After the Underground investigation, Sofia and I, with a new objective, headed to Ganaize, the Capital City where the Arena is located. Our primary goal was to enhance Sofia’s sword skills.

Currently, the Protagonists, including Alto, are active in various ways, but they haven’t shown any intention of challenging the Five Great Demons. We’ve also received information that the Demon Race has established a Stronghold, so they should have heard it too… but for now, they haven’t made a move.

In the future, if a War with Demons erupts, we’ll have to rush there to infuse Sofia with Sage’s Power… but for now, it should be fine. There are four Five Great Demons remaining, but two of them won’t appear unless prerequisite events occur, so as long as we observe those, we have some time.

Another one cannot be fought unless two or more Five Great Demons are defeated, so leaving it alone for now is fine. The last one has established a Stronghold near Ganaize, where we are headed. I have a feeling that if we fight next, it will be the Demon Race in this location… but since it’s in our direction of travel, we should be able to deal with it.

Also, I’ll review how to handle Sofia’s “Bird Soar.” Her level has increased, and she has almost mastered its control, so we’ll try using it to speed up our journey. There was a problem with its duration, so traveling from town to town was difficult, but we still managed to shorten the travel time considerably. I suppose it can be considered complete.

Everything is going smoothly, but there’s one problem. It will be difficult for just the two of us to proactively fight the Five Great Demons in the future. Even if I act as support, there’s the possibility of my power being exposed, and with her as the only vanguard, there are limits. Therefore,

“We’ll have to add companions.”

I said, eating dinner in a town a few days away from Ganaize.

“Companions?”

Sofia said, seemingly in agreement.

Regarding companions, one problem is that Sofia and I use “Bird Soar” for High-Speed Movement… but I do have a plan for this. Just as there is High-Speed Movement Magic, there are also similar techniques in combat skills.

Specific Knights and Fighters in the Arena possessed it. Its basic use is an auxiliary movement used when facing an enemy, such as getting behind them, but like “Bird Soar,” it can also be used as a means of travel. There are quite a few characters in Ganaize who can become companions and have learned it, so we can consider that as a condition.

“Looking for companions in Ganaize?”

Sofia asked. I immediately nodded and said,

“Yes… If we’re going to fight the Demon Race establishing Strongholds in the future, I can only provide rear support… Therefore, we need at least one more vanguard. And, I’d like at least one Magic-user.”

“That’s right… Hmm, a Magic-user might be difficult to find in Ganaize, let alone a vanguard.”

The image is that there are only Warriors because of the Arena… Sofia seems to have the same interpretation.

“No, there are Magic-users who frequent the Arena… even Magic-users who are good at close-range attacks.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes… However, it’s probably better to look for Warrior-types rather than such unconventional choices. Since Sofia can handle both magic and swords, the other Warrior could specialize in physical attacks.”

As I spoke, I picked out potential companions in Ganaize in my mind. Perhaps due to the remnants of planning events related to the fighting tournament, there are many characters who can become companions here. Among them, I considered who would be best to join us.

Even when considering without High-Speed Movement methods, Sofia has developed into what could be called an all-rounder leader, so she should be able to coordinate with any type of person who joins. However, what concerns me here is that game characteristics and reality differ.

In the game, it was possible to increase defense and brute force through, but in reality, the basic strategy is to prioritize evasion. Furthermore, considering that techniques like dancing sword and combo attacks can be stopped by enemies, someone with high single-attack power might be better.

By the way, when you hear about characters who become companions in Ganaize, there is one person who comes to mind first. However, that person was only strong in the game, and there remains a question of how well they can fight in the real world, where different fighting styles are prevalent.

With many characters available as companions, their characteristics also vary. Among them, considering their growth rate and other factors, who would be most compatible with Sofia—

“Lord Ruon, I have a question.”

At this, Sofia spoke up.

I think adding those who fight in the Arena to our party would be a good addition to our fighting strength… but will they agree with our actions?

Ah, that’s right. Unlike in games, it’s not as simple as just talking to someone to get them to join. I need to consider various aspects of that as well.

Well, there’s nothing to say but to try our luck… Unlike searching for Spirits, finding companions might take some time. We’ll need to be prepared for that and act accordingly.

…However,

Then I said to Sofia,

The main purpose of going to Ganaize is to enhance Sofia’s sword skills. Let’s focus on that first, and then we’ll look for companions.

Understood.

Sofia agreed, and the conversation came to a close.

At night, while I was pondering various things alone, Lefin visited my room.

What’s wrong?

I was wondering if you had any candidates for finding companions.

There are characters from the story, so I think we’ll select from them.

Among them, who are the most skilled?

Lefin said, approaching me and speaking in a low voice.

Since Lady Sofia has obtained the Sage’s Power and will be fighting the Five Great Demons, it will be difficult unless they are extremely skilled.

…That’s true.

Every character became quite strong if trained… The problem is likely the level of the people in the Arena. I can somewhat gauge their abilities from the techniques they use and the aura they emit… but if they haven’t become companions of the Protagonist, there’s a risk they’ve been left at a low level.

There are Guilds in Ganaize, so if, for example, they’ve been taking jobs and gaining experience, that might not be the case. But if they’re at their initial level… even if we have plenty of time, we probably don’t have time to train someone from their initial level.

In the game, fighting strong enemies would give a lot of experience points and levels would shoot up, but that’s not how it works in the real world… So, it might be better to look for someone whose level is as close as possible to Sofia’s.

Hmm, there are various conditions. This might be quite difficult. Also, I have secrets about myself and Sofia… Do I need to consider those as well?

…Well, I won’t know until I go there.

I stated my conclusion. Then Lefin replied, “Understood,” and said,

For now, is it alright to leave it entirely to Lord Ruon?

That’s fine… Let me think about what to do once we get to Ganaize.

Understood. By the way, are you also thinking of ways to train Lady Sofia?

Of course. I know a good place.

Lefin looked satisfied with my words and left the room.

Now, sword skill enhancement and companion searching… The story is finally approaching its middle stage. I reaffirmed my resolve, convinced that this journey would be different from before.