Iron Fang
In the late night of the royal capital, a group of demi-humans riding on huge dog-like creatures appeared.
These dog-like beings were the ligers unique to Western countries.
The group's target was the storeroom in the slums.
"My name's Ricardo, nice to meet you all tonight!"
The one making the loud noise was a dog-headed beastman, also the commander of this team.
His entire body was covered with copper-colored fur, and the bronze fur on his elongated head looked like a Mohawk style. H
is sharp gaze and a mouth full of sharp teeth were very striking, forming a face both incredible and friendly.
He was nearly two meters tall, muscles bulging beneath his leather clothes, giving the impression of a reconciliation between savagery and civilization.
On the steel pauldrons protecting his bare upper body, the emblem of the merchant guild was clearly depicted, attracting attention.
The mercenary group "Iron Fang," lent by Anastasia and led by Ricardo, numbered thirty in total.
Aside from the captain Ricardo, there were two vice-captains. Speaking of the vice-captains of "Iron Fang"—
"Here comes Mimi—!"
"I am Hetaro."
One called out energetically with a raised hand, while the other bowed politely.
Both were young cat beastmen.
With orange fur and heights reaching only up to Subaru's waist, their cute faces matched perfectly with their pure white robes that covered their necks.
To put it bluntly:
"Are you really a vice-captain?"
"Of course, Mimi's super strong, and together with Hetaro, we're really strong! If Tivey joins too, we'll be even stronger! Super strong! Gatchi—!"
"About strength, rest assured. Big sister's strength is enough to firmly hold the second seat of 'Iron Fang,' and I will also work hard."
The self-assertive big sister was controlled by her brother pulling the reins.
"What big confidence. Being a vice-captain isn't just about having strength, right?"
"There are skills beyond normal people too! Also, when the battle begins, the captain rushes forward headlong, fighting fiercely, not noticing the surroundings, so Hetaro works really hard!"
"I deliver commands to everyone in place of big sister and the captain."
"Ah, I see, all the hard work falls on you."
Laughing heartily, bursting onto the battlefield with a mighty body, and the big sister's figure beside him came to mind.
With this, even as a vice-captain, the only one really working might be Hetaro. The cute big sister was a naïve and reckless child.
"We will follow Anastasia-sama's instructions to help Mr. Natsuki, but we will fight in our own way. If we don't tell Mr. Natsuki this beforehand, it might cause confusion… Mr. Natsuki?"
"No problem. I'm just surprised by how serious and clever you are."
"Hehe—amazing, right—!"
The big sister was at it again, always proud like this right after, so cute.
When Hetaro praised her serious care, Mimi proudly puffed out her chest.
Hetaro, troubled by Mimi's attitude, finally spoke honestly.
Looks like this brother was a big fan of his sister, and Mimi's carefree life was certainly influenced by Hetaro.
"Well, I'm counting on you all."
—"We must catch up."
Subaru's easy words couldn't hide the anxiety on his face.
He prayed inwardly.
He already had gained power, but the thugs falling silently on the way told another story.
The closer they got to the storeroom, Subaru finally saw a black-haired woman under the moonlight, giving a sinister smile to the approaching group, her curved blade dripping fresh blood.
"Roar!!!"
The strong killing intent made Mimi and Hetaro's hair stand on end.
The two small beastmen jumped up and roared at once; the air twisted, or rather, an invisible air wave attacked Elsa.
This terrifying scene made Subaru certain of the two small beastmen's strength.
Elsa dodged the two beastmen's attacks with a subtle move, then used her curved blade to deflect Ricardo's two-handed sword attack.
Dust flew up. Ricardo sensed danger and jumped up.
In the next instant, Elsa pulled out a curved blade from her back, attacking the spot Ricardo had just vacated.
A flash of the blade, blood splattered.
Although Ricardo jumped away in time, his mount was split in two.
"How lucky to fight the famous Iron Fang."
The woman bathed in a shower of blood radiated endless joy, showing no fear even surrounded.
"This is more troublesome than the news from the royal knight order and what you just said, little brother. But let me show you the power of Iron Fang, Hetaro!"
"Understood…"
Ricardo said boldly. Then Hetaro took command, and many demi-humans started moving. At that moment, war began.
.
.
.
"Ah ah ah, sorry, sorry…"
Under the faint moonlight, the warehouse was full of chaos. Old man Rom lay in a pool of blood with a cup in his throat.
A few meters ahead, a club was stuck in the ground, and old man Rom's severed right hand still gripped it.
Nearby, Felt's corpse leaned against a pillar, and Emilia's body lay on the ground as well.
"I will definitely avenge you all."
Subaru pried open old man Rom's right hand, picked up the club, and left the warehouse with determination.
.
.
.
Outside the warehouse, the battle continued.
Under Hetaro's command, Iron Fang lost several comrades but inflicted two serious wounds on Elsa's body.
However, Elsa, having noticed the commander, also attacked Hetaro.
Even the strong Iron Fang mercenaries couldn't stop death from approaching Hetaro.
"Big sister!! Roar!"
Elsa swung her blade at Hetaro.
At that moment, Mimi appeared in front of Hetaro, blocking the fatal strike.
Then an enraged Hetaro unleashed another shockwave from his mouth.
Elsa's right hand, pursuing the attack, was twisted like a twisted rope.
Subaru, arriving just in time, launched a full-power attack on the airborne Elsa.
"Are you okay..."
Subaru fell silent. Hetaro collapsed coughing up blood, Mimi also fell into a pool of blood, and not far away lay many fallen Iron Fang mercenaries.
"Don't be discouraged. The three sisters have the 'Blessing of Three' to share the damage. Such fatal wounds won't take two lives.
The injured should take them away first. The rest, fight alongside me to buy time. Little brother, you should leave first."
Ricardo's bold voice rallied everyone's morale. Subaru gripped the club and stood by Ricardo's side.
Having brought Iron Fang here, Subaru's humanity wouldn't let him abandon everyone and run.