Published: September 4, 2025
Satou here. Due to my work, I sometimes have to script quick throwaway programs, and once you get used to it, you can whip one up in under ten seconds.
Newbies are often surprised by this, but after a year, they’ll be able to do the same—if they’re still around after a year, that is.
◇
“Where have those kids gone?”
“They’re just outside the city wall. It looks like they’re surrounded by zombies.”
“Really? We have to go help them!”
“Even if you run, you won’t make it in time. I’ll provide covering fire with guided arrows (remote arrows).”
I told Arisa that and stepped out onto the balcony near the city’s main gate to cast magic. To be careful in case we were seen, I changed into my silver mask costume.
“Whoa, transformation? Transformation skill?”
“It’s just a quick change.”
I wonder if the quick change skill is rare?
Slightly put off by Arisa’s weird excitement, I gripped my short staff. I could technically cast without it, but having it made me look more like a mage.
I fired three consecutive volleys of 50 guided arrows (remote arrows) each.
For some reason, I got a light tap on the back of my head.
“What’s up, Arisa?”
“Magic can’t be fired continuously like that. When casting in front of others, even beginner spells need about ten seconds between uses.”
I see, Arisa’s lessons are really helpful.
Anyway, it looks like Liza and the others escaped their dire situation. The monsters were in the low twenties in level, so I wanted Liza and company to finish them off for experience points, but safety comes first.
I’m a bit concerned that the knights from Duke Ouyugok’s territory nearby might have seen us, but they probably won’t guess we were sniping from here, so it should be fine.
No people seem to be wandering the city. There are some looters taking advantage of the chaos, but I just marked them. Even if they become a danger later, I’ll leave them be.
Except those who fled the city or rushed to the castle gates, everyone else seems to have taken shelter inside their homes.
Zombies that broke into the city are heading straight for the castle gates.
The barons appear to have managed to retreat to the fortress. The fake hero and the old man seem injured, but as long as they’re alive, it’s no big deal.
◇
“Hey, hey! What’s with that outfit? Cosplay? If you’d asked, I could’ve made you something way cooler than that lame thing! Like costumes of the Crimson Shooting Star or the Black Aristocrats—I want to dress you up in all kinds of stuff!”
I just want to hide my identity, but I really don’t want to be Arisa’s plaything. I ignore her smug comment, “Masks are just so romantic, aren’t they?”
“The forest’s acting weird.”
Pochi tugs at my shirt hem.
Oh right, I was worried about Liza and the others, so I put off checking the forest, but a giant there is in trouble.
Fortunately, there don’t seem to be many confused giants, so no friendly fire accidents happened. High-level creatures probably resist confusion better.
Well then, while sweeping through high-level zombies that Liza’s group might struggle with using guided arrows (remote arrows), I pulled out the Wooden Holy Sword from the treasure vault (item box).
I want to test how effective it is in real combat against the demon race. I wanted to try it on weaker demon race enemies like the splitter earlier, but equipping it in front of everyone would have been too conspicuous, so I gave up.
Even if it turns out useless, I can always switch to another Holy Sword.
“You’re seriously going to use that wooden sword?”
“Yes?”
I answer Arisa’s exasperated face without flinching.
If I said I had a trump card, she’d probably get mad and say, “Just fight with the strongest one from the start.”
When I fought Waga Hai-kun, I did use the strongest Holy Sword, but this enemy seems to rely on tricky tactics rather than raw strength. Too strong an attack might risk a counter.
◇
I asked Pochi to watch the city and castle gates, then stepped out onto the forest-side balcony.