The Investigation Begins

"Genau's partner died in battle a few days ago. The two of you will be tasked with the Demons -slaying mission in the Northern Plateau."

Methode looked at the examiner of the First-Class Mage exam beside her, extended her palm, and said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Genau."

Genau stood ramrod straight, his expression meticulous, showing none of the sadness that Serie had expressed about having just lost her companion.

He did not choose to accept Methode's Goodwill.

After all, Methode was only a newly promoted First-Class Mage.

"The Northern Plateau is no less dangerous than the northernmost border region. Don't hold me back."

Serie sat lazily on the throne, resting her chin on her hand. She had expected this scene, otherwise she wouldn't have specifically summoned these two people to give them her instructions in person.

His gaze fell on Methode's hands, which he hadn't put down for a long time, and on the indifferent Genau beside him.

"Shake hands."

With Serie's help, Methode and Genau successfully shook hands.

"Methode, do you consider yourself a good person?"

On the bench, Genau tore up pieces of bread to feed the pigeons, while speaking to Methode, who was walking towards him from behind.

"... I don't understand what you're saying."

Methode stopped by the bench and quietly watched Genau feeding the pigeons.

This was her first commission after being promoted to First-Class Mage, and it was arranged personally by Lady Serie.

She had come all this way hoping to have a chat beforehand, but to her surprise, her teammate's first question left her speechless.

Genau ignored Methode's answer and instead said, "My previous partner was a very kind guy, completely different from me."

"He's the kind of guy who genuinely considers the feelings of a complete stranger he's just met."

"He always has a smile on his face and is very easygoing. People who don't know us would think we're very close friends."

"But he sacrificed himself for a child."

"What an idiot."

"It's all because of him that we missed the chance to take down that Demons."

"I would never do something as foolish as him."

"To date, I've had quite a few experiences of failing to help someone in distress."

Methode understood what her former examiner and current teammate meant, but there was one thing she didn't quite understand.

Mr. Genau usually has a cold and unapproachable demeanor, so why is he acting like this now...?

However, this can also be considered a good thing.

At least we can communicate.

A thought flashed through her mind, and seeing that Genau was no longer speaking, Methode knew that she should say something.

"... Why me?"

"What?"

Why was I paired with Mr. Genau?

With only a small piece of bread left in his hand, Genau simply tossed it onto the flock of pigeons on the ground.

He was also quite curious about the answer to this question.

"Who knows? It's Lady Serie's decision."

"However, one thing I can guarantee is that all the First-Class Mages dispatched to the Northern Plateau on missions are battle-hungry maniacs."

"It's really a bit unbelievable, why am I teamed up with you instead of Übel?"

"But it doesn't matter anyway, there aren't many normal guys who like fighting."

"Don't end up like me."

Rienta did not return after dinner.

Frieren and Fern had no other choice but to accept their predicament.

While searching for the Demons, we should also look for Rienta.

After the two teams assembled...

Frieren spoke up, "Before we officially begin the investigation, let's exchange and confirm the existing information."

Methode, who was in charge of intelligence gathering and organization, said, "Alright, judging from the Mana traces left at the scene, there were four Demons in total, and all four disappeared after attacking the village."

"One of them was Demons general. It defeated the Norm Knights stationed here using Four-Sword Style."

Four-Sword Style?

The image of the Demons from the last mission flashed through Genau's mind; it also used the Four-Sword Style, but he wasn't sure if it was the same Demons.

"What is a general?" Stark asked.

Of everyone present, Frieren had the deepest understanding of Demons. Upon hearing Stark's question, she explained:

"Generals refer to highly skilled and experienced Demons warriors. They use Mana to enhance their bodies and are also masters of martial arts."

"Among them are many Demons have devoted themselves to cultivating for thousands of years in pursuit of the ultimate martial arts."

"There were generals in the Demon King's Army who were far stronger than Eisen in the past."

"Really...?" Stark listened to Frieren's explanation with a shocked expression.

Frieren nodded, then looked at Stark and continued, "Moreover, our enemy this time may be very different in appearance from humans."

For mages, being approached by warriors is a terrifying thing, and even Frieren is no exception.

This time, they were facing one of the best Demons warriors. Of the few present, apart from Rienta, who was nowhere to be seen and possessed [Intangibility], only Stark could withstand the pressure from the Demon General at close range.

The last time Stark fought the Demons warrior Linnie was in the Graf Granat's Domain.

Linnie's ability is replication, and her fighting style is basically the same as that of humans, but this time is different.

"Stark, have you ever fought against a master of the Four-Sword Style?"

"How could that be?"

"Neither do I. This must be the reason for the Knights' defeat."

After saying that, Frieren glanced at Fern and then continued, "Rienta is busy right now, so the main battle is yours, Stark."

His absence at the crucial moment Stark feeling uneasy.

After all, this was the first time they had faced Demon General who might have cultivated for thousands of years.

When I get back, I'll have to make that guy make it up to me.

That wretched Rienta!

"Damn Rienta!"

"No, it's that damned L996!!"

Rienta is very unhappy, not only because her chanting was interrupted, but also because she's a bit lost.

Who would believe that a First-Class Mage would get lost in the forest?

But this is the Northern Plateau; we can't fly. If we do, we'll be besieged by those Demons.

At this moment, Rienta had no idea where she was, and could only mutter curses as she tried to find the village or other conspicuous building in the forest.

Research into [long-distance Communication Magic] must be put on the agenda.

L996 Rienta's teleportation magic is somewhat unreliable, but it can still be used as a backup plan.

As he was pondering this, two streams of Mana unique to the Demons appeared within the range of [Detection Magic].

Judging from their Mana, these two Demons are very strong.

One of them was even significantly stronger than Lügner.

"Ha, here comes the punching bag!"

[Detection Magic] is relative; if you discover the other person, the other person will also discover you.

Rienta decided to stop concealing her Mana aura and flew directly towards the two Demons at top speed.

At the same time.

A petite female Demons spoke excitedly:

"Lord Rewerdi, a prey has taken the bait!"

"Mana feast has arrived!"