In a corner where scrap wood was piled like a storage shed, there was a noticeable mound.

When they shaved it down a little, something built of stone came into view.

“…Looks like we hit the mark.”

“…It seems so. Hey! Gather everyone!”

Replying to Seriana’s words, Luick shouted instructions loud enough to overpower the sound of rain. At once, soldiers rushed over with tools in hand.

Then, they began the removal work.

As expected of the well-trained First Unit, it didn’t take long for a well to be unearthed.

“They must have realized it had become difficult to operate here and concealed it when they withdrew. The ones we captured had been active in this city for a while—it’s likely they knew of this place.”

“Yes. Even though the surroundings were covered with soil, the top was only sealed with a board. There’s no problem pouring the chemicals in. It seems to be done. We should also—wait! Step back!”

We had been watching their work from a little distance, but it seemed they had completed the task.

The soldiers called out Rick’s name.

We were about to head over with them when, suddenly, Seriana ordered the soldiers to retreat.

I wondered what was going on, but before I could ask—

“Guagh!?”

“Aaah!”

The soldiers’ screams rang out.

“Light, pierce it!”

And then, slightly delayed from the cries, Fiora’s magic shot something through.

To my eyes, it only looked like something flew out of the well and vanished, but the snakes’ eyes had caught it.

…It’s the first time I’ve seen one, but that was probably a Wraith.

Fiora managed to bring it down with her magic, but there’s no way we could’ve noticed it in time.

Rick rushed over to the fallen soldiers and called out to them.

Luckily, they were still breathing… but their condition looked pretty rough.

“…Was that a Wraith just now?”

“It seems so. It’s my first time seeing one too. Hey, you.”

As she replied to my murmur, Seriana called over a nearby soldier.

“Yes, ma’am!”

“In previous reports, zombies appeared, but not Wraiths, correct?”

“…Yes. While we searched with the possibility of Wraiths in mind, neither we nor the townsfolk suffered any damage.”

“I see… That’s enough.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

After hearing what she needed, Seriana dismissed him and placed a hand to her lips, closing her eyes.

She seemed to be thinking.

The moment of contemplation lasted less than a minute. Once she had gathered her thoughts, she called over Fiora and Teresa and began to speak.

“There are still nearly twenty of them beneath us. They appear the same, so I assume they’re Wraiths… Teresa, from your perspective, how many do you think we can handle?”

“Let’s see. Captain Rick and…”

Teresa listed those present who could deal with Wraiths… including Rick, that made four.

That’s not many.

“Fiora. Are you confident in handling Wraiths?”

“If I know they’re there, I can take them out, but if I get caught off guard, I might not make it…? Well, if you’re with me, it should be fine.”

“Good. Sera.”

“I’m coming too.”

From the flow of the conversation, it was clear that Seriana intended to head down.

If that’s the case, I’m going too.

“Don’t worry. That’s the plan. Underground, you have the strongest defense.”

【Wind’s Garment】 paired with the 【Amber Shield】.

Even if 【Fairy’s Eye】 doesn’t work on undead, the snakes’ vision helps.

It won’t be easy for even the undead to break through my defense in such a confined space!

◇

“Rick.”

As Rick was ordering his men to carry the fallen soldiers to a spot away from the rain, he turned around quickly at the voice and bowed his head.

“Lady Seriana, Lady Fiora. Thank you for saving my men.”

“Think nothing of it. I’m glad their lives aren’t in danger… More importantly, we’ll go down below. You all stay here and protect the city.”

“Wha—!? …………Please be careful.”

He probably wanted to object to Seriana’s words at first, but at the same time, he understood this was the most reliable plan.

His internal conflict was evident in his hesitation, but in the end, he obeyed.

“Vice Captain Sera, I’m counting on you to guard Lady Seriana.”

“Yeah. Leave it to me.”

Even Rick didn’t act like usual in a moment like this—he even bowed his head to me.

Not that he needed to say it… but alright, I’ll take care of it!

More importantly…

“A well… right?”

Peering into the well that had been dug up, I kept watch for Wraiths, but couldn’t see the bottom due to protruding rocks.

I didn’t inspect it before, so I don’t know if it’s always been like this, but from above, there’s no way to tell what’s inside.

“I’ll go check it out alone. The rest of you wait here.”

“…If you go alone, you won’t be able to react to a Wraith, right? I’m going down too.”

I proposed going down first for reconnaissance, but Seriana insisted on going with me.

Sure, I was slow to react earlier, and she was the first to notice the Wraith, but what’s the point of taking her into danger for reconnaissance…?

I was about to say that, but Fiora spoke up first.

“Even if you notice them, the two of you can’t take them down alone, right? And if there are zombies, things will get more troublesome… Let’s all go down—four of us.”

“I agree.”

Seriana and I looked at each other at their suggestion… but they were right.

Seriana and I will scout, Teresa and I will defend, and Fiora will attack.

Feels like I’ve got a lot on my plate, but it’s not like I’m doing anything special anyway.

“…Fine. We’ll all go.”

Seriana must’ve come to the same conclusion.

She shrugged her shoulders and agreed.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera・Blessing・【Hideout】+1・【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】 Blessed Item・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】+1【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Area Detection】・【】・0 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Strong Blow】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards