Seeker 115

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Chapter 115. The Kidnappers

When I thought I had rescued the elf girl, she made another "request".

Though I was a little annoyed, I decided to hear her out.

The elf girl seemed flustered, as if every second counted, and started explaining the situation.

"There's a group of kidnappers camping deep in this forest. They captured us, but we managed to escape by finding an opportunity. However, the kidnappers caught two of my friends who escaped with me. If they take them away, they'll become slaves to the evil humans! Please, help Rize and Shia! I'll do anything I can to repay you!"

The elf girl pleaded desperately.

Now then...

I glanced at Kazane-san and Yuzuki, and they seemed eager to go help.

That's right.

However, there's one thing I need to ask before anything else.

I quickly asked the elf girl,

"How many people are there in that group of kidnappers? And do you know if there's an adventurer—or someone with similar strength—among them?"

"The kidnappers, there are seven of them. By adventurer, you mean someone with the power of an elf warrior, right? In that case, the one they called the 'boss' was like that. The other 6 were all scared of the 'boss,' and when we got attacked by Goblins on the way, the 'boss' annihilated them all alone."

So, it seems only one person with Seeker-level abilities, the 'boss' kidnappers.

If that's the case, we might have a chance.

Considering the possibilities, if there's someone who broke their limits, it would be endless, but for now, we should exclude that.

By the way, elves, like dwarfs, are called 'warriors'.

It's still troublesome to have multiple names for the same thing.

After telling the elf girl to stay further away, I discussed it with Kazane-san and Yuzuki.

"There's probably only one person with seeker-level abilities. If we consider the other six insignificant, the risk isn't zero, but I think it's acceptable. We don't have many advantages, but I..."

Just as I was about to continue, I heard a beep.

A translucent message board appeared in my field of vision.

───────────────────────

Special Mission: Rescue the captured elf from the kidnappers!

Experience Points Earned upon Mission Completion... 5000 points.

───────────────────────

Why does it show up now?

Although I felt somewhat demoralized, I continued speaking.

"I take back what I said earlier. It seems there are some benefits after all. What do you think?"

"Daichi-kun, do you think we should quit? Is it better not to do it?"

Kazane-san questioned me.

I shook my head.

"To be honest, I don't know. It was the same when we were at the dwarf village, but there's still a non-zero risk that could be fatal for us. But I want to help."

"I agree with that. Hotaru-chan, what about you?"

"To help the weak without considering one's danger. To defeat evil... Doesn't it sound a bit like a 'hero'? It's cool, isn't it?"

"Is that a 'yes' then?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, is it settled then?"

Despite all the talk, Kazane-san and Yuzuki seem like "softies".

Including myself, we might face some trouble down the line, but we'll deal with it when the time comes.

I called the elf girl back.

"Alright, then... uh..."

"Riviera. My name is Riviera."

"Understood, Riviera. Can you guide us to the location where the kidnappers are camping?"

"Thank you! I'll do anything to repay you later. Follow me."

The elf girl—Riviera—said that and disappeared into the forest.

We followed her.

At that moment, Yuzuki laughed mischievously and teased me.

"But, senpai. When a beautiful elf girl says she'll 'do anything'. Did you imagine something naughty?"

"...I-I didn't."

"Are you sure? What do you think, Kazane-san?"

"Daichi-kun, I'm generous, so if you confess honestly, I'll forgive you."

"...I'm sorry. I imagined it for just a moment. But really, just for a moment!"

"Oh, I knew it~. But considering your honesty, I'll forgive you. I'm generous."

"Cheating is not allowed, senpai. Ah, but if it's not cheating and you have multiple true lovers, it's okay."

"Is that so?"

"Normally, it's not allowed. But I think it's okay."

"I'll forgive you too. I'm generous. Ehehe~"

"........"

The girls' alliance is too strong.

It's a matter of male instincts, and it seems like arguing that it's the infringement of inner freedom or something won't be accepted here.

If I poke the beehive, I'll get devoured by two big snakes.

Anyway, it seems like Kazane-san said something I can't ignore.

No, now is not the time to think about such things.

Let's focus on the task at hand.

I followed Riviera's lead, intensifying my sense of tension.