Chapter 778 – Absence Case Log -2-

000

Of course, when Schrödinger woke up Illenu, who was sleeping at home, and told him this, Illenu must have thought it was a nightmare and pulled her cheek as hard as she could.

The intense pain coming from there makes you realize that it is reality, and you cover your face.

＂… Sorry…＂

Schrödinger must have felt a strong sense of guilt over the fact that this would not have happened if he had not taken Emma away, and he apologized to her with an expression that honestly did not know what to say or how to get her to forgive him.

When she hears Schrödinger’s voice, Illenu is silent for a moment, then takes her hand away from her face and looks back at Schrödinger.

“No. It was also a mistake that I took my eyes off her Emma. It’s not just your fault.”

─, If you defend Schrödinger, Schrödinger will feel even greater remorse.

However, everyone gathered there knew that now was not the time to feel remorse and tremble in despair.

＂Ilenu. At the place where she kidnapped Emma, ​​there was this note.”

And, Diora hands Illenu a note that can be said to be the only clue to Emma’s kidnapper at the moment.

Illenu accepts the note and reads the sentence written there.

＂I will tell this to Demon Swordsman Cleon’s group. If you do not leave Asteris before the Five Elements Festival begins, we will kill the woman we are protecting. If you accept her request, she will return to you safely… Ha.”

As Ilenu read the note slowly, she seemed to laugh out loud.

Then she squeezed the hand holding the note and crumpled it into a mess.

“The situation has already begun. This is a threat sent to us by Initrad… No, a declaration of war. Of course, it is clear who is behind it.”

When Diora said that with her arms crossed, Illenu looked at her hand that held the crumpled piece of paper and muttered as if in response.

＂It looks like the expulsion church is also in a hurry. They entrusted a mercenary group that was no different from a group of criminals to kidnapping and blackmailing… And it seems that their despicable methods have not changed.”

Diora asks a question while looking at Ilenu, who speaks as if she knows something about Initrad.

“Is there some connection to Initrad?”

“Tie? While working as a vampire hunter, there were times when the scope of Initrad’s activities overlapped. I’ve never collided with it directly. Rather… I was just scouted to become a member.”

＂… A vampire mercenary group scouts a vampire hunter?＂

Ilenu speaks while looking at Diora, who seems to not understand the act of trying to attract humans who are randomly hunting their own kind to become members of the organization.

＂These guys are based on merit. And I tend to question whether or not I’m a vampire, but… I’m a dhampir, a mixture of a vampire and a human. By their standards, it might be the perception that they are closer to their own people than to prey.”

“Many vampires do not recognize Dhampirs as their kin.”

When Beirin, who followed Diora, said that, Illenu nodded his head.

“I don’t want to be thought of as a member of the same race. Most vampires are life-sucking monsters that only see humans as prey. … Oh, of course there are exceptions.”

While talking like that, she said something that seemed to care about Maybelle, who was standing next to Baylin, and Maybelle shook her head.

“Of course, we know it well. The vampires that Mr. Illenu has come into contact with so far – rather, the fact that after our clan disappeared, most of the vampires were left behind were those who only saw humans as livestock…”

In response to Maybelle’s response, Baylin looked up at her, then turned her gaze back to her Irene and spoke.

＂Anyway. Since Cleon is not there now, even if we want to meet our demands, we cannot.”

“Of course, I have no intention of acceding to your request just because Cleon is there.”

Ilenu said that as if it were natural, then turned and stood up to get off the bed.

“Even if Cleon was around, I would have made the same choice. Wouldn’t it be too obvious to ask people to leave Asteris in this situation? There is no way I would choose to leave this city when I know everything about what will happen.”

“… Yes. If that’s the case, do it.”

Dior nods his head as if he agrees with Illenu’s words.

“Then. What are you going to do? Your companion… The life of a girl named Emma will be in danger.”

But when Berlin says that again, Illenu pauses, pauses, and turns to look at him.

“Of course. We can move first and save Emma. Fortunately, here, there is the Black Giant, the highest executive of the entire empire, and the dragon knight, Drake, the highest power of the current kingdom.”

“… Ah, now that I think about it, it’s definitely true. Two people who reached the top of the empire and kingdom are gathered together, right?☆”

When Diora said that in response to Illenu’s words, Bayerlin crossed her arms and raised one of her eyebrows.

＂I no longer have the power I had back then…＂

“The experience you have accumulated on the battlefield is also a force that cannot be ignored. Above all… I’m just saying you don’t have the power of Black Giant Berlin, but you still have more power than an ordinary vampire, right?”

When someone said that, Bayerlin said, ‘Hmph’ and snorted.

“Then it seems like everyone has the same opinion. Use her powers to bring back Emma, ​​who was taken by Initrad. Well, not giving in to the villains’ demands is the best way to deal with them☆”

When Diora says that, Schrödinger also clenches her fists with all her might, igniting her motivation.

“Joe, it was great! So where should we start? Are you following the traces of magical power in the place where Initrad appeared?”

“I don’t think he would have left such a trace since he is a vampire. Let’s hear an expert’s opinion here.”

When Berlin looks at Illenu after hearing Schrödinger’s words, she answers.

“Initrad is probably not inside Asteris right now, except for the minimum number of guards. No matter how much you can blend in with people, there are bound to be people who notice your heterogeneity as a vampire.”

This is especially true if there is a compatriot like Berlin.

＂So, they are probably setting up a garrison near Asteris. Of course, in a dark place where people can’t see it and where sunlight doesn’t enter.”

“Is there such a place around Asteris?”

Schrödinger seemed to be tilting his head at Illenu’s words.

First, Asteris is an open plain to the north, south, east and west, and the forest starts from a little distance away.

It would be correct to say that the area where there was a forest before became flat as a result of repeated logging as Asteris expanded.

Therefore, Illenu speaks while looking at Schrödinger, who says that it is unlikely that the place that Illenu talked about exists.

＂It is not that easy to find the residence of a vampire who has gone into hiding with all his might. In extreme cases, I have often infiltrated villages for several months to dig up information and finally find out where my prey is. If the opponent is a veteran mercenary group that has been doing something close to stealing for hundreds of years, it will be even more difficult to find.”

“… There are only 4 days left until the Five Elements Festival?”

If we say it will take several weeks, the Five Elements Festival will be completed in that time.

And, Asteris will also be finished.

“… This is a story about when I started with my bare hands when I had no clue whatsoever. If there is something like what they used, it will be easier to trace.”

“For example, something like this?”

As Diora says this, she takes out her Talisman of Initrad from her pocket and shows it.

＂What, I had it, after all.＂

“To be exact, it was something that Berlin captured and ripped off.”

As Diora said that, she flicked the talisman and threw it to Illenu, who caught it with one hand and took a quick look at the front and back of the cross.

＂It’s from a low-level unit.＂

“Is the shape different depending on the class?”

“As you go up, the shape of the cross becomes more complex and more ornate. The leader level almost looked like it could be used as a weapon if you held it in your hand and wielded it.”

Schrödinger was looking at the talisman with an expression that did not know whether Illenu’s words were a joke or serious.

“What. If you have this, it’s simple. You can visit me right now.”

When Illenu said that, Diora said ‘Wait a minute’ and stopped Illenu.

“If they find out that we don’t accept their demands and try to attack their base directly, Emma’s life could be in danger.”

“… I know that, but. All you have to do is not get caught, right?”

“I don’t know how many infiltrated members Berlin seems to have defeated. You can’t let down your guard.”

As if there was some truth to Diora’s words, Ilenu lowered her arms and asked, “Then what are you going to do?” He looks at Diora with these eyes.

Then, even Dio, she would talk while crossing her arms as if she had a good idea.

＂If the exiled church uses mercenaries, let us also use outside personnel.＂

001

“Indeed. So you’re saying you want me to help you?”

After that, Illenu left Cleon’s house with his party and headed to Maybelle’s mansion.

And, as usual, Dryne, who was in charge of watching and helping Maybelle, was there to welcome the group.

＂If possible, I would like to receive help from all members of the Bangui University. “Can’t it work?”

“Um… Normally, for the entire unit to move, they would have to get permission from the elders. Since the old man is not there right now… Well, since they are a group of vampire mercenaries threatening Asteris, they are the perfect opponent for our half-ghost unit to subdue.”

“The subjugation comes later. We’ll all do the raid together. So…”

At Draene’s words, Diora winked and placed his hand on Ilenu’s shoulder who was next to him.

＂While the case is being solved, I would like you to help me decorate Illenu as a half-ghost and carry out her activities. “How about it?”

“Wait a minute, I haven’t heard that either.”

Ilenu frowned and responded to Diora’s suggestion as if it had not been discussed.

＂But you don’t think Bangwidae’s activity attire will go undetected? A hat and a mask covering the mouth. And the clothes worn underneath are similar…”

“That’s an interesting idea! I think it would be okay if I just changed the hair color…”

Dryene muttered whether he liked Diora’s suggestion, and the plan to transform Ilenu into a half-ghost coordinator seemed to be progressing steadily.

“Well… If I can hide my identity and track them with that, I don’t mind…”

In the end, when Ilenu nods as if there is nothing she can do, Dryne nods as if she understands and stands up.

“Wait a minute! I’ll bring a spare crew uniform.”

And when she jumps out of the place where she was talking as if running through the house, another woman comes in as if crossing her.

＂Something is uproar.＂

＂Oh~! That’s right. You can ask for help there too.”

＂…?＂

The person who tilted her head as she said that was Kanan, one of the few pureblood elves left in the world.

She used to look somewhat like a ghost with her tattered leather armor and long white hair that looked like the end of a mop, but after moving in with her sister at Maybelle’s mansion, she dressed neatly.

With her long hair pulled back in three braids and wearing easy-to-move beige pants and a white blouse, she looked like a completely different person than before.

And, after hearing her situation from Diora, Kanan nodded her head.

“Of course. Because I have not yet properly repaid the grace I received from you. Above all, if you are trying to stop what the Exiled Church is doing, there is no reason not to help.”

“I’m glad if you say that. This is all thanks to Cleon’s accumulated virtue☆＂

When Diora spoke like that, Ilenu crossed her arms and looked back at Diora, who was speaking poorly.

“Aren’t you letting too many people get involved?”

“Why? You should get help when you can. Especially when someone’s life is at stake. And I wonder if there is anyone else who can help…”

As Diora said that, she took out a small notebook from her pocket and looked through her things.

＂Wow, there are so many people who can get help~＂

＂Could it is that the list written there is all…?＂

Most of the things that appear to be women’s names are probably not mistaken, Ilenu sighed as she thought.

Then Schrödinger talks to Diora.

“What about the blonde drill from that kingdom? “He’s a pretty skilled wizard, right?”

“Ah. Selena? “

Certainly, Selena, a court mage who uses light magic, will be a significant force in dealing with vampires.

Schrödinger himself must have thought that he had given a good opinion for the first time in a long time, as he nodded and waited for Diora’s answer.

“Selena can’t do that. Because that kid is too loud and stands out. She is a species whose mission to secretly track is impossible.”

＂Woe, definitely. It might be impossible for that blond drill to infiltrate or follow you.”

When Schrödinger, who had been persuaded by Diora’s words, answered that way, Dryer, who had brought her clothes, came back and said, ‘Ta-da!’ And put down the uniform of the half-gwi unit.

“The size will roughly fit. I was wondering what to do with her hair. If she puts her hairpin on top of her like a topknot and wears her hat on top, her hair won’t fall down, and it won’t be visible from the outside.”

＂Sa, topknot…? I’ve never done it before…”

Illenu spoke while touching her long hair in response to Draine’s words.

“Are you okay! Because I will do it. Oh, is Kanan also participating in this mission?”

“Yes. I will help too.”

Drayne was quick to notice and said he had already brought two sets of uniforms.

＂Okay then, change your clothes and stand~! This senior will coordinate the basics of Bangui University!”

002

After a while, the two returned to their respective empty rooms after changing their clothes.

In Kanan’s case, since she was a little taller than Draene, her clothes were not long enough, and she had to cover up the exposure by wearing an extra blanket on top of her uniform, but she didn’t look out of place. 〉

Illenu was similar in height to Dryne, but she kept adjusting the way she dressed her upper body as if she was a little uncomfortable.

“What’s the matter? “Is it uncomfortable?”

＂No… Well… The chest area is a little…＂

＂… Huh…＂

When Elenu responded with a slight blush on her face, Dryne gave the coldest reaction she had ever shown.

“But you can’t tell from the outside. Both of them are excellent Bangui University no matter how you look at them.”

＂What a great semi-guitar… It’s true that semi-guitars are hard to see in the first place.＂

Draine took a backseat to Diora’s words and, as she had said, lifted the heads of both of them up and fixed them so that they could not be seen from the outside of the hat.

Once that’s done, there is no longer any difference in appearance between the two other than height and blanket.

“Basically, this outfit is based on the premise of moving in the dark. If you’re going to chase that ini… Something I mentioned earlier, it would be best to aim for it after the sun sets. I will also contact my sisters in the meantime.”

When Dryene said that and shook her hand, Diora started laughing and talking as if she was having fun.

＂With this, dragon slayer. Vampire hunter. The ghost hunters are collaborating! It’s a hunter alliance!”

＂… Why are you so excited… Well, this is my first time doing something like hunting vampires as a group. ＂

＂Vampires also do not let go if they become prey.＂

When Kanan said that, Illenu also nodded her head.

“Then, I guess we’ll take a short break until night falls. Since I don’t know when I’ll be able to sleep well, I’ll do my best-“

Diora was laughing when she said that.

The sound of a crack being heard in the Initrad subjugation plan that was progressing smoothly.

＂Where is this hidden thing~! Those damn vampires~!! I’m saying I’m going to sunbathe all of these Selena Regents and turn them into dried beef jerky~!!”

It was a sound like an excavator running in the sky of Asteris.