“It would be bad if it gets dark, wouldn’t it?”

“If that happens, we’ll either escape into a suitable Cave or create a space with Magic and camp out. Well, I can keep going without sleeping for a night. We’ll manage.”

Sofia’s face showed, “Don’t overdo it,” but I responded with a smile before asking Yusuka and the others,

“Are you two alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Yusuka spoke first. Katora then nodded silently.

Katora is probably the most fatigued. Yusuka has been fighting from the start, but Katora has been struggling.

And Romilda… she seems unfazed. However, she might just be trying not to worry us, so I need to check.

“Romilda, are you alright?”

“Yes.”

Her reply was clear. I was about to say, “If it gets dangerous–” but she nodded as if she understood. She seemed to have grasped my intention.

The rest… Richard isn’t fighting directly, so he seems fine. Sofia also has no problems.

“…Hmm.”

At this, I spoke up. A report from Resveil, who was monitoring the surroundings. Monsters were approaching.

“There’s really no end to it.”

“Are they coming again?”

I nodded at Sofia’s question.

“Waiting here is a dead end. Let’s move quickly. Is everyone ready?”

Their stamina seemed to have recovered somewhat, as Yusuka and Katora also nodded.

“Alright… From here on, Sofia, Yusuka, and Katora will take the front lines. Romilda and I will provide support. Richard, please watch our rear.”

—Come to think of it, I’m the one giving orders now. Well, with this group, there’s probably no one else but me.

“Then, let’s depart.”

We started walking. A few minutes later, we encountered the first Monster.

We confirmed numerous Monsters in our direction. Sofia took the lead, systematically destroying the enemies.

Then, Yusuka began to attack the trailing Monsters in quick succession. His attack swept the ground, creating a Shockwave. Its power was sufficient, successfully confusing the enemies and disrupting their formation.

And then the trailing enemies attacked. There were many types, but with Romilda’s and my support, we precisely restricted their movements. The finishing blow came from the three on the front line. If we continue to move like this, we should be able to get through unscathed.

I climbed the mountain, hoping that everything would proceed without incident. After that, we encountered Monsters many times, but Yusuka and Katora dealt with them properly.

“…Ah.”

Suddenly, Yusuka spoke up. It seemed he had discovered something ahead.

“Ruon, I can see a Village.”

“Huh, a Village?”

I looked in the direction Yusuka was pointing… Ah, indeed, I could see a few houses.

“Are they living in this horde of Monsters?”

—In the game, there are Villages in places where it’s impossible for people to live. Given how many Monsters appear, the Village visible ahead seemed to be one of those.

Are they using special Magic, or is there some other reason… Whatever the reason, seeing it in reality feels out of place.

“…It’s not that far. Alright, let’s make that our destination.”

“Yes.”

Yusuka replied. I followed the three of them, including him at the front, and moved forward.

During that time, Monsters continued to attack. However, since the quality of the Monsters hadn’t changed, Katora was gradually able to handle them.

“It might have been the right choice to pick this place first.”

There was the matter of the Dragon Spirit, but more than that, strengthening Yusuka and the others’ combat power was extremely valuable. It’s still uncertain if they can oppose the Five Knights, but just raising that possibility is a sufficient achievement.

However, it’s true that I still have concerns about Katora. In her case, how much can equipment compensate? Or will she utilize the Dragon Spirit?

As I pondered various things, we defeated Monsters and gradually approached the Village. At least it didn’t seem to be a ruined Village.

And then—we finally arrived at our destination, the Village.