The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills - Chapter 34

Chapter: Sylphiel of the Twelve Heroes

Almine removed the black collars one by one from the survey team members.

Once everyone’s collar had been removed, we exited the hidden chamber and returned to the first floor of the temple.

There, in front of the massive statue, we reunited with the twenty-eight members of the Moonlight Guild.

Almine explained the situation to Sylphiel.

"Understood. Then the Moonlight Guild will escort the survey team to the surface. That okay with you?"

"Yes. That sounds safest, so no objections here."

"Heh. At least you get it."

Sylphiel grabbed the sleeve of the black-haired woman standing next to her.

"Corinne, you take command."
"Huh? Me?"

Corinne looked surprised.

"Yes. You’re free to use all the guild members. The survey team’s safety is top priority."
"What about you, Lady Sylphiel?"
"I’ll go kill the demon. It’d be a pain if they followed us."
"What? You’re going alone?"
"It’s not a problem. It’s not like this demon is one of the Six Demon Stars or anything."

Sylphiel ran her hand through her silver hair.

"A single demon isn’t even a warm-up for me."
"Wait! We don’t know how strong Daglud is. And we don’t have exact numbers on those enhanced skeleton soldiers either."

"Reportedly more than 500."

Kinako added.

"Even for you, that’s a bit much to handle solo, isn’t it?"
"Hmph. I’m one of the Twelve Heroes. Doesn’t matter if there are hundreds of small fry."

Sylphiel shot a glare at Kinako.

"In any case, I’ll handle the demon—"
"Lady Sylphiel!"

The elf, Milfa, ran up to Sylphiel.

"We just received word from the surface. The Holy Sword Guild was attacked by the demon… and nearly wiped out!"

Her words chilled the atmosphere in an instant.

"…Nearly wiped out? How many were killed?"
"Twenty-eight dead. The only survivors were their leader, Galdie, and one B-rank adventurer."
"What a mess…"

Sylphiel clicked her tongue.

"I heard they were a capable group. Guess they were all talk."

Twenty-eight people… all killed…?

Cold sweat beaded on my forehead.

The Holy Sword Guild had many skilled members. Even C-rankers like Ugo and Lamon had tons of combat experience.

"Lady Sylphiel,"
Corinne spoke up.

"It seems Daglud is stronger than we anticipated. Given the situation, I think we should move together."

"…Fine. No helping it."

Sylphiel’s gaze shifted to me.

"You all are coming too. I’ll protect you."
"You sure?"
"Protecting the weak is part of being a hero, after all."

With those words, Sylphiel puffed out her chest with pride.

All of us headed north. There was a large corridor in that direction that supposedly led to the upper levels.

As we advanced through the eerily silent city, we emerged onto a wide street. Four-story buildings lined either side, some partially collapsed.

I looked up at Sylphiel, who was walking at the front.

She strolled along casually, not even scanning her surroundings—like she was out on a leisurely walk.

"Yakumo!"

Pirun came up beside me.

"Is Sylphiel really that strong?"

"Hm? Yeah. She’s S-Rank and one of the Twelve Heroes."

"But she doesn’t seem strong. She’s shorter than Pirun, and Pirun totally wins in the chest department too!"

"Size doesn’t equal strength. And also—you’re not totally winning."

I shot back at Pirun.

"Sylphiel really is strong. That attack spell earlier was both accurate and powerful, and she’s showing no openings now either."

"She doesn’t look that way…"

Pirun tilted her head.

"She doesn’t check behind her at all, and she even yawned just now. If you let your guard down on the battlefield, you’ll die in an instant!"

"I don’t think she’s letting her guard down. Earlier, when a survey team member tripped, she stopped immediately. I think she’s sensing everything without relying on sight alone."

"Sensing? With what?"
"I don’t know either. Maybe it’s some kind of skill… or maybe just pure battle experience. Kinako’s got sharp instincts too."
"Pirun can’t do that."
"Neither can I."

I let out a small sigh.

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🗒️ Translator’s Notes:

• 十二英雄 (Jūni Eiyū / Twelve Heroes): A group of elite adventurers or warriors, possibly the most powerful protectors in this world. Sylphiel being among them sets her apart in power and prestige.

• ダグルード (Daglud): A powerful demon, though not one of the Six Demon Stars, yet still a formidable threat—especially since he wiped out most of a powerful guild.

• コリンヌ (Corinne): Seems to be a second-in-command figure trusted by Sylphiel.

• ピルン (Pirun): A comical but curious character, likely providing a touch of levity through her brash comments and comparisons (especially regarding chest size).

• 油断 (Yudan): Often translated as "letting one's guard down." In Japanese storytelling, it’s a fatal flaw in battle, and Pirun's concern reflects that common theme.

• Sランク (S Rank): In most RPG/fantasy settings, this is the highest adventurer rank—above A, B, etc.—implying extraordinary skill and power