I'm Not the Mastermind

Chapter 15

The party, having packed up their campsite, began their journey toward the fourth floor. On the surface, their atmosphere didn’t seem much different from before.

Hugo, as the leader, led the group forward. Mirien, the scout and archer, scouted the surroundings while moving cautiously ahead. Crom, the warrior, guarded the rear, while Eri and Shia followed closely, nervous but trying to keep pace. Hans walked behind them, carrying the party’s baggage with practiced ease.

And at the center of it all, Yujin calmly followed along.

It appeared to be a perfectly ordinary party. However...

“Um... Yujin.”

“Yes, what is it, Hugo?”

Hugo approached Yujin quietly, ensuring that others wouldn’t overhear.

Glancing briefly at Mirien, Hugo hesitated, then wore a strange expression before speaking.

“...Uh, let’s take a short break here!”

It seemed Hugo didn’t feel comfortable discussing certain things in Mirien’s presence. He surveyed the area and called for a rest.

The party halted their march and began to settle into a short break. Meanwhile, Hugo subtly gestured to Yujin.

Noticing the gesture, Yujin gave a slight nod in return, understanding Hugo’s intent.

While the party rested, Hugo and Yujin slipped away to a secluded spot in the jungle.

Facing Yujin, Hugo began, “Um... Yujin, did something happen between you and Mirien last night?”

As the party leader, Hugo seemed to have picked up on the unusual tension surrounding Mirien.

“She seems... well, more withdrawn than usual. Almost scared, though she’s trying not to show it.”

“Ah, I see,” Yujin replied, feigning slight surprise.

Yujin had noticed Mirien’s unease, too. But then again, Yujin had a transcendent’s perception and was directly involved in the previous night’s events.

What was remarkable was Hugo’s ability to sense the shift in Mirien’s mood without any such advantages. While the others remained oblivious, Hugo had caught on just by observing her briefly.

‘Hugo really has an exceptional sense for these things,’ Yujin thought.

As Hugo continued, his concern was evident. “I know you’re not the type to argue or fight with anyone. But since you were on watch with Mirien last night, I thought maybe something happened...”

“Well,” Yujin began, “I did mention this to Hans earlier, but yes, I had a short conversation with Mirien last night.”

“A conversation? Would you mind telling me what it was about?”

“Oh, nothing much. We hadn’t really spoken before, so I thought I’d break the ice and ease the tension at the start of our watch. I tried making some small talk, but... well, she’s a rather reserved person. I ended up being ignored. Haha.”

“Yes... Mirien can be like that. And then?”

“Well, sitting there in awkward silence felt dull, so I started rambling a bit to pass the time. I even decided to tell her a spooky story, just to lighten the mood.”

“Ah...”

Hugo scratched his head awkwardly.

“So that’s what happened. I didn’t think a simple story would scare Mirien, but... well, coming from you...”

Hugo seemed to accept Yujin’s explanation readily, his tone implying a mix of resignation and understanding. Yujin, seeing Hugo’s reaction, gave a faint, ambiguous smile. It was a relief to have cleared the situation so easily.

“Thank you for telling me. If I came across as interrogating you, I apologize.”

“Not at all. As the party leader, it’s only natural for you to check if something seems off.”

“Haha... I appreciate your understanding.”

With a sheepish laugh, Hugo nodded. Then, with a motion toward the others, he said, “Let’s head back. The break should be over by now.”

“Sure.”

With that, the party resumed their march.

“The goblins guarding the village... they’re gone.”

“What?”

Hugo’s expression tightened. He turned to Hans. “Hans, do you have binoculars?”

“Yes, here they are.”

Hans retrieved a pair of binoculars from his pack and handed them to Hugo, who brought them to his eyes and scanned the village.

“...She’s right. There’s no one.”

“That’s odd. No goblins? Not even the guards?” Crom muttered, clearly perplexed. Hugo lowered the binoculars and replied.

“They’re not inside sleeping, that’s for sure. Let’s check it out.”

With that, Hugo led the group toward the village. Meanwhile, Yujin addressed Tiamat mentally.

Tiamat, this is my first time encountering such a heavy aura... Could it be what I think it is?

『...Yujin, I believe you’re correct.』

Tiamat’s expression turned unusually grim as she continued.

『A demon.』

As Tiamat spoke, the group arrived at the center of the village.

“There’s definitely nothing here—”

“Wait!”

Mirien’s urgent voice cut through the air. Her face had gone pale, her expression frozen in fear.

“Mirien? What’s wrong?” Hugo asked, concern growing.

“This is... No, it can’t be. But this... this is unmistakable...”

“What are you talking about?” Hugo pressed.

Before Mirien could respond, a loud thud, thud echoed from a large tent at the heart of the village.

Everyone froze, their gazes snapping toward the source of the sound.

Thud, thud.

From within the tent emerged a hulking figure with green skin like that of a goblin, but with a massive, grotesque frame towering well over two meters—perhaps closer to three. Its pig-like face twisted into a menacing grin as it lumbered forward.

“...An orc?” Hugo muttered.

The creature was indeed an orc. In its hand, it held the lifeless body of a goblin shaman, dressed in ancient ceremonial garb, its neck twisted unnaturally.

Whoosh!

The orc flung the shaman’s corpse into the distance. Then, its mouth split into a wide, chilling grin as it spoke.

[Welcome, mortals!]

The orc—or rather, the demon possessing it—bellowed in a deep, resounding voice.

[A trial begins now!]

At that moment, a translucent blue window materialized in front of the party.

@@@@