Combatants Will Be Dispatched Volume 1 Chapter 4

Translated by JayTranslation

Edited by Ulti

Part 1

「The Hero's party used the treasure that we've acquired, and it seems that a road to the Demon King's castle has appeared. This means that even the enemy has no choice but to be serious now. We just have to stay and defend the castle until the Hero defeats the Demon King.」

「So it comes down to whether the Demon King's Army can take us out first or if the Hero can defeat the Demon King first?」

We were talking about the situation while we did maintenance on our own weapons. At that time, there was a sudden knock on the door.

「Hey No. 6, are you in there?」

As if displeased, that was Snow's voice.

「Well, I'm here… But I don't really want to see you.」

「Stop trying to be funny, it's better if you just say you're not here!… What, are you doing maintenance on your weapons?」

Snow gazed at the knife that I was sharpening on the desk.

「… Hey No. 6, can I see that knife for a bit? I thought this before, but that really looks like an amazing blade.」

「…It doesn't matter to me, but you can't have it, you know?」

I turned the knife's grip around, and handed it to Snow.

「How marvelous…! Hey, does this child have a name? If it doesn't, then can I name it? And also where was this made…. What, what are you doing, let go! I didn't get to see it enough! Wait, I'll sharpen it for you… Ah!」

With a dangerous look in her eyes, Snow was about to light the knife on fire so I took it from her hands. She let out a small shriek while sending me a chastising look.

「Just why are you here? Are you here to take my knife?」

「T-that's right, it's because you have such a beautiful thing. No, wait…! ….The general is summoning you. Go to the conference room. It seems like he wants us to do something.」

— — When Snow and I arrived at the conference room, only the General and the advisor were there. Just those two old men.

As if telling me to sit down, the General offered me a chair.

「You did well to come here No. 6-dono. Your accomplishments up to now, regarding the Demon King's Army are most impressive. Especially the fact that despite fighting with one of the Four Heavenly Kings multiple times, you are still alive and well. 」

「Well, doing that much was nothing special.」

「You, how dare you!?」

All I did was answer in the affirmative, yet the advisor seemed to be giving me a warning. I wonder why I was even called here.

While the General looked like he had trouble bringing something up, Snow, who guided me here, opened her mouth.

「General, do you want to give us some kind of special mission?」

After Snow threw out a lifeline, the General nodded with a heavy heart.

「Yes. It's as you say. What I want to ask of your squad is… Henceforth, if any big names such as the Four Heavenly Kings appear, I want you all to take them on.」

「Gladly.」

「d.a.m.n woman, wait one second! Snow, since when did you become the commander?」

After I put a halt to this girl who was way too happy and excited,

「You fool, there aren't many missions as honorable as this! They are saying that the task of fighting against the enemy generals is only possible for us. In other words, this means that they acknowledge our skills and prowess. And this is obvious, but we can raise our achievements the most through accomplis.h.i.+ng this mission. If we do that, then we can have any reward or promotion we want!」

This girl… If she's this blinded by her greed, then she'll say nothing but admirable things about this.

As I was thinking about what words to use to persuade Snow, the advisor started speaking with a very grandiose gesture.

「It's as Snow-dono says. No. 6-dono has already fought with powerful beings such as Heine of the Flame, Gadalkand of the Earth, even Gil of Power and Rista of Knowledge. You are the hero of our nation. If you say that you can't face the Demon King's Army, then who else could possibly be able to put up a fight against their generals…?」

After his speech, the old man exhaled deeply.

As I saw his speech mixed with some theatrics, a light bulb turned on in my head.

「… Hey, old man… Out of curiosity, was it you that proposed this to the General?」

「Oi No. 6, don't call him an old man! This man is the acting voice of the General…」

The General, and not the old man, stopped Snow from continuing to criticize me and replied.

「That's right. It's because this advisor evaluates you highly. He said that excluding Hero-dono, only you, No. 6-dono could go toe to toe with a general from of the Demon King's Army…」

「Hmmm」

It does please me to be complimented, but the old man's forced laughter is concerning.

I've seen this happen many times when I was in Kisaragi. When higher ups are protecting their own sweet interests.

This old man is giving off the same vibe as those people.

While I was raising my guard, the advisor…

「No. 6-dono. You are a hero and we wish to borrow your strength. If you say you are lacking in subordinates, then unlike the girl with demon blood and the heathen believer, we can add proper knights to your ranks. If that's still not enough, instead of a squad, it'll be fine for you to lead even a company… How about it? Can we leave it to you?」

TN: If this wasn't obvious, I don't mean company in a business sense. In this case, it pretty much means a bigger unit that is made up of several squads.

After he said all that, he bowed his slowly-balding head.

— — And then, after a couple of days.

「Do you lot understand!? We've received the greatest honor in being trusted with this mission! Failure will not be forgiven! Everyone, fight with everything you have!」

「Oi, why are you leading them?」

A group of knights were proudly lined up on top of a hill some distance away from the castle.

Our squad was placed in the middle of the group of knights.

Currently, it seems like the troops of the Demon King's Army have made it to a close location from here.

Although their number isn't large, it was reported that Heine of the Flame was with them.

Since it seems like we will battle Heine, of course….

「One of the Four Heavenly Kings, Heine! I will be the one to take her head!」

That's right, it was our squad's responsibility.

「No. 6, do something about this overly excited girl. She was already normally oppressive, but it's particularly annoying today. 」

While Snow was more energetic that ever… I didn't know if it was just my imagination, but the emotionless Alice looked exhausted.

「Just let her be. Words are wasted on her. You guys, even if you encounter any enemies, it's alright to just take it easy. It'd be stupid of you to get injured during this kind of mission.」

Snow heard me and glared daggers at me. The vein in her forehead was bulging while she went off on me.

「You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, what do you think you're saying!? The general and the advisor entrusted us with this special mission.」

「I don't like that advisor guy. He's like someone that only cares about himself. He reeks of a shameless coward.」

Snow had a dumbfounded look while she was grabbing onto my collar.

「You, you're…. I don't want to say it, but have you ever looked at yourself objectively?」

「Oi No. 6, do you know of a tool known as a mirror? It can light up and reflect the face of the one looking at it.」

「Commander, do you know a tool called a boomerang?」

…Not only that old man, I hate you all as well.

While I was being roasted, Snow put her hands on her waist,

「Anyway! If you don't have the will, I won't tell you to overexert yourself! At least this time, I won't be a hindrance like the last time we fought her!」

Seems like she's still hung up over the fact that last time, she couldn't do anything and ran away from Heine of the Flame.

「Hmph. No. 6, what's with that look? Heh, do you notice anything different from usual today? I've prepared a perfect countermeasure for Heine of the Flame. Look at this!」

As she said that, Snow showed off the hilt of a blue sword.

As it was causing a chill, the sword was emitting white smoke similar to how dry ice would.

「The Freezing Sword, Iceberg! I got my hands on it by taking out a 3-year loan. It's my new sword for going up against Heine of the Flame. Grimm, you have to be useful this time! Hey, wake up!」

I don't know if it was because she really wanted to try out her new sword, but Snow was very excited while she started shaking around Grim, who was sleeping listlessly in her small wheelchair.

「— — By the way Alice, what do you think of this?」

「What do I think… About this mission being a front for throwing us away?」

As I was watching the Demon King's Army appearing from afar on top of the hill,

「You knew? That's right, that old man pretty much forced us to take this suicidal mission. I didn't do anything to him that would make him hate me other than almost making him cry when I was railing on him for losing all the time.」

「I think that reason is enough for him to hate you. Well, the other possibility is that we're just an eyesore. From the start, this squad… It was the kind of division filled with people for the purpose of getting rid of them. But looking past our means and ways and just looking at our achievements alone, there's a huge gap. Furthermore, this squad has the kind of people that were always shunned. Of course, he wouldn't like us.」

What's going on… You're saying that even right now, the me who's always right is still being shunned for my ways?

…But now that I think about it, that old man seemed to look down on Rose and Grimm as well.

「Stop sleeping, and get up! Oi, Gri- Ahhh!」

「Ah.」

Rose and Snow were making a ruckus over there. Just what are they doing?

「Anyway, if we see the other side's general, we'll just pretend to fight and pull out. Oh, and since my shotgun was just waxed, I didn't bring it with me today.」

「Bring your weapon. Your weapon. If your shotgun breaks down, I'll just get you a new one. Well, it should be fine. It seems that words have some effect on that busty onee-san.」

As I was saying that,

(Snow, Grimm fell over so awkwardly. Her ne-, neck is…)

(Wh, what should we… For now, just put her back in her wheelchair! I feel like… I think I saw her eyes roll back…)

By the wheelchair, below these two that were fl.u.s.tered and whispering…

「Oi Snow, wake Grimm up…. By the way, what are you two doing carrying Grimm?」

「It's nothing!」

「Nothing!」

When Snow and Rose were responding, Grimm, while still being carried, became shocked and started trembling.  

「…? Then, let's slowly head out as well since it seems like the main force is heading out too.」

— — In front of us was the imposing Demon King's Army.

In the middle of the large army's formation of various demons,

There stood a generously exposed, brown-skinned busty lady wearing a daring smile.

Next to her was the griffin we saw before, and….

「…Hey, it's not just Heine and the griffin, but there's something huge over there. Just what is that?」

「…That… That's called a golem. It's made of st.u.r.dy rocks and it's a puppet with its movements controlled by magic.」

The one, that Snow was explaining about in an unsettling state, was easily over two meters tall while looking like it was made from some heavy rocks. It was a doll-looking weapon that definitely weighed at least a ton.

Standing over there was a thing that would dwarf one of the Demon King's Army's Four Heavenly Kings, Gadalkand of the Earth.

「Magic again? It seems like magic can make anything happen. I want to examine the laws of physics of this planet. No. 6, if one of their magicians are wounded and unable to move, capture him and bring him over.」

「Uh, I'm also interested about magic, but…. Hey, do you think it's alright to just fight against Heine? Other squads can handle the griffin and that golem right?」

As if they heard the conversation between Alice and me, the commanders waiting nearby shouted,

「No. 6-dono! Please leave the group of high orcs surrounding Heine of the Flame to us!」

「Then our squad will take care of the powerful troop of ogres. They might be a little too formidable, but leave it to us!」

「Fine, then for our quick-footed squad, we'll go around to suppress their archers!」

The squads around us were quick to act.

「Even in this nation, I'm still left with the dangerous missions! Snow, wake Grimm up! Since it's down to us, we're going to hit Heine with a really strong curse!」

「Get someone else to wake up Grimm! I'm going to get revenge for the last incident by using my freezing sword on that woman!」

As she said that, the muscle brain who wouldn't listen, dashed towards Heine.

「Um, Commander! Is it alright to take the griffin as my opponent? I'm curious how griffin meat will taste like. I want to eat a lot of its meat and be able to soar through the skies! It's all for honoring my grandpa's will!」

There's another muscle brain right here!

After seeing off Snow, and then Rose, I turned towards Alice.

「Leave waking up Grimm to me. Then that means you're left with…」

As if reacting to Alice's words, and matching the the initiatives of our side, the golem let out a rock-shattering sound.

Part 2

「One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army, Heine of the Flame! My name is Snow! I'll return the favor from last time! Become rust on one of my blades, the Freezing Sword Iceberg!」

「Come at me, the one called Snow! One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army, Heine of the Flame will be your opponent!」

The battle finally started in the center of the hill where we've established our positions.

A little further out from where Heine and Snow were confronting each other in style,

「There's no effect! I thought as much, but it's really impossible with just a pistol! Alice, hurry! Hurry up and wake Grimm!」

It looked like it'd be slow, judging from its appearance. But the golem was approaching me with surprising speed after I attacked it.

「Hey No. 6, she's not asleep, she fainted. Looking at her state, she's not going to be awake for a while.」

「Why is she always dead or unconscious right before the fight starts!? She still hasn't been useful, not even once! Why does this keep happening!?」

It might have not been a mistake to have Grimm be sent to the troops made up of troublesome sc.r.a.ps.

「There's no helping it. Hey No. 6, stall for some time. I'll send a request for C4!」

「Please hurry!」

As I shouted back at Alice, I raised the strength parameter of my Kisaragi-manufactured battle suit to the highest.

As I looked around for some help, from afar, I saw Snow dodge a fireball from Heine as she slowly closed the gap between them.

「Pikyaaaaa!」

I turned to the sound of the sharp cry. The griffin was in midair, caught in both hands by Rose while she was taking a bite out of its neck.

Both sides looked busy, it seemed like neither of them could provide me backup.

Then that just leaves me with…

「Alright, I've transmitted the teleportation request! Hang on for a little longer, No. 6!」

With the sound of heavy steps, the golem stopped in front of me.

Behind me was Grimm, who was lying around with her eyes rolled back, and Alice, who was without any weapons.

This was a situation that I'd normally run away from, but I started to feel a fire light inside me for the first time in a long time.

I've fought in many fierce battles against all kinds of heroes, and still, I survived. I'm the best, No. 6-sama!

「Come at me, fool! I'll show you the strength of the Kisaragi battle suit.」

While my body was overflowing with my raging emotions, I roared and struck with all my strength.

「…..Owwwwww! Alice, my hand's definitely broken! It's broken! Broken, I say!」

The golem's chest, that I struck with my first, just barely had a crack in it.

My will to fight was gone in only two seconds.

「If it's actually broken, you wouldn't have the time to be shouting it's broken. Therefore, you didn't break anything yet.」

「That's strange. Your logic is definitely off! You're as weird as the one who made you, Lillith-sama!」

While I was cursing at Alice, I slipped past the golem's outstretched arm, and this time I tried to kick its back.

Without breaking its posture, the golem just turned around and started coming at me with its two arms out.

The golem and I began to fight with our arms. In order to buy a little more time, I went with a contest of strength.

「Alice,  doesn't it somehow feel like the teleportation is taking longer than usual!? What's going on–!?」

Following my shout, Alice put her fist in her hand as if realizing,

「Oh, going by my internal clock, the time over there should be 3:14 PM. It's tea time right now. Just last a little longer.」

「G.o.d d.a.m.n it!!」

While I was screaming, one of my legs got stuck in the ground.

To think I can't win with my battle suit's power, how did they even make such a golem?

Wasn't this supposed to be a savage world with a civilization lacking behind Earth's?

I wonder if it was my time to s.h.i.+ne going forward.

More than anything, the thing I want to say the most is that just because it's an evil organization, you don't give out any vacation time!

Determining that I'd be crushed at this rate, while resisting with all my might, I yelled at the top of my lungs

「Limiter release– — — –!」

Hearing my shout, Alice immediately denounced it.

「Are you an idiot? Cancel it immediately! The golem isn't the only enemy. You can die from being burned by the female general while you're defenseless during the cooldown period!」

Simultaneously, I heard Alice's voice and the familiar narration in my head.

I ignored Alice's warning and responded to the narration.

「It's fine! Hurry, hurry it up!」

「I already know that! I'm fine with everything, hurry it up!」

「Aahhhhhh, just do it now! I'm going to be crushed ahhhhh–!」

While I was crying out, just before I was about to become as flat as a pancake.

Something fell from the sky and collided with the golem. Although it happened quickly, I promptly regained by footing.

Shortly after, from where the small thing fell from, the griffin also fell while smelling like burnt meat.

She probably breathed fire on the griffin while hanging from it in midair.

While the griffin was writhing in pain, Rose, who fell from quite a distance, stood up without any problems at all.

「C-Commander, that thing tastes terrible. I can't eat that even if it does give me the ability to fly. Maybe it was disgusting because it was raw!」

You've already had a taste?

— — At that moment.

The narration that I was waiting for went off in my head.

「Aaaah!」

From lifting the battle suit's original power, I pushed back the golem that was pressing down on me.

「Uh… Just… C-Commander…」

From witnessing the scene of the heavy golem being slowly raised, Rose stiffened and held her breath.

「It came, No. 6! The C4! I'll stick it to the golem, so just wait a little!」

While the golem was flailing its legs from being picked up by me, Alice stuck the plastic explosive known as C4 on it.

「Wh, what is that? Is that clay?」

While Rose was asking questions, Alice confirmed that the explosive was stuck,

「Uryahhhhhhhh!」

As I roared, I threw the golem with all my strength.

「That's an explosive from our nation. Even though it's small, it packs quite a punch.」

「There are explosion users, but what do you mean by explosive!?」

While the golem was upside down after it was thrown, I quickly widened the distance between us.

Alice was watching everything unfold while having the trigger in her hand.

「Don't worry. This explosive won't go off even if it was lit on fire.」

「Then how will you make it explode?」

As if responding to Rose's question, Alice pressed on the trigger's b.u.t.ton.

「Like this.」

The incapacitated golem blew into pieces with a boom.

「— — It hurts, it hurts, the pieces of the golem are hitting my face! Oi Alice, don't use me as a s.h.i.+eld!」

Since a minute has pa.s.sed, I couldn't move because of the cooldown. During that time, Alice was using me as a s.h.i.+eld to avoid getting hit by all the pieces flying around.

「amazing…」

As I was thinking about what I was going to do later to this cold-hearted piece of junk, Rose, even though her face was getting hit by all the pieces, looked with a stunned expression where the golem exploded into sc.r.a.ps.

「Ugh… Please wake me up in a more gentle way… It feels like you're treating me harsher and harsher each time…」

It seemed like Grimm finally opened her eyes because of all the pieces of the golem flying around.

「Are you awake now, Grimm? Oi you guys, because of my own small circ.u.mstances, I won't be able to move around for a little bit. I'm sorry, but hold off the enemies on your own for three minutes. Well, the small fries are being taken care of by the other squads, Heine is fighting Snow, and the Griffin was taken care of by Rose…」

「I think Heine is heading over here. And the griffin is up and obviously eyeing us as enemies.」

「…C-Commander, after this fight, I want to eat something delicious.」

「I don't know what's really going on because I was asleep, but I want to drink some nice alcohol.」

「d.a.m.n, to think you're taking advantage of me right now! Fine, I'll buy however much you want, so please help me! But Grimm, I'm going to have a word with you later!」

Part 3

「Hey, No. 6! So we meet again!」

With her burning red eyes glittering, Heine appeared in front of me while I was being defended by Rose.

It seems like Heine didn't realize that I'm not able to move because of the battle suit's cooldown.

「It's been a while, Heine of the Flame. For some reason, it seems like it's a lot tenser than last time. It's good that you look well.」

I was trying to buy a little more time by casually talking to her.

「Yup, it's pretty tense! Since we're on the battlefield, let's go another round, No. 6! We were interrupted last time, but today, let's enjoy it to the end!」

Just when we started having a conversation, Heine declared the start of a battle while forming a fireball in her hand…!

「W-wait, Heine! Let's talk first! Anyways, I have something I've wanted to ask you for a while!」

From those words, Heine's movements have stopped.

Even if it's just a little, I have to buy more time!

「Something you want to ask? What is it, ask away.」

「What do you have to eat to grow those kind of b.o.o.bs?」

Rose quickly knocked away the fireball that Heine silently threw.

「Commander, I've always thought this, but you occasionally seem like an idiot. Just what were you thinking? Or were you not thinking at all?」

This kid's pretty good at being cruel.

「Oh? You seem pretty capable being able to knock away my fireball with your bare hands. Honestly, the female knight from before was a little disappointing, but it looks like I'll be able to have some fun with you.」

Even though her fireball was blocked, Heine, for some reason, looked happy while being in awe of Rose, who blocked the flames.

Alright, now's the time to buy some time again by starting another conversation… Or so I thought, until…

Snow ran over this way while crying out.

「Uwahhhhhhhh! No. 6! No. 6–! The Freezing Sword! It hasn't even been that long since I bought the Freezing Sword, but this girl melted it! You had an especially nice tool, use it to return the favor to Iceberg's enemy!」

Hey you idiot, stop it.

「You mean that weird weapon!? Great, come at me, No. 6! Even without telling me, I know that you were the one who took the treasure from Duster Tower. Hah, just as I thought, you're pretty capable for a human! Now, let's start killing each other!」

It's rare for me to receive any goodwill from women, but this doesn't make me the least bit happy!

Heine fired a fireball once again, and Rose knocked it away again.

「Oi No. 6, she's Iceberg's enemy! Even though I still have payments to make on the loan, she melted it when it was the first time I've ever used it! I waited in a long line, and just barely got my hands on the Freezing Sword! I was so happy that I would would even hug the Freezing Sword when I sleep…」

Begging her to stop saying anymore unnecessary stuff, I looked at Snow in a desperate plea.

「…Hey, No. 6. Why are you still being protected by that girl? …. I don't know too much, but could it be that you can't actually move right now?」

Heine perfectly got the gist of it.

「— —Griffin, go draw out the girl near No. 6. When you do, I'll burn him.」

「f.u.c.kin' Snow, you useless fool! You idiot! Just wait and see what'll happen to you later-!」

「Whwhat did you call me? Anyway, why can't you move!? d.a.m.n it, my Freezing Sword melted, and I can't get close because of the heat…」

This idiot, if that was the case, why'd she even come here!

While Snow was in a panic because she didn't know about my situation, the griffin charged at us.

Rose, who was in the front, drew a huge breath and,

「Sink in the sea of h.e.l.lfire residing in my body…! Sleep for all eternity, Crimson Breath!」

As she deliberately shouted her lines, she spat fire onto the charging griffin.

「d.a.m.n, in the end, it seems like it's in a bad mismatch against that girl. Fine then, I'll show you a specially-sized one that you won't be able to block!」

As if angry at the griffin that lost the will to fight after seeing the flames, Heine raised both her hands and it felt like the gathered flames were slowly getting hotter.

「Hey Rose, do you really need to say those lines before!? Do you really need them!?」

「I really don't want to say them! It's my grandpa's will, I can't do anything about it!」

While Rose and I were bickering, Heine's flames turned from a reddish color to a more hotter blue…!

Ahhh, has it still not been three minutes yet? Is it for sure that it didn't just pa.s.s by?

「Rose, you're someone who can do it if you try! You can handle something like this right? 」

「C-Commander, I've developed a resistance to fire from constantly eating fire lizards, so I won't be wounded, but the problem is..」

I asked a question anxiously to Rose, who looked a little desperate.

「What, what is it?」

「It'd be a little troublesome if my clothes were burned off in front of the eyes of the public! Also, I only have these clothes…」

「I'll buy you some clothes, so–!」

Rose picked me up as if she was going to carry me away.

「But as a girl, I'm not ready to accept that…! … By the way Commander, why, why are you so heavy? Ughhh, I have the strength of the unicorn goblin I've eaten, but you're not budging an inch!」

「You can't move me because this battle suit is heavy! Just a little more until the cooling restores the power. Do whatever you have to do to protect me until then!」

While ignoring our worries, Heine's flame turned from blue to white.

「No. 6, I hope you're ready! I acknowledge you this much, so I'll send you off in one blow.」

「Ah! She just said something that should never be said, according to the Manual of Evil Dialogues! Rose, we'll be able to avoid this crisis somehow!」

That's right, after noticing my praiseworthy and pitiable self being in a crisis, a cool hero will definitely show up gallantly now…

While I was escaping from reality, Rose was still trying to somehow move me.

「Commander, please come back to reality! At this rate.. It seems like I won't be able to get married from having to put on a nude show in front of everyone, so is it alright for me to run away?」

「Please, if that happens, I'll gladly take responsibility, so please don't leave me–」

It was at that moment.

「Great Zenalith-sama, bring forth disaster to this woman! Become paralyzed!」

Just like what was said, Heine, who was about to throw the fireball, stopped moving as if she turned into stone.

「Ugh!? What, what is this stupid… Is this a curse?」

Heine let out an embarra.s.sed voice with a surprised expression. While I was also immobile, I sent my thanks to my rescuer.

「I'm alive, Grimm! I feel like this was the first time you've ever contributed!」

「That's right, that's right. Commander should now know the power of Zenalith-sama… Wait a second, what did you think of me until now?」

As she said that, the long-awaited narration finally arrived inside my head.

「It's fine now, Rose. You can leave me now.」

As I whispered those words to her, Rose and the griffin began eyeing each other as if they were rivals.

After witnessing that, as if she was liberated from the paralysis, Heine hunched her shoulders like she was devastated. She started complaining in a somewhat desperate tone.

「This is a difficult situation… In the first place, today's main mission was to test the ability of the golem… If you could ruin the plan, then it means that something's not going right… Hey No. 6. Do you really not want to join the Demon King's Army? What do you desire? Maybe, I can grant most of your wishes.」

「Everyone, make haste and plug No. 6's ears! If not, get rid of that dangerous woman as soon as possible!」

Alice shouted out orders to cut off Heine's words.

「Commander, please have a word with me. Never lend an ear to the enemy.」

「C-Commander, stop thinking about her, and let's go on a date night again!」

While they hastily pulled out those words, the two subordinates were approaching me to block my ears.

It was at that time when the instincts that I've honed over many battlefields, alerted me of danger.

「Hwahhh!」

I tumbled forward practically through reflexes alone. I barely dodged the lethal blow.

I hurriedly looked back, and saw the sight of Snow drawing a dagger.

「What! You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, weren't you supposed to be unable to move! What's going on, why are you able to move!?」

「Right back at you, what's going on!? Did you go crazy!? At least cut me down when I actually betray you. What's with you all? Did you think I'd say 'Yes, right away~' and go over to the Demon King's Army!?」

This is really ridiculous!

Who do they think I am….

「First of all, I'll triple your current salary. Then… Hey No. 6, have you ever heard of a demon called a succubus?」

「Yes, I have heard of it.」

「Hey No. 6, stop sitting so straight while listening! Stop speaking so formally with the enemy! Stop listening so carefully and pull out your gun!」

Alice was speaking rapidly in a rare, nervous manner.

「G.o.d, just how much do you all not trust me? It's unfort-, unfortunate, Heine of the Flame. I'm not a man that can be easily bought over by money or women…」

While I was saying that, I stretched out my hand to the gun hanging from my waist. Then, Heine reached out her right hand while smiling.

「Now, No. 6, grab my hand. I'll have any women you desire attend to you. A curvy succubus with a glamorous body, although a little childish, will spoil you in many ways. A vampire gifted with devilish beauty. A siren that will whisper in your ears with a sweet, soothing voice.」

「Hey Grimm, silence her with your curses! No. 6 can't handle any more of her charming magic.」

「Huh? This is charming magic? But, I don't feel any magic being used…. Ugh.」

『…Alice, I'm sorry…. I think I'm at my limit…』

『Hey No. 6, come back to your senses! And it's starting to feel real so stop talking in j.a.panese!』

In the middle of Alice's urgent shout, a white shadow squeezed between Heine and me.

「Haaaah!!」

Snow, who was carefully observing the situation, attacked with a dagger from below where Heine's arm reached out to me.

Because she was reaching out to me, Heine extinguished the fireball in her hand.

This was probably because Snow saw this as the perfect opportunity.

While the flash of silver pa.s.sed by with a shout full of vigour, Heine withdrew her hand and something fell off her bracelet.

The thing that fell off radiated a red light towards the sky.

「Ah! The magic stone!」

Heine didn't even pay attention to Snow who was running right in front of her. Instead, her eyes were following the gem that went flying in the air.

In the end, the gem was caught by Alice.

「…Ooh, and what's this? Judging from your reaction, I think it's something quite valuable.」

「No, no! It's not even that valuable…」

While Heine was saying such things, her eyes were glued to Alice's hand.

I stood next to Alice and thoroughly looked over the gem.

「So it's nothing important huh. Then, I'll take this as my spoils of war.」

「That's right. Since we're enemies, there's no need to return it. Even more so since it's nothing valuable.」

「W-wait! So… That's, that's a valuable…」

Heine was a little hesitant to say something while Alice and I were talking.

「That's a magic stone. Magicians use a catalyst when they cast magic. Usually, a catalyst is a staff, ring, or something like a bracelet, it seems like that woman used that rock as a catalyst. I feel some amazing mana from that rock. It must have been made by having mana repeatedly poured into it over a long period of time.」

Grimm was looking at the rock that Alice held from the bottom. While she was admiring the quality, she was explaining about it.

「…If Heine doesn't have this, what happens to her?」

「She won't be able to use magic. She can use something else as a catalyst, but she won't be able to use power befitting one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army.」

After Alice and I shared a look, we turned around to Heine.

「… Eeek! What's with that face? Hey, No. 6? You're going to bring that rock and join the Demon King's Army, right? Right? You're going to do that, right?」

Although Heine was almost in tears while talking as if she had a breakdown..

「「「Ugh….」」」

The three members that saw our expression, all let out a disgusted voice.

Part 4

The sound of battle within our vicinity was dying out.

This was because that both demons and soldiers couldn't take their eyes off the demon general's surprise event.

That event was….

「Cheeeese~~! Look up a little and lean forward with your chest and emphasize that cleavage! Oh, extra points for looking like you're about to cry!」

I was in the middle of pressing the b.u.t.ton on my digital camera, while listening to the sound of someone busily crying for a while.

「…I want to die…」

Heine was following my instructions while glaring daggers at me. She was making suggestive poses while suffering from the gazes of all the onlookers.

「Great, next put your hands behind you. Then, spread your legs and lean your back backwards. Hey, move those hands! Hands behind your back! Oooh, that rebellious look is pretty good! I think some of the fanatics will offer a high price for that while jumping in joy!」

「Sniff….sniff…. uuuh…!」

Heine finally broke down into tears. Rose started mumbling while looking from a distance.

「This, this is too sad…」

An announcement could be heard in my brain each time I pressed on the digital camera's b.u.t.ton.

Each time I heard that voice, Alice was happily nodding her head while checking the point total on a terminal.

「Good job No. 6, let's go for a little more! Corner her a little more! Fuhahahaha, I can't help myself when watching the sight of a formidable enemy being degraded! Heh…! Look, look at her, No. 6! The crying face of Heine, who used to proudly boast of her strength…!」

Snow was next to me embracing herself while saying such words. She was even shaking a little.

「You're the enemy of my sword. Continue to be ridiculed in that state! Fuhahahaha! Fuhahahaha!」

To think that she's not just someone obsessed with money and success, she also finds joy in seeing people fall into despair. Is there no limit to her depravity?

Well, I'll take care of this dangerous girl later. First comes Heine, who's right in front of me.

「Great. Next, with that crying face… Try smiling while putting up double peace signs! … Good, good. Let's slowly go to the next stage… Hmm, that's right. Your clothes are getting in the way.」

「Eeeeek!」

While watching Heine tremble from not knowing what further orders awaited her, Rose cautiously approached me.

「C-Commander, even if she's the enemy general, this is just too sad… Shouldn't you return the rock now? If Heine-san can use magic again, then we can fight fairly again.」

In response to Rose's words.

「Alice, Alice, did you hear me say that I'll return the rock if she did everything I say?」

「No, I don't think so? You definitely said something like, 'Al~right~, then first, can you use both hands to press down on your b.o.o.bs and look up towards me?' You never promised that you'd return the rock if she listened to everything you say. She misunderstood on her own and just followed whatever you said.」

「This, this is way too overboard…!」

From hearing our conversation, Heine stood up as if she was about to run over.

「This is so wrong after making me do this much! I'm going to kill you! I'm definitely going to kill you!」

「Oh? When you're in a state where you can't use magic, if you can kill me, then hurry up and kill me. Do it, do it now!」

「Ugh, uuuugh!」

Heine looked furious and full of resentment. With tears in her eyes, she glared at me while grinding her teeth.

「Guess I have no choice. Do you really want it back that badly?」

「are you returning it? Please, that's a very valuable…, whwhwha, what are you doing!? Just what are you doing?」

I put my hands on the battle suit's zipper and started rummaging around.

The zipped part of the battle suit that was hard to put on and take off, was made to be very convenient just in case sudden situations arise.

I stored Heine's precious item together with my own most precious thing. I, being a gentleman, crossed my arms and made a bridge pose using only my head and feet to make it easier for Heine to take it.

「Come on, take it back.」

「…No. 6, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, this isn't the eeeend!」

After getting on the griffin, she left while crying.

Part 5

In a small tavern inside the town, the sound of mugs. .h.i.tting each other could be heard.

「「「Cheers!」」」

After the battle, I took my squad members out for some fun.

「Anyway, this is a huge achievement, No. 6! We destroyed that gigantic golem. Although your methods were a little… You weakened one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army and made her retreat.  Did you see the Demon King's Army retreat after losing their commander? Didn't this victory only happen because of our squad?」

Snow was talking while humming in between. She was chugging her beer while being in a pleasant mood.

「This time, I feel like I put up a good fight against the Demon King's Army. Before the commander arrived, I was killed every time there was a battle! Great Zenalith-sama, I give my thanks for not waking up at the resurrection temple today!」

While she was taking up a large s.p.a.ce in the cramped tavern because of her wheelchair, she offered a prayer of grat.i.tude.

「Deeleeeeshous… It's sooo tastttyy…! Seeence the comandah came, I'm shooo happpy I caan eattt a lot of deelishous things!」

TN: Delicious.. It's so tasty..! Ever since you became my commander, I'm so happy I can eat a lot of delicious things!

Sitting besides her was Rose, who preferred the food over the drinks. She had tears in her eyes while eating as if she had two stomachs.

「That's right, that's right, praise me a little more! … Anyway, what if… Isn't it likely that rumours of us will eventually go around the citizens of this kingdom? Oi, oi, what should I do if some people down the street ask for autographs?」

As soon as I happily took a drink from my beer, Snow, who was gulping down her beer, spoke.

「Well, the excellent me is here; the youngest ever to be made a knight. That will definitely happen. I'll continue stacking up achievements like this, and I'll make my return as the leader of the knights again!」

I was about to mention that she was usually pretty useless, but something else caught my interest.

「You said you were the youngest ever to be made a knight, just how many years ago was that? Another thing, how old are you right now?」

「Hm, My age? I'm seventeen. I was about 12 when I was made a knight.」

Snow had a calm face while responding to my question. While she slowly raised her mug to take another sip…,

「Stop joking around, you look much older! Weren't you older than me!? I definitely thought you were older than me with that body and arrogant att.i.tude.」

「Pffffffffffhhhh!」

Snow spat out her beer because of my remarks.

「Kya my eyes, My eyes!」

Because of getting beer in her eyes, Grimm fell from her wheelchair and was thras.h.i.+ng around in the ground.  

As if she was choking a little, Snow had a crying face while wiping her mouth.

「You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, I may be a knight, but I'm also a woman! How dare you say that I look old!?」

「You're so noisy for someone younger than me! You're below me in both age and rank, how dare you speak to me like that!」

After sitting down on my chair while acting big, I threw some coins at Snow.

「Hey you, go buy me some bread.」

「As if I'll go. Leave that to the employees! … Really, if you're older than me, then how about you act a little more properly. Be a little more self-aware of the fact that you're a commander…」

From Snow's words of dissatisfaction, Rose's eyes lit up while her hands stopped moving.

「Finally, Snow-san has acknowledged the Commander as the Commander!」

「No, no! I was only explaining the resolve and responsibility of a commander…!」

「Someone, get me a towel!」

Even our annoying ruckus couldn't compare to the boisterous atmosphere of the bar.

Even the citizens of this country heard the news of our victory so everyone was getting drunk to celebrate this feat.

Being caught up in the magnificent mood tonight, we were enjoying this one-time party.

「— —Hooo. …. Now that I think about it, why didn't Alice come out tonight?」

Grimm asked me that while her face was tinged with red from who knows how many beers she's had.

It's not like I can say that she's an android that can't eat food…

「Well you see, about Alice… There's no way that it's proper upbringing for a child to be at a tavern this late at night. I returned her to my room first.」

As if she was a little in awe from what she's heard, she took a couple more swigs from her beer and opened her mouth.

「I don't think you can talk about upbringings and whatnot after bringing her to the battlefield… That child, although she's pretty foul-mouthed, I think she has a terrifying amount of talent. How should I say it. Her intelligence is on another level. The other day, I heard an unbelievable rumor that she read all of the books stored in the castle's library.」

「I saw Alice-san negotiating all kinds of things with the merchants in the marketplace before.」

「Gulp, gulp… Puah-! I saw Alice taking some stuff to the healers' station before! 」

It seems like she's been keeping herself busy going to places without me knowing.  

「A merchant, and a healer? Oi  No. 6, I heard that the latest weapons and items are of the highest quality. Merchants say they look quite powerful, and I also heard that various new medicines are being released for sale… Do you think this is related to Alice?」

「I don't know.」

Although I said I didn't know, it's without a doubt related to Alice.

Snow was looking at me suspiciously while licking the last droplets of alcohol in her cup.

「…Hmmm. Well, I don't really care what you guys do with your new products. Right now, Alice and you are both members that our squad can't do without. But, don't misunderstand. I still haven't acknowledged you!」

「Look Rose, this is what you call a tsundere. Even though she's saying those kind of things, she's already in love with me and can't really hold it in.」

「Heh-! So when Snow-san defies the commander, it's because she's trying to cover up her feelings of love! I've learned something new today!」

「Don't start with me, I'll beat and slash you! From the start, I should've done it the first time I met you…」

「The pretty-boy over there, another round–!」

Time sure flies when you're having fun.

Tonight was the first time since coming to this world, when it felt like time went by too fast.

Part 6

— — The completely plastered No. 6 was leaning on my shoulder while being dragged out against his will.

The rest of the comrades that came out with him started to laugh while seeing how red his face was.

「Commander, thank you for the feast! It's been a long time since I could eat this much!」

「Likewise, thanks for the food! Now Rose, hang out with me for a little longer. For some reason, I feel like I can set a new record tonight!」

From Grimm's somewhat dangerous remarks, Rose, while pus.h.i.+ng the wheelchair..

「Let's stop~. My belly is completely full and I want to go to sleep~. If you want to go, go by yourself~. Also in my grandpa's will, he wrote not to stay out the whole night~.」

「If you don't come, then who will be the witness for my new record! Now, now, let's go show  all of the couples prancing around because of today's victory what h.e.l.l is truly like!」

「Ah– — — ….」

After I saw off Rose, who was being dragged away by Grimm, No. 6 and I started to head towards the castle.

「Fuhahaha, I drank so much!! Oi, wasn't that girl employee pretty cute!? I just touched her a.s.s a little, but she reacted that much! It was refres.h.i.+ng so that was pretty nice!」

As he was saying that, the excited No. 6-… No, he was like a stupid man talking about idiotic things.

「…You, can you be a little more self-aware that you're a knight of this country? The only way to cure your stupidness is probably only death, but since I'm a knight like you, I'm being seen in the same light as you.」

「Stoooopid, I was only following the etiquettes of being a combatant! Don't you even know what's written in the manual? If you see a cute waitress, it's a compliment to say, 'Heh, heh, heh, you have such a nice a.s.s, pour me a drink!'」

Maybe it's because he's pretty drunk, but the words coming out of his mouth are stranger than usual.

「Really…. It's not that way, it's this way! Oi, you idiot! Don't try to relieve yourself over there!」

I dragged the stumbling No. 6 to the castle barracks against his will and finally managed to bring him to his room.

「Oh No. 6, are you back? I see you got pretty drunk again. Just how much did this idiot drink?」

As if she was waiting for No. 6's return, as soon as I knocked on the door, Alice immediately came out.

「It was terrible. He was telling them to bring all the drinks out. He kept shouting that he's a very rich man today and started buying rounds for everyone…」

「Well, it's impossible for him to save up on money. There's no helping it because if he has money, he'll spend all of it. Good work bringing him back.」

Something feels a little off about being talked to this way by a small child.

This idiot was still going off about being older…

「Hey, Snow-chaaaaan! Good job on your task of escorting your superior back! Come on, give me a goodnight kiss!」

「Don't add 'chan' to my name, you drunken fool! Stop saying stupid things, and hurry up and go to sleep!」

After dropping off the drunkard saying useless things, I hurriedly went to my room.

Jeez… That guy really did well surviving till now.

If I think about it, he was a disrespectful idiot from the first time I met him.

Well now, I can at least acknowledge his skills…

Anyways, what was with him calling me 'Snow-chan'?

「No. 6, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, you're treating me as a fool until the very end… I will definitely cut you down with my own hands one day!」

Well, after fighting in the same squad till now, I understand that I can't do such a thing anymore.

At first, I didn't really want to acknowledge him. But that man is above me in….

「Hooh, to say that you're going to cut down No. 6-dono. That's something I cannot overlook.」

After being startled by the unexpected voice, I turned around and…

「Advisor….」

There stood a man wearing a hat to disguise his thinning hair. He also had a scar over one eye.

「N-no, advisor-dono, that was just…. I didn't actually mean No. 6 specifically…」

Well, I'm always saying that I'm going to cut or kill him in front of everyone, so there was really no need to be so suddenly fl.u.s.tered…

When I was about to continue my explanation, the advisor raised his hand out to stop me.

「It's alright, it's alright. I understand what you're feeling. A disrespectful man that you don't know suddenly shows up and committed that idiotic act. Somehow, that responsibility fell to you and you were demoted whereas that man suddenly became appointed as a commander. And he started to achieve many things using underhanded methods one after another. There's no way you wouldn't hold a grudge after all that.」

The advisor started nodding his head while claiming to understand on his own.

I mean, I do have a grudge…

But, I only really empathize with the part about him being disrespectful.

「It's as you say! That man is an idiot. He's disrespectful. He doesn't have any dignity and always makes me mad….. It's as if his purpose to live is to humiliate people!」

Maybe because I'm not very good with alcohol, but under its influence, I yelled out my usual frustrations.

「I know exactly what you're feeling! Every chance he gets, he calls me an old man… Ah, I really get along with Snow-dono!」

As he was saying that, the advisor came next to me and put his hand on my shoulder.

What does he mean 'get along'? The audacity..

I still clearly remember him belittling me because of my birthplace during my time as a lower-ranked knight.

While having these thoughts, let's just act fine while being conscious of the fact that his hand is on my shoulder.

「Hm, Snow-dono, your recent achievements can justify a return to your original position. What do you think? Don't you want to return to the royal guards?」

「I-if I can return, I want to go back!」

Being born as an orphan in the slums, just how much did I go through to get to that spot?

Suffering from envy because of the difference in status.. I can't count how many times I've been ridiculed.

Anyways, I can go back to being a commander!

… But what should I do about the squad I'm currently in?

Wait, if I think about it. I didn't achieve those things on my own, it was the squad's achievements.

Then I can just transfer the squad members over to my group of knights.

It will be my squad. Grimm and Rose will, of course, be treated as equals.

And since Alice is very smart, I should have her plan all the military operations.

…It's just that she comes with an idiot.

He's foul-mouthed, stupid, and even his personality is terrible. But in terms of just fighting, he's above me.

Well since I can't leave him out, I'll put him in as well!

— — I don't know what kind of facial expression I had at that moment.

But the advisor, upon seeing my expression, nodded his head in satisfaction.

His hand that was on my shoulder for a while was bothering me, but it'd be even more troubling if he got offended from me pointing it out.  

This displeasure… Someday, I'm going to…

「Mhm, I see that Snow-dono is happy about this as well. Of course you would, since you're working with the likes of a mysterious girl with demon blood, and someone that wors.h.i.+ps an evil G.o.d. I certainly understand.」

The veins in my temple started pulsing because of what he said, but I barely managed to calm myself.

This is why that guy keeps going off about me being quick to anger.

「By the way… Snow-dono, regarding No. 6-dono.. When you were granted an audience, you said something like this to his majesty.. That 'this man is a spy from a foreign nation.'」

Now that I think about it, I do remember saying something like that around the time when we first met.

「No, that was my misunderstanding. I don't think that he has the talent to execute the mission of a spy. But it that was the case.. If he finds himself comfortable here, then he's someone who will abandon his mission and possibly even settle down in the country.」

Mhm, there's no way an idiot like him could execute a difficult mission of a spy.

More importantly, I don't think what I said was enough to dispel his overwhelming amount of suspicion.

…However, the advisor slowly nodded his head.

「Well, we don't know that. That man is collecting many achievements using those kind of methods. If that's the case, we don't even know if he's actually hiding his true nature… You're an intelligent person. And you're also someone who always think about this kingdom. That's why I have a favor to ask of you. Won't you secretly look into No. 6-dono? I want you to find evidence of him being a spy. Regardless of its authenticity— —」

— —As I slowly walked through the halls of the barracks, I let out a sigh while thinking about what the advisor said.

In return for being reinstated into the royal guards, he wants me to find evidence that points to No. 6 being a spy.

By saying that the authenticity doesn't matter, he's just telling me to bring anything that will ruin him.

In a time where the future of the kingdom will be determined, that advisor prioritizes any threats to his success.

'I don't like that advisor guy. He's like someone that only cares about himself. He reeks of a shameless coward.'

I remembered again what No. 6 said about him before.

Although I wanted to tell him to not say such things, I'm now starting to think that he was right.

I let out another sigh, and with my shoulders slumping, I started walking towards No 6's room.

I was carrying a leather bag after being told to bring it to No. 6. It contained a special reward for this time.

「What about this being an excuse to go visit No. 6-dono's room…Ah! d.a.m.n, it had to be that idiot. If I visit his room at this time, what kind of stupid things will he say…?」

…There's no helping it. Let's abandon any thoughts of returning to the royal guards.

If I continue to rack up achievements with everyone else, there should come a time when I am reinstated back to my original spot.

I steadied my mind in front of No. 6's room.

Since it's that man, without a doubt, he'll start off with something sarcastic, then say all kinds of dirty things to humiliate me.

When I took a deep breath and calmed myself as if I was preparing for battle, I began to hear voices from inside the room.

「By the way, what should I do with this great reward? What should I do if the king asks me  to marry Tirris and he wants me to rule the kingdom? Is polygamy allowed in this nation?」

Just what kind of delusions is this guy having?

「Is this any of my business? Anyways I think that Tirris is a beautiful girl. Are you not content with one wife?」

「No, it's not like I won't be happy about it. It's just that, my squad only has girls in it. What if the night before Tirris's and my wedding, everyone comes to me and say something like 'I'm actually in love with you commander…' Wouldn't I be in a pinch if that happened?」

…Really, just really. What kind of thoughts are you having?

「…Since I've acquired quite a lot of knowledge, it's possible for me to antic.i.p.ate most things, and I've always thought that there wasn't anything I couldn't understand… But I see that I'm not quite at that level yet.」

「Is that so? I don't really know too much, but you're someone who can do it if you try. Hang in there.」

For some reason, I started to pity Alice for having to take care of him.

「But if I take someone like Snow as a wife, it seems like that would bring a whole nother set of problems, everyday.」

Blood started to rush into my head as I heard something that couldn't be ignored.

After deciding to give him a piece of my mind, I reached for the doork.n.o.b…!

「… Oh right, we still have to establish a route for the Kisaragi generals. It's about time for us to get serious in completing this spy mission. Since it seems like we've accomplished something great this time.. With the pay this time, let's get at least one secret base…」

「Hey No. 6, I know you're ecstatic about this, but your voice is too loud. Say those things in j.a.panese…」

The leather bag, that I received from the advisor, caused a loud noise after being dropped— —

【Interim Report】

For the most parts, the investigation of this planet is complete.

At this point in time, Alice and I will try to secure a base that will be our foothold for the invasion.

Through Alice managing our funds here, it seems like she has acquired a sufficient amount to purchase a base.

Upon finding a base that meets your conditions, I'll notify you immediately.

… Currently, there are no problems with the mission.

-Report by Combatant No. 6

This felt like a long-a.s.s chapter, but a good one nonetheless because it featured the best girl!!

Though I can’t help wondering who’s the bigger sc.u.mba—err MAN, Kazuma or No. 6?

Both have their moments, but what do u guys think?

And if you haven’t already, join the 

-Currently accepting combatants/members for world domination.

Translating at Starbucks during Summer Break! If you want to leave me a tip @ , that'd be awesome but completely optional!