The narrative perspective now shifts to "The Blades," a renowned hero party comprising four human adventurers residing in the Kingdom of Valorion. This group consists of two males, both adept in tanking and fighting roles, and two females specializing in healing and support magic. Notably, one of the female members also possesses offensive magical capabilities. The logistical management of "The Blades," including the provisioning of food and other essential resources, is overseen by a dedicated individual.
In addition to the Adventurers Guild, the hero's party is affiliated with an alliance. These alliances, formed by numerous adventurers function similarly to clans, where members collaborate on adventures. Multiple parties unite to create an alliance. Among the many existing alliances, the hero's party belongs to one known as "The Vile Parle."
Alliances, operating under the purview of the Adventurer's Guild, receive quests directly. These quests, necessitating the collaborative efforts of multiple adventurers, are assigned to alliance leaders for completion. Currently, the hero party "The Blades" is at their headquarters, strategizing their upcoming dungeon exploration. As they are not yet sufficiently powerful to confront a Demon Lord, their immediate objective is to gain experience and acquire high-grade weaponry from these dungeons.
They identified a dungeon situated near a river. The blades have formulated a plan to explore this dungeon, given its exceptionally high level of difficulty. This suggests that any weapons or items discovered within could be highly beneficial to them. Pacs, a demon who proclaims himself a hero, is also in the vicinity of this dungeon. Equipped with armor and weapons provided by Alric, he is currently helping few humans who are under attack by a group of wild beasts.
After successfully driving away the wild beasts, Pacs approached the humans to assure them of their safety. Upon recognizing Pacs as a demon, the humans exhibited hesitation and maintained their distance. Pacs, remaining calm, addressed them, clarifying that he had no intention of causing harm. The group consisted of five individuals: four men and one female. The female, approximately 20 years old, appeared to be an important figure, accompanied by a butler and three well-ranking adventurers.
The woman endeavors to comprehend Pacs, having grasped the unfolding situation. She wishes to believe that Pacs poses no threat. The butler remains in close proximity to the woman, ensuring the demon maintains a safe distance. The three adventurers, too, are on high alert. As Pacs approaches, he requests directions to the kingdom of Valorion, explaining his intention to acquire certain items, including potions, healing supplies, and food resources. Upon hearing Pacs' words, the three adventurers are astonished, questioning why a demon would seek such provisions and for what purpose.
The butler, exercising caution, pondered, "Why would a demon desire such items and seek entry into a human nation? This demon must either be foolish or profoundly ignorant of the world." The female then expressed gratitude to Pacs for rescuing them from the wild beasts, adding that as a demon, entering a human nation was ill-advised. She further noted that even if he gained entry, the nation's populace might prohibit him from making purchases. Pacs acknowledged this, stating his awareness that certain clandestine individuals within every human nation discreetly supply such items without revealing their identities.
The butler inquired about their identities. Pacs, however, declined to reveal any information and reiterated his question regarding their knowledge of the path to the kingdom. The female began to confirm their familiarity with the route, but the butler promptly interjected, initiating a private discussion with her and the three adventurers. The group of five deliberated on whether to disclose the information. Ultimately, the female consented to share the details, with the adventurers deferring to her judgment, despite the butler's opposition. The majority decision prevailed, and the female affirmed their knowledge of the way to the kingdom of Valorion.
Before departing for the kingdom of Valorion, Pacs observed the dungeon. The female companion expressed a need for assistance navigating the forest due to the frequent appearance of monsters. Pacs accepted the request before she could even suggest he escort them. As they proceeded on foot, their carriage having been destroyed by previously encountered monsters, they neared the forest's edge. Suddenly, a barbarian monster, equipped with armor, emerged.
The barbarian, a figure of immense stature, possessed thick limbs and a bulky physique, further accentuated by its armor. This formidable individual was observed brutally dispatching a ten-foot-tall boar with bare hands, splattering blood across the vicinity. Its eyes, a vivid red, conveyed an overwhelming rage, indicative of an extremely aggressive demeanor.
Upon encountering this wild barbarian, a palpable tension emerged on the faces of the three adventurers. They were tasked with escorting a female noble and her butler to the kingdom of Valorion, and their expressions betrayed a profound doubt regarding their ability to overcome such a foe. The butler and the female noble also exhibited expressions of hopelessness. In stark contrast, Pacs remained composed and confident in his ability to defeat the barbarian, maintaining a relaxed posture amidst the growing apprehension of his companions.
The barbarian charged towards them at full speed, roaring as his heavy footsteps vibrated the ground. The three adventurers, the butler, and the female companion all adopted defensive stances, bracing themselves for the impending impact. Pacs, however, surged forward, leaping directly at the barbarian with his sword drawn. The barbarian attempted to block the assault with both hands, but moments later, his hands fell to the ground, severed by Pacs's strike.
Following through with the attack, Pacs then decapitated the barbarian. Everyone present was astonished by the swift conclusion of the fight. The adventurers collectively wondered if all demons possessed such formidable strength. They took a moment to compose themselves, relieved that they no longer had to confront the aggressive barbarian, now deceased.