Equa watched the friendly sparring match while conversing with the Chief of Bigabol, Atart.

Atart, who didn't look down on him for being young or belittle Serhang for being a weak power, was quite a good conversation partner.

【Haha, it was an excellent match this time as well.】

Of course, there was something a bit... peculiar about him. His tone and the meaning of his words were incredibly polite, but an oddly chilling feeling kept rising up.

Especially when facing Atart's pitch-black eyes head-on.

【We lost this time too. My, I feel like I should learn a thing or two about how to train warriors from you, Chief Atart.】

Equa clapped his hands for the warriors, searching for whether the source of that uneasiness was a lingering remnant of Zatab's attack or something else entirely.

The warriors who finished the sparring match paid their respects to each other before stepping down from the arena.

【Who's next? Ah, is it Safar? It's already the last one. What a shame.】

Since Atart hadn't brought many warriors to begin with, the friendly sparring match was already rushing toward its end.

【As for our side...】

However, personally, he was incredibly pleased. With no way of knowing if there would be another attack from Zatab, it was best to conserve their forces.

【...?】

But in the middle of their conversation, the Bigabol warrior stepping onto the stage showed strange behavior. He threw something bunched up into a ball.

【Chief!】

BOOM!

He didn't get a proper look at the sight after that. The warrior standing next to him had pulled him into an embrace.

However, as if to make up for it, there was plenty to hear. An explosion that left his ears ringing, the sound of clashing blades, someone's scream, shouts, and the sound of flesh tearing.

【W-What is going on...】

He was as unconfident in his martial arts as he was in his underdeveloped body. Not to mention, hadn't the previous Chief fallen to an assassin presumed to have been sent by Zatab?

He could understand the feelings of the warriors bundling him up tightly. He could understand it.

【Let go, so I can assess the situation!】

But he was the Chief.

Equa didn't thrash around, but he stuck his head out to understand the situation. His eight eyes swept their surroundings at once and made a judgment.

【How, how could you...!】

【I am sorry, Atart. You must die.】

It was a rebellion. Not of Serhang, but of Bigabol.

CLANG!

While Equa scanned the unfolding situation, Atart confronted the rebels.

His reputation as Bigabol's strongest warrior, even before being its Chief, didn't seem to be false. Not only did Atart survive the sneak attack, but he fought evenly against three warriors.

Although he seemed to be getting pushed back slightly, he looked fully capable of winning if he had outside help.

【Equa, please help me!】

【Chief of Serhang, we are in the middle of a legitimate succession. It would not be good for you to antagonize us!】

However, the moment he was about to order for help, the rebels warned him. Equa stiffened for a moment, his lips parted.

【Equa!】

He knew that Bigabol was divided between a faction that followed Atart and supported reform, and a faction that wanted to keep to their old customs. But he hadn't realized the rift was deep enough for them to openly aim for his neck...

Furthermore, the faces of those who started the rebellion were the very people Atart had declared to be his most trusted confidants.

That meant half of the people Atart had trusted and brought with him had agreed to the rebellion.

Which meant the power of the rebels was anything but ordinary.

Then what about Bigabol's main base, which Atart had temporarily left behind? Had the rebels already taken control of it?

【Chief, your orders!】

【What should we do?】

Equa quickly deliberated whether joining hands with the rebels would be good for Serhang, or if trusting Atart would be more helpful for the future.

It would have been nice if the Priestess was here, but even if she was, he would still be the one making the judgment. In the end, he had to make the decision now.

【... Help Atart and execute the rebels!】

And a conclusion was reached.

Atart harbored goodwill toward Serhang, but the existing faction trying to push Atart out—the stuffy old traditionalists—looked down on them, so if they won, Atart would be better. It was a judgment that included such reasoning.

【Equa!】

【So you insist on drinking from the poisoned chalice!】

Even so, the Chief of Serhang suffered from terrible doubt right after giving the order. Was this right? Was this really correct? It was a doubt directed at his own choice.

"What's this."

At that moment, an incomprehensible language rang out across the venue.

The next thing that came into view was a pair of gloomy and quite exhausted-looking gray eyes.

"A rebellion?"

A rebel's blade flew toward him.

"What's this."

'Seriously, what is this.'

Looking at the complete mess of a situation, I unconsciously let out a faint sigh.

'Hah. Seeing them fight among themselves while I'm this exhausted really makes me feel all sorts of ways.'

"A rebellion?"

'If it's really a rebellion, this is going to be a headache.'

'I can't just blindly take a side when I don't even know why this civil war broke out. Who knows what kind of disaster I'd suffer later.'

'Besides, Koreans have experienced so many tyrants and dictators historically...'

'Honestly, whenever we hear the word "rebellion," we reflexively glare at the ruling class first and go, "Could it be?" It gets a bit awkward if it turns out to be a coup for a power grab instead of a righteous revolution, though.'

【Die!】

But I didn't have a choice. Because someone tried to attack me.

【Protect the guest!】

As I instantly dealt with the person trying to attack me, others approached.

When I scanned them to see if they were enemies, they were all showing me their backs, trying to form a protective formation.

'The problem is whether these guys are on the rebelling side or the victim side.'

Since no attacks were coming in, I had time to think. To grasp the situation, I hurriedly checked the faces of the ones I'd heard were the Chiefs.

Taking a moment to observe carefully, the ones who started the rebellion seemed to belong to Bigabol—since their clothes looked the part—and the Chief of Bigabol, amusingly enough, had his neck targeted the most fiercely.

'As for Serhang... well. It looks like they're helping the Chief of Bigabol, aiming to suppress the rebels.'

'For reference, the ones protecting me are also Serhang. And the guy who tried to attack me earlier was ostensibly Bigabol.'

'Then my enemies are automatically decided.'

'Whether it's a revolution or a coup, the moment they touch a civilian, there's no way they're the good guys, right? Right?'

"Huu."

I formed a mana spear with a sigh, then fired it straight ahead. I chose this skill as an alternative, fearing allies might get swept up in my sword aura.

It was also a pretty good choice since it had the advantage of being able to attack multiple people at once.

【Kuaaak!】

The Chief of Bigabol's enemies were knocked away all at once.

Then, I slipped out of the protective formation and kicked another guy who was attacking a Serhang warrior. Even if I couldn't distinguish Bigabol vs. Bigabol, I could tell friend from foe in Serhang vs. Bigabol.

【You're just an outsider!】

Right then, someone raised their sword at me. My hand drew the sword at my waist and deflected it.

The mana I had recovered by about half while resting settled softly over the blade, adding to its sharpness.

SLICE!

The opponent's sword was cleanly severed.

STAB!

"..."

'But it seems I've only been dealing with opponents who have four limbs. I forgot the ones here have six arms.'

I dodged the belated attack and deflected their fourth and fifth sword strikes. As I did, I took a step back and channeled mana into my right hand.

SLASH!

A four-pronged claw mark ripped apart the enemy's upper body. Their body wasn't torn to pieces, but the wounds were deep, so moving would be difficult.

【What!】

'Is that panicked guy four steps away an enemy or not? What about the one behind him?'

I realized that not being able to communicate caused far more inconvenience than I thought.

【Atart!】

'But so what if I can't tell the enemies apart? People other than me will do it for me.'

'What's important is the act of protecting those I can be certain are allies.'

I headed to the side of the Chief of Bigabol in a single stride. Even though I had punctured holes in the shoulders of three people, he still wasn't free from the enemies.

【You're...】

'Should I refrain from killing them since it might cause problems later?'

I grabbed the scruff of the neck of the one attacking the Chief and threw him to the floor with my mana-infused hand. Swung around as lightly as slamming a doll, the enemy was thrown down hard enough to make the ground shake.

'I don't know about the rest, but his back will hurt a bit.'

Next, I deflected another guy's sword and struck him in the solar plexus. Having figured out the exact level of strength needed to break ribs without killing them after a long period of experimentation, the enemy who went flying through the air wouldn't die. Probably.

"Who are the enemies."

'More importantly, this is so frustrating. It would've been nice if their outfits were at least different. Who exactly are the guys I need to subdue?'

"【You don't know... ah.】 That one, and that one are enemies."

It was a stroke of genius that this person could speak my language. Following his instructions, I beat down the (presumed) rebels one by one.

They yelled something at me, but I just ignored it. 'If you're mad about it, you should've learned a second language too.'

SMACK!

'On a separate note, I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do.'

After kicking an enemy away, I lowered my sword as I watched the Archmage and Priestess rushing over breathlessly just now.

Funnily enough, there wasn't a single drop of blood on my sword. That was obvious, since I hadn't sliced anyone's flesh with it.

"What happened here!"

"Don't ask me."

'How would I know?'

Watching the tribespeople clean up the mess on their own, I found a suitable pillar and leaned against it. I really wanted to just plop down on the ground—I was strangely exhausted—but that would break character, so this was the alternative I found.

Only then did the wounds I received from the battle—which was completely different from fighting three people at once due to the opponents having six arms—start to sting.

Thanks to my low pain sensitivity, the stinging was practically non-existent, but still.

"Are you alright?"

The Archmage offered her concern to me. Most were just scratches, but the very first wound I got was quite deep, so she seemed to be worried about that part.

"I will treat you."

I had no reason to refuse. Whether she treated me by my side or not, I closed my eyes and spaced out. Since it would be a headache if my thoughts strayed in a weird direction, I planned to just empty my brain instead.

【U-Um, thank you.】

Meanwhile, a child approached. The Serhang Chief... probably.

'Maybe around an older elementary schooler? Kids grow fast these days so I can't be sure, but he looks about that age. He reaches a little past my chest.'

【If it weren't for you...】

The kid—ah, it'd be rude to call him a kid since he's the Chief. The Serhang Chief glanced at me with a flushed face.

'As for why he's here without the Priestess, she is currently issuing orders to the warriors and sorting out the situation.'

"I must convey my thanks as well."

Before I could say anything, a slightly awkward tone conveyed those words. It was the Chief of Bigabol, limping slightly as he approached, perhaps having injured his leg.

"If you, if your esteemed self had not helped..."

He didn't finish his sentence. But there are things you can understand even without a completed sentence. Especially since I had seen him being pushed back before I intervened.

"..."

The other man stopped talking and fell into silence, as if caught up in his emotions.

His complex feelings were laid bare on his face. A sense of betrayal, anger, venom... If it was true that a rebellion had occurred, these weren't strange emotions. Though I wondered where the sadness went.

"How should I repay this debt?"

Even so, he didn't stay consumed by his emotions for long.

His bold and distinct features stared straight at me. It had been a while since I'd seen someone who wasn't from the Shaggy tribe but matched my eye level.

"No need."

But there was only one answer I could give. 'How can I accept a reward when I wasn't moving on a request?'

I firmly expressed my refusal, just like always. The other man made a regretful face, just like people generally did.

"But..."

【He truly will not accept a reward.】

The Archmage, having finished treating my shoulder, pulled her hand away. It was a welcome interjection. 'I don't want to think. Please deal with him instead.'

【So, the two Chiefs should just accept this as a simple act of goodwill.】

'But don't do it in a language I can't understand. It makes me feel alienated.'

【That's...】

【... A simple act of goodwill, you say.】

【Yes. A simple act of goodwill.】

'Storytime about how I got outcast by getting stuck between 2 foreigners and 1 foreign language speaker.'

Feeling a serious craving for a cigarette, I glared at the three of them. Of course, I absolutely did not glare fiercely at the Serhang Chief.

'Respecting him as a Chief is one thing, and protecting him as a child is another. The two can coexist... probably.'

【Then you wouldn't accept my invitation to Bigabol as a token of my gratitude for saving my life?】

【Please understand.】

'So when are you going to let me go. This is awkward...'

【That is incredibly... unfortunate.】

Watching the atmosphere shift from a one-sided exchange of gratitude just a moment ago into a strange war of nerves, I grew curious about what kind of conversation they were having.

'Why are the Archmage and the Bigabol Chief having a staring contest?'

"Is your body alright?"

At that moment, the Archmage turned her gaze toward me.

"If you are alright, it would be best for us to depart now. Did the Magic Tower not urge us to arrive early?"

'... You said we were resting earlier.'

'I mean, it's fine even if we don't rest. But it feels like something was given and then taken away, so it's a bit weird.'

'What in the world did they talk about for her to retract her words about resting? Does the Archmage perhaps have a bad relationship with them?'

"..."

'But my companion is the Archmage anyway. What reason do I have to accommodate a Chief I just met?'

'Shouldn't we help out? I could think that, but the damage wasn't that big anyway. There were casualties, but only a few, and it's not like I have the ability to heal them. It's not like there are remaining targets for me to catch, either.'

'As for property damage, it's only at the level of the arena being slightly broken, so I figured it'd be fine to just pretend not to notice and leave.'

So, I pushed myself off the pillar and followed her words. The hunters who were hurriedly running over right now were awkwardly holding our luggage, so it didn't seem like we needed to return to where we were earlier.

【Chief of Bigabol, regarding the treatment of the rebels... Wait, are you leaving?】

Just then, the Priestess, who seemed to have somewhat finished organizing the situation, came running with a pale complexion.

'If you only went by first impressions, she seemed like the type of person who would always remain as calm and unwavering as an old tree.'

'With Zatab's invasion and a portion of the invited delegation committing treason... Seeing how those first impressions were completely shattered due to matters that made it impossible to stay calm, I feel like she's someone who goes through a lot of hardship.'

【At least give us time to thank you for your help...】

【It is fine. How could we take up your time in a situation like this? Ah, please take back the hunters you assigned to us as well. Is this not a situation where every hand is precious?】

'Well, whatever, who cares.'

Based on what the Archmage had softly whispered—"I think we'll have to carry the snakes ourselves"—I trudged over to the hunters.

The hunters, who couldn't bring themselves to leave the precious snakes behind, but couldn't help their surroundings either because both their hands were full from carrying them, looked at me like a savior.

【... What is it that the outsider warrior is taking?】

【Ah... It's Jahukayas. He is probably interested in things that eat mana.】

'It's really fortunate that they attached straps so I can sling them over my shoulder like a bag.' I slung two over one shoulder and held the other two in my other hand.

Having nothing left to say to that side, the Archmage also immediately followed right behind me.

【... Things that eat mana?】

【Would that not be the only usual reason he specifically caught Jahukayas?】

"I will carry one as well."

"Piss off."

'I don't need any of that, just guide the way. With the map useless and no compass, I can't find my way out of here.'

【Wait, wait!】

Right then, the Chief of Bigabol stopped us. 'Didn't they finish talking? He's really persistent.' My brow furrowed.

【If, by chance, you are interested in things that eat mana, how about this?】

【Chief, we...】

【This is a secret, but... the Mountain Lord also consumes mana.】

But I had no say in this. I watched as the Chief of Bigabol spoke to the Archmage while checking Serhang's reactions.

【...! W-What are you.】

【If you accept my invitation, I will arrange a meeting for you to see the Mountain Lord. I will also assign a Priestess to translate the Mountain Lord's words for you. Ah, for your information, this is a secret. Winning over the Priestesses of the swamp who serve the Mountain Lord is only tacitly permitted; in principle, it is forbidden. Anyway, how about it?】

On a separate note, it seemed the Archmage had taken a hit from this conversation. The Archmage, whose mouth opened and closed with a shocked expression, turned to look at me.

"... Demon Knight."

"What."

"We... I think we will have to go to Bigabol's territory."

'... Just what kind of conversation took place for her to reach this conclusion? I'll learn their language out of sheer spite, seriously.'