My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's

"Welcome back."

When we returned to our room at Hotel Raven, Akira, looking fully recovered, greeted us.

The dark circles under his eyes were gone; he looked outwardly healthy, which was a relief.

"I'm home."

Crow, who looked weary from walking, led the way as we filed into the room and relaxed.

Akira didn't ask any questions.

"Pack your things as soon as you've rested. We'll depart once everyone's ready. Crow, Mr. Zeal, Amelia, hero, Kyosuke—gather in the next room now."

"Understood."

At Akira's words, everyone began to move.

Crow, who should have been taking the lead here, said nothing, so it felt like Akira was reluctantly shouldering that role.

When all the people Akira named had gathered in the next room, they naturally took positions forming a circle, as if by mutual agreement.

"Alright, let's decide our route from here."

The hero and Kyosuke tilted their heads in question. Akira put a hand to the back of his neck and looked away.

That was the gesture he made when embarrassed.

Akira had originally said he wouldn't allow their companionship, but he had called the two of them to a meeting to decide the route.

So that was probably what this meant.

The hero spoke, half glad and half confused.

"Hey, I appreciate being allowed to come along, but why the sudden change?"

"I'm not saying I have to show my strength. I said I don't want people I have to protect. As a result, you two thought about who needs protecting most and chose to fight on your own. That's enough."

Remembering Akira's words, they both nodded.

"I won't forgive you for not consulting me about something this big, but... fine. You must've had a hard time."

Both of them let out relieved breaths.

It seemed they had been worried about keeping things from Akira.

"In any case, we have to decide where to head. Specifically, either the Demon Clan territory where the demon king is thought to be, or Uruk, where Gram is believed to be."

The hero reacted at "Demon Clan territory," and Crow at "Gram."

Both places were locations we'd have to go to eventually.

"...What are your thoughts? Putting aside all the complicated circumstances, of course."

I wasn't sure what "complicated circumstances" referred to, but Akira thought for a moment and answered.

Crow stared intently into Akira's eyes.

"...The Demon Clan territory is extremely convoluted and has few safe places. On top of that, apparently Yoru recently had information about the Demon Clan erased by the demon king."

I couldn't help glancing at Akira's shoulder.

I hadn't seen Yoru for the past few days, and Yoru's usual spot was on Akira's shoulder.

I wondered if his absence was related.

Akira didn't seem worried, so I said nothing.

"Therefore, entering the Demon Clan territory absolutely requires expert knowledge... even if that knowledge is a hundred years old."

Everyone's gaze turned to Crow.

Having once advanced deep into the Demon King's Castle, Crow would know the details.

According to legend, they spent about fifty years investigating the Demon Clan territory.

"The Demon Clan territory might as well be my backyard... and it probably hasn't changed in a hundred years."

"Um, do you have any evidence for that?"

The hero interrupted, and Crow glared at him sharply before speaking.

"Evidence? It's simple. There's nothing for them to be wary of. I don't know about the creepy demonic beasts wandering around the territory, but the Demon Clan themselves have zero caution. They know other races can't beat them, so they don't guard or watch. Nothing's going to change."

I remembered Yoru saying in the labyrinth that some of the Demon Clan had never felt pain in their lives.

Beneath their astonishing vitality, offensive power, and magical power, their defense was also among the strongest of all races.

Not just the kind of everyday wounds people get—apparently they don't even get injuries from battle.

Thinking back, it's miraculous we managed to escape.

"So Crow's accompaniment is indispensable if we're heading to the Demon Clan territory. If certain conditions are met, Crow will act as our guide. Because of those conditions, we have to go to Uruk."