The reason why there werent any signs of monsters around the area

So, thats how it is.

That monster we killed earlier.

If that thing dies, a lot of those dreadful monsters will vigorously gather here.

What it brings was destruction and chaos wherever that large movement would pass.

The Great Turmoil thats on a level that even the monsters who live in the Demon Zone were avoiding.

Therefore, the monsters avoided the trouble by staying away from here.

From the monster living in here.

That is to say

Something like this must have already happened in the past huh.

Its just a hypothesis, but it isnt impossible.

[..]

Should I have stopped it?

No That would be too difficult.

As a matter of fact, using <Paralyze> would also be a bad move.

That monster was desperate to die.

The characteristic of <Paralyze> would also cause some problems.

That if it struggles with all its strength, it would still receive damage and die.

If a monster who wants to die struggles, it would act violently until it dies.

That was the thought that came into my head when it suddenly came out.

At that moment, I felt that I needed to avoid killing that monster.

The most suitable move would have been <Sleep>.

Unfortunately though, <Sleep> has a short range and it isnt within my reach.

[]

I finished the investigation in my brain that bloomed for only a moment.

Right now, Ive already determined how to overcome this situation.

The birds from the trees noisily flew away.

Just as if, theyre informing us of the coming bad news.

I focused my consciousness on my hearing.

Theres still some distance before they arrive

On the other hand, I stopped counting how many they were.

Its meaningless.

All I need to know is that theres a stupid amount of them approaching us.

Knowing this would already be enough.

At that moment

Fyyyuuuuuuu

Eve deeply exhaled.

[Everyone, listen to me.]

Eve stood in front of us.

Its as if shes the only person standing on the opposite side of a river.

[I will act as a decoy and attract the attention of the monsters. In the meantime, all of you should go find the Witchs home.]

[!]

Liz became surprised.

[Even by force, I will make an opening for all of you to escape to.]

Eve turned her head in the direction of where we came from.

[I will run towards the opposite direction and I will be joining with you later after I let these monsters go past. Touka, do you still remember the contents of the map? Since weve already come this far, you should be able to find our destination even without the map.]

[Big Sist-]

[Liz.]

Eves tone softened like shes telling something to a child.

[This situation is the result of my action In that case, it would be imperative that I would take the lead in dealing with this situation.]

So, she intends to take responsibility for this huh.

Gently placing her hand on Lizs shoulder, Eve looked towards me.

[As you could see from my appearance, Im a Leopardkin. In the midst of confusion Unexpectedly, these monsters might recognize as one of them along the way while I used that opportunity to escape. As you may know already, I have a really good ability to sense others. Im also pretty good at moving around this terrain.]

As if shes enduring something, Seras places her hand on her chest.

[If thats the case, Im more used to the terrain since were in a forest area.]

[But youre too conspicuous Fufu, in a variety of ways.]

[Big Sister]

Lizs shoulders were trembling.

[I dont think we dont have that much time to spare. Liz Until I get back, you should make sure that you listen to Touka and Seras]

[I understand.]

I said.

[If youre going to say it that much Ill leave the job of attracting their attention to you. However, Ill just say one thing. I will make sure that I will protect the others so make sure that you come back.]

Her eyes narrowed, Eve appeared cheerful as a resolute smile appeared on her face.

[Yeah, I promi-]

[But then again, did you really think I would say something like that?]

[Touka?]

[You sure have lots of ideas to say for someone with just your small intelligence. However, the chance of your survival is too low.]

[But, I will]

Measuring how far they were based on how loud I could hear them, I continued.

[First of all, you dont need to feel responsible for this. Perhaps, you could kill some monsters and could usually completely hide your presence, even you wont be able to lose them when these monsters get really close towards you or so it would turn out with your character. Someone who was surprised when that monster suddenly appeared and killed that monster in a hurry I need to think if there would be a monster like that.]

[E- Even so]

[I would have taken the same action if I was the one standing in your place.]

The intention that I wanted to convey.

Seras already told us something similar earlier.

Shes a really good support for us.

I continued speaking.

[Moreover, Eve Speeds existence is indispensable part when meeting the Witch. Listen here, okay? The witch entrusted that map to your clan. Its easier to negotiate with her if a person who she entrusted her map visited. That should have been obvious. Therefore, I cant let you do something that would increase the chance of losing you in this place.]

While were talking, I took out the Fly Kings mask out of my luggage.

After that, I picked out the Forbidden Item, Gem of Voice Amplification out of my chest pocket.

It still hasnt fully solidified yet.

However, its already become solid enough.

I then inserted it near the Gem of Voice Alteration on the mask.

Incidentally, I found some time to remodel this Fly Kings mask.

The Gem of Voice Amplification.

A magic stone that amplifies the voice.

This was easier to make among the other Forbidden Items.

Its because I was somehow able to create it while were moving.

However, the material I used is different from a different Human-Faced compared to the one described in the Encyclopedia on the Forbidden Arts.

As for the effects concerning that substitution, we still havent tried to see if I could get the effect that I want.

I hope it works though.

With the mask in my hand, I spoke.

[In this current situation, the one with the most likelihood to survive is me. No, to be exact, it would be me, Pigimaru and Slei]

Thats right

[This team combination is the optimal solution for everyones survival. And, in our current situation-]

I placed my right hand on my chest.

[The only thing that could deal fatal damage against these Human-Faced would only be my Abnormal State Skill.]

[Guh]

Eve didnt object to my words.

She herself must have understood this.

If you rationally think about it, it would be the very best option if its me that would draw their attention.

I understand that shes feeling responsible.

However, no ones blaming her.

[Responsibilities were indeed important, but the one who determines that responsibility is me, the one in charge of this group. Therefore- if I tell you that you dont have to worry about it, then dont worry about it. Thats an order.]

Eve hangs her head.

[My bad.]

Fuunnn, I snorted.

[Well, I dont hate that seriousness of yours.]

[Touka-sama.]

Liz softly called out to me.

[Thank you very much.]

[Its still early for your gratitude. You could say that after everyone safely arrives at our goal.]

[Yes!]

Its an energetic reply.

[Touka-dono]

Seras have a complicated expression on her face.

She must be worried.

However, Seras herself knows.

That theres no more time for any more arguments.

That theres no more time for those conversations about our worries.

Pushing down her emotions, Seras kneeled.

Her white tiny forehead is sweaty.

She only uttered just some few words.

[May the fortunes of war be with you.]

A High Elf whos true to the image of a Knight.

[Ill leave the rest to you.]

[Hah!]

Ive already told Seras what to do in the worst case scenario.

The worst case scenario.

Naturally, that would be the case when I cant return.

You must always assume every situation that might happen.

Seras stands up.

[I wouldnt say that may luck be with you, is what Id like to say but I guess Ill just say Acknowledged for now.]

[Fuunnn Im saved from the trouble because of my really capable deputy. You should lead Eve and Liz and hide yourselves in that cave on the rocky mountains. You understand what Im talking about, right?]

The hole we found when we arrived near that cliff wall.

Even though that hole is narrow, its the perfect place to hide yourself.

The distance from this place is also not far from here.

[Ill leave the timing of moving towards that hole to you. Before long, the monsters would start moving in large swarms. See through it together with Eve. That time would be your opportunity to move.]

[Understood.]

[Alright.]

I made Seras and the others hide in the nearby thicket for some time.

Its not just Eve.

Everyone seemed like they wanted to say something.

However, everyone knows whats going on.

They know that we dont have any time.

Once again, I deeply concentrated on my awareness.

Theyre near.

Its about time huh.

I should be able to attract their attention at this distance.

[If I couldnt reach them, then it wouldnt have any meaning.]

I injected my magic energy in Slei.

Pigimarus protrusion popped out beside my face.

[-Lets go.]

[Pigii!]

Riding on Slei who has transformed into his third form, the black horse, we started moving.

[This spot should be fine.]

Taking out the Fly Kings mask, I sent my magic energy into the Gem of Voice Amplification.

I could amplify my voice with this.

I bring the mask close to Pigimaru.

[The one starting this war would be you.]

[Pii.]

[Do it.]

As if hes exerting all of his strength, Pigimaru began swelling out.

And then

[PPPIIIIIGGGGGGYYYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!]

After some seconds passed

Good.

[They moved.]

The monsters presence.

I could feel lots of tremors on the ground as they moved.

Theyve changed directions and are now heading towards here.

[Kukaka, idiots It saved me some trouble since you lot have good hearing. Because you lots foolish honesty, youre all going to be pulled into something you wouldnt like]

So far, everythings going as planned.

I put on the Fly Kings mask.

While wearing the mask, my field of view becomes narrower.

However, I would have to keep running at a high speed.

Therefore, I decided that this mask was necessary to protect my eyes from the branches.

Moreover, I could turn my consciousness resource towards other things rather than separating some of them to avoid those branches.

I moved together with Slei again.

Slei changed a part of her body and skillfully fixated my feet.

It seems to be an ability unique to her third form

With this, the problem of riding has been cleared even when I dont have any knowledge of riding horses.

The monsters are Good, theyre still chasing.

However, the monsters leading the group were terribly fast.

[That is]

Some of the leading monsters were about to catch up huh.

I took a deep breath.

To tell the truth, even my own feelings dont hold any composure for the things that were about to happen.

Honestly, Im not completely sure if I could really survive.

This plan may become easier depending on the strength of the Human-Faced that had gathered.

Unfortunately, there are too few samples of these enemies.

The other party specs are completely unknown.

Their specs are also often unusual.

However, it wouldnt be good if I make Seras and the others nervous at this point.

If they were to get even a bit anxious, everyone would end up stopping me from going through this alone.

The person who gives the commands must remain steadfast at all times.

I mustnt show any weakness.

Even if I cant be absolutely sure.

That is my duty.

I could say that continuously making them trust that Im the strongest is my duty.

I certainly have the determination to come back alive.

However- I dont know if I would be able to return back towards Seras and the others with all of my limbs still attached.

I dont know what I might lose in this battle.

[My bad, you two.]

Feeling the large amount of evil intent drawing near from behind me, I spoke.

[Pii?]

[Bururu?]

[Do you mind entrusting your life to me?]

Color red.

Pigimaru changed his color into the color of denial.

Slei shook her head.

Hmm?

Thats when I noticed.

Ah, so thats how it is.

These guys have already-

[My bad, Ill correct my words.]

I restated what I said.

[For me and the others, do you mind entrusting your life to me?]

And their replies was

[Pigggiii!]

The green affirmative he used to reply back when he was just the timid slime I had just met

[Bururururuuuuu!]

The energetic black magical beast filled with fighting spirit.

Creeeaaaakkkkk-

Both Pigimaru

And Slei

They werent in their perfect form.

The both of them were exhausted already.

Nevertheless, I still told them to do it.

All for our comrades.

Creeeaaaakkkkk-

I could feel the roots crawling from the back of my neck approaching near my face.

A large army of monsters were drawing near behind us that harshly speaking, you could even say theyre innumerable.

Shudder.

Piercing evil intent ran along my spines.

Suddenly, I was assaulted by a powerful illusion that I was facing against the Golden Demon Zone itself.

Creeeaaaakkkkk-

I could feel my heartbeat growing faster and cold sweat running down to the back of my neck.

[Status Open.]

Displaying my remaining amount of MP

The eight-legged black horse intensely kicked the ground while blowing out the mud from her path.

[Now then]

With Slei increasing her speed, I looked behind my back.

[Lets go for an all-out war.]