We decided on one plan.
「Let’s get stronger so we can’t lose to anyone!」
「「「「Yes! (Kaaay!)」」」」
Going by my conjecture, we discussed that, whether Sydnia uses the armed might of the heroes for acts of terrorism or the zealots actively starting a propaganda with the heroes, we will get stronger so that we can adapt and respond to the situation when they target Valkyra Kingdom and Lomaria Kingdom.
One is to raise our guild ranks. Once we become A rank and above, with just that, we can’t be taken lightly, and our influence and freedom of action increases. At present, the number of adventurers A rank and above in this continent does not exceed 50. There appear to be 2 S rank adventurers.
I am currently B rank, Sophia is likewise B rank, Maria rose to C rank, and even Laeva has risen to D rank. Marnie is E rank, but because her rank is low, I think it would be quick to raise. Our goal is to each raise our ranks by one.
Another is that because I’m bound to many royalties contracts, my presence at the Papeck Company and even the Commerce Guild continues to grow, so I thought I should also increase my influence on the economic front.
In relation to the nobility, I think I have no choice but to believe in Margrave Volton, Earl Rockford, and His Majesty the King.
And when it comes to getting stronger quickly, there’s only one thing to do.
Zuba! Zashu!
「Takumi-sama!」
「Leave it to me!」
Zuba!
Right now we’re at the 『Forest of Death』, a monster nest inhabited by strong monsters, close to Volton. We entered from the outer edge we went to before and were subjugating monsters that attack.
If A rank monsters appear more frequently the farther in we go, then even we who find it difficult to level up can level up plenty.
Supa! Supa! Doza!
Unnoticed, Kaede’s threads severed the heads and limbs of the Ork Knights and the Orc General.
I advanced first as the scout, and behind me were Sophia and Maria. Marnie, Laeva, Kaede were to move freely to hit and run. Titan was stationed at the rear. This was our formation as we walked through the forest that had low visibility.
A 2 meter tall, largely-built Crazy Ape swooped down from the treetop. With my Enemy Search skill and Presence Detection skill at high levels, as well as having the Insight skill, the surprise attack didn’t work on me. I moved half a step back, and in a circular motion, dodged, drawing out the Absolute Sword Tsukuyomi to attack, cutting the Crazy Ape right in half.
「Master! If you cut it right in half, we can’t sell the fur, you know.」
「Ah! So that’s how it is. Sorry, Kaede.」
We’re at a spot not that far from the outer edge yet so it’s probably alright to lose focus.
「Getting surprised will be dangerous soon, so let’s move while using the Stealth skill.」
「「「「Yes! (Okaay!)」」」」
We used the skill, and with the effect of the Overcoat of Existence Concealment, the monsters were prevented from taking the initiative. Conversely, we could go on the preemptive, so from here, Marnie’s skills and level were trained as she hunts for monsters in a search and destroy tactic.
The status system of this world is one where you won’t die if the damage you receive is still within the range of your vitality (HP). Even so, you will die soon after if your head or heart is crushed, but you can be saved if you still have some vitality remaining and are healed with advanced recovery magic and advanced potions. That’s why, we’re increasing everyone’s Vitality by raising our levels to prepare for that time, should we ever need it.
On Earth, the side that has larger numbers wins the war. It’s not as if “A small army destroys the large army” doesn’t happen either, but there have been exaggeratedly written texts in history since the ancient times, so there’s no authenticity with regards to the numbers.
But this world is a world where a single hero can defeat a large army. That’s probably why those like Sydnia would recklessly perform things like hero summonings.
Though Marnie, who has the lowest level among us, is a Rabbitkin not suited for combat, she’s had remarkable growth since learning the Stealth skill. “No way, does the effects of the divine protection I received from Norn-sama extends to even my party members?” was something I didn’t yet realize at this time. Sure, I did think that Maria and Laeva’s growths were those of geniuses and I thought, “Huh, my chances of meeting those kinds of people are kinda high.”, but it was a little bit later that I realize that it was, in fact, the effect of the divine protection I received.
We sent monsters to their deaths before the monsters could perceive us.
As the sole member that isn’t concealed by the overcoat, Titan returned to the Subspace. We’re the perfect assassins, slicing monsters’ throats and making their heads fall.
「Fuu, how about we end things here and return for the day?」
「I agree, even Takumi-sama and myself who’ve reached Lv100 rose by a few levels, so let us finish here today.」
「I’ve also reached 100, you know.」
And so, the ones who crossed Lv100 are 3 people, Sophia, Maria, and myself. Laeva is already 80, and Marnie is over 60, so we’ve done more than enough today.
「At this pace, everyone will be able to reach Lv100 before long.」
「Yes, when that happens, unless it is something too great, we can get out of various traps and predicaments we may get caught in.」
「So that I will not drag Master down, I will devote myself to this even more.」
Today, the red eyes of Marnie, the one who leveled the most, were sparkling and showing her eagerness. Even if the current Marnie was attacked by a slave-hunting thief, she could probably turn the tables on them.
「Now then, we’ll transfer close to Volton, so everyone come closer.」
They don’t particularly need to cling to me, but Sophia, Maria, Laeva, and Marnie embraced me tightly. Even Kaede, who can go into the Subspace, was clinging to me.
「Let’s go!」
The next second, we transferred to an area where Volton town could be seen. We then walked and passed through the gate, then at the Adventurers Guild, we looked if there were requests for material delivery. If there were, we then accept the requests, and if there aren’t, we sell the materials.
Thanking the gatekeeper golems, we returned to the mansion and everyone entered the bath. Maria, Marnie, and I made dinner. Once we finished the meal, we entered our bedrooms to get ready for an early day tomorrow.
Even so, the rotation seems to be absolute. It’s Marnie tonight.
***