Before I noticed it, I had been surrounded.
I'm beginning to fall behind, that was a blunder.
No, I wonder what kind of countermeasures they have for close-combat.
The knights who received the fireball earlier are alive and well, with the exception of some smoke coming off their armor.
"Rudeus-kun. We are the strongest in the Temple Knights. You have no chance of winning."
"Really?"
"In the past ten days we have investigated your fighting style.
Thanks to your fame, we were able to arrange countermeasures."
Fumu.
Then, why haven't you drawn your swords?
I only use magic.
No, in the current situation, they may not be able to avoid my magic in close-combat.
Of course, I still have some tricks up my sleeves.
They might be weary of that, and avoiding close-quarters combat as a precaution.
Given my present situation, their strategy could be called effective.
But, if this becomes a fight of attrition, then I will have the upper hand.
They might have more countermeasures...
Then, it's about time I made my next move.
"Rudeus-kun, please surrender! You may have been able to use your magic tool to escape our barrier, but this is your loss, give up!"
"Hou?"
"The entrance to the garden is blocked by barrier magic! Help will not come!"
Is that right.
If you say it like that, then it's perfect.
They must have carefully devised this strategy to capture me.
I can't win with half-assed tactics.
I have to be thorough.
I might have to experiment in order to break through.
But, if I lose as a result, that would be disastrous.
"...[Quagmire]."
It's time to get serious.