Granmaria

My name was Granmaria. I was a warrior of the Angel Race, and I possessed a modicum of fame.

I had performed many duties under Lady Tia’s command. Perhaps because of that, my colleagues Kudel, Corone, and I eventually came to be known as the "Genocide Angels."

"Genocide Angels."

I had never intended to slaughter everyone, so it was a mystery to me how we earned such a title. Perhaps it was because of that battle against the ogre pack about a hundred years ago? I had defeated around a hundred ogres back then, but I was certain I let several of them escape, so it couldn't have been a true genocide.

Or perhaps it was that incident with the now-fallen kingdom? That had been an unfortunate accident. I launched a full-power attack at the enemy army, but it punched straight through them and struck our own allies... Yes, it really was an unfortunate accident. Still, even then, it felt like it fell short of being a massacre. Both sides had only been decimated.

Besides, at that time, it was only Lady Tia and myself; Kudel and Corone were operating elsewhere. It felt strange for the three of us to be grouped together under the name "Genocide Angels."

Well, I decided to set that matter aside. The important thing was that I remained Lady Tia’s loyal subordinate. As long as I never wavered in that devotion, it didn't matter what the world called me.

At the time, Lady Tia was acting alone, pursuing her archenemy Lulushi. I didn't know the exact reason, but Lady Tia and Lulushi fought every time they crossed paths. They fought, but they never reached a final conclusion. They always seemed to leave things unsettled just as the battle reached a climax.

I suspected they might actually be on good terms. When I asked Lady Tia about it, she became quite angry with me. She explained that a powerful Vampire Clan stood behind Lulushi, and killing her would cause too many complications. Conversely, the Angel Race would retaliate with our full might if any of us were killed, which was likely why we weren't finished off either.

I see. I had never considered such things before. I suppose you could say Granmaria had grown a little wiser that day. Being wiser, I knew better than to suggest that if they couldn't kill each other, they should simply stop fighting. Instead, I merely smiled and told her, "Please do your best."

Anyway, I believe Lady Tia went to taunt Lulushi about the bounty that had been placed on her head. Meanwhile, I was busy exterminating bandits on a certain mountain alongside Kudel and Corone. Normally we would have ignored them, but we had accepted it as a formal request, so there was no helping it. Even Angels cannot survive without money.

The bandits were allegedly a former mercenary group, but when the three of us attacked, it was over in minutes. We received a handsome reward for the work, and I couldn't help but smile. I almost wished for more bandits to appear, but once a group was crushed, it usually took several years for a new one to emerge. That was quite a bother.

Kudel and Corone seemed to have completed their tasks without issue, so we collected our pay and planned to relax. Of course, by relax, I meant we would still conduct our daily training. One must never forget the art of combat. If you did, you would surely die the moment a powerful foe appeared. I spared no effort to ensure I would survive and claim victory.

While we were occupied with such things, Lady Tia returned after a several-year absence. I wondered if she had succeeded in teasing Lulushi.

"Eh? Prepare for a journey? Hurry?"

"Ah, yes. Um... where are we going?"

"The Forest of Death?"

That was a dangerous place to go. I understood immediately and began preparing my finest equipment. However, I was surprised to hear that we were taking Lizardmen with us. I didn't mind their company, but why were we supposed to buy chickens on the way? I didn't understand the reasoning, but I didn't complain. I resolved to do my best.

The Forest of Death was a harsh environment. It was not a place anyone entered by choice, and if one had to go, it was best to go alone. Solitude made it easier to escape.

Setting a watch while sleeping? Camping in the Forest of Death was a suicidal endeavor. I had heard that the peculiar Elves and the nearby Beastman Race knew of safe zones within the woods, but we were ignorant of them. Therefore, our best strategy was to fly at high altitudes without rest until we reached our destination.

If you flew at a low altitude, the Demon Spiders would snare you in their silk and drag you down. Demon Spiders were truly troublesome. They were monsters so feared that it was said seeing one was the same as seeing death itself. For Angels, they were our natural predators.

The forest held other threats as well. There was the Inferno Wolf, a magical beast that was incredibly swift and capable of using magic. One might be manageable, but if you encountered a pack, you had to prepare for the end. Fortunately, they were rarely seen in groups.

Then there was the Bloody Viper, a giant snake that negated most magic and used its massive body to wreak havoc. Its most terrifying traits were its vitality and regenerative power. No matter how many wounds you inflicted, it would heal. It was said it could regenerate even if its body was torn in half, a fact that could break the spirit of any opponent. I had heard there were some monsters powerful enough to use that regeneration to turn the vipers into a self-replenishing food source, but thinking about it only made the forest seem more terrifying.

Moving through such a place as a group was a high-risk gamble. Our party consisted of Lady Tia, myself, Kudel, Corone, and fifteen Lizardmen. While the Lizardmen were capable fighters, they were burdened with heavy luggage, so we couldn't expect too much from them. The burden of defense fell on us.

I had expected a sleepless forced march, but Lady Tia insisted we take turns sleeping. I didn't know exactly where we were going, but I assumed it must be a long journey.

"Hehe. Understood. In that case, please let me take the first watch."

In truth, the tension of the forest had exhausted me. Kudel and Corone felt the same. We eventually decided to settle the sleeping order by drawing lots. Given our situation, resting was essential. Our progress would be slow, but we had to proceed with caution.

On the way, we spotted a Grappler Bear in the distance. We took a long detour to avoid it, which significantly delayed our arrival. A Grappler Bear was a massive beast capable of slaying a Bloody Viper. Since killing a viper was a monumental task even for the four of us, we could easily imagine the bear's destructive power. We might have won if we fought together, but we couldn't guarantee the safety of the Lizardmen, so detouring was the right choice.

Lady Tia explained that her destination was a residence in the center of the forest. I was skeptical that anyone could live in such a place, but I was astonished by what we found. There, in the heart of the Forest of Death, lay a flourishing field. It was a shocking sight.

That wasn't the only surprise. Lulushi was there as well. I expected her and Lady Tia to come to blows, but they actually seemed happy to see each other. I couldn't wrap my head around it.

After that, the surprises kept coming. The most shocking revelation wasn't that Inferno Wolves and Demon Spiders had settled in the village, but that Lady Tia had found herself a Husband. He was the head of the residence.

Perhaps it was rude of me to be so shocked, but I couldn't help it. Still, I set my confusion aside and offered my congratulations. I had to prompt Kudel and Corone to do the same, as they were frozen in disbelief. We eventually learned that the Husband had married Lulushi as well. He was a truly formidable man—a powerhouse. I made a mental note never to defy him.

Though it was too small to be a proper town, everyone called him the Village Head, so I followed suit. It seemed appropriate.

By Lady Tia’s order, we settled there along with the Lizardmen. My role, alongside Kudel and Corone, was to protect the residence and the fields—the village. Our mission was to repel invaders or call for reinforcements if we were outmatched. Being told "if we were outmatched" wounded my pride, but considering the lethality of the forest, it was a logical instruction. I didn't want to die, so I accepted it.

However, I had underestimated the village. The primary defense was handled by Kuro’s Inferno Wolves and Zabuton’s Demon Spiders. Our job was merely to scout the perimeter. We were permitted to fly, but we couldn't go too high if we wanted to maintain a proper watch. So, we patrolled at a moderate height above the canopy.

We were attacked more often than I expected. The Death Ratels were particularly vexing. Individually they were weak, but they would swarm me, trying to drag me to the forest floor. There were several close calls.

Seeing us struggle, several Inferno Wolves began guarding the ground directly beneath me. While it was a bit humiliating to need their help, I was grateful that the Death Ratels could no longer reach me. I decided I would play with the wolves using a flying disc during my next break. I never imagined I would reach a point where I could play with creatures I once feared.

The days passed peacefully, and aside from occasionally guiding guests, my life was stable. It was peaceful, but never dull. Guard duty was always a life-or-death struggle, and I often cooperated with the Inferno Wolves to intercept monsters. I felt myself growing much stronger than I had ever been before arriving here.

That confidence was shattered when a Grappler Bear and a Bloody Viper began to fight. The tremors of their battle reached the village. Even from a distance, the massive dust clouds told me how violent the struggle was. What was worse, they seemed to be drifting toward the village.

This was a disaster on a scale that warranted abandoning the settlement. I went to the Village Head to suggest as much, but he gave me a bizarre response.

"Are Grappler Bears and Bloody Vipers delicious?"

I was stunned. Had the Village Head panicked so much he had lost his mind? I told him I didn't know the taste as I had never eaten them. He turned to Ria, a High Elf, who informed him that they were indeed edible.

"I see. In that case, let's hunt them. It would be a problem if they damaged the village anyway."

Hunt them? I assumed he meant the entire village would mobilize. If the Inferno Wolves, Demon Spiders, Lady Tia, ourselves, the High Elves, and the Lizardmen all fought together, we could surely win. I steeled myself to do my part.

"Granmaria. Can you carry me to where they are?"

"I can, but..."

Something felt wrong. I had to ask.

"...Are you going with just me?"

"That's the plan. Is there a problem?"

I realized then that I had lacked the proper resolve. Of course. It was my duty to risk my life in such moments. I had briefly forgotten that. The Village Head began shouting instructions to the others, but his words didn't register.

In the end, the Village Head killed both the Grappler Bear and the Bloody Viper instantly. I wondered if I was dreaming. No, that wasn't it. The Village Head was simply that incredible. He was truly a worthy Husband for Lady Tia and Lulushi. I found myself wishing I could be united with someone like him.

Ah, no, I was escaping from reality again. I focused on guarding the carcasses.

The troubles didn't stop there. Next came a Dragon. A Dragon raid. My body froze, and I trembled with terror. I wasn't arrogant enough to think I could defeat a Dragon. Still, I remembered my duty. I had to do something.

While I was still panicking, the raiding Dragon started a brawl with another Dragon. Then, yet another Dragon began flying toward the village from a different direction. It was chaos. I stood there, utterly useless and flustered, until the situation finally resolved itself.

Lastismun. She was a ferocious Dragon known even among the Angels. I never expected her to be the daughter of the mild-mannered Draim. And when I heard the full story... Draim was actually the Gate Guardian Dragon?

I nearly collapsed when I found out. He was a world-famous Dragon. I felt terrible for ever thinking he was some third-rate Dragon. I reflected deeply on my assumptions. I suppose I couldn't be entirely blamed, given that he mostly just drank sake and ate snacks... but no, I was the one at fault.

Eventually, Lastismun—Lasti—joined the village, and our defensive power increased significantly. I resolved to work harder to be a part of that strength.

Lulushi gave birth, and then Lady Tia became pregnant. It was a joyous time. Given how frequently they spent their nights with the Village Head, it was a natural outcome. As someone who had also received the Village Head’s favor, I hoped that such a day might come for me as well. It was a wonderful dream to have.

Just as I was lost in those thoughts, another Dragon appeared. This one was even larger than Lasti. At the time, Lasti was away visiting her parents. The Dragon circled the village and then set the nearby forest ablaze.

She was an enemy.

Kudel, Corone, and I charged the Dragon immediately. I wasn't thinking clearly. If I had been, I would have realized the Dragon's behavior was odd. If it wanted to destroy the village, why burn the forest instead? The Village Head noticed the discrepancy and tried to stop us, but we were already gone. I was determined to redeem myself for the pathetic way I had panicked during Lasti's arrival. I convinced myself that an all-out attack was our only option.

The Trinity Attack. It was a move that could even fell Lady Tia if it landed perfectly. We executed it with everything we had.

We were swatted out of the sky with a single "thwack." A simple flick of the tail scattered us. The shock was immense. I hadn't realized the gap in our power was so vast. As I plummeted toward the earth, I was filled with a deep regret for failing to protect the village.

However, my fall was interrupted. Lasti, in her human form, caught me just before I hit the ground. Kudel and Corone were also caught by others. I wondered who they were. Perhaps acquaintances of Draim?

While I was still confused, the battle between the Village Head and the Dragon began in the sky above. Realizing it was dangerous to stay, we retreated quickly.

The battle ended in the Village Head’s victory. He was truly magnificent. It seemed, however, that the Dragon hadn't been serious. If she had fought with the intent to kill, she might have annihilated the Village Head along with the entire village.

It turned out the encounter was mostly a test of the Village Head’s mettle. That explained why she had burned the forest but spared the village. Regardless, the Dragon had acknowledged him. Her condescending attitude was a bit irritating, but I knew better than to show hostility. There were other Dragons present who had come with Draim and Lasti. Choosing peace was the only logical path.

The Village Head reached the same conclusion and prepared to welcome them. He asked if we wanted to retaliate for our injuries, but I had no desire to do so. Our defeat was simply a result of our own weakness. As someone who had been healed by their magic, asking for anything more would have been a disgrace.

Though... if I could have received even a single scale, I might have been able to craft new equipment. But no, I wouldn't ask for such things. I was content with the Dragon showing us a trick at the banquet.

The performance by the Dragon who had shot me down—her name was Hakuren—was absolutely hilarious. I still laugh just thinking about it, but I’ll omit the details for now.

After the Dragons left, our daily routine returned. The only thing that changed was that I increased the intensity of my training. I was still far too weak. I intended to keep pushing myself from then on.

And I prayed that no more powerful individuals would settle in the village and threaten our raison d'être.