After the match between Hilt and Neidhart. We had come to visit Neidhart.

We were not that close, and at first, I thought about not doing it. However, even though he was resurrected, the way he died was quite shocking.

We decided to at least check in with him to see how he was doing. I have some questions I’d like to ask too.

However, just before we enter the infirmary, we bump into Neidhart, who opens the door and comes out.

「Neidhart, are you okay now?」

「Oya? Fran-dono? Could it be you’re here for me?」

「Nn」

「I thank you for that. But I’m okay now」

Neidhart’s sounded really nonchalant and remarkably calm. He seems not to be too shocked by the way he died. Is this due to his experience?

If he were in this state, I could probably ask him what I was wondering.

「Hey」

「What is it?」

「You quit being leader?」

「You heard that, huh…」

「Nn」

Or, more accurately, it was me who heard it. And apparently, it’s true.

Neidhart’s tone sours slightly, but soon returned to a brighter tone.

「Hahaha. Well, it is time for me to give up my seat to the younger generation. Perhaps it’s because of my age, but my movements have been slowing down lately」

Neidhart gave a plausible reason, but it was all a lie. He seems to have other reasons.

「Really?」

「Yeah, it’s true」

I’m sure he has many reasons, and maybe it’s a reason he doesn’t want to talk about it too much.

I’m curious, but Fran isn’t close enough to Neidhart to force him to tell her what he’s hiding.

In the first place, the reason I was concerned about the story of his resignation as leader was not that I was concerned about Neidhart, but because I was worried about Eliante and the other members of his mercenary group who had taken care of us in the royal capital.

In the end, we could only talk about the obvious. Finally, as he was about to turn his back and leave, Neidhart spoke a word of encouragement as if he had just remembered.

「You’ll have a lot to deal with the day after tomorrow, but good luck」

「You too」

「Yeah, of course. See you」

By “a lot” did he mean he expected fierce battles? Or was he aware of Hilt’s feelings for Colbert and referring to the various intertwined drama behind the scenes?

Well, at least that encouragement was sincere.

The next day. Even though tomorrow is the final, we were outside the town.

『Fran, are you sure, you’re okay?』

「Nn. I’m fine」

Actually, she should rest her body to prepare for tomorrow. There is no way that the exhaustion from using the divine attributes and engaging in fierce battles will heal in just a few days.

However, Fran wanted to go outside. She wanted to sharpen her own combat senses before her match against Hilt, and also to confirm her newfound strength.

In particular, there are two things she would like to test.

One is her mastery of Physical Manipulation skill, which we just raised its level. Raising this skill’s level will integrate various physical enhancement skills and is capable of strengthening all statuses.

Currently, we had no way to counter Hilt in her Dimitris-style secret technique “Heaven” other than using Potential Release.

So, we decided to increase the level of our Physical Manipulation skill. However, there was no point in suddenly raising its level to the max if we couldn’t put it to its full potential.

One more thing I want to confirm is about my blessings. In our fight with Sibylla, I learned how to use my divine blessing.

At that time, I drew only the power of the blessing of the Goddess of Chaos, but that wasn’t flawless, and I have yet to become aware of the blessing of the Goddess of Wisdom.

Then it seemed that learning how to use the blessing’s power would help to raise the strength a little. There might be other, better ways to use the Goddess of Sword’s blessing, for example.

To test them, we came here to exterminate the undead outside the town. They would be just the perfect test-run opponents.

「Woof woof!」

「Urushi, you found them?」

「Woof!」

When it comes to finding undead―especially zombies―nothing beats Urushi’s nose. Even if they are out of our detection range, we can find them quickly.

Walking through the forest with Urushi leading the way, we soon found what we were looking for.

「There」

『Just a few of them, perfect』

「I’ll go first. Okay?」

『Yeah, but don’t be reckless』

「Nn」

And so, she did a test run of her improved physical manipulation skills against a magic beast, but it didn’t go well.

They were just too weak that she killed them instantly. Not the right opponent at all.

Our speed has definitely increased, but we have no way to test her strength or kinetic vision. It’s not much different than slashing at a curly straw for Fran, but I guess it can’t be helped.

「I’d like a stronger opponent」

『Hmm, I don’t want you to strain yourself too much, but as I said, this doesn’t do any good… Urushi, can you find some stronger opponents?』

「Woof!」

Urushi barks lightly, as if to say “Let’s try it”. Then, he concentrates as if meditating, and stuck his nose out to the sky and begins to sniff.

A dozen seconds later, Urushi snapped his eyes open.

「Woof!」

Turning to the north, he bellowed confidently. He must have sensed a really strong undead.

「Urushi, good job」

『Good job! Lead the way!』

「Woof」

We began to run, but it was farther than I had imagined. We had run for almost five minutes and crossed one small mountain by now.

『Oi oi, is it this far away?』

「Woof!」

『Just how―― This is!』

Finally, I was able to sense the presence of the other party. I see, there is quite a sinister magic power emanating from them.

『They’re on the other side of this mountain. Let’s proceed with caution from here』

「Nn」

Isn’t this a little too strong to be a test opponent? At the very least, it looks like it could be a C Rank.

Well, if it’s too dangerous, we can just escape by teleporting. It would be a disaster if we were to fight with a strong enemy and get worn out.

『Now, what kind of magic beast are we up against?』