Confirming that the barrier had been lifted, I slowly stepped outside.
At the same time,
"Are you unharmed, my master!"
Ranga emerged from the shadows, seemingly worried.
I told him I was fine and explained the situation inside while checking my body's condition.
I'm fine; my abilities have fully returned.
This is ridiculous.
To challenge me without even listening to my side of the story, he's a formidable opponent. I accepted the fight, but...
I thought I could win, but it ended in a crushing defeat...
No, I didn't lose. There's also a saying that running away is a form of victory.
An old person once said, "A gentleman does not put himself in danger."
Indeed, the moment I was trapped in the barrier, running away was the right answer.
I had been running from the beginning, so I could escape when the opportunity arose—my victory! It might seem a bit forced.
Let's call this a draw.
This time was really dangerous. Although the insurance I set up at the beginning saved me, it was a close call.
In the overwhelmingly unfavorable situation, I realized the danger and created a clone to escape.
If I made a clone, it would be easy to detect and slow down, so I had the slime part of my main body escape.
Thanks to only the minimum volume necessary for movement escaping, it had almost no impact on the battle, but escaping was a big deal.
If Hinata had considered the possibility of a clone and acted accordingly, it would have been over...
Since I don't know all of his abilities, I didn't guard against that.
Well, usually people don't guard against that. Thanks to that, I survived.
I stealthily put some distance between myself and the battle site, and it took time to reach where the barrier was set up.
If Hinata had noticed, it would have been over, so I struggled to suppress my presence. Thanks to that, I managed to escape safely, so it was worth the effort.
But, Hinata is really strong!
If he's that strong, there was no need for a barrier... Without any complacency and being so strong, I wish he would have gone easy on me.
Actually, it was impossible to even scratch him. He didn't even need to wear armor...
Are all the people of this world and the summoners that strong?
Against an enemy, I started to think about wanting to steal their skills.
The harvest would be Hinata's rapier and the data on the skills and magic he used.
Even in a berserk state as a glutton, the observation and data link by the "Great Sage" were perfectly carried out.
Thinking about the future, I ordered the collection of information to prepare countermeasures. I didn't think I could win from the beginning.
Still, "Disintegration" is a threat that makes your spine freeze. If I had seen it for the first time and been hit, it would have been impossible to defend.
Even multiple barriers would have been penetrated, and it would have been the end. I'm not joking.
It was fortunate that I could see it. At the point where the layered magic circle was deployed, there was no way to escape or interfere.
It would have been good if it could have been absorbed and analyzed, but there was no such luxury.
Life isn't that easy.
The data link to the gathered group was cut off the moment I appeared. I was almost dizzy from the feedback.
This means that once seen, it's impossible to avoid. Probably, the layered barrier has a sealing function, so if the barrier can't be lifted, you die.
Can Milim endure it? I'll ask her next time.
Actually, I was able to gather this much data. I think it's not an exaggeration to call it my victory.
Well, a draw is fine too.
It's not like I'm making excuses!
It wasn't the time for jokes.
I'm worried about the town of Tempest.
I left that place and tried to transfer to Tempest. However, the transfer location seemed to be interfered with, so there was no response.
It's dangerous. It might be the weakening barrier Hinata mentioned.
It's better to return quickly.
"Let's go!"
I said to Ranga.
And I hurriedly transferred to the Sealed Cave.
In front of the barrier of the Sealed Cave, the group had gathered.
As soon as they saw me,
"Oh! Lord Rimuru, something big has happened!"
Gabil said.
It seems my bad feeling was right. I'm frustrated that I was held back by Hinata.
There's no time to listen to the story here. Judging that, I linked my telepathy with Gabil's group.
While moving through the shadows to Tempest, I talked.
This time, I forcibly accelerated my thoughts, and we exchanged information in an instant. It would be a burden for Gabil, but I judged that it wasn't the time to worry about that.
Thanks to that, I was able to quickly grasp the situation.
They said that about an hour ago, communication suddenly came in.
Since the spirit communication was possible, the situation inside was clarified.
It seems that several attackers came to the village.
Soue tried to use shadow movement to alert about the attackers, but it was impossible.
And telepathy also became impossible.
So, in a panic, they thought of spirit communication.
It was fortunate that the spare was completed, and the cave and the village could communicate.
Listening to the situation in the village through the call, it seems that the adventurers were also in a panic.
And after a tense situation was conveyed, communication was cut off about 15 minutes ago.
This is what they conveyed.
Gabil's group was told by Rigid to guard this place so that intruders wouldn't enter the cave.
However, they were so worried about the state of the village that they were discussing whether to send scouts.
If the scouts were caught, it would be a case of the tail wagging the dog, and opinions were divided.
(Good, I understand the situation. You continue to guard the cave.
Don't kill the intruders, capture them.)
(Yes! And, Duke Vester asked if it's okay to contact the Dwarf Kingdom?)
(Ah, wait. It's fine to inform them once the situation is clear, but not now.)
(I understand! Please be safe!)
I cut the telepathic link with Gabil's group.
15 minutes...
If it weren't for Hinata's interference, I would have arrived in time.
Suppressing my anxious heart, I moved through the shadows to near the village. I thought that once I entered the village, I probably wouldn't be able to leave.
I emerged from the shadows at a distance where I could fly to the village in no time.
I was able to emerge without any problems. I rushed to the village at the highest speed with the <Flight Magic>.
I collided with what seemed to be a barrier at the edge of the village. However, I broke through it by extending my left hand forward and absorbing the barrier in front of me.
As soon as I successfully infiltrated the village, I felt the barrier behind me being restored.
Inside the village, the concentration was blurred, but there was still mana.
It seemed to be a much weaker barrier than the Holy Field I used just now.
I felt a bit relieved.
Running through the village, I hurried to the central square.
In the center, a crowd had formed, and a heavy atmosphere hung in the air.
It seems something happened. Anxiety welled up inside me.
Noticing my presence, the people around me opened a path and knelt. Then, a few people blocked my way.
It was Rigid and Kaijin.
"Lord Rimuru, thank you for coming. I have something to consult with you, so let's go over there..."
Is it not good for me to move forward?
Is there something in front? I have a bad feeling.
"Rigid, Kaijin. Move aside. What happened?"
"No, no. There was a bit of a problem, so let's go over there first..."
"Don't beat around the bush. Move aside."
At my words, the people in front slowly opened a path.
The scene that appeared before me.
Countless monsters of the village lying on the ground.
Men, women, and even children.
I approached and saw the monsters lying on the ground......
They were dead.
Why......
My legs felt like they were about to collapse.
What happened? What is this? I can't, it's confusing.
There were about 100 lying on the ground.
E... Th... They're dead? It can't be!
My mind isn't functioning properly. I have a sensation of my breathing becoming rough, even though it's unnecessary.
I fall into the illusion that my non-existent heart is beating violently.
"What happened? What is it?"
My voice sounded distant.
A cold, distant voice, as if it belonged to someone else.
The emotions inside me felt frozen.
Staggering forward,
"We were attacked by people claiming to be followers of the Western Holy Church.
Suddenly, we couldn't communicate with the outside, and amidst the sudden, overwhelming fatigue that befell everyone...
We were attacked by about ten adventurers in disguise."
That's how it was.
The Western Holy Church... Did the people Hinata mentioned come sooner than expected?
Continuing, the elder of the Hobgoblins said,
"We, following Lord Rimuru's teachings, were treating humans with respect and not harming them..."
"Idiot! By doing that, it seems like Lord Rimuru is responsible!"
Rigid interrupted, agitated.
"I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention..."
From a distance, words of apology reached me, but they didn't touch my heart.
Is it because of my orders, my words...
I am a monster.
...But they were originally humans.
I just wanted to be friends with humans.
...But reality is harsh.
Then, what is the right answer?!!!
...Well? Think about it yourself.
An irresponsible voice inside me harshly scolded me.
But, it can't be forgiven. The cause is with me, and the responsibility is mine.
Intense regret and boundless anger boiled inside me.
...
...
...
The leaders gathered and reconfirmed the situation.
Even in a daze, my mind functioned normally to understand the situation.
First, the attackers were about ten.
In about ten minutes from the start of the attack, they slaughtered nearly 100.
From the situation, it seems there was someone outside setting up the barrier, so the total number of perpetrators is unknown.
The words they said,
"The Western Holy Church has confirmed this village as a nest of monsters.
At the request of the Palmas Kingdom, we will launch a full-scale attack in one week.
The commander is the famous hero, King Edmaris!
If you surrender, we will guarantee your lives and existence in the name of God.
Don't make unnecessary demands and surrender quickly.
Otherwise, death will be equally bestowed!
Wise adventurers! I believe you understand which side is right.
I hope you make the right choice. Over!"
They said only that and left.
When they left, they indiscriminately slaughtered women and children...
Benimaru was frustrated, thinking that if they had restrained themselves when the attackers first spoke...
But, seeing how the attackers treated humans, it would have been impossible without my orders.
Everything comes down to my words.
"So, what about the adventurers who used this place?"
"In the next room..."
I had them brought in.
A few merchants were also present, making a total of nearly 50.
"This is really..."
"I'm not sure about the response from the Brumund Kingdom, but as adventurers, we like this place.
The approach of the Palmas Kingdom this time is unacceptable.
If they attack, will you help us counterattack?"
"But, it seems the church has recognized them as enemies... It's become a troublesome matter."
And so on, they started talking.
I could feel their concern for this place.
I expressed my gratitude for their words,
"Your concern is appreciated, but this time we will handle it ourselves.
Rather, I hope you inform the country as quickly as possible about this incident."
"Have you already sent a messenger?"
"That's dangerous..."
"What is?"
I explained my thoughts.
The person who set up the trap would think of this.
It's to give us a bad reputation. They might kill the messenger and blame us.
Hearing this,
"Indeed. It makes sense, but would they go that far?"
"Even the church, the heralds of justice?"
"Surely not..."
Such was their reaction.
But,
"No, wait. I remember!
They might be the famous 'Blood Shadow' who kill even children without hesitation, as the rumors say."