"A human-turned-Magic Armor Beast...?"
"Yes. They emerged a short while ago and have been behind a string of incidents since."
"I’d heard the rumors, of course, but to think they actually existed... W-was it one of those beasts that killed the Arachlaws?"
After returning to the village, Yugo delivered his investigation report to the Village Chief and the other representatives. During the meeting, he brought up the existence of the specific Magic Armor Beast he believed was responsible for the recent slaughter.
Based on the evidence left behind and the attacker's erratic behavior, Yugo explained that a wild Magic Armor Beast could not have been the culprit. The Chief and his companions could only stare back in disbelief.
"Wait a moment, Yugo-san. If a human-turned-beast was the one who culled the Arachlaws, wouldn't that mean the culprit is one of our own?"
"Honestly, I think it’s highly likely. I can’t say for certain just yet, but..."
"What could this mean? That’s... it can't be!"
It was painful to watch the Chief’s distress, but the truth had to be told. Yugo looked him straight in the eye and stated his thoughts clearly, watching as the man stood there, reeling from the shock.
"...Yugo-san. Is there any way to determine which human has transformed into this beast?"
"There’s nothing that would let you tell at a glance. However, the Arachlaws were killed late last night. I believe anyone who lacks a solid alibi for that time is a suspect."
"Late last night... Most people in this village go to bed early, so few would have a concrete alibi. But—"
The Village Chief trailed off, his eyes drifting toward Gamba, who had been listening to the conversation with a sour expression. Noticing the gaze, Gamba’s face grew even more sullen as he snapped back.
"What is it, Chief? You got something to say to me?"
"Gamba, answer me honestly. Where were you last night?"
"Hah! So you’re suspecting me now? You’d really trust the word of some outsider when you don't even know if he's telling the truth? You actually think I killed those things?"
"Don't get defensive, Gamba. I take no pleasure in saying this, but if anyone had the motive to do it, it would be you."
The Village Chief spoke in a tense voice, being the first to voice the suspicion that was likely on everyone's mind—that Gamba had finished off the Arachlaws himself. He wasn't alone; many of the other villagers seemed to doubt the young man as well.
He didn't want to rely on an outsider like Yugo, so he had gone out and killed the Arachlaws before the hero could. He certainly had the motive. As the weight of their collective gaze fell upon him, Gamba clicked his tongue and spat out a reply.
"Tch! Sorry to disappoint, but I was at home all last night. I’ve even got people who can prove it... right, Jasmine?"
"Y-yeah! Big Brother was at home late into the night."
"Is that true, Jasmine? You aren't just trying to protect him, are you?"
"It is true! If you think I'm lying, go ask Father and Grandpa!"
Jasmine, desperate to prove her brother's innocence, shouted her defiance at the Chief’s suspicion.
"Last night, Father scolded him for how he treated Yugo-san. Big Brother didn't take it well and started talking back—louder than usual. They were arguing the whole time. Grandpa heard it too! Father will tell you the exact same thing!"
"Mmm... If that is the case..."
"I'm not the killer. Do you get it now? Besides, I don't even know if this story about humans turning into monsters is even real."
"Stop it, Big Brother! Don't say things that'll make it even harder for people to believe you!"
A sharp scolding flew from his younger sister, who was clearly worried about her brother's standing. Irritated by the surrounding stares and his sister's rebuke, Gamba fell silent and refused to say another word.
"...We have too little information regarding the culprit right now," Yugo noted. "And ultimately, exterminating Arachlaws isn't a bad thing in itself. As it stands, the situation is still manageable."
"I see... Still, this is a difficult problem to have on our hands."
"I was thinking, though," Gamba muttered. "Even if there is a human-turned-beast out there, why does it have to be someone from this village? There's a good chance an outsider like you hid away and did this just to mess with us, right?"
"I can't completely deny that possibility," Yugo replied calmly. "But I don't believe that's what happened. At the very least, I know this was the work of someone who knows nothing about monster ecology or how to properly cull them. And because of their amateurish methods, this village is in grave danger."