The Bloody Valkyrie

To realize his own dream, he relentlessly strengthened his body, experiencing numerous adventures where he narrowly escaped from certain death in order to slowly climb up class ranks, yet to have someone from the side leap over many classes. Of course this would make others feel dissatisfied.

If an opportunity presented itself, he would kick him off the ladder, and even spread false rumours to destroy other’s evaluation of him. It was only because of this attempt that Igavaruji decided to travel with him.

As such, when Momon’s companion cladded in dark armor appeared, wanting to slaughter Igavaruji’s group, he was able to choose to retreat without hesitation. Even in fear he was still able to take action faster than any other person, because he driven by the malicious thought of reporting Momon—— no, Ainz’ bad news to the Guild as soon as possible.

You deserve this. I will definitely make it back alive, and make public all that you have done!

Even knowing that in this moment, that terrifying weapon could chop downwards from behind —— Even knowing that his life could be in danger, Igavaruji concealed his internal feelings and let out a jeer.

He was completely regardless of his companion’s survival. No, if they became meat shields to allow his own survival, that would be all the better.

I want to be the number one, then obtain orichalcum class, adamantium class, and become a hero everyone speaks of.

Apart from himself, there was no need for any other powerful individuals. Companions were all stepping stones for him to reach the peak. He would become a hero which saved the world just like the thirteen heroes in the past. This was the dream Igavaruji had after listening to the hero legends from the bard visiting the village.

Destroying this dream, and surpassing his group. It was even more unforgivable especially because he was the kind of person who would do odd jobs.

Run, run, and run.

Being able to continuously run through the forest without running out of breath, it was truly fit to call Igavaruji a mithril class adventurer.

However——

Igavaruji faltered. A ripple was made in his heart, and quite a large one too.

Where is this place? I feared that they placed an ambush… so I should have detoured...huh…?

Igavaruji’s sense of direction told him that he was correct, however, his sixth sense indicated otherwise. Even if it was his first visit to this forest, he could not have become lost. Yet for unknown reasons, he found himself not knowing where he was..

My senses must be wrong.

He determined that this was the case. However, he did not feel that his senses were wrong at all. It was ominous but he had no choice but to accept it.

“...Am I lost? How can that be possible… for a Forest Stalker like me to become lost?”

Igavaruji’s learned job was ranger, specialised in field operations. That also meant to say that forests were like his backyard. However, now an inexplicable unfamiliar feeling surfaced, as if this forest had transformed into the bloody gaping mouth of a carnivorous beast.

“It’s just like a maze…”

The supposedly familiar forest now appeared to have changed tremendously, making him feel unease and anxiety from the bottom of his heart.

At this moment——

A slight rustling sound could be heard.

Recalling the black executioner from earlier, Igavaruji frantically turned his head around to look at the source of the sound, and saw a child peering out from behind a tree.

It was a dark elf, a close relative of the forest elves, a race which lived in the depths of the forest.

Why would there be a dark elf here?

According to rumours, the dark elves’ large village was located in the depths of a huge forest further south, a place never visited before by humans. Dark elves were basically like that, supposedly living far away from civilisation. In this regard, they were vastly different from the forest elves who would trade with humans.

It gave off a strange vibe that such a dark elf, and a child on top of that, would appear alone, making Igavaruji feel suspicion. At this moment, the child came out timidly.

Ah, it’s a girl.

Wearing a female outfit, a frightened expression surfaced on that incomparably beautiful appearance, stimulating Igavaruji’s abusive desires. Although the thought that this girl was sent over by Momon had crossed his mind, the disparity in attitude between the two was just too great, therefore he felt that it was an impossibility and laughed.