The authority to command Little Roof-sama was given to Gemma at the front.

The purpose this time is to test performance. Placing them at the forefront is easier to understand.

With Seraedo leading with Little Roof-sama, I followed behind with Quince and the others, and then Elfimia.

Little Roof-sama moved along the flanks of the formation to protect Quince and the others.

Before long, Gemma encountered four goblins.

At first, the goblins didn’t notice us at the back, but when they saw the floating Little Roof-sama, they froze and were easily taken down.

I understand the feeling. It’s quite surprising, normally.

Wolves also approached, but upon seeing Little Roof-sama, they fled as fast as they could.

This won’t make for a good experiment.

Well, goblins and wolves have similar attack power to Nudorock. No need to test them.

As evening approached, I took the lead and used [Presence Detection] to determine the direction.

After a while, we encountered two orcs carrying rusty battle-axes and clubs.

They’re manageable, but axes and shields are a bad combination.

Ted and the others haven’t defeated an orc before, so let’s have them handle the club first.

“I’ll draw the battle-axe. Take down the club.”

I entrusted Elfimia and Little Roof-sama with protecting Quince and the others, and I charged at the battle-axe.

Dodging the descending axe, I provoked it by kicking its face.

As the enraged orc swung wildly, I observed the situation.

Seraedo held her usual formation.

Gemma handled the front lines, Ted used hit-and-run tactics, and Nails targeted the sides and rear with his sling.

They can’t defeat orcs due to the size difference.

Against thick, large orcs, children can’t inflict fatal wounds.

How much can Little Roof-sama compensate for this――?

“Little Roof-sama!?”

A crushing sound and Quince and the others screamed.

Little Roof-sama was blown away by a direct hit from the club.

Gemma’s eyes followed, and Ted shouted sharp instructions.

“Don’t take your eyes off it!”

Hastily raising her shield, but the orc’s club was already in motion.

It’s too late.

Activating [High-Speed Movement], I quickly compared the club’s trajectory and Gemma’s position.

I judged there was no immediate danger and reached for a potion.

Then it happened.

Just before the orc’s sideways swing hit Gemma, a strange “bounce” sound echoed through the forest.

I was surprised—it acted on its own judgment.

The one who blocked the club was Little Roof-sama, who should have been in the rear.

As Little Roof-sama returned, it once again protected Quince and the others.

I was astounded.

I understand the logic.If Seraedo retreats, Quince and the others would be in danger.

The command to protect isn’t contradictory, but it’s still an excuse.

“Sorry, I won’t let my guard down again!”

Gemma readied her shield and ordered Little Roof-sama to obstruct rather than defend.

Following the order, Little Roof-sama blocked the orc’s vision, clinging even when swatted away.

It was difficult to destroy a floating plank with a club.

Little Roof-sama’s efforts caused the orc to miss repeatedly, allowing Ted and Nails to land their strikes.

Desperate, the club-wielding orc roared for help from the battle-axe orc.

Making the same mistake as its comrade.

Of course, Gemma didn’t miss the opportunity.

Roaring back, she smashed her mace into the side of its head.

As the giant fell to its knees, Ted rushed in and slashed its neck.

However, the blow lacked power and didn’t finish it.

The club-wielding orc struggled, but the more it flailed, the more its wounds opened.

Ted calmly assessed the situation, gradually wearing it down.

The battle-axe orc tried to help, but I prevented it from moving.

Before long, the club-wielding orc died.

Little Roof-sama seems to be okay.

Now, let’s have it face this one.

“Still up for it?”

“Of course!”

Seraedo was already in combat mode.

As I retreated, Ted signaled, and Gemma charged.

A solo assault?

It’s not imitating me, is it?

The orc raised its battle-axe to intercept Gemma.

Contrary to my worries, it was the orc who screamed.

“Little Roof-sama would become twins otherwise.”

The battle-axe slipped from its hand.

Gemma had aimed for the hand gripping the axe.

She bravely lured its attack and neutralized its weapon.

I was concerned about her getting heated, but she remained calm.

Moreover, once close, the battle-axe is less effective. Moving swiftly was due to strategizing for the orc fight.

While the orc retrieved its axe, Gemma waited for Ted and the others.

When they regrouped, they surrounded it with Little Roof-sama.

With its dominant hand crippled, the battle-axe was almost like a blunt object.

Even if it hit Little Roof-sama, it wouldn’t be easily cleaved.

Ultimately, the battle-axe orc was overwhelmed, unable to surpass the club-wielding orc.

Ted, Gemma, and even Nails roared in triumph at their first orc kill.

In the initial battle, Little Roof-sama’s help was crucial, but they could handle the second without it.From now on, they won’t lose against a single orc.

The question remains on handling multiple orcs, but two should be manageable.

In contrast, Quince and the others huddled together.

It was their first time seeing an orc, so they didn’t even approach the corpse.

A creature larger than adults, defeated by Seraedo, who’s not much older than them.

It must’ve been more shocking than hearing about it.

Ted and the others, having overcome a novice wall, were elated.

As I watched them with a smile, a question arose.

The iron golem in the living room wasn’t as intelligent as Little Roof-sama and the others.

In the first place, its status didn’t even have an intelligence attribute.

If Alphas or Telper were involved, they might create golems as intelligent as Little Roof-sama and the others.

I voiced this to Elfimia as we fell back a bit.

“It’s about roles.”

Elfimia answered, still smiling in the same direction.

“Originally, the intelligence of magic tools is key. When stolen or captured during battle, powerful magic tools are dangerous. To prevent this, they recognize and select their owners. Just as we tested earlier.”

“Golems are big and unlikely to be stolen. If there’s a magic tool to control them, that tool selects its owner. So intelligence isn’t necessary.”

“They have enough intelligence to follow orders. Otherwise, they couldn’t execute commands.”

Elfimia’s words made sense.

After a long time, they’ve reached their current form.

The lack of intelligence on a golem’s status might be due to trial and error.

Little Roof-sama and the others were floating around Ted and the others, celebrating their victory.

And they spun around as if to commemorate it.

Golems, though humanoid, perform simple commands.

Magic tools, far from human, think like humans.

Putting it into words, both are mysterious beings.

In any case, their intelligence is too high.

I need to be strict with my orders.

I noticed the forest darkening.

The sun had set quite a bit. It’s time to wrap up.

“Everyone, thank you for your cooperation. The performance test is complete. As a token of appreciation, how about we go for a meal when we return? To celebrate the first orc defeat.”

Ted and Gemma jumped for joy, and cheers erupted from the others.

We entrusted Elfimia to store the hunted game, planning to butcher it tomorrow.

Returning home, Dana came at the sound of our voices.

I thought of inviting her to a nearby tavern and wondered about her ranking.

Upon rechecking, including Dana, she ranked second after me.

Even Elfimia was surprised by this dark horse.

Dana also cleaned up after Quince and the others, wiping spilled potions and doing the cleanup.

She might be closer to me than anyone else――.

“Wait for us. We’re going for a meal.”

Ignoring our astonishment, Emily petted Little Roof-sama like a pet.

And as if asking for a petting too, Roof-sama snuggled up.

I understand that intelligence is key for magic tools.

And that Roof-sama and the others are exceptionally intelligent.

But still… these guys are a bit odd.