As we continued to analyze the griffon statue, I noticed that everyone in the investigation team already took out their sleeping bags and went to sleep.

Maizen, who seemed to have been left in charge of guarding, was looking towards the aisle with a mix of absent-mindedness.

That guy, he naturally fitted in before I knew it.

When our eyes meet, Maisen raises his body.

"Abel, keep an eye on your surroundings. I'm going to go pick some herbs for a bit."

A medicinal herb? …Oh, the bathroom.

It's like picking flowers in the previous life.

Just say it naturally. Are you little girl?

"Yeah, go ahead."

He turned his attention from Maizen back to the griffon statue.

Ebelheid tapped himself between the eyes.

Analysis work takes a lot of concentration. That's why the mental fatigue is so intense.

Ebelheid is already old.

I take out a vial from my pocket and hold it out to Ebelheid.

"Here you go."

"What's this?"

"It's a potion I made. It'll help with your sleepiness and your focus."

Ebelheid had a complicated look on his face after receiving it.

Fearfully, he opened the lid and looked up with his hand to smell it.

"You are using more than two kinds of plants that are restricted for use. I'm sure you're aware of this, but I'm going to tell you. This kind of medicine is basically prohibited in most cities unless it was made by a licensed and possession is prohibited."

"Oh, really…"

I normally didn't know that………

What, should I throw this away?

I've still got some more Abel potion left over.

I, It's okay, isn't it? The customs inspection wasn't that strict either…

"It's a hobgoblin! Everybody wake up!"

Maizen came back, screaming.

Hearing Maizen's voice, the investigators woke up.

"How many is their number?"

One of the investigators gets up and asks.

"I, I don't know! There were more than fifteen of them! They were coming this way, they should be here soon!"

"That can't be true! I'm sure you've seen the ruins in one way, albeit briefly. Space for over ten goblins to hide in…"

Hobgoblins, a D-class monster.

The most orthodox goblins are only about a meter long, but hobgoblins are human-sized!

It is more like an ogre than a baby ogre.

The body surface is not green, but near yellowish in color.

"It is probably hiding in the forest. They saw us entering the ruins and were waiting for the right moment to attack us in our sleep. That sounds like something a goblin would think."

"While the other investigators were in a hurry, only Ebelheid was saying that in a calm tone."

"I see, as expected of Ebelheid-san!"

"As expected you still lack practice, Abel."

"I'll do my best."

"How can you be so calm, Ebelheid-sama! We're getting out of here quickly! We'll make way for you, sir!"

An investigator approaches Ebelheid.

"I'm not someone you guys should worry about. Just a hobgoblin, I'll destroy them one way or another. Even if we run away, the enemies will still be a hindrance later. That is why you are here."

"Fif-, fifteen is a bit harsh…… If we were able to find it early, then for now……"

All the soldiers in the investigation team were twelve in number.

According to what Maizen said, the hobgoblins could be close to twenty.

Hobgoblins are probably stronger than Maizen in a one-on-one match.

"You weaklings! Move, I'll stand in the front and stop the hobgoblins from moving. Once their numbers are down to half, they'll start retreating, so if they change their moves, I'll drop my defense and go on the offensive at once. Don't miss a beat!"

"Yes, b-, but …… but…… my lord said prioritize the safety of Wegener-sama and Ebelheid-sama……"

"No more buts! Quickly tell the others to get on with it!"

"Y-Yes!"

Ebelheid took a few steps towards where the hobgoblins would be coming, and then looked back at us.

"Abel, continue analyzing,"

"You sure you don't want me to come over there?"

"No need."

Oh no, he's reassuring…

I must proceed with the analysis even for a moment.

"Oh, and Ebelheid-san."

"Hmm?"

"Can you keep three of them alive?"

"What are you going to do?"

"No, I'd like to try lifting the wards from various directions, so I'm not sure if I'm misguided, but just in case. It's good if it's possible."

"Well, it's not pointless. I'll take care of it."

Ebelheid replied and turned his back on me and walked after the investigation team.

"Wha-, what is the matter with you? Are we not going to run away?"

Wegener, who seems to have just woken up, catches a nearby investigator.

"I'm sorry … well, Ebelheid-sama said he'll fight…"

"What!? Stop joking! I-I, I'm getting away! Get me an escort!"

"But rather than dispersing and running away in small groups, it's better for you to wait in the back… It's possible that other passages are being held up as well."

"Then why don't we all just run away? If Ebelheid-dono wants to stay, leave him!"

"But, but…"

"You think Ebelheid life is heavier than this Wegener's life? I-I will tell my lord about this! Do you want that?!"

Wegener yelled at him, when a group of hobgoblins appeared from the back of the corridor.

"Don't be afraid, go! Hey, the man on the far right, don't get too distracted by the club! That's basics!"

Ebelheid's angry voice was the signal for the battle to begin.

"Ah!? It's already here! I'm sorry, Wegener-sama, I'll hear your scolding later!"

"No, w-, wait! If you're going to wait, don't you have an escort for me or something! H- hey!"

Wegener reached for the back of the investigator as he ran to the battlefield.

Then he fell to his knees on the ground.

…… What did this guy come here for.

Mea is sleeping with the lantern in her arms.

Her back is covered by the blanket I borrowed from the investigators.

She apparently didn't even wake up with all the commotion.

…… I think she said something about staying awake until I fell asleep, but she is completely sound asleep.

"Oh Light, bind"

"Hmph! Geez!"

Ebelheid's spell and the screams of hobgoblins echoed through the ruins.

Mea huffed, shaking her shoulders and opening her thin eyes.

"M- Mea wasn't asleep. I was just a little dazed, that's all! Just a little bit!"

"…Oh, I see. It would have been fine if you'd just kept at it."

"I haven't been sleeping…… but well, what's going on?"

"No, it doesn't look like a problem."

"Oh, Is that so."

I was going to help him if it looked dangerous, but that didn't seem to be necessary at the moment.

And then Wegener came up to me.

"Wha-, what is it? Do you have any more complaints about the way I analyze…"

"I shall do you the honour of defending this Wegener. You should be honored, stray magician."

"…………"

………What is this guy, really?