The Frontier Alchemist ~ I Can't Go Back to That Job After You Made My Budget Zero

"You're Harold!"

I exclaim involuntarily.

His appearance was a complete change from the fresh impression I had of him as a student in my memory. He had the face of a grown-up, showing that he had gone through a lot of hardships.

And most of all, I could see the fatigue and the desperate look on his face.

"Is that your voice, Rust?

Harold's face in a cloud of dust.

I jump down from the podium and run toward the cavalry beast Harold is riding.

I see Karin approaching from behind.

"Harold! You, your eyes...

As I get closer, I notice that Harold is covered with injuries all over his body. Both of his eyes, in particular, seem to be deeply injured. I am amazed that he was able to ride the cavalry this far in such a condition.

"Rust. Thank goodness. I'm glad to see you. They're almost here. King's Landing has fallen. They're everywhere. This is the only place left standing. Please, Rust. We're all just being manipulated. ......

As he speaks, Harold's body tilts.

Harold's body falls off the back of the cavalryman as if pulled by gravity.

Karin, who had passed me, slides in.

She catches Harold's body just above the ground in a tight princess hug.

"Kalene! That's great! Come on, we'll fix you right up. Somewhere we can put him down!"

I call out to Karin. For a moment, I feel as if I were a student again.

Maybe I was nostalgic for Harold, who was the victim of my and Kalene's misdeeds. Harold was often the only one injured.

As I was thinking about such things in an escape from reality, Karin gave me an instruction.

No! According to Harold's words, there is a strong possibility that the enemy is closing in. Rust, just give him the potion. I'll take care of Harold. Rust, take Ary and Roar and reconnoiter! When you're done, I'd like a force assessment, Rust."

Kalin said recklessly while lightly carrying Harold in her arms.

"Yes, sir!" Yes!" Ary and Roa, who had come close, replied.

"Yes, I understand. Arri, Loa. Nice to meet you. So, do you know which way they're coming?

I ask them both.

Ary is silent for a moment. A sparkle of magic shines in his eyes.

"That way."

"Yeah. I see something," says Roa, looking at me from a distance.

I exchange glances with them.

"Okay. Let's go."

I call Hippopo and pull them up onto his back.

"Hippopo!"

With my call, Hippopotamus leaps into the air.

With his eight legs, Hippopo deftly maneuvered his feet over some of the brick houses and successfully broke free from the crowd on the ground.

Hippopotamus carries us along with him as he moves his feet on some of the roofs and walls. His movements are as light as a bird's.

And so, Hippopo heads in the direction that Ary pointed.