We were leaving the flare light dungeon and heading for Finlis, noticed that black smoke was rising in front of us.

“Hey, Esther. Does Finlis use smoke signals?”

“I don’t know if the city uses smoke signals, and I don’t think it’s a smoke signal.” (Esther)

“Is that so?”

“That’s too much smoke for a smoke signal.” (Esther)

　As Esther points out, there is too much smoke rising in the sky.

　When it comes to smoke signals, the smoke most likely came from a fire.

(Finlis has many wooden houses and it may be difficult to put out because it is quite crowded.)

　While thinking about such things, they walked toward Finlis without feeling any tension.

　I am an adventurer, not a firefighter.

　Mochi comes from a mochi shop. [T/N: Mochi are delicious glutinous rice treats with fillings inside. From sweetened bean paste to ice-cream. Google-sensei has images that would make you crave one]

　Finlis should also have firefighters, and if there is a fire, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

　However, I changed my mind when I saw the outer wall of Finlis.

　The number of inhabitants outside the outer wall of Finlis is unusually large.

　Besides, the atmosphere of the people outside was similar to wartime refugees.

　Some were lying down stained with blood, and others were crying on the chests of those who are now laying on the ground.

　Some are staring at the wall, and others are holding hands and praying towards the sky.

　This is not just any small matter.

　I thought and began to run towards Finlis with Esther in tow.

“What has happened?”

　I approached the outer wall of Finlis and asked the residents nearby.

“Its monsters. Monsters suddenly appeared in Finlis!” (Citizen)

” Monsters!?”

“That’s stupid! What was the gatekeeper doing when the monsters got in?!” (Esther)

“Well, that’s not the case. Maybe the monsters aren’t coming from outside.” (Citizen)

“Then where did they come from? If a monster enters, it’s probably through Finlis Gate.” (Esther)

　Esther threw a suspicious gaze at the citizens.

　Finlis is surrounded by a thick and high wall to prevent monster attacks.

　If a monster tries to attack, it cannot enter because of the wall.

　Esther, who thinks that a monster has to go through the gate to get inside Finlis, is totally right.

　However, I looked at her.

“Maybe, but I don’t think this person is wrong.”

“Why?” (Esther)

“That’s because a lot of people are outside of the gate.”

　If a monster invades from the outside, it is dangerous to escape using the gate.

　Because monsters that can’t fit through the gate may be waiting outside.

　Also, if a monster invades using the gate, they would be attacked by the monsters when they escape through the gate.

　However, many residents do not seem to be watching their surroundings.

　From this, it can be considered that there are no monsters outside, or that the monsters did not come in through the gate.

“If so, where did the monster come from…?” (Esther)

“Esther. It doesn’t matter at this moment.”

“–! That’s right. Let’s go, Toru!” (Esther)

“Yup!”

　We passed through the Finlis Gate at full speed with Esther pulling out her sword.

　Beyond the gate was just a picture of hell.

　People who have been bitten by their throats, people who have lost their limbs, people who have been burnt black, lots of people, and many pitiful people…

　Perhaps they were late to escape, and when he saw a person dying while stretching his hand forward, I naturally felt the strength in my hand now holding my [magic sword].

　At that time,

“Toru…!” (Esther)

　Esther, who discovered a Silver Wolf, called out.

　The Silver Wolf was devouring a fallen corpse.

　In response to Esther’s voice, I raised my sword with my face dyed red.

　It was at the next moment.

　The silver wolf’s neck fell silently.

~Esther’s Perspective~

“… Toru” (Esther)

　Before I noticed, Toru left me and the head of Silver Wolf fell.

　I couldn’t follow his movement.

　I am now at level 30 thanks to Toru’s aggressive leveling.

　Also, as I continued swinging my sword against the goblins, my [sword art] reached Lv3, which is between an intermediate and advanced level.

　If it’s just my status, it’s a level where I can be ranked as a C-rank adventurer.

　Despite this, Toru’s movement was so fast that I lost sight of him.

　My spine tingled at such an overwhelming movement.

　Is this really Toru?

　He knelt and bowed to the man who was devoured by the Silver Wolf.

　I saw his profile is and it definitely is Toru.

　However, he is totally different from the usual.

　It was an expression that I had never seen before.

“Esther”

“What is it?” (Esther)

“We may not be strong enough, but let’s save this city … Finlis.”

“……Ah!” (Esther)

　While I was scared of the atmosphere around Toru, I thought, “Toru that will cut a silver wolf,” is not normal.

　Esther finally understood the opponent Toru slashed at.

　He is not defeating monsters with hate or madness.

“Whether or not his opponent has murderous intent” (Esther)

　The line is drawn clearly.

“It looks like there are quite a few monsters in Finlis.”

“Are the monsters only composed of silver wolves?” (Esther)

“Maybe it’s better to move apart than to move together with their number.”

“… Yes, that’s right.” (Esther)

　Silver Wolves may be an overwhelming opponent for me.

　But in this situation, can I really do my best?

　Such anxiety is rushing through my mind.

　But Toru smiled as if he could even see beyond.

“Esther will be okay”

　Toru’s words permeated into the doubt in my heart that had just opened.

　The words generate warmth and comforted me.

　I was full of energy in an instant, nodded with all my might.

“Then let’s go!”

“Okay!” (Esther)

“Oh, it looks like the fire is raging, so I’ll use magic.”

“Hmm, magic?” (Esther)

　When he lightly waved his finger, I felt a soft breeze.

　The wind circulates around me.

　I could only smell burning buildings before, but as soon as Toru used magic, the smell of smoke disappeared.

“This is … a wind barrier!?” (Esther)

　Some intermediate wind magic can interfere with arrows and magic.

　It is magic that the wind turns around the target person for a certain period of time and repels the attack.

　Did Toru use it?

　I opened my eyes in astonishment.

　Toru only bought beginner’s magic tomes at Lily’s store.

　I haven’t heard that he has bought an intermediate magic book since then.

　Normally, new magic cannot be used without a magic tome.

　However, he used what seemed to be intermediate magic.

“Toru, that magic is–” (Esther)

“So Esther. See you later!”

“Oh, hey!”

　Before I even asked, Toru ran away at a terrifying speed inside the city of Finlis.

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