Before embarking on the mission, I trained the team I had selected for the Blackmore Quest by leveling up in the monster forest. After two weeks of relentless training with Lyra, Freya, the Battle Maids, and the chosen Blackmore soldiers, I finally leveled up!
---
Name: Naoki von Blackmore
Level: 35
Title: Failed Hero (On the Path to Becoming the Hero of the Blackmore Family)
Condition: Normal
HP (Hit Points): 4,000
MP (Mana Points): 2,000
Strength (STR): 50
Vitality (VIT): 40
Agility (AGL): 60
Intelligence (INT): 25
Skills:
1. Swordsmanship Lvl 4
- Blackmore Katana Style:
- Kazekiri
- Inazuma
- Yanagi Uke
- Nisshou Giri
- Kasoseki
- Yam no Kiri no Seikatsu
2. Resonance Lvl 1
- Karyuu no Issen
3. Power of Incarnation Lvl 1
Goddess Points: 70
---
I had gained three levels in two weeks. This was the result of our consistent monster hunting and teamwork training in the forest. Not only did I strengthen the team's cohesion, but I also improved my own abilities.
With my preparations complete, it was time to focus on the mission. I had leveled up, retrieved my katana and armor, which Edwin had upgraded, and was now ready for battle. The adamantium katana Edwin crafted was of superb quality—I could slice through trolls as effortlessly as cutting paper. The silver-adamantium armor he forged was also incredibly durable. I felt reassured, though I couldn't shake the possibility that a powerful monster or demon might still be able to break through it.
Envi had provided detailed analyses of the monsters we'd face, including the Shadow Wolf, which was weak against fire magic. Uncharacteristically, Envi had been particularly diligent lately, which gave me a bad feeling.
---
After finishing our training, I gathered the team for a strategy meeting. I outlined the mission plan and the roles everyone would play.
"Our team will be divided into three groups: Attackers, Defenders, and Supporters.
- Attackers: Myself, Elan, Freya, Alan, Theo, and Darius. We'll focus on eliminating enemies, both in close and mid-range combat.
- Defenders: Thorn and Vivin. Thorn will draw the attention of the monsters, while Vivin will focus on protecting the Supporters.
- Supporters: Rosan and Lyra. Their role is to enhance our team's defense and strength. Rosan will also serve as our healer. They're the core of the team and must be protected at all costs."
Suddenly, Rosan raised her hand. "Excuse me, Lord Naoki, but could I also serve as a long-range attacker? My water magic can be used offensively as well."
"You want to do that? Hmm... I suppose it's possible. However, you'll only assist with attacks when the frontline is overwhelmed or in need of support," I agreed with her request, giving her specific conditions.
"Wow, Rosan-san, you can use water magic? I can too, but I'm not very good at it yet. Could you teach me?" Lyra chimed in, her curiosity piqued.
"Of course, Lyra-sama, but I must warn you—my training won't be easy," Rosan replied with a smile.
"Roget!" Lyra stammered, trying to sound determined.
With that, I resumed explaining the mission details. "Our objective is to explore the Shadow Wolf den and gather evidence of demonic activity. Nothing more."
"D-Demonic activity?!" The team collectively gasped. Even Lyra, Freya, and the Battle Maids tensed up.
"That's right. However, we're not going to fight demons. If we encounter one, we'll retreat immediately. Our mission is to gather evidence, not engage the enemy," I emphasized firmly.
"Understood, Lord Naoki," everyone replied in unison.
---
By the next afternoon, the team had assembled at the gates of the Blackmore estate. Everyone was fully geared with weapons and combat armor. Rosan carried several support items, including HP and Mana Potions.
To make the journey to the Shadow Wolf den more efficient, I arranged for five horses, each to be shared by two people. As we mounted up, the sun cast a golden glow over us, marking the start of our perilous journey.
All of my team members agreed and began mounting their horses in pairs.
Lyra, who didn't know how to ride a horse, ended up as my passenger. Freya, to my surprise, also couldn't handle a horse, so she had to ride double as well. Vivin offered to share her horse with Freya, but Lyra stood awkwardly, still without a partner.
"Hey, Nao, you idiot! How can you leave Lyra stranded like that? Go invite her already!" Envi's sharp voice pierced my thoughts. As always, the system was overly attentive when it came to women.
"Lyra... Would you like to ride with me?" I extended my hand to her.
"Umm... umm, yes, Naoki-sama..." Her cheeks flushed as she shyly accepted my hand. I helped her up, and she settled behind me on the saddle.
I wasn't sure why I could ride a horse so easily. I'd never ridden one back on Earth. Maybe this was one of Naoki's memories—a skill of his that was actually useful for a change.
Once everyone was ready, we set off toward the Shadow Wolf's den.
As we traveled, I became acutely aware of a warmth on my back. Even through my armor, I could feel it. What was this sensation? Ah, no—it was my heartbeat. My chest thumped faster than ever. Back on Earth, I'd never ridden with a girl before, so this was... nerve-wracking, to say the least.
---
Eventually, we arrived at the monster forest. After traveling several kilometers into the dense woodland, we began encountering all sorts of monsters. Strangely, their numbers seemed larger than usual—goblins, trolls, and wild boars appeared one after another.
Thanks to our horses, most of the monsters couldn't land an effective attack on us. However, wild boars, determined to target our mounts, forced us attackers to dismount and deal with them directly. Despite this, we managed to defeat the monsters and continue our journey, pressing forward until the sun began to set.
We decided to rest for dinner. The Battle Maids prepared a meal for the team, their cooking so delicious that it restored not only our energy but also our spirits.
After our break, we resumed our exploration, eventually reaching the Shadow Wolf's lair. It was nestled against a mountain cliff, surrounded by rocky terrain and tall, towering trees. The full moon above bathed the area in a pale, eerie glow. The scene was breathtaking yet unnerving—a beautiful place turned ominous by the lurking danger.
We left our horses in a secure cave. They'd be more of a liability in this rugged terrain, and losing them to Shadow Wolves wasn't an option.
---
As we delved deeper, we encountered Shadow Wolves. Just as I expected, they were more agile at night, but our team handled them well. Things seemed manageable until a Shadow Wolf with glowing red eyes suddenly attacked us.
Alan and Darius struggled to fend it off, so I jumped in to assist.
With a swift, lightning-fast strike, I sliced the Shadow Wolf cleanly in half. To my surprise, it dropped a demonic elixir crystal—identical to the one Mark had used.
This discovery confirmed my suspicions. We were getting closer to uncovering the source of these demonic crystals.
I instructed the team to move stealthily and press further into the lair. Eventually, we reached the innermost area.
"!!!"
Elan, who was leading, froze in shock. I quickly moved to his side and saw what had startled him. At the center of the lair stood a massive Doomspire Elixir Crystal embedded in the ground, surrounded by a giant summoning circle.
Two hooded figures approached the crystal. As we observed them from a distance, they removed their hoods, revealing horns on their heads—proof that they were demons from the Doomspire clan.
One of the demons began chanting a spell, while the other stood guard. They were surrounded by Shadow Wolves, but the wolves seemed obedient, not attacking their demonic masters. They must have been under the demons' control.
"This is bad. They're up to something," I muttered. Glancing back at my team, I noticed their tense expressions. For many, this was their first time seeing demons.
"We have solid evidence now. It's time to retreat," I ordered calmly.
"Wait, Lord Naoki," Alan interjected, stopping me.
"What is it, Alan?"
"This is our chance to stop them! If we act now, we can destroy that crystal before they complete whatever they're planning!" Alan argued passionately.
I scanned the team. Some agreed with Alan, while others looked hesitant.
"No, Alan. We're sticking to the plan. We retreat—" My sentence was cut short as a wave of murderous intent suddenly washed over us.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Intruders?"
The demon who had been standing guard was now right in front of us, wearing a wicked grin. He began to laugh maniacally. Seeing this made us all shocked.
GAH GAH GAH
This was bad. How had they detected us so quickly? We were so far away! This made no sense.
"Everyone! Combat formation, now!" I shouted, snapping my team into action.
"Ah, don't be so scared. I'm just here to play with you," the demon sneered, his tone dripping with condescension.
He raised a strange horn to his lips and blew a high-pitched flute. Instantly, twenty Shadow Wolves surrounded us.
"Ugh, this is bad! We have no choice—fight them off! We're taking them down!" I commanded, rallying the team as we prepared for a desperate battle.
...
...
---Continued to the next chapter---