Sheto sat up and drew the bow to its limit. The stirrups supported his lower body as he stood up.
With this flawless form, Sheto released the bowstring without hesitation.
“Shh!”
“Gah!?”
It hit the target’s shoulder, and he quickly nocked the next arrow. In the meantime, the chanting continued in the darkness, and the minotaur pointed to where Keita stood.
“Archers, target the Hero! Spears! Use your shields to block the kobold’s arrows!”
“Guto!”
Sheto’s legs relaxed, and then he kicked off of Guto and landed behind him.
“Gaah!”
“Gyaah!”
Now that the wolf was lighter, he tore into the ankle of an archer, dragging him down. With this opening, Sheto shot an arrow towards a spear-wielder.
“Gah! Don’t come any closer! Arghh!”
The wolf’s fangs searched for a new victim as it clamped down on a leg like a bear trap. But just as the soldier tried to shake him off, a fatal silver light pierced him.
“Comos! Stand back now!”
The minotaur shouted as he saw that they were at a disadvantage. As Guto swiftly escaped the circle of soldiers, the minotaur gripped his axe and gave orders while scanning the area.
“Remaining archers, provide cover while retreating! Spears, protect Comos!”
“Lord Berganda!?”
“That’s an order! Retreat!”
The soldiers followed the robed hobgoblins as they withdrew. And then the only one who remained was the monster with the bull head.
“You’ve killed quite enough.”
He laughed while staring at the kobold.
“Look at this. I’ve led these soldiers for years, and now their training is wasted because of you.”
“And what of it?”
Without moving, Sheto called Guto back with his eyes.
“You, attacked the village. Why wouldn’t such monsters, be killed?”
“…Indeed.”
“What?”
The bull nodded and took one step forward. He was so intimidating that Sheto’s legs shook just a little.
“You. Are you really a kobold?
“Huh…?”
The sudden words pierced him.
It was the same words that had been said by his own kind.
“Your skill with the bow. The mobile attacks with a wolf. Cooperating with a Hero. You cannot be any ordinary kobold.”
“I…I! I am a just, a kobold! Just got powers from a god! Nothing more!”
“Powers from a…god?”
The bull’s eyes widened with surprise.
Then his face relaxed, and his mouth opened.
“Ahahahahahahahaaaaa! Hahahahaha! Ah, I see! So that’s what my master meant!”
The giant laughed happily.
“I see. There are some things one cannot see, unless they truly open their eyes.”
The minotaur nodded to himself with satisfaction. Then he became serious again.
“Now let me introduce myself. I am Berganda. The demon general who leads the army in Morania.”
“…Huh?”
‘What!?’
“The Demon King is waiting for you. Now, come with me, you strange kobold.”
—
“I see. How very interesting.”
As he sat in his study, the Seer, Furukamuto’s cold expression turned to one of happiness.
“Don’t you agree? Canila?”
The mirror showed a scene right outside of Lindle village. The minotaur general was facing Sheto.
‘Wh-why…would…the Demon King…wait for me?’
The strong expression was gone now. He looked just like a scared kobold. Even Keita, who stood by the wall, was stunned by what was happening.
‘Why? Aren’t you the monster who killed the Hero who served Zephalis, and then slaughtered a hundred Heroes in Elephas?’
‘Tha…that was…’
‘You do not have to hide it. The Demon King already knows about you. And I was sent her to confirm the rumors.’
“I see. So the kobold has attracted the attention of monsters, not just us.”
He said with amusement.
“Tsk… Seer! Why are you…”
“Silence. This is getting good.”
Without knowing he was being watched, Berganda continued.
‘The Demon King wishes to see you.’
The minotaur thrust out one hand.
‘Now, come with me. You are also a monster. Surely you have no reason to hesitate in swearing your loyalty to our lord?’