Re:Zero: Starting from the Great Transformation

After all.

Orsted is busy trying to cause trouble for the gods every day, so I am very grateful that he can spare a few years to take care of me and Qixing.

If I have the chance, I really want to repay this kindness.

all in all.

We set out on our journey as always.

I thought it would be a dull and leisurely journey like before, and then we would say goodbye at the end.

Until, while crossing the jaws of the red dragon, I encountered three figures walking towards me...

Travel: 16, Rudeus

From the south of the Kingdom of Asura, through the jaws of the red dragon, we finally arrived at the Kingdom of the King Dragon in the south of the central continent.

It is expected to take about three to four months.

Under the guidance of Orsted, we entered the jaws of the red dragon.

After entering the jaws of the red dragon.

The red dragons flying on the top of the snow-capped mountains immediately caught my attention.

Red dragons usually move in groups, but occasionally there will be a red dragon that breaks away from the group and cannot return. Such a red dragon will be rated as an S-level monster even if it is alone, and it will be difficult to deal with even for elite adventurers.

However, I remember that Rudeus has the ability to kill the Red Dragon alone.

That's why.

I underestimated the strength of the Red Dragon.

Although Rudeus's expressiveness didn't show up twice in the novel, in reality, both Rudeus and Chilong were far beyond my reach at that time.

Some time ago, I thought about challenging the Red Dragon.

But for me at that time, the Red Dragon was still an existence that was impossible to defeat.

Not so now.

Now I have reached the advanced level in the three major sword techniques, and I have also learned the entanglement of fighting spirit.

If it were me now...

"Mr. Orstead."

I asked with interest.

"Do you think I am capable of challenging the Red Dragon now?"

"...It's hard."

Orsted was concise and to the point.

"Even if you've mastered all the advanced sword techniques, you still lack the ability to kill with one strike. Even with that armor-piercing sword, it's hard to cause effective damage unless you hit a vital spot."

"...That's it."

I can’t say how disappointed I was to get such an answer.

Ever since I learned how to mimic Dou Qi, I have a clearer understanding of my own strength.

It is indeed a huge leap from an intermediate swordsman to an advanced swordsman.

However, the gap between the superior and the saint level is even more difficult to describe.

If I, a mid-level swordsman, can defeat a high-level swordsman by using strategies, now when I face a Saint-level swordsman, I must be prepared to fight to the death.

The techniques mastered by a Saint-level swordsman far surpass those of his superiors in terms of lethality, mobility, and practicality.

and so……

If I want to challenge the Red Dragon, I must at least reach the level of a Saint-level swordsman.

There is a long way to go...

"Ron."

Just as I was thinking about the possibility of defeating the Red Dragon.

Nanahoshi's voice pulled me back.

"What's wrong, Nanahoshi?"

"Someone seems to be coming up ahead."

Nanahoshi said as she put on a white mask.

"Put on your mask quickly."

"Oh……"

You need to wear a mask in front of people.

The reason we do this to hide our true faces is because if someone sees us walking with Orsted, it might cause unnecessary trouble.

Strictly speaking, Orsted has no mortal enemies in this world.

In fact, most of the time, as long as you mention the name of Orsted, everyone will give you face.

After all, it is the second of the seven great powers.

But the curse on him causes anyone who sees him to feel uncontrollable hostility.

In this case, Qixing and I, who were walking together with Orsted, would inevitably be regarded as part of the enemy.

To get in trouble for it.

Nanahoshi and I had to wear masks to avoid being hated by others due to Orsted.

This is truly a helpless move.

Only after I put on the mask did I have time to observe the figure approaching from a distance.

There were three figures from tall to short.

The bald man walking in front was still wearing only a vest in the cold weather, with a cloth tied on his forehead. He held the horse with one hand and a pale trident in the other.

Following closely behind was a red-haired girl in white clothes, with a peculiarly shaped sword slung around her waist. Although she was not tall, she walked with a very arrogant air, and her upturned eyes gave people a very sharp feeling.

Walking at the back was a brown-haired boy holding a wand.

At first glance it's not very eye-catching.

however……

"..."

This combination should be correct.

It was Ruijerudo, Elise, and Rudeus.

In terms of time...

It is almost our third year in this world.

In other words, the three people in front...

The protagonists have traveled across the Demon Continent and the Milis Continent for two and a half years and are about to pass through the jaws of the red dragon to return to their hometown.

what……

At this moment, my heart is filled with emotion.

Finally saw it.

No, it’s more like it’s been almost three years since I came into this world and I just met him.

How would you describe a first impression?

He looks like just an ordinary, even somewhat fragile boy.

Although his strength cannot be ignored, judging from the surface, he is no different from an ordinary person.

"..."

"Ron?"

Qixing gave me a puzzled look.

"Nothing, just keep walking."

I took a deep breath to calm my restless emotions.

The distance between the two sides is getting closer.

Suddenly, the three people who were walking towards us stopped and stood still.

Followed by a sharp scream.

The horse that was originally led by Rijerudo broke free from the rope in extreme fear, rushed towards the cliff next to it like crazy, and finally disappeared without a trace.

The air seemed to be filled with a sense of oppression that had become tangible.

After walking a little closer.

I noticed that both Rijerudo and Elise were tense, staring at us as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

"Ok?"

Orsted stopped.

After carefully examining it, he suddenly asked:

"I say, are you from the Spelud tribe?"

The moment the words came out, the atmosphere became even more serious.

"Do you know this person?"

Rudeus was obviously unaware of the problem at this moment, and he looked up at Ruijerude while asking.

Then he was shocked by Ruijerude's completely different expression.

At this time, Ruijerud's face was very pale, with cold sweat on his forehead, and the hand holding the pistol was shaking constantly.

fear.

The curse from Orsted made both Rijerudo and Alice feel like they were facing a formidable enemy.

"Rudeus, you must not move. The same goes for Alice."

Ruijerudo said this while trembling.

Alice's face flushed red, and her whole body was tense.

"..."

The atmosphere is very solemn.

This meeting was completely different from what I had imagined.

I originally thought that when I met Rudeus for the first time, I would have the opportunity to sit down and chat properly, but it turned out that we met under such circumstances. It felt like no matter what I said, it would be inappropriate.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but speak:

"I say, don't be so nervous, we have no hostility..."

"—"

After I said that.

Ruijerude's terrifying eyes suddenly glared at him.

I had to hold back the second half of the sentence.

"..."

There is no way to communicate.

This is also expected.