Boundary.
It’s a word that refers to the limit by which things are distinguished or divided according to certain criteria.
However, in this world, it also referred to the frontline dividing the lands of the Demon Race and humans.
Right in the middle of that battlefield, inside a tent, a man was receiving a report.
“So, there was a large-scale teleportation reaction detected near the boundary around the Holy Kingdom?”
The man, with ash-gray hair like something scorched beyond recognition and hawk-like golden eyes, was shirtless, revealing his well-toned muscles and the red tattoos etched into them as he asked. The soldier reporting to him answered nervously.
“Yes, Warrior Deimos.”
Warrior Deimos.
One of the seven warriors known as the “Frenzy Warrior,” he was also considered by many to be the craziest warrior around, constantly fighting on the frontlines without rest.
While anyone would grow weary from prolonged warfare, Deimos, who rampaged daily at the forefront, seemed anything but. If anything, he appeared to enjoy the war.
That infamous battle-lust shone through as he spoke. “Since the uptight folks of the Holy Kingdom aren’t involved, it must be the Demon Race… Any idea what we’re dealing with?”
“There was a report that one of our scouts returned possessed and committed acts of betrayal. It’s likely some form of dark magic, possibly a Succubus.”
“Those weak harlots who play with people’s minds… Not exactly what I was hoping for.”
Even so, Deimos’ eyes gleamed as he stood up. He declared, “Still… it’s been a while since we’ve had proper enemies. Prepare the teleportation.”
“Yes! Warrior!”
With a salute, the soldier retreated as Deimos stepped out.
The Frenzy Warrior had begun his move.
***
Some time had passed since the summoning by Saintess Ellen at the Papal Palace.
With Saintess Ellen declaring that Warrior Ain would be given priority for the Trial of the Holy Blade, the other warriors present at the meeting had quickly scoured the area in search of Ain.
But ultimately, their efforts were fruitless. Even though the Holy Kingdom had its own experts searching for Ain, there wasn’t much more three warriors could accomplish on their own.
Of course, being influential individuals, they each organized private investigation teams to try and locate him… but still, no luck. Perhaps Ellen had anticipated this and granted the priority accordingly.
At any rate, Ain couldn’t be found anywhere on human territory. Golden Sun scratched his head in frustration.
“Man, where did this guy go? Crawled into Demon territory or something?”
Demon territory wasn’t somewhere even warriors could casually investigate. Planting spies in enemy lines was never going to be simple.
“Could be. Personally, I think that’s the most likely scenario.”
Golden Sun’s statement was met with agreement from another warrior, Mark Patrick. The towering bald black giant continued, prompting the tall young man before him, Warrior Ludwik, to ask,
“Why do you think that?”
“To be honest, I don’t see how Ain could hide from both the Holy Kingdom and us here. So, heading into Demon territory where tracking is harder makes sense. The Holy Kingdom probably thinks the same.”
“Hah, you’re saying that dumbass made it into Demon territory and is still alive? I don’t buy it.”
Golden Sun chuckled dryly, clearly not believing Ain could survive such an endeavor despite considering the possibility.
“Are we gathered here just to reach such a useless conclusion? If he crawled into Demon territory, tracking him will be tough. There’s nothing we can do.”
Currently, the three warriors had assembled to check on the progress of another warrior party’s investigation, having failed to find Ain themselves.
Though competitors, if others had found something, they couldn’t afford to fall behind. Thus, they met under the guise of exchanging information, though it yielded little.
Mark spoke up.
“Any other ideas then? Come to think of it, I heard the party member who joined your group knew Ain pretty well.”
“That stupid broad knows nothing. She suggested places he might be, but all leads went nowhere. Idiot… she’s just like her original leader.”
“If you have no better opinions or evidence, stop arguing, Golden Sun. We’re equally clueless here.”
“Che, so how about the priestess who joined your group, Mark? Does she know anything useful?”
“If she did, we wouldn’t be here now, would we?”
“The mage who joined ours is the same.”
“In any case, your party members seem incompetent too. Now that I think about it, did we really need to split these resources? I thought Ain was ineffective, but his party members are no better. Agree?”
Ludwik and Mark nodded.
Objectively speaking, Ain’s party members lacked the capabilities of their previous parties. With Ain himself avoiding conflict, there was little growth in combat skills.
Not that it mattered; they had plenty of flaws regardless.
“That stupid broad thought I was some kind of babysitter when she first joined me. Of course, I know leaders should care for their party members, but every time she wanted something done… It was ridiculous. She acted like royalty at first, though she’s come to understand her place now.”
“Same here. They relied on us for things that weren’t even leadership responsibilities.”
“It’s not just that. They neglected training, unable to grasp their own abilities. Combat experience aside, personal improvement depends on effort and talent… She expected me to magically push her growth. She’s utterly incapable.”
They began criticizing the former members of Ain’s party, frustrated that the information they provided was useless.
The problem?
There weren’t just the three warriors in the room—party members were present too. In the circular room, the warriors sat around a central table, while the party members waited nearby.
Naturally, among those party members were the very women being berated. Despite the harsh insults labeling them as incompetent fools, they remained silent, heads bowed.
Others nearby snickered and sneered at them. Fellow party members felt nothing but disdain for them, viewing them as arrogant failures who abandoned their old leader for greener pastures.
“Well, at least she has a pretty face. Haven’t taken advantage yet, but once I have some free time…”
The blue-haired woman stiffened, instinctively hugging herself, but no one paid her any mind.
“How vulgar.”
“What’s wrong with that? Do you high-and-mighty nobles suppress your desires? Besides, we didn’t take them purely for their abilities, right?”
“Not incorrect.”
Mark shrugged, glancing back with a lecherous grin.
“To be honest, whether or not that priestess keeps her title doesn’t matter much.”
The brunette priestess trembled, her face pale as she bowed her head.
Ludwik, watching the scene with disdain, finally spoke.
“I’m different from you two.”
“Then why bring the redhead along?”
“One of my party members liked her. So I brought her. Though she’s less capable than I thought, honestly, whatever.”
The redhead bit her lip and lowered her head.
“Anyway, enough about them… Where the hell is Ain?”
“Yo, Warriors!”
Just then, someone rushed into the circular room.
Being within the Papal Palace, it wasn’t strange for staff to enter, but…
“What is it?”
Entering without knocking while warriors were present was certainly impolite, though they let it slide given the urgency.
Still, the words from the Holy Kingdom official left them stunned.
“T-That… Warrior Deimos has reportedly found Warrior Ain!”
