Episode 14: I'll Beat Up the Bandits

　We enter the forest and push our way through the branches and leaves.

　At first, I entered the forest with a feeling similar to a guess, but as I went further into the forest, I began to find footprints and other traces.

　They must have been trying to hide their tracks near the entrance to the forest so that their hideout wouldn't be discovered, but as they went deeper they must have let their guard down.

"Lady Ilia is in the back here...!"

　Mary hurries up and follows the thief's steps.

　Uta was drawn in and started walking faster, moving through the forest.

"Oh, is that it?"

"......!"

　As we go deeper into the forest.

　There were several tents set up there, and a dozen or so men were having a drinking party.

"Gahahaha! What a harvest today!"

“After all, it’s just a country that’s become complacent about peace. The guards are all small fry, so it can’t be helped that they’re easy targets for attack!”

　All the men are strong and have tattoos on their faces.

"Those are the Zaga people..."

　Mary said, hiding in the shade of a tree a short distance away.

"The Zaga tribe?"

"They are a mercenary tribe from the north. They are skilled but violent, like hyenas who make a living by plundering their enemies."

"Oh, so there are people like that."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

　It seems that the bandits came from the north.

　I'm curious as to how it got to this point, though.

"Lady Ilia is not here... She is probably being held captive somewhere in that tent..."

"Well then, I guess I'll be off then."

"Wait, I'll go too. Don't go alone."

　Mary draws her sword.

　It was a memento of a colleague who was killed in the attack.

“There are fifteen enemies in sight… it will be quite tough, but I will sacrifice my life for Lady Ilia. I will definitely save her…!”

"…………"

　Mary gripped the hilt of her sword with determination in her heart… but honestly, she was just a hindrance so she wanted him to stay back.

　No matter how numerous they are, they are no match for Uta.

　The only concern is that Mary will hold him back.

"Well, it's fine. Just be careful not to die."

"I know... Lady Ilia, I will definitely help you...!"

　Mary jumped out from behind a tree, Uta quickly following behind.

"Dieeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Wha...?!"

"An enemy?"

　Mary jumps out and cuts down the thief in a surprise attack.

　They succeed in killing one by one, but the bandits soon take up weapons and fight back.

"You... damn idiot!"

"Well done!"

"Damn it...!"

　Mary suddenly finds herself at a disadvantage, but Uta makes a move.

"Really...it's like a wild boar."

"Wha...?"

　Uta touches each thief in turn.

　Instantly, the thief's body turned to dust and scattered across the ground.

"What the hell is this brat?!"

"You're using some strange magic! I absolutely can't let you touch my body..."

"Okay, body turch."

"Guh..."

　If an enemy is on guard, teleport behind them and touch their defenseless back.

"Stand back, you bastards! I'll take care of it!"

"oh?"

"Live within me...the spirit of fire, Ifrit!"

　One of the thieves screamed, and his entire body was engulfed in flames.

　His clothes burned away and his tattooed skin turned red hot.

"Magic?"

"If you touch me, who has become one with the spirit of fire, you will be reduced to ashes in an instant! If you have the means, then try and touch me!"

　The bandit, who had become the embodiment of fire, roared and kicked the ground.

"The enemy of my brethren... turn to ash!"

　A thief wrapped in flames came attacking Uta.

　An incredible amount of heat is coming.

　If you touched his body, you would be reduced to ashes within seconds.

"I don't like the heat. I'm more of a winter person."

　Because the food is delicious... Uta muttered, tapping his toe lightly on the ground.

"Wha...?"

　Then, the thief's feet disappeared.

　A large hole appeared where there should have been ground, and the thief, covered in flames, fell into it without offering any resistance.

"Guh... just this much...!"

　The bandit fell about five meters and hit the ground, but...Uta's attack wasn't over yet.

"Well then, goodbye."

　Along with a light farewell, a huge lump of earth fell from above.

　That is the ground to which Uta was teleported.

　Uta teleported the earth at his feet into the air, creating a pitfall, and the teleported earth fell after a time lag.

"Agyuu..."

　The man was crushed by falling earth and buried alive.

"No way...!"

"Gatherk-san...!"

　Apparently, the man was a respected figure among the thieves.

　Immediately, the thieves began to run away, trying to escape the scene.

"I will avenge my friends!"

　Mary chases the fleeing bandits and slashes them in the back.

　Any enemies missed will be teleported by Uta and reduced to dust.

　It was a rather hellish scene, but after most of the thieves had been defeated, a major change occurred in the situation.

"You guys, don't move!"

"Wha...?"

"If you move, this brat's life is over!"

　One of the bandits comes out of the tent.

　The bandit came out and had the silver-haired girl in a headlock, with a knife pointed at her.