Necromancer 63

Test

63. Cracks Within the Team

We arrived at the neighboring country by carriage.

The members were mostly the same as last time.

All of them possess high combat abilities, but if possible, I want to finish this mission by myself again.

I’d prefer to use my power and that of my servants to swiftly subdue the demons.

That way, we can avoid unnecessary sacrifices.

Still, Nayuka's [Premonition] lingered in my mind.

A premonition that I would gain three new servants...

If those three are the demons we’re about to defeat, there’s no problem.

Or if they’re wild monsters, or opponents I’ll defeat in the course of battle, that’s fine too.

However—if they turn out to be allies, that’s a different story.

There’s a chance those three could die fighting the demons and be reborn as undead monsters.

“Well, I’ll try not to dwell on it too much. Either way, thinking about it won’t solve anything…”

Eventually, the carriage arrived near the frontlines of the Zaghani Principality.

We disembarked and joined up with the Zaghani regular army.

“Welcome, heroes from another world!”

The man serving as the commander greeted us with a broad smile.

“The group invading our country consists of 15 mid-level demons and the rest are low-level ones,”

the commander explained.

“Can you tell me about the species and traits of these mid-level demons?”

I asked.

“They’re all of the same species—a race called [Bloodclaws]—”

...I see.

After hearing the commander’s explanation, I replied,

“I’ve fought [Bloodclaws] before. Leave them to me.”

“Oh, that’s reassuring!”

The commander’s face lit up.

“You’ve heard the plan. I’ll take the lead as usual. Everyone else, deal with any stragglers I miss.”

“Hold on, Shigure. Are you planning to do this alone again?”

Hazuki frowned.

“Are you just trying to hog all the glory?”

“That’s not it.”

I looked directly at Hazuki and said.

“I just don’t want anyone to die.”

“...You make it sound like we’re weak and need your protection.”

“I’m not saying you’re weak.”

I tried to soothe Hazuki, who clearly wasn’t pleased.

“But… to be honest, my combat ability is significantly higher than yours.”

“Huh? Are you picking a fight?”

Hazuki bristled.

It wasn’t just about skills—she seemed to have a deep-seated pride.

“I’m sorry if I offended you. But in battles with demons, lives are on the line. As I said, I don’t want anyone to die.”

“So you’re saying, ‘Big, strong me can handle it so no one else has to die,’ huh?”

“At the very least, it gives us the best chance for everyone to survive.”

“...You’re not budging, are you? Were you always this stubborn?”

Hazuki looked at me, bewildered.