From that moment onward, Allen demonstrated his incredible prowess.
He stormed into the stronghold of the Puppet Family, cutting through waves of puppeteers with ease.
"What…?! My puppet's attacks are completely ineffective?!"
"How laughable! If you just watch the movements of the fingers controlling them, it’s easy to avoid them!"
Next, he took on Wolves Stan, a notorious party made up entirely of werewolves.
"Here, take this! A specially formulated perfume—should work wonders on werewolves!"
"Gggghh… M-my strength… it's draining away…!"
By sheer coincidence, he also ran into Twilight’s Footsteps, an elite unit that included a skilled magic tool engineer.
"Ah! These guys! They've been nothing but troublesome customers, constantly complaining to our company!"
"What did you say?! Miaha’s enemy is my enemy!"
"And I have no mercy for those who threaten the merchants I favor!!"
"W-who the hell are you people?!"
With unstoppable momentum, Allen continued expanding his territory.
"Hey, Great Demon Lord. Why are you here?"
"Ah, perfect timing, Magus! Give me a hand!"
"Ehh…? But I just started a part-time job at a flower shop…"
"Oh? That’s a fine workplace! Then come as soon as you’re free! While you’re at it, place a bulk order for medicinal herb seeds! I’ll be buying exclusively from your store from now on, so tell the owner!"
"Ha, thank you for your purchase! So, what do you need help with?"
"We’re launching the final battle for control of this region—to make sure Charlotte’s outing goes smoothly!"
"………Ha?"
Before anyone realized it, the sun had begun to set.
In a vast open field on the outskirts of town, Allen wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Phew… That was a good workout."
Behind him, the bodies of former adventurers lay piled high. They had all been territorial obstacles along Charlotte’s route—at least a hundred of them. But as the battle raged on, completely unrelated parties had gotten caught up in the chaos, escalating things into an all-out war. Alarmed by Allen’s rapid advance, various factions had desperately tried to stop him. Not that it mattered. Allen had crushed them all single-handedly.
"H-he actually did it…"
Groh of the Viper's Fang, who had been watching from the sidelines, turned pale.
Meanwhile, Magus—having just arrived after finishing his part-time shift at the flower shop—looked utterly confused.
"How exactly does beating up this many people help protect the young lady's trip?"
"Well, I’ll explain later. For now…"
Allen turned his attention to a group of men sitting off to the side, their expressions hollow and defeated.
A pale-faced man, a werewolf, and a knight clad in silver armor.
In order: Wogel from the Puppet Family, Ralph from Wolves Stan, and Dominic from Twilight’s Footsteps.
All three had been among the first to fall to Allen.
"Take this as a lesson. From now on, focus on being proper adventurers instead of causing trouble for others."
"You of all people are saying that…?"
Erica and Miaha muttered under their breath, but Allen ignored them.
"…Understood."
The three looked at each other and nodded solemnly. Then, suddenly, they covered their faces and began sobbing.
"We will turn over a new leaf… and repay the Goddess’ kindness!"
"How can someone so pure-hearted exist in this world…?"
"S-she reminded me of the sister I left behind in my homeland…!"
Allen sighed. "So you guys were taken care of by Charlotte too, huh…"