The next morning, I went to the hideout, put on my mask, went to borrow a horse and then visited Knopf.

Yo, Knopf

W, who might you be?

She looked surprised at my face on which I wore a mask.

I took off the mask.

Its me, Carlo.

Aah, that surprised me. Whats the mask for? Did you buy it just to surprise me?

You dont really believe that, do you? It mustnt be found out that the feudal lord became an adventurer so Im wearing this mask and pretend to be someone else.

I see, so it was like that. Then did you also change your name?

Yeah. I gave myself the name Akatsuki. Please call me that, Knopf

I got it, Akatsuki. Well then, what business do you have with me this morning?

As I expected, this cat girl is quick-witted.

Generally, this cat girl, although she looks young is actually older than me as she is half cat person and half human.

A two-headed troll appeared in a settlement near the Reed Forest. I wanted you to lend me your power to subjugate it.

Eh, two heads! Im interested, but is it fine for me to come? I m not experienced in fighting. Would I still be useful?

I see, Knopf is essentially a mad scientist-type of researcher, so she doesnt have any actual combat experience, huh?

But its for certain that Knopfs abilities will be helpful.

Its alright. There are me and my very experienced friend acting as support. So if its fine with you, please.

Understood, Ill go with you. Ill prepare for it immediately.

Dont forget to bring that, okay?

Yeah, got it.

Five minutes later, I took Knopf and headed towards the Guild Hall.

Crescent Moon and Pick were already waiting there.

Youre late. I already took the quest. The reward will be 30 gold coins, Ehehe

Crescent Moon laughed with her drool nearly dripping out.

Pick seems to fight that urge to also do this.

If we have Heanot that, if we have big bro and Crescent Moon-san itll be an easy victory! So, whos that girl?

Though its you who looks like a little girl.

Pick might look like a child but on the inside, shes a cunning thief rather than an adult.

This is my magic teacher, Knopf. Shes half cat human half human and even if she might not look like it, shes 30 years old.

Why so you have to emphasise my age so much? Ah, Im Knopf. Ill be in your care.

Heeeh, my big brothers teacher is 30? You dont look like it.

Pick acted exaggeratedly surprised.

Even though you look like an elementary school student! Whats your actual age anyway?!

Im Crescent Moon. I work as a mercenary. Nice to meet you.

Im Pick. Im a Hobbit and Big bro Akatsukis younger sister. Nice to meet you.

After the greetings were over we immediately started a strategy meeting.

It suddenly appeared in a village and they requested for it to be subjugated as soon as possible

The surprising part is that its supposed to have two heads.

The damage dealt to the village is also unknown.

Besides ours, many other parties have received this quest. However, they want to organise a collaboration between various parties, the discussion will be time-consuming. Meanwhile, well monopolise it!

Looks like Crescent Moon doesnt want to share with other parties to the last. (TN: Shell probably share with you, though? Isnt that something?)

Well, itll be fine.

Ehm, Im able to use all four attributes of magic but as this is my first time doing real combat please do take care of me.

Heeh, being able to use all four attributes, isnt that amazing? But you cant use higher-ranked magic as it seems. Oh well, anyway, well be in your care.

I can guarantee for Knopfs abilities. Pick will cover her so that she wont be disturbed during an aria.

Understood, big bro!

We decided to depart.

After leaving the town, crossing the bridge and advancing along the edge of the Reed Forest eventually a village came into our view.

Finally, dont let your guard down

They nodded to my words.

This times enemy is completely different from the Kobolds I dealt with before.

Im nervous because this is my first campaign in a sense.

I approached the villages entrance with caution.

It was actually too quiet.

There are no people

Crescent Moon muttered.

I couldnt see any of the residents, not even a dog.

Shall we enter?

I pulled out my Oricalcum Sword as I said this.

As I thought, theres no one in the houses or barns.

Its really too quiet.

There were some broken houses here and there, though.

We looked into the other intact houses, too, but there wasnt even a shadow of a resident there.

Did everyone run away or something?

Its no surprise that Pick said that.

Hey, come over here!

When I went to the place Crescent Moons voice came from there was a stone windmill.

But its entrance door was closed.

It wont open

Crescent Moon tried to open its door but no matter how she pushed or pulled it wouldnt open.

Looks like its locked from the inside.

Normally one wouldnt lock the windmills door.

Is that so? Maybe someones inside.

Then should I pick the lock?

Pick reacted to my words.

Yeah, could you try?

Pick tinkered with the keyhole for about 20 seconds.

Its open

Fast!

When I opened the door I found some residents of the village inside.

Everyone was huddled together, frightened.

We came to rescue you.

Rescue, but why is it only you? What about the others?

They will come later, but itll be alright with just us, too.

To Crescent Moons words an elderly man who seems to be the residents representative totally changed his attitude and shouted at her.

You just can be so carefree because you didnt see it! Do you know how terrible that thing is?No, I dont know when that will return. Anyway, well hide here until the others come.

Looks like he saw something truly horrible.

Is every villager here?

No, some failed to get here in time. Since we just barely got here I dont really know what happened to them, but in my opinion, they probably

I see. So there were victims after all, huh?

We somehow have to protect these people and exterminate that guy.

We were told a two-headed Troll appeared.

Yeah, theres no doubt about that. Its considerably bigger than other Trolls and its movements are quicker. I never saw something like that before.

Did it use magic?

That, honestly, I dont know. I didnt see it, but among those who ran away were some that said it used something like magic.

Well, we should attack it while keeping this in mind.

Knopf, attack it while assuming your opponent can use magic. This applies to everyone, too

Isnt it okay for now? Well just hide here and -

Zuuuun, Zuuuun

As he was trying to say something, one could clearly hear an abnormal thudding sound.