96: Brothers, yeah, that’s the thing—gotta help each other.

Got the call from Raidock. Kyle’s squad scrambles into motion. Naturally, I’m tagging along.

Kept an eye on the hydra while we moved. But thanks to Raidock and the lizardmen’s squad, the whole area’s been cleared of monsters.

Hmm. Guess that’s why he’s Raidock.

We’ve pushed deep into the swamp now. The ground’s getting worse by the minute.

Those mangroves, gajumal—whatever you call them—have roots that twist and tangle like lightning forks. Total pain in the ass.

And since it’s a swamp, most of it’s underwater.

Ahead, the mangrove forest stretches out. Right in the middle of the wetlands, basically.

No surprise, then, that no one—C-rank or B-rank—ever set foot here before.

Hell, if you’re not an idiot, you wouldn’t even come here.

Still, this expedition’s supposed to clear out the monsters in the central marsh area too.

Looks like it’s going to be trickier than I thought.

As we moved forward, checking the situation, I spotted Raidock waving at us.

I kept Kyle and Maina covered while approaching. There, a soldier in tattered armor was shoveling down portable rations.

Looks like he’s fully healed—no wounds, no blood. That’s a relief.

“Excuse me, interrupting your meal. I’m Kyle Gandar von Bairoroad. You’re definitely one of Zaid’s men, right?”

The soldier, who’d been jamming food into his mouth nonstop, froze. His eyes bulged. He blinked. Then:

“Guh!? Gobebibubeebi babibib!? ”

He scrambled to his feet, snapped a salute at Kyle.

Yeah. I’m giving you points for not spitting that bulging mouthful out!

“Ah! Sorry! I’ll wait till I’ve swallowed!”

“!!?!!”

The soldier didn’t understand what he was saying, but dropped to his knees and forced the food down.

I quickly pulled out the stamina potion from the leather sack and handed it over. The soldier gulped it down in big swallows.

...Did I go too far keeping the stamina potion in a water pouch?

After catching his breath, the soldier snapped to attention and saluted Kyle.

“O! O-oh, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting! Kyle-sama!”

Seeing the man looking so lively, Kyle’s expression softened just a bit.

“Yes. Now, are you definitely one of Zaid’s soldiers?”

“Absolutely!”

"Then, tell me what happened after your forces arrived in this marshland."

"Yes! We came here under Zaid-sama’s command to clear out the monsters in this swamp! At first, we started hunting hydralas—"

The soldier’s face twisted with fear.

"Step by step... the hydralas kept coming, one after another. We grew tired. Slowly, we fell behind. And no matter how many we killed, they didn’t decrease… no, they kept multiplying! Those damn snake heads!"

His voice cracked, sharpened by memories he’d rather forget.

Alphard took half a step forward. Calm in tone, though his movements were sharp.

"Relax. It’s fine. We’ve completely cleared the monsters here."

"...Ah, yes... I mean—no! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!"

The soldier paled, but Alphard slowly saluted.

"Considering the harsh conditions, I'm proud to call you a fellow soldier. Please, follow in Lord Kyle's footsteps."

"Yes! Well, we were surrounded by Hydras, so we suggested fleeing... uh, it was Lord Zaid who—"

The man faltered, and we all—me, Alphard, Van Vain, the three Cassper sisters, Raidock, even Leifan—couldn’t help but smirk.

Kyle smiled warmly and urged the soldier on.

"Even if it's hard to say, this is important. Please, tell us."

"...Yes! Lord Zaid said we lacked spirit, took up his sword himself, and took down the Hydra. Then, carried away by momentum, Lord Zaid just kept going deeper into the marsh..."

Wait. What?

"Zaid actually took down the Hydra!?"

Ah...

I frantically clamp my hand over my mouth, but it's too late.

Calling Zaid by his name right in front of his personal guards? No way! Me! I'm sorry...!

Alphard glares at me like a demon. Leifan and Raidock just shake their heads and rub their temples. Van? The bastard doubles over laughing!

Yeah, okay, I messed up, but—!

The soldier looks slightly confused, but still answers politely.

"Are you asking whether Lord Zaid can defeat a Hydra single-handedly? I've heard it's rare even among adventurers. Hydras are usually defeated in groups, aren't they?"

"Ah, no, uh. Yeah. Right. Sorry."

I apologize, cutting the conversation short, and bow my head.

I mean, come on—how wild was that?!

Besides, most of our adventurers can take down a hydra solo—four heads or less, no problem!

Then Kyle whispered something in my ear.

"Zaid-sama’s studied knightly swordplay. Stronger than the average soldier. Just... "

Wait, "average soldier"—that’s not the Golden Dawn standard, is it? Normal, everyday soldier standard?

"His training’s focused mostly on fighting people. Not monsters. The sword he wields is quite good, though..."

Hmm.

So he’s at least above average in a fight.

Then he finished off the weakened hydra, got cocky, and charged deep into the dangerous backlands.

...Yeah. That tracks.

I glare again into the center of the forest, where the view suddenly goes dark all at once.

The tangled roots cover the ground, thick leaves block the view, and narrow streams weave like a net through the heart of the swamp.

Normally, you wouldn’t step foot in here.

Damn it, Zaid—what a fool!

If I find him, I’ll sneak up and knock him out!

…if he’s still alive. But—

Alphard clears his throat, nudging the soldier forward.

“After they plunged into the center, what happened?”

“Sir! Suddenly the footing got terrible and the view vanished. The unit spread out on its own. After walking a while, we lost all sense of direction—couldn’t even tell which way we were going!”

Yeah, that makes sense.

Even seasoned explorers find this mangrove forest dangerous. They wouldn’t step in without a damn good reason.

Or maybe… he didn’t understand the danger because he wasn’t an explorer?

The soldier’s report goes on, ignoring my thoughts.

“So, just as it started getting dim… suddenly, we were attacked by a swarm of hydrala… that thing… it was like a shape dissolving into shadow…”

Wait, now it’s all poetic?

No, it’s clear enough, though!

“In an instant, the squad was torn apart. I ran around blindly, then hid in the roots of a tree and stayed there for days. No food, but plenty of water, so I made it. I’m truly grateful for your help!”

He ended his story with a sharp salute toward Kyle—finally realizing he’d finished speaking.

Still, damn lucky to survive.

Those mangrove roots… not exactly easy to spot, even for a hydra, right?

Then again… maybe there’s hope for others who made it out alive.

I looked at Kyle. He locked eyes with me, steady and firm.

"Craft-sama... I really want to save Zaid-sama and the soldiers. Can you help me?"

That was a decision to push Kyle's soldiers and adventurers to their limits. Kyle knew it himself, clearly.

A slight tremor ran through him.

So.

I grinned wide.

"Ah. Leave it to me! Raidock!"

Raidock got it just from hearing his name. He stood beside me with that same indifferent smirk.

Damn, look at him—so damn handsome!

"Kyle-sama. We'll push through the central sector with our adventurers. Have the Lizardmen and soldiers cover the flanks..."

Kyle cut him off with a sharp shake of his head.

"No solo entry by the adventurer unit."

"But—"

I get both sides.

If every adventurer were as strong as Raidock’s party, we could manage anything. But expecting everyone to be B-rank? That’s pushing it.

It’s the first time we’re stepping in. No idea what’s waiting.

Says “central wetland” in words. But it’s wide enough to fit an entire city-state whole.

“Then perhaps we should go together?”

A sudden voice made me turn. It was the lizardfolk, Julara and Shururu.

“Apologies for interrupting, Kyle-sama.”

“No, you’re done with the perimeter sweep already?”

“Yes. We found a massive trail heading into the central marshland—through the mangrove forest.”

“Huh?”

“Likely the troops of your brother, Zaid-sama.”

“That’s—!”

I nearly leaned forward.

Even that brother of mine? So worried, huh. Good kid.

"Then, a suggestion for you, Kyle-sama. This time, the number of us lizards and adventurers is almost equal. So, why not pair them up—adventurers with lizards?"

"Is that so?"

Kyle looked up, confused—whether he didn’t understand the meaning or just couldn’t see the effect. Raidock snapped his fingers.

"Ah, I see. A lizard who knows swamps and doesn’t slow down, paired with an adventurer who’s a fighting force—movement would improve dramatically!"

Julara nodded at Raidock.

"Not just that. Even if we face an enemy we can’t handle, we lizards will take responsibility and carry the adventurers to safety."

Right. So it’s about making lots of adventurer-lizard pairs.

Not a bad idea.

"True, not bad. But I oppose it."

Raidock’s expression turned grim.

"Why? I thought it was a solid plan."

What’s the problem here?

"Kyle’s central force’ll be thin. Two main units pulling out."

Ah. Right.

Hmph. Might think about it, but I’m not worried.

"Alphard’s personal troops under Kyle stay intact. Me, Leifan, Jitarou—we’re here. Plus the three sisters of the elite guard, Casper. We’re not going deep. Just staying right here."

We’re already past the marsh’s edge, but still barely in the middle tier. Sure, it’s riskier than the outer zone. But with this strength? No way anything goes wrong.

Me, Raidock, Julara. Alphard and Van silently look at Kyle. Kyle gives a firm nod.

"Let’s go with Julara’s plan. But if things get dangerous—full retreat, no hesitation."

"Understood."

Raidock nods dramatically. Just trying to ease Kyle’s mind, probably.

“We’ll risk our lives to repay the kindness of Craft and Lord Kyle!”

“No, no—keep your life safe. Otherwise, I won’t allow it.”

“U…uh…”

Laughter rippled through the crowd at Julara’s flustered reaction.

Good! Tension’s loosened up nicely!

Kyle… if that was all calculated, that’s terrifying.

Van, who’d been quiet till now, speaks up.

“What? No matter how bad it gets, I’ll protect Kyle no matter what. You all, go in with peace of mind!”

Whoa!

Seriously, this guy’s a total bigmouth!

Funny… no disgust, no annoyance. Why’s that?

Ah. Right.

After a moment, it clicks.

My own feelings toward Van.

Back when I first started as an adventurer, he reminded me of that overbearing senior adventurer who always butted in.

Flippant, full of himself, sometimes even annoying—but always shows up when it matters, pulls you out of trouble.

That kind of older adventurer every guild has one of. The dependable big brother type.

Once you get it, it’s simple.

All that fog I’d been carrying around Van just... dissolves.

He’s not some bigmouth. If it came down to it, he’d really risk his life to save Kyle.

“Then I’ll see Maina through, properly.”

I didn’t say Kyle’s name out loud—but he looked downright happy about it.

United.

Our hearts are set.

Kyle calls the order, face hard with resolve.

“Then, adventurers, Lizardman mixed unit, advance into the central marsh! Prioritize your safety. Search for survivors! We’ll resume the swamp campaign later, based on what we find here!”

««« UOOUOOUOOO!!! »»

So, we split into two main groups.

The ones left behind—us—set about building a foundation in the marshland, preparing our immediate base.

It’s still high noon, but with this unusual terrain, I’m not sure we’ll finish setting up before nightfall.

Leifan’s flying all over the place, doing amazing work. No surprise—he’s the head of the Production Guild!

Just as we’re in the middle of building the makeshift base.

I pass by Jitarou on patrol.

« Hey, anything wrong over your way? »

« Nothing at all. Looks like Raidock’s brother got shredded to bits, no survivors. »

« I know. But don’t let your guard down. »

Monsters can pop out from anywhere.

« We’re good! It’s Raidock’s brother and Shururu’s Lizardman squad we’re talking about!? Invincible! Totally safe! No worries! »

…Wait.

Why do I suddenly feel uneasy?

Collaboration with "Sūpu Karē Kamui" in Tokyo’s Akihabara is now live!

Special menu items are available!

We’ve also uploaded a special new entry to our activity report to match!

Be sure to enjoy both together!

The Kamui collaboration runs until the 22nd!

If you’re in the Kanto region, please do come by!

Also today, the latest chapter of the manga adaptation has been updated on MangaUP!

Be sure to check it out too!

(We put in nearly ten thousand words on this one—really went all out!)