The Water Magician

One week later, the group returned to the Holy Capital Marromar.

For the sake of reporting to the delegation.

In the lounge at the back of the first floor lobby of the delegation's lodging.

"I see. I understand the situation," said the leader, Hugh McGrath, as he nodded greatly after receiving the report.

"I had also heard from Cardinal Oskar that the so-called Templar Knight Order is moving..."

Cardinal Oskar is one of the church's key figures responsible for hosting the Central Nations Delegation.

Particularly regarding Harold, he had provided significant leeway to the delegation from the very beginning, including issuing the 'Holy Seal Certificate.'

"Ice floors and hail... If I were to say it's typical of Ryo, it indeed is..."

His murmurs were quiet enough that they did not reach Ryo's ears as he enjoyed a delicious cake and coffee.

But Nils and Eto, who were reporting right in front of Hugh, did hear it.

"Well, if they didn't remove it by force, then there shouldn't be a problem. Any excuse can be made," Hugh said without much concern.

"That means the demon king's blood is next. While it's said to be delivered to the upper echelons of the church, well, there's only one option for who to deliver it to..."

"That would be Cardinal Oskar."

"Yeah. Since he’s one of the negotiators with the delegation and is stationed in the Holy Capital, he should be able to meet with us anytime. Of course, there’s no guarantee that Cardinal Oskar will always be on our side... but well, that's how it is. However, the fact that Marlin is a demon is quite concerning..."

Hugh seemed to be troubled by the fact that Marlin was a demon.

"The Grand Master?"

"No... we encountered the demon of the south when it was released, right? And now we have this demon? Neither of them gives off the 'destructive' vibe that is usually heard in legends..."

Hugh answered while recalling the past.

"Indeed, the demon of the south was like that. However, this time, Marlin has apparently been serving as a strategist for the demon king's army, fighting humans for thousands of years... so we can't know what his original form is like."

Nils stated.

"I see. The fact that we can say he's friendly this time is..."

Hugh paused and looked at Ryo, who was savoring the cake.

"Because Ryo is here."

"Yes."

Nils nodded in response to Hugh's confirmation.

"Well, since demons aren’t something that humans can fight and win against anyway..."

Hugh's murmur came out with a sigh.

A week after making a promise with Marlin, the group delved into the eighty floors.

Immediately after the transfer, Marlin appeared before them.

"Welcome. Now, shall we proceed?"

As soon as those words were said, a floating sensation struck the group, and they soon landed on the ground.

The ground was a meadow.

Looking up, they saw a blue sky.

In their visible range, there was a small house.

In the distance, a forest could be seen.

"Hmm? Something feels off," Marlin muttered quietly.

At that instant, a shadow rushed in and targeted Nils, who was on the outermost edge of the group...

Clang!

The shadow’s rapid strike was intercepted by an ice sword.

"Roman, watch out!"

"Eh... eh? Ryo, san...?"

The shadow that rushed in was the hero Roman.

"I apologize..."

Hero Roman said in apology.

"No..."

Nils couldn't continue his words.

"Roman's Holy Sword Astaroth would shatter if blocked with an ordinary sword, right? I'm glad it was my Murakumo," Ryo replied, nodding in a pleased manner.

"Hero, what on earth happened?"

"Lord Marlin, it seems we have been surrounded by enemies... by the church."

"What!?"

Hero Roman explained the situation, leaving Marlin speechless.

"So, I suddenly sensed a presence and thought the enemy was charging in..."

"That's why you rushed in..."

Roman continued to explain, and Eto nodded in response.

"Now, what shall we do... I had at least wanted to explain it first."

Marlin murmured.

"To buy some time, should we cover this area with an ice wall? It should take the enemies some time to break through."

"Ice Wall, right!"

Ryo's suggestion was met with a nod from hero Roman.