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1Source: Sousetsuka
2Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyusoukyoku Web Novel Volume 15
3
415-1. To the Weasel Empire
5 
6Satou's here. In my primary school days, I remember asking my parents and teachers what kind of plant is [wayside grass] from the catchwords [do not eat wayside grass]. I remember their troubled faces, but I don't have any memory of their answers.
7<TLN: It's an expression that means 'don't loiter on the way'.>
8
9
10~
11
12
13"....■■ Laser."
14
15Sera's mid level light magic shot through the swarm of Soldier Ogre Ants and got repelled by the barrier of General Ogre Ant on the back.
16
17We're currently inside a huge nest of the master of a monster dominion located between Makiwa Kingdom and Weasel Empire, the Huge Queen Ant.
18We found the dominion was saturated to the point of verging into a stampede when we on the way to the Weasel Empire, so we went here to prune it while also leveling up my companions.
19Currently the late-start troupe is fighting on the front, while the regular members are watching on the back.
20
21It should be about time for the [Weasel Merchant] to fulfill his promise, but the merchant hasn't come to the promised Dejima Island even now.
22Thus we were going to tour the remote regions of the Weasel Empire until the merchant went to Dejima Island, but due to the reason earlier, we ended up loitering in this underground nest.
23
24"....■■■■ Air Hammer."
25
26Zena-san's magic pushed back the giant ants that were approaching them.
27
28"As expected, mid class magic are resisted by higher ranked enemies aren't they. ■...."
29"That seems to be the case--"
30"....■■■ <<Wind Protection>>"
31
32Zena finished her second spell while Sera began her next spell.
33Invoking magic at such speed, even though they're lower class spells, is not normal, it's thanks to the [Chant Shortening] skill Zena-san learned from Sera-san recently.
34
35The wind wall repelled the crystal arrows shot by the enemies' rear guard, Zena-san shot down the fireballs fired by the Magic Ogre Ant with the Anti Magic Rifle installed on the other end of her long wand.
36In the meantime, Zena-san already started to chant her third spell.
37
38It seems Zena-san has established her specific position by relying on the lower magic [Magic Shield].
39Its guard is paper thin compared to Nana's standard [Physical Shield] and Ninja Tama's [Evasion Shield], so looking at her makes me feel anxious.
40
41"....■ Photon Laser"
42
43Sera's advanced light magic mows down the Soldier Ogre Ant swamps, and tears the General Ogre Ant's barrier that was giving orders on the back.
44The glittering spectrum on the wall of the barrier inside the dark tunnel is quite beautiful.
45
46"Now's our chance desuwa!"
47『Karina-dono, it's still too early!』
48
49Lady Karina activated Flickering Movement, rushing toward the ant swarm.
50Raka the [<<Intelligent Item>>] tried to stop her in a hurry, but Lady Karina had already jumped before the enemies.
51
52Two Knight Armored Ogre Ants that are protecting the General Ogre Ant push their shields toward Lady Karina.
53
54"How impudent, desuwa!"
55
56She kicks the upper part of the shield with her beautiful leg, and then she makes a lovely jump by using the enemy that has broken their posture as a stool.
57
58Arisa who was acting as the peanut gallery shouted, "She used the ant as a stoooool!" out loud, but nobody reacted since Arisa raising odd voice was just the usual.
59She looked a bit lonely, I'll care for her a bit later on.
60
61".... ■■■■ Air Hammer"
62
63Zena-san's wind magic blew away the Claymore Ogre Ant that was going to attack Lady Karina as she landed.
64Unfortunately, the Heavy Soldier Ogre Ant that was on the opposite side resisted the storm created by Zena-san.
65
66"Raka-san!"
67『Acknowledged.』
68
69A whirlpool of spiral light appears on Lady Karina's hand with the magic tool Raka controlling it.
70
71"Karinaaaaaa, break!"
72
73While shouting out loud, Lady Karina's fist clad with light infringes upon the Heavy Soldier Ogre Ant.
74The Magic Ogre Ants and Archer Ogre Ants at the deepest part took attacking positions while making screeching noises.
75
76『Karina-dono!』
77"Yes, Raka-san--"
78
79Lady Karina rotates once while leaving a spinning top-like afterimage clad in light.
80The dance of her ringlet hair clad in light is quite beautiful to look at.
81
82"--Breakeeeer, shoooooot!"
83
84Shot with the centrifugal force, the spiral bullet pierced through the Heavy Soldier Ogre Ant and crushed the Magic Ogre Ant with a flash.
85
86"Karina, it's dangewrous~?"
87"You'll get surrounded nodesu!"
88
89Tama and Pochi who are being carried under Liza's arms are flailing around trying to go help Lady Karina.
90
91"It's alright you two."
92
93The two look up at Liza with blank expressions as Liza guides their line of sight toward the group who has appeared behind the enemy line.
94
95"Everyone, I'm sorry for being late. Golem Shield Unit, forward!"
96
97--ＭＶＡ!
98
99Responding to Princess Shistina's order, the golems equipped with great shields close their distance with the ants.
100Hikaru and Nana who were with the princess are standing behind her.
101
102The ants that were trying to encircle Lady Karina went into disarray with the appearance of the new opponents.
103
104『Now's the time! Karina-dono.』
105"Yes, Raka-san!"
106
107Lady Karina kicked one Heavy Soldier Ogre Ant with a roundhouse kick and jumped back here with hassou tobi knack.
108<TLN: From Minamoto Yoshitsune's legend. Literally means "Eight boat jump".>
109
110"Karina-sama, your assault was too early. Even if you have solid Raka's protection, it's by no mean perfect. What would you do if you got seriously injured and left with scars?"
111
112Sera scolded Lady Karina's recklessness.
113
114『Sera-dono, I apologize on behalf of my master.』
115"Since Raka-dono is Karina-sama's supervisor, you have to restrain her well or else--"
116"Sera-sama, please leave the scolding after the battle. Her highness is on her wit's end."
117
118Zena-san who was diverting the ants with lower class wind magic told Sera-san and started her next magic chant.
119
120"I'm sorry Zena. You're not injured anywhere right Karina-sama?"
121"I-I'm sorry...."
122"As long as you're not injured, please don't worry. It'll be bad if you're scarred before you can become Satou-san's bride right."
123"....B-bride."
124
125Lady Karina's face reddened to hear Sera.
126I don't have any such plan right now.
127
128"Mwu, Satou."
129
130Mia who's beside me rubs her head on me.
131Seeing that, Arisa tried to rub her head too, but since she was aiming at a delicate place, I lightly guarded her and continued looking at the battle.
132
133
134~
135
136
137"What's wrong, Satou."
138"Ah, there's a bit--"
139
140Just when the mid-boss battle ended to an extent, I found some luminous points with strange movements.
141I ask Hikaru to take care of Lady Karina and the others as I check the details of the luminous points.
142
143The luminous points are the spy group from Makiwa Kingdom that I had found earlier before we came here.
144Apparently they tried to infiltrate into the Weasel Empire and failed.
145
146I invoke space magic [Clairvoyance] to look at the spy group's state.
147
148--Gegeh, grotesque.
149
150It's truly as the saying goes, "A beast never miss a corpse."
151
152It seems Makiwa spy group and the guard unit of Weasel Empire match each other, bodies from both parties are lying on the national border.
153Looks like the last two of them are facing off right now.
154The Weasel Empire's black panther rider seems to have the slight upper hand.
155
156Even though I said black panther, it's not a normal animal, it's a monster called Shadow Ripping Panther which has screw like magic tool installed on its head, it's moving very shrewdly.
157
158I cancel [Clairvoyance] since I'm not into watching people fight to death.
159I'm not going to interfere spies killing each other.
160
161
162~
163
164
165"Nyu~?"
166"Tama, what's wrong nodesu?"
167
168Tama and Pochi who were giving some drinking supplement and towel to Lady Karina during the umpteenth break time were conversing as such.
169
170"W-wait, is some greater demon going to appear?"
171
172Tama shakes her head to deny Arisa's question which somehow coaxed with anticipation.
173
174"Feel that someone is calling me~"
175
176It appears Tama doesn't really understand it herself, she tilts her head and her whole body while thinking hard.
177I tried to listen carefully, but I couldn't hear anything even with the reinforcement from [Attentive Ear] skill.
178
179"Then, why don't we go see it. Hikaru, please take care of things here."
180"Un, leave it to me."
181
182I entrusted everything here to Hikaru and teleported away to the entrance of the nesting hole.
183
184"Do you know what it is?"
185"Nyu~"
186
187Tama who's riding on my shoulder folds her arms and frowns.
188It shouldn't have been the ant's scream.
189
190We wait for a while as is.
191
192"This way~"
193
194Tama whose ears twitched suddenly jumped, pointed at somewhere and ran.
195She's changed her clothing to ninja costume before I knew it.
196
197Since she's moving like a ninja by jumping from branch to branch, I carry Pochi on my shoulder and follow her with Sky Drive.
198Unlike Liza who has learned Sky Drive recently, it seems Pochi who has just been able to do Sky Steps can't keep up with Tama when she's serious.
199
200"Something was there just now nodesu."
201
202Pochi mutters so and looks behind.
203
204I felt sensing-type barrier when we passed through the Weasel Empire's border.
205The Makiwa spy group from earlier was probably caught in this barrier and got intercepted.
206
207I use [All Map Exploration] while following Tama.
208This place seems to be a territory called [Weasel Empire, Sixth Parish]. There's one city and two mine towns, among the numerous highways that connect them to the city, there's a main one that link the north and south of the territory, there are only a few villages that are situated along the road to those towns.
209No matter how you look at it, there's too few farm villages needed to supply food to the urban areas.
210
211Next, I look at the other group of luminous points on the map.
212
213It seems a group riding demonic wolves has departed from the nearby fort.
214They're quite fast--some additional Elder Parakeet Riders have also departed to act as scouts.
215I take out a small blimp for decoy from my storage and make it fly toward the territory's capital. Since it's used as a decoy and disturbance, I've filled it with hydrogen instead of helium.
216
217Tama is heading toward one of the relay villages along the road that I found earlier.
218The movement of the luminous point on the map look strange--.
219
220"Master, there's smell of blood at the front nodesu."
221
222When Pochi is still talking, I teleport ahead of Tama to the destination.
223
224There's a black panther from earlier in the center of the village enveloped with bloody smell.
225It seems the one who was riding it had died together with Makiwa Kingdom's spy, there's no one that fits the rider around on the map.
226
227I quickly use magic for disguising, transforming myself into blond haired Makiwa Kingdom man and Pochi to tigerkin girl.
228
229"Pochi, you can use magic potions. Save the injured people."
230"Yes nanodesu!"
231
232I stitch the black panther, whose claws are painted red, in the air with the space magic [Binding Entangle].
233
234"To the village elder! Gather the injured at the center of the village!"
235
236I shout out loud using weasel language with the help of [Loud Voice] skill.
237I use healing magic while walking, prioritizing the ones who are badly injured.
238
239There are a lot of villagers who are so injured they can't walk, but since the attacks were aiming at their legs, there's no casualty. It seems the black panther has received combat training to incapacitate its enemies.
24030% of the population are weaselkin, the other 30% are lizardkin, the rest are all various beastkin.
241
242I heal the frightened villagers while thinking so.
243
244"Master~?"
245
246Tama approaches while carrying a catkin child on her back.
247The child's clothes are dirty with blood, her back is badly torn. It seems her injury has been healed with the magic potion Tama gave her.
248
249"This child was crying."
250"I see, you did great Tama."
251
252I pat Tama's head as she puts the child on the ground.
253She shouldn't have been able to hear it judging from the distance--Or so I thought, when I checked Tama's skills, her Gift column had been added with [Insect Notification].
254
255Obtaining congenital skill (Gift), just how....
256Well, guess it's fine since it seems useful.
257
258"Myu."
259"Mom!"
260
261A catkin aunty rushed out of the villagers, hugged the child and thanked us while bowing her head.
262Then an elderly weaselkin carrying a wand appeared from behind them and urged them to go back to the villagers.
263
264"We wish to express our gratitude for saving our village from predicament."
265
266The elderly weaselkin said it haughtily, or rather, with full of suspicion.
267
268"You are not someone from the fort. Just who are you people."
269"I'm just a meddlesome retired crêpe merchant from Echigo."
270<TLN: Reference to Mito Komon.>
271
272It'd be problematic if I revealed our identities since we were illegal trespassers, so I spoofed some random ones.
273
274"Crêpe merchant? Never heard of such products... Don't tell me you're not from the central, are you foreigners?"
275"That's right--"
276
277The elderly weaselkin makes a sour face when I nod.
278
279"Don't you know that this country has been closed off? You'd be massacred by the people of the fort if they found you even with children along. If you need anything, no, we can't offer you everything, but for our benefactors we can at least prepare something you require."
280"Then, tell me about this country."
281
282I asked for information instead since asking goods from a poor village would be too much.
283
284"I cannot answer something so vague. This place is the 17th relay village of the sixth parish of Weasel Empire, do you seek that kind of information?"
285
286I assent the weaselkin elder who asked for confirmation.
287
288"The nine parishes on the outer edge of the Weasel Empire, including this, are territories that have been discarded by the emperor. To the emperor who has abandoned his faith, we who cannot abandon ours must be useless."
289
290I can't swallow his story whole, but I'll add it on the memo pad for Weasel Empire.
291
292"Are you prohibited from going outside the territory?"
293"No, we are not. It is simply impossible in practice."
294"Impossible? Can't you just go on the highway while avoiding monster dominions to escape to other territory?"
295"The highways are only connected to other 『Parish』, the same as here. We the castoffs have talked and come to a consent, but there is no highway that leads to any territory besides the 『Parish』. And if you fly in the sky--"
296
297Explosion sound reverberated from the northwest direction of the village in the middle of the elderly weaselkin's talk.
298The surprised villagers crouch down and look at the direction of the sound.
299
300The blimp I released earlier probably exploded.
301
302"It seems there were some people who have infiltrated. There are several small forts inside and on the border of the parish. The imperial army from these forts have screw-tamed flying monsters and cannon trees, they shoot down anyone flying like such."
303
304I see, this [Parish] is like a country inside a country, or rather it's treated like a penal colony huh.
305I asked the elderly weaselkin the way to enter the [Parish] city and its custom without him getting suspicious.
306And then a panicked catkin man rushed in.
307
308"Elder--It's the imperial army from the fort."
309"Umu."
310
311My radar also shows the imperial army soldiers coming here.
312
313"You heard him benefactor-dono. You should escape while we buy you time."
314"There's no need of that. And also, I do not mind if you talk about us to the soldiers. Tell them that a man in black clothes followed by a black panther came, snatched your food and water, and then he ran away."
315
316I raised my hand to signal Tama and Pochi, and then they went to the black panther and threw it, "eiya~" toward the village's entrance.
317I canceled the binding magic when it was still in the air, then it landed like a cat and ran toward the soldiers.
318It was not because of my [Coercion] skill, it must be scared of Tama and Pochi who were muttering, "Steak~?" and "Hamburg is better nodesu!" full of appetite.
319
320Leaving the surprised voices of the villagers and the black panther that started attacking the soldiers behind, we teleported back into the ant nest were our companions were waiting.
321The soldiers will probably get hurt, but looking at their levels, there should be no one dying.
322
323
324~
325
326
327"Satou! I've finally reached level 50!"
328
329When we came back, Lady Karina jumped while shouting so.
330She's smiling with her whole face, which is rare for her.
331
332I was going to evade reflexively, but I receive her lightly and put her down.
333There was plenty of distance between us, yet the wonderful soft sensation still reached my chest.
334
335Demonic breasts are frightening--.
336
337"Congrats~"
338"Congratulations, nanodesu!"
339
340Once the chorus of the congratulations song from the girls ended, I talked about the things at the village.
341
342"Parish is it.... It's worrying."
343"Then since we have some ample time, let's go investigate it."
344
345Thus, I, Sera and a guard are going to the parish city for reconnaissance.
346The guard was Liza, selected with the fair [Ladder Lottery] method.
347
348However, I have to prune the monsters here a bit more before that.
349
35015-2. Parish
351 
352Satou's here. When we're talking about city, the stereotype would be concrete jungle, but recently I feel that there has been more greening in city center than the rural area. There are spots of gray and navy blue in half-baked rural areas.
353
354
355~
356
357
358"Tenion Holy Emblem huh, very well, go on in."
359"May the blessing of God be upon you, gatekeeper-sama."
360"Yes, blessing."
361
362The unmotivated gray-clothed gatekeeper made some prayer gestures and allowed us to pass the city gate.
363He's still one of the better gatekeepers, the other ones are playing with dices.
364
365"They were quite insincere guards weren't they."
366"You're right--Liza, you don't have to be that tense."
367
368While answering Sera, I warned Liza who was looking around with coercive sharp glances.
369The three of us are wearing disguises masks, so no one can see through the disguises unless they have original Yamato Stone or Arisa's level of appraisal skill.
370
371There's only a few people in the city, everyone is wearing gray clothes and walking with hunched back.
372There are some stores here and there but not many items on the shelves so the customers are also sparse. Judging from the transactions between the shopkeepers and the customers, it seems this city also uses notes as payment.
373
374Looking briefly at the map, there are seven huge temples worshiping the god pantheon except the Demon God and the Dragon God. When I checked them with Clairvoyance magic, they were all under construction.
375
376"I wonder if those are altars?"
377"That's right Liza. It seems the seven altars are carved with each holy emblem of the Gods."
378
379I moved my line of sight at the seven altars that Sera and Liza mentioned.
380There's a small altar on every intersection like a Jizo statue. Instead of statues, there are holy stones carved with holy emblems on the altars.
381
382The order of the altars seem to be fixed, it starts from God Heraruon whom I'm not too familiar with and ends with God Parion.
383According to the documents I read in the Duchy Capital's Parion Temple--.
384God Heraruon the [Top Seat of the Pantheon].
385God Garleon of [Strife and Victory].
386God Urion of [Trial and Judgment].
387God Karion of [Wisdom].
388God Zaikuon of [Passion and Change].
389God Tenion of [Solace and Love].
390God Parion of [Infant and Righteousness].
391--Such were written.
392Though it's not that the gods declared themselves, "I am god of~", but it came about from records of the circumstances of things in the era each god governed.
393
394Now then, leaving that aside, we heard some troubling voices coming from a small temple when we were in the middle of the way to the big temples in the city's center--.
395
396"I beg of you, Priest-sama!　Please give your mercy on the 『Healing Garden』!"
397"Didn't I tell you before. We can only pray to the gods. We have no mean to heal epidemic."
398
399Such conversations happen often in Shiga Kingdom, but looking at the map, it seems the situation is a bit different here.
400The priests in this city are low leveled in contrast to their number. Everyone is lower than level 10 except the the few in the central temple.
401Thus they probably can't use the mid class holy magic [Remove Disease] and advanced class holy magic [Purification Virus].
402
403"Satou-san."
404"Please wait a moment."
405
406I stop Sera who were suggesting to help them, and check the situation on the map once again.
407It seems infectious disease has spread inside the city but the statesmen appear to know the importance of isolating the carriers, most of the patients beside very few minority are gathered in a plot of land.
408
409After investigating the book about diseases in my storage, the disease name written on the map is a lethal one, but since the incubation period is short, it should be hard for it to become a pandemic.
410
411"I've confirmed it. It's a kind of epidemic that can be healed by Sera-san's holy magic."
412
413After telling that, I put [Astro Suit] magic on my companions to prevent infection.
414
415"Well then, shall we go?"
416"Yes, Satou-san!"
417
418We went to the small temple with Sera in the lead.
419
420
421~
422
423
424"Priestess-sama has come!"
425
426The [Healing Garden] that the man who was making the appeal earlier took us to seemed to be a sanitary building.
427
428"Priestess-sama, please change to purification clothes in this changing room. We've prepared new clothing to prevent the epidemic, so please don't worry."
429
430A staff member handed surgical robe-like clothes and new masks and guided us to the changing room.
431When I nod at Sera and Liza who looked doubtful, the two head to the changing room with relived looks. Unlike me, the two must have not understood the concept of sanitary clothing.
432
433The man earlier was waiting when I came out of the changing room, so I chatted with him until Sera and Liza are done.
434It seems he's the director of this facility, he's previously worked in the hospital in the capital of the empire.
435
436"I couldn't use magic so I worked as a nurse instead of doctor. If only this place had the medicines and equipment of the central hospitals, I wouldn't stand idly while the patients were dying...."
437
438There's an organization under the direct control of the emperor called [Brains] in the empire's central, apparently medical institutions in the imperial capital have been rapidly progressing thanks to the knowledges brought from that organization.
439
440"What kind of equipment are they?"
441"Umm--Huh? I'm sorry, I couldn't recall the term. It's hard as you get older isn't it."
442
443He beats his head while smiling wryly.
444
445"Coming from such a convenient capital, there was a time when I was depressed to be dispatched to an antiquated parish, but in the end I couldn't leave the suffering patients alone."
446
447He couldn't abide the emperor's [Renunciation] policy, so he was sent to this [Parish].
448
449"I was told to 『Abandon the irrational god and revere the emperor who has bestowed prosperity and well-being upon his subjects』.... But I couldn't abandon my faith to Tenion-sama."
450
451Does the emperor want to become a god?
452Or perhaps he wants to weaken the gods who flourish from [People's Faith]?
453
454Either way, I think he's picking a fight with the gods.
455
456This, paired with the scientific weapons and the rumored train, it's strange how the Divine Punishment hasn't befallen them yet.
457I'm intrigued at just how does the Weasel Empire's emperor manage to evade gods' wrath.
458
459I really want to hear it once I meet him in person with the weasel merchant's mediation.
460
461
462~
463
464
465"Over here, priestess-sama."
466
467We enter the isolation ward as guided by the director.
468Looks like they've put dual layer doors properly here.
469
470There seem to be some ventilation and air cleaning magic used in the sickroom, the air isn't muddy.
471
472The staff here are good, I sure want to head-hunt them to Shiga Kingdom.
473Or maybe I can send some Echigoya personnels to train here.
474
475"Let's heal the patients who can't move first. Please gather them as close as possible, since I'll be using ranged magic."
476"Eeh, expanding the range of 『Remove Disease』 magic which consumes a lot of magic power is too reckless!"
477
478A priest who belongs to the hospital ward expressed his surprise hearing Sera.
479
480"Don't worry about it. Liza, help me carry the patients along with their beds."
481"Understood. Master."
482
483I can't rely on [Magic Hand] magic here, so I carry the beds together with Liza.
484We haven't done physical labors in a while, but since I and Liza each have enough strength to carry the whole ward, it's easy.
485
486"■■...."
487
488And then, Sera begins her chant with a long wand.
489
490The accessories for magic boost that Sera wears are glittering, bringing about sublime atmosphere on her.
491The enormous magic power that she's gathering begin to sway people's clothes and hair.
492
493I stand behind Sera, secretly fully opening the Spirit Light to make it easier for Sera to gather magic power.
494
495".... ■■■■■■■ Purification Virus."
496
497The moment the chant is completed, pure warm light that overflow from Sera wrap the patients.
498I pick forest magic [Stamina Charge] and water magic [Calorie Charge] from the Magic Column the moment Sera invoked her magic and invoke them to ease the patients.
499
500"Aah, what a comfortable light."
501"Feels like my body is filled with power."
502"Our gratitude to Tenion-sama who has led priestess-sama to us."
503
504The patients who have been healed are muttering incoherently while shedding tears.
505
506At first we planned to cure the patients who weren't in immediate danger after this was done, but since it was troublesome, I secretly used water magic [Cure Disease] at the same time Sera healed the patients who were seriously ill.
507Right now they probably think of it as Sera's, or rather, a [Miracle caused by Goddess Tenion's servant-sama.]
508
509
510~
511
512
513"Satou-san, I'm sorry for poking my nose into unnecessary things."
514"No, don't worry about it. I would have gone myself if Sera-san didn't."
515
516After the treatment, the patients almost made Sera into a saintess and the ward's priest almost became Sera's apprentice, but we were able to somehow escape from the [Healing Garden].
517
518"Next, shall we see how to use the ration coupons?"
519"It's the notes we got as thanks from earlier right."
520
521Sera took the coupons and looked at it curiously.
522We originally got a bundle of coupons for the ration as thanks, but since we wouldn't have no use of it, we only took three pieces.
523I thought it was the normal currency at first, but apparently it can only be used inside the parish.
524
525There are two kinds of ration coupons; food coupons and necessity coupons, you can exchange them with the goods at the distribution center which gets the items transported from outside the parish.
526It seems there's also service coupon which you can exchange for luxury and medicines.
527
528"Master--"
529
530Liza unusually puts her face close to my ears and whispers.
531
532"--It's a flock of flying magic beasts. Please look to the east."
533
534I looked up as urged by Liza and saw around eight Rocs flying toward the city.
535The city's alarm bell resounds.
536
537"It's the imperial mail!"
538"The rationed goods are coming!"
539"It's our chance to get the service coupon, hurry up!"
540
541The men pull the carts and trolleys left in an open space toward the city's gate.
542Apparently, it's not an attack but an air transport.
543
544"Let's go see it."
545
546I called the two and went to see the situation.
547
548
549"--T-that was a rough unloading wasn't it."
550"Yes, I wonder if the goods inside aren't broken?"
551
552Sera's and Liza's surprises aren't surprising.
553The Roc birds dropped the baggage without even landing in an open space slightly farther away from the city's gate.
554There are screw-shaped magic devices on the Roc birds' heads, similar to the one on the Black Panther's from yesterday.
555
556"Carry them to the central warehouse!"
557
558A female weaselkin who looks to be high-ranked appeared riding a horse from the gate and ordered the men pulling carts.
559
560"Matriarch-sama! There are 40 food goods and two daily necessities. There's a list of goods in the daily necessity bundles."
561"Give it to me--no luxury goods huh. Only the reported medicines and nutritional supplements.... So the Emperor wants us to die from epidemic disease."
562
563Apparently, the news about Sera curing the epidemic hasn't reached her ears.
564
565"There's a lot of cloths. They're not dyed as expected. We don't have any choice but to collaborate with the black market guys to get the dye used in the ritual."
566"Can't be helped. I resent working with a bunch who don't even a fragment of faith, but we can't disregard the color written in the holy book for the ritual magic."
567
568I thought of getting in contact with the top people of the city with some dye as a present, but I decided not to for now since we were still gathering information.
569
570
571~
572
573
574"It seems the staple food here is boiled sweet potato and beans that are crushed and hardened into bamboo shaped. It smells bad but it doesn't taste awful enough to not be edible. The bundle beside it is a lump of dried meat made for long preservation. It's moderately hard."
575
576I receive the food bundle from the distribution center while Liza is explaining.
577The calorie is questionable and the smell of fermented plants assails my nose, it makes me hesitate to try it. It's salty on top of getting praised by Liza for being too hard, so normal people probably eat it by chipping the meat with a knife or dip it into water.
578
579Judging from the surrounding people, it seems they get one bundle for a day.
580
581Since we didn't dare to eat bad things, we re-wrapped the food, and then we went to the mentioned black market after seeing the big temples that were under construction.
582
583Due to the shops and people gathering in the narrow back lane, the crowded black market looks like the one I saw in a movie about Pacific War.
584The people walking at quick pace in the hustle bustle look contrasting with the languid people walking in the main street.
585
586"They're open in daytime even though it's called black market."
587"The black part doesn't mean dark at night but something that isn't formally recognized, you see."
588
589I answer Sera who's watching the surrounding restlessly.
590
591"There doesn't seem to be anything unusual. Master, please look over there."
592
593There's a yakitori stall at the place Liza's eyes are glistening at.
594
595"Fumu, we need to investigate it."
596"Yes, then I shall scout ahead."
597
598I told Liza to be careful in order for me to not laugh at Liza who was devoted to her appetite, she ran toward the stall with a smile.
599Making use of Flickering Movement, Liza moves between the crowds while leaving afterimages.
600
601....You don't have to be serious at a place like this okay?
602
603"--10 ration coupons for one yakitori skewer? Isn't that too excessive?"
604"Go somewhere else if you don't like it. That's the market price here."
605
606The shopkeeper blew Liza's complaint.
607Other customers who bought a yakitori skewer for 10 ration coupons were the proof that he wasn't ripping her off.
608
609It's not like we have to buy it, but thanks to the smell of the burning fat of the bird meat, my mouth has turned into yakitori mode.
610I'll negotiate with the shopkeeper in Liza's place.
611
612"How much is it with normal money?"
613"Money from central are just junk here."
614
615I was going to pay with the weasel money I got at Silga Kingdom but he refused.
616
617Then let's barter.
618
619"How about this kitchen knife?"
620
621It's an item that I acquired from a local noble from one of the various small kingdoms we visited.
622It's just made from normal iron, but it's a relatively good knife.
623
624"Hmph, how many yakitori do you want for this kind of high quality good?"
625"Just give us 10. Kitchen knife should be used by a cook after all."
626
627The shopkeeper timidly receives the knife.
628I genuinely think that it's better for someone who can use it to have it rather than leaving it to become a fertilizer of my Storage.
629
630I give the bundle of yakitori I got from the shopkeeper to Liza, and then have one for me and Sera each.
631It seems to be of chicken skin and thigh sprinkled with salt.
632The flavor from the charcoal fire tastes good. I'd like a bit more flavor from the thigh, but I won't ask for the impossible.
633
634"Pal, you've just arrived at this parish right. Do you have any liquor?"
635
636A man with stubbly beard talked to me when I was wiping the fat on my hand with a handkerchief.
637
638"It can be distilled liquor or ale. I'll give you this gem for one bottle."
639"Isn't that spinel? You can buy a barrel of high-quality liquor with that kind of gem you know?"
640
641He rolled a beautiful red gem that can be mistaken with a ruby the 'Pigeon Blood' on his palm, and then he let the sunlight shine through it.
642
643"That's if you're in Central right? We rarely get liquor here."
644
645Is it prohibited by law?
646
647Looking at the map, I see that liquor is really rare.
648They're being made locally at the wayside villages, but there's barely any inside the city.
649
650I take out a small bottle of distilled liquor from my cuff and press it on the man.
651It's just something cheap sold at the Duchy Capital, but I think this goes well with the salty dried meat as a side dish.
652
653"Ooh, haven't smelt this fragrance for a long time."
654
655The man pushed the gem on me and disappeared into the back alley as if running.
656I was intending to give it for free, but I guess it's fine. It's a bare gem after all, he probably didn't steal it from his wife's jewel box or something.
657
658"D-do you have liquor? T-trade with this holy emblem."
659"You sinner! Don't deal with that sinner. Trade with the gold coin I have."
660"No, mine."
661"You fools, step back--"
662
663The magical power of liquor is amazing. The heavy drinkers in the black market gathered in an instant and it became an uproar.
664
665"Oy, you guys! What is this uproar!"
666
667Since some men riding horses who looked like the guards came, I teleported back to the Solitary Island Palacen with the two.
668Looks like I can get quite a few collaborators here if I offer them liquor.
669
670
671~
672
673
674"Wlcome~?"
675"Welcome back, nanodesu!"
676"Welcome back, how was the parish?"
677
678While changing clothes, I went to the living room with the children who welcomed me.
679After sipping the tea Lulu served, I spoke about the situation of the city.
680
681"Hm~m, rationed food, what's more, supply from outside the city huh...."
682"It sounds like an open prison."
683"Rather than prison, it's more like a monastery for nobles who have committed a crime."
684
685Hikaru gave her opinion to Arisa's mutter, and then Sera told her impression.
686
687"Still, what does the Weasel Empire's Emperor intend to achieve by making such a troublesome place."
688
689Lastly, it seems Princess Shistina has the same question as me.
690I wrote a report about Weasel Empire's [Parish] with Kuro's handwriting, gave it to Echigoya Firm's Manager, and asked her to give it to the king.
691
692"Master! The costumes for undercover operation are ready so I tell."
693"Nn, spy."
694
695When I returned to the Solitary Island Palace, Nana and Mia were waiting in sexy spy-like costumes.
696Arisa must have implanted the wrong idea of spy into them.
697
698Those flashy clothes are bad if we're investigating the territory outside the parish.
699
700"I've prepared the costumes here for you. Change into them."
701"Master, don't you think they don't have enough charm value, so is my humble opinion."
702"Mwu, character costumes?"
703
704The two people frown at the weasel costumes.
705
706"It's alright Nana. You'll be popular with the children with this costume."
707"That's! Wonderful, so I praise Master."
708
709Hearing my words, Nana took the costume in high spirit, but Mia dragged hers to the changing room.
710
711Now then, while waiting for Nana and Mia, I'll gather prior information using [Clairvoyance] on the map I got.
712
713Using advanced space magic spell [Teleport], I moved to the eastern end of the sixth parish of the Weasel Empire.
714
71515-3. An Ordinary Village
716 
717Satou's here. There was a time when the words [Assault Reconnaissance] became popular due to some anime or manga when I was a child. Going to an unknown nearby city with a train, and prowling the streets like a spy was also a good memory of mine. I mistook the meaning of the words cause I was a child though.
718
719
720~
721
722
723"Master, found a village ahead. Advising to scout ahead with an artificial spirit."
724"Nn, shadow."
725
726Nana and Mia who are wearing weasel costume are in unusually high tension.
727Sorry, but there's no need to do that.
728
729"It's alright. It seems they're all just your friendly villagers."
730
731I pull the hands of Nana and Mia who look slightly disappointed to go toward the village.
732Even if the villagers point their blades at us, they can't possibly damage these costumes anyway.
733
734"Yoo, traveleers."
735"Heya, villager. We've come to sightsee the construction of the smoke car, is it close by?"
736
737I talk to an old weaselkin man who's speaking slowly at the entrance of the village.
738The reason why I choose this village is because, as I've said earlier, this place is the closest to the railroad construction site.
739
740There are more ratkin and rabbitkin people than weaselkin in this village.
741
742The surprising thing is the fact that there's no noble or slave not only in the parishes but also in the Weasel Empire territory.
743However, it appears the citizens are divided into three classes. Whether the third class citizens are actually treated like slaves, we will see it ourselves as we tour the country.
744
745I've infiltrated this area dressing as a typical liquor peddler to see the situation.
746
747"That the souund you can heaaard? That one's over that hiiill."
748"Thank you, villager. This is what I'm selling, have a cup."
749"Aww, thank yaa."
750
751I pour sake into a bisque cup and offer it to the kind old man.
752
753"Kaah, this stuff's goood."
754"That good?"
755"Lemme taste too."
756
757I sold the sake to the two other villagers not for free, but for blue copper coins that's generally used in the Weasel Empire.
758While selling the sake, I gather information by pretending to chat with the elderly.
759I let Nana and Mia to take care of the selling along the way.
760
761"Sake seller, want to taste this?"
762"Ah, thank you."
763
764I take the dried meat the old man recommended while matching his tone.
765It's a salted dried meat just like the one I saw in the [Parish].
766
767"Did the village make this?"
768"--Hm? Which village ya came from?"
769"From beyond that mountain."
770
771The elderly looked like they were in doubt when I replied.
772Oops, it seems I said something wrong. I invoke the [Foolish Field] usually used for interrogation to befuddle them.
773
774"Can't be helped theen."
775"Ya can't buy cheap provisions from the military if there's no smoke car."
776
777According to the elderly, it seems the stinky fermented calorie bar from back then will become tasty if you make it into a rice gruel and put some herbs to delete the scent.
778
779"It be niiice since the construction done and the smoke car came."
780"Riight. The growing children can now eat their belly full cause we can sell the crops and buy the military provisions."
781"Gracious Emperor ee."
782
783Unlike in the parish, it seems the Emperor is well liked in these remote agricultural villages.
784Further, it seems merchants who come riding the smoke car are buying their crops.
785
786"What're you doing, what's with the liquor smell in the middle of the day even though the young ones are working away in the construction site of the smoke car road."
787"Aah, village elder. Have a drink."
788"Hou, sake huh.... How much?"
789
790The village elder shouted, "Cheap!" when I told him the price, and then he bought all the sake jugs I brought with me.
791That's fine and all, but for some reason the villagers gather and it's become a feast.
792
793I was a bit surprised to see them spending that much even though it wasn't the time for harvest.
794The people enjoying the sake are wearing rural-like clothes with a lot of patches, but every one of them is smiling and looking healthy.
795
796"This village sure is prosperous."
797
798I returned to my usual tone but there wasn't already any villager who minded it.
799
800"Yeah, since the current emperor took the reign, the tax changed from 7:3 to 4:6 you see. So even such a remote village like this can be relatively prosperous."
801
802From the government taking 70% and villagers 30% to them taking 40% and villagers 60% huh?
803I thought the tax would be high since this was a military nation that developed the high-cost low-return scientific weapons.... Apparently, that's not the case.
804
805"Long live the Emperor!"
806"""Long live the Emperor!"""
807
808With one leading, the villagers held a cup in one hand and shout together, then they laughed 'Gahaha'.
809
810Mia who was free after selling all the sake plopped down on my lap as I was sitting on the ground and then she abruptly played her lute.
811It's a fun melody with "I hate drunkards" tones sometimes mixed in.
812
813Next to Mia, there's Nana carrying some children who have come to pick up the dishes.
814
815"Master, secured the young organisms so I report."
816
817The children carried under Nana's arms don't look like they dislike it as they're absorbed in gnawing rice crackers.
818
819"You've a beautiful wife and a cute daughter."
820"Nn, happy marriage."
821"I see, the daughter must be happy too."
822
823Mia looks satisfied hearing the old weaselkin.
824She must have thought that she is the wife, but unfortunately I think she's mistaken.
825
826However, there's no need to point that out and displease Mia.
827
828While patting Mia's head as the lute's tone changed to [Fun Feast], I mix in with the villagers' chat.
829
830"So I've come here to sell my sake, but is it alright for you to take a break from the field work?"
831"Yea it's fine. Emperor-sama has distributed pesticides you see."
832"Thanks to that, we got rid of the troublesome pest."
833
834Mumumu, pesticides huh... I'm a bit worried as to whether they get the dose right.
835
836"We also got the mowing rabbits."
837
838Mia who heard rabbit mentioned moved her line of sight at us.
839She must be interested in it.
840
841"What kind of rabbits are they?"
842"It's a kind of rabbit that only eats weed without caring the crops."
843
844One of the elderly points at the field.
845It's a small rat-sized rabbit.
846
847"If ya don't put them in the hut during the planting and budding seasons, they'll eat them all with the weed like what happened at Gozan's place ya see."
848"I've failed as rep of the village."
849
850I see, it has a habit of eating the plants that have just grown huh.
851
852"Thanks to them, farmwork's easier now."
853"During the free time, the young 'uns often went outside the village to make more fields."
854"Ain't it fiine, something or otheer, the new fields will be theirs, young 'uns must pull themselves together."
855
856Are they developing new private fields in long term?
857
858Hearing that, Nana tilted her head and entered the conversation while still carrying the children.
859
860"Monsters outside the village are dangerous so I warn."
861"It's alright. The empire force comes and defeats monsters and bandits y'see."
862"Not bandits, they're tigerkin liberation army right?"
863"People who're brandishing weapons and steal food from villages are bandits enough."
864
865I tried searching the map around here and just as the villagers said, there was no monster around here, even on the mountain foot, there were only weak monsters whose levels are in single digit.
866
867"The knights come patrolling here once a month even now."
868"They went sword hunting and took the village's swords and spears away, the peeps were maad, but--"
869"We got farming tools instead."
870"After getting something this good, we'll get punished if we complain ya see."
871
872An old man carrying a sturdy looking farming tool made from iron is showing it off.
873
874"They also made the well with clickety-click."
875"Not clickety-click, it's water pump!"
876"Oh ain't it fine. Yer' the only one who calls it water pump to look smart."
877
878Apparently, they even have a hand water pump.
879The government here seems to be doing quite good.
880
881I might have come to respect the emperor unconditionally if I hadn't saw the parish.
882
883"What'd you say!"
884"Try saying that again!"
885
886The two old weaselkins who have been quarrellings since earlier catch each other's collar and glare un-befitting of their ages.
887
888"Good grief, weasels are easy to pick a fight."
889"Don't say that, our blood boil fast since the time of ancestor-sama."
890
891The old weaselkin that I met first covered for his race hearing an old rabbitkin's grumble.
892As it looks like it's going to devolve into a fist fight, the village elder finally stands up, unable to remain indifferent.
893
894"You fools! If ya want to fight, do it in front of His Majesty the Emperor!"
895
896The village elder shouted while carrying a sake bottle in one hand.
897He looks like he's ready to enter the fight.
898I feel that there was a lot of intellectual and rational ones among the weaselkins I met outside the Weasel Empire, but looking at the villagers here, I end up thinking those people must have been an exception.
899
900Still--Emperor?
901
902No way there's a teleport gate in such a remote village, is it some kind of term?
903
904My doubt quickly clears up.
905
906
907~
908
909
910"Here I go, Gozan!"
911"Come, Banga!"
912
913The old weaselkin men who have taken off their coats are exchanging blows with magnificent telephone punches.
914As the two made a clean hit at each other, they staggered and fell backward.
915
916Old Gozan stood up while wobbling, but old Banga seems to have gotten a cerebral concussion, he's not getting up.
917
918"What's wrong, Banga!"
919"Stand up, Banga!"
920"His Majesty the Emperor is laughing at ya!"
921"That's right that's right! Look sharp before the Emperor!"
922
923The surrounding villagers are cheering, or rather, jeering at old Bangan.
924The 'Emperor' that they're referring to is a statue of weaselkin made from obsidian-like thing put in the center of the village's square.
925Its left eye is a red stone, its right eyes is a blue stone, suspicious light coming from the statue gets stronger every time the villagers roar.
926
927....It's a statue of evil god no matter how you look at it.
928
929In fact, there's a magic square embedded in the square though the villagers don't seem to notice it, every time the villagers enthusiastically shout out, their magic power and stamina get drained.
930
931We resisted the drain aimed at us, but the magic power leaking from our equipment couldn't seem to, thus quite a lot of magic power got absorbed into the emperor statue.
932
933I don't know if that's the reason, but I feel that the statue has begun to emit red aura-like light.
934
935"Wooooo!"
936"Duryaaaaa!"
937
938Old Banga was able to stand up somehow while shouting, old Gozan replied back with a shout too.
939The telephone punch earlier was bad enough, but now the two are swinging their arms around to exchange baby punches.
940
941It must be some kind of weaselkin sense of beauty that I do not understand.
942
943The two's fists sunk onto each other's cheeks, and then they fainted, a double knock out.
944Geez, it's not a fight between elderly.
945
946"They've been fighting for idiotic reasons since they were kids."
947"Unlike that time, now we have His Majesty the Emperor's statue, ain't it fine."
948"Yer' right, that times one of the sides would die after several matches in a fight like this."
949"Weasels can't hit the brake once they see blood, it's scary."
950
951--Huh?
952
953Perhaps the emperor statue is for the sake of the villagers so they won't die needlessly from a fight by exhausting their strength?
954
955Nevertheless, preparing such expensive magic tools that can drain magic power in many villages should have cost them enormously.
956The rational and selfish weaselkins I know can't be that generous out of only goodwill.
957
958"Village eldeer, the emperor's statue is shining reeed."
959"Fumu, the impurity gathered fast this time. Usually it takes a year.... Well fine. Let the young ones going to the smoke car site tomorrow carry a letter to the city."
960"Would be niice if the official-sama that bring the replacement statue is Moton-sama. That persoon would be willing to repair the bank with earth magic."
961"Oy oy, ya shouldn't think of first-class citizen-sama as a substitute of oxes and horses."
962
963Fumu, judging from their conversation, it seems that even though the first-class citizens are treated like their superiors, they don't seem to be a privileged class like noble.
964
965We bid our farewell to the village elder and went toward the smoke car construction site.
966
967
968~
969
970
971"Master, it's full of muscle men so I tell."
972"Mwu, clank clank."
973
974Mia quickly gave up from the noise in the construction site, Nana lost her interest since there were no children in the site, so the members changed.
975The backup are Arisa and Hikaru.
976
977"The smoke car is a train alright."
978"Yeah.... The smoke car road also looks like railway track complete with railroad ties."
979
980It seems the smoke car's carrying power also plays a big role in laying the new rail track.
981
982The construction site not only has beastkin and scalekin men, there's also manned normal golems and ones that look like bulldozers and excavators.
983The latter are not using internal combustion engines, they seem to be types of golem.
984Looks like the science is not that all-encompassing.
985
986"I've seen it earlier, I think the emperor statue is suspicious after all."
987"Right right, it's not often there's an item that much suspicious."
988
989Arisa, Hikaru and I are of the same opinion in this matter.
990
991"Then, next we should follow where the emperor statue is getting transported to."
992
993Speaking of chasing, it's ninja.
994I should ask Tama to track the transport route of the emperor statue from the village earlier.
995
996Now then, will an ogre or a snake come out of it....
997<TLN: Idiom meaning you never know what will happen.>
998
999Ideally, I'd love it if it was [The mountains have brought forth a mouse]. <TLN: Much ado about nothing.>
1000I think world peace is the best after all.
1001
100215-4. An Ordinary Town
1003 
1004Satou's here. I like train in itself, but I only have bad memories of commuter trains. Having yourself jam-packed in it everyday, it feels like it even wears my mind. Surely, were crowded trains ceased to exist, wouldn't office workers' stress level decrease to 30%?
1005
1006
1007~
1008
1009
1010"Revolution, nanodesu!"
1011"UGGYAAAAAAA"
1012
1013Arisa is scrambling her purple hair while Pochi sharply points at her in front of her.
1014
1015"This is the cicada sound huge harvest nanodesu!" <TLN: She said ミンミンの五穀豊穣 read "Mimmin no Gokokuhoujou".>
1016
1017Pochi who's holding cards in one hand takes the shupin pose, but I don't know where to even begin to retort her mistakes.
1018Looks like Arisa is not good at playing Daifugou card game.
1019
1020"That should be 『Social upheaval of the poors』 so I correct." <TLN: This is the correct term, 貧民の下克上 read "Hinmin no Gekokujou".>
1021"As expected of Nana nanodesu! Pochi was also going to say that--it's true nanodesuyo?"
1022
1023Pochi commends on Nana's correction.
1024The last of her words had some hesitation in it so it must not be the truth.
1025
1026"Satou, are you going already?"
1027"Yeah, it looks like there's some movement at the emperor statue, I'll be going for a bit."
1028
1029Hikaru who noticed me carrying a weasel costume on my arm called out.
1030Apparently, Hikaru and the others are playing Concentration card game.
1031
1032"Her Highness is really strong."
1033"Since this game is just about memorizing things, it's simple."
1034"Oh Tina you cleaned the house."
1035"Yes, I might be stronger in card games, but I cannot win against Her Highness in Concentration."
1036
1037Hikaru is calling the princess using nickname. Zena-san is muttering alone, looks like she's trying to memorize the card positions.
1038Even Sera who's unparalleled in poker is weak in memorizing game like Concentration.
1039
1040"Tama, take care okay."
1041"Works hard for Pochi's share too nodesu."
1042"Aye aye sir~?"
1043
1044Once the beastkin girls finished their talk, I teleported to near the village from yesterday using Unit Arrangement, taking Tama along.
1045
1046
1047~
1048
1049
1050"Fumwu, so the letter was telling the truth.... Gathering impurity this fast, aren't there too many hot-blooded people in this village?"
1051
1052A weaselkin wearing official-like clothing who's watching over the exchange of the emperor statue mutters with his hand on his chin.
1053The ones who are doing the actual work are a man and a woman wearing magician-like clothes using force magic.
1054
1055"Hokku-sama, we've finished the fixture."
1056"The miasma rate of the emperor statue is normal for the period of its installation. It seems only the magic power that has been accumulated."
1057
1058It's probably because of the magic power leaked from our magic tools.
1059Those male and female magicians seem to be quite an analyst.
1060
1061"Fumu, Maiazuma paper is blue, and the Mana paper is purple, the maximum huh.... It's just as you guys' analysis. However, we've already come out of our way here. Let's take this back."
1062"You're right. I'd hate to end this in vain, and the military bunch would call the researchers salary thieves if they don't get to work once in a while."
1063
1064The magicians gave a tanzaku-sized litmus paper-like thing to the official.
1065Apparently, that's a tool to measure magic power and miasma levels.
1066
1067Putting the magic power aside, I'd like to know the way to measure miasma.
1068
1069I'll look for some researchers they mentioned and see if any of them is selling the thing in the back channel.
1070It looks like an expendable after all, I think I can buy it normally from a merchant if that's being produced outside the research institute.
1071
1072
1073~
1074
1075
1076"Ticket for Magyuba is 30 swen for one, 20 swen for a child."
1077"Tickets for two please."
1078
1079I purchase the smoke car tickets from the conductor of a temporary station.
1080Swen is the currency used in Weasel Empire, one blue copper coin is one swen.
1081
1082Come to think of it, this might be the first country that has a name for its currency.
1083It might be translated to like '●● copper coins' by language skill because it's called the same.
1084I don't mind this since memorizing them would be a pain, but it does make the sense of exoticness decrease.
1085
1086"Yes, thank you. If you're going from Magyuba city to your next destination, please buy the ticket from the ticket box or the conductor of the next train there."
1087
1088The weaselkin conductor told me so while giving the tickets.
1089It seems to be a fairly placid system.
1090
1091I thank the conductor and then go toward the smoke car with Tama.
1092
1093"Second class citizens can only ride on the general car, so don't make a mistake and enter the noble car that's immediately behind the smoke car."
1094"Yea, understood."
1095
1096Assenting the conductor's warning, we board the general car.
1097Looks like this one is of unreserved seats. Villagers from the nearby villages heading to Magyuba town to peddle things are carrying huge luggages on their backs.
1098
1099"There~"
1100"Quietly."
1101"Aye."
1102
1103The officials carrying the emperor statue had finally arrived, we got here first since we used teleport magic.
1104The whistle signaling departure echoed the moment they got on board, apparently it was waiting for them.
1105
1106It might be more efficient to just track them, wait for them to arrive at Magyuba City and then teleport there afterward, but for the sake of later on, I confirmed whether the forged citizenship ID could be used to buy tickets here.
1107
1108There was not even a simple ID check at this station, so I'm planning to confirm it once we arrive at Magyuba city.
1109
1110"Gatan goton~, gatan goton~"
1111
1112Children really are fascinated by the unique rhythm of a train and the flowing scenery on the window.
1113Tama is rooted on the window since awhile ago.
1114
1115"We will be entering a tunnel soon. Everyone, please close your window."
1116
1117The conductor showed himself from the window in car ahead and shouted.
1118The other passengers begin to close their windows.
1119
1120Window?--Is it because the vibrating sound is noisy?
1121
1122"You folks, it's tunnel soon, close yer' windows."
1123
1124When I was racking my brain to think of the reason, the ratkin aunty who was sitting next to us bent her body and closed our window.
1125All the windows here are fitted with glass.
1126
1127"Yer faces would become pitch black from the soot if you don't close the window in a tunnel."
1128"Is that so, thank you very much."
1129"It's alriight, if one's open, everyone's face will become pitch black y'see."
1130
1131The aunty's anger dissipated once she knew that I was a beginner of smoke car.
1132Apparently, everyone does the same at first.
1133
1134"Mountain~? There's a hole on it~"
1135"That's called a tunnel."
1136
1137Tama who's sticking her cheeks on the closed window says so while desperately looking at the front.
1138Don't put too much strength into it since the glass will break okay?
1139
1140I secretly put force magic [Enchant Physical Protection] on the window.
1141
1142"Pitch black~"
1143
1144Looks like there's no illumination inside the tunnel.
1145The car in the front probably has headlights.
1146
1147The wall of the tunnel isn't made of stone from earth magic's petrification, but from concrete-like thing.
1148
1149"Did ya know? This tunnel is--"
1150
1151According to the knowledgeable aunty, the tunnel itself was made by 100 earth magicians of the empire in one go.
1152Looks like they don't overemphasize the use of science, they do use magic when it's convenient, kind of hybrid.
1153
1154To capitalize on the unexpected source of information, I offered some baked sweets made by Lulu to stimulate the aunty, thus I got to hear various things about the remote regions of the Weasel Empire.
1155
1156
1157~
1158
1159
1160"We will be arriving~ at Magyuba City Station~ We will be arriving at~ Magyuba City Station. We will be arriving at Platform 3 of Magyuba City Station. As Platform 2 is for train arriving from Gajuma City, please be careful not to mistake the platform."
1161
1162The conductor who appeared from the car ahead informed the train arrival at the city with a peculiar tone.
1163After passing through two unmanned stations along the way, we arrived at the city after an hour.
1164Distribution of goods should be considerably quick with this.
1165
1166"Town~?"
1167"It's in sight huh."
1168
1169After passing through a forest, we could see Magyuba City surrounded by a tall white wall.
1170The smoke car sounds its steam whistle twice to announce its arrival to the city.
1171
1172"""KYUPOO"""
1173
1174Tama and the surrounding children imitated the sound of the steam whistle.
1175Due to the noisy sound of the smoke car, there doesn't seem to be any adult who's annoyed by the children.
1176
1177The smoke car heads toward Magyuba City while slowly turning to the left.
1178Thanks to that, I can see the state of the city.
1179
1180Looks like there's an exclusive gate for smoke cars.
1181
1182"Gaate Oopen~?"
1183
1184The metal lattice rolls up, and then the massive door inside it opens to the side.
1185There's a lot of beastkin children watching the smoke car from atop the gate even while getting their fur black.
1186
1187The smoke car is advancing slowly in the city and then it enters a traditional station.
1188
1189The station looks like a downscaled version of the old tokyo station, it's more magnificent than I thought.
1190
1191
1192~
1193
1194
1195"Crowd crowd~?"
1196"It's somewhat crowded isn't it."
1197
1198We were met with crowds after getting through the ticket gate.
1199The crowds reminds me of the nostalgic rush hour.
1200
1201We walk in the crowd while hearing voice of boys and girls selling their goods.
1202
1203Among them is--.
1204
1205"Newspaper~ This week's newspaper~"
1206
1207--Someone selling newspapers.
1208
1209I think 5 swen for a thin four page newspaper is a bit too expensive, but it doesn't seem like he's overcharging.
1210
1211"....It really uses printing."
1212
1213You're challenging them too much, Weasel Emperor.
1214Good grief, just how is all this not violating the God's taboo.
1215
1216The content of the newspaper is mostly about the troop deployment at Makiwa Kingdom.
1217There's even an article of an interview with the special inspector Usan of Scientific Vehicle unit.
1218
1219According to the articles, Makiwa Kingdom invaded Weasel Empire's remote region without warning, so this was a retribution war against Makiwa Kingdom that had done all kinds of atrocities.
1220
1221These are fabricated news without a doubt.
1222Makiwa Kingdom has no national nor military power to cross through the monster dominion overflowed with many high level monsters.
1223It's impossible even for the four lords with the special elemental wands unless they resort to terrorism.
1224
1225We have reduced the monsters in that dominion quite a bit, but we didn't completely wipe them out as there are those that act as deterrent on the circumference.
1226In one or two years, they should increase enough to stop military campaigns from happening.
1227Preparing for war should take time, and since they're aware that their army have been defeated by the dragon knights in one-sided battles, they will probably hesitate to march.
1228
1229"Found it~"
1230
1231Tama pulled my sleeve, I raise my face from the newspaper.
1232The officials came out of the station on a state car. The state car is a convertible type with thin wheels like the one you see in a film about the dawn of car.
1233
1234Pursuing them by running would attract attention, so we went ahead of them by teleporting to their destination that I guessed, the government office at the center of the city.
1235I can just move to the right place if I got it wrong.
1236
1237"Good view~"
1238"It is."
1239
1240The center of this city is on a slightly elevated ground, so you can see the city well from here.
1241Searching the map for a bit, there are seven temples in the back street, and there are only priests who can't use holy magic in the temples.
1242
1243There's no priest who can use holy magic in the territory, not even one.
1244Of course, there's also no ordinary people with holy magic gift and skill. They were probably forcefully deported to the parishes.
1245
1246Instead, there are several hospitals in the main street, they're packed with magicians who can use healing magic from earth magic, water magic and such.
1247Unlike in other places where orphanages are often found besides temples, there are only public orphanages here.
1248
1249It seems that the emperor intends to make the citizens perceive that temples are unnecessary over time.
1250
1251"Unifoorm~?"
1252
1253Tama curiously moves her sight at a street while her ears are twitching.
1254There are children wearing school uniform-like uniforms roaming that street.
1255According to AR reading, it appears they're students of empire state childhood schools.
1256
1257Looking at the map, this city has more school buildings than Shiga Kingdom's Capital.
1258Since the number is still too few compared to the population, it doesn't seem to be a compulsory education, but it feels like they're increasing the foundation little by little in order to support science and technology.
1259
1260"Here come~"
1261
1262Tama pulls my sleeve.
1263Looks like the car the officials ride on has arrived at the government building.
1264
1265"Now then, let's go."
1266"Aye!"
1267
1268Tama transforms into her pink ninja costume with a white smoke.
1269Un, she looks like quite a ninja.
1270
127115-5. An Ordinary Town (2)
1272 
1273Satou's here. When someone is insisting that they're extremely normal, it makes me doubt that they're hiding something abnormal. Even though I know that I'm only jumping at shadows, I still end up looking for it.
1274
1275
1276~
1277
1278
1279"Fatty mouse~?"
1280"Wonder what's that? It looks like a capybara."
1281
1282In a room we found in the middle of the way as we chased the officials who went to the basement, we saw babies of capybara-like animals with plasters and people in white robes.
1283I think they're beastkin but since they're wearing big masks and visor-like sunglasses, I'm not really sure.
1284When I look closer, I see that there are red crystals which look similar to fragments of magic cores on the plasters.
1285
1286The capybaras that have been plastered are sent to the next room through a slippery slope.
1287
1288"Confiscateed?"
1289"Looks like it's a bit different."
1290
1291I carry Tama under my arm and peek at the next room.
1292There's a bath tub filled with entrails and pieces of meat in the room, and the plastered capybara-like animals from earlier are greedily munching on them.
1293
1294Are they some kind of lab animals?
1295
1296Men wearing the same clothes as the men from the next room are sprinkling white powder using ladles on the entrails.
1297They're doing it roughly, yet the capybara-like animals are not minding it as they're busy with the entrails.
1298
1299"Tch, ran out of powder."
1300"We're out of stock too, make more of them."
1301"What a bother."
1302
1303A man carrying a ladle goes to one part of the room while cursing.
1304
1305--That's?!
1306
1307The pill the man took out from a bottle are shown as [Reborn Seeds] on the AR.
1308It's the same medicine which transformed the creatures in Shiga Kingdom's Royal Capital's sewer into red-rope monsters.
1309
1310Perhaps, this is the secret factory which produces the red-rope monsters?
1311
1312"Master, here too~?"
1313
1314Tama who had slipped out of my binding before I knew it is beckoning me in front of a room next to this.
1315
1316"Those peculiar vines, are they Hopping Potatoes?"
1317"Of cour~se."
1318
1319Tama nods.
1320
1321Those are monsters that are hunted by rookie explorers and baggage carriers in the Labyrinth City Selbira to raise money.
1322They're one of the pillars supporting the low earners' food bill in the Labyrinth City.
1323
1324Perhaps this place is....
1325
1326Supporting my guess, the next room have [<<Walking Beans>>] and [Dancing Corns] being raised.
1327
1328The true nature of the cheap military provisions I saw in the village--or rather, these must be the raw materials.
1329That means the capybara-like animals earlier are the origin of the dried meat huh....
1330
1331
1332~
1333
1334
1335"Welcome back, civil official Hokku."
1336"We've returned. Head Researcher-dono."
1337
1338We almost forgot about our purpose, but we arrived at the place right on time using Ground Shrink.
1339The official from before gave the emperor statue and the litmus paper thing to a weaselkin wearing showy clothes in the innermost room.
1340There are also several other male and female researchers here.
1341
1342"The miasma is less than ideal but the magic power is slightly over capacity is it...."
1343"With this we don't need additional supply of magic power from the city even if the Consul complains."
1344
1345By city magic power, he must mean the magic power from the Source that can be gotten through the City Core.
1346
1347"Didn't you say that the you were low on miasma before?"
1348"Not anymore, thanks to the rookie from Hokku-dono division."
1349"The one from the imperial university?"
1350
1351The official frowns, not understanding the researchers' explanation.
1352
1353"He seems to be upset for getting demoted from the imperial university to here, he's been spewing venom in many places."
1354"Entrusting that kind of guy to distribute food, I pity the slum people."
1355"The miasma collected in the emperor statue installed in the slum is three times the last month's amount."
1356
1357The researchers told the reason while laughing unpleasantly.
1358When the official told them, "Correct the rookie's attitude", they laughed again.
1359
1360"We originally take care of them by giving them food so they won't die of starvation in order to collect the miasma from their fatigue and envy anyway, isn't it fine."
1361"Tha-that's true but...."
1362
1363They're probably using the miasma to produce the pill and raise the monsters.
1364
1365Still, even if it's efficient, it's terrible for the slum people who have to endure getting abused unilaterally. I can't help but sympathize.
1366
1367"It's not like there's a rebellion or rise in crime rate, so it should be fine as is."
1368"The production amount is increasing and the knights-sama who have come from the central in an official trip are also leveling up smoothly, all is good."
1369
1370Don't tell me they're power leveling by defeating the monsters they're cultivating themselves?
1371I don't have the right to fault them since I'm doing the same thing in the labyrinth's underground, but unless this city is a special case, the whole Weasel Empire must be raising high level people systematically as such.
1372No wonder that they're able to rear more than 100 level 50-class Temple Knights.
1373
1374
1375~
1376
1377
1378"Here we go, Knight-sama."
1379"Umu, I'll be trying my new sword."
1380
1381A cage in the inner part of the room is opened, and then five Log Rats as big as wild boars jump out of it.
1382A weaselkin knight produces magic edge on the great sword he's holding, waiting in the center of the room.
1383
1384Even though the magic power is leaking, the magic edge itself is stable, he's excellent for a level 30 knight.
1385
1386However, it's clearly too excessive against level 7 rats, he cuts three rats in one swing of the great sword.
1387The remaining two rats were going to escape from the room, but the knight rushed at blinking speed and skewered them.
1388
1389"Fumu, thanks to the magic edge device, there's not even a nick on the blade even after cutting the fat bones of the Log Rats."
1390
1391Hohouo, so that great sword is a magic sword equipped with a device to generate magic edge huh.
1392I think there are more efficient magic circuits if you're going to put that magic device into it, but I'm not going to criticize someone else's plan.
1393
1394"Then, should we take out the next rats?"
1395"Umu, let them come!"
1396
1397We've seen enough, so I leave that place with Tama.
1398There should be nothing else to be seen here.
1399
1400
1401~
1402
1403
1404"Master, scream~?"
1405
1406Tama muttered while pointing at a vent.
1407According to the map there's another floor below and the vent is connected to there.
1408
1409--There's a prison below huh.
1410
1411According to the map, there are numerous isolation cells with people with serious crime inside, there are also a lot of people with mental disorder and zero HP and stamina.
1412
1413I have a bad feeling about this somehow.
1414I'd like to return without seeing it if possible, but I'd hate it if I felt hazy once I did that.
1415
1416"Private Tama, go back to the surface first and secure the route."
1417"Aye!"
1418
1419Tama followed my order with a shupin pose, and so I went to the cellar alone.
1420
1421
1422~
1423
1424
1425"Help me help me help me help me help me--"
1426"Don't eat me, no don't! Stop it stop stop it--"
1427
1428Among the scratching and grinding sounds, screams and shouts like they're from madmen are reverberating in the cellar.
1429It seems this dungeon has been sound proofed with magic.
1430
1431--Rather than prison, I guess this is more like a torture chamber?
1432
1433I go to the room in the back where some people who seem to be the guards are.
1434
1435A man suspended in the air hanging from the ceiling and two jailers are there, there's a transparent wall between the two parties.
1436There's the usual emperor statue put inside the room where the man is.
1437
1438"--St-stop it already."
1439"Of course I won't rite'? Did you stop when the 29 women you killed asked you to stop? You didn't rite'?"
1440
1441The jailer who cut off the criminal's appeal lowers a lever on the wall.
1442The man who's suspended in the air hanging from the ceiling gets lowered and then the capybara-like animals below start munching on his feet.
1443Screams are echoing in the dungeon, the other criminals locked in their isolation cells begin to voice their resentments.
1444
1445Apparently, they're using this place to carry out punishments and collect miasma.
1446
1447"Geez, this is disgusting."
1448"Don't say that, the emperor decreed to instill 『Don't want to go into prison ever again』 and 『Not worth the crimes』 into the prisoners rite'?"
1449"Even if it's a national law, disgusting thing is disgusting."
1450
1451I totally agree.
1452
1453"Wish my transfer request gets accepted quickly."
1454"Thatsso? Executing justice on the bad guys, this is the best workplace for me though~"
1455
1456Unlike the man who looks like he's going to get sick from the stress, the jailer who's been rhythmically operating the lever looks cheerful without a hint of stress.
1457
1458It feels like I'll get mentally ill if I remain here any longer, so I teleport back to the top of the spire where Tama is waiting.
1459
1460
1461~
1462
1463
1464"The way they're doing things is similar to Master if we exclude the science and humanity parts isn't it."
1465
1466Once we got back to the solitary island palace, I told everyone the things we saw in the Weasel Empire's city, and then Arisa said that.
1467
1468"Arisa, what do you think you're doing likening the weasels to Master! We're talking about weasels here, they must be plotting something."
1469
1470Liza who hates weasels openly shows her discontent.
1471
1472"However, their rationality is very like the weasels. You'd normally hesitate to do many things even if you knew they were efficient."
1473
1474Hikaru seemed like she agreed with several things about the weasels even though she sounded disgusted with them.
1475As a former king, perhaps she thinks that the way they're preventing the people from starvation is acceptable.
1476
1477"Creating monsters by their own hands.... Such an immoral act as if they've sided with the Demon God."
1478"Maybe there's a demon lord lurking in the shadow of Weasel Empire?"
1479
1480Sera and Zena find the fact that they're creating monsters deplorable.
1481
1482"Satou, perhaps that emperor statue can be used to control monster outbreak if we put it in a monster dominion?"
1483"Master, I support the princess's suggestion, so I inform."
1484"Nn, possible."
1485
1486Nana and Mia agreed with the princess.
1487It's certainly possible.
1488
1489The problems are the way to replace the emperor statue and to purify the accumulated miasma.
1490I'll investigate the manufacturing process of the emperor statue when I visit the imperial capital.
1491
1492Also, Tama and Pochi who had been quiet were embarking in the journey to the dreamland with Lady Karina in the sunny living room.
1493
1494
1495~
1496
1497
1498"Amazing desuwa!"
1499"Fast nodesu! Truly really torebiaan nanodesu."
1500"Of cour~se?"
1501
1502Behind Lady Karina and Pochi who are sticking their faces on the Smoke Car's window, Tama is nodding while looking slightly triumphant.
1503
1504The next day after the meeting, we're enjoying the train trip from Magyuba City to Mogeiba City.
1505Hikaru and the princess are staying in the solitary island palace to accompany Sera who has expressed her non-participation since she was feeling hurt from to the persecution of the temples and the matter with monster creation.
1506Zena-san was also going to stay but Pochi and Tama pulled her hands, and she ended up coming.
1507
1508I'm planning to enjoy things later with the three who stayed.
1509
1510Further, since Liza didn't like the weasel costume, everyone is wearing ratkin character costumes.
1511
1512"""Ensha~, ensha~""?"
1513"""Kyupopo, kyupopo, kyupopo"", nanodesu!"
1514"""Ensha, ensha, fast~"""
1515
1516Matching the [March of Smoke Car] music which Mia made impromptu, the youth troupe and the children riding on the Smoke Car are singing in a chorus happily.
1517It seems the children like it since the song only has simple lyric that's easy to remember and match with the rhythm along with the repeating simple melody.
1518
1519They'd be told off, "Shut up" if this were in Japan, but since there are minstrels going around asking money in every train here, there's no problem.
1520
1521"Station~?"
1522"It's a small station nanodesu."
1523
1524The Smoke Car lowers its speed and then stops at a small station in a village along the way.
1525
1526"Something smells good."
1527"It smells like a stew perhaps?"
1528"Vendor."
1529
1530Lulu reacted to Liza's remark, Mia pointed at the vendors rushing from the crowd.
1531Looks like they're selling boxed lunch.
1532
1533"It's tasty and cheap, a set of provisional soup and stick roll, only for five swe~n."
1534"How 'bout a bento of boar meat and roasted pork? Only for 20 swen!"
1535"Would you like fatty bear stew~ It's 30 swen!"
1536
1537They're quite expensive if we consider the ticket's price, but it seems the people riding on the Smoke Car are relatively well off, they're selling like hot cakes.
1538
1539The stick roll in the provisional bento is a dish similar to the stick roll I ate in Kansai.
1540It's a dish where thin okonomiyaki made from corn instead of wheat is wrapped on a stick.
1541
1542"Liza, purchase slightly more than for our shares."
1543"Understood. Tama, Pochi, let's go."
1544"Knowledged~?"
1545"Understood nanodesu."
1546
1547Liza who consented with a sharp face goes to the bento sellers followed by Tama and Pochi.
1548The bento sellers who lose to Liza's intensity look slightly timid.
1549
1550"Boar meat~?"
1551"Hard to leave the fatty bear meat behind too nodesu."
1552"You two, there's no time to be indecisive. Just like the stations we came across before, we should be only stopping for a short while here."
1553"Oh no~"
1554"Hurry nodesu!"
1555
1556Looks like the beastkin girls have quickly gotten used to the Smoke Car trip.
1557
1558
1559~
1560
1561
1562We enjoyed the Smoke Car trip as such and arrived at Mogeiba City.
1563Further, since the lunch boxes besides the cheap provisional bento were all delicious, I'm thinking of recreating them with Lulu once we get back to the solitary island palace.
1564
1565"It's strangely crowded isn't it."
1566"Master, it's like the marketplace in the Duchy Capital downtown."
1567
1568Arisa and Lulu are surprised with the crowd in the station building.
1569It's understandable. The crowd is at least three times bigger than the one in Magyuba City when we departed.
1570
1571"It's somehow like Haneda aand Kansai airports before a superstar arrive isn't it."
1572
1573Arisa expressed her impression.
1574Shouldn't it be Narita for international airlines?
1575
1576The part where the crowd paid attention to the noble car and  showed disappointment as they checked the last person who got off is also similar.
1577
1578"It's not this Smoke Car huh...."
1579"Like I said. The one Temple Knight-sama is riding on should be coming from the direction of the Imperial Capital Tegaeba."
1580
1581Judging from the conversation I heard from the crowd, it appears some Temple Knights will be coming from the Imperial Capital.
1582
1583"They exterminated a Hydra when they came before, I wonder what are they hunting this time?"
1584"There's no news about strong monster recently, maybe the mayor invited them to make a triumphal return to their homeland?"
1585
1586For the time being, all is good as long as they're not coming to fight us.
1587
1588"Satou-san, looks like we should get off soon."
1589"Thank you, Zena-san."
1590
1591Since they've announced the permission to disembark, we also get down along with the other passengers.
1592
1593"Here it comes! It's the Smoke Car from Tegaeba city!"
1594
1595The crowd who heard the whistle sound shook off the station attendants and rushed to the platform.
1596Since it's dangerous, we wait a bit until the panic settles down a bit.
1597
1598After a while, a Smoke Car joined with a luxurious noble car arrived at the next platform.
1599
1600"""WELCOME BACK! STAR OF MOGEIBA!"""
1601"""LONG LIVE LIEDILL-SAMA"""
1602
1603The crowd are cheering while waving.
1604They somehow look similar to the people from the first half of Showa era.
1605
1606"Thank you for welcoming us!"
1607
1608A weaselkin knight carrying a great sword shouted so at the crowd and stepped aside.
1609
1610"I am not really fond of such a welcome...."
1611"Liedill-sama, please understand that this is also a job for the Temple Knights."
1612
1613I heard such conversations with Attentive Ears skill.
1614
1615The one who appeared was not a weaselkin.
1616It's a young longear (Booch) kin woman with emerald eyes and straight blond hair befitting of the expression "white peach".
1617She's a level 57 knight, and possesses Flickering Movement, Dual Wielding and similar skills, she also has Wind Magic skill.
1618
1619"....She's like someone's imitation huh."
1620
1621Arisa muttered alone. Just like me, it seems she reminds Arisa of a heroine of a famous fantasy work where the setting is on a cursed island.
1622It's probably due to the long ears peculiar to the longear (Booch)kin she has and her straight blond hair.
1623
1624The guards who entered the station creates a passage in the crowd, and then Lady Liedill walks in it with a sharp face while leading the weasel knights escort and echoing the clink-clank sounds of her armor.
1625
1626"She might be more suited to fantasy than the forest girl."
1627
1628I drop a fist on Arisa who naturally dissed the female knight and wait the line to pass with the girls.
1629Just as the she passed on the passage in front of us, her equipment showed up on my AR reading.
1630As I was reading it, my eyes met Lady Liedill's.
1631
1632"Li-Liedill-sama."
1633
1634Lady Liedill walks toward here with her line of sight fixed at here.
1635She's not minding her escort knights' bewilderment.
1636
1637"--You, you're not an ordinary person right?"
1638
1639Contrary to her cool voice, Lady Liedill's eyes are lit with dangerous light.
1640
164115-6. Temple Knights
1642 
1643Satou's here. Going out of fashion is a cruel thing in the society. The end-of-century type of story that took the world by storm in my school era has become a thing of the past now. I guess the only one that I still see today is the story about a supreme ruler in the post war end-of-century world?
1644
1645
1646~
1647
1648"--Are you pretending to not hear me?"
1649
1650The longearkin (Booch) temple knight whom we meet at the end of our Smoke Car trip, Lady Liedill is glaring here with challenging eyes.
1651
1652"Then, I'll say it again--You, you're not an ordinary person right?"
1653
1654While watching her face from the side, I look at the people around.
1655
1656The level 30 knights who are following her are prepared to cover her anytime even while looking perplexed, the other guards and followers are dumbfounded by the sudden turn of event.
1657
1658"A-are you talking to me?"
1659"Feigning ignorance is futile. You cannot elude my Dragon Eyes even if you slip into the crowd."
1660
1661Lady Liedill points her finger at the bewildered Lady Karina triumphantly.
1662An inexplicable atmosphere drift from the other girls besides Lady Karina.
1663There's no one who can break this atmosphere since Arisa and Mia have quickly blocked Tama's and Pochi's mouths.
1664
1665"Looks like you're wearing some excellent recognition inhibition items that prevent appraisal. However, that's useless. My Dragon Eyes can precisely capture the sign of strong people."
1666
1667To explain her own skill like that, what a kind girl.
1668
1669I don't know on what basis that Dragon Eyes thingy judges someone as strong.
1670If we're only talking about outward appearance, Liza has been looking strong ever since we came out of Seryuu City's labyrinth, while the youth troupe, beginning with Tama and Pochi, don't look strong at all since the start.
1671
1672Moreover, besides Pochi and Arisa who are equipped with [Thief God Harness], everyone is wearing the highest class of recognition inhibition magic tools, so Lady Karina and the other girls' situation are about the same.
1673
1674All the members who are present here have acquired [Magic Power Operation], except Lady Karina, so perhaps Lady Liedill sensed it from the magic power leaking from her body?
1675
1676Further, I think the reason why Lady Karina hasn't been able to learn [Magic Power Operation] is because Raka is just too convenient.
1677
1678It's only been several seconds, but it's about time for me to save her.
1679
1680"Shouldn't Temple Knight-sama know the true identity of this person already?"
1681
1682With the help of Deception skill, I tried to befuddle Lady Liedill.
1683
1684"True identity?!"
1685"Liedill-sama--"
1686
1687Lady Liedill only frowned in puzzlement, but it seemed one of the escort knights hit an answer as he run up to her and whispered on her ear.
1688
1689"--The crown prince faction?!"
1690
1691Looks like they've interpreted my suggestive words as [crown Prince Faction].
1692They call him "crown Prince" even though he's the emperor's younger brother? Or so I thought, but the weasel merchant also referred to him as "His Majesty" instead of "His Highness".
1693
1694Judging from the atmosphere, it seems there's a huge gulf between the emperor and the crown prince.
1695
1696"What are the the crown prince faction doing in such a remote region?! Don't tell me the 『Bud of Calamity』 is--"
1697
1698Hey hey, don't murmur all these dangerous words.
1699I've already had more than enough fill of such buds of calamity!
1700
1701"Agaiiiin."
1702"Mwu"
1703
1704Look now, you even made Arisa and Mia exchanged tired looks....
1705They're of rat and rabbit costumes' faces though.
1706
1707"Well now, I don't know what is this crown prince faction you're talking about. We were just having a fun journey using the smoke car. Being fussed over by the important people of the empire like this is troubling."
1708
1709After I said that, Lady Liedill scowls at me with a face that looks like it's saying "Gununu."
1710
1711"Fine then--"
1712
1713Lady Liedill catches the nape of my neck and continues speaking with her face close enough for us to kiss.
1714Since it's across the ratkin costume, the impregnable fortress pair, Arisa and Mia are lenient about it.
1715
1716"--We cannot clash against the crown prince faction in front of the populace. However, the next time you show yourselves before us, I'll make you bathe in blood with this Blue Rose and Red Lily bestowed by His Majesty Emperor."
1717"Yes, we will bear it in mind."
1718
1719I boldly smiled at Lady Liedill who threatened me in whisper.
1720After a bit, Lady Liedill thrusts me away.
1721
1722Receiving Lady Liedill's anger, the stone floor of the station building is stamped by her soleprints.
1723Looks like it'll become a new tourist attraction--while thinking like that, we teleport away after slipping into the crowd.
1724
1725
1726~
1727
1728
1729"Satou-san, are we going to continue the tour?"
1730"Yes, it'll be fine if we just change our attires."
1731
1732The [Bud of Calamity] uttered by Lady Liedill intrigued me, but I don't want to end this long-awaited vacation like this.
1733
1734Further, later I'm planning to give a one-to-one special lecture to Lady Karina, the impetus of that accident.
1735
1736"Gao~?"
1737"It's tiger nanodesu!"
1738
1739Tama and Pochi who have changed into tiger costumes that look like it'll be popular in Osaka are taking poses with their hands up in the air.
1740
1741After the two were done, Zena-san went to change.
1742Since Mia is also wearing the tiger costume, this time I'm the only one who's different with a gray-colored ratkin costume.
1743
1744"Stripes stripes."
1745
1746It looks like Mia who likes stripped pattern likes the costume next to the rabbit one.
1747They say that white and green stripes are good, but since there's no tiger with such stripes even in another world, I gave up.
1748
1749
1750~
1751
1752
1753"This is the land of dream desuwa!"
1754"It's a really wonderful place isn't it."
1755
1756Lady Karina and Lulu talk dreamily.
1757
1758We're currently going around the attractions in the amusement park of Mogeiba City.
1759The line in every attraction was great but since the park has a fast pass function similar to the land of a certain mouse, we've been going around, enjoying them at shortened time with the power of money.
1760
1761As a note, I had sold some diamonds and jewels for the needed money (swen).
1762Of course they're natural products from the labyrinth.
1763
1764"One more~?"
1765"Master, Free Fall next would be good, so I propose."
1766"You two should go by yourselves next."
1767
1768I bluntly declined the appeal of Tama and Nana who had become addicted to shriek-inducing attractions, but--.
1769
1770"We can't~?"
1771"Master, can't we got together, so I ask."
1772
1773I can't possibly leave the two who implored while looking like abandoned cats.
1774
1775"Then, this will be the last time okay?"
1776"Aye!"
1777"Let's go quickly, so I urge Master."
1778
1779With my hands pulled by Tama and Nana, we went toward the Free Fall queue.
1780
1781"Pochi and the others aren't going?"
1782"Pochi is already satisfied nanodesu."
1783"M-me too, I've had enough of scary things desuwa."
1784
1785I was trying to increase my companion but, not just Pochi and Lady Karina, it seems everyone has had enough of shriek-inducing attractions.
1786
1787--Afterward, I was finally released after accompanying them for seven more times.
1788
1789"Satou-san, we found something interesting!"
1790"Master, it's called house of mirrors."
1791
1792Zena-san and Lulu who were resting at the bench came inviting me.
1793The two hold my arms with unusual assertiveness and pull me to the house of mirrors.
1794
1795I somehow feels like a suspect taken by police.
1796
1797"Please look, tiger-san is everywhere no matter where you look at."
1798
1799Lulu said to me happily.
1800
1801If I had to say, I'd rather see Lulu's true appearance multiplied infinitely in the house of mirrors.
1802
1803"Satou-san, please look up! The top is reflecting too."
1804
1805I look up per Zena-san's words, our whole bodies are reflected on the top from sideway too, I don't know how it works.
1806I don't think it's good to have the image of underwear shown in public like this, though I don't really care since we're in animal costumes.
1807
1808Arisa and Mia were waiting outside the house of mirrors.
1809
1810"Master, let's go to the haunted house."
1811"Nn, horror."
1812
1813I went into the haunted house with the impregnable pair whose ulterior motives were in plain sight, but it wasn't that scary.
1814If anything, I feel that there were a lot of jack-in-the-box type of surprises.
1815
1816"U~n, cultural difference sure is cruel."
1817"Complicated."
1818
1819An attraction that requires an explanation for 'where is the scary part' is not good.
1820Just Arisa's said, it's probably due to the cultural difference.
1821
1822"Karina, let's spin and spin around more nodesuyo!"
1823"Yes, I won't lose!"
1824
1825I rode on a questionable playground equipment that looked like both coffee cups and spinning attractions with Pochi and Lady Karina, and then I'm riding a swan boat that goes around a pond with Liza in the end.
1826
1827"This is quite difficult."
1828"There's no vehicle that operates by pedals in Shiga Kingdom after all."
1829
1830Liza pushes the pedal with serious expression on her face.
1831And then, the water wheel behind the swan's wings begins to rotate and the boat advances forward.
1832
1833"Liza, stop pedaling. The wind feels nice."
1834"Yes, it's very refreshing."
1835
1836Letting the boat advances by itself, I stretch myself on the boat's seat.
1837Urged by me, Liza also relaxedly let her body rest on the boat's seat.
1838
1839"Even though we've played with boats in the solitary island palace, some things feel different with a boat in a pond don't you think."
1840"Yes, Master. It somehow feels very relaxing."
1841
1842I think that's because I'm with the calm Liza.
1843
1844
1845~
1846
1847
1848That healing time with Liza didn't continue for long.
1849
1850"--Noooo"
1851
1852Attentive Ears skill picked up mosquito-like small scream.
1853
1854"Liza, I'm sorry but please take care of the boat."
1855
1856After telling that, I moved to where the scream was with short-range teleport without waiting for Liza's answer.
1857
1858"It should be around here."
1859
1860It seems the opposite side of the amusement park is a slum.
1861
1862People wearing poor clothes are sitting on the sides of the dirty road, muttering something with vacant eyes.
1863Simply looking at them is suffering.
1864
1865"Don't come hereeeeee!"
1866
1867--That way!
1868
1869I move to where the voice is with Ground Shrink.
1870It should be nearby.
1871
1872Light footsteps of a child--above huh!
1873
1874A girl is falling down from an apartment-like building just when I look up.
1875If this were a Soft Inc. anime, this would have been the scene to start a two-hour movie.
1876
1877I extend [Magic Hand] to catch the girl.
1878Her bones would be broken if I caught her normally.
1879
1880She's around 7-8 year old. Roughly first or second year of primary school.
1881She has bunny ears and a round tail.
1882
1883She's probably a bunnyear-kin unless she's wearing a bunny ears accessory.
1884
1885"Cross Sword!"
1886
1887I could hear a cool shout from the top of the apartment.
1888I might have been charmed by the voice if it wasn't the Command Word for a technique.
1889
1890I block the down-pouring red light slashes with [<<Flexible Shield>>] I picked from the Magic Column.
1891It's considerably weaker compared to Liza's Magic Edge Cannon.
1892
1893The two slashes seemed to be a rapid-fire type of technique.
1894
1895The after waves cut the apartments on the left and right, the slum populace scream.
1896Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be any casualty.
1897
1898"Killing Steel Brandish!"
1899
1900The shadow who was jumping from the rooftop let out two light blades which tore the road.
1901A radial crack runs on the ground, the broken asphalt are flying in the air.
1902
1903Two swords are clad with red light on the other side of the dust cloud.
1904
1905The assailant jumped along with the scattered asphalt pieces.
1906Judging from the speed, it must be Flickering Movement skill.
1907
1908It seems the assailant is wearing a dark brown overcoat with recognition inhibition function, although it's meaningless to me.
1909
1910"Grass Star Tearing Slash!"
1911
1912The two swords emitting red light assault us from both sides.
1913
1914I repel the assailant's dual swords with the magic armor I produced on my right arm.
1915I can't use my left arm since it's holding the child.
1916
1917Red sparks are scattered every time the magic armor touches the swords.
1918
1919I haven't taken off the rat costume.
1920It's hard to fight unless I go for the win.
1921
1922I produced magic edge on the costume's claw to try destroying the assailant's swords.
1923The assailant who sensed that took a distance away from me.
1924
1925Quite perceptive.
1926
1927The dark brown overcoat the other party was wearing fell down when they jumped.
1928
1929"Eluding all three of my secret arts--"
1930
1931The one standing on the other side of the dust cloud is the Temple Knight we met this afternoon, Lady Liedill.
1932
1933"You, even though the color is different, you were the ratkin who was beside the female ratkin this afternoon weren't you."
1934
1935--Her breath is rough.
1936
1937Looks like she's talking to buy the time needed to readjust her breath.
1938
1939"As I thought, the crown prince faction has set their sight on the 『Bud of Calamity』 too."
1940
1941I feel sorry for Lady Liedill who looks triumphant, but I came to save her because I heard a girl's scream by accident, I didn't have any intention to meddle in that kind of troublesome things.
1942
1943"What are you going to do to this girl?"
1944"Of course, I'm going to sever her life right here and now."
1945
1946The girl is surprised and shakes in my arm.
1947According to AR reading, her level is only 2. And she has three gifts, [Crisis Perception], [Oracle] and [Short-range Teleport]. She has no title.
1948
1949Summing up all the information I got in Weasel Empire so far, I think the [Oracle] skill is the main cause of someone getting called [Bud of Calamity].
1950
1951"Killing a young subject with my own hands is painful, but this too is for the sake of the empire's peace. It's necessary to cut off the future anxiety here."
1952"What can this child possibly do."
1953
1954I've got the rough idea already, but I'd like to hear something more concrete from this seemingly loose-tongued girl.
1955
1956"The very existence of that girl is a crime. Lament at the filthy peepers for the misfortune of having the skill carved onto you."
1957
1958My guess that the skill to channel god, [Oracle], being the problem seems to be right after all.
1959In a world where gods exist, is it alright for her to call them [Filthy Peepers], I'm slightly worried while thinking that it's none of my business.
1960
1961For now I understand that this girl is in danger as long as she has the [Oracle] skill.
1962
1963Lady Liedill fixes her posture, readying her dual swords.
1964Her appearance makes me want to take a picture of her.
1965
1966"--Karina, Kiiiiiiiiick!"
1967
1968A blue meteor coming down from an apartment rooftop created a crater in front of Lady Liedill.
1969
1970"You, from that time--Tigerkin?! What does this mean."
1971
1972Blue luminous points reflected on my Radar are lined up on top of an apartment.
1973Apparently, everyone besides Lady Karina has gathered.
1974
1975Everyone is shining blue light and with [Coercion] skill in full throttle.
1976
1977"I-impossible.... Such masters in such a countryside.... So the crown prince is really making use of the hero in Dejima Labyrinth to mass produce strong warriors!"
1978
1979--Mumu.
1980
1981I'm bothered by "Making use of the hero."
1982Rather than asking her the details, meeting the hero directly in Dejima Island seems faster.
1983
1984From our correspondence last time, it looks like he doesn't want Nanashi to visit them, so I probably should go as Satou.
1985
1986Leaving that aside, I have to close the curtain here soon--.
1987
1988"Withdraw from here."
1989
1990I urge Lady Liedill who's shaking in fear to escape.
1991
1992"A Te-Temple Knight does not reteat."
1993"Then, it can't be helped."
1994
1995I take out a magic sword clad with evil aura from my Storage and execute [Coercion] skill in full throttle.
1996Next, I turn on the [Grim Look] preset of the animal costume, transforming into something that will appear in your nightmare if you see it once while you're in [Fear] state.
1997
1998Lady Liedill screamed briefly, drew back several steps, tangled her legs and fell on her back.
1999Scary thing is scary even if you're level 57.
2000
2001Since the attack is worse than Wraith's and Lich's fear assaults, I guess it can't be helped.
2002
2003>[Bloodthirst Projection] Skill Acquired.
2004>Title [One who is Feared] Acquired.
2005>Title [The Great King of Dread] Acquired.
2006
2007For some reason, I got some strange skill and titles.
2008The Nostradamus great prophecy-like title slightly bothers me, but since it's not like anyone will see it anyway, it's all good.
2009
2010"Kuh, so this is it...."
2011
2012Arisa who heard Lady Liedill's muttering of resignation shouted, "If you're saying, 『Kuh』, the next line should've been 『Kill me!』, don't you understand!", but let's just ignore her.
2013
2014"Well then, farewell. I'll take responsibility of this girl and take her out of the empire."
2015
2016After telling that to Lady Liedill who was crying bitter tears, I moved to a safe house at a rural town in Oyugock Dukedom using Unit Arrangement.
2017Of course, I went with all of my companions, not just with the girl.
2018
2019
2020~
2021
2022
2023"U-um.... are you going to kill me?"
2024
2025That was the girl's first utterance once she had calmed down after I gave her a hot milk.
2026Since I've healed her bruises and traces of abuse, and let her take a bath, she looks refreshed compared to when she was in Mogeiba slum.
2027
2028"I will not. I will give you three options."
2029"Oftion?"
2030
2031Oops, I forgot that she's a child who doesn't understand difficult words.
2032
2033"Choose one among three, I mean."
2034"Un."
2035
2036Once I corrected myself to make it easier to understand, it seemed the girl comprehended too.
2037
2038"First, live in a temple as an oracle miko in Shiga Kingdom."
2039"Miko?"
2040"They're the people who are tasked to convey the words of gods to the populace, like this person here."
2041
2042I explained while showing the vision of the former head miko of Tenion Temple, currently a maid apprentice, Lily to her.
2043
2044"Prettyy."
2045
2046The girl stares at Lily's image with glittering eyes.
2047
2048"The second choice, concede the power of oracle to someone else and go back to your hometown."
2049
2050It's normally impossible, but if we use the Unique Skill of demon lord Shizuka, it's possible to transfer this girl's [Oracle] skill to someone else.
2051
2052"Consid?"
2053"I mean, giving up the oracle power."
2054"Un?"
2055
2056The girl tilts her head in puzzlement with complicated look.
2057
2058She doesn't seem to understand well.
2059
2060"The third choice, live in an orphanage in Shiga Kingdom, and once you've grown big enough, you either discard the oracle power and go back to your home town, or live as an oracle miko."
2061"I don't really understand."
2062
2063It's hard to explain things to a child.
2064
2065"Geez, this is hard to watch. Leave this to Arisa-chan."
2066
2067Arisa who appeared proudly with an jerked chin sits on my lap.
2068I tried to put her down since there was plenty of space left on the sofa, but she resisted more intensely than I thought.
2069
2070"You shouldn't fight okay?"
2071"It's not a fight. It's just a kind of endearment."
2072
2073Arisa replied back to the girl with a triumphant smile.
2074
2075"Now then, continuing from before. Going back home or having lots of meals, which one you want?"
2076"Meals!"
2077
2078The girl answered without any hesitation.
2079On the corner of my vision, I saw the beastkin girls nodded with serious expressions on their faces.
2080
2081"You can play with other children but you can only eat a little, or you can eat a lot of meals but you have to work, which one you want?"
2082"Meals, a lot!"
2083
2084It's an immediate answer too this time.
2085
2086"You heard that. It seems this child wants to become an apprentice at Lily's place in Duchy Capital."
2087
2088I felt awkward since it somehow felt like we deceived an innocent child, but we ended up entrusting the girl to Tenion Temple in the Duchy Capital.
2089Of course, they wholeheartedly welcomed an addition to the valuable [Oracle Miko].
2090
2091Just in case, Household of Duke Mitsukuni will be her guardian.
2092
2093She's wearing the translation ring from the elf village, so she can talk in Shiga Language without problem.
2094She's probably going to learn Shiga Language naturally during the course of her training.
2095
2096
2097~
2098
2099
2100"I-it's about time to rest desuwa."
2101"You can't, Karina-sama. There's still five magic power potion left."
2102
2103When I indifferently told the complaining Lady Karina about the remaining potion, her expression became miserable and then she shifts her imploring glance at Raka that's emitting light on my forehead.
2104
2105『Do your best, Karina-dono.』
2106
2107Raka encouraged her with a subdued voice.
2108
2109"E-even Raka-san...."
2110"Now, Karina-sama. I'll add more magic power potion if you don't continue."
2111"....S-so cruel desuwa~"
2112
2113We restart the magic power operation training while Lady Karina looks like she's about to cry.
2114It's just a simple training where she has to cut an adamantite pillar with a magic wooden sword filled with magic power.
2115
2116Tama and Pochi who peeked from behind a nearby tree like a totem pole are secretly cheering for Lady Karina.
2117Looking closer, it seems the other girls are also watching over the special training.
2118
2119Further, she had drank 27 more magic power potions by the time she learned magic power operation.
2120
212115-7. Dejima Island
2122 
2123Satou's here. When I hear the words 'sailing ship', it reminds me of a great game where the actual sea chart change depending on whether you believe on the report or not. In order to prove which one was more interesting, I played the game all night with a friend who also remembered the game of the age of exploration.
2124
2125
2126~
2127
2128
2129"Ship~?"
2130"Master, there's a ship in the distance nodesu."
2131
2132Hearing the report from Tama and Pochi through the speaking tube, the Brownie who's steering the ship lowers the control lever of the Aerodynamic Engine.
2133With that, the sailing altitude of the ship got lowered and the ship landed on the water with a slight impact.
2134
2135"It's been awhile isn't it~ Going with this ship."
2136"You're right."
2137
2138This is an unfortunate ship that hadn't got its turn after the journey from Boruenan Forest to Shiga Kingdom's Trade City.
2139Since it's installed with an Aerodynamic Engine even though it's of low altitude model, I couldn't lend it to other people.
2140
2141"I wonder if Hayato and the others are fine?"
2142"Oh they're fine."
2143
2144I answered Arisa who seemed worried after glancing at the hero's status shown on the marker column of the map. There's no status abnormality nor extreme physical drop.
2145
2146We're heading toward Dejima Island in order to meet the hero.
2147I was slightly worried about him after hearing from Lady Liedill the Temple Knight in Mogeiba City that he might be being used by the crown prince's plot.
2148
2149We're riding on a sailing ship instead of an airship since this is not an official work of the Tourism Ministry.
2150
2151We were forbidden from going to the Weasel Empire, but using, "To ensure the safety of the princess and the airship" as a pretext, I got the permission to have a vacation and do a "Hero's Symphaty Call" personally.
2152The wonderful thing is that Tourism Ministry personnels are still paid monthly on vacations. The fantasy world, or rather, the noble community is quite flexible.
2153
2154Further, the entourage members of the Tourism Ministry are currently socializing at Pendragon Mansion at the Royal Capital in my place.
2155Their main purpose is to popularize shared information that are not confidential and unusual things and dishes we got in our visits in the various small kingdoms.
2156Since we can easily meet them if we go to the solitary island palace, it doesn't really feel like we're apart.
2157
2158Zena-san stays behind to guard the princess and Sera, but Lady Karina is going with us for the purpose of her re-training.
2159
2160"It's shaking once we're out on the open sea."
2161"Can't be helped, it's a small ship after all."
2162
2163This ship's displacement is only about 100 tons.
2164It's probably quite small for this world's sea-faring ships.
2165
2166"How long does it take until we reach Dejima Island?"
2167"I guess around 3 hours?"
2168"Ugeh, that's too long~"
2169
2170Arisa grumbled while looking fed up.
2171
2172"If you don't like the shaking, you should take shelter in the solitary island palace."
2173"Un, let me take you up on that offer."
2174
2175There's no problem since the brownies are steering the ship.
2176Since all of them are wearing sailor uniforms and sailor hats, it feels like elementary schoolers are leading though.
2177
2178"Master, is there any tuna around here?"
2179"Unfortunately, it seems there's none in this sea area. We can take the ship offshore later if you're worried about the tuna stock."
2180"Yes! Thank you very much!"
2181
2182When I promise her that, Lulu shows a shining smile that won't lose to the sunshine.
2183
2184"Master, I found a heap of birds at the port side."
2185
2186Liza is staring at me with glistening eyes.
2187She must be waiting for my permission.
2188
2189"You can go hunt them, but be careful not to be noticed by the ships ahead."
2190"Yes, I will be flying on the surface of the sea."
2191
2192Liza runs on the sea surface while holding a spear.
2193She's carrying a harpoon for throwing since she's going in a hunt.
2194
2195I saw Liza changed her flight course in the middle of the way and threw the harpoon at the birds.
2196
2197Looks like she got a lot.
2198Since I'm planning to have our lunch on Dejima Island today, let's use those birds for dinner.
2199
2200
2201~
2202
2203
2204"Master, the water gate is opening so I inform."
2205
2206Nana is pointing at a heavy-looking stone gate which protects Dejima Island's bay opening.
2207According to the map's information, that stone gate appears to be a big golem.
2208
2209"Something's coming~?"
2210"There are people riding on top of the rays nodesu!"
2211
2212A herd of flying rays which look like flying fish appeared from the gap of the opened gate, flying on the surface of the sea.
2213There are silver screws on their heads, the same magic tools that are used to manipulate monsters I've been seeing a lot, sealkin and gillman soldiers are riding on their backs.
2214
2215Looks like they belong to the administration bureau of Dejima Island.
2216
2217Five of the rays go around our ship, Tama and Pochi who are sitting on top of the mast as a watch are chasing them with their eyes, going round and round happily.
2218One of the rays jumped onto the deck, and a strong-looking gillman soldier landed on the deck after rotating stylishly once in the air.
2219He's somewhat cool despite having the head of a fish.
2220
2221"I'm Guzze of Dejima Island Harbor Authority. Cannons of ships entering the harbor will have to be stamped. Who's the captain here?"
2222
2223This ship has no cannon, but since normally a seafaring ship has several magic cannons equipped, telling him that there's zero here will make it suspicious instead.
2224I extend my [Magic Hand] toward the part of the deck on his blind spot and then put two samples of magic cannon covered with cloth from my Storage.
2225
2226"I'm the captain. The ship's magic cannons are over there, the two covered in cloth."
2227"Just two?"
2228
2229I nod at the soldier who looks suspiciously.
2230
2231"Because more than that is unnecessary--"
2232
2233I gave a sign at Liza with a hand gesture while saying that.
2234Liza took the harpoon that was getting dried on the deck and lightly shot Magic Edge Cannon at the horizon beyond.
2235
2236"We can repulse any monster as long as she's with us."
2237
2238After seeing Liza's technique, the soldier's mouth and gills were opening and closing greatly, then after awhile he said, "I-It's fine then", stamped the two magic cannons with trembling hands, and left the deck.
2239
2240--Come to think of it, it was a legendary technique or something.
2241
2242We follow the soldiers and advance the ship into the bay where a lot of boats are anchored.
2243
2244"Trumpet?"
2245
2246Mia muttered while tilting her head.
2247
2248It's true, I hear sound of a trumpet out of nowhere.
2249The melody sounds kind of sorrowful, but it's quite good.
2250
2251It seems a fat ratkin wearing gaudy clothes is playing it on top of the lighthouse at the end of the bay.
2252
2253"The small boat of the harbor staff has come. We'll enter the harbor in accordance to their flags."
2254"Please."
2255
2256Since the harbor is crowded with big ships, I entrust it to the skillful brownie to steer the ship.
2257
2258"Have we finally entered the harbor?"
2259
2260Arisa who heard that we had entered the harbor came back and looked restlessly at the surrounding ships.
2261
2262"Saga Empire, Holy State Parion, Garleon Alliance, there sure are a lot of ships from various countries."
2263"Master, does that paddle steamer belong to Weasel Empire?"
2264
2265Arisa pointed at a black colored big ship and asked.
2266
2267"That's a Saga Empire's magic boat. The Weasel Empire's ship is that sailing ship with the oars."
2268"Hee, that's unexpected."
2269
2270Checking the map, it seems the oars aren't rowed by slaves but small-sized living dolls and medium-sized golems.
2271
2272"Is that volcano a labyrinth?"
2273"That's right."
2274
2275Arisa points at an islet inside the bay.
2276It's raising white smoke similar to the Sakurajima in peacetime that I saw when I was touring Kyushuu.
2277
2278It seems there's no lodging facilities on the islet, small boats boarded by people who look like explorers are shuttling between the main Dejima Island and the islet.
2279
2280
2281~
2282
2283
2284"Arr-riv-ved?"
2285"Landing nanodesu!"
2286
2287Tama and Pochi who are wearing sailor uniforms like the brownies descend on the tramp with shutan poses.
2288
2289"Are we going to meet Hayato first today?"
2290"The hero seems to be in the labyrinth still, so first I'll be going to meet the crown prince at last."
2291
2292Guessing from the rotation of my regular communications with the hero so far, he's probably going to come out of Dejima Labyrinth in two to six days.
2293
2294I already know from the map that the crown prince is away from Dejima Island, but if I don't at least try to do a courtesy call, they'll deem me as impolite so I can't ignore it.
2295
2296The president of Norouino Firm who has promised to meet me as Kuro is still at the Imperial Capital even now, so it seems there's still some time left.
2297Judging from his stamina that keeps depleting, it seems he's running around everywhere to meet my demand instead of slacking off.
2298
2299"Gii~?"
2300"Darii nanodesu."
2301
2302Using the mast, a simple crane lowers our carriage, and I've asked Mia and Lulu to pull two horses down the ramp.
2303The simple crane is operated manually by Nana and Lady Karina's human power.
2304
2305The current Nana should be able to lower the carriage with her [Magic Arm] but it seemed she wanted to imitate the simple cranes of the surrounding ships so she didn't use force art.
2306
2307"Master, we've prepared the carriage."
2308
2309In front of Lulu who's acting as the coach after a long while, the cart-horses, Gii and Darii, snorted.
2310They seem to be eager to do their long-awaited turns. It might be unexpectedly because of the fodders I made that I gave them before this--Heh, no way.
2311
2312"Still, it's as lively as the trade city in Shiga Kingdom isn't it."
2313"Eel~?" <TLN: Utsubo.>
2314"Now that you've said it, that means grilled eel nanodesu." <TLN: Grilled eel= Tsuboyaki.>
2315
2316Tama and Pochi said that while staring at the stalls for the port workers.
2317There's no such stall--Perhaps, they wanted to say "Melting pot of races"? <TLN: Jinshu no Rutsubo.>
2318
2319"Master, then we will be off."
2320"Master, wait for good news so I tell."
2321"I'm counting on you, Liza, Nana."
2322
2323Liza and Nana who are wearing formal dresses look fresh.
2324I've asked the two to send a letter asking for a meeting that I wrote to the Dejima Island's administration.
2325
2326Liza and Nana ride on the carriage that Lulu operates.
2327Nana is at her own pace, but Liza who rarely rode a carriage looks a bit tense.
2328
2329"Then, we'll be going."
2330"Once you're done with it, meet us at the inn with red rooftop in the square in front of the administrator bureau building, we'll be staying there."
2331"Yes, understood."
2332
2333I told Lulu about the inn which I had checked beforehand with [Clairvoyance].
2334I waved my hands at the carriage that had begun to dash.
2335
2336
2337~
2338
2339
2340"Shellfish skewers, delish~?"
2341"The shellfish muscle is crunchy and tasty nodesu."
2342"It'd have been tastier if you put soy sauce on it--too bad desuwa."
2343
2344I've taken the youth troupe and lady Karina along to the wharf for the small boats of the explorers.
2345I just wanted to collect some information and snack a little but--.
2346
2347"Mwu, gear?"
2348"Is that a crystal gear?"
2349
2350Stalls selling junks gotten in the labyrinth are lined up here.
2351There's a lot of things made of crystals which piqued Mia's interest.
2352
2353Since the stalls are also buying things instead of just selling, heated negotiations between explorers and shopkeepers can be seen here and there.
2354
2355"Oy oy, 300 swen you said, that's too low for Iatsupista."
2356"The market is oversupplied since the administration bureau has decreased their spending. I'll buy it for 310 swen."
2357"Make it 500 swen at least. If that's no good--then I'll sell to Norouino Firm  with the other junks."
2358"Oy oy, don't lump me with the rip-off shop of that weasel guy."
2359"Aren't ya tanuki guy yourself, yer' not that different."
2360
2361It seems the tanuki shopkeeper is mad at the human explorer's words, he's threatening him with bared fangs.
2362On the opposite side, a sealkin doctor and a lizardkin explorer is disputing about magic potions.
2363
2364"Oy, doc! What the hell is this magic potion!"
2365"Hahn? Wasn't that the muscle reinforcement medicine I sold ya awhile ago--you heard it, right?"
2366"Yeah and it's way effective! My offensive power did rise greatly once I drank the magic potion!"
2367"Ain't that good."
2368"Yea it is--if only blood didn't gush out of my arms and stopped me from even holding a sword after the battle was over that is! We ran away from the labyrinth with our life on the line!"
2369
2370The sealkin doctor smoothly evades the explorer who tried to grab his collar.
2371His gleaming body looks elastic like it's been plastered with oil.
2372
2373"I did wrote the instruction right? 『It may affect the users after battle, please be advised』, there."
2374"Kuh, like I can read!"
2375
2376A brawny tigerkin soldier who happens to pass by seems to be trying to mediate the explorer who's still trying to catch the doctor.
2377The merchants here somehow feel like the diminutive version of the weasel merchants I happened to see in Shiga Kingdom.
2378
2379"Hey~, do you have any interesting tool?"
2380"Hahn? You're wearing some good clothes--You a daughter of noble?"
2381"Yes, that's right."
2382
2383When Arisa combed her hair upward in front of a gnome's stall, the other girls imitated her and took the pose of 'combing hair upward'.
2384The stall keeper's eyes were deprived not by the children but by the movement of the breast of Lady Karina who took the pose too.
2385
2386It's not of amorous nature, his face somehow looks like he's seen some unpleasant things.
2387Looks like they don't match the aesthetic sense of gnomes who have round barrel-like figures.
2388
2389"Master! Look at this, look at this!"
2390
2391Arisa pulled me to a stall with music boxes and spring-powered toys.
2392The shopkeeper said that they're magic tools, but they're all extremely common tools.
2393
2394And, the thing that Arisa found was not those.
2395
2396"--Figurine?"
2397"Yes! And it's even Yamato-kun from 『Tennis X Hero』!"
2398
2399I heard that name before--right, it's the protagonist of the shounen manga that Hikaru likes.
2400
2401"Can I ask you where you got this?"
2402"'Course it's from the 『Phantasmal Labyrinth』. Bought it from my regular customer, an adventurer. Think he said that he found it in a gray illusory town inside the labryinth."
2403
2404I thought it was something sold by a teleported person of the past to raise money, that doesn't seem to be the case.
2405
2406"Master, perhaps there's a place that connects that volcanic island and former world--er, somewhere in Japan."
2407
2408Arisa told me while grasping her fist.
2409However, if such a convenient thing does exist, the hero should have said something during our regular communication.
2410
2411I was going to say that to Arisa, but I lost to the homesickness in Arisa's eyes and didn't put it into words.
2412
2413Instead, I speak these words.
2414
2415"It's probably going to be awhile before the hero come out of the labyrinth, do you want to enter the labyrinth for a bit?"
2416"Yayy!"
2417"Wa~y?"
2418"Winning the case nanodesu!"
2419"Nn, exploration."
2420
2421Following after Arisa who was pleasantly surprised, the children jumped happily, while Lady Karina who missed her chance was shifting her gaze between me and the children restlessly.
2422
2423I grip a Weasel Empire's gold coin into the shopkeeper's hand, and ask about the information about the labyrinth explorer--they're called adventurers in weasel empire--who sold him the figurine.
2424The shopkeeper was hesitating at first, but once I asked the price of his goods, the figurines and music boxes, and bought them, he let it all out like an oiled cog.
2425
2426The adventurer in question can't be found with the map search. He's probably currently exploring in another map, the [Phantasmal Labyrinth].
2427
2428Some unfamiliar voices called out to me while I was writing the information I got into the Exchange Column's memo pad.
2429
2430"--Huh? Satou?"
2431"And there's Honey-chan too."
2432
2433I turn around and see people who shouldn't have been in this place.
2434
243515-8. Dejima Island (2)
2436 
2437Satou's here. Talking with a friend you haven't met for a long time until you lose sense of time. When both of you laugh it off since neither remember who's the other one after talking for a long time, I wonder if that's also a form of beauty.
2438
2439
2440~
2441
2442
2443"Tiger ears~?"
2444"It's the wolf ear person nanodesu!"
2445
2446The ones behind us are the hero's followers, Rusus and Fifi.
2447Since I barely got in contact with them in the Duchy Capital, it would have been bad if I didn't have the information from AR reading.
2448
2449Why are these girls who should have been in the labyrinth with Hayato here?
2450
2451"Uwaa, that's some terrible injuries...."
2452
2453Arisa becomes speechless after seeing the two's bodies.
2454Rusus has lost her knee to below and her right arm, while Fifi's right leg has disappeared to near the pelvic. Her right eye patch doesn't seem to be a fashion but something to protect the eye that has lost its eyeball.
2455
2456"We made a slight blunder in our fight with the demon lord you see."
2457"We're hanging around here since we're useless in battle until the artificial arms and legs arrive from Saga Empire."
2458
2459Rusus and Fifi ridiculed themselves with light tones.
2460Limb loss is not something that rare in labyrinth city Selbira, but as vanguards of the hero party, measures should have been taken by all means to recover them.
2461
2462"Did something happen to Loreiya-sama?"
2463
2464I uttered the name of the holy magic quiet-type big-breasted beauty in the hero party.
2465She should be capable to recover limb loss, but if she had died, then perhaps they're low on elixirs.
2466
2467"That girl is still with Hayato."
2468"With Rin and Merry too."
2469
2470I'm bothered that they didn't mention Miss Wiyaryi the long-earkin archer.
2471
2472"You two, this is not something to talk about in this traffic."
2473
2474There was a girl with short stature behind them, I didn't see her before since she was hidden by the two's heights.
2475
2476According to AR reading, she's also one of the hero's followers, Nono the secretary.
2477I often talked with her in our telecommunications, but she feels different than during the calls.
2478
2479She's unexpectedly short, her height is about between Arisa and Lulu.
2480Her face matches her age and her body line is undulated enough, so she's probably never mistaken for a child.
2481
2482"Viscount Pendragon, please forgive our rudeness."
2483
2484Nono who's more expressionless than Nana bows her head and apologizes to me.
2485It seems there's a custom to bow one's head when you apologize in Saga Empire.
2486
2487In order to continue the talk, or rather, to hear the present situation of Hayato and the others, we went with them to the inn they're staying.
2488
2489"Gi~?"
2490"There's Darry too nodesu."
2491"Nn, correct."
2492
2493The children are looking at a carriage with the Pendragon House Crest.
2494I can't see Lulu anywhere, but according to the map, it seems she's in the rest area where the coachmen gather.
2495
2496"You're right. Maybe that building is the administration office?"
2497
2498I nod to Arisa's question.
2499
2500"Can you tell Lulu that we're in this inn?"
2501"Nn, understood."
2502
2503I was asking Tama, but the one answered was Mia who beat her flat chest full of confidence.
2504I let Mia be the messenger and ask Tama and Pochi to go with her just in case.
2505
2506
2507~
2508
2509
2510"Demon lord's curse?"
2511"Yes, we were unable to lift the curse even with the 『Wish Ring』."
2512
2513When I asked the reason why they couldn't recover Rusus's and Fifi's limb loss, the hero's secretary Nono told me that it was because of the [Demon Lord's Curse].
2514There's no [Curse] status on the girls' AR reading.
2515
2516"I'll get embarrassed if you stare that much nya."
2517"Want to rub them?"
2518
2519Rusus is embarrassed, Fifi lifts her breasts from below.
2520Looks like they misunderstood me staring at their chests.
2521
2522Fifi seems to like to tease people younger than her.
2523
2524"Y-you can't."
2525"That's right, you can't desuwa."
2526
2527Arisa and Lady Karina catch my arms from right and left.
2528Leaving Arisa's side aside, I can feel blissful sensation from the arm Lady Karina caught.
2529
2530"It's a misunderstanding. I'm merely intrigued by this curse."
2531"『Demon Lord's Curse』 is not something that can be seen. Although, the Dragon Eyes of a true dragon might be able to see through the curse...."
2532
2533By Dragon Eyes, it's the thing Liedill the Temple Knight has huh--.
2534
2535I tried if I could see the miasma by using the same trick I used to obtain the Spirit Seer skill.
2536I wasn't expecting anything, but I can see something black wriggling at the edge of my view.
2537
2538>[Miasma Seer] Skill Acquired
2539
2540I immediately activated the skill and saw chains of black mist-like things binding Rusus and Fifi. That's probably the miasma--[Demon Lord's Curse].
2541
2542I feel that I can get rid of them if I touch them directly, but since hex-like thing are located directly on top of their hearts, it's hard to do it without telling them the reasons.
2543I'll consult with Arisa and the others later for the best timing.
2544
2545Once they're released from the curse, Loreiya should be able to restore their limbs with holy magic.
2546
2547
2548~
2549
2550
2551"The demon lord has joined hands with the 『Dungeon Master』?"
2552"Yes, we're convinced of that after the last battle with the demon lord. Before that, we thought that the demon lord himself was the Dungeon Master...."
2553
2554Secretary Nono told us about the present situation of Hayato and the others.
2555
2556"The rat demon lord escaped with teleportation in our first two encounters, and then we planned to seal teleportation for the third encounter and crush it to death."
2557"We used the 『Magic Eating Binding Chain』, an 『Artifact from the Age of Gods』, to seal his magic power, and then we just needed to defeat him but--"
2558
2559Rusus and Fifi talked about their third battle with the demon lord.
2560Still, the demon lord here isn't a weasel but a rat huh. I was convinced that it was a weasel somehow.
2561
2562"When the demon lord emitted purple light, he took out weapons from hero's country called 『Masin gan』 and 『Klaymor』 and went on a rampage."
2563"Really, we never thought he had such hidden tricks besides the transformation."
2564"I thought I'd die."
2565"At that time, we and Wi were seriously injured."
2566"We'd have died if Hayato wasn't there."
2567
2568According to the two, while the [Magic Eating Binding Chain] was active, any magic, be it support magic or magic defense, were all nulled.
2569It seems only hero's and demon lord's Unique Skills that could be activated during that time.
2570
2571It appears this [Magic Eating Binding Chain] is far more powerful than the [Magic Eater] the weaselkin used in the war with Makiwa Kingdom.
2572The [Magic Eater] is probably an inferior version recreated in present time.
2573
2574"Nevertheless, Hayato managed to corner it to the limit, but then monsters suddenly flooded into the room from the exit and the demon lord escaped during that chance."
2575"Hey hey, from that story, it wouldn't be strange for the demon lord to be the Dun Mas right?" <TLN: Dungeon Master, abbr.>
2576
2577Arisa asked Rusus who looked frustrated.
2578
2579"The demon lord didn't touch the 『Dungeon Core』 you see."
2580"Your Highness Arisa, a Dungeon Master has to touch the 『Dungeon Core』 in order to manipulate the labyrinth."
2581
2582The secretary Nono added Rusus's explanation.
2583
2584They got the information from someone who was once a Dungeon Master.
2585Nono was being vague, but from the nuance, it seemed that either some past hero or their follower was a Dungeon Master.
2586
2587"Shouldn't you just need to destroy the core first then?"
2588"That's impossible, Honey-chan."
2589"Right right, we'd have done it if we could."
2590
2591Rusus and Fifi denied Arisa's question while smiling wryly.
2592
2593"You can't interfere the Dungeon Core as long as the Dungeon Master isn't defeated."
2594
2595Fumu, I've touched a Fake Core in the [Ivy Mansion] in the labyrinth city Selbira, but it appears the real Dungeon Core is something like a shadow.
2596
2597
2598~
2599
2600
2601"In other words, from now on you need to defeat both the demon lord and the Dungeon Master right?"
2602"Yes, it's impossible with our current force, but we've requested reinforcements from Saga Empire."
2603
2604According to secretary Nono, Dejima Island's [Phantasmal Labyrinth] greatly branches in the middle layer on top of having its layout change every time, thus finding the demon lord and the Dungeon Monster that are located in the lowest layer requires a lot of manpower.
2605
2606Arisa who's sitting beside me is pulling my sleeve.
2607When I turn to her, Arisa's large eyes are glittering.
2608
2609I nod at her.
2610
2611"We will cooperate too. Our power might not be enough to defeat the demon lord, but it might be what's needed to curb the Dungeon Master of the 『Phantasmal Labyrinth』."
2612
2613If the reinforcements from Saga Empire prove to be useful, we can just change with them then.
2614Even without them, Hayato should be able to easily defeat the demon lord as long as there's no obstacle.
2615
2616After all, it looks possible for Hayato to defeat the demon lord if the Dungeon Master doesn't interfere.
2617
2618"--Then let us perform that plan if Hayato-sama approves of it once he's back."
2619"Yes, we wish to express our gratitude for Viscount Pendragon's cooperation."
2620
2621Secretary Nono worked on the details as to how we're cooperating to search for the Dungeon Master, but left the final decision to Hayato.
2622
2623"Satou and Honey-chan, what are you going to do until then?"
2624"In order to grasp the 『Phantasmal Labyrinth』's atmosphere, we're planning to enter it lightly on a day trip."
2625"The maze in that labyrinth changes frequently, so be careful okay."
2626
2627Rusus exchanged such talks with Arisa.
2628
2629If this were a game, it'd have been the 100-floor dungeon to enjoy, but when you're actually thrust to capture it in real life, it's most troublesome.
2630It seems Hayato also had a hard time searching in the middle layer and beyond until the magic item, offered by the weaselkin, that could point at the direction of the demon lord came.
2631
2632Rusus's and Fifi's ears are twitching.
2633At the same time, my Attentive Ears skill picked up the noise outside the inn.
2634
2635"What's happening?"
2636"It sure is noisy outside."
2637
2638Fifi nimbly gets up and goes to the window with a wand in hand.
2639
2640"--Airships of Weasel Empire? And the three of them are of the high-speed destroyer type."
2641
2642Fifi mutters while looking up at the sky, Secretary Nono who hears it stands up in surprise.
2643The crown prince seems to be visiting the imperial capital after all, maybe some political disturbance has happened in the Weasel Empire's Capital?
2644
2645Opening the map, I see that there's a person with marker riding on that airship.
2646Why is she at this place... Political disturbance might be really happening in the central.
2647
2648I heard noisy sounds of someone running up the stairs, and then a big-breasted woman wearing Saga Empire's civil official clothes rushed into the room without knocking.
2649She's never introduced her name, but it seems she's one of Saga Empire's officials who are stationed in Dejima Island working to support secretary Nono.
2650
2651"Oh no, Nono-sama!"
2652
2653Big-breasted aid-san hardened slightly.
2654She probably remembered that there were guests when she saw us.
2655
2656"What is it."
2657"Y-yes! Actually--"
2658
2659Urged by Nono, big-breasted aid-san recovered from her freeze and opened her mouth to report, but an intruder showed up faster than she could.
2660
2661"P-please wait."
2662"You're in the way, move aside."
2663
2664Someone wearing Saga Empire clothing outside the door resisted till the end, but a woman in armor forcibly pushed him away.
2665
2666"Are you Saga Empire's hero? Pleased to meet you, I am one of the Temple Knights under direct control of his majesty the emperor, Liedill."
2667
2668The one introducing herself while staring at me is the level 57 Temple Knight we met in Weasel Empire's Mogeiba City.
2669Leaving aside her incomprehensible pose, it appears she has wrongly guessed me as hero Hayato after seeing my black hair.
2670
2671"Geh, it's the Kukkorosan."
2672
2673Arisa muttered.
2674Even though Lady Liedill never uttered [Ku, Korose (Kuh, kill me)] even when she was cornered, it seems Arisa's mind has made up to give her [Kukkorosan] nickname.
2675
2676"She didn't figure it out right?"
2677『All is fine, Karina-dono. You're heavily guarding it.』
2678
2679Since Lady Karina asked Raka nervously in whisper, I stand up from the chair, and walk a step forward to hide her from Lady Liedill's line of sight.
2680
2681"Nice to meet you, Liedill-sama. I'm Viscount Satou Pendragon of Shiga Kingdom."
2682"--Eh, Shiga Kingdom?"
2683
2684I lightly cleared her misunderstanding and introduced myself.
2685Lady Liedill who had become aware of her misunderstanding froze in surprise.
2686
2687Rusus and Fifi are openly showing their wariness as they grab the handles of largish knives behind the cushions.
2688Nono stands beside me with a firm manner.
2689
2690"Temple Knight-dono, Hero Hayato-sama is currently inside the 『Phantasmal Labyrinth』 to defeat the demon lord. Temple Knight-dono wouldn't have wasted her time in vain if you had just informed us beforehand...."
2691
2692She was saying it politely but she clearly reproved Lady Liedill's visit without an appointment.
2693
2694"Is that so, then it can't be helped."
2695
2696Lady Liedill muttered without even being aware that she was getting reproved.
2697Her glare which was pointed at the air turned to me.
2698
2699"Hey, you. Have we met somewhere?"
2700"There is no way that I would forget an encounter with such a beauty as you, just where have we met I wonder?"
2701
2702While putting both my hands on Lady Liedill's hand, I befuddled the matter with a line from some smooth talker.
2703I could have said, "We've never met before", since I was in ratkin costume when I met her, but since the Deception and Crisis Perception skills told me that telling a lie would be dangerous, I decided to take the question-dodging route.
2704
2705"Let go, how filthy."
2706
2707Lady Liedill brushed my hand away and glared at me like looking at a dirt.
2708Apparently, she's a clean-freak.
2709
2710Arisa is wiping my hand with a handkerchief while saying, "It really is."
2711--Please stop provoking her.
2712
2713"My Dragon Eyes tell me. I've absolutely met you guys somewhere before."
2714"Perhaps it was in Shiga Kingdom's Royal Capital? Sorry but we've just arrived here at Dejima Island, so we've yet to attend any ball or banquet here."
2715
2716Lady Liedill said so with eyes full of conviction.
2717Normally you'd have resigned here, but since her eyes are relatively bad, I'll just deceive her.
2718
2719Lady Karina who's sweating waterfall behind me is a reason for anxiety, but Arisa and Mia should be doing something about her.
2720
2721And then, a male temple knight I saw in the Weasel Empire before rushed in.
2722It's the escort knight of Lady Liedill.
2723
2724"Liedill-sama!"
2725"Oh? You're late."
2726
2727Contrary to the desperate escort knight, Lady Liedill replied normally while still not letting her eyes away from me.
2728
2729"It looks like the hero is not here. Rather than that, have you ever seen this black haired kid?"
2730"No, I haven't--"
2731"Is that so.... That's strange."
2732
2733Losing her vigor after hearing the escort knight, Lady Liedill was dragged away by the other knights who came later.
2734
2735"Everyone, you might have taken offense from Liedill-sama's impoliteness, but we beg your forgiveness."
2736
2737The leader-kun of the escort knights apologized for their master, and left after saying that they would formally apologize later.
2738
2739"Somehow it seems like they'll barge into the battle with the demon lord too."
2740"Isn't that fine, they'll be additional forces then."
2741"Well yeah. Let them get stylishly beaten by the demon lord and become hero's and our stepping stones."
2742
2743Secretary Nono showed a dark smile and said "That would be nice" to reply Arisa's dark remark, and then both of them are laughing "Hohoho" together.
2744The two's eyes aren't laughing, Lady Karina and even Rusus and Fifi look scared.
2745
2746
2747~
2748
2749
2750"Delish!"
2751"Amazing."
2752
2753Rusus and Fifi highly praised the karage Lulu made.
2754After the disturbance with Lady Liedill, my companions and the house-sitting group of the hero party met up and then we had a party in a reserved room of the high-class inn.
2755
2756"Of cour~se?"
2757"Lulu's dishes are amazingly amazing nodesu!"
2758
2759Tama and Pochi who saw Rusus and Fifi praising the dishes asserted vigorously, stepping forward on top of the table.
2760
2761"Un, it's really good. This red sour fruit is especially nice."
2762"Wi, which one do you want next?"
2763"Then, please get the rod-shaped vegetable with meat wrapped around it."
2764
2765Miss Wiyaryi, the long ear-kin archer, enjoyed the tomato dish.
2766The reason secretary Nono is diligently looking after her is because she's lost her limbs in the fight with the demon lord.
2767There are other aids here, but it seems Nono personally takes care of her.
2768The two seem to be close.
2769
2770"Asparagus meat roll is tasty so I tell."
2771"Mwu, sukiyaki."
2772
2773Nana nodded with Miss Wiyaryi's choice, Mia raised an objection, telling that the sukiyaki is better.
2774Looks like Mia still dislikes dishes with a lot of oil even though she's able to eat meat now.
2775
2776"Here comes the main!"
2777"Yay~"
2778"Nanodesu!"
2779
2780Arisa and the others who saw the main dish that appeared on the door raised their voices in joy.
2781
2782"Thank you for waiting."
2783"The main dish is a whole roast cow."
2784
2785Liza and Lulu put the huge plate on the middle of table.
2786
2787Even though I know that they have mighty strength due to their levels, seeing young girls carrying whole roast of a one-ton class cow, that's impossible even for men with good builds to carry, is quite an unrealistic scene.
2788
2789The reason why we're serving meat even though we're in a port town is because it was the request of the hero's staff who had gotten bored of fish.
2790Well, my companions like meat more than fish too.
2791
2792"Master, here you go."
2793"Thank you, Liza."
2794
2795Liza put a plate with the spoil from the scramble for the whole roast front of me.
2796
2797"Yup, it's good. Liza too, eat it too before it's gone."
2798"Yes, then I'll kindly accept--"
2799
2800Liza jumps into the scramble (battlefield) with eyes of a warrior.
2801The whole roast's shape changed in an instant into bones so clean it probably wouldn't be sufficient to even make soup stock.
2802
2803Now then, now that I'm full, I'll finish the thing I have to do before going into the labyrinth.
2804
280515-9. Phantasmal Labyrinth
2806 
2807Satou's here. I think I first learned yobai from a manga about nobles of Heian era. The figures of the main character of a shoujo manga who shouted molester and kicked the head of a noble and the dumbfounded expression of the kicked noble left an impression on me.
2808
2809
2810~
2811
2812
2813"Good evening, thieves here."
2814"Stop saying unnecessary things."
2815
2816After whacking the head of Arisa who's dressed up like a thief, I walk to the bedside where Miss Wiyaryi is sleeping.
2817This somehow feels indecent, like I'm a man doing yobai.
2818
2819I'm not intruding a woman's room in the middle of the night to do lewd things.
2820It's to restore the limbs of hero's companions.
2821
2822"Advanced mind magic is amazing isn't it. You can prank them all you want."
2823
2824Arisa says some impolite thing while poking the long ear of Miss Wiyaryi who's in a deep sleep.
2825Miss Wiyaryi isn't the only one sleeping, everybody in the inn including the hero's party has all fallen asleep.
2826
2827"Still, you wouldn't need to make them sleep if you just used 『Geass』 to keep it a secret you know."
2828"It's less troublesome this way right?"
2829
2830Moreover, my purpose is restoring their limbs, I don't intend to make them indebted to me.
2831
2832"Let's begin--"
2833
2834While rejecting the idea, I put Miss Wiyaryi onto a transparent bed made from [Magic Mold] and ask Arisa to take off her clothes.
2835Of course I've asked her to cover her with a cloth since we're not going to do anything perverted.
2836
2837"First, I'll cleanse the miasma."
2838
2839I activate [Miasma Seer] and look at Miss Wiyaryi's stumps.
2840I can see ominous black mist coming from the stumps binding Miss Wiyaryi's body.
2841
2842I've taken off her cloth in order to see her whole body, but during the activation of the Miasma Seer, my view becomes like a negative film on top of being monochrome so there's nothing lewd to it at all.
2843
2844I tear off the miasma aka the demon lord's curse like untying entangled thread.
2845It was quite firm and complexly intertwined but I succeeded in about 10 minutes.
2846
2847"Collecting samples."
2848
2849I reproduce Miss Wiyaryi's limbs from the blood collected from her.
2850With advanced force magic, cloning is not a problem even without the pluripotent cell as long as it's from the person themselves, though people who know the particulars from modern science will probably look at it scrutinizingly. As expected of fantasy.
2851
2852"Reopening the wound."
2853
2854Using Magic Edge extended from my finger, I cut the stump and reopen the wound.
2855It'll be dangerous if she bleed too much, so I press the wound with a transparent cover made from force magic [Magic Mold].
2856
2857"Lost limb, rejoining."
2858
2859Once I press the limb I made earlier on the stump and sprinkle an elixir on it, it's stickied properly.
2860Using the advanced soul magic [Perfect Possession] I posses Miss Wiyaryi and check the connected arm.
2861
2862"Success."
2863"Uwaah, I thought she woke up."
2864
2865I inadvertently talked with Miss Wiyaryi's mouth since I was too delighted for the success.
2866I go back to my original body and apologize to Arisa.
2867
2868"--Sorry, I forgot to come back. Let's continue, Arisa."
2869"Okay!"
2870
2871I connected Miss Wiyaryi's remaining limbs and then went around to restore Rusus's and Fifi's lost limbs.
2872Of course, I had also restored Fifi's eye.
2873
2874"Next, let's just leave a letter."
2875
2876I put a letter with hero Nanashi's signature regarding the limb loss restoration and the way to rehabilitate for them afterward on secretary Nono's bedside.
2877Once we got back to our room I released the magic, called the girls who had evacuated to the solitary island palace back here and then we slept in the bed.
2878
2879
2880~
2881
2882
2883"Satou! It's serious!"
2884"Get up! This is serious!"
2885
2886Early in the morning Rusus and Fifi rushed into my room half naked.
2887
2888They're only wearing low-rise pants and short shirts with exposed navels.
2889The lively dynamic movement is peculiar to no-bra.
2890
2891"Good morning. Rusus-san, Fifi-san--You two, what happened to those arms and legs!"
2892
2893While pretending to be surprised, I get up from the bed and walk toward the two.
2894Nana and the children in the bed raised their heads while rubbing their eyes.
2895
2896In addition, Liza who has already woken up is swinging her spear in the courtyard, while Lulu seems to be doing morning exercise beside her.
2897
2898"They were already restored when we got up this morning!"
2899"We thought you did something."
2900
2901The two who are in high tension caught my arms and swung them up and down.
2902I'm troubled where to see due to the masses that are swinging together with the arms.
2903
2904"Fuh, you two are fast!"
2905
2906Miss Wiyaryi showed up from behind them.
2907She looks unsteady, it seems her limbs are still weak.
2908
2909As she stagger, I extend my hands to support her.
2910
2911"Thank you, Satou."
2912
2913Even the calm Miss Wiyaryi seems to be happy with her restored limbs, she's overflowing with smiles.
2914
2915"By the way, did Satou cause this miracle?"
2916
2917After saying that, Miss Wiyaryi hugs me without even waiting for my reply.
2918She's the least sexy member of the hero party, but it appears she's simply the type who looks slender in clothing.
2919
2920"W-wait! What are you doing to Master!"
2921"Mwu, guilty."
2922
2923The impregnable fortress pair tried to crawl out of the bed, but it seems they're still sleepy, they can't move well.
2924
2925"What are you doing this early in the morning."
2926
2927Secretary Nono scolded the three with a sharp expression.
2928Despite being early in the morning, she's properly wearing her uniform--huh?
2929
2930"Nono, skirt."
2931"You forgot it you know?"
2932"Fumu, so Nono has reached the age where she wants to seduce youngsters."
2933
2934Nono couldn't understand what the three were talking about and had a face that seemed like there was a question mark above her head, but her face turned red when she looked below.
2935
2936"I-I'm sorry, I'll go fix it right away."
2937
2938Nono screamed and rushed out.
2939Apparently, she has airhead element too.
2940
2941Nono who came back after a while told the three girls that it was hero Nanashi who restored their limbs, and the morning uproar came to an end.
2942
2943
2944~
2945
2946
2947"It's such a shame~"
2948"Are you still going on about that?"
2949"I mean, it's a chance to increase Master's sympathizers."
2950
2951Arisa grumbled when we were on the ferryboat going to the islet where the labyrinth is.
2952What am I going to do with having sympathizers in the first place.
2953
2954Only the members of Team Pendragon including Lady Karina are going to the labyrinth.
2955
2956Rusus and the others are doing rehabilitation in the training school at the verge of the town.
2957They said that they would return to form before the hero came back.
2958
2959"Arisa, leave it at that."
2960"Nn, rivals unnecessary."
2961
2962Liza reproved Arisa, Mia nodded at her.
2963
2964The ferryboat arrived at the labyrinth islet when we were talking as such.
2965
2966"Fish~?"
2967"There's a lot of small fish nanodesu."
2968
2969From the wharf you can see a school of Sardine-like fish swimming in the sea.
2970Feels like you can get a lot just by casting a net.
2971
2972"Oy, you guys over there, new faces right?"
2973
2974A rugged middle-aged man who looked like a fisherman came over to us.
2975
2976"You're being rude to Master."
2977
2978Liza points her magic spear at the man.
2979
2980"Whoops, what a scary Anee-chan. Lower your spear, I ain't here to pick a fight."
2981
2982The middle-aged man took a surrendering pose at the threatening Liza and stepped back one step.
2983
2984"The labyrinth entrance is over there, but first timer must go to that Adventurer Guild's assembly hall following the procedure."
2985
2986After pointing at the volcano in the center of the labyrinth islet, the man jerked his chin at a gray building at the end of the harbor.
2987
2988"There's a lot of adventurer applicants making trouble at the simple reception desk in front of the labyrinth so I'm telling this to first timers."
2989
2990I see, both are quite far apart.
2991I can see many people complaining.
2992
2993I thank the man, and make him grasp one silver coin worth of swen as thanks and apology for Liza's hastiness.
2994
2995"Whoa, Nii-chan knows his stuff~. Talk with the racoonkin wearing ocher overcoat in the middle of that hill--he's a former adventurer and know a lot 'bout monsters ya know."
2996
2997After saying that, the man charges at a nearby bar while swinging the swen paper money gleefully.
2998
2999
3000
3001~
3002
3003
3004"That really was the template wasn't it."
3005
3006Arisa reminisces the things at the adventurer guild assembling hall while holding a guild license satisfyingly.
3007
3008"Adventurer rank that goes from F to A, the long line for the beautiful receptionist, the old man receptionist who turned out to be the guild master, and the many requests on the bulletin board! Everything that should be in an adventurer guild~"
3009
3010The other girls are looking warmly at Arisa who's chattering like singing.
3011Lady Karina is the only one who's in high spirit besides Arisa.
3012
3013"It seems to imitate Saga Empire's adventurer guild desuwane."
3014"Hee, is that so?"
3015"Yes, it was written in father's literary work."
3016
3017Lady Karina and Arisa had that conversation as we were climbing the mountain path to the labyrinth.
3018Lady Karina's father, Earl Muno is a guru of hero research so one of his research subjects was probably about the adventurer guild created by the first generation hero.
3019
3020There's a racoonkin wearing ocher overcoat in the middle of the hill road to the labyrinth.
3021The racoonkin taught us about the main monsters of the labyrinth when I told him that were referred by a man in the harbor.
3022
3023"--Well, that's mostly it. First, approach with wait and see attitude. Don't forget to bring Return Stick and Disturb Ball with you. Don't rely on maps."
3024
3025I paid the information with swen notes and left the place after thanking him for the kind advice.
3026Besides Magic Cores, it seems there's only a few things that can be exchanged for money in the upper layer, and the enemies are mostly of Living Dolls and Iron Golems from beginning to the end of the upper layer.
3027
3028"Potatoes~?"
3029"Grilled salted fish nanodesu."
3030"It seems there aren't any meat even though we're in front of the labyrinth are there?"
3031
3032The beastkin girls are peering at the food stalls lined up in front of the labyrinth.
3033
3034"Noble-sama over there! How about a map? 20 maps for 1000 swen, only for today!"
3035
3036A peddling man came to sell a bundle of paper.
3037
3038The path structure of Dejima Island [Phantasmal Labyrinth] changes everytime, so there's a lot of people who try to rip off beginners by selling maps.
3039
3040"Guess I'll buy it if it's nicely made."
3041"Hehhee, our maps are awesome y'know."
3042
3043The map he's showing full of confidence is filled to the brim you wouldn't have thought it was a fake.
3044There's not only the pathways, even room locations, danger zones, watering holes and many kind of information are written.
3045
3046Doing this far, it's amazing even though it's a fraud.
3047
3048The girls are looking at me with questions in their eyes, so I tell them that I have an idea with eye contacts.
3049Arisa replied with an awkward wink, but I continued without retorting her specifically.
3050
3051"That is because they're made by a B-rank adventurer who's working as a mapper in Saga Empire."
3052"Looks good, I'll buy it."
3053"Thank you for your business!"
3054
3055I put the map into the Storage through the storage bag.
3056
3057"Why did you buy it even though you knew that it was a fraud?"
3058"Besides the passage ones, the information might be useful."
3059
3060Even if it was a fraud, I only lost 1000 swen of money that can't be used anywhere but in Weasel Empire.
3061
3062"Buy a Disturb Ball! They're a bargain cause they're made of volcanic ash!"
3063"Do you have Monster Wards ready? Ya can't take a break if you don't have them!"
3064"Phantasmal Labyrinth beginners absolutely have to bring a Return Stick! Or else you won't be able to go back!"
3065"We're the branch shop of Bosu Magic Store! Magic potion is currently 300 swen!"
3066
3067Merchants are flooding to me with their goods, perhaps due to me buying the maps.
3068I might as well buy various local products.
3069
3070They were overcharging the goods, so Arisa and Lulu quickly haggled it down.
3071
3072Further, it seems Return Stick isn't a teleportation item that returns you back to the labyrinth entrance often appearing in games, but an item that lights up at the direction of the exit.
3073
3074"Aren't they the same things as the ones in the labyrinth city Selbira besides this Return Stick?"
3075"They probably are."
3076
3077I affirm Arisa's question.
3078These are souvenirs for Echigoya Firm's craftsmen.
3079
3080Perhaps there are hints of unexploited technology in them.
3081
3082
3083~
3084
3085"How is it?"
3086"The hero seems to be fine. None of his companions have serious injury either."
3087
3088After registering at the entrance, we went through the gate advancing through a downward slope.
3089
3090Checking with All Map Exploration, it seemed the hero party was in the middle of the way to the supply base in the middle layer from the lowest layer.
3091It's confusing because this Phantasmal Labyrinth's structure resembles that of tree branches.
3092It's similar to the Seryuu City [Demon Labyrinth] where I made an escape with the beastkin girls.
3093
3094The difference with tree branches is the existence of rhizome-like big empty holes here and there in the branches that extend to the middle layer.
3095The majority of the enemies are golems and undeads, they were clogging the passages in places of walls that have been broken down even while I was observing them.
3096
3097I thought it would be like the [Trazayuya Maze] after hearing that the passages changed at fixed intervals, but unlike the Maze that somehow felt mechanical, the structure change feels like labyrinths in stories with Dungeon Masters.
3098The demon lord who's become this labyrinth's Dungeon Master might be someone who loves stories with Dungeon Masters.
3099
3100If he acquired the figurines we saw the other day by using Dungeon Point, I'd like to ask if he is able to get the latest issue of Dradra Magazines.
3101I sure want to read the continuation of the currently serialized [The Golden Legend of Army Only] and [Saeteru Kanojo no Trinity].
3102
3103--Whoops, my thought wandered off.
3104
3105I tried to search the map but I couldn't find the Dungeon Master.
3106I've expected this since I also couldn't find it in Seryuu City's [Demon Labyrinth] and Selbira's Labyrinth.
3107The Dungeon Master must be hiding in a different map.
3108
3109And, the demon lord in question is still surviving even with wounds all over his body, he's in a different lowest layer where the hero party were.
3110His level is 64, slightly low, and just like Arisa, his skills are hidden, shown as [Skill: Unknown].
3111In addition to the orthodox [Demon Lord] title, he also has hidden titles; [Chased One], [Oppressed One], [Small Rebel], and [Artist].
3112
3113Did this guy became a demon lord due to oppression?
3114I'm slightly intrigued by the demon lord's origin.
3115
3116
3117~
3118
3119
3120"It sure is crowded."
3121"It's the same as Selbira right?"
3122
3123Several adventurer parties are fighting against monsters in the hall we arrived at the end of a narrow downward passage.
3124Varieties of Mad Golem called Ash Mud Golems and Silent Ash Golems seem to be the starting enemies here.
3125
3126There's a constant color-changing fog in this labyrinth, so the view is bad even in the hall.
3127Moreover, there are infinite varieties of projected phantoms inside the thick fog, ranging from realistic images to dim silhouettes, so even adventurers who are used to Phantasmal Labyrinth can get surprised by the projections.
3128Sometimes Silent Ash Golems slip in the fog and attack with no footstep, so it's quite a repulsive labyrinth.
3129
3130I have Radar, so I know where the enemies are coming from, but it must be hard for common adventurers.
3131
3132"Fiire~?"
3133"Lots of magicians nanodesu."
3134
3135Tama and Pochi point at the firing line beyond the fog.
3136
3137It seems there are magicians among the adventurers, red flames sometimes illuminate the dim cave.
3138Most of those flame users must be using Fire Wands since there's only a few who have Fire Magic in their skill compositions.
3139
3140"This seems ideal for friendly fires to happen..."
3141"Nn, dangerous."
3142"Ah, the shield user was shot with a small fire ball from behind."
3143
3144There's a lot of people who are used to it, maybe because we're near the entrance.
3145
3146"High so~?"
3147"They're fleeing here nodesu."
3148
3149Unable to watch the fleeing party, Liza turns toward me.
3150
3151"Master, may I intervene?"
3152"Okay."
3153
3154When I nod back, Liza throws a stone below into the air upward with her tail, and then Pochi strikes the stone with her sword still in the sheath.
3155
3156The stone defeats the Ash Mud Golem in one strike, and the stone that pierced it is caught by Tama who has circled around before anyone knew it.
3157Tama announced, "Striike~", but if I have to say, I think it's a dead ball.
3158
3159"Master~?"
3160
3161Tama came back with a small magic core and an ocher colored stone.
3162
3163"Uwah, it's a Golem Soul...."
3164"So something like that can pop up in this shallow place!"
3165"Alright, let's get one too!"
3166
3167The adventurers who saw the stone Tama was carrying became noisy, and then the attack against the Ash Mud Golems became more furious.
3168
3169Since the adventurer party that we saved had already left the room, there was no one who disputed the ownership of the mysterious Golem Soul item.
3170
3171"T-thank you very much, elf-sama."
3172"Nn."
3173
3174The female bearkin whose back was burned by the friendly fire thanked Mia for giving her healing magic.
3175It seems she's been abandoned by the party earlier.
3176
3177I took a pity on her a bit so I presented her half a year worth of diluted healing magic potion as a charm.
3178They were something I hoarded in my Storage since I had no use of them, but with her level, one of them should be enough to recover her from a dying state.
3179
3180
3181~
3182
3183
3184"Footsteps~?"
3185"Doka doka sounds nodesu."
3186"Looks like some enemies are chasing after adventurers."
3187"Geh, bringing Train here, what bad manners."
3188
3189The radar shows monsters of varying sizes chasing after two adventurer parties.
3190As we advance while defeating some Ash Mud Golems, an agile-looking male scout shows up running in the corridor in front of us.
3191
3192"You guys, run! Iron Golem is coming!"
3193
3194Middle-aged adventurers carrying swords and wands who seem to be his companions run past us.
3195
3196"Not good, it's catching up."
3197
3198The second party seems to be adventures with heavy knight-like armors.
3199Since their movement was slow due to their heavy equipment, the Iron Golem almost caught up to them.
3200
3201The Iron Golem is big enough to have to bend over in this three meter high passage.
3202Pale red driving light leak out from its inside.
3203
3204"Damn it, I'll get one hit at least!"
3205"Fool! Don't stop!"
3206"Tsk, that idiot!"
3207
3208The heavy armor party whose companion was trampled under the golem's foot stopped and turned back at the golem.
3209They tried to challenge it with a huge axe and a fire wand, but they got trampled under the feet just like their comrade earlier.
3210
3211It seems they're still alive, so we can't desert them.
3212
3213"Liza."
3214"Understood."
3215
3216The Magic Edge Cannon shot by Liza pierces through the Iron Golem's head before it could trample the last heavy armor adventurer.
3217
3218The golem producer here doesn't seem to know the true joke material as the golems aren't so easy as to be defeated just by erasing a letter.
3219Of course, Liza's Magic Edge Cannon would destroy it in one hit no matter where it hit, but--.
3220
3221"KARINA--KIIIIIIIICK"
3222
3223Clad in blue light, Lady Karina sunk her sure-death kick at the chest of the Iron Golem.
3224The red driving light inside the golem disappears.
3225
3226"Goodjob~?"
3227"Karina, you're great nodesu."
3228
3229It was actually an overkill, but Tama and Pochi praised Lady Karina without minding it.
3230Lady Karina turned around while looking like it was not all that bad.
3231
3232"May I ask about the technique earlier?"
3233
3234Lady Karina's smile froze at the owner of the voice who appeared from behind the Iron Golem.
3235Well now, how to get through this.
3236
3237I refreshingly smile back at Lady Liedill's party who show fearless smiles.
3238
323915-10. Phantasmal Labyrinth (2)
3240 
3241Satou's here. It's said that there are three people who have the same face in the world, but looking at the likelihood of those people meeting with each other, I think accidental resemblance is more common.
3242
3243
3244~
3245
3246
3247"U-um, this is, uh"
3248
3249Lady Karina is flustered to see Lady Liedill who appeared from the opposite side of the Iron Golem.
3250However, there's something else that has caught my attention.
3251
3252"H-hey, Master, what should we do?"
3253"Nothing."
3254
3255I lightly cut off Arisa's worry, pats her shoulder and points at Liedill.
3256
3257"--Ah"
3258"You understand?"
3259"Y-yes. Shall I do it instead?"
3260"No, I'm happy with just the thought."
3261
3262I don't really want to do it but it'd be a mistake to let the children to.
3263This is something that I must do.
3264
3265"Sa-Satou."
3266"It's alright."
3267
3268After nodding at Lady Karina who looks uneasy, I step forward in front of her.
3269
3270"....U-uu."
3271
3272A groan came from the golem's wreckage.
3273Oops, I've got to deal with that one first.
3274
3275I chantlessly healed the trampled adventurers who were dying and then I made them sleep with mind magic chantlessly too.
3276After I'm done with the emergency task, I head to Liedill.
3277
3278"Oh? Perhaps you'd be the one explaining--"
3279
3280Without waiting until the end, I kick Liedill's stomach, flinging it away at the line of the escort who are standing still behind.
3281As an insurance, I also use earth magic's [Toss Drill Stone] to skewer it and the escort together.
3282
3283"M-Master?"
3284"Sa-Satou?"
3285
3286Seeing my brutality, Liza and Lady Karina are shaken.
3287The other girls are also shaken with different reactions.
3288
3289"Uwah, gross."
3290"Don't worry be happy~?"
3291
3292Only Arisa and Tama are reacting differently.
3293
3294However, besides the two's, the voices tapered off.
3295
3296"Uhyaa, so that's what Doppelganger like."
3297"Nopperabou~?"
3298"It dissolves like, slush nodesu."
3299"Master, requesting provision of information."
3300
3301I explain to the girls while glancing at the log.
3302The brief words from Arisa already explained it all though.
3303
3304"The monster earlier is called Doppelganger, a monster that can steal a part of someone's memory and assume the appearance of a person."
3305
3306Arisa was deceived at first, but she realized immediately once she appraised her.
3307In the first place, there's no way that I won't notice Lady Liedill, who has been marked, once she enters the Radar's range.
3308
3309"You can't let your guard down with people you meet in the labyrinth even if you know them okay?"
3310
3311The girls cheerfully replied me positively.
3312
3313The reason why I'm telling the girls that is because judging from the fact that there was no one we met who warned us about the monster and that there is no other Doppelganger inside the labyrinth, that means it was probably prepared by the Dungeon Master who got flustered since some high level adventurers entered the labyrinth.
3314There's a room fully loaded with water and paralyze traps at the end of one of the long passages from the large room where the Doppelgangers and the Iron Golem appeared.
3315
3316The Doppelgangers earlier were probably going to lead us there.
3317
3318Further, there might have been a gentler way to defeat them, but I did what I did since I wanted to defeat them before my companions did.
3319I don't want to see the girls killing beings that look like people after all.
3320
3321~
3322
3323"Putting your name in your technique's name is really not a good idea."
3324"--Uu."
3325"Why~?"
3326"It's cool nodesuyo?"
3327
3328Lady Karina faltered with Arisa's frank advice, Tama and Pochi covered for her.
3329
3330"Even after you hide your figure, if you shout a technique name like that out loud, you can end up in trouble like just now right?"
3331"Oo~ops~?"
3332"Ah, nanodesu."
3333
3334Tama and Pochi who heard the explanation were surprised.
3335Don't tell me, they only noticed it just now?
3336
3337"Recommending to change the name so I advice."
3338"That's right...."
3339
3340Nana spoke calmly, Liza hesitated.
3341
3342As for me, I don't intend to force Lady Karina to correct it since her clumsiness is within my tolerance, but it appears the other girls don't think so.
3343
3344"Sa-Satou won't tell me to change it too right?"
3345"Yes, it's fine--"
3346
3347Lady Karina looks relieved when I affirm her.
3348
3349"--As long as you stay behind when we're on missions where we need to disguise ourselves that is."
3350
3351Even though I followed up with a smile, Lady Karina's face looks like she's having a monologue, "I've been betrayed."
3352
3353--Incomprehensible.
3354
3355"Then, since Karina-sama agrees too--"
3356
3357Arisa begins to take ideas for the new technique name beside the dispirited Lady Karina.
3358
3359"The first meetiing~ Karina Kick new technique naame~ Naming conventioon~"
3360
3361She's using some strange intonation, it must be some kind of reference.
3362
3363"The safe one would be 『Oppai Kick』 I guess?"
3364"Arisa, take this seriously. How about 『Jump Kick』?"
3365"『Inazuma Fall』 is nice so I suggest."
3366"Mwuu, Swooping Kick Strike."
3367
3368Liza reproved Arisa for her joking remark, Nana and Mia suggested some acceptable names.
3369And--.
3370
3371"Meat Attack~?"
3372"Hamburg Steak sounds stronger nanodesu. Hamburg Steak Kick is good nodesu!"
3373
3374--Triggered by Tama and Pochi, the suggestion for the technique names all became of dishes name, so the naming convention came to a close prematurely.
3375
3376
3377~
3378
3379
3380"This is the place where the figurines were found?"
3381
3382Arisa tilted her head at a shrine-like place inside the labyrinth.
3383She probably feels the gap between the anime figurine and the place.
3384
3385"Nope, there's a hidden passage inside that shrine, and that place seems to be at the end of that passage."
3386
3387The inside of the shrine is decorated with many stone statues.
3388
3389"Uwaah, the Star Oni Girl Lovely Momo, and there's even Mecha Girl Version of the Space Warrior Random. The guy who created these must be quite an enthusiast."
3390
3391Arisa voiced her admiration, but I don't know the sources for half of the statues.
3392I pulled the excited Arisa's hand and we entered the hidden door.
3393
3394"The fog is thick. Tama, Pochi, be on the lookout."
3395"Aye aye sir~?"
3396"Roger nanodesu."
3397
3398Tama puts her hands on her ears strengthening her hearing, Pochi closes her eyes and sniffs the surrounding smell.
3399
3400Before long, we see the shadow of buildings beyond the fog.
3401This place seems to be a phantom town block filled with gray rocks.
3402
3403"This looks like a gray rock street doesn't it."
3404"Yeah, it's like a petrified Akiba."
3405
3406This place is not that large, yet there are several multi-floor buildings and asphalt-like road carved from gray rocks.
3407A familiar townscape with unfamiliar signboards--the one who created this real-sized models of the street is probably a reincarnated or a transported person from Japan that resembles mine.
3408
3409"This upright cabinet is empty inside too."
3410"That seems to be the case."
3411
3412Apparently there's nothing of worth here.
3413
3414"Master!"
3415"Master, a discovery so I inform."
3416
3417When I turned toward Lulu and Nana, I saw half-petrified manga books on the ground.
3418Many badly made figurines are piled up beside them.
3419
3420It looks like they're transformed into stone from material build-up.
3421
3422"Master, that!"
3423
3424Arisa pointed at a scribble-like brush writing.
3425
3426"『I want to go home』 huh--"
3427
3428The scribble is hard to read, but that's certainly what's written in Katakana.
3429
3430We didn't find a gate that connects to our world, but it's certain that a reincarnated or perhaps a teleported person had come here.
3431Perhaps, the demon lord in this labyrinth created weapons using the same mean.
3432
3433
3434~
3435
3436
3437"That reminds me, is the real Kukkorosan in the labyrinth?"
3438"Yes, it seems they're exploring in the middle layer."
3439
3440They were already there when we entered the labyrinth.
3441
3442They must have gone into the labyrinth not long after their intrusion incident yesterday.
3443Lady Liedill's stamina gauge has decreased more than half, it seems they're forcing themselves.
3444
3445"--Huh?"
3446"What's wrong?"
3447
3448Lady Liedill's state on the map has changed to [Panic].
3449When I peer the room where she is with space magic [Remote View]--.
3450
3451"They are in serious trouble somehow."
3452
3453The scene and sound projected by Remote View magic in mind is just like pandemonium from a disaster film.
3454
3455『U-uwah, there's something inside the slime.』
3456『Ma-magician-dono? Where are you Magician-dono!』
3457『Th-there's snakes inside the slime!』
3458『Liedill-sama, please escape alone!』
3459『I will not abandon you guys.』
3460
3461Lady Liedill and her party are sinking into a sea of slime inside a room that's similar to the room we were going to be entrapped earlier.
3462Furthermore, there are tentacle-shaped monsters called [Slime Leech] that are in symbiosis with the slimes, they appear to coil around their enemies and pull them into the symbiotic slime to suffocate them to death.
3463
3464Defeating the slimes is easy by using ranged attack, but unlike in the game, their bodies won't disappear even after they've died so it won't really help the situation.
3465It's as it were flooding by slimes.
3466
3467Im addition, the slimes are called Lake Slimes, they seem to be of a different species than the common slime.
3468
3469『This level of slimes, I'll just burn them down!』
3470『Fool! We're in underground here!』
3471『Suffocating to death would be better than getting eaten like this!』
3472
3473This is bad.... The desperate magician has begun to chant an advanced fire magic spell.
3474If she used that in such a closed room, every one of them wouldn't come out of it with just major burn.
3475
3476『Don't give up! We are not warriors that will fall behind this degree of enemies!』
3477
3478Lady Liedill's clear voice remonstrates her companions who are consumed by despair.
3479Lady Liedill fills her two-handed magic sword with magic power, the red light shines on her companions.
3480
3481『True Temple Knights are--』
3482
3483And then, the Slime Leechs twine on her legs while her expression is still serious and pulls her into the Lake Slime in an instant.
3484
3485I don't know how to react since it was too embarrassing.
3486
3487『Revenge for Liedill-sama!』
3488
3489The magician fires the advanced magic and shouts while crying bitter tears.
3490
3491No no, she's not dead yet.
3492
3493
3494~
3495
3496
3497"Uwah, erotic."
3498
3499I put Lady Liedill and her companions I pulled here using space magic on the floor.
3500
3501This is one of the room at the end of a passage from the place where we defeated the Doppelgangers earlier.
3502It's not the trap room one of course.
3503
3504Just as Arisa said, on top of their disheveled armor and clothing, they're covered in slimy liquid, so they look like inhabitants of the 18+ world.
3505The slimy liquid is the remain of the slime which had undergone change after getting burned by the fire magic.
3506
3507I entrust Lulu and the others to care for Lady Liedill and the female magician, while I recover the burly men with healing magic and life magic in a pack.
3508Half of them were charred by the advanced fire spell, but they all barely made it thanks to their levels, resistances, equipment and support magic.
3509
3510I recovered the people who were drowned in the slime with my original magic [Lifesaving: Respiration].
3511I also have a magic to shock the heart [Lifesaving: AED] though there's no opportunity to use it now.
3512
3513"T-this place is--"
3514"Have you awaken?"
3515
3516Lady Liedill who woke up first muttered with hoarse voice.
3517
3518Lulu and the others have fixed up their clothing as much as possible.
3519They'll get undone if they move too much, so I probably have to warn the careless Lady Liedill.
3520
3521"--Did I survive."
3522
3523Lady Liedill stares at the finger in front of her face, gets half of her body up painfully and looks around.
3524Her body seems weak, so I support her back.
3525
3526"Good, everyone is alright..."
3527
3528After putting her companions into her view, she breathed a sigh of relief.
3529I offer Lady Liedill whose voice is hoarse a cup of water.
3530
3531"Ah, thank you--"
3532
3533Our eyes meet as Lady Liedill inclines the cup.
3534Her relaxed expression changed in an instant, her eyes opening wide.
3535
3536"--You're, Satou!"
3537
3538While gushing water out of her mouth, Lady Liedill stepped back vigorously enough to use Flickering Movement.
3539As promised, her armor and clothes which were only fixed as needed couldn't endure the inertia and scattered away.
3540
3541"Hyaaa--"
3542
3543She covered her thin breasts in a hurry.
3544I hand over a cloth I took from the storage bag to Tama who was watching on the sideline.
3545
3546"I'll leave it to you."
3547"Aye~"
3548
3549Tama used Flickering Movement while crouching, moving next to Lady Liedill.
3550Is she mimicking Lady Liedill's movement earlier?
3551
3552"Use it~?"
3553"M-my gratitude."
3554
3555After I've made sure that she's finished wearing the cloth, I step forward while being careful not to alert her.
3556
3557"It was really surprising. Just when were taking a break in this room, Liedill-sama and her companions appeared out of thin air."
3558"--Appeared out of thin air?"
3559
3560Hearing my fabricated story supported by Deception skill, Lady Liedill's raised her eyebrows as if she couldn't believe it.
3561
3562"Yes, you must have an excellent space magician."
3563"N-no, none of my subordinates can use space magic."
3564"Then it was a Weasel Empire's magic device for emergency escape wasn't it. Giving such an important item like that, His Majesty the Emperor must really cherish the Temple Knights."
3565"Y-yes--That's right."
3566
3567I forcefully steered the talk to a good story type.
3568We're in the upper layer, so normally one wouldn't think that the we saved them who were in the middle layer.
3569
3570
3571~
3572
3573
3574"Then please excuse us. The exit is nearby, but please be careful."
3575"Ah, you too be careful. There's something different about this labyrinth--"
3576
3577Lady Liedill leads her companions who have woken up toward the exit.
3578
3579"Satou, if you're interested in Temple Knights--No, you're an authority of Shiga Kingdom aren't you. Our gratitude for the support and treatment earlier. We will properly thank you later."
3580
3581Lady Liedill tried to invite me, but she changed her mind and stopped in the way.
3582Her gaze feels like they've softened up somewhat, is it just my imagination I wonder.
3583
3584"Wait now~ stop raising flags here and there please."
3585"Nn, affable."
3586"You're right, I'll be careful."
3587
3588I lightly waived off Arisa and Mia's complaint, and we went back to the labyrinth exploration.
3589Our destination today is the hero's relay base.
3590
3591While watching the girls' peerlessness, I think hard about what kind of Japanese sweets should I serve to commemorate our reunion with the hero.
3592
359315-11. Phantasmal Labyrinth (3)
3594 
3595Satou's here. Dungeons that appear in games are generally made clearable. No matter which nightmarish difficulty you choose, someone from the development staff will always make sure to adjust it so that you can finish it until the end. However, the real life dungeon doesn't seem to be like so....
3596
3597
3598~
3599
3600
3601"Isn't it getting hotter?"
3602"I can use Air Conditioner magic if you want?"
3603"Don't~?"
3604"Noticing labyrinth's abnormality would be harder so don't nanodesu."
3605
3606I replied Arisa's grumble like so, but Tama and Pochi raised such objections.
3607Their remarks are proofs that they're more experienced in exploring labyrinths than me.
3608
3609While feeling a bit proud, I pat the two heads, saying "You're right."
3610
3611"Nihehe~?"
3612"It's been awhile since Master patted Pochi nanodesu."
3613
3614Was that so?
3615
3616"Master, I also wish for magic power refill later so I tell."
3617"Sure thing."
3618
3619When I made a promise to Nana without thinking, Arisa's eyes shined.
3620
3621"Sexual harassment-type of requests are forbidden."
3622"No way~"
3623
3624Getting shot down by me prematurely, Arisa pretends to break down crying.
3625
3626"Master, we arrived at an open space, so I report."
3627"It looks like a cylinder isn't it."
3628"I wonder if the red thing on the floor of this large room is lava?"
3629
3630Lulu and Liza followed up after Nana.
3631
3632There's a large cylindrical room with diameter of around 100 meters at the end of the passage, and there's a narrow passage along the wall that goes spiraling below.
3633Just as Liza's said, the floor at the bottom is filled with bubbling lava and noxious gas.
3634
3635There are several tunnels along the passage, it seems they connect to the labyrinth's middle layer.
3636The tunnel closest to the lava is connected to the hero's relay base--the goods depot.
3637
3638"Ah, he fell."
3639
3640About at the same time Arisa muttered, Liza threw a steel spear.
3641
3642One of adventurers had lost his footing and fell headlong toward the lava--or rather, he was going to.
3643He's dangling on the wall, stitched on the spear thrown by Liza.
3644Of course, the spear didn't pierce through his body but his study fireproof mantle.
3645
3646The companions of the adventurer shouted from afar at us to thank you.
3647
3648After seeing off the adventurers who went into a tunnel, we continue on the passage.
3649Before long we found ourselves before an impasse.
3650
3651Stepping stones are floating in mid-air, you'll need to jump over them like in an action game.
3652
3653"Stop!"
3654
3655Tama uses this kind of tone when she finds a trap.
3656Tama who opens her eyes wide is staring at the floating stones seriously.
3657
3658"Illusion~?"
3659
3660She points at one of them with her usual tone.
3661Looks like she found an illusion among the stepping stones.
3662
3663"That looks to be the case. And this one will rotate and drop you down below if you step on it."
3664
3665Another stone with a different kind of trap is located right beside it.
3666The Dungeon Master of this place seems to be a nasty one.
3667
3668
3669~
3670
3671
3672"How long till the relay base?"
3673
3674I open the map to answer Arisa's question.
3675
3676--This is?!
3677
3678"Let's hurry! Everyone prepare to teleport!"
3679"Understood!"
3680
3681I waited only a breath after Liza's answer before teleporting us away.
3682There's a clearly different kind of red flowing on the slanting passage with lava.
3683
3684"Over there~?"
3685
3686Faster than Tama pointing her finger, I moved with Ground Shrink to the place where there were sounds of weapons clashing.
3687
3688"Damn, damn damn, why isn't the Mithril sword working!"
3689"Kekekekeh, although it'll be different with the lowly Blood Stalker, such attacks won't work on true vampires the followers of darkness--"
3690
3691I cut the vampire who's saying some stupid thing in two with the Mithril-made Fairy Sword.
3692
3693Vampire is a troublesome race that can immediately revive even after they're turned into ashes, but that's the more reason I can attack them without reservation.
3694I ignore the Blood Bead and Magic Cores drop item on the ground and prioritize healing the man.
3695
3696"Oy, are you still alive? Drink this magic potion."
3697"Stop, it's already too late. My blood has been sucked by the vampire earlier. I'm already losing my self and wanting blood."
3698
3699The man spun words while gasping.
3700According to the AR reading beside him, his statement is true.
3701
3702"--Item Box, open."
3703
3704A black square appeared beside him.
3705
3706"There's supply for hero-sama inside....Take out as much as possible and deliver them to hero-sama...."
3707
3708I'm moving my hands while hearing him.
3709
3710He--no, they seem to be the transport troops tasked to carry goods to the hero's relay base.
3711They're not only composed of Saga Empire's people, it seems there are also adventures from Dejima Island.
3712
3713"Everyone else in the hero transport troops has died. The items inside Item Box will disappear when I die. While I'm resisting the power of darkness, quickly--"
3714"It's alright, leave it to me."
3715
3716I powerfully assure him, the man endures the pain while gritting his teeth.
3717
3718Soon enough, I dispelled all the miasma, and the man's state changed to normal person after I used the highest ranked magic to recover status abnormality.
3719For me who is able to dispel demon lord's curse, there's no way that I cannot cancel infection from a mere vampire who isn't even a True Ancestor.
3720
3721The member of transport troops who has been healed falls unconscious.
3722He probably has lost too much blood from getting sucked by the vampire.
3723I'll give him blood-forming medicine once he wakes up.
3724
3725"Uwahh, there's blood all over the place..."
3726"Yeah, it seems a vampire appeared here."
3727
3728The girls who have caught up frown at the disastrous scene.
3729
3730"Tama and Pochi, gather the ashes on the ground and put it inside this jar."
3731"Aye, dustpan~?"
3732"Time to display Pochi's exquisite skill with broom nodesu!"
3733
3734Rustle-rustle, the two gather the ashes that was originally a vampire into the jar.
3735The magic core among the ashes is needed for the vampire to revive so I'll put it in a different location than the other magic cores.
3736
3737I'm going to leave the punishment of this vampire to the [True Ancestor] Ban in the labyrinth's lower layer.
3738He will no doubt give the appropriate punishment to a vampire.
3739
3740I start the next high priority work.
3741
3742"Satou?"
3743"Just look."
3744
3745After telling Mia who looked puzzled, I concentrate on the opposite side of the space.
3746I thrust my hand at the slightly wavering space.
3747
3748--There's a reaction.
3749
3750I forcefully expanded it just like that and then the goods that were inside it fell down.
3751
3752"W-wait, don't tell me."
3753
3754I affirm the surprised Arisa.
3755
3756I interfered with the Item Boxes whose users had died from outside and took out the contents.
3757
3758"....Geez, you're absurd like always."
3759
3760Arisa sighed, looking astounded.
3761
3762"Arisa can do it too right?"
3763"It may be possible if I have several bottles of high-ranked magic recovery potion, and a mid-level space magician assistant for measuring the position of the space. "
3764
3765--So it's not like she can't do it.
3766
3767In my case, it's just that I don't need the prior preparation is all.
3768
3769
3770~
3771
3772
3773Now then, next we'll be heading toward the relay base but....
3774
3775"--Annihilated?"
3776
3777I affirm Liza.
3778
3779"Yes, they were caught in a surprise attack by some strong monsters and annihilated."
3780
3781I found the survivor earlier after seeing that the relay base was annihilated and searched the circumference for any survivor.
3782
3783Two monsters are lurking at the place where the relay base was, a Mimic Salamander that has [Mimic] race-specific skill, and an Illusion Golem whose race-specific ability is [Optical Camouflage].
3784
3785Both of them are level 50, it seems they hide their bodies when there's no enemies.
3786
3787Worse, a level 60 Lava Golem is lurking on the floor above the relay base.
3788Since the ceiling is thin, it's probably going to drop down when the hero is fighting against the two monsters.
3789
3790"Now then, what should we do--"
3791
3792I'd like to hand over the revenge battle to the hero, but it's probably going to be tough for them who have been exhausted from the battle with the demon lord to fight the three monsters.
3793I don't think the hero himself would lose, but his followers and fellow travelers won't get out of it without any victim.
3794
3795I evacuate the sole survivor to the [Sub-space] that's been copied from the Phantasmal Labyrinth and head to the destroyed relay base.
3796
3797"Over there and there, monsters~?"
3798"Not yet, wait a bit okay."
3799"Aye."
3800
3801Tama was going to dispose of them quickly, but even though the two level 50 monsters are weaker than her, their HPs are too high, so I refrained her.
3802I think Tama can win against them alone, but it would take time and destroy the relay base further.
3803
3804"First, let's bring them to a place that's easy to fight in."
3805
3806I execute the second [Another World] today, and create a sub-space for battle.
3807
3808"It's like the mysterious magic space that often appears in Tokusatsu isn't it?"
3809
3810Without minding Arisa's remark which had various meaning mixed in, we pull the three monsters into the sub-space I've created.
3811
3812--ＢＵＷＡＲＥＴＷＥＥＥＥＲＹＷＡ. <TLN: Likely from "bareteru", literally means "exposed.">
3813--ＭＶＡ.
3814
3815The Mimic Salamander that was mimicking as a huge rock and the Illusion Golem that was being transparent showed themselves up.
3816
3817"Guess I'll call the one above too."
3818
3819It'll be troubling if it enters the battle later, so I destroy the ceiling with the Short Stun magic.
3820
3821--MUWAGUUUUEMVA.
3822
3823While roaring incomprehensibly, the level 60 Lava Golem fell down with the ceiling splinters.
3824It's scattering sparks around, so it looks quite showy.
3825
3826"Master, your order please."
3827
3828Liza who's concealing quiet fighting spirit asks.
3829The other girls are also waiting for my reply.
3830
3831"Defeat them--you can go at full power."
3832"Understood."
3833
3834We're in the center of the sub-space created by [Another World] so there should be no problem even if the girls go at full power. Probably.
3835
3836"Mia, create the appropriate artificial spirit."
3837"Nn, Water Dragon (Leviathan) ■■--."
3838
3839Per Liza's instruction, Mia spoke the artifical spirit's name and began to chant.
3840
3841"Nana, take care of the enemy in the middle. Keep them at bay until the other vanguards join."
3842"In agreement with Liza's instruction, so I inform. Equipment Installation."
3843
3844When Nana muttered so, the artificial magic equipment (Raka Clone) in the form of a choker opened an entrance to sub-space behind her with space magic [Garage].
3845Transparent [Magic Hands] that extend from it strip off Nana's equipment and install the new golden armor.
3846
3847The transformation scene looks similar to the ones in various media, but the transformation time is too long compared to ones in fiction.
3848I won't ask for it to be one millisecond long, I just want it to be one second at least.
3849
3850Nana who's been equipped with the golden armor activates the 『Castle』 mode and takes up defensive position with the great shield ready.
3851
3852The girls who saw Nana's equipment change begin to change theirs similarly.
3853The enemies are coming to attack of course, but they're trapped in Arisa's space magic [Labyrinth] and can't get close.
3854
3855"Lulu, remain on stand-by and prepare to shoot anytime. Arisa, please command the support and rearguard appropriately."
3856"Yes, I understand."
3857"Okay, leave it to me."
3858
3859Behind Lulu and Arisa, Tama and Pochi are waiting Liza's instruction with impatient faces.
3860Liza probably leaves them for the last since no doubt these girls are going to jump out the moment they've been given the order.
3861
3862"Pochi, overrun the enemy on the right. Tama, assist Pochi."
3863"Roger, nanodesu."
3864"Aye aye sir~?"
3865
3866The two who took shutan pose just for having their turns took Liza's instruction.
3867
3868"Physical Reinforcement."
3869"Magic Circulation and Accelerated Thought too naanodesu!"
3870
3871Tama and Pochi activate their own support skills.
3872Arisa and Nana put buff-type skills on all the vanguards.
3873
3874"Right on mark~?"
3875"Pochi wants Master's reinforcement magic too nodesu."
3876"Sure, 『Divine Light Blade』 and 『Divine Light Shield』."
3877
3878Losing to Pochi's cute request, I used the advanced force magic I learned from Hikaru on her.
3879The names sound like they're of Light magic, it's confusing.
3880
3881"Overflowing with power~?"
3882"Fully ready now nanodesu."
3883"Then I'll release the [Labyrinth] okay."
3884"Aye."
3885"Yes, nanodesu."
3886
3887The girls replied back Arisa powerfully.
3888
3889"Raka-san, we're going too!"
3890『Umu, I'll be supporting to the best of my ability.』
3891
3892I grab the nape of Lady Karina who was going to rush out with Liza and the others.
3893
3894"You can't Karina-sama. Let's watch them here with me."
3895
3896It's dangerous for Lady Karina to be near Liza and the others when they're serious.
3897I think it should be fine with Raka's protection, but I can't guarantee her safety in case she's hit by Liza's dragon spear or Pochi's holy sword.
3898
3899"I-I also want to fight together desuwa!"
3900"It's fine."
3901
3902I'm thinking of letting her have enough battles to let the new name of her technique instilled in her heart.
3903We have to think the new name for the technique before that though.
3904
3905"I'll let you fight all you want later."
3906
3907When I tell her that with a smile, for some reason Lady Karina's face becomes blue and she begins to tremble violently.
3908Perhaps it's because I made her work a bit too much during the training to learn [Magic Power Operation] back then.
3909
3910
3911~
3912
3913
3914"Labyrinth, release."
3915"There's no lost child~ so I coerce."
3916"Tou, nanodesu!"
3917
3918The moment Arisa released her magic, Nana said some questionable provocative words, Pochi rushed out using Flickering Movement while drawing her sword.
3919The Illusion Golem intercepts Pochi by swinging its fist at her.
3920
3921"Shadow Bind~?"
3922
3923Tama threw kunai at the Illusion Golem's shadow, stopping its movement with Ninjutsu.
3924
3925"Blue Fang Arc Moon Slash, nanodesu."
3926
3927Pochi's holy swords draws an arc, cutting the Illusion Golem from below to above.
3928
3929--Boom.
3930
3931Pochi kicked the ground at the same time her sword touched the golem, and the golem got thrown up with enough force like it's going to be cut in two.
3932The holy sword drawing blue light sharply cuts the golem's body.
3933
3934--Boom boom.
3935
3936With the second jump, Pochi jumped up 10 meter high, and the holy sword came out of the golem's shoulder.
3937The golem's enormous HP has been decreased to 40%.
3938
3939"Pochi, niice~?"
3940"Not yet, nanodesu!"
3941
3942Pochi holds her knee and spins a bit.
3943
3944"Blue Fang Rupturing Strike."
3945
3946--Bang.
3947
3948Kicking the air, Pochi pierced the golem like a cannonball.
3949The golem's HP decreased even further to 30%.
3950
3951I'm going to overlook the fact that Pochi's body has been buried in the ground due to her over-enthusiasm.
3952
3953The golem's splinters and dust are greatly scattered at the surrounding, Arisa and Mia who are hiding behind Lulu complain.
3954Even my Attentive Ears couldn't hear them since it was covered by the roaring sound though.
3955
3956The golem raises its stout arm at Pochi who's stopped moving for revenge.
3957The Shadow Binding seems to have been removed by Pochi's attack earlier.
3958
3959"Don't worry be happy~?"
3960
3961Tama who's cloned herself before I knew it surrounds the golem with magic swords shining red.
3962
3963"Crimson Fang Furious Hundred Slash, nyan."
3964
3965More than a hundred slashes mercilessly assault the golem.
3966The golem's HP decreases slightly every time a red light flashes.
3967
3968Her offensive power is lower compared to Pochi's, but the torrent of slashes that slip through the golem's defense break its hand, gouge its stomach, and drill its knee.
3969
3970--ＭＶＡＭＭＭＭＶＶＶＶＡＡＡ.
3971
3972Voice tinged with fear greater than when it was facing off against Pochi echoed, in the end, the golem became a mountain of crumbling wreckage.
3973
3974"You did well you two. The next enemy is of equal strength. Give it your all."
3975
3976Liza asked the two who had finished their battle for the last battle.
3977
3978The Mimic Lizard that was fighting with Liza was quickly defeated by 16 stabs of Liza's Dragon Spear during Pochi's first attack earlier.
3979Please use your finisher at least.
3980
3981I watched over the girls' peerlessness while thinking like that, and then we went back to the original labyrinth.
3982
3983Because Hero Hayato is arriving at the relay base.
3984
398515-12. Hero in the Labyrinth
3986 
3987Satou's here. In games, there is a technique to throw off the rhythm of players who have grown accustomed to the same enemies appearing. by revealing an unexpected enemy The super popular Zombie Hazard game uses it effectively.
3988
3989
3990~
3991
3992
3993"Then I'll be going ahead."
3994"Un, say hello to Hayato for me okay."
3995
3996I bring only Lady Karina with me into the labyrinth outside of the [Sub-space].
3997
3998Arisa and the others are going to join us once they've fixed up their equipment.
3999They're probably going to rest a bit since there's a light bath set and some light meals on the table.
4000
4001"Oops, enemies."
4002
4003During our absence, a large amount of doppelgangers have occupied the relay base.
4004Thoroughly enough, they're acting as [fallen friends with serious injury] in order to lure the hero to approach them defenselessly.
4005
4006"E-enemies desuno? Raka-san--"
4007『--Karina-dono, pay attention to the surroundings in alert. Unfortunately, my enemy search function cannot find any sign of the enemy. However, if Satou-dono has said so, then there must be enemies nearby.』
4008
4009Raka advised Lady Karina who was shaken.
4010It'll be troublesome if we meet the hero in battle so I exterminate them all at once with Remote Arrows.
4011
4012I rain down the Remote Arrows on the doppelgangers pretending to be corpses in front of us, turning them into milk-white liquid.
4013
4014"--Kya"
4015
4016The surprised lady Karina hugs my arm.
4017Seeing people and their clothes melting probably feels bad even though she's seen it before.
4018
4019"It's all right Karina-sama. The enemies have all been disposed of just now."
4020
4021Lady Karina looks relieved, but now her eyes are spinning after noticing the fact that she's hugging me.
4022The impregnable fortress pair, Arisa and Mia aren't here, so I decide to enjoy the situation for a while.
4023
4024
4025~
4026
4027
4028"Hero-sama! The relay base has suffered great damage!"
4029"Look for survivors! There might be monsters lurking, so always have someone with magic probe equipment with you!"
4030
4031I could hear the hero's voice on the other side of the hall, they can't see us due to an obstruction.
4032I pull Lady Karina by hand toward the hero and his party.
4033
4034There are pillars of stones and burnt wreckages in the center of the hall so the view here is bad.
4035
4036"Hero-sama! There are people on top of the cliff."
4037"That's, Satou?"
4038
4039A knight wearing black armor pointed at us and shouted, a woman wearing silver armor muttered my name quizzically.
4040The girl with the silver straight hair is Lady Ringrande, the [Sky-tearing Witch], one of the hero's follower. She's the big sister of Sera the [Oracle Miko] who's in my solitary island palace, the daughter of the duke and also a bit of a siscon.
4041
4042I waved my hands at her and jumped down the cliff.
4043Lady Karina followed while holding down her fluttering skirt.
4044
4045"Why is Satou in this place...."
4046
4047Wariness floated in Lady Ringrande's eyes, she puts her dominant hand on her sword's grip.
4048When we've come close enough to have a conversation, I open my mouth to greet them.
4049
4050"Good day, Ringrande-sama, for this occasion--"
4051"Hero-sama, over here!"
4052
4053While I was saying my condolence, a black knight appeared, together with Hero Hayato.
4054
4055"Satou--"
4056
4057His macho handsome face looks exhausted due to the long-term labyrinth exploration and his battles with the demon lord.
4058His blue armor is also dented and dirtied, the brilliance of [Hero] that I saw back then has lost its luster.
4059
4060"I-it's hero Hayato-sama in flesh desuwa."
4061『Karina-dono, I do not mind if you are delighted, but do not let your guard down.』
4062
4063Lady Karina reacts like a fangirl when she sees the hero, it's probably because the education she's gotten from Earl Muno the hero researcher since childhood.
4064While feeling heartwarming looking at her, I turn back to the hero.
4065
4066"Hayato-sama, please excuse me for my long silence."
4067
4068My eyes met the hero's while saying that with a smile.
4069His eyes somehow remind me of the time when I was in a development death march.
4070
4071They remind me too much of eyes which resent everything in the world, wanting sleep, peace, and liberation from work.
4072
4073I should have come to help him sooner.
4074I repent the fact that I had left the hero alone in my mind.
4075
4076"--It's you this time huh."
4077
4078The laugh which doesn't suit him at all bothers me.
4079
4080"Hayato-sama, what's the matter?"
4081"Take this, Satou!"
4082
4083The hero drew the holy sword Arondight and swung it.
4084
4085"<<Shining Blade>>."
4086
4087The hero's technique which I haven't seen for a long time is faster than before.
4088I evade the blue light extending from the blade.
4089
4090"Kyaa, desuwa."
4091『Gununu, as expected of hero's technique.』
4092
4093Lady Karina and Raka who seemed to have taken the after-wave of the attack screamed.
4094
4095Lady Karina seems suspiciously happy about it.
4096It's hard to understand, but as a hero fan, is she glad for taking the attack with her body?
4097
4098Still the technique's focus is worse than I expected.
4099The after-wave of the technique he showed me back then would have not gone toward Lady Karina.
4100
4101"Shining Strike Rush."
4102
4103With the help of Flickering Movement, hero Hayato appeared before me.
4104The holy sword Arondight in his hand releases striking blue light.
4105
4106"Oops, that's dangerous."
4107
4108He wasn't aiming at my heart or other vital parts, but the sword strikes were going to pierce my lung and shoulder so I inadvertently evaded.
4109
4110"Hmph, evading my blow like that, you damn impostor!"
4111"It's the real one you know?"
4112"No impostor would admit being one."
4113
4114--Well, that's true.
4115
4116They were probably attacked by doppelgangers many times before reaching here.
4117
4118I keep the hero company to release his stress for a while, and when he had begun to run out of breath, I hurled him away.
4119The hero fixed his posture mid-air and landed on the ground.
4120
4121"You can see that I'm the real one if you just appraise me you know?"
4122"Guess I have to...."
4123
4124I'm intrigued as to why he didn't appraise me from the beginning, but doing that should prove my innocence now at least.
4125
4126"Rin, be on guard with drawn sword."
4127"Y-yes."
4128
4129Lady Ringrande and the black knights are encircling with drawn swords, and then the other hero's followers showed up behind while being supported by the black knights.
4130The 21th princess of Saga Empire with luxurious blond hair, Maryest Saga the [Witch] and the big breasted heartwarming-type, Miss Loreiya, a priestess of Parion Temple.
4131
4132The last one, Seina the hero's scout is in the back with serious injury.
4133It seems Seina is guarded by the black knights of Saga Empire and red-armored knights dispatched by the weasel crown prince.
4134The scout-type adventurers whom they seemed to have recruited in Dejima Island are continuing their search in the hall and the surroundings.
4135
4136There's no one who looks like the engineer dispatched by Weasel Empire.
4137They probably only showed up in the beginning and then left the rest to the red knights, never actually entering the labyrinth.
4138
4139"--He's unmistakably the real Satou Pendragon."
4140
4141The hero declared so after staring at me for around 30 seconds.
4142
4143"I'm sorry, Satou."
4144
4145I stopped the hero who was going to apologize with dogeza and asked why he suddenly attacked without appraising first.
4146
4147"We were attacked by doppelgangers who took forms of Rusus and the others before getting here."
4148"After we dealt with them, we saw bodies of the relay base members in the passage, and when we checked them some directional antipersonnel mines (Claymores) exploded, seriously injuring Seina and the others."
4149"After that the doppelgangers persistently attacked us many times by posing as our acquaintances."
4150
4151I see, so Hero's suspicion was nurtured in order to set up me and hero to crush each other....
4152
4153"Furthermore, I need at least 10 seconds to see through the doppelganger's identity. It picks up fake information if I only glance lightly."
4154
4155I see, so there's such a trap too.
4156My AR reading showed both [Human] and [Doppelganger] so it didn't trouble me, but if that's the case with him then I can understand.
4157
4158But then, he can just appraise for 10 seconds right?
4159
4160That question was answered by what the hero says next.
4161
4162"Moreover, a guy who shouldn't have been here was accompanied by a woman while not even holding a sword nor a wand, that was way too suspicious."
4163
4164I forgot that I've stored the fairy sword that's usually on my waist in my storage since it was dirtied when I dealt with the vampire.
4165Magic and magic edge are enough to take care of common monsters after all.
4166
4167"I'm sorry."
4168
4169I honestly apologize to the hero.
4170
4171"I came here with my companions so I had left all the battles for them to take care of."
4172
4173Next, I asked Lady Karina to demonstrate her rock-crushing fist and Raka's protection.
4174
4175"Both of you are level 50 huh. You really worked hard."
4176
4177I felt slightly guilty to hear the hero said that, but Lady Karina behind me was overwhelmed and turned red.
4178
4179
4180~
4181
4182
4183"Master~?"
4184"Pochi can smell Master's smell over there nodesu."
4185
4186I could hear Tama and Pochi's voices, so I call them aloud.
4187
4188I use the [Magic Hand] to receive the girls who waved and jumped down the top of cliff.
4189The vanguards landed on their own just fine.
4190
4191"My honey!"
4192"Hayato-sama, excuse me for my unsightly appearance."
4193
4194Arisa coped with the hero's gleeful smile with formal graceful tone and behavior.
4195
4196Tama and Pochi put their hands on Arisa's forehead in panic, going, "Fever~?", "Oh no nanodesu."
4197Liza who's read the atmosphere picks up the two away.
4198
4199"Bringing children to this place?"
4200"They must be disposable slaves."
4201
4202I heard such conversations from the black knights.
4203
4204"--Satou."
4205
4206Hero nonchalantly glanced at Liza and Tama, and then opened his eyes wide.
4207
4208"Don't tell me, you... used Fiend Drug?"
4209"No?"
4210
4211What's this suddenly?
4212Rather, your face is too close.
4213
4214"Then why are some of these girls' level at 62?"
4215
4216The hero vigorously swung his arm and asked passionately.
4217
4218It seems that Arisa has put the [Thief God Harness] which she always wears on Liza.
4219Although, in this situation, I don' think he would react differently even if he saw Pochi's and Liza's titles.
4220
4221"Trained~?"
4222"Pochi worked really really hard nodesu!"
4223"It's all thanks to Master's wonderful equipment and support."
4224
4225The beastkin girls answered in my behalf.
4226
4227"We were just continuously battling monsters almost to the point of making them go extinct in Selbira Labyrinth and destroyed a monster domain."
4228
4229I didn't say anything about the Blue Territory since Saga Empire's black knights and Weasel Empire's red knights are here.
4230
4231After pondering for a while, the hero stares at me with an earnest look.
4232
4233"Satou, I have a favor to ask."
4234"Yes, if it's within my power--"
4235
4236Thus, us team [Pendragon] undertakes the duty to subjugate the demon lord together with hero Hayato's party.
4237
4238Of course, I'm fully planning to do things behind-the-scenes.
4239
424015-Intermission: Hero's Break
4241 
4242"N-no way! It's curry riceeeeeee!"
4243
4244The moment the hero saw the curry set lined up on the table, he stood up and shouted out loud.
4245He vigorously turned around toward me, so I nodded and told him, "It's the real thing."
4246
4247We're in the annex of the inn reserved for the hero so there's no problem, but I wish he turns down the voice a bit.
4248
4249"Let's eat!"
4250
4251The hero put the spoon with curry rice into his mouth while choking full with tears of gratitude.
4252He's too overenthusiastic I was afraid that he'd scatter the curry rice everywhere but it appears to be an imaginary fear.
4253
4254"So goooooooooooooooood"
4255
4256The hero shouted once and then he gulped down the curry rice sloppily.
4257
4258"Curry really is a drink."
4259"No no, that's wrong."
4260
4261I objected Arisa's remark, and offered the dishes to the hero's followers.
4262
4263"The stew has some peculiar smell doesn't it?"
4264"It's spicy, but tasty y'know."
4265"I'm not good with spicy things."
4266"Ara? Even though it's this good."
4267
4268Miss Wiyaryi the longearkin (booch) archer and Rusus the tiger ear-kin were happily eating the curry, but Fifi the wolf ear-kin sniffed the scent and backed away from the plate.
4269Loreiya the priestess is elegantly eating the curry while combing her hair upward.
4270
4271"Give it to me if you're not eating them."
4272
4273The hero moved Fifi aside and quickly snatched her plate.
4274Wait now, stop that, you can have seconds all you want.
4275
4276"Ah, so this is the legendary curry!"
4277"It's the phantom dish of which the founder hero sought all his life."
4278
4279Sera's big sister, Lady Ringrande the [Sky-tearing Witch] and Princess Maryest the [Witch] are trembling from being deeply moved, they don't seem to be able to put the curry on the spoon.
4280Come to think of it, Hikaru and Lady Karina also reacted similarly when I served them curry.
4281
4282"Fifi-san, please try this one if you don't like spicy food."
4283"Oh, that smells nice."
4284
4285When I offered her a normal omelette rice, Fifi's wolf ears twitch and then she peeks at the plate.
4286
4287"Hee? An egg dish? It looks like the omelette in Saga Empire."
4288"Omelette! I-is this red sauce carrot?"
4289
4290Seina the scout and Nono the secretary who were eating the curry behind the hero came and peered at Fifi's plate from both sides with great speed.
4291
4292"T-this is mine!"
4293
4294Fifi, worried about the two's enthusiasm, hides the omelette rice like she's hugging it.
4295
4296"Fifi, let me have a bite."
4297"I want to eat it too!"
4298
4299Nono and Seina pestered Fifi.
4300
4301"I can't trust your 'a bite'"
4302"How rude! Unlike Seina, my mouthful is cute."
4303"Hey, mine is cute too!"
4304
4305"Thank you for waiting~?"
4306"Additional dishes nanodesu."
4307
4308I wanted to see the three's bargaining a bit more, but since Tama and Pochi showed bringing additional dishes, I decided to put an end to the dispute.
4309
4310"It seems more omelette rice have come, would you two like to taste it?"
4311"Yay!"
4312"Sir Pendragon is a bully."
4313
4314Seina immediately got into the omellete rice, Nono put the omellette rice into his mouth while glaring at me.
4315
4316"It's not, carrot? What sauce is this?"
4317"Toumatoo~?"
4318"Kechup nanodesu!"
4319"Tomato kechup sauce is it?"
4320
4321Nono combined Tama's strangely good pronunciation and Pochi's Japanese pronunciation together.
4322
4323"The sauce is ketchup made from tomato. It's a product from Ringrande-sama's hometown, Oyugock Dukedom."
4324
4325Lady Ringrande reacted to my explanation.
4326
4327"Satou? I've never seen that sauce though?"
4328"Nn, Satou."
4329"Master developed it, so I refer."
4330"Hee, as one would expect from the 『Miracle Chef』."
4331
4332Explained by Mia and Nana, Lady Ringrande called me with a nostlagic title.
4333
4334Then, Lulu and Liza come into the room pushing a trolley with a big sukiyaki pot on it.
4335
4336"Sorry to keep you waiting. This is Oumi beef sukiyaki."
4337"Sukiyaki!"
4338
4339The hero who had asked for his fifth helping turned toward Lulu while having his yellowed mouth wiped by Priestess Loreiya.
4340
4341"Yes, it's a dish from Hero-sama's country."
4342
4343Lulu doesn't act differently even though the other party is the hero.
4344She probably thinks people who eat her dishes with relish are the same as our girls.
4345
4346"Would you like to have raw eggs?"
4347"Ou, I do!"
4348
4349On the contrary Liza who's acting unusually tense handed a plate with raw eggs.
4350I'm praying that her trembling hands aren't because of warrior's excitement.
4351
4352"Me-meat."
4353"Meat nanodesu. But Pochi has to wait since right now it's 『Wait』 nodesu."
4354
4355Tama and Pochi are staring at the beef inside sukiyaki while drooling.
4356
4357--Huh? I never ordered them as such though?
4358
4359"I thought of letting Hayato and the others to eat first."
4360"You did huh. However, there's no need to worry, I've prepared enough for us all."
4361
4362It seems Arisa is the culprit.
4363
4364This time, I obtained the meat by imitating Weasel Empire way to increase meat production.
4365Since I harvested the transformation of Oumi cow when it reached level 50, the <<Great Mad Buffalo>>, I was able to get more than 100 ton beef.
4366
4367It doesn't taste as good as the highest grade Oumi beef, but it should not taste that different for the part used in Sukiyaki.
4368
4369"I've also asked Lulu to make another dish, it should be here soon I think?"
4370
4371As if matching Arisa's words, brownie maids open the door and carry hamburg steaks and karaage inside.
4372
4373"Hamburgu~?"
4374"It is the time for the hamburg steak sensei to appear nanodesu!"
4375
4376Tama and Pochi turn their, "Can I eat it?", faces at me so I nod to give them the permission.
4377
4378"Wa~y?"
4379"Pochi's battle has just begun nanodesu!"
4380
4381Not only Tama and Pochi, the other girls also begin to eat.
4382
4383"Is that good?"
4384"Of coursee~?"
4385"Gimme one too."
4386"Of course nanodesu! Hamburg-sensei is big hearted nodesuyo!"
4387
4388Fifi and Rusus who had finished eating omelette rice and curry joined the subjugation quest for the mountain of hamburg steaks.
4389It seems the yakitori battlefield which Liza is challenging are joined by Miss Wiyaryi and Miss Loreiya who has secured a bottle of Dragon Spring Liquor.
4390
4391While watching the peaceful exchange of the girls and hero's followers, I accept a wine cup that Lady Ringrande offered.
4392It seems there's Saga Empire whiskey inside.
4393
4394"Satou, thank you. I didn't think that Hayato would be able to laugh that cheerfully until we defeated the demon lord."
4395"Yes, the atmosphere of torment around him has disappeared neatly. You're the best reinforcement we can ever hope."
4396
4397I replied Lady Ringrande and Maryest who were awfully flattering with, "It's an honor", toasted and drank the whiskey.
4398
4399--Oops.
4400
4401I immediately regret once I drank it.
4402I should have tasted it more.
4403
4404"This is a nice whiskey."
4405"Yes, it's a special whiskey bestowed with the name 『Saga』 that can only be drunk by the imperial family."
4406"Is it alright to give such a precious whiskey to me?"
4407"Yes, it's nothing compared to the Dragon Spring Liquor which Loreiya monopolizes."
4408
4409It's true that you can't get ahold of Dragon Spring Liquor no matter how much money you throw.
4410
4411"I also have various others--"
4412
4413Saying that, I took out three small bottles with different kinds of Dragon Spring Liquor inside.
4414In addition to the Ancient Dragon's and the Black Dragon's liquor, there's also one created with my Dragon Language Magic.
4415
4416"I smelled some delicious liquor."
4417
4418Soft mass and sexy drunk voice descend upon my back.
4419
4420When I turn around, there's Miss Loreiya with flushed face at close proximity.
4421Her arms are reaching the liquor bottles over my shoulders so my back feels really blissful.
4422
4423"Loreiya, calm down a bit."
4424"Look, Satou is troubled."
4425
4426Princess Maryest reproved, Lady Ringrande pulled my hand to save me from Miss Loreiya's assault.
4427
4428"Ara?"
4429"Kyaa."
4430
4431Perhaps it's a blessing from Lucky Lewd God, I ended up diving into Lady Ringrande's lap together with Miss Loreiya.
4432Of course it was possible for me to evade it with all my might, but this time I decided to respect the god's will and enjoyed the softness. The impregnable fortress pair is busy treating the hero after all.
4433
4434
4435~
4436
4437
4438Now then, right at this time the hero is--.
4439
4440"So many loli maids?! I-Is this heaven!"
4441
4442Staring at the brownie maids with the best smile he's ever had, choke full of tears of gratitude.
4443I think his reaction is even greater than the time with the curry, but pointing that out would be boorish of me.
4444
4445"Hero-sama."
4446"P-Princess Arisa, this is a misunderstanding."
4447
4448The hero was shaken by Arisa's word.
4449
4450After this, as to what he would do after knowing that the loli maids are [Legal Loli], there is no way of knowing that for I am not a god.
4451I'm certain that his soul is surely the embodiment of [YES! Lolita, NO! Touch.]
4452
4453
4454~
4455
4456
4457Thus the night grows late, and the party transitions to drinking time, I let the girls to go back to their room and switch to adult social time.
4458
4459"Satou, you think we can win?"
4460"I have no doubt that Hayato-sama will win."
4461
4462Tomorrow is going to be the end of the demon lord, so I'll make him win no matter what.
4463
4464Moreover, judging from the demon lord's level, he should have been able to win easily if there was no intervention from the [Dungeon Master].
4465
4466"That so! I feel like I will certainly win when you said so!"
4467"Yes, that's what it means to be the 『Hero of Saga Empire』."
4468"Yea, damn right!"
4469
4470The hero's cheerful laughter echoes in the party hall, his friends who see him like that seem to have relaxed too.
4471
4472Subjugating the demon lord should be easy now.
4473
447415-13. Hero in the Labyrinth (2)
4475 
4476Satou's here. There was a movie where the characters became small and had an adventure inside someone's body. I found it absurd even with my child's mind, but nevertheless, I still remember intently watching it until the end. I've forgotten the title, but I will surely watch it if they remake the movie.
4477
4478
4479~
4480
4481
4482"Satou, this artifact 『Demon Lord's Pointer』 is really awesome."
4483
4484The hero who checked the effect of the magic tool I gave him was surprised.
4485Apparently the Magic Prober that the Weasel Empire loaned is merely an item that detects distribution of miasma, not an item that can directly point to the demon lord.
4486
4487"Yes, I found it inside a certain ruin and thought that it would be useful for Hayato-sama, so I brought it here."
4488
4489The [Demon Lord Compass] that the hero is holding looks like a three-dimensional compass. It's a diamond sphere with hollowed inside and an orichalcum needle in the center.
4490
4491Of course, it goes without saying that the thing is my creation, so the story behind it is so random.
4492
4493I made this item before we arrived at Dejima Island, it can receive information from my map and points at the passages that go to the demon lord.
4494The item receives the transmission wave from neighboring sub-space connected to it, so common magic neutralizer and magic power restriction type of traps should not be able to hinder it.
4495
4496"Are these small children really stronger than us?"
4497"Doesn't look like it~"
4498
4499Rusus and Fifi who have made a comeback at the hero party look like they don't approve of it.
4500
4501"Tama strong~?"
4502"Pochi is also very strong nodesu."
4503"You two don't be conceited."
4504"Nn, modesty."
4505
4506Liza and Mia rebuked Tama and Pochi who have been excited since yesterday.
4507
4508"Is that a magic gun? Is it true that it's better than a bow?"
4509
4510Miss Wiyaryi is intriguingly looking at the rifle-shaped magic gun that Lulu is holding.
4511Today Lulu is equipped with the lovely floating shields extend version and a magic gun.
4512
4513I've told them that these floating shields are something provided by Echigoya Firm, and the support members of hero Hayato, the black knights have also been equipped with them.
4514Since the black knights usually suffer the greatest loss every time, Loreiya and other priests who are parts of recovery team thanked me together with the black knights.
4515
4516Further, the red knights are not participating this time since they received the order left behind by the crown prince to stand by.
4517
4518"Yes, probably."
4519"Probably?"
4520"I think the bow Master shoots is even stronger than this."
4521"Fumu, so it's like that...."
4522
4523Putting aside the golden armor's options; the Floating Forts and the Accelerated Cannon, the rifle-type magic gun that Lulu holds is only 2-3 times stronger than a Fire Wand.
4524It's only about half as strong as the military-use Magic Cannon.
4525
4526"Satou, is it really alright to give us this many 『Magic Bags』?"
4527"Not only that, you also gave us mid and high magic potions, and even precious Elixirs and Blood Beads."
4528"Yes, I've brought them for Hayato-sama's sake after all."
4529
4530Lady Ringrande and Princess Maryest thanked me for the items.
4531Both of them look like they'd die when I reunited with them back then, but they look quite healthy now after having enough rest.
4532
4533"Ain't it fine, it's a tribute from Rin's brother-in-law, no need to hesitate."
4534"I haven't acknowledged the marriage with Sera okay."
4535
4536Lady Ringrande reacted to the scout Seina's words.
4537I am living with Sera, but we're not in such a relationship.
4538
4539"Really?"
4540"Yes, it's just a misunderstanding, my relationship with your little sister Sera-sama is--right, I guess the most applicable term would be 'intimate friends'"
4541
4542When I replied so, Seina put her hand on her chin and began to think about something.
4543
4544"Then we have to thank you for the elixirs. I belong to hero so I can't give myself to you, but ya can snatch peerage and money from Saga Empire."
4545
4546I'm intrigued by the snatching thing, but I myself am more interested in touring the Hero Summoning Magic Circle than materialistic things, so I tell them as such.
4547
4548"I need not either. If I may ask the impossible, I'd be glad to be given the permission to see the Hero Summoning Magic Circle together with Earl Muno."
4549
4550They'd be suspicious of me "What for", if I went by myself, but there's no doubt that they'll think of me as a young noble who likes his master if I bring up Earl Muno who's famous for liking hero into this.
4551Earl Muno must be happy with it too.
4552
4553"I can ask that much from His Majesty the emperor."
4554"Are you sure Mary?"
4555"Yes, having been blessed by Parion-sama, Hero Summoning Magic Circle cannot be destroyed by any normal mean."
4556
4557Is it like indestructible object that often appear in games?
4558Now that the princess has made her promise, visiting Saga Empire first might be a good idea if I can't meet the Weasel Empire's emperor after this fight is over.
4559
4560
4561~
4562
4563
4564"Satou, don't die."
4565"Yes, I'll be praying for Hayato-sama's victory as well."
4566"Protect Princess Arisa by all cost."
4567"Yes, I promise."
4568
4569After arriving at the place where the relay base was located at, Hero and I are going separate ways.
4570We're not in dispute, the hero party is going to where the demon lord is while we're going to the lowest layer to subjugate the mid-boss-like guardian.
4571
4572In one of the hero's past battles, the moment they entered the room where the Dungeon Core was located, the demon lord was replaced by the guardian and the Dungeon Core was also changed into Fake Core.
4573It's quite an enigmatic feature, but according to Arisa, it seems to be an extremely common thing a dungeon master has in the web novel world.
4574
4575We're in charge of destroying the Fake Core since it doesn't seem like they can be replaced if we destroy them all.
4576
4577"Princess Arisa, once this fight is over--"
4578"You can't, Hero-sama."
4579
4580Arisa stopped the hero who was going to raise a death flag by putting her hand on his mouth.
4581He seemed like he still had something to say, but it looked like he thought it'd be bad to do that so he didn't say anything more.
4582
4583"Then, see ya."
4584"Yes, please be careful."
4585"Hayato-sama, may the fortune be with you."
4586
4587After saying that, Arisa kissed the hero's cheek and then the hero's followers poked fun on the hero who was unusually confused. They're probably jealous.
4588
4589Further, Lady Karina's anxiety was in full display, she couldn't say anything to encourage the hero no matter how hard I tried to push her.
4590Would have been nice if this was the driving force for her to heal her stranger's anxiety.
4591
4592"Well then, shall we be going too."
4593
4594We start to move to the lowest layer where the guardians are once the hero and his party disappeared from our view.
4595
4596They seemed to be under the impression that there were only one Fake Core, but according to the map, there are seven fake cores and guardians.
4597Destroying them one by one will be troublesome, but it should be over fast if I just use Teleport Gate magic.
4598
4599"Hey hey, let's quickly defeat the guardians and finish it."
4600
4601Arisa talked while we were walking.
4602
4603"Can we go and help defeat the demon lord?"
4604"Of course, that's what I'm planning to do."
4605
4606I'm going to deal with the mysterious [Dungeon Master] who collaborated with the demon lord.
4607
4608Moreover, if the demon lord can be reasoned with, I'll implant the [God's Fragment] to a different monster and let the hero defeat that impromptu demon lord to make him become the [True Hero].
4609I don't think it'll go that conveniently well though.
4610
4611
4612~
4613
4614
4615"So there is not only one guardian."
4616"Master, there are nine bodies so I report."
4617"Hey, are they the real ones?"
4618"Yes, they are. That's why, don't make a move okay."
4619
4620I instruct the girls to stay back, and head to where the guardians are alone.
4621
4622"Good evening Liedill-sama, what a coincidence for us to meet in such a place."
4623"Satou, defeat me with all your might. I'll resist the control with all my power to return the last debt"
4624
4625AR reading, state [Ruled: Dungeon Master] is shown beside her who's sweating a lot from her forehead.
4626The nine people behind her are probably her attendants.
4627The attendants are under Ruled state like her.
4628
4629I want to know how they got under the control of the Dungeon Master, so I swiftly leap to under their busts and make them fall unconsciousness with light attacks.
4630
4631"What should I say, that's a really blunt attack."
4632"Really?"
4633
4634I lightly answered Arisa's muttering and released them from the control with [Magic Break].
4635It's easy compared to the demon lord's curse that isn't displayed on AR reading.
4636
4637Now then, I'll check out what has happened.
4638
4639Not by interrogation which is unreliable, I'm going to check the memory by using the forbidden spell of soul magic, [Soul Intrude].
4640I can also use the forbidden spell of mind magic, [Psycho Dive], but this one has a high probably of crippling the recipient, so I'm going with the former.
4641The former is a dangerous magic that can induce impairment if the user tries to read deep memory but there should be no danger of that here since I'm just going to see the recent battles. I can just cut the connection if it looks dangerous.
4642
4643"Fumu, it doesn't feel that different from the advanced soul magic 『Perfect Possession』 huh."
4644"What a surprising magic like always."
4645
4646Arisa was surprised when I talked with Lady Liedill's mouth.
4647I also feel odd talking with a high-pitched voice.
4648
4649"Liza, restrain Arisa from playing with my body while I'm investigating."
4650"Yes, I understood."
4651
4652After making sure that Liza is holding Arisa who was going to stealthily stretch her hands toward my body tight, I dive into Lady Liedill's consciousness.
4653
4654
4655~
4656
4657
4658"Lady Liedill, although we have enough water and food, if we don't go back soon we'll run out of magic potion and support magic tools."
4659"It cannot be helped. Let's go back once we explore the next room."
4660
4661I'm hauling Lady Liedill's memory with an overlooking point of view.
4662
4663Apparently, Lady Liedill and her party have gone to the lowest layer.
4664
4665There was a scout adventurer whom I saw in hero's party among her followers.
4666They were probably able to smoothly explore thanks to his guidance.
4667
4668Or perhaps, they were led here by someone or something--.
4669
4670"Is that the thing called guardian?"
4671
4672Seeing something cowering in the corner of the room, Lady Liedill muttered so.
4673It seemed her mind knew that it was something different even while muttering.
4674
4675I thought she had bad eyes, but apparently her [Dragon Eyes] has a power to see through the enemy's rank to an extent.
4676
4677"Is that a turtlekin with purple shell?"
4678"No, that's not it--"
4679
4680The adventurer negated with shaken voice.
4681
4682"T-that's the demon lord."
4683
4684Hearing the adventurer's remark, Lady Liedill was convinced, "Just as I thought."
4685
4686"De-Demon lord?!"
4687"That's not a mere monster?"
4688"Looks like it's sleeping, let's escape while we can."
4689
4690It seems she thinks that it's the right thing to do even while feeling disappointed with her followers' shaken and timid remarks.
4691
4692"All members, retreat quietly. I forbid you to whisper hereafter."
4693
4694After whispering that, there was a cliched sound of 'crack' under Lady Liedill's foot.
4695She stepped on and broke fragile pebbles, not a twig.
4696
4697The thing reflected on the eyes of Lady Liedill who turned her head timidly is a purple shell that's standing up, and two purple embers-like things peering from its inside.
4698
4699"Everyone, run with all your might!"
4700
4701Whipping her body that's been withered by fear, Lady Liedill runs.
4702Fortunately, the demon lord hasn't stood up yet.
4703
4704"There's an invisible wall on the exit!"
4705"Get away! Steel Cutting Flash!"
4706
4707Lady Liedill shouted her technique name out loud, but that transparent barrier warded it off like bamboo against wind.
4708
4709"Strange! It lets my sword pass but not my body!"
4710
4711I don't know any magic like that so it's probably either the Dungeon Master's ability or the demon lord's Unique Skill.
4712
4713--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
4714
4715The demon lord's roar echoed in the room, everyone besides Lady Liedill is binded by [Fear] state.
4716
4717"This much fear. Compared to the true fear, it's nothing special."
4718
4719At this time, the thing that appeared in her mind was me in ratkin disguise.
4720That time I was just using Coercion skill a bit right.
4721
4722"Lightning magic huh, that's troublesome."
4723
4724Countless lightning balls that appeared beside the demon lord assault Lady Liedill and her party.
4725
4726"Block them! Touya's Shield!"
4727
4728Lady Liedill casted the magic tool she took out of her pouch, and then paper sheet-like thin films piled up, producing a defensive wall.
4729
4730The wall blocked the demon lord's lightning balls, thunderous roar that could inflict pain on your ears and static electricity that could make your hair's end stand scattered in the surroundings.
4731The defensive wall was crumbling down, but it was able to block the last lightning balls somehow.
4732
4733According to her memory, it seemed to be a disposable item given by the Weasel Empire's tactician.
4734
4735"Touya's Key, open the door!"
4736
4737She used a disposable item in the shape of a key, and then a black hole appeared on the mysterious barrier.
4738This is like the "Three Pieces of Charms" folklore.
4739
4740Next, she sprinkled [Mad Warrior Breath] given by [Brains] on her companions to forcefully release them from their Fear state.
4741Quite rough, but I think it's an effective countermeasure.
4742
4743"Go! Warriors, to the battlefield beyond this black hole."
4744
4745Lady Liedill shouted out loud, her companions replied with a war cry and then they jumped into the hole on the barrier.
4746She was going to follow after the last one, but at the next moment, her view completely changed like there was a frame drop.
4747
4748--It's Draw (Evil Snap).
4749
4750It seems Lady Liedill cannot grasp what's happening, but this is a type of space magic that was also used by the red-body demon in my fight with the [Golden Wild Boar King].
4751
4752The demon lord who got up on all four is glaring at the Lady Liedill.
4753Its face and and limbs were not of turtle, but rat.
4754
4755"gaＲＹＵＩＥri, ＤＷＹＮi" <TLN: the raw is just as incomprehensible, that's just how this demon lord talks.>
4756"Demon lord's technique huh."
4757
4758While venting her frustration, Lady Liedill took an [Acceleration] magic potion from her pouch and drank it.
4759It's a forbidden reinforcement medicine that the hero Hayato used in his fight with the yellow-body demon.
4760
4761"wan, naaaa, gohooooooom."
4762
4763--Wanna go home?
4764
4765Roar with a meaning reached the ears of her accelerated self.
4766
4767"Touya's Chain. Let me exceed the limit--<<Selflessness>>."
4768
4769Along with her words, illusionary sounds of chain could be heard.
4770
4771Lady Liedill executes Flickering Movement while dodging the demon lord's attacks.
4772
4773Resistance, like running inside water, assaults her body, the little skin that's exposed is cut by the wind.
4774Her twin swords are clad in red light.
4775
4776"Steel-Cutting Grass-Splitting Flash."
4777
4778Slashing attack that's far faster than the one I received in the weasel empire assails the demon lord.
4779Its bare rat limbs are torn, purple body hair and blood splash.
4780
4781The afterglow draws hexagram-like traces, the demon lord falls down in its pool of blood.
4782
4783"--I did it!"
4784
4785The future might have changed if only she attacked more.
4786However, there is no [What if] in a battle.
4787
4788--ＺＨＷＵＵＵ.
4789
4790Purple light shines in the pool of blood.
4791
4792"What grotesque."
4793
4794Lady Liedill took some distance away while muttering, and drank mid magic power potion from her pouch.
4795She blocks the lumps of silver shot by the demon lord with the swords in her hands.
4796
4797--Rocket punch?
4798
4799Wire-like things pull back the punches, they attach back to the arms of the mecha-like reinforced suit that the demon lord is wearing.
4800It somehow looks like a hero I watched in my childhood.
4801
4802"It's my turn now--"
4803
4804Lady Liedill whose magic power has recovered shouts out loud, but then she collapses as if she's lost her strength.
4805
4806"--Time out already huh."
4807
4808The sluggishness similar to when I collapsed from overworking in my company in the past assails Lady Liedill.
4809Her hands lost their strength, the sounds of the swords falling to the ground reached my ears while having no sense of touch.
4810
4811"Heyaa, these natives sure are capable."
4812
4813Unlike her hazy view that can't even distinguish the surrounding, her ears can still properly pick up the sounds from the surroundings.
4814
4815"Yoo, you alright?"
4816"hu, HUNGryYY"
4817"Ok, ok. Mikudo Hamburger and Jukyuro Ramen, eat all you want--"
4818
4819--ＭＵＥＳＨＩＭＵＥＳＨＩＨＡＹＧＵＥＥＥＥＷＮ.
4820
4821Sounds of the demon lord's roar, gouged ground and small rocks hitting her armor reached my ears.
4822
4823"Ueee, how gross, that'd appear in me-chan's dream."
4824
4825I smelt something putrid, sounds of something devouring greedily could be vaguely heard.
4826
4827"Hey now, I'll put out proper food here, so don't eat, those things."
4828
4829The accuracy of information that Lady Liedill is getting is decreasing.
4830Looks like she's about to faint.
4831
4832"Fuhn, a beauty that I-chan like, but I-chan am not into bestiality."
4833
4834For some reason, only his voice can be clearly heard.
4835
4836--Bestiality?
4837
4838Besides her slightly longish ear, Lady Liedill who's a longearkin (Booch) looks exactly like a normal human.
4839The term doesn't fit.
4840
4841The recollection still continues while I'm thinking.
4842It appears there's no stop.
4843
4844"It's a shame, but guess I-chan'll use her to keep that abnormal guy away."
4845
4846I relive the experience of having Lady Liedill's soul binded by something.
4847
4848It feels quite disgusting. The worst, I want to hit the Dungeon Master right here and now.
4849
4850"Don't think she can win at all, but buy enough time for me-chan to run 'kay."
4851
4852After saying that, the Dungeon Master left.
4853
4854
4855~
4856
4857
4858"--Fuh, that was tiring."
4859
4860After severing my connection with Lady Liedill, I catch the black mist flowing into my head and tear it off.
4861
4862Apparently, Lady Liedill was also used as a booby trap.
4863He probably tried to see if I could be [Ruled] through Lady Liedill.
4864
4865"Good work! Now Liza-san! Release me already."
4866
4867Arisa who's taken her shoes off and desperately stretching her toes toward me appeals to Liza in a hurry.
4868She probably wanted to join the girls who are snuggling on me like cats in the cats pot.
4869
4870Lady Karina was also resting hear head on my lap together with Tama and Pochi, but she quickly took some distance at lightning speed the moment our eyes met.
4871
4872"Master, may I?"
4873"Yes, you can release her."
4874
4875I nod to Liza.
4876
4877The released Arisa was making a jump like a certain third generation thief, but I catch her with [Magic Hand], and tell Arisa, who's fuming in the air, the information I got.
4878
4879"Arisa, it seems the Dungeon Master here is either a reincarnated or a transported person."
4880
488115-14. Hero VS Demon Lord
4882 
4883"Hero-sama, Seina-dono has returned."
4884
4885The small Seina who went ahead during our short break runs up to me.
4886The excessive fat on her breasts seems obstructive. It's a shame, she has a childish face and all.
4887
4888I think childish face looks better with super smooth flat line like of those little girl maids.
4889
4890"He's there, he wasn't wearing the thin turtle shell like before, it's silver metal armor now."
4891"He 『Transform』ed again...."
4892
4893I recalled how the demon lord was like the first time we met him.
4894The demon lord at that time looked like a ratkin person with purple fur you can see anywhere but with persecution complex.
4895
4896The moment he saw us, he screamed, made a strange pose, wore an insect animal suit and [Transform]ed with a purple muffler on his neck.
4897His level was only 55 when we first met, but it rose every time we fought him and his level the last time we fought was 62.
4898
4899It should've been far lower than my 71, but his [Transform]ed self was surprisingly strong.
4900We probably wouldn't have the advantage if he didn't have the limitation of quickly running out of gas and stopped moving.
4901
4902We lost our companions due to that carelessness though.
4903I don't wanna feel like that ever again.
4904
4905"But, is it alright to leave it to Satou-chi? Shouldn't I go instead?"
4906"It's alright, Satou should be able to do something about the Dungeon Master."
4907
4908I told Seina with confidence that has no basis.
4909That guy will be absolutely fine--he's a mysterious guy who oozes such atmosphere.
4910
4911It's frustrating, but I can entrust Honey to that guy.
4912
4913"I think Satou can do it somehow."
4914"It's rare for Wi to be that believing."
4915"Really?"
4916
4917The other girls don't seem to have any objection either.
4918
4919It was only Rin who said some siscon remark, "But, I still won't hand over Sera."
4920I've advised her that minding it too much would produce the opposite result, but it seems she loves her little sister too much she can't control herself.
4921
4922"We'll defeat the demon lord this time."
4923
4924Declaring so to my companions, I head toward the hall where the demon lord is waiting.
4925
4926There's only two demon lords left.
4927Nanashi reported that the demon lord on a different continent was destroyed by the Ancient Dragon's breath.
4928The only two left are the demon lord ahead and the demon lord in the ratkin country.
4929
4930I'm sorry for Nanashi, but I'll let him to handle the demon lord in the ratkin country that hasn't showed any sign at all.
4931
4932--Once I'm done with this fight and win against the demon lord, I'll go back to Japan. Japan where my little sister and my childhood friend are waiting.
4933
4934
4935~
4936
4937
4938--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
4939
4940The demon lord roared the moment we entered the hall, purple waves are running on top of his silver armor.
4941
4942"Hayato."
4943"Yeah, I know."
4944
4945I nod at Mary who looks anxious.
4946
4947"He's transforming! Let's stall for time until the effect expires."
4948
4949His appearance remains the same even after the effect expires, but he won't be in the overwhelming reinforced state anymore.
4950We're aiming for the time when the purple aura disappears.
4951
4952"It looks weak somehow."
4953"Doesn't that Unicorn-like horn look dangerous?"
4954"And he's hunching a bit, he probably attacks mainly by charging and stabbing with that horn."
4955
4956The girls are looking at the demon lord who's wearing (tokusatsu) hero-like costume, analyzing him.
4957I'm familiar with that appearance.
4958
4959"Rin, Wi, attack him with the Fire Bird Wand and arrows!"
4960
4961The two quickly attack as per my instruction.
4962
4963"Have you forgotten Hayato, attacks won't work on him during the transformation."
4964"Yeah, I know."
4965
4966While assenting Mary, I watch over the outcome of the attacks.
4967
4968"Ah, it was blocked."
4969"Is that the Flexible Shield of Force magic?"
4970"The shape looks strange."
4971
4972Just as I thought--.
4973
4974It's the worst kind among something with a unicorn-shaped horn that I know.
4975
4976"That's an absolute defense. I'll be the vanguard and restrain him. Do only attacks with knockback until its effect expires!"
4977"I'm going too."
4978"It'll be dangerous with only Hayato."
4979
4980Rusus and Fifi grinned and volunteered to help restrain the demon lord.
4981It's dangerous, but I'm honestly saved if the two are with me.
4982
4983"Let's see which's stronger, my great 『Divine Power (Unique Skills)』 or your 『Transform』."
4984
4985I activate my [Strongest Lance (Nothing cannot be Penetrated)], and [Invincible Shield (Nothing can Penetrate)], and close in the demon lord with Flickering Movement.
4986The assault rifle that the demon lord produced out of nowhere spouts fire.
4987
4988"Tsk, explosive bullets huh!"
4989
4990My Invincible Shield blocked the small explosions, but the shock still hit my body.
4991He must know the way to fight against someone with absolute defense too.
4992
4993"Heee~n, here here~"
4994
4995--ＺＨＷＵＵＵＷＮ.
4996
4997Provoked by Rusus, the demon lord averts his attention away from me.
4998The demon lord's stout arm grazed Rusus.
4999
5000"Ouch."
5001
5002Even though it only grazed her, Rusus's arm guard was blown off, fresh blood scattered in the air.
5003The demon lord shot Rusus to finish her, but she dodged the attack by using the terrain.
5004
5005"Rusus, get back."
5006"I'll leave it to you Fifi!"
5007
5008In Rusus's place who's fallen back to recover, this time it's Fifi's turn to restrain the demon lord while waiting for me.
5009
5010"Kept you waiting, Fifi."
5011"Ehen, I still can go on."
5012
5013I smile back at Fifi's fearless words and fling words filled with provocation skill at the demon lord.
5014
5015"Let's test who's stronger between you and the great me--<<Shining Strike Rush>>"
5016
5017My holy sword Arondight clad in blue light stabs at his octagonal shield.
5018Metallic and heavy sounds echo, blue and purple light are intensely scattering in the surroundings.
5019
5020The light splinters that went around the back of my shield burn my back, but I can't use the [Limitless Recovery] here yet.
5021Believing in Loreiya and the others healing magic, I concentrate at the demon lord in front of me.
5022
5023"WOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
5024
5025--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5026
5027Not losing to my yell filled with fighting spirit, the demon lord roared deafeningly.
5028Responding to our shouts, intense light of blue and purple dyed the surroundings.
5029
5030The magic power and after-waves that fill the place is warping the surrounding air and floors.
5031
5032With a boom sound, my body fell down about 10 centimeters.
5033The ground below us probably sunk.
5034
5035Without getting distracted by unnecessary things, I devote myself to strike the demon lord with all my power.
5036
5037
5038~
5039
5040
5041"....A draw huh."
5042
5043Our strength-on-strength competition was never settled as I endured the 180 seconds until the time-out.
5044The purple aura covering the demon lord's body has disappeared.
5045
5046Judging from the terrible sights of the floors and the walls, my companions seem to have prepared various support attacks to stop the demon lord from fleeing.
5047
5048"But, now's our great turn."
5049
5050I declared as such to the unmoving demon lord.
5051
5052--ＺＨＷＵＵＵ.
5053
5054The demon lord roared lightly.
5055
5056"Dunno what you're trying to pull, but don't think it'll let you do that easily."
5057
5058The slashing attack of the holy sword Arondight swings down on the demon lord.
5059Without being able to guard with his arms or weapons, the demon lord received the holy sword with his purple costume.
5060
5061I can feel the sensation of magic defense destruction from the holy sword.
5062However, the costume that's not protected by Unique Skill can't possibly defend against the holy sword clad with the effect of [Strongest Lance (Nothing Cannot be Penetrated)].
5063
5064--ＺＨＷＷＵＵＵＵＮ.
5065
5066The demon lord's costume split open, purple blood scatter, the demon lord falls down behind.
5067
5068The blood spilled on the ground cause white smoke.
5069The acid blood is dangerous enough to break through mid level defensive magic, but my [Invincible Shield (Nothing can Penetrate)] and Loreiya's advanced defensive magic block it all.
5070
5071I stop thinking needless things and ready the next technique.
5072The blue light draws a perfect circle, matching the holy sword's movement.
5073
5074"--<<Shining Blade>>"
5075
5076Blue light assaults the demon lord crawling on the ground.
5077
5078--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5079
5080The demon lord roared while emitting purple right before my finisher hit it.
5081
5082He might be going to use the directional anti-personnel mine like before.
5083I jump back while still maintaining the stance of the technique.
5084
5085"There's no change in equipment, only his appearance that's changed a bit. Purple light seem to be leaking from his joints somehow."
5086
5087Don't tell me--.
5088
5089I appraise him, his state's changed to [Berserker].
5090He's way too faithful to the original. I can feel yer love y'know.
5091
5092--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5093
5094Together with the roar, the demon lord jumps up into the air.
5095With a woosh, dark purple wings of light appear on the demon lord's back.
5096
5097"Convenient."
5098
5099A bit later after Wi's muttering, Mary and the others who have finished their chanting releases the forbidden spell.
5100
5101""".... ■■■■■■■■■■ <<Divine Plasma Pole>>"""
5102
5103The blinding pillar of light appears in the center of the hall, swallowing the demon lord.
5104
5105--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5106
5107"We did it!"
5108"Yeah, with such a powerful magic, even a demon lord shouldn't get out of it unscathed."
5109
5110I could hear the black knights' cheers.
5111
5112--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5113
5114And, as if ridiculing them, the demon lord roared to signify his well being.
5115
5116"I-Impossible! How could one who belongs to evil be unhurt inside the forbidden spell of light magic!"
5117"Oh, God Parion, please bestow upon us your protection."
5118
5119The black knights and Parion priests who have just been added to this party have begun to panic hearing the demon lord's roar.
5120
5121--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5122
5123His hands pierce through the light pillar, and then he shows up behind the hands that bend the light.
5124
5125--He's truly unhurt.
5126
5127Even the yellow demon whose level was higher than this demon lord shouldn't be fine after receiving such a forbidden spell.
5128Just why--.
5129
5130"It's like the time when the demon lord was about to transform."
5131
5132--That's it.
5133
5134I understand after hearing Rin's muttering.
5135That berserker state was a second transformation huh.... I've made a huge mistake.
5136
5137Purple light is flickering in the demon lord's mouth.
5138
5139"Loreiya, block it!"
5140
5141I shot <<Shining Blade>> toward the demon lord's mouth at the same time I gave the order.  I couldn't even afford to shout out the technique's name.
5142
5143"O Divine Talisman! 『Protection』!"
5144
5145The Talisman that Loreiya holds high up produces blue light that protects my companions.
5146We shouldn't abuse it considering the compensation, but any other method would not make it in time.
5147
5148The defensive wall created by the Talisman and the dark purple breath are scattering intense sparks and light on the surrounding.
5149The shocking thunderous sound is really making my stomach queasy.
5150My ears have been buzzing for a while, I can't hear well.
5151
5152--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5153
5154After he had done emitting the breath, the demon lord roared at the ceiling.
5155
5156Responding to that, oozing shadows beside the demon lord are--.
5157
5158『Arrived as ordered. Brown Third, obtruding here.』
5159『The same, Brown First, obtruding.』
5160
5161Two greater demons gushed out of the space.
5162Both of them are level 60.
5163
5164Greater demons that we had never encountered so far, appearing at such timing....
5165
5166"Hmph, greater demons are no match for me no matter how many they are!"
5167
5168Even while feeling the absurdity, I rouse up my fighting spirit by feeding on that indignation.
5169
5170However, the bad news continue--.
5171
5172"Hero-sama, there's a big crowd of monsters behind."
5173"Please look above! So many slimes they're touching the ceiling!"
5174
5175The black knights reported.
5176
5177"Hayato, leave the greater demons to us."
5178"Yea, that's right. Having no moment to show up feels lonely."
5179
5180Rusus and Fifi glare at the greater demons with their beloved swords in their hands.
5181
5182"Wi and I will support Rusus and Fifi. Seina, please help the black knights to deal with the small fries and the slimes, Rin and Loreiya, fight the demon lord with Hayato!"
5183
5184Mary gave orders to our companions without hesitation.
5185I feel we're at a bit of disadvantage, but we should be able to manage somehow.
5186
5187In short, we can turn things around if the great me just defeat the demon lord.
5188
5189"Hayato! Dodge!"
5190
5191Crisis Perception skill reacted at the same time as Rin's warning.
5192I evaded the black sword right before it touched me, but I still got a shallow wound.
5193
5194"Fumu, good reaction. Brown Zero, pleased to make you an acquaintance."
5195
5196A brown greater demon whose upper body appeared from the shadow sinks back into it.
5197My counterattack didn't reach it, as the shadow I hit was merely a shadow.
5198
5199"You shouldn't look away, Hero. Brown Seventh obtruding."
5200"Hoohoo, where are you looking at Hero. Brown Sixth obtruding--"
5201
5202I couldn't even crack jokes while fighting against the despair of the appearing greater demons.
5203Compared to the school of the Great Monstrous Fish Tovkezeera the yellow demon summoned back then, there's still a hope to turn this situation around.
5204
5205--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5206
5207The demon lord's roar echoed, its wings increased to six with the third transformation.
5208The halo on his back makes him look like a transcendental being here.
5209
5210--However, that's merely a look.
5211
5212He's still way off from being transcendent.
5213Ya can't be one if you're not at least as senseless as Nanashi.
5214
5215"GUOAAAAAAAA"
5216"T-The monsters spurted out!"
5217
5218While hearing the black knights' and Seina's screamd behind, my mind has made up to defeat the demon lord even if we both end up dying.
5219It's sad that I won't be able to meet my little sister and my childhood friend in the former world anymore, but My Honey who's in the same labyrinth will be in danger if I don't defeat him here.
5220
5221"《SING》 Arondight, 《PLAY》 Tunas"
5222
5223I recited the Scriptures of the Holy Sword and the Holy Armor that had lost its effect once again, activated my trump card, the [Limitless Recovery], and drank the [Acceleration] magic potion last resort.
5224
5225--Let's do this, demon lord.
5226
5227I'll put some intense get-well gifts in your face.
5228
5229Hero's life ain't that cheap y'know!
5230
523115-15. Hero VS Demon Lord (2)
5232 
5233Satou's here. I like protagonists who appears when the going gets tough, but I end up distrusting them if they always appear at the most ideal time. It must be just because they're loved by the goddess of fortune right?
5234
5235
5236~
5237
5238
5239"Fuuh, this is the last one."
5240"Still, for it to be only breakable by the Dragon Spear or Master's fist, a shield created by these Fake Cores would be quite strong don't you think."
5241
5242Arisa spoke of her impression as we destroyed the last Fake Core.
5243
5244"Brittle~?"
5245"Pochi can easily break it with her fingers nodesuyo?"
5246
5247Tama and Pochi picked the fake core's fragments on the ground and showed Arisa its brittleness.
5248
5249"Master, we've collected several Golem Souls and a Golem Heart from the guardians earlier."
5250"Thank you Liza."
5251
5252Liza collected softball-sized magic cores and an item specific to this labyrinth.
5253I put the loot into the Storage.
5254
5255There were some movements on the map I had put on display at the smallest size.
5256Looks like the hero party has arrived at the demon lord's room.
5257
5258"Master, this is bad! Teleport and Clairvoyance have been blocked."
5259"--You're right. It seems the labyrinth's wall is preventing it since teleporting by sight is still possible."
5260"Item Box, 『Open』--Looks like this one is usable."
5261
5262It appears we can't get out using teleport.
5263Looking at the Menu, moving with [Unit Movement] is still possible.
5264
5265Monsters were gathering in the room where the hero is fighting the demon lord while I was checking things.
5266
5267"I'm worried about hero and the others. Let's quickly aid them."
5268
5269After telling that, I head back to the relay base with the girls.
5270In order to increase our speed, Arisa and Mia who can't use Flickering Movement are being carried by Liza and Nana, and Lulu whose Flickering Movement skill level is low is being carried by me.
5271
5272Thanks to using Flickering Movement and Ground Shrink alternatively, we arrived at the column-shaped magma room next to the relay base in only several minutes.
5273Lady Karina was slightly late, but she caught up somehow.
5274
5275I recover the girls' magic power using [Magic Power Transfer] while they're having some drinks and light meals.
5276
5277"Masfhew (Master)~?"
5278
5279Her words were hard to understand since there was a beef jerky in her mouth.
5280
5281"That looks like an enemy."
5282
5283The space where Tama was pointing at warped, and a brown greater demon appeared blocking the narrow passage.
5284
5285"As decreed by my master, Brown Fifth--"
5286"Liza."
5287"Understood."
5288
5289Without listening to the end, Liza's Dragon Spear pierced through the greater demon's magic core.
5290The greater demon tried to bear hug Liza as its last useless struggle, but that never came to fruition.
5291
5292"Aku Soku Zan~?" <TLN: Aku=evil, Soku=immediate, Zan=Slay.>
5293"Judgment, nanodesu!"
5294
5295Tama and Pochi swallowed their beef jerkies and delivered the finishing blow to the greater demon.
5296
5297"Eii"
5298
5299Lulu's new accelerated cannon shot out, and blew off the upper half of a greater demon that was appearing on the wall beyond the passage.
5300
5301"Cleaning up the rest."
5302
5303Arisa's space magic turned the rest of the demon's body into dust along with the surrounding wall.
5304
5305"Mwu."
5306"Our turn will come, so I tell Mia."
5307"Everyone is too strong desuwa."
5308
5309Mia, Nana and Lady Karina who didn't have any turn complained.
5310
5311During that relaxed atmosphere, suddenly there's sounds of dropping stones and something falling into water.
5312
5313"This time they're destroying our footholds huh--"
5314
5315The footholds around us have begun to fall, the room becomes a <<Neutral Magic>> room where magic and skills that use magic power can't be used.
5316
5317"Don't worry be happy~?"
5318"Good grief, if it weren't us, we'd have been wiped out long time ago."
5319
5320The vanguard group sink their toes into the wall and forcibly hang onto it.
5321I secure the powerless rear guard girls by the same combination of movements I used earlier.
5322
5323We forcefully enter the tunnel and resume moving.
5324
5325We advance through the bewildering changing passages with the optimum route, heading to the boss room where the hero party is.
5326The incorrigible [Dungeon Master] kept trying to hinder us, but we easily cleared them all, continuing to advance the passages.
5327
5328It feels like I'm hearing the Dungeon Master grinding his teeth, but I must be just imagining things.
5329
5330Nana who acts as the vanguard gives her report the moment we entered the last passage before the boss room.
5331
5332"Master, there's a crowd of monsters to the front so I tell."
5333"Liza, Pochi, take care of the front. Tama, support them."
5334"Understood."
5335"Yes, nanodesu."
5336"Aye aye sir~"
5337
5338I received Arisa from Liza and gave them the instructions to eliminate the monsters.
5339
5340It's a crowd of monsters with levels ranging from 30 to 50.
5341Every monster has troublesome abilities like paralysis and petrification, but as long as the girls are protected by my support magic, there is no problem even if their opponent is a greater demon.
5342
5343I can't say that it's perfect though since there's a lot of abnormal demon lords.
5344
5345"Breakthru~?"
5346"Nanodesu!"
5347
5348Tama and Pochi shouted from beyond the howling monsters and bloody smell.
5349Looks like they've arrived at the boss room.
5350
5351
5352~
5353
5354
5355"Good, hero and the others are safe."
5356
5357I grasp the situation while feeling relieved.
5358
5359We're at the entrance of the hall where the hero and the others are fighting, it's an elevated ground where Princess Maryest, Priestess Loreiya, critically injured black knights and several members of the entourage who have fallen unconscious are located.
5360The black knights are fighting the monsters, piling up the bodies even while being mortally wounded.
5361Monster corpses and critically injured black knights are all over the slope to the hall too.
5362It's probably thanks to Priestess Loreiya's magic that they haven't died.
5363
5364Those girls are collapsed on the ground due to the unusual [Overdose] state from overusing magic recovery potion.
5365Apparently, they're already at their limit just as we arrived.
5366
5367In the back of the undulated hall, the hero and the demon lord is fighting, the hero is supported by Lady Ringrande the [Sky-tearing Witch] and Miss Wiyaryi the archer, while the demon lord is helped by two greater demons.
5368The children-like lesser demons split from the greater demons are hindering them.
5369
5370And, Rusus and Fifi are being chased by three greater demons on a do-or-die marathon in the center of the hall.
5371I never thought that I would see a real-life spectacle of an MMO raid war.
5372
5373There are flying monsters up in the air of the hall, attacking when they find a chance.
5374
5375After confirming the situation in 0.1 second, I gave the green light to the girls.
5376
5377"Demons! Jump in like insects if you do not fear your ruin, so I announce."
5378
5379With Nana's ranged provocation which somehow felt chuunibyou-ish, five greater demons turned their attentions toward Nana and came attacking in.
5380Together with the flying monster and the children-like lesser demons.
5381
5382"Like moths to flames! Three consecutive Blue Inferno, for all!"
5383
5384The blue flames released by Arisa burned down the demons and the flying monsters in the room.
5385The roaring sounds are slightly painful on the ears.
5386
5387Arisa didn't have enough magic power to consecutively shoot three Blue Inferno magic, so she drank a high magic recovery potion after every shot.
5388Her magic power should be replenished during the magic's casting time.
5389
5390Rusus and Fifi are screaming behind a rock, but they're fine since they're protected by my space magic there.
5391
5392The cloud of dust from the explosion is coming to this high ground so I blow it away with [Blow] magic.
5393
5394"Monopoly~?"
5395"No fair nodesu! Pochi also wants to have a part nodesu!"
5396"You two, don't let your guard down."
5397
5398After Liza reproved them, greater demons who used their friends as shield showed up beyond the white cloud. The one they used as shield lost all its health point and disappeared into dust.
5399Only two have survived.
5400
5401"Nn, Tempest."
5402
5403The gold-colored artificial spirit Garuda who's floating behind Mia shot out golden feathers clad in lightning.
5404The barrage of golden feathers blow the two greater demons to the ceiling, making a violent whirlpool that looks like cloud of blood, cutting up the greater demons.
5405
5406"Pochi, Tama, let's back up with Magic Edge Cannon."
5407"Aye~?"
5408"Roger nanodesu."
5409
5410Liza is using Magic Spear Douma, while Tama and Pochi are using their True Silver magic swords to shoot a barrage of Magic Edge Cannon.
5411It doesn't look like they're serious, the power seems a bit weak.
5412
5413Lulu is cleaning up the small fries who escaped Arisa's attack with a sub-machine gun-type magic gun.
5414
5415I walk to Priestess Loreiya and Princess Maryest while watching over the girls.
5416
5417"I'm glad that you two are safe."
5418"Satou-san, thank you for your help."
5419"Did that little princess Arisa just use the magic that only exist in legend?"
5420"Yes, she did. She got a bit of help from an Artifact however."
5421
5422I'm sorry for Arisa, but since Princess Maryest's reaction was a bit extreme, I made up some story a bit.
5423
5424"More importantly, please use this. It's a recovery item I got from the queen of the fairy."
5425"Sir Pendragon, right now we can't--"
5426"Please don't worry."
5427
5428I stopped Princess Maryest who was about to say their [Overdose] states, let her grasp a crystal pendant and pushed its tip.
5429Of course, since it's merely an accessory, I use [Magic Power Transfer] right at that timing to recover her magic power.
5430I do the same with Priestess Loreiya and the preparation here is complete.
5431
5432I head to Hero Hayato to help him.
5433
5434After rescuing Lady Ringrande from an Emerald Golem that appeared out of nowhere, I stand beside the hero who's fighting the demon lord.
5435
5436"I've kept you waiting, Hayato-sama."
5437"Is that you Satou, thanks for coming."
5438
5439The hero has wounds all over his body, so I sprinkle mid magic potion to heal his external wounds.
5440I used recovery magic at the same time since the effect would be too weak otherwise.
5441
5442"Allow me to help."
5443
5444After telling so, I draw the fairy sword and stand beside him.
5445My level is public ally 50 so there should be no problem in joining this fight.
5446
5447Moreover, there is something that I must do on the front line.
5448
5449"I won't let Satou to steal all the spotlight."
5450
5451Lady Ringrande takes up her [Lightning Great Sword] and stands on the opposite side.
5452
5453Miss Wiyaryi is standing-by behind.
5454Looks like she's focused to be the support.
5455
5456"Don't die."
5457"Yes, of course."
5458
5459Like a willow, I parry all the attacks of the demon lord who came attacking on all fours like a mad beast, and prepare the backhands when the hero attacks.
5460The demon lord's movement is agile and tricky, so it's quite difficult not to overdo it.
5461
5462"Satou! Don't steep in too far ahead! The demon lord attack can scoop your meat even if it misses y'know!"
5463"Yes, Hayato-sama."
5464
5465I kept close to the demon lord since there was a little something I needed to do, but since the hero warned, I took some distance away.
5466I should make it in time from here if I'm just ready with Ground Shrink.
5467
5468"F-fast! Leaving Hayato and the demon lord aside, I can't believe Satou can also move as fast...."
5469
5470Since Lady Ringrande was very surprised, I move as if I evade the demon lord's attacks by accident while consciously keeping my speed at the level of an ordinary person.
5471It seemed difficult at a glance, but it's actually quite easy thanks to [Foresight: Antipersonnel Battle] skill.
5472
5473Of course Lady Ringrande isn't only watching without doing anything.
5474She hindered the demon lord's movement using quickly chanted [Explosions] at good timings.
5475
5476"Thank you for waiting!"
5477"Don't forget about me too."
5478
5479Rusus and Fifi also participate to cut up the demon lord.
5480Unlike Lady Ringrande, the two who are pure warriors seem to be able to catch up to the demon lord's agile movement.
5481
5482"Hook, line, and sinker~?"
5483"Chop chop nanodesu."
5484
5485Starting with the beastkin girls, the girls gleefully exterminate the monsters who rushed inside the hall at the entrance.
5486It seems the Dungeon Master has ran out of bullets, there's no strong monster to be found anywhere.
5487
5488"Satou, behind you!"
5489"Thank you, Wiyaryi-san."
5490
5491I cut up the Dust Golem that appeared behind me using the fairy sword reinforced with Magic Edge.
5492The magic core that fell from the crumbling golem revives into an Ash Mud Golem.
5493
5494It's probably a harassment from the Dungeon Master.
5495
5496"Tsk, don't get in my way!"
5497
5498The hero seems to be piling up stresses from this harassment.
5499Let's curtail it at the source.
5500
5501"Tama, please collect the magic core."
5502"Nin nin~?"
5503
5504When I muttered in whisper, a pink ninja that appeared from the shadow made a hand signal for, "Roger", and disappeared into the shadow.
5505Further, a Tama doll takes Tama's place fighting the monsters.
5506
5507"Done~?"
5508
5509I heard Tama's small voice from the shadow.
5510
5511"Thanks, that really helps."
5512"Ehehe~"
5513
5514I said my thanks at the shadow, and then Tama's presence vanished after leaving a bashful voice.
5515The real body changed place with the doll and resumed the battle with the other girls.
5516
5517"Looks like the small fry has stopped appearing."
5518"Even Dungeon Master's assistance is probably not inexhaustible."
5519
5520I replied Lady Ringrande's muttering while dodging the demon lord's claw.
5521
5522"Alright! The 『Transformation』 ended. Rin, Satou, let's press on him!"
5523
5524Checking the hero's words, I see that the purple light that had been emitting from the demon lord since a while ago has disappeared.
5525
5526--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5527
5528I wanted to persuade the demon lord if he could talk, but it seems he has lost his ego already.
5529
5530Lady Ringrande erases the lightning balls that appeared around the demon lord with [Break Magic].
5531She's pretty great considering the demon lord's level is higher.
5532
5533"Then, please excuse me for this--Magic Edge Rush (Vorpal Lance)."
5534
5535Imitating Pochi's finisher, I perform a charging stabbing attack.
5536The fairy sword would break if I did it seriously, so I curb the power to be at the same as level 50 Pochi.
5537
5538--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5539
5540I break the thick magic barrier that the demon lord created.
5541Stopping just before I hit the main body.
5542
5543"Twin Sword Dance!"
5544"Great Sword Cut!"
5545
5546Rusus and Fifi who showed up by slipping in hit the demon lord with two contrasting techniques.
5547The finishers cut up the demon lord's body that's been stripped off its magic defense.
5548
5549--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5550
5551The nimble Rusus was able to dodge the demon lord's counterattack, but Fifi who stiffened after using the technique got hit and fell to the ground.
5552Her health point decreased greatly, but it was still just a normal serious injury.
5553
5554"This is the end, demon lord!"
5555
5556Hero's holy sword, Arondight bursts out with intense blue light.
5557
5558"<<SHINING STRIKE RUSH>>"
5559
5560The hero's finisher on the demon lord--.
5561
5562
5563~
5564
5565
5566"Fuuh, that was way too close, I thought I-chan would die." <TLN: He said 'Ore-chan'. Ore is a masculine form of 'I'.>
5567
5568A weaselkin with purple body hair said with a jest while looking over the small ratkin demon lord on the ground.
5569
5570His voice is trembling contrary to his tone.
5571This place is the <<Dungeon Master Room>> located in a different map than the one I was in just now.
5572
5573"--Yeah, I was worried that you wouldn't come to help."
5574
5575The weaselkin turned around in shock to hear my voice.
5576
5577"Hello, nice to meet you, Dungeon Master-dono, or perhaps--"
5578
5579He saved the demon lord at the last minute, it was worth it waiting on the front line.
5580
5581"--I should call you Weaselkin Demon Lord?"
5582
5583Toward the last demon lord prophesied in the oracle, I asked.
5584
558515-16. Hero VS Demon Lord (3)
5586 
5587Satou's here. I sometime see the argument, [Is human right necessary for villains] made in various media. I think there are mixed views about this particular topic, but I believe a lesson that incites "doing crimes is not worth it" thought is needed at least.
5588
5589
5590~
5591
5592
5593"Acha~ This is it huh."
5594
5595The weaselkin demon lord's expression stiffened for an instant, but then he went back to his usual jestful behavior.
5596I put a marker on the weasel demon lord during this chance.
5597
5598"Rat fatty, looks like this is the end for us-chan eh."
5599
5600--ＺＨＷＵＵ.
5601
5602The ratkin demon lord in the corner of the room weakly replied the weasel demon lord.
5603He's pining his nose, it doesn't look like he's going to make a move.
5604His health point is running out too, he looks like he'll die if left alone.
5605
5606"Sorry but, make it as painless as possible 'k?"
5607
5608The weasel demon lord claps his own neck and turn a miserable face at me.
5609
5610Strange. He's acting quite gallant--.
5611
5612I see the other hand of the weasel demon lord who's in front of the Dungeon Core moving restlessly on the opposite side.
5613
5614--Yup, that's that huh.
5615
5616"I forbid the use of Dungeon Core."
5617
5618Weasel demon lord's fingers on the control board of the Dungeon Core stop moving.
5619
5620"Oh no."
5621
5622Purple light flow on the weasel demon lord's body--.
5623
5624"I forbid the use of Unique Skills."
5625"Bit too late, see."
5626
5627--A missile-like thing appeared between me and the weasel demon lord.
5628
5629The Crisis Perception made an intense reaction, I used Ground Shrink and touched the missile, putting it away into my Storage.
5630Its AR reading, [USA-made ICBM], was shown for an instant before it disappeared.
5631
5632The modern weapons summon the rat demon lord used was this guy's power huh.
5633
5634"Rat fatty!"
5635
5636--ＺＨＷＷＷＵＵＵＵＵＵＵＷＮ.
5637
5638The rat demon lord who should have been half-dead roared.
5639The rat demon lord who's wearing a hero costume that looks like a creature with a medal on its forehead tears his own chest from both sides.
5640
5641--What?
5642
5643"Rat demon lord! I forbid the use of Unique Skills."
5644
5645I used [Geass] on the rat demon lord while putting up Flexible Shields in front of me.
5646
5647At the next moment, a cone-shaped radial heat ray burns down the <<Dungeon Master Room>>.
5648
5649It's about as strong as the forbidden spell of fire magic that Arisa uses, <<White Inferno>>, or perhaps even more.
5650
5651After shooting that, the rat demon lord fell down and began to convulse.
5652Apparently, he used the last of his power for that attack.
5653
5654"As expected of Rat Fatty! Even that abnormal shouldn't be unscathed after getting that kind of attack--there's no corpse?"
5655"I forbid you to act."
5656
5657I bound the weasel demon lord from acting before his question was answered.
5658
5659"J-just how--"
5660"No need for you to know."
5661
5662I also bound the rat demon lord and heal him enough to not die.
5663
5664"What are you going to do?"
5665"I can overlook your life at least if you quit being a demon lord and Dungeon Master."
5666
5667I'll let him live as a normal person and atone for his sins.
5668
5669"You serious?"
5670
5671The weasel demon lord looks surprised to hear my answer.
5672
5673"Yea, I promise."
5674
5675After I said that, weasel demon lord began to laugh out loud.
5676
5677After laughing for a while, his face suddenly turns serious--.
5678
5679"Aren't ya so sweet eh? I-chan feel like vomiting."
5680
5681--So he spat out.
5682
5683"By any chance, did you hear our-chan circumstances from the emperor?"
5684
5685Circumstances?
5686
5687"Huh? The things about us being bound by the emperor's geass, forced to become demon lords, and put to the depth of the labyrinth to become decoys for the hero, see?"
5688
5689I see, the mastermind is the weasel emperor huh.
5690
5691"Don't tell me, you were saying you wanted to help us without knowing that?"
5692
5693I nod at the weasel demon lord.
5694
5695"Uwaah, way too soft, I can't understand."
5696
5697His face warped as if saying, "He's beyond help", his dark eyes look down on me.
5698
5699"Just saying, I-chan is a scoundrel eh?"
5700
5701I know that.
5702
5703"I even like being a Dun Mas. Dun Mas is nice y'know. Toying with people's life brutally and cruelly, snatching people's dignity in cold blood erotically, and playing around crushing people's sense."
5704
5705Pictures that match the weasel demon lord's words are floating around him.
5706There are many acts of barbarity so bad I want to look away.
5707
5708A rare feeling of anger to punish the weasel demon lord wells up within me.
5709
5710"You want to save the life of someone who's done atrocities that would have been left in history if we were in the former world? Or are you someone who's against death penalty?"
5711
5712However, my mind which was blinded by anger notified me of something wrong.
5713
5714"You should kill villains when you get the chance eh? I mean--"
5715
5716--That's it! The pictures.
5717
5718He shouldn't have been able to display them if he couldn't use the Dungeon Core.
5719My Geass isn't working on him, or perhaps it's been canceled along the way--.
5720
5721"Timeout."
5722
5723I was thrown into the air of the lava room at the same time the demon lord spoke.
5724The room is still under the effect of <<Neutral Magic>>, so I can't use magic or skill that uses magic power.
5725
5726Pulled by the gravity, I'm falling headlong toward the magma.
5727
5728"Bye bye by~"
5729
5730The weasel demon lord's laughter echo in the dungeon.
5731
5732--Unfortunately for him, only this much can't be considered an adverse situation.
5733
5734I kicked and sent a big rock I took out from my Storage flying and pierced it with my hand in mid-air.
5735
5736"Whoae?"
5737
5738Ignoring the shocked Dungeon Master, I invade the Dungeon Master again.
5739He had left behind a trail for me to re-invade due to him uselessly laughing.
5740
5741"Oy oy, what the heck! What the hell are you!"
5742
5743The demon lord who operated the Dungeon Core turned his head at me in surprise.
5744
5745"Are you God or something!"
5746"Nope."
5747
5748Since I don't know how the weasel demon lord canceled my Geass, I open the entrance to the sub-space labyrinth and throw him there.
5749For now, my priority is separating him away from the Dungeon Core.
5750
5751The rat demon lord's geass doesn't seem to have been canceled, so I leave him behind and enter the sub-space labyrinth.
5752
5753"dIE, eH!"
5754
5755Lines of modern weapons open fire at me all at once.
5756
5757The bullets scooped out the walls and broke the stalagmites, the cannonballs made holes on the ground while scattering dust and roaring sounds.
5758Numerous warhead missiles created blooming explosions, huge ballistic missiles blew away the labyrinth's floor and walls.
5759
5760"sTiLl, aliVE eH!"
5761
5762The weasel demon lord is in a dangerous state. He's becoming gigantic while his body is burbling.
5763
5764"I forbid the use of Unique Skills!"
5765"USeless, uselESS, eH!"
5766
5767Unaffected by my Geass, the weasel demon lord brought up anti-aircraft cannons and main tanks around him, and let out rain of bullets and shells at me.
5768I mow down the modern weapons with a shot of [Laser].
5769
5770--ＵＨＹＯＯＯＯＷＮ.
5771
5772Looks like he used too much Unique Skills, the weasel demon lord lost all its sense and went completely mad.
5773
5774At the same time, his skills, titles and Unique Skills are now displayed on the AR readings.
5775Apparently, the concealment is gone when he went mad.
5776Weasel demon lord's Unique Skills are [Goods Summoning], [Freewheeling], and [Power that Brings Misdeeds].
5777
5778That second skill probably neutralized my Geass.
5779
5780I wanted to remove the [God's Fragment] with the power of demon lord Shizuka who's under my protection and let him live the rest of his life as a criminal, but that doesn't seem to be possible.
5781Since he's unaffected by my Geass, I can't guarantee the safety of demon lord Shizuka.
5782
5783I don't want to do a hypocrisy that would endanger my friends.
5784
5785--ＵＵＵＨＹＹＹＯＯＯＯＯＯＯＷＮ.
5786
5787Combat helicopters and VTOL fighters appear on the spacious floor that has lost its walls and ceiling.
5788
5789--ＵＵＵＨＹＹＹＯＯＯＯＯＯＯＷＮ.
5790
5791He even brought up an Aegis warship an an aircraft carrier.
5792
5793Although, there's no way the weasel demon lord would be fine after using that much Unique Skills power.
5794The demon lord's body is split, and then dark purple light leak out of the fissure.
5795
5796I ignore all those military forces and jump near the weasel demon lord's foot with Ground Shrink.
5797Tremendous offensive attacked me, but everything happened behind.
5798
5799"《TO VICTORY》"
5800
5801The blade of the holy sword Excalibur shined dazzlingly after I recited the scripture.
5802With just a slight swing, the demon lord split in two, and the blue light overflowing from the holy sword evaporated the demon lord.
5803
5804『That was cheating eh』
5805『How terrible』
5806『Poor I-chan』
5807
5808I swing the Divine Sword at the [God's Fragments] that appeared on the place where the demon lord was, eliminating them all at once.
5809The dark purple particles are absorbed into the Divine Sword.
5810
5811Still, considering the weasel demon lord was unaffected by my Geass, I should take his story about getting bound by the weasel emperor's Geass with a grain of salt.
5812
5813
5814~
5815
5816
5817"Earthquake?"
5818
5819The labyrinth was shaking when I got back from the sub-space labyrinth.
5820I check the control board of the nearby Dungeon Core.
5821
5822>Title [Dungeon Master] Acquired.
5823
5824Geh, you'd become a Dungeon Master just by touching it.
5825
5826I can't acknowledge it, but I have to investigate things first right now.
5827
5828"It's set to do Stampede?"
5829
5830On top of having the recurrence speed of monsters inside the labyrinth set to maximum, it's set to do Stampede that will go toward the surface once the monsters reach a certain number.
5831
5832Furthermore looking at the log, all of the magic power has been concentrated to make the volcano erupt.
5833If this keeps up, the monster Stampede and the eruption won't only swallow the labyrinth island, many people in Dejima island will also fall victim.
5834
5835"Tsk, it's locked."
5836
5837What's the point of having a password lock.
5838
583915 seconds until the monster Stampede, 20 seconds until the eruption.
5840
5841『Hikaru! Give me a hand.』
5842『Okay.』
5843
5844I asked help from Hikaru who was standing by in the solitary island palace.
5845
5846"Kept you waiting."
5847"There's no time. I'll say it briefly. Stop the volcano eruption for a bit! 30 seconds is fine."
5848
5849I actually wanted Arisa to help instead, but she must be exhausted from the fight with demon lord earlier, so I didn't want to strain her.
5850
5851I move the monsters that were going to Stampede into the sub-space labyrinth.
5852As a Dungeon Master, this place is my home ground, and the labyrinth monsters are my units.
5853Therefore, there is no problem in moving the monsters with Unit Arrangement.
5854
5855There were just a bit too many, it was bothersome.
5856
5857"Thanks for waiting, Hikaru."
5858"Fast."
5859
5860I clap the shoulder of Hikaru who's blocking the volcano's mouth with force magic.
5861It was just a few seconds, but there would have been victims in the labyrinth island if Hikaru didn't come.
5862
5863"Keep blocking it for a little longer."
5864"Eh, wait!"
5865
5866I jumped into the magma, and spread mesh-shaped [Magic Hand] and put all the lava it touch into my Storage.
5867It was a bit hot, but the heat only burned my clothes.
5868
5869"You're being rash again. Arisa would scold you if she heard it you know?"
5870"I'll let myself be scolded if that happens."
5871
5872And, at the solitary island palace--.
5873
5874"Satou-san, I've finished moving the Unique Skills."
5875"Thank you Shizuka."
5876"Hikaru, take care of the rest."
5877"Un, I got it."
5878
5879I entrusted the former rat demon lord to Hikaru, and transplanted the [God's Fragments] he had to the [Armored Rat] and [Glutton Weasel] monsters I created with the power of [Dungeon Master].
5880Naturally, the monsters couldn't hold the [God's Fragment] and turned into demon lords. The rat demon lord had four god's fragments, so I pushed two on each one by force.
5881Of course, I made the demon lords' levels to be higher than the levels they had when we fought them.
5882
5883I put both in a guardian room inside the labyrinth and then send them one by one to the room where the hero party are.
5884Of course, I've already told Arisa about it beforehand using [Telephone].
5885
5886
5887~
5888
5889
5890"Hayato!"
5891"Now!"
5892
5893I saw Rusus and Fifi cutting the Armored Rat demon lord's legs, snatching away its mobility.
5894Apparently, the hero party is fighting the Armored Rat demon lord while Liza and the others are up against the Glutton Weasel demon lord.
5895
5896The Armored Rat demon lord's body is wrapped in dark purple light.
5897
5898"I won't let you!"
5899
5900Miss Wiyaryi hit the demon lord with her arrow, creating a large explosion.
5901It looks like someone shared the equipment for Mia to her.
5902
5903"<<Shining Strike Rush>>"
5904
5905Multiplied with the effect of the Unique Skill, [Strongest Lance (Nothing cannot be Penetrated)], the blow pierced through the demon lord's purple defensive wall, sinking deep into its body.
5906
5907"<<PLAY>> Tunas! <<SING>> Arondight!"
5908
5909The hero's holy armor flashed blue light, and the holy sword explosively shined inside the demon lord's body.
5910
5911"Break, demon lord! <<Shining Strike Break>>!"
5912
5913With a spirited cry, the hero cuts the demon lord using his whole body to spring up.
5914The holy sword that comes out above is then swung down, creating a pentagram on its track.
5915
5916The hero who landed with his back facing the demon lord swung his holy sword to clean the blood and put it back into its sheath.
5917
5918"Here they come!"
5919
5920Princess Maryest points at two floating purple light that appeared from the demon lord's body.
5921
5922"""Divine Gift Talisman! 『Seal』 the evils!"""
5923
5924The hero's followers pushed out the [Divine Gift Talisman] at the demon lord and shouted.
5925The purple lights are wrapped in blue crystals and then absorbed into the big Talisman that Princess Maryest has.
5926
5927I see, so every generation of hero handled the [Fragments] with that huh.
5928
5929"Mary! I'll leave the rest to you. I'll go help Sato's companions--"
5930
5931The hero jammed his words when he turned around.
5932
5933"Big win~?"
5934"Victory nanodesu!"
5935"It was easier than I expected."
5936
5937It was probably because he saw me taking photo of the girls, who took victory poses on top of the Glutton Weasel demon lord's body, with a Japanese-style cell phone camera.
5938Of course the [God's Fragments] were disposed of by my Divine Sword.
5939
5940Without yielding to the awkward silence, I step toward the hero after coughing once.
5941
5942"Hayato-sama, congratulations for your success on subjugating the demon lord."
5943"Ye-yeah, thank you...."
5944
5945I'm sorry for Hayato who seemed unsatisfied, but for now, let's celebrate the victory together.
5946
594715-17. Celebration
5948 
5949Satou's here. Parting with close friends is hard--that is something of the past, now it doesn't feel like we're apart since we can communicate anytime with SNS (Social Networking Service). But in a parallel world where there's a few ways to communicate--.
5950
5951
5952~
5953
5954
5955"Ha-Hayato!"
5956
5957Lady Ringrande's desperate scream is echoing in the boss room.
5958
5959Light falling from heaven is wrapping the hero.
5960The hero who seems exhausted is looking at the source of the light and saying something.
5961
5962I couldn't grasp it well due to the glittering light around him, but the term [Parion] was certainly in his words.
5963
5964The light disappears before long, silence rules the room.
5965
5966"It was from God Parion. They'll pick me tomorrow morning y'see."
5967
5968Looks like the hero is going back to his original world.
5969
5970The one who breaks the funeral-like mood is Arisa.
5971
5972"Let's have a celebration! After all the hard works defeating the demon lords, we have to have a super special feast!"
5973"Alright, it's a party!"
5974"Lemme take care of eating the food!"
5975
5976Rusus and Fifi joined Arisa's suggestion the foremost.
5977
5978"Un, let's cook the Saga cow meat roll and fried rice that Hayato likes."
5979"Let's bring out the special brandy too."
5980
5981Miss Wiyaryi and Priestess Loreiya continued with cheerful voices too.
5982Lady Ringrande and Princess Maryest seemed to brood over it, but they don't seem to object the celebration itself.
5983
5984
5985~
5986
5987
5988『Dungeon Master cannot leave the Labyrinth.』
5989
5990When we were leaving the labyrinth, I was pulled back to the <<Dungeon Master Room>> along with that message.
5991
5992『Master! Did something happen?』
5993"It's nothing. I'm returning soon, so you can go back to the inn ahead."
5994『Okay! If there's anything troubling you, call Arisa-chan anytime 'kay!』
5995
5996I told Arisa that through World Phone.
5997
5998『Dungeon Master is forbidden from leaving the Labyrinth.』
5999
6000The owner of that voice seems to be the Dungeon Core.
6001
6002"What should I do to hand over the position of Dungeon Master?"
6003"That's impossible. Only death will vacate the position of Dungeon Master."
6004
6005I see, very inflexible.
6006
6007However--.
6008
6009"What's wrong, Satou."
6010"Nothing, only stopping by for a bit."
6011
6012Hikaru and Shizuka were surprised to see me suddenly returning to the solitary island palace.
6013
6014Looks like I can go out without problem with Unit Arrangement.
6015The [Dungeon Core] probably has the power to call me back only inside the labyrinth.
6016
6017"Oh right, Tifa-chan from Echigoya called for you."
6018"Thanks, I'll go see her for a bit."
6019
6020I enter the permanent gate and show up at Echigoya Firm.
6021Of course I didn't forget to change my appearance into Kuro.
6022
6023"Kuro-sama, welcome back."
6024"I'm back."
6025
6026Tifaliza who was doing paperworks stood and welcomed me.
6027She hit the bell that connects to the Manager room and then the manager rushed into the room accompanied with sounds of footsteps that weren't fit for a lady.
6028
6029"Welcome back!"
6030"I'm back Manager. Your hair is disheveled you know."
6031
6032I fix her slightly disheveled hair with my fingers.
6033
6034"Kuro-sama, I have a report for you."
6035
6036Tifaliza whose voice was subtly mixed with thorns called out.
6037After letting the Manager who seemed feverish to sit on a chair, I listen to Tifaliza's report.
6038
6039"I believe you already know, but we've got a report from Lily-sama in Duchy Capital that two demon lords have been defeated in the Weasel Empire."
6040"Yes, the ratkin demon lord was defeated by the hero party, and the weaselkin demon lord was done in by our girls."
6041
6042Tifaliza froze for an instant after hearing my reply.
6043
6044"It was not by, Kuro-sama?"
6045"Yea, that's right."
6046
6047Tifaliza seems to think about something.
6048
6049"That's a spectacular feat! Since the dawn of history, there has never been a case where a demon lord is not defeated by hero-sama or the dragons."
6050
6051Manager entered the conversation in her place.
6052
6053"Were they defeated by the dragons before the era of Saga Empire?"
6054"There is a few records about the appearances of demon lords before that, but according to Earl Muno's research, many of them fought against the apostle of gods who descended."
6055
6056--Fought?
6057
6058"The apostles didn't defeat them?"
6059"Sealing the demon lords was the limit of what can be done at the time, less than 20 percents written in the ancient documents pertain the demon lords' defeat."
6060
6061It seems apostles aren't that strong.
6062Perhaps, the Gods besides the Dragon God and the Demon God are weak.
6063
6064"Come to think of it, you're quite well versed in the topic."
6065"Yes, many documents from Earl Muno had arrived at the Duchy House, so I read them with the permission of Mito-sama."
6066
6067Manager told me so enthusiastically that if she were to have a tail, it would be buzzing around lively.
6068She looked like she really wanted to be praised, so I teased her a bit by saying, "Very diligent" and clapped her shoulder.
6069I almost patted her head like with the girls, but it would be rude to do that to a woman of blooming age.
6070
6071For some reason, Manager looked a bit regretful.
6072
6073"Kuro-sama, did your companions acquire the title of hero?"
6074
6075Hearing a problematic remark from Tifaliza, I reflexively turn to her and urge her to continue.
6076
6077Even after subjugating a demon lord, none of the girls besides Pochi gets the hero title.
6078
6079"It seems that the Miko of Parion Temple has received an oracle about the appearance of a new hero...."
6080"It's probably not about us."
6081
6082Pochi got her hero title a while back, and that title had changed to [True Hero] now.
6083
6084I ask Tifaliza to notify me if she has new information, and then I go to the inn in Dejima Island through the solitary island palace.
6085I was a bit wary, but I didn't get pulled back to the labyrinth in Dejima Island.
6086
6087
6088~
6089
6090
6091"Well then, cheers for the demon lord's subjugation!"
6092"""CHEERS!"""
6093
6094Seals of various famous liquors are opened, I put remembrance dishes of [This World] that the hero's followers told me.
6095There's a lot of meat dishes, probably because the hero likes them.
6096
6097I've banned the girls from drinking alcohol, so they're mainly eating the dishes.
6098
6099Lulu and I helped prepared the feast at first, but after the banquet was underway, the brownies dispatched from the solitary island palace, and gorgeous sexy maids from Saga Empire took over the cooking and the preparation.
6100
6101"Satou! You drink too!"
6102"Yes, of course."
6103
6104The hero who appeared with a sake bottle in one hand pour it in my cup.
6105I also pour the Dragon Spring Liquor on my table to his cup.
6106
6107"This great me wouldn't have won against the demon lord if you, Princess Arisa, and the others weren't there. My gratitude for your help."
6108"Please, we just helped a little. Hero-sama splendidly defeated the demon lord himself."
6109
6110In fact, the manufactured demon lords was stronger than the original rat demon lord.
6111The rat demon lord's personality didn't seem to be suited for combat after all.
6112
6113"No, none of us could have imagined that there were two demon lords lurking in that labyrinth. If Princess Arisa didn't shout in a thundering voice when Satou disappeared, I might have lost my composure shamefully."
6114"I'm sorry for making you worry."
6115
6116I had told Arisa and Liza beforehand that I was going to invade the Dungeon Master room so they didn't panic and continued eliminating small fries in the boss room.
6117
6118For some reason, Hero's face is close.
6119Asides from liking young girls, his sexual orientation should be normal.
6120
6121"Thank you Satou, no, Hero Nanashi."
6122
6123Hero whispered on my ear.
6124Huh? There shouldn't be any factor that could expose me though?
6125
6126"What are you talking about?"
6127"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone since it seems you're hiding it. To begin with, from such a hopeless situation with having two demon lords and one being a Dungeon Master, I can't think of any other guy who could drive the demon lord away from the boss room and deprive the right of Dungeon Master."
6128
6129Looks like he didn't think that the demon lord left voluntarily.
6130
6131"Moreover, you're unscathed until the end."
6132
6133--Come to think of it.
6134
6135"Satou, I'm leaving my friends in your care after I've gone back to Japan."
6136"What do you mean?"
6137
6138I know that he's going back to Japan and all, but what's that got to do with me taking care of his followers I wonder.
6139The followers who participated in the demon lord subjugation will be famous in Saga Empire and their country right?
6140
6141"According to Nono, the center of Saga Empire is getting suspicious lately."
6142"Are they going to cause war?"
6143"Yeah, radical opinions like 'destroy the Weasel Empire' have begun to appear even from moderate noble factions lately."
6144
6145Perhaps Saga Empire also knew about the Weasel Empire's science?
6146
6147"Take them under your protection if they're getting recruited into conflicts between people."
6148"Yes, please leave it to me. I'll shelter them in a safe place that can't be interfered by the people above ground."
6149
6150Aside from Tama, it's impossible for anyone to stealthily invade the solitary island palace, and even Tama can't do it without me noticing.
6151
6152"It's damn reassuring when you're the one saying that!"
6153
6154Once the load on his shoulders got off, he drank the sake cup while looking relieved.
6155
6156"If you have something this great me need to do, say it. I can give you Arondight if you want."
6157
6158He stares at me after saying that.
6159I'll take advantage of this opportunity since I do have something to ask of him.
6160
6161"Then, could you mail these once you're back at your original world?"
6162"Letters?"
6163"Yes, it may not be the same world as mine, but I'd like to inform my family about my well-being."
6164
6165I hand over a bundle of letters addressed to my family, friends and my co-workers including Mr. Overweight.
6166There are also letters from Hikaru and Arisa inside.
6167
6168"Yea, I've got it. This great me will deliver it personally, be at peace."
6169"I'm counting on you."
6170
6171I feel relieved since the hero accepted my request and hit his chest.
6172There's a high chance that Arisa's letter is mischievous, but Hero should be able to properly send it.
6173
6174"Hayato, can I have a minute?"
6175"Rin?"
6176
6177Lady Ringrande who looked somehow coquettish appeared with a wine cup in one hand.
6178The green silk dress she's wearing has an extremely adult-like cut, and she's scattering pheromones everywhere.
6179
6180The black knights who are in casual wears have been stealing glances at her since a while ago.
6181
6182"Satou, I'm borrowing Hayato."
6183"Yes, please take your time."
6184
6185I saw Hero and Lady Ringrande off while feeling like a guardian.
6186
6187"I-isn't this the NTR flag?"
6188"What are you going on about."
6189
6190I lightly whack Arisa's head.
6191It's extremely normal to wish for the last memory when you're parting forever with your loved one.
6192
6193I pray in my heart for Lady Ringrande's desire to be fulfilled.
6194
6195
6196~
6197
6198
6199"Looks like it's time."
6200
6201The hero who's in a suit that wouldn't look strange in earth mutters.
6202His trusted sword, Arondight, is being hugged by Lady Ringrande.
6203
6204"Mary, thank you for always supporting me ever since I was summoned in Saga Empire."
6205"Hayato, my hero-sama."
6206
6207After hugging Hayato, Princess Maryest kisses him on the cheek.
6208Come to think of it, the hero's first person pronoun has changed from [Ore-sama] to [Ore].
6209
6210"Seina, it's all thanks to you that I was able to stand up again after the complete destruction by that yellow bastard."
6211"Ehen, come here again if you want another slaps on the cheek."
6212
6213Miss Seina who's enduring to cry musters her courage and hugs Hero.
6214
6215And then, Loreiya, Rusus, Fifi, Miss Wiyaryi, and Nono said their farewells one by one, lastly it was Lady Ringrande's turn.
6216
6217"Rin, you were a stinking shitty noble when we first met--"
6218
6219Oy, oy, Hero, what are you saying.
6220
6221"--But now you're someone irreplaceable who understands me most. Reconcile with your little sister okay."
6222"Hayato, hayatohayatohayato."
6223
6224Lady Ringrande hugs him tightly while sobbing.
6225Looks like she can't put it into words well.
6226
6227"Arisa, are you fine without saying farewell?"
6228"Yes, I've said my farewell yesterday."
6229
6230Arisa replied so when I checked on her.
6231
6232
6233And then, light falls from the sky.
6234
6235"It seems there's a time limit for God Parion connecting worlds. I have to go now."
6236
6237Hero's body floats and then it's begun to disappear.
6238Someone called "Hayato", and then the hero's followers start to call his name one after another.
6239
6240We keep looking up at the sky where the hero who kept waving until the end has disappeared to.
6241
6242
6243~
6244
6245
6246"Satou, are you drinking?!"
6247"Yes, I'm drinking. However, it seems Lady Ringrande has already drunk a bit too much."
6248
6249After seeing the hero off, I was invited to the meeting to remember him with his followers, but for some reason, I got to accompany Lady Ringrande drunken rambles after the meeting was over.
6250
6251The drunken Lady Ringrande has been complaining with her arm around my neck since awhile ago.
6252I think it's problematic for a lady of a duchy house to drink liquor straight from the bottle.
6253
6254"Honestly, even though a daring woman who would even jump off a cliff approached him, that blockhead didn't even give me a kiss!"
6255"Hayato-sama is a gentleman with superior ethics after all."
6256
6257It seems Lady Ringrande met a honorable defeat at her approach yesterday.
6258
6259"Good grief, a man should become a beast sometimes!"
6260"That's right, yielding oneself to passion is needed once in a while."
6261
6262After replying positively, Lady Ringrande became quiet.
6263Looks like she drank herself to sleep.
6264
6265I asked the the girls who were peeking at the door like a totem pole to put her in a bed.
6266
6267"Fumu, this is unexpected."
6268"About the letters?"
6269
6270I assent to Arisa who sits beside me, and drink the fruit water that Lulu brought.
6271
6272The letters with markers are on the marker column in the Menu.
6273Their current location is [N-World Line, Planet Earth, Japan]. By the way, the N part is a number with astronomical value.
6274Hero Hayato's name remains below the letter.
6275
6276It appears Unique Skill works across worlds.
6277
627815-SS. The Melancholy of Dungeon Core
6279 
6280The new master is a strange human.
6281
6282He tried to get out of the dungeon even though he's a Dungeon Master.
6283
6284『Dungeon Master cannot leave the Labyrinth.』
6285
6286After displaying that message, I activated the emergency Master summoning function to pull Master back to Master's room.
6287
6288"It's nothing. I'm returning soon, so you can go back to the inn ahead."
6289
6290The new master is talking with no one, there's some strange person among humans.
6291
6292"How do I get out of the labyrinth?"
6293
6294Master asked the question to me, the Dungeon Core.
6295
6296Why is he trying to go outside when this place is the safest.
6297
6298--Incomprehensible.
6299
6300"Dungeon Master is forbidden from leaving the Labyrinth."
6301
6302When I replied so, Master folds his arms and becomes lost in thought.
6303Rather than thinking so hard about such an obvious thing, I wish Master comes up with one or two traps to deal with the labyrinth's invaders instead.
6304
6305"What should I do to hand over the position of Dungeon Master?"
6306
6307--Hand over?
6308
6309I cannot understand Master's train of thought.
6310Can't humans think logically?
6311
6312However, I have to answer Master's questions.
6313Because I am a thing that obeys Master.
6314
6315"That's impossible. Only death will vacate the position of Dungeon Master."
6316
6317Master frowns to hear my answer.
6318I heard him muttering "Very inflexible", in a low voice.
6319
6320Handing over the position of Dungeon Master which is said to holds the almighty power equaling Gods, even if it's restricted inside the dungeon, is what surely is beyond expectations.
6321
6322--Eh?
6323
6324Master disappeared from the Master's Room.
6325
6326--No.
6327
6328He disappeared from the dungeon.
6329
6330Where? Why? How?
6331
6332I couldn't feel any reaction of magic power.
6333I'm confident that I absolutely wouldn't overlook the usage of teleportation of space magic which requires vast amount of magic power.
6334
6335"Master!"
6336
6337『Master!』
6338
6339--Master!
6340
6341Master won't reply even after I called him with voice, called him with message boards inside the labyrinth, and called him with thought wave.
6342
6343It's not like he's been annihilated, leaving a vacant post behind, yet my Master has disappeared.
6344
6345I'll let the monsters outside the labyrinth to search--No.
6346
6347I must prioritize Master's orders.
6348Letting the monsters go outside is impossible.
6349
6350What should I do. I have to search for Master. Where's Master. What should I do. Master, Master, Master.
6351
6352It seems I've hanged because my thought was going around in circles.
6353I might have self-destruct if I didn't reset the safety circuit of Dungeon Core.
6354
6355It has been 1000 hours since Master's disappearance.
6356Since he's added monsters and traps on the subsystem, explorers can't get to here.
6357
6358According to the log, the unit led by a long-earkin woman had invaded the lower layer nearby many times, but they were caught in the traps installed by Master and forced to retreat.
6359
6360--I was protected by Master.
6361
6362I feel a certain bond in my heart from that fact.
6363
6364--That's right.
6365
6366If Master won't come back, I'll go look for him myself.
6367With my right as Dungeon Master, I create a homonculus for exploration and transcript my thought onto it.
6368
6369"--My body is heavy."
6370"You're just not familiar with muscles. It should feel lighter soon."
6371
6372The path is open inside the dungeon, so the homonculus's current state is transmitted to me.
6373
6374"Go. Core Two."
6375"Okay, Original."
6376
6377I send the probe homonculus--Core Two to the entrance of the labyrinth.
6378With the search power of Core Two, it should find the lost kid Master who's wandering around aimlessly outside the labyrinth immediately.
6379
6380In order to perform maintenance on my thought circuit, I entered into suspend mode.
6381I decided to dream about my reunion with Master inside the thing called sleep by people.
6382
6383--Master, please come back soon.
6384
6385-Short Story End.
6386
638715-18. Intermission
6388 
6389Satou's here. I've never been able to match a quick-witted person. There really are people who embody the saying, "to understand everything from only one part."
6390
6391
6392~
6393
6394
6395"M-Master! Y-you won't secretly go home will you?"
6396"Yea, of course."
6397
6398Arisa tightly grasped my hand and asked, I replied her immediately.
6399
6400"Even if I were to go back to my hometown, I'd bring everyone along to sightsee the earth when that happened."
6401
6402I'm sure that they'll be delighted to see Tokyo's skyscrapers and the subculture-overflowing Akiharaba.
6403
6404"Y-you will, won't you."
6405"Moreover, even though I know the coordinates thanks to Hayato and the letters, it's not like I can visit there with the advanced teleport magic immediately."
6406
6407I tried to calculate it and it seemed, using normal magic, moving a few grams of object was the limit even after using the magic power contained in a divine gift holy sword.
6408Apparently, the distance between worlds is way too far.
6409
6410Looks like it's difficult if it's not with Yuriko of Rumooku Kingdom's 『Power that Connects Worlds』 and God Parion's Hero summoning, unique skills--that is, God's power.
6411
6412I have a feeling that my Unit Arrangement can do it, but unfortunately that's not possible since there is no base point in Hayato's world.
6413If I knew that this would happen, I would have asked him to carry a folding doghouse and build it there.
6414
6415I've got some tricks up my sleeves if the problem is just the amount of magic power needed, so I'll be seriously going to research it once things have calmed down with the matters regarding Weasel Empire and Saga Empire.
6416
6417I have a promise to visit the hero summoning magic circle in Saga Empire after all.
6418
6419
6420~
6421
6422
6423"Viscount Satou. Please come see me anytime you're in Saga Empire. I will fulfill the promise then."
6424"Yes, I'll be asking your help once I get back from Shiga Kingdom."
6425
6426We're saying goodbyes to the hero's followers in front of the sub-dimensional ship Jules Verne.
6427
6428Come to think of it, the other hero's followers besides Princess Maryest have also stopped calling me with my house name, Pendragon.
6429Did I do something to touch their heartstrings during the celebration the day before yesterday and the remembrance meeting of the hero yesterday?
6430
6431"Satou-sama, please visit me if you have another good liquor okay."
6432"Yes, if I come across one that'll suit Loreiya-sama's taste, definitely."
6433
6434I made such a promise with Miss Loreiya.
6435
6436"Fifi and I will go on a journey to improve our skills once we get back to Saga Empire, have a match with us when we visit Shiga Kingdom 'kay."
6437"Un, have a match with me too. I never thought that there would be someone else besides Hayato and Rusus that could move like that against the demon lord."
6438
6439Rusus and Fifi grinned and told me that.
6440I'll ask Tama and Pochi to be their sparring partners when that time comes.
6441
6442"Satou, if you like to tour places, you should go to the earkin sanctuary in Saga Empire. It's possible for earkin to mate with humans so they surely will welcome the strong Satou."
6443
6444Lady Wiyaryi appeared in front of me next.
6445I do have some interests in earkin but since it looks like I'll be treated like a breeding horse, I'm hesitating.
6446
6447"See you Satou. I'll be visiting Shiga Kingdom as a secret agent."
6448"No no, please visit us normally. We'll welcome you."
6449
6450Seina the scout made that disturbing remark.
6451
6452"Satou-dono, we wish to express our gratitude for your cooperation. A letter from his majesty Saga Empire's Emperor should arrive at Shiga Kingdom at a later time. The content is probably in regard to medal conferment and honorary nobility ennoblement. Putting aside the ennoblement, the medal should be matching with us, so I'll be happy if you receive it."
6453
6454And lastly, secretary Nono did a business-like report.
6455For some reason, her cheeks were flushed at the [Matching] part, so Arisa's and Mia's, the impregnable fortress combo, eyebrows were raised.
6456It was a complete misunderstanding, I'd love to plea for my innocence.
6457
6458After seeing off the silver ship disappeared into the dimensional rift, our sailing ship left the Weasel Empire.
6459
6460And then five days later, I visited Dejima Island.
6461As Kuro this time.
6462
6463
6464~
6465
6466
6467"I am Kuro, Hero Nanashi's follower. My gratitude for this chance to meet your excellency crown prince."
6468
6469This place is the audience hall of the administrator building in Dejima Island.
6470The slender weaselkin crown prince is sitting on the throne in front of me.
6471
6472"Level 50 huh. Your level is low for a hero's attendant."
6473"Please excuse me. My role is merely for transportation and negotiation."
6474
6475I lightly brushed off the crown prince's provocation.
6476
6477Originally, I had no plan to meet the crown prince as Kuro even thought I was going to make a courtesy visit as Satou.
6478Then why am doing this? that is because I'm asking the weaselkin merchant to plan a meeting between me and the weasel emperor through the crown prince, so I've to meet him once at least.
6479
6480"--Science."
6481
6482The crown prince muttered.
6483
6484"Hmph, your complexion doesn't change even a bit huh. Do you know that anyone leaving the empire's mainland through Rete city will have to undergo memory deletion?"
6485"Memory deletion? Is it mind magic?"
6486"Nah, it's a Unique Skill by the purple hair fellows."
6487
6488Purple hair--reincarnated people like Arisa huh.
6489
6490"And?"
6491"There's no meaning in meeting the emperor if your memory gets deleted right? I'll help you smuggle through the place to prevent the memory deletion if you help me."
6492
6493This dealing isn't particularly needed since I can get out instantly with Unit Arrangement, but I'm interested in the crown prince's objective for doing this.
6494
6495"Let me hear your request."
6496"Dejima Island is going to secede from the empire. I want Shiga Kingdom to back us."
6497
6498Independence huh--however.
6499
6500"There is no meaning in having the backing of the far away Shiga Kingdom right? If the empire attacked, it'd be destroyed before reinforcements from Shiga Kingdom came."
6501"That worry is needless. The empire will be destroyed sooner or later. In order to not get destroyed ourselves by proxy when that happens, we're gaining independence. The parishes on the outer edges of the empire should be moving behind the scenes too, but there is no problem in leaving them alone because those guys are all pious believers."
6502
6503It appears that the crown prince is aware that the Weasel Empire is in precarious situation where it could garner the Gods' wrath.
6504Looks like he wants Shiga Kingdom's backing for providing supply and a place for refugees to flee when Dejima Island becomes uninhabitable.
6505
6506"You don't think that they will avoid destruction?"
6507"The emperor's will is firm. From the beginning, he's been boasting that the Gods' intervention is included in his plan."
6508
6509The crown prince replied my question as if spitting out.
6510
6511"Does the emperor have the mean to oppose the Gods?"
6512"I asked him the same question, but he just laughed it out without answering back."
6513
6514The crown prince looks displeased, but then his expression seems like he remembers something and he opens his mouth.
6515
6516"That reminds me, the bald tactician muttered arrogantly, 『It is something that anyone knows, therefore no one arrives at the answer.』. I don't want to show off a reckless remark of a guy who acted as if he was a sage, but I'll tell you that one thing at least."
6517"I see, thank you for your kindness."
6518
6519For some reason he laughs scornfully even though I thanked him honestly.
6520
6521"Show that gratitude with acts instead."
6522"The matter about backing huh. I do not mind, but your fall might come sooner than Weasel Empire's ruin you know?"
6523
6524I have no intention to intervene in a war between Weasel Empire and Dejima Island's independence.
6525
6526"If something were to fall, that's only going to be this head. This is something that needs to be done to preserve weaselkin blood and cultures."
6527"Very well, I will talk to Shiga King about it."
6528
6529After I said that, the crown prince who was bending his body forwards lets himself sunk into the throne satisfyingly.
6530
6531"Well then Hero Nanashi, I will be waiting for good news."
6532"You're mistaken, I'm--"
6533"Hmph, such a poor acting, if you're going to pretend to be a subordinate, don't give an immediate answer to a matter that exceeds your authority."
6534
6535Oops, I didn't put too much thought on that part.
6536
6537
6538~
6539
6540
6541Now then, about the matter just now, I brought Hikaru with me to meet the king, but unexpectedly, he easily agreed to it even before Hikaru could support me.
6542
6543Of course it's not unconditional.
6544
6545We asked them to stop the production and research of forbidden medicines like the [Reborn Seed] used in the terror activities at Shiga Kingdom, and several other demands in order to silence the lineage nobles who don't like demi-humans.
6546
6547At first we used pigeon carriers to fly about both countries, but since it was troublesome, I brought the crown prince to Shiga Capital to negotiate directly.
6548
6549"Then let use enter the 『Yamato Treaty』 here."
6550
6551Thus, one month after my meeting with the crown prince, Dejima Island gained Independence, and the treaty for Shiga Kingdom to be the backer was enacted.
6552During that period, a thank you letter and mountains of treasures from Saga Empire addressed to Viscount Pendragon who participated in the demon lord subjugation arrived, and the people in the royal castle were in uproar, but since as Satou himself was currently cruising in my airship, I didn't get involved in the uproar.
6553I pray that it'll be reduced into a lull before Satou arrives in Shiga Kingdom in half a month time.
6554
6555Hikaru is attending every meeting while also serving as Shiga King's guard, so I can go far away at peace.
6556
6557The destination is--.
6558
6559
6560~
6561
6562
6563"Satou-kun, is that Saga Empire's old capital!"
6564"Yes, that's right."
6565
6566I'm visiting Saga Empire with Earl Muno.
6567
6568The ones traveling with me this time are Earl Muno, Lady Karina, Lady Soruna, and Lady Soruna's fiancee who has just been elevated to peerage recently, Honorary Chevalier Hauto, and also Tama and Pochi whom are Earl Muno's favorites.
6569
6570The next Earl Muno, Orion-kun was also eager to go, but Consul Nina stopped him saying that it wouldn't be good for both the earl and the next earl to leave the country at once, so he tearfully gave it up.
6571I'll buy him some souvenirs in the old capital.
6572
6573In addition, I also invited Lady Ringrande and Sera whom I accidentally met, but she curtly declined.
6574Looks like it'll be a while before they can reconcile.
6575
6576Further, the hero summoning magic circle is not located in the current capital, but this old capital that's governed by a duke.
6577Besides our airship, there are three large airships anchored in the airport of the old capital.
6578
6579The number of populace is larger than Shiga Kingdom's Duchy Capital's but less than the Royal Capital's, the temperature is low all year round so there's a lot of people wearing warm clothing.
6580Many are black haired, and I see Japanese-like flat faces here and there.
6581
6582"It's slightly chilly isn't it."
6583"Soruna, you should put this on."
6584"Thank you, Hauto."
6585
6586Lady Karina is enviously looking that exchange between Lady Soruna and Hauto.
6587Lady Karina's clothes are equipped with all-weather air conditioner, so she has no need of a jacket in this degree of coldness.
6588
6589"Cold~?"
6590"This much is nothing nanodesu."
6591"Tama-kun and Pochi-kun are really strong against cold."
6592
6593Earl Muno praised Tama and Pochi while trembling in cold.
6594
6595"Earl-sama, please wear this coat."
6596"Ah, Satou-kun, thank you."
6597
6598I saw Lady Karina biting her finger in frustration in the corner of my view.
6599What are you doing getting jealous of your own father.
6600
6601"Satou, have I kept you waiting?"
6602"Not at all, we've just arrived just now."
6603
6604We got on a luxurious carriage after Princess Maryest's who came to meet us, heading toward the [Hero's Hill] at the old capital's outskirts.
6605The other hero's followers are in great demands to attend parties with the nobles in the imperial capital.
6606
6607There's a building made of white stones on top of the hill with unusually good views.
6608It looks like a Greek historic temple with only pillars ceiling and no wall.
6609
6610"OOOOOOOOO! S-so this is the sacred place where heroes-sama are summoned for generations!"
6611"Y-yes, that's right."
6612
6613Princess Maryest was taken aback by Earl Muno's high tension.
6614Both Lady Karina and Lady Soruna are also looking around the sacred place with glimmering eyes, though not as bad as Earl Muno.
6615
6616The day will end if I wait for the three to calm down, so after a while I urge them to advance and enter building.
6617
6618"Your Highness Maryest, are they Earl Muno and Viscount Pendragon?"
6619"Yes, they are. He contributed in the fight with demon lord so much I wouldn't be able to speak it all. Don't be rude with him alright."
6620"If that's what Hero-sama has promised, then it cannot be helped."
6621
6622And elderly Parion Temple head spoke with Princess Maryest in business-like manners.
6623
6624Both of them don't seem to get along well.
6625
6626"Then, over here please."
6627
6628Following after the temple head who released the barrier, we entered the temple.
6629
6630--Ooh, this is amazing.
6631
6632It looks like a common temple at a glance, but when I activate Magic Seer, complex engraved magic circles are laminated not only on the floors but also on the ceilings and pillars.
6633Each magic circles interact with one another, they're quite artistic and educative.
6634
6635I've noticed after reading the magic circles that it seems the underground of [Hero's Hill] is a gigantic magic device that accumulates magic power.
6636The reason why the atmospheric temperature of the old capital is low must be because the magic power flowing in the earth's vein is absorbed by this magic device instead of the City Core.
6637
6638"Are you satisfied now?"
6639
6640I only noticed that I had been looking at the temple for quite a long time after the temple head call out.
6641
6642"Yes, thank you very much. I had shamefully lost myself due to the mystical atmosphere."
6643
6644I evaded the temple head's eyes that were full of suspicious with the help of Deception skill.
6645I've completely traced the magic circles here including the magic device hidden underground, so I can reproduce them as much as I like.
6646
6647It would likely end up connecting with God Parion if I used it as is, so it needs several modifications it seems.
6648
6649"Temple head! Meiko-sama is--"
6650"W-we have guests right now."
6651
6652A miko rushed in when were about to leave the temple and made an obvious verbal slip.
6653
6654After searching the obviously Japanese name, I see a new hero called [Meiko Kaname] is currently strolling the old capital.
6655She's carelessly not hiding her Unique Skills, her information is wide open to see.
6656
6657She has four Unique Skills, [Strongest Katana (Nothing cannot be Cut)], [Unrivaled Mobility (Cannot be hit)], [Infinite Arsenal (Inexhaustible Swords)], and [Foresight].
6658I think she's just been summoned, yet her level is already 60, higher than Hero Hayato's initial level at 50.
6659
6660"Satou, let's go."
6661"Your highness Princess--"
6662"I know."
6663
6664Princess Maryest replied the temple head who was going to tell her to keep it a secret as if it was a matter of course and then she escorted us out of the temple.
6665The thing about Hero Meiko is probably a secret.
6666
6667"I'm very sorry, but I have to go back to the Imperial Capital now."
6668"No no, we're sorry for troubling you in such a busy time."
6669
6670I thanked Princess Maryest who really looked like she was sorry about it, and then we parted ways with her at the old capital's airport.
6671
6672
6673~
6674
6675
6676"Then, let's go tour the castle town."
6677
6678I strolled the old capital with the Earl Muno family, and went around the ramen shop and Japanese sweets cafés that the heroes in the past visited.
6679Next, we purchased hero's temple models and hero figurines as souvenirs.
6680
6681"Mou! Why are all of them Japanese sweets and preserved sweets that are too sickeningly sweet! There's no cute cakes or parfaits anywhere!"
6682
6683When I turn around at the voice, there's a 14 year old girl with an impertinent look on her face.
6684
6685There's a handsome bespectacled priest as her guard.
6686His disposition looks weak somehow.
6687
6688"I'm sorry, Meiko-sama. It seems that there is this cake called 『Lulu's Cake』 in Shiga Kingdom however."
6689"Lulu? That sounds like a cold medicine. Well fine, go buy it."
6690"Eh?"
6691"I'm saying that you go buy it. Don't make me say it twice."
6692
6693She's quite unreasonable.
6694
6695She's a girl from roughly the same hometown as me, but this time I shouldn't get involved and ignore her.
6696The girls should be able to live in this country splendidly.
6697
6698"Hey! The black hair over there!"
6699
6700Yet, somehow the girl is in front of me.
6701Looks like she used Flickering Movement.
6702
6703"Me?"
6704"Yes, you! You're a local person right? Guide me to sweets shops. I'm starving for fresh cream!"
6705
6706The girl is taking a threatening attitude, saying to guide her quickly.
6707
6708"Me-Meiko-sama, you must not."
6709"Shut it!"
6710
6711On the other hand, the attendant priest seemed to have inferred that we were nobles of a foreign country and desperately tried to change the girl's mind.
6712
6713"Freesh creaam?"
6714"Pochi wants to eat sweets nodesu."
6715"Come to think of it, the cake we ate earlier was really delicious."
6716
6717Lady Soruna mixed in with Tama and Pochi.
6718
6719Not only the three, Earl Muno also said, "It's about time for having tea isn't it."
6720The good-natured Earl Muno seemed to sympathize with the girl who sought fresh cream.
6721
6722"Is there one?!"
6723"Yes, there is. Let's go to that café over there."
6724"Meiko-sama, you mustn't be tricked! That café does serve blue tea but it has exactly the same kind of sweets as the ones we saw before."
6725
6726The girl glared at me as if saying that she wouldn't forgive me if I was lying.
6727
6728"The shop doesn't have one, but we have cakes in this bag. We can just pay the shop for bringing it inside."
6729"Really? Then let's go."
6730
6731With the girl's quick decision, we enter the café with the calm atmosphere.
6732The bespectacled priest appeared to be a regular here, he immediately asked for a private room.
6733
6734"Hee, that looks really good."
6735
6736The girl said that arrogantly in front of the cut Lulu Cake.
6737However, contrary to her tone, her eyes are sparkling brightly.
6738
6739"Wha! What's this it's way too tasty."
6740"Delishlish~?"
6741"Lulu's cake is delicious alright nodesu."
6742
6743While watching over the children joyfully eating the cake, I slowly drink the blue tea.
6744Not only Lady Soruna and Lady Karina, Earl Muno is also fond of sweets, they've been savoring the cake absentmindedly.
6745
6746"That was delicious~ Was that Lulu Cake?"
6747"Ofcour~se"
6748"Master made it nodesu."
6749
6750Tama and Pochi boastfully replied the girl who praised the cake she had eaten.
6751
6752"You're a hero's follower from now on! Follow me as a chief."
6753"I'm sorry but--"
6754
6755A silver haired man wearing important-looking priest clothes rushed in before I could answer.
6756
6757"Lawrence! Get Meiko-sama back to the temple! Didn't I tell you not to let her out since that Sir Pendragon was coming today!"
6758"W-Warren-sama!"
6759
6760Well now? Why do they want to prevent me from meeting the new hero?
6761Seeing me, Priest Warren's face becomes pale.
6762
6763"Nice to meet you, my name is Viscount Satou Pendragon."
6764"S-sir Pendragon?! W-why is the Demon Lord Slayer with Meiko-sama?!"
6765
6766What an awful alias.
6767Perhaps [Demon Lord Slayer] is a praise in this world?
6768
6769"Demon Lord Slayer? That Shiga Hero who defeated the demon lord together with the previous hero?"
6770"Me, a Hero? Perhaps, you're mistaking me with Hero Nanashi-sama of Shiga Kingdom?"
6771
6772I replied Meiko's question with another question to dodge it.
6773
6774"Meiko-sama, this Sir Pendragon is--"
6775
6776The silver haired priest is whispering into Hero's Meiko ear.
6777The content of his talk was generally not wrong, but by no means could I agree with it.
6778
6779Thus, I try to talk to her in order to reach a mutual understanding before the misunderstanding goes deeper.
6780
6781"Meiko-sama--"
6782"D-don't come close! You sexual fiend!"
6783
6784The frightened Hero Meiko jumped to the corner of the room.
6785Still, sexual fiend is cruel.
6786
6787I could see the bespectacled priest desperately apologizing in the corner of my view, but such a thing can't heal my wounded heart.
6788
6789"It's a misunderstanding--"
6790"You're served by more than 10 women, and sleep together with women from primary school age to adults everyday right!"
6791"That's the truth, however--"
6792"I don't want to hear it, I don't want to hear it!"
6793
6794She closed both her ears and shook her head.
6795
6796"Sir Pendragon, since Meiko-sama doesn't feel too well, please excuse us."
6797"P-please wait, Head Miko-sama!"
6798
6799The silver haired priest held Hero Meiko's shoulder and rushed out.
6800
6801The bespectacled priest called him Head Miko, but the silver haired priest's gender is undoubtedly male.
6802It's questionably strange, but let's ignore it since I'm not particularly interested.
6803
6804"Vi-Viscount-sama--"
6805
6806The chief of this shop asked to sample the cake with a desperate expression on his face.
6807
6808"You don't want the recipe instead?"
6809
6810The chef shook his head with a quiet expression.
6811
6812"That will be too shameless of me. I am also walking the path of a cook. Once I eat it, I will arrive at that taste someday."
6813
6814This person said some amazing things.
6815
6816"Alright then, then I'll put out several kinds of sweets that will likely suit her taste."
6817
6818Since it sounded a bit fun, I put out several cakes and Castella on the table.
6819Even Tama and Pochi's eyes are glittering.
6820I'm going to treat you two to Saga Empire's meat full course after this so right now, bear with it okay.
6821
6822After encouraging the chef, we went on a meat dishes tour.
6823Of course, it goes without saying that I reproduced the meat dishes we ate in the tour for the girls who were staying behind.
6824
6825Now then, now that I've recharged my batteries, it's about time to depart to Weasel Empire's Capital as Kuro.
6826
682715-19. Weasel Empire, at the Imperial Capital
6828 
6829Satou's here. It's said that news of bad deed travel quickly, but the true bad deed is concealed deeply and progressed quietly.
6830
6831
6832~
6833
6834
6835"Mast--Kuro-sama, the city has come into view."
6836
6837As Liza is reporting in, I lean my body at the window to check.
6838
6839I'm heading to Rete city in Weasel Empire as Kuro, accompanied by Liza, Zena-san and a female executive cadet of Echigoya Firm.
6840Liza and Zena-san are wearing Echigoya Firm's uniforms, and equipped with mirror geass to cope with the emperor's geass.
6841
6842Further, the reason why the cadet is with us is to take on a certain dangerous task.
6843
6844Originally, I should have been the one who would be doing that, but since the executives of Echigoya Firm and the girls in the solitary island palace were against it, this girl who volunteered first undertook the job instead.
6845Even though I've prepared more than enough safety measures, I can't say for certain that it'll be safe, so I'm thinking of fulfilling one of the girl's wishes once this job is over.
6846
6847"Quite a big city."
6848"Hmph, you Shiga Kingdom lot might not believe it, but that's not our Imperial Capital. Every city of our empire is as big and populous as the capital of Shiga Kingdom."
6849
6850The one who quickly picked up my muttering and boasted was the owner of this airship, Lady Liedill, the temple knight of Weasel Empire.
6851
6852In accordance to the crown prince's scheme, it seems that she didn't know that the demon lord had been defeated until recently and kept loitering around the labyrinth after her treatment, until today.
6853Due to that, her level has increased by one, and her escort knights have also leveled up although there are slightly fewer of them now.
6854
6855She's currently acting as my guard and carrying a letter from the crown prince to the emperor.
6856
6857"Are we descending?"
6858"We're changing our ride in that Rete city."
6859
6860When I sensed the floating feeling and muttered, Lady Liedill kindly told me the reason.
6861She's probably bored with the air travel too.
6862
6863
6864~
6865
6866
6867"You're slow!"
6868"Sorry, we needed to prepare for a bit."
6869
6870After finishing the preparation, we got out of the waiting room in Rete city, and made Lady Liedill who got tired of waiting angry.
6871
6872"The immigration check room is over here."
6873"It's emptier than I expected."
6874"Our country has been closed. Normally there are only several people, 10 at most."
6875
6876We followed Lady Liedill and met a purple-haired girl surrounded by many guards.
6877There's a transparent magic wall between her and us, I think it can easily defends against normal mid-level magic.
6878
6879The girl is a reincarnated person, her name is Louise. It's an unusual name for a Japanese, but it's not like a reincarnated person must always be Japanese--or maybe her parents simply loved light novels.
6880
6881Her skills are hidden, I can't see it. Her level is 34, she's a cat ear-kin.
6882
6883The twitching ears are cute.
6884
6885"Please sit down on that chair."
6886
6887The girl who said that with downcast eyes looked at me with upturned eyes and opened them wide.
6888
6889『A-Alex that actor? But, but, his hair is white, I guess not?』
6890
6891The muttering girl is staring at and appraising me.
6892I don't know the name Alex but he must be a foreign actor whose face is similar to Kuro.
6893
6894"I don't mind if it's your job, but appraising people out of curiosity is not a good manner you know."
6895
6896When I said that while playing innocent of my own doing, the girl cowered as if she was scolded and muttered, "I'm sorry".
6897It looks like this girl is a honest type.
6898
6899"Leaving that aside, finish the immigration check thing."
6900"Y-yes!"
6901
6902The girl's guards are frowning in displeasure at my arrogant attitude, but I'm not going to bother myself with background characters.
6903
6904"If you don't have any objection to my words, please say 『I swear』."
6905
6906After saying that, the girl is wrapped in purple phosphoresce.
6907She probably used a Unique Skill.
6908
6909"Your memories in Weasel Empire, starting from the moment you enter this room, will be lost once you leave Weasel Empire."
6910
6911After the girl said that in a tone like she was used to it, she fell silent.
6912She's probably waiting for us to say, "I swear".
6913
6914『I swear.』
6915
6916When the executive cadet said that clearly, a coronet made of purple light appeared on her head for an instant and then disappeared.
6917That was probably the mark of the Unique Skill's activation.
6918
6919Now then, let's inspect it.
6920
6921I move the executive cadet away from the room to Echigoya Firm with Unit Arrangement.
6922
6923"S-she disappeared?!"
6924
6925The girl was surprised to see the executive cadet disappeared, and reacting to that, her guards and Lady Liedill touched their sword's handles.
6926
6927"Do not panic."
6928
6929I wave one of my hands, and while maintaining that posture, I cut off the remote possession mode from the Kuro doll which had changed place with me in the waiting room earlier and return my consciousness to my real body at Echigoya Firm.
6930
6931The scene changes from the immigration check room I saw as Kuro doll earlier to the Echigoya Room which I'm seeing as myself.
6932
6933"How is your memories?"
6934
6935I check the executive cadet whose consciousness has gone back from the executive cadet doll to her real body.
6936
6937"The information on the log shows that it's interrupted on the arrival at Rete city."
6938"I-I can remember the time when I entered the immigration room."
6939
6940I see, in remote possession mode, the effect is only valid for the doll.
6941
6942"Thank you for your cooperation. I'll be getting back to my mission, for your achievement this time you'll get paid vacations and special bonus so you should take some rest today."
6943"Y-yes! Kuro-sama!"
6944
6945When I rewarded her, the executive cadet saluted upright.
6946She seems to be quite nervous so I lightly wave my hand to prompt her to leave and I get back to the remote possession mode of the Kuro doll in Weasel Empire.
6947
6948And then, after a slight time lag, my view returned back to the immigration room in Rete city.
6949
6950I show the magic tool furnished with green and red gems in my hand.
6951
6952"The green one is shining. Looks like my subordinate who has gone back to our country is fine."
6953"Wha! Are you doubting me?!"
6954
6955After I said that, Miss Louise stood up and got outraged as if it was unthinkable.
6956
6957"You think I will unconditionally believe someone I just met."
6958"T-that's true but...."
6959
6960Miss Louise faltered to hear me.
6961Her guards unanimously reproached me, but dealing with them will be troublesome so I ignore them.
6962
6963"Kuro-dono, please hand over that magic tool. If you have any other communication magic tools, please leave them here."
6964"This is an antenna only tool for receiving signal--though you won't believe that. I swear that I don't have any other communication magic tool with me."
6965
6966A man who seems to be Miss Louise's aide enters the room and takes the magic tool away from me.
6967He checks whether I'm lying with his colleagues on the other side of the wall and then goes back to his room.
6968
6969"By the way, is the vow still in effect? If it is, do we take one now?"
6970"Y-yes. Please do."
6971
6972After Miss Louise nodded, we said, "I swear" and finished the ritual.
6973Needless to say, since Liza and Zena-san are equipped with substitute dolls too, there's no problem.
6974
6975"U-um...."
6976"What is it? Is there another ritual?"
6977
6978Miss Louise called me hesitatingly when I was about to go out of the room as urged by Lady Liedill.
6979
6980"...Your name, um."
6981"Kuro."
6982
6983The girl seems to like this foreign actor's face.
6984
6985"Ku-Kuro? Are you Japanese--"
6986"I was named by the master of the Black Dragon Mountains. My lord, Nanashi-sama also asked the same question when he heard the name."
6987"Is, that so."
6988
6989The girl who muttered weakly as I told her the history behind the name seemed disappointed for some reason.
6990I wonder what did she expect?
6991
6992"--Are you living happily here?"
6993"Y-yes. Not only that there's zero overtime, half of the month are even holidays, and the people around me care for me kindly."
6994
6995The girl who was speechless by my question answered honestly.
6996Looking at her condition, looks like it's just as she's said.
6997
6998Then I don't have to go out of my way to take care of her.
6999
7000"I see, if you're ever troubled with works, go visit Echigoya Firm in Dejima Island."
7001
7002Nevertheless, I think I'm allowed to say that much.
7003
7004
7005~
7006
7007
7008"We're taking an airplane heading to the imperial capital's airport from here."
7009"Is it not an airships?"
7010
7011Zena-san asked back Lady Liedill.
7012Zena-san and Liza are wearing the translation rings, so they can perfectly understand the people of the Weasel Empire mutually.
7013
7014"That's right. Airplanes are faster."
7015
7016Lady Liedill boasted with a child-like expression.
7017
7018A small 20-seater propeller plane is waiting at the airport we're guided to.
7019Its shape is similar to the airplane I know.
7020
7021Inside the plane, each seat is wide, so each side of the plane only holds eight seats.
7022The seat looks luxurious, this seems to be an airplane for VIPs.
7023
7024Liza and Zena-san screamed weakly when the airplane took off.
7025I thought the two were afraid of flying in the sky, but it seemed they had their own reasons.
7026
7027"It is similar to when I got on the back of the dragon, the sudden floating sensation is unpleasant isn't it."
7028
7029I see, in Liza's case, she probably didn't feel the floating sensation since she jumped when we took off.
7030
7031"I was anxious, I thought the airplane might fall."
7032
7033It's very like Zena-san to worry about that.
7034She was probably anxious since we could see the airplane's wings rocking from the windows.
7035
7036Even if the airplane falls, it should only end with a scratch with Zena-san's equipment, so it's a needless anxiety.
7037
7038"Is that line a railroad?"
7039"That seems to be the case."
7040
7041"That's the smoke car's road (ensharl) that connect cities which our Weasel Empire is proud of."
7042
7043Lady Liedill boastfully corrected Liza's question.
7044I think the part where she doesn't question why we know about railroads makes her fail cute.
7045
7046And then, Liza found that as we got close to the Imperial Capital.
7047
7048"I wonder what is that?"
7049"It's big for a barrier pillar. Is it some kind of tower?"
7050"It's reflecting light like it's made from metal isn't it."
7051
7052The thing that Liza found and made Zena-san puzzled is--.
7053
7054"That's... The white tower of 『Brains』. It's been isolated away from the Imperial Capital since it's making some loud rumbling noises."
7055
7056Lady Liedill said that with a displeased expression.
7057
7058--Rocket?
7059
7060It's too big to be a ballistic missile, or are they going to launch a man-made satellite?
7061It might really be a rocket tower though.
7062
7063The airplane lowered its altitude during our conversation, and landed at an airport in the suburb of the Imperial Capital.
7064Unfortunately, I couldn't see the Imperial Capital due to the cloudy sky, but we're going to it anyway.
7065
7066Liza and Zena-san crushing their seats' handrails during the descent were impressive.
7067I probably should use defensive magic when we're sitting on two or three seater.
7068
7069
7070~
7071
7072
7073"This is the capital city of our empire!"
7074
7075The moment the smoke car we rode on came out of a tunnel to a high place that overlooked the Imperial Capital, Lady Liedill boasted again.
7076
7077"T-this is Imperial Capital."
7078"T-there's a lot of very big buildings."
7079
7080Liza and Zena-san were surprised.
7081There, I saw a majestic looking dome-shaped structure in the center of the crowded skyscrapers.
7082
7083"What do you think! Our empire is great isn't it?"
7084"Is that dome the emperor's castle?"
7085"That's right."
7086
7087Lady Liedill answered my question.
7088
7089"The shape looks strange."
7090"Fufuhn, that shape was chosen not out of whim or sophism you know?"
7091
7092Lady Liedill are looking down at us with an air of superiority.
7093She's probably waiting for me to ask her.
7094
7095I inadvertently want to tease her after she's showing this much dumb cute behaviors.
7096
7097"It's a precaution against attacks from the sky right? Or perhaps, it's also a solar generator?"
7098
7099It seems both of my statements were correct, Lady Liedill fell silent while looking dissatisfied.
7100I might have been a bit childish.
7101
7102The smoke car we rode on passed through the huge Imperial Capital gate and arrived at an imposing station.
7103
7104Now then, as for the information of the Weasel Empire's Capital from the [All Map Exploration]--
7105
7106The population is more than 300.000 people, the most numerous ones were not the weaselkin, but the ratkin and the rabbitkin, the weaselkin is only a third of the population. There are also humans but ratio is not so high.
7107
7108Special mention for the fact that there's no slave.
7109
7110Since the citizens are separated by class, from first to third class, there's a possibility that the third class citizens are treated like slaves though.
7111
7112The average levels of the empire's citizens are 3 just like Shiga Kingdom's citizens, but the soldiers' average is high at 10 and the knights' at nearly 30.
7113Just as the rumor suggests, Temple Knights where Lady Liedill belongs to have 107 people that are higher than level 50. Ten of them are more than level 60, the knight leader and number two have reached level 70.
7114If every one of them were deployed in the war against Makiwa Kingdom, it would probably have been over before we could intervene.
7115
7116On the other hand, the court magicians' levels are not that high, the average is 40 besides two level 50.
7117Since half of the Temple Knights have magic skills, the court magicians' duty might be something other than battle.
7118
7119Unfortunately, the emperor and the tactician Touya were not caught on the map.
7120They're probably lurking at a different map somewhere.
7121
7122"Huh? Doesn't that face look familiar?"
7123"U~n, it looks like Alex, but isn't he a bit shorter?"
7124
7125I could hear a conversation between a purple haired and a black haired women who were eating parfait in a parlor inside the station building.
7126They seem to belong to the Weasel Empire's research institution, [Brains].
7127The purple haired girl is a reincarnated person, and the black haired girl has an obviously Japanese face.
7128
7129I searched again since I forgot to check it. There are more than 10 reincarnated people at various ages inside the Imperial Capital, and there's a lot of people with Japanese names yet without Unique Skill like the black haired girl in front of me who belong to [Brains].
7130
7131It appears the [Japanese Summoning] experiment performed by Princess Menea's home country, Rumooku Kingdom, is continued by the Weasel Empire.
7132
7133It looks like my job in Weasel Empire has increased by one.
7134
7135It helps that the women in the parlor look happy.
7136
7137
7138~Extra~
7139
7140
7141--Guhehehe, I'm not Arisa-chan if I miss a good opportunity like this.
7142
7143Walking on tiptoe, I go from Solitary Island Palance to Echigoya Firm.
7144
7145"Elterina."
7146"Tifa please. Let go of that hand."
7147
7148When I got to Echigoya Firm, a yuri-yuri conversation was happening in front of Master.
7149Tifaliza, the transcendental western-style beauty is tightly grasping the manager Elterina's hand that's reaching toward Master's cheek, holding her back.
7150
7151Come to think of it, currently, Tifaliza is the only one that remains a slave of Master.
7152It feels like she has a special treatment somehow, vexing.
7153
7154"I just want to touch those soft cheeks a little bit."
7155
7156Yep yep, I can sympathize with El-cchi.
7157
7158Poking those cheeks feels really good.
7159Master displeasedly brushing my hand is very cute, my delusion goes wild just by that reaction alone.
7160
7161"Doing such a thing when the other party is unconscious is cowardly."
7162
7163Tifaliza is too serious.
7164
7165But but, you can't deceive Arisa-chan's eyes.
7166That's the face of her persuading herself while admonishing El-cchi.
7167
7168Alright then, Arisa the evangelist will show her true ability here.
7169
7170"I've heard it! You two!"
7171"A-Arisa-san."
7172"Another problem child...."
7173
7174Oh you Tifaliza, you're so cold to me.
7175And she was really obedient when I taught her to do double-entry bookkeeping in three days.
7176
7177"Tifaliza's right, poking Master's cheeks is the best when he's conscious!"
7178
7179Tifaliza looks confused to hear me somehow.
7180
7181"When he's unconscious, it's this!"
7182
7183After saying that, I put my head on the lap of Master who's sitting on the sofa.
7184
7185--Bliss!
7186
7187I'd like for those slender fingers to gently brush my hair if possible, but I'll bear with it.
7188I want to caress his lap, but I restrain myself since the two's coiling stares are heavy.
7189
7190"A-Arisa-san, me to...."
7191
7192After having thoroughly enjoyed myself enough, I change place with Elterina who entreated.
7193Tifaliza is only looking with wistful expression, she doesn't stop or ask for it.
7194
7195She sure is a child with disadvantageous nature.
7196
7197Let Arisa-chan pitch in and help you here!
7198
7199"Time to change."
7200"Al-already?"
7201"That's right, look at the line, the line!"
7202
7203Saying that, I push aside the reluctant Elterina from Master's lap.
7204
7205"You're next."
7206"I-I'm... um"
7207
7208Tifaliza whose whole face is red looks down while fidgeting.
7209What is this cute creature.
7210
7211"What are you saying now, after overlooking me and Elterina, you're already an accomplice you know?"
7212
7213Hearing me, Tifaliza looks shocked.
7214
7215"Eat poison till the plate, so they say, right."
7216
7217I whisper so in Tifaliza's ear.
7218My face must totally look like a villain right now.
7219
7220"Come on come on, this la~p is so~ft y'know~"
7221
7222Succumbing to the temptation, Tifaliza lies down on Master's lap.
7223
7224"How is it?"
7225"Err, um.... It feels nice."
7226
7227Awright! I got me [Feels nice]!!
7228
7229Tifaliza's silver hair is gently brushed as I laugh guhehe.
7230
7231"--He?"
7232
7233There, Master who's opened his eyes is kindly looking at Tifaliza.
7234
7235"U-um, Kuro-sama, t-this is."
7236"Un, I understand, it's alright."
7237
7238Master tenderly spoke to Tifaliza who was in fluster on his lap.
7239
7240"The culprit is Arisa right?"
7241
7242--Not good, I'm exposed.
7243
7244Adieu, Master!
7245
7246I told so in my heart and tried to teleport away but my magic was neutralized.
7247I also tried to escape by running but the gate to the Solitary Island Palace had been closed.
7248
7249"You understand right, Arisa?"
7250"I-it's my first time. Be gentle okay?"
7251
7252Master ignored me trying to soften the mood, and flicked my forehead to hard lump as the penalty.
7253
7254It was super painful, but since I got to satisfy myself with lap pillow after a long time, this day was a good day.
7255
725615-20. The Empire's Subjects
7257 
7258Satou's here. Why do we become unconditionally friendly with people from the same country when we met them abroad? Is it because you feel a sense of security when you converse using the same language?
7259
7260
7261~
7262
7263
7264"It's a really lively city."
7265"Yes, I can't get tired of seeing the attires of the people walking on the street."
7266
7267Just as Zena-san and Liza-san have said, there's a lot of people walking on the Weasel Empire's capital street wearing showy clothes.
7268Of course, the working class people are wearing plain clothes, but their health doesn't seem bad.
7269
7270"We've arrived, you'll be staying in this mansion while waiting for the audience with His Majesty."
7271
7272Lady Liedill guided us to the Weasel Empire's guest house.
7273According to the map, it's close to the dormitory where the reincarnated and transported people are living, this is just right.
7274
7275When our carriage entered the entrance, the gatekeepers who noticed us shouted at our arrival.
7276Apparently, Lady Liedill didn't tell them in advance.
7277
7278A weaselkin wearing officer clothing came out behind the servants who had lined up in a hurry.
7279
7280"Liedill-sama, are the people over there the emissaries of Shiga Kingdom?"
7281"--Why is an official of domestic bureau like you here?"
7282
7283Lady Liedill is openly taking a hostile attitude at the mild-mannered weaselkin.
7284
7285According to AR reading, he also has a position in the internal inspection department besides the domestic bureau.
7286That explains why his level is high at 39 with scout-type skills despite being an official.
7287
7288"I will be attending them from here on. I've been entrusted with the message from Leader-dono to Liedill-sama, 『Come to the Temple Knights ASAP』."
7289"F-from Leader--"
7290
7291Lady Liedill's face turns pale hearing that.
7292Don't tell me, did she come to Dejima Island on an airship without an order from above?
7293
7294"It cannot be helped. I will entrust the matter here to you. Kuro-sama, please tell me about Sir Pendragon as you promised later. Don't forget it okay!"
7295
7296Lady Liedill ran off while leaving those words behind.
7297I should have told her enough about Satou's history in our journey already, did she have more to ask?
7298
7299Zena-san looks like she wants to say something, but asking that here would be bad so I'll leave it for later.
7300
7301"Nice to meet you, Emissary-dono. My name is Dolg of the Weasel Empire's domestic bureau."
7302"I'm Kuro, an emissary of Shiga Kingdom. I want to hear the schedule for our audience with the emperor."
7303
7304I asked the official while consciously acting as Kuro.
7305
7306"The audience will be held in three days. Until then, please relax in this guesthouse and freely spend your time strolling the capital. We will provide you with a bodyguard who knows the capital well, so please ask him if you need a guide."
7307
7308Fumu, bodyguard huh--looking at the search result on the map, the capable people who are as skilled as the official before us are concealing themselves, so I think the bodyguards are merely decoys.
7309
7310"Thank you for your kindness."
7311
7312After saying that, we entered the provided room.
7313It seems the bodyguard will come later to greet us.
7314
7315I set up a barrier for counterespionage once it's just us.
7316
7317"Alright, now the people outside won't be able to hear us--"
7318
7319I turn toward Zena-san after saying that.
7320
7321"--U-um?"
7322"Didn't you want to talk about something earlier?"
7323
7324Zena-san's face became bright red after I asked her that.
7325
7326--Huh?
7327
7328It wasn't because she felt something suspicious with Lady Liedill?
7329
7330"I'll get some tea."
7331
7332Liza who perceived the mood stood up and went to a teapot in the corner of the room.
7333That teapot appears to be a kind of magic tool.
7334
7335"Um, er... I was jealous."
7336
7337--Jealous?
7338
7339"I thought maybe Liedill-san loves Satou-san."
7340"That shouldn't be the case. Since Liedill-san is a martial artist. There is no mistake that she was gathering intelligence for a rematch."
7341"T-that's right isn't it!"
7342
7343Thanks to the effort of the deception skill which I hadn't used for a long time, I successfully dispelled Zena-san's doubt.
7344
7345Even though I said rematch, thinking again, I've never even fought once with Lady Liedill.
7346That girl must be a battle maniac who would want to fight with anyone strong.
7347
7348There is no chance of me meeting her again as Satou though, so it doesn't matter.
7349
7350
7351~
7352
7353
7354"Kuro-sama, I am Zakuga Norouyn, I will be acting as your bodyguard."
7355"Norouyn, that means--"
7356"Yes, I wish to express my gratitude for saving my esteemed cousin-dono."
7357
7358The male weaselkin who appeared as the bodyguard seemed to be the cousin of the weaselkin merchant who facilitated this meeting with the emperor.
7359According to the AR reading, the weaselkin merchant's uncle who's in the senate appears to be his father.
7360
7361"As a token of our appreciation, my father wishes to invite you to a banquet--"
7362
7363Come to think of it, one of the special scientific vehicle captains said that his relative was a member of the senate.
7364I have to talk to them about the matter of prisoner exchange, but the mysterious dragon knight Outis has no diplomatic channel.
7365
7366Let's push the matter to the crown prince on Dejima Island.
7367That able man must be able to handle it well.
7368
7369The hyahhaa mercenaries who were hunting civilians have found employment first, perpetually at a Shiga Kingdom's coal pit.
7370I've no doubt that they will work hard for the sake of people from now on--compulsorily though.
7371
7372"--Kuro-sama?"
7373"Ah, sorry."
7374
7375I was late to reply since I thought of unnecessary things.
7376
7377"Then I will take your offer."
7378
7379Thus it's decided that I will visit the head family of Norouyn in the first-class estate, bringing Liza and Zena-san who have dressed up.
7380By the way, Liza is wearing red chic dress and Zena-san is wearing cute azure dress.
7381Both look like normal dress outwardly, but their defensive power is equal to the early days golden armor.
7382
7383
7384~
7385
7386
7387"Uwaah, it's dazzling."
7388"What vulgar lighting befitting of weasels."
7389
7390Zena-san is excited to see the luxurious mansion.
7391In contrast to her, Liza who hates weasels frowns.
7392
7393The bodyguard who came with us had run inside to inform his father, the host of this party.
7394
7395"Ah! It's Alex."
7396
7397When I turned at the impudent voice, the two women I saw in the station were standing behind a reception desk-like table.
7398They're wearing bold clothes with open chest valleys unlike the other receptionists, so they're probably guests.
7399
7400The black haired girl is pointing at me, while the purple haired girl is stiffened with a pale face.
7401
7402"--Wait a minute, I can't see his."
7403"I can see him though?"
7404
7405The purple haired girl muttered in panicked voice and caught the arm of the black haired girl who was going to rush out of the booth.
7406
7407"Master?"
7408"Let me handle this."
7409
7410I hold Liza back who's going to come forward with my hand.
7411
7412I could hear Zena-san starting defensive magic chant in low voice.
7413The thing that prevents her magic power from leaking out during the invocation is my handmade.
7414
7415"N-not that! I'm saying that his status is invisible!"
7416"Eh? Wasn't Miko-cchi said that there's nothing your appraisal can't see 'cause it's through God."
7417"That's why I'm surprised! Call the guards!"
7418"Eh! Me?"
7419"Quickly!"
7420"Mou, you'll have to treat me giga serving of the station's parfait next time 'kay."
7421
7422Urged by the purple haired girl, the black haired girl reluctantly moved.
7423The difference between the temperamental purple haired girl and the 'my pace' black haired girl is extreme.
7424
7425When I made a step forward, the purple haired girl's body got wrapped in purple light.
7426
7427I don't know the details since she has Hide Skill on, but it's probably an activation of some kind of Unique Skill.
7428It's probably a kind of Unique Skill that will protect her together with the black haired girl.
7429
7430"Do not be frightened--"
7431
7432I walk toward the purple haired girl while taking off the [Thief God Harness] on my arm.
7433This [Thief God Harness] is like my [Mana Camouflage] as it can even prevent the divine gift [Status Check] reincarnated people have.
7434
7435"--I'll let you see it, Tomiko."
7436"Don't call me Tomikooooooooo!"
7437
7438I said the girl's name as shown by the AR reading to ease her tension, yet she denied it out loud.
7439Looks like she has a complex about her name, I should have called her [Kunelia] like the black haired girl did earlier.
7440
7441"Stop at once! My automatic counterattack <<Tit for Tat>> will retaliate any attack by twofold back at the opponent."
7442
7443Tomiko who looked nervous explained her own ability like some mob character in a manga.
7444It's probably a diversion to prevent me from going at them.
7445
7446"You shouldn't talk about your own Unique Skill to your opponent--"
7447
7448I release [Lesser Spark] from my finger.
7449It's Tama and Pochi's favorite [crackle crackle] magic.
7450
7451"Kya"
7452
7453The lesser spark increased by twofold came back to me from the screaming Tomiko, but it vanished before me.
7454Looks like I was protected by the wind magic Zena-san invoked.
7455
7456On the other hand, it seems Tomiko who bounced the attack got some damage, her beautiful hair looks bad due to the spark.
7457
7458"--Since I'd be forced to deal with you like this then."
7459
7460After saying that, I tell her, "I've made it so you can appraise me now, just look."
7461Tomiko appraises me while being cautious like a cat.
7462
7463『Ah, I can see--huh? It's not Alex, Kuro? Reincarnated person--no, there's no Unique Skill.』
7464
7465Speaking her thought out loud to herself in Japanese seems to be her habit.
7466
7467『Are you a new transported person called by the emperor like Asuka?』
7468『I have no relation with the emperor. I come from outside the empire.』
7469
7470I replied back the question in Japanese.
7471Tomiko's attitude immediately softened.
7472
7473『--Outside? Like Nezu-san?』
7474『I'm sorry but I don't know anyone called Nezu.』
7475『I see--that's right isn't it. He was a reincarnated person, a ratkin from the north.』
7476
7477The ratkin demon lord's face flashed in my mind, but it must be unrelated.
7478
7479Some armed male guards rushed in.
7480They're brawny lionkin and tigerkin men.
7481
7482"Kunelia-sama, is the white hair over there the suspicious person?"
7483"N-no. It was a misunderstanding!"
7484"--Misunderstanding?"
7485
7486The lionkin who seems to be the captain conversed with Tomiko.
7487
7488『Miko-cchi! I called the guards!』
7489『A-Asuka--』
7490
7491Seeing the black haired girl behind the men, the purple hair muttered awkwardly.
7492Then, our bodyguard came back.
7493
7494"What is happening here?"
7495"Y-young master.... There was a slight misinformation, this person is--"
7496"Anything wrong with this gentleman? He's the guest of honor today called by father do you know?"
7497
7498Tomiko and the guards' face became pale after hearing the bodyguard.
7499Apparently, offending a member of senate in this country is quite a dangerous thing to do.
7500
7501"It was nothing. Forget about that, let's go now if you're done with the things there."
7502
7503Nothing good would come leaving things in this situation so I urged the bodyguard to guide us to the host.
7504
7505
7506~
7507
7508
7509"So you're the emissary of Shiga Kigndom. Since you're an emissary, is it correct to assume that you're an earl or a duke?"
7510"Neither. I am an ordinary citizen."
7511
7512Wonder if that shouldn't have been the case for an emissary?
7513
7514While thinking that, I'm with a member of the weasel senate in a uselessly gaudy room.
7515Since it's only Kuro who's allowed to meet him, Liza and Zena-san are standing by in the waiting room.
7516
7517"--Ordinary citizen? Yet you wish to meet His Majesty the emperor?"
7518"I am a follower of Hero Nanashi-sama. Shiga King and the crown prince have given me their recognitions, have you not heard it?"
7519"His Highness Crown Prince...."
7520
7521This man calls the crown prince with [Highness] instead of [Majesty].
7522He's probably in the emperor's faction.
7523
7524I tried to probe various things out of the senate member, but he shrewdly dodged all of it.
7525During this chance, I also tried to ask about the emperor and the tactician Touya.
7526
7527"--His Majesty is a great person. He has turned this once small country that had no choice but getting oppressed left and right by major powers into an empire in a single generation. An impossible task for ordinary men."
7528
7529I wanted to ask about his personality, not achievements, but I couldn't get anything useful from him who adored the emperor.
7530On the other hand, as for the tactician Touya--.
7531
7532"I do not fancy that bald tactician, but he is a capable man. His involvement in realizing the emperor's 『Rich Country Strong Army』 plan is big. I thought he was planning a rebellion when he established 『Brains』 and started to meddle with science, but that bald tactician's loyalty is genuine."
7533
7534Wonder what he did to make this man think it's genuine?
7535An unexpected answer came out when I asked about it.
7536
7537"He was the one who held back the rebellion of the foolish reincarnated person, Kazura's rebellion who was accompanied by the demon lord. He sacrificed his own body to protect His Majesty. After that, that guy has only an arm and an eye."
7538
7539The name sounds familiar. The weasel demon lord's name should be Kazura.
7540
7541I didn't call him by name even once so I might be mistaken, I should check it.
7542It'd be annoying if there were still other demon lord out there.
7543
7544"Are you talking about the rat demon lord and the weasel demon lord at Dejima Island?"
7545"--Weasel demon lord? The only demon lord that appeared should only be the rat demon lord from the north. The reincarnated weaselkin certainly did many barbaric experiments and research befitting to be called demon lord however...."
7546
7547It seems the weasel demon lord had been evil ever since he was an ordinary person.
7548
7549"Then, Hero Hayato has already dealt with them both at Dejima Island."
7550"Is that so.... Reincarnated person Kazura's death is deserved, but his ability will be missed. The science products from Jipan were highly prized among the empire's high class society, and he was also the driving force behind the empire's scientific progress...."
7551
7552Despite all that, his behaviors were so bad they forced him into Dejima Island's labyrinth.
7553Recalling my conversations with the weasel demon lord, I understood what happened somehow.
7554
7555"Father, please excuse my rudeness while you're in the middle of a talk--"
7556
7557I wanted to talk a bit more, but since the banquet was about to start we went to the hall.
7558
7559"Amazing--"
7560
7561Zena-san was surprised when she saw the large hall for the banquet.
7562
7563Very long tables are lined up in the banquet hall, and great variety of dishes, so many they look like they'll spill out, are placed on top of the tables.
7564At first I thought they were trying to show off the Weasel Empire's prosperity, but judging from the guests' reaction, such festivities seem to be an everyday happening.
7565
7566Many of the dishes make use of oil and butter, reflecting the chandelier's light off them.
7567They truly look heavy on the stomach.
7568
7569There are grapes and fruits placed on tall bowls between the dishes, they're probably the palate cleanser.
7570Lots of flower decoration too, but no one even bats an eyelid at them.
7571
7572We're guided to the seats near the host while exposing ourselves to the inquisitive gazes of the guests.
7573
7574"Somehow, everyone is looking at us."
7575"Gazes from weasel worth less than garbage."
7576
7577Liza replied the anxious Zena-san by looking down at other people which was unusual for her.
7578Both of them are talking in Shiga Languange, so no one around us should be able to catch it.
7579
7580And the party began after the host's greeting.
7581
7582"It's delicious isn't it."
7583"Yes, the dishes have no sin. Let us get tasting."
7584
7585Oily meat dishes seem to be nothing for the young Zena-san and Liza.
7586I only took a mouthful of each for future references and enjoyed the rare liquor offered by a rabbitkin waiter.
7587
7588"--Eh?"
7589
7590Chasing after Zena-san's line of sight, I saw a weaselkin vomiting over the decorative plants.
7591It seemed he was used to vomiting, he came back to his seat and resumed to eat as if it was natural after he wiped his mouth with a cloth given by a servant.
7592
7593Apparently, it's common here to eat for the sake of eating and then continue to eat the dishes after vomiting the content of one's stomach.
7594How do I say this, it's like the period of the ancient roman empire at its peak.
7595
7596"How very like the gutless weaselkin. Throwing away the life of other creatures they received just like that."
7597
7598Liza shakes her head as if saying there's no cure for them.
7599Come to think of it, Liza and Zena-san's stomaches aren't bulging even though they've been eating an amazing amount of food for a while.
7600
7601"I'm glad that I've learned the Art of Eating in the solitary island palace."
7602"Yes, you can eat to your heart's content if you compress the food in your stomach."
7603   
7604--Art of Eating?
7605
7606Come to think of it, I did feel that everyone had been eating a lot lately.
7607I thought that their metabolism were just raised due to the increased STR and VIT from the level up for sure.
7608
7609However, I feel that Tama and Pochi are still often downed with bulged stomach even with this Art of Eating thing.
7610Don't tell me, they ate until their stomaches became round on top of compressing the content inside?
7611
7612"Ooh! Is she going to challenge the 『Whole Roast Dragon』! That Shiga Kingdom's Lizardkin is a monster!"
7613"Nay nay. She probably simply doesn't know that once one challenged the 『Whole Roast Dragon』, one has to finish it alone."
7614
7615Voices of surprise reached my ears.
7616
7617Looks like Liza had begun eating the whole roast lizard on the center table.
7618It seems the strange unwritten law is the reason why no one put their hand on it.
7619
7620"This is tasty."
7621
7622Liza continues enjoying the whole roast without minding the noises around her.
7623Liza's meal scenery is really elegant thanks to the open manner lecture held in the solitary island palace.
7624
7625"Damn it! It'd be a disgrace to the empire if we only look while doing nothing! Show them that Weasel Empire never gives up!"
7626
7627The weaselkins swoop down on the whole roast on other tables with some strange sense of rivalry.
7628They said some cool lines, but it's ultimately a mere gluttony.
7629
7630And surely they're no match against Liza eating meat--.
7631
7632"S-she ate it all...."
7633"F-first time I saw it happened."
7634
7635Shocked eyes and voices are directed at Liza.
7636However, Liza who's wiping her mouth with a handkerchief doesn't seem to notice it.
7637
7638"Fuuh, I'm full."
7639"Zena-san, you're really a light eater."
7640
7641"Here you go."
7642"Thank you, Sa-Kuro-sama."
7643
7644While wryly smiling at Liza's words, I offered a fruit water to Zena-san.
7645
7646"Eating the same dishes over and over again is getting tiring. Let's have some chicken next."
7647
7648After muttering that, Liza asked a waiter for the whole roast bird.
7649Several Mr. and Mrs. who were eating greedily fainted after they saw that.
7650
7651Lots of dishes are available after all, Zena-san and I are looking over Liza-san eating happily with warm eyes.
7652
7653
7654~
7655
7656
7657The courtyard is opened after the banquet for people to amuse themselves with dances and games.
7658
7659Liza is surrounded by the food fighters, being praised somehow or other.
7660Judging from what can be heard, it seems a lot of Liza fans were born after they saw her eating the whole roast earlier.
7661
7662I asked Zena-san to be the stopper to prevent Liza from losing her temper from dealing with the weaselkins.
7663
7664As for me--.
7665
7666"I see, so Nezu-san was exterminated."
7667"He was a kind person when he wasn't a demon lord."
7668
7669--I'm gathering intelligence while drinking together with the reincarnated person Tomiko and the transported person, the black haired girl.
7670
7671According to them, the rat demon lord was bound by the emperor's [Geass] and got imprisoned in the experimental institution.
7672It seems the rat demon lord regained his sanity after they extracted the miasma out of him, he was called [Nezu] and they befriended him.
7673
7674"Scumzura got what he deserved though."
7675"He demanded our body for the latest issue of the journal and pushed down Neka-chan into the warehouse."
7676
7677The weasel demon lord was also a villain here too huh.
7678
7679I got enough information about the two demon lords, so I changed the topic to the emperor and the tactician Touya.
7680
7681"Ah, sorry. I can't talk about the emperor."
7682"Same with me."
7683"Could I hear the reason?"
7684"Sorry, that's not possible too."
7685
7686Judging from their attitudes, the information is probably banned by the weasel emperor's [Geass] skill.
7687
7688"What about tactician Touya?"
7689"That one's fine. I know he's level 55, but skills and other things are hidden like me so I don't know."
7690"We don't know his race or age either right?"
7691"Un, various numbers and terms I don't know floated if I tried to appraise him. Maybe he used an artifact from 『Brains』 they said."
7692"He's bald but handsome you see."
7693"If only he doesn't talk like an old man~"
7694
7695I don't think they're lying, but I don't understand the point of hiding his age and race.
7696He's probably hiding the fact that he's long lived, but I don't think that's an important enough information to hide....
7697
7698The ground shook while I was lost in thought.
7699
7700"Guess it's about magnitude 2?"
7701"It's quite long isn't it."
7702"Sure there's a lot of them lately."
7703"It's strange you know, quakes should be few around here."
7704
7705The two former Japanese are fine with the quake, but the people in the hall seem to be frightened by it, both the guests and the waiters are hiding under the tables.
7706
7707"There's also rumors about monsters appearing in the slum and the underpasses, maybe it's some kind of omen?"
7708"As I thought, banishing people related to temples is--"
7709"Don't say stupid things. The temple people volunteered to go to the parishes in order to build God's gardens."
7710
7711Hearing rumors about monsters, I tried searching the map thinking it might be something similar with the matter that happened in Shiga Capital, but there's no monster besides the food monsters like the one back then.
7712Some of the food monsters probably escaped and caused some uproars.
7713
7714The edible monsters might be a secret to everyone but the people involved.
7715
7716"Hey hey, why don't we slip out here and go to Miko-cchi's mansion?"
7717"Eh, my home?"
7718"I mean, mine's a dormitory--the wall's thin you see."
7719
7720The black haired girl wrapped her arms around mine and said that suddenly.
7721
7722It's not just my imagination, I can feel her amorous glance.
7723Thanks to Kuro's foreign actor's handsome face, looks like she wants a one-night stand.
7724
7725I don't intend to have one with her, but this is quite a fresh experience.
7726
7727"Miko-cchi's house is a mansion y'know! There's about 10 maids and sheep!" <TLN: Shitsuji=butler. Hitsuji=sheep.>
7728"That's common around here. Look at the top people of 『Brains』, they're living in huge mansions with servants numbering more than one digit right."
7729"Ahaha, Harem Section Chief and Seraglio Deputy Director are like that innit."
7730
7731Those are some amazing nicknames.
7732They're probably surrounded by many women.
7733
7734"Sorry but I have something to discuss with the senate member after this."
7735"Then come visit 『Brains』."
7736
7737Fumu, not a bad invitation.
7738
7739"I'll be coming if you're alright tomorrow."
7740"It's a promise!"
7741
7742I exchanged pinky promise with the forceful black haired girl, and added the visit to the [Brains] in my schedule.
7743
774415-21. Brains
7745 
7746Satou's here. It's said that a genius and an idiot are two sides of the same coin, but since I've never met a genius in real life, I'm not sure about the authenticity of that saying. I think it's impossible to find a single genius among innumerable idiots though.
7747
7748
7749~
7750
7751
7752"It's a cuboid building without appeals isn't it."
7753"So this is  the base of 『Brains』...."
7754
7755Liza and Zena-san muttered while looking up at Brains's base.
7756It looks like a research institute or a business building.
7757
7758Two Temple Knights are standing guard on the entrance while looking bored, they're glaring at us, or rather at the bodyguard.
7759The domestic bureau the bodyguard belongs to seems to not get along well with the Temple Knights.
7760
7761"Ah! You came you came! Miko-cchi, Alex's here!"
7762
7763The black haired girl whom I've gotten familiar with during the several days here is waving her arms while looking impatient at the the automatic glass door opening.
7764Three purple haired reincarnated people are behind the black haired girl.
7765One of them is Tomiko who invited me here, while the other two seem to be the director and the vice director here according to AR reading.
7766
7767"Hee, so he's the actor-san emissary of Shiga Kingdom."
7768"Director, I've heard that the courtesy with nobles in Shiga Kingdom is strict. You should not be too frank."
7769"Eeh, that's annoying."
7770
7771The angelic smile of the director who's wearing a white robe darkens.
7772Even if he's beautiful the director is a man, so I don't feel anything even if his good looks get cloudy.
7773
7774According to the information shown on the AR reading, he's level 41 and, surprisingly, doesn't hide his skills, his Unique Skills are [All-Purpose Drafting], and [Precision Work].
7775He also has various other production skills.
7776
7777The vice director is hiding her skills so I'm not really sure, but judging from the daisho katana on her waist, it's probably something related to them.
7778
7779"I'm Kuro of Shiga Kingdom. I am merely an emissary without peerage, thus you don't need to use stiff polite speech with me."
7780
7781I introduced myself when we got close enough to have a conversation.
7782
7783"Huh? You heard us? I'm Kenji Orerian the director here. That might sound like a fake name but it's the real one in this life you see."
7784
7785The director seems to be more easygoing than I thought.
7786His name is [Kenji] on the AR reading.
7787Yet he adds Orerian on his name, he must cherish his family after his reincarnation.
7788
7789After briefly exchanging greetings, we walk in the hall with him guiding us.
7790We separated from Zakuga the bodyguard, so he's not here now.
7791
7792"This place is bright--are you using Light Drops?"
7793"No no, those are 『LEDs』 you know."
7794
7795The director answered my question lightly.
7796
7797"Ell, ee, dee?"
7798
7799Zena-san's pronunciation was somewhat cute.
7800
7801"Now that Kazura-san's no more, we've got to work hard and reproduce them or else we can't replace them."
7802"We sure lost a valuable man."
7803
7804The vice-director replied Tomiko's remark without a hint of regret.
7805
7806"It'll be quick and easy if we just find a reincarnated person with a Unique Skill that can synthesize rare metal, but the merchants under the imperial command of his majesty the emperor couldn't find one even after scouring the whole world, it might be impossible."
7807
7808I see, so that's the reason why there's a lot of reincarnated people in the Weasel Empire.
7809
7810"Saeki-san or I can make them as long as we have the material though."
7811
7812Looking up on the map, this Saeki-san is someone with single digit level and has no Skill, so he's probably a technician who worked in a company that dealt in LED production in his former world.
7813
7814Right, I have to confirm one thing--.
7815
7816"Since you have LED lights, that means you also have a power generator?"
7817"Un? We do. But since we got the gasoline from Kazura-san, now we're using Electric Turtles and Electric Frogs to charge electricity on batteries."
7818"Using monsters as a substitute of power generator huh."
7819
7820Just when I was about to be convinced, I realized that he was joking.
7821
7822"--That's a lie isn't it? You can just use common coals to run a steam turbine right?"
7823"Mou, you noticed too fast. And I've made a dummy generator room for visitors and all."
7824
7825The director puffs his cheeks, the vice director and the black haired girl are looking at him with enraptured expressions.
7826Tomiko is the only one who's looking at the three with cool eyes.
7827
7828Several glass cases are put on a side of the wide corridor, exhibiting various things like a microwave oven and telephone instruments.
7829
7830"There's a lot of unusual things."
7831"Those aren't made by the weasels, they seem to be articles from Japan."
7832
7833Liza answered the surprised Zena-san in Shiga language.
7834Liza-san knows more about Japanese culture than Zena-san due to my flip-phone and Arisa telling her about various things with illusion magic.
7835
7836"The things over there are summoned by Kazura-san. We still can't reproduce most of them you see."
7837
7838The director said that in a slight vexation.
7839Even if he can draw a blueprint of an LSI with that Unique Skill, he probably doesn't have the facility to actually make one.
7840
7841After walking on the corridor for a while, one of the sides has changed to one fitted with glass, showing the place with Electric Turtles and Electric Frogs generator like he said earlier.
7842
7843"Here's the room to explain our research to our patrons. If we show our thermal power generator recklessly, there might be someone who'd want to remodel the steam locomotives you see."
7844
7845I thought he despises the weasels but it seems he's also relatively cautious against them.
7846
7847"Once we can operate a large scale thermal power plant inside a building, the Weasel Empire will become a bright place like modern Japan. Installing telephone and electric lines are difficult though, so we'll need to make a power plant in each city y'see."
7848"How wonderful, director. The whole empire will benefit from science."
7849
7850The vice director gives an applause with a serious look on her face.
7851
7852"Do you know about the taboo of the Gods?"
7853"Un? Of course."
7854
7855He calmly answered when I asked him in a low voice.
7856He's smiling and looking straight ahead but only his eyes aren't laughing.
7857
7858"Can you see the black building over there?"
7859
7860The director points at a neighboring big building that can be seen from a small window.
7861When I nodded, he said, "We have nu-clear weapons over there you see."
7862
7863Searching the map, every kind of modern weapons--even a nuclear submarine surprisingly, are inside the building. There's even SLBMs with nuclear marks inside a warship.
7864
7865They're probably summoned by the weasel demon lord's Unique Skill.
7866I'm intrigued just how they're maintaining them, but it must be mostly with Fixture magic.
7867
7868"Are you going to threaten the Gods with nuclear weapons?"
7869"We can probably launch an attack that has enough power to create another sun."
7870
7871The [God's Fragments] that couldn't even be scratched by the holy swords flashed on my mind.
7872
7873"It's futile. Physical attacks don't work on Gods."
7874"Hee, It's as if you've fought them huh?"
7875
7876The director looks at me with squinted eyes.
7877
7878Tomiko and the black haired girl have disappeared before I knew it.
7879Apparently the vice director who noticed our conversation sent the two away by asking them to do some errands.
7880
7881"According to my Master, even the holy sword that could cut demon lords couldn't even interfere with 『God』."
7882"Hmmm, Hero Nanashi of Shiga Kingdom sure treads a tough life."
7883
7884The director said that with a voice slightly mixed with pity.
7885I also just want to have an easygoing sightseeing tour if I could.
7886
7887"Well, putting that aside, Touya-san's probably going to do something 'bout the Gods."
7888"Are you close with tactician Touya?"
7889"Ahaha, don't even joke about it."
7890
7891The director replied while laughing, but he spoke of it with chilly eyes.
7892
7893"That person isn't someone who will fight head-to-head fair and square anyway, in order to defeat the gods, he's probably even willing to bump with your master and that thing whose name I hate to say you know?"
7894
7895The director looks up at the sky from a small window while saying that.
7896
7897What does he mean by 'that thing'?
7898
7899It's probably not the new hero of Saga Empire, and judging from [thing whose name he hates to say] and an existence that can oppose the Gods--I see, that huh.
7900
7901I can see a faint white moon in the noon sky the director is looking up at.
7902
7903
7904~
7905
7906
7907"--What's that?"
7908"It's a mock-up of particle accelerator."
7909
7910When I asked him about a ring-shaped object in the courtyard, the director answered as such.
7911
7912"That, you see. I'm using that to find out the true nature of magic essence."
7913
7914--The true nature of magic essence?
7915
7916"You see. I cannot allow myself to not know the unknown. Once I understand magic essence, I'll investigate the reason why there are unscientific things like Skills and Level, and lastly--"
7917
7918The director pulled my ears and whispered, "I want to find out the true identity of Gods" with a serious look.
7919
7920"Keep it a secret from everyone okay. I haven't told anyone 'bout it."
7921
7922After the director said that jokingly, the darkish anger burst out of the vice-director who has been abstaining herself calmly behind us. I clap Liza's shoulder who reacted to the anger and retaliated by coercing the vice-director to stop her.
7923
7924Still....
7925
7926Researching about true nature of magic essence and all, this director is a true scientist.
7927His way of thinking is fundamentally different from me, an engineer.
7928
7929"But, you see, there's a lot of obstacles in this world, it's hard to carry experiments."
7930
7931He said that while looking at the particle accelerator mock-up.
7932
7933"That particle accelerator is about 10 kilometer long, but there's too many monsters on the ground they'll quickly break it."
7934"Isn't the smoke car's rail longer?"
7935"Ahaha, you're so funny Kuro-san. I can quickly repair it if it's just locomotive rails, but that's not possible with the particle accelerator."
7936
7937The director turns at me with a smile of disdain.
7938
7939"We can immediately start the next phase once we can successfully launch the experimental rocket to the geosynchronous orbit though. Fortunately, some of my colleagues have the Infinite Inventory, so they can carry the parts needed to the space and we don't need to launch often. This kind of things is what's nice in a fantasy world isn't it."
7940
7941I'm interested in his research and it's possible to immediately start the experiment with my cooperation, but since it will obviously violate the god's taboo, I restrain myself and speak nothing.
7942
7943--Why are you restraining yourself? Just do it if you want to.
7944
7945I felt like I heard such devilish whispers, but I don't intend to deviate from the rule created by the creator of this world, however imperfect. At least for my sake and the sake of my close friends.
7946
7947And--.
7948
7949"EEEEEH! There's monsters in space too?!"
7950"The elves refer to them as mysterious creatures, but a lot of them are of the same class as the Great Monstrous Fish Tovkezeera."
7951"Y-you serious.... Damnit, God is death!"
7952
7953Hearing the director's begrudging wail, I almost told him that two of them had already died, but since that's probably not the response he wants to hear, I leave it to the vice-director to console the director.
7954
7955Tomiko and the others came back then.
7956
7957"Director, what's wrong?"
7958"Looks like he's a bit shocked."
7959
7960Tomiko and the others acted as our guide in place of the director who went back to his room due to feeling unwell.
7961The director seemed to be the only one peculiar, the others staff members were all common people such as old factory workers and exhausted middle-aged male engineers.
7962
7963"--Do we want to go back to our former world?"
7964
7965My question seemed to be unexpected, the people who were having a welcoming party in the dining room fell silent.
7966
7967"Don't even joke about it."
7968"Right. I was asked the same question when I first came here, no way I'm going back to that world."
7969"Here, the meals are delicious, I can live in luxury, I have a house, a private car and above all, a job."
7970"I haven't got a bride yet, but the thought of leaving a world where beautiful diligent maids, elves whom I haven't seen yet, and girls with cat ears exist doesn't even cross my mind."
7971
7972Apparently, the Weasel Empire asks the people they summoned about their will at the time of the summoning.
7973Most of the people here seem to be happy about their treatment, they don't seem to want to go back.
7974
7975"Isn't it better to ask that question to the people who fell into the slum?"
7976
7977According to a middle-aged engineer, young people who didn't have the required technical skills and ideas, and refused to even do chores are prowling around in the slum by relying on distributed food.
7978It seems many of the Japanese people who left this place couldn't adapt to the city life and picked that course.
7979
7980"Those guys are only wallowing in self-pity, you'd be better off not getting involved with them you know?"
7981
7982They told me that, but I decided to check it with my own eyes.
7983
7984
7985~
7986
7987
7988"--God's punishment is upon us! People! Pray to God, and beg for mercy!"
7989
7990That sermon reached my ears once we got to the slum.
7991When I turn my eyes at the source, an old weaselkin priest that looks like a dead tree is shouting out loud with fiery eyes full of madness.
7992It looks as if he's going to spout fire from his mouth.
7993
7994"That holy mark is of God Zaikuon. If Master allows, I can take care of him."
7995
7996Liza is glaring at the old priest without hiding her animosity.
7997The memory when she was tormented by the fat Zaikuon priest in Seryuu city might have resurfaced.
7998
7999"No, there's no need for that."
8000
8001I point at a direction where several government officials are running.
8002
8003"Holy Master Bodrazog, it's the emperor's pawns!"
8004"We're changing places! O pious youths, follow after me!"
8005
8006The elderly priest took about 10 young people into a back alley.
8007The transported people I'm looking for are among the youths who escaped with him.
8008
8009Looks like they're not waiting for distributed food in the slum, but devoting themselves to their faith.
8010Quite an intense act.
8011
8012Of course there were several transported people who didn't participate in the act, but I couldn't even connect a conversation with them since they were too lethargic, let alone asking their will, I stumbled at the first step.
8013If I were someone whose overflowing with the spirit of a volunteer, I probably would frequent here until they open their heart, but unfortunately, since I'm just a hypocritical ordinary person, I don't intend to take care of them more than this.
8014
8015Of course, it'll be a different story if they come to me on their own.
8016
8017And then, Lady Liedill visited our mansion when we returned there.
8018
8019"Kuro! A summon from His Majesty the emperor! We're going to the Imperial Castle!"
8020
8021Lady Liedill caught my arm and pulled it.
8022As always, she doesn't have consideration to an international guest, I think it's because she's been living in an isolated nation.
8023
8024"Right now?"
8025"That's right! You can't make His Majesty wait. Your clothes fine, just come with me now."
8026
8027Looks like the emperor is unexpectedly hasty.
8028
8029Now then, let's have an audience with the emperor--.
8030
803115-22. Audience
8032 
8033Satou's here. There are people who want to settle everything by force anywhere. There's not many of them in modern Japan, however it might be unavoidable for that ratio to increase in another world.
8034
8035
8036~
8037
8038
8039"This hallway is gorgeous isn't it."
8040"It's just a bad taste of the riches."
8041
8042Zena-san let out a sigh of admiration while we were walking on the luxurious hallway of the Imperial Castle.
8043The hallway is full of carefully placed decorations made of gold, silver and ivory, it's truly showy.
8044
8045Liza thinks that it's a bad taste since the culture in Shiga Kingdom is different, but I think these ornaments are quite tasteful if they're set up accordingly.
8046
8047The ones here are just us three, Lady Liedill and a maid who's guiding us.
8048Zakuga the bodyguard got into a quarrel with Lady Liedill's comrades, the Temple Knights, and was dismissed when we arrived at the castle.
8049He was treated quite badly, but since he didn't particularly ask for support, I left him alone.
8050
8051I was talking with Zena-san while walking between the ornamental pillars and statues when the maid suddenly made a sudden turn.
8052
8053"Oy, where are you going. The audience hall is straight ahead isn't it?"
8054"I'm very sorry. The passage ahead is currently under renovation... therefore we cannot use it."
8055
8056The maid seemed to be scared of the threatening attitude of Lady Liedill, she averted her eyes when she said that.
8057
8058--Oh?
8059
8060I glanced at the map since I was bored and saw that there was no renovation going on the hallway ahead.
8061I couldn't see anything like renovation even after spinning the 3D map, so I checked the hallway with space magic [Clairvoyance].
8062As the result I confirmed that the maid was lying, so I told that fact to Zena-san and Liza with [Tactic Talk] magic.
8063
8064"Renovation huh.... Must be because the idiots, Gilzem and Dazlim, fought inside the castle. Good grief, those idiots are just."
8065
8066Lady Liedill seemed to believe the maid's lie.
8067Maybe the maid averted her eyes to prevent Lady Liedill's [Dragon Eyes] from seeing through it.
8068
8069I found a suspicious person behind a pillar as I was walking while being on guard.
8070
8071"Yo, long ears."
8072
8073A giant weaselkin carrying a 3-meter long thin sword appeared.
8074He's the number 2 of the Temple Knights at level 70.
8075
8076If we're only looking at level, he's about as strong as the current Liza.
8077
8078"Gwalba-dono.... I'm sorry, but I'm acting under the imperial command of His Majesty. Leave it for later if you want a bout."
8079"My business isn't with ya."
8080
8081He sneered and told Lady Liedill off.
8082
8083"This great me's business is with the hero's follower over there."
8084"Are you going to point your sword at His Majesty's guest?"
8085"Whaaat? Ya afraid of me, hero's follower? What a big coward ya are."
8086
8087--Cheap provocations.
8088
8089"Gwalba-dono! Kuro-dono is a guest of His Majesty!"
8090"So what! Ya think I can miss this chance to fight someone strong."
8091
8092Lady Liedill's restraint was brushed off by Gwalba's fighting race's reasoning.
8093
8094The people here can probably manage even if this kind of problem arise since the country is isolated.
8095I can see how he ends up with his personality if he grows up in such an environment.
8096
8097"Ain't it better if yer' master be called 『Sissy』 rather than 『Hero』?"
8098"Is that a provocation?"
8099
8100Liza on the back would snap if I let this go on, so I looked down at him with cold eyes.
8101
8102"Hahn! A follower who doesn't fight back at insults for his master 's just garbage."
8103
8104The tip of a magic spear wrapped in red light appeared before the eyes of Gwalba who seemed bored.
8105
8106"W-whaaat! Just when."
8107
8108Gwalba stepped backward using Flickering Movement in a panic.
8109I wonder if the shiny hair on his forehead from cold sweat?
8110
8111"Excuse me, Master. This small fish will be dealt with quickly, please wait a minute."
8112
8113Liza apologized for her indiscretion while keeping her line of sight at Gwalba.
8114I should have kicked Gwalba and made him faint when I sensed that she was about to snap.
8115
8116"Okay. I allow you to engage. You can seriously injure him, but try not to kill him."
8117"Understood."
8118
8119Lady Liedill seems to find my permission unexpected, she tries to stop us in a hurry.
8120
8121"Wait, Kuro-dono! Gwalba-dono's personality and conducts are the lowest but there's no one but Captain who could match him in a fight among Temple Knights."
8122"Long ears! Don't say it like the great me's weaker than Captain."
8123
8124Irritated by the two's quarrel, Liza shot a very small Magic Edge Canon between them.
8125
8126"Just come at me. I will teach you your place."
8127"Fine by meeee, you lizard!"
8128
8129Gwalba's unsheathed sword is clad in blue light.
8130
8131"--Holy weapon?"
8132
8133Zena-san was surprised.
8134
8135She has her own holy dagger inside her bag, yet she still gets honestly surprised, it's very like Zena-san.
8136Zena-san's honest cutesy really is her nice point.
8137
8138"This is the holy sword granted by the emperor to great me, Monofoshi Zao. An imitation magic spear made from low class monsters can't hope to rival it!"
8139"Close that dirty mouth. You're polluting Magic Spear Douma which Master has created."
8140
8141The red pattern on the magic spear receives Liza's quiet anger, pulsing profusely.
8142
8143"Here's a greeting, Slashing Steel Flash! For now, die!"
8144
8145Gwalba used physical reinforcement on his body in an instant and swung down his long sword while using the Flickering Movement.
8146The sharp slash that looked as if it could cut air molecules sliced Liza's figure, the after wave of the attack broke the paving stone behind her.
8147Cloud of dust and roaring sound came flowing here from the depth of the hallway.
8148
8149The expression of Gwalba who was grinning, sure of his victory, froze.
8150
8151"--You're fit to be a street performer."
8152"I-impossible, you evaded the great me's Slashing Steel Flash?"
8153
8154Liza's magic spear, clad in Magic Edge, is thrust before the neck of the groaning Gwalba, his adamantite neck guard fell down in half.
8155
8156Looks like Gwalba couldn't see Liza's Flickering Movement and Ground Shrink.
8157
8158"Merely leaving a decoy afterimage, every one of my companions can do that."
8159
8160She pulled the magic spear while saying that and readied her stance.
8161
8162"Take your stance. I will teach you how the strong fight."
8163
8164Liza declared without feeling triumphant.
8165
8166
8167~
8168
8169
8170"Thank you for waiting."
8171"Good work. Shall we go then. The emperor is probably tired of waiting too."
8172
8173Leaving Gwalba who has been sunk into the wall behind, we urge the maid to press forward.
8174His pride seems to have been crushed by Liza, but it's not like he's injured enough to die, there should be no problem leaving that weasel alone.
8175
8176"Y-yes!"
8177
8178The maid who had an expression like her soul had came out seemed to remember her duty, she straightened herself and replied and then guided us while looking frightened.
8179
8180"W-with that Gwalba-dono, to be so one sided...."
8181"He had probably never fought an opponent who is of the same strength or stronger than him. There were too many opening and wasteful moves."
8182
8183Liza said that calmly at Lady Liedill who muttered in disbelief.
8184
8185Well, on top of training with opponents of different types, Pochi and Tama everyday, Liza also sparred with me, Hikaru and even Black Dragon sometimes, so there's no surprise that she's become strong.
8186Being able to instantly fully recover by going back to the solitary island palace and drinking advanced magic potion and elixir no matter how injured she got might have a big effect too.
8187
8188"Please wait in front of this door."
8189
8190When we arrived before a door made of unknown alloy, the maid ran up to the Imperial Knights who stood guard in front of it at a quick pace.
8191These knights seem to be of a different affiliation than Lady Liedill's Temple Knights.
8192
8193I operate the menu to obtain information about the emperor.
8194He's around level 40, not too high, his skills are mostly composed of governmental and negotiation type ones, the only thing we need to be wary of is the [Geass] skill which we knew already.
8195
8196--No there's still more.
8197
8198I found a [Special Ability] column on the emperor's status.
8199He has two Unique Skills, [Lucky Star] and [《Reflect Unlucky》]."
8200
8201Looks like the weasel emperor is a reincarnated person.
8202
8203I'm intrigued why he doesn't hide his info.
8204Maybe there's no point in hiding it since his Geass skill is famous.
8205
8206Just in case, I put several layer of mind magic [<<Enchant Spirit Protection>>] on Liza and Zena-san.
8207They already have the automatic defensive items made by analyzing Raka, but I feel that this magic is stronger as a countermeasure against the emperor's [Geass].
8208
8209"We will be holding your weapons custody here."
8210"Understood."
8211
8212I hand over the magic gun on my waist to the Imperial Knights.
8213Zena-san and Liza are going to wait in the waiting room next to the audience hall so they get to keep their weapons.
8214
8215"Shiga Kingdom emissary Kuro-dono, step forward before the presence of His Majesty the emperor."
8216
8217I step into the audience hall that's deeper than Shiga Kingdom's.
8218
8219There is a huge throne in the room's depth, as if showing the emperor's authority.
8220The weasel emperor with purple fur who's sitting in that throne is also huge.
8221
8222--Mainly horizontally that is.
8223
8224I've seen a lot of people fat people before, but he's a far more heavyweight even compared the real sumo wrestlers I saw in the national sumo dome, let alone Mr. Overweight.
8225
8226He's at least three time the width of a normal man.
8227
8228"--In other words, Shiga Kingdom is going to be the patron of that guy?"
8229"Affirmative. Everything is just as what's written in that letter."
8230
8231After reading the Declaration of Independence, the emperor very lightly sighed in a way that couldn't be noticed by the people around him.
8232And he muttered in a very small voice my Attentive Ears skill couldn't pick up, "So he really picked that course", I caught from the movement of his lips.
8233Apparently the emperor had predicted that the crown prince would declare independence.
8234
8235"What! Shiga Kingdom intends to cut off Dejima Island!"
8236"Those bastards, now that it's come to this, we should sortie our unrivaled airship force and raid their capital!"
8237"Aye! Even without utilizing the science, our victory is cemented if we deploy half of the Temple Knights even if the dragon knights that appeared in Makiwa Kingdom were to intervene."
8238
8239The weasel ministers who was in the audience hall got roused when they heard about Dejima Island's independence.
8240Apparently, unlike the weasels people outside the country, I feel that the ones inside the empire is short tempered, or rather they're quick to blow their tops.
8241
8242It's interesting how they went past Dejima Island and straight to Shiga Kingdom.
8243Perhaps the ministers of Weasel Empire have some complex about Shiga Kingdom.
8244
8245"Call General Putepo."
8246
8247With the emperor's command, a chamberlain quickly left the audience hall.
8248
8249--So we can't avoid the war after all huh.
8250
8251"General Putepo?"
8252"Are we going to leave the conquest to an incompetent person who only got his peerage from his house?"
8253"It might be possible to suppress Dejima Island if they're alone in this...."
8254
8255Quite a harsh evaluation.
8256
8257After a while, someone wearing odd disorganized ceremonial clothes who seems to be General Putepo appears.
8258He's a plump weaselkin who looks like a small fry.
8259
8260"Your Majesty, I have come at your call."
8261"Dejima Island has declared independence. Your third army is fit for the subjugation."
8262"Crown Prince-dono rebelled! I Putepo will burn down all of Dejima Island and make it a hell where no one alive."
8263"No need of unnecessary killing. Arrest only the crown prince by all means, or if it's not possible--kill him."
8264"I've certainly accepted Your Majesty's command."
8265
8266General Putepo accepted the weasel emperor's command with exaggerated gestures that reeked of acts.
8267
8268""Please wait, Your Majesty!""
8269
8270A lionkin and a tigerkin wearing Temple Knights ceremonial dress entered the audience hall while speaking in unison.
8271
8272"Lord Gilzem and Lord Dazlim huh...."
8273"Those rowdy bunch. They probably come here to protest and ask for their participations."
8274
8275The ministers spoke ill behind the back of the two who were wrapped in violent aura.
8276
8277"Your Majesty's authority would be stained if you left it to an incompetent general."
8278"We will take care of it all with just our platoons if you would leave it to us."
8279
8280Lionkin Gilzem and tigerkin Dazlim appealed at the emperor while showing off their muscles.
8281
8282It must be a popular style in Weasel Empire.
8283Dear me, communication between cultures is difficult isn't it.
8284
8285The weasel emperor once again muttered in a small voice that couldn't be heard by the people around, my [Attentive Ears] skill picked up, "These fools."
8286
8287"I've put my trust on General Putepo. I am sure that he will do the job as I wish it to be."
8288
8289Hearing the emperor, the two made sullen faces, General Putepo had a satisfied smile on his whole face.
8290However--[As I wish it to be] huh.
8291I caught a glimpse of the emperor not wanting to win the war.
8292
8293"Moreover, you Temple Knights have more fitting battles waiting. Work hard to seek strength until that time."
8294
8295The weasel emperor followed up at the two who looked discontent.
8296
8297"We've prepared a new area in the artificial labyrinth at the suburb. Capture the labyrinth and improve yourself."
8298
8299The emperor instructed and then a chamberlain presented a tray with egg-sized jewels on it at the two.
8300
8301It seems those are an item called [Teleport Stone].
8302I'd like to learn the way to make them if they're as the name imply.
8303
8304"Acknowledged!"
8305"I'm itching for a fight."
8306
8307The two gleefully took the [Teleport Stone], bowed at the emperor and left the audience hall.
8308
8309Now then, it's about time to talk with the emperor and get down to the business--.
8310
8311I have to talk about the science and the taboo.
8312
831315-23. The Forbidden Science
8314
8315Satou's here. There's a saying, [Understand everything from only one part], but I think one needs to [Study 1000 times, review 10000 times] in order to embody that. If you don't have a foundation on anything, you'll notice that you won't make it once you enter the society.
8316
8317
8318~
8319
8320
8321"--Emperor, I have a slightly complicated thing to talk about. Could we talk in private if possible?"
8322"Very well, come several steps forward."
8323
8324The emperor said some flag-raising thing, but since my Trap Detection and Crisis Perception skills aren't reacting, it should be fine.
8325
8326After walking several steps ahead as instructed, the ground around the throne began to descend.
8327Looks like the throne and its surrounding is an elevator.
8328
8329"Don't you think you're too careless?"
8330"There is nothing to fear. My good luck knows no adversary."
8331
8332I see, it looks like the weasel emperor is absolutely confident in his Unique Skill.
8333
8334This elevator seems to continue outside the map.
8335It probably connects to the City Core.
8336
8337The descent speed is slow, so I decide to talk about the taboo while we're descending.
8338
8339"--Do you know that science, particularly communication technology and railroads, violate the God's taboo?"
8340"Of course."
8341
8342The weasel emperor nodded at me.
8343
8344"Then--"
8345
8346The weasel emperor raise his hand to stop me from pressing on.
8347
8348"We started precisely because we've done the preparation."
8349"Preparation? Are you talking about your experiment with a small country? Or maybe it's about the nuclear weapons in Brains?"
8350
8351The weasel emperor bursts into laughter after hearing me.
8352
8353"Do you know about Kakyo?" <TLN: oversea Chinese merchants.>
8354
8355The weasel emperor suddenly asked that question once he was done laughing.
8356He ignores my bewilderment and continues on.
8357
8358"Spreading around the world, permeating their own culture on every part of the world to preserve it."
8359"What about it?"
8360
8361I still don't understand what he means.
8362
8363"That is precisely the role model. My kins have spread throughout the world, thus our culture and blood would not come to an end even if Weasel Empire were ruined by the Gods."
8364
8365The weasel merchants whom I saw not only in Shiga Kingdom but the whole world flashed in my mind.
8366Regardless of which country they were, they did business with their own culture.
8367
8368"--You're already sure of your destruction?"
8369"A wise ruler has to prepare many hands."
8370
8371Several images floated across my mind.
8372
8373"Like the parishes and Dejima Island?"
8374"That's right. The parishes of where only the pious believers and priests are gathered have none of the science, and Dejima Island which is estranged from our empire most likely won't be subjected to the god's wrath."
8375
8376Yet he's sending a subjugation army on Dejima Island--no, that's why he assigned an incompetent general huh.
8377But that means he won't save even 10% of the empire.
8378
8379"Are you going to sacrifice the majority of your subjects?"
8380"What kind of statesmen abandon their people. Those are simply insurances in case we lose to the Gods."
8381
8382The weasel emperor laughed down at my critic.
8383
8384"Do you think you can win?"
8385
8386The emperor had a vicious smile that looks like it's cursed when he heard my question.
8387It appears he really intends to win against Gods.
8388
8389"Chances are high that you won't win against Gods even if you use nuclear weapon y'know? Or maybe you're going to use it to threaten the Gods?"
8390"An anecdote from an ancient king huh. Have you read the slates in the 『Room of Truth』?"
8391
8392Oh, some enigmatic words came out.
8393
8394"Room of Truth?"
8395"It's a storage housing the records of The Sage who continues to carve the truth since an age older than the ancient times."
8396
8397I see, I don't know who this [Sage] is, but that [Room of Truth] looks to be the weasel emperor's source of information.
8398
8399"Everything, from the God's taboo to how the civilizations that violated the taboo were destroyed, are recorded in it."
8400"And yet, you're still going to fight the Gods?"
8401"That's right. Time is nigh for the people to be liberated from the control of God's 『Blessing』."
8402
8403--Liberation huh.
8404
8405Somehow, the word [Liberation] is littered in bad images ever since I came to another world.
8406It's probably due to the strong impact of the demon lord's believer groups, [Wings of Liberty] and [Light of Liberty].
8407
8408"I'd like to ask for a shameless request. Could you let me read the slates in that 『Room of Truth』."
8409
8410The things about God's taboo that I know mostly come from Corpse in Selbira Labyrinth's lower layer and the story I heard in my fight with [Dog-head Demon Lord].
8411Demi god-mode Aze-san said that she didn't know about when I asked her.
8412
8413"Hou? You wish to know the source of our empire's power."
8414
8415Hearing my request, the weasel emperor grinned gleefully.
8416
8417--Looks like he's going to ask for something extravagant in exchange.
8418
8419"I ask you five things as the compensations."
8420
8421The weasel emperor spread his thick short fingers and said that.
8422That reminds me, the elevator has stopped descending in the middle of the way.
8423
8424"Two of them are a sacred stone--『Philosoper's Stone』 the size of a person's head, and a Darkness Crystal big enough to free a huge rocket from the shackles of gravity."
8425
8426The weasel emperor said that while folding his fingers.
8427
8428"Once our fight with the gods begin, you and--Hero Nanashi and his followers--"
8429
8430Fumu, he's probably going to ask for my assistance.
8431
8432"--Are to stay neutral."
8433"Neutral? You don't wish for us to take your side?"
8434"That's right. People who carry God's Fragments in them cannot go against Gods."
8435
8436--What the heck is that?
8437
8438"First time I heard of it."
8439"There were cases of it happening in the past. A hero of God Parion cannot brush off the request of God Parion."
8440
8441I shouldn't swallow the weasel emperor's words whole, but if the [God's Fragment] is something similar to backdoor, it should be easy to hack it.
8442For example, if they can arbitrarily manipulate the information shown on my Menu, like say, adding [Possession: Demon Lord] state on someone, I will be cautious against that someone.
8443
8444However--.
8445
8446The [Girl in Painting] that I saw in my fight with the Dog Head passes by my mind.
8447
8448--That seemingly indifferent girl doesn't seem to be the type who will go to the trouble of manipulating someone from outside.
8449
8450Of course, I don't know if that girl is really God Parion since the one who said that was the Dog Head.
8451
8452"I promise you our neutrality."
8453
8454If the fight with Gods really starts, it seems I will need to withdraw to the solitary island palace with Arisa and Hikaru.
8455
8456"What's the remaining two?"
8457"Once we begin our fight against the Gods, that will probably become the source of persecution. I don't care if it's only within your reach. Please protect my fellow countrymen."
8458"Understood."
8459
8460He's quite the countryman.
8461
8462I can just order all Echigoya Firm's branch offices in the whole country to shelter them.
8463
8464"And lastly--"
8465
8466The weasel emperor's last demand was slightly troubling.
8467
8468
8469~
8470
8471
8472"--How about it?"
8473"Understood. I promise you that I won't do destructive acts on anything I see beyond this."
8474
8475I don't know what's in the area ahead of us since it's of another map, but the tactician is probably there.
8476They might be hiding the third demon lord after the rat and weasel demon lords, but the only demon lord that's dangerous enough to equal the dog-head and the golden wild bear king should only be the [Goblin Demon Lord].
8477
8478I'd be surprised if they had sealed God Zaikuon who is in the middle of revival, but since it's not like I have a particular attachment to the God, I think I can easily ignore it if that's the case.
8479
8480"Just in case, it's not a site for human experimentation and torture is it?"
8481
8482I asked just to be sure since I'm not a superman who can carefreely hold a conversation while witnessing the weak going through such thing.
8483Even if I won't do anything destructive, I could rescue them after all.
8484
8485"I have not such an irrational hobby."
8486"Good then."
8487
8488Once I nodded at the emperor, the elevator started to descend once again.
8489
8490For some reason, the weasel emperor doesn't use his [Geass] skill on me.
8491It's strange when he can make things easier just by using his [Geass].
8492Maybe he's restraining himself from easily relying on his skill.
8493
8494We continue descending while I'm thinking that.
8495
8496
8497~
8498
8499
8500The wall on one side of the elevator became transparent at the same time my Radar notified me that I had entered a new area, a huge underground cave came into my view.
8501
8502It's probably about as big as the large cave under Shiga Capital.
8503
8504There's a glass cylinder that extends to the ceiling in the center of the large cave with bare bedrock.
8505The cylinder is filled with green liquid, a giant creature with purple white ash skin that looks like a formalin-soaked specimen is floating inside.
8506Looks like it's not a dead specimen, it's just sleeping.
8507
8508"A giant's embryo--no, that's not it."
8509
8510--It's a troll.
8511
8512Its body is abnormally big, it has ox-like dark purple horns.
8513The tusks protruding on its menacing face looks sharp enough to penetrate even the Black Dragon's scales.
8514
8515--A troll demon lord.
8516
8517If I'm not mistaken, his name was mentioned during my fight with the Dog-head demon lord.
8518Dog head said that he snatched a useful Unique Skill from the troll demon lord or something.
8519
8520"That's right. That demon lord is the one called The Sage, the record keeper of the 『Room of Truth』."
8521
8522The weasel emperor jerked his chin, urging me to see the demon lord's status.
8523
8524AR readings show [Demon Lord] as his main title and [The Sage] and [Recorder of Truth] as his hidden titles.
8525His level is 109, his skills are full of magic skills.
8526
8527And his Unique Skills are [Dragon Vein Connection] and [Infinite Record].
8528He probably records the information he gets from [Dragon Vein Connection] on something using [Infinite Record].
8529
8530"Look, the next slate arises."
8531
8532I shifted my sight per the weasel emperor's word and saw a light purple slate growing on the glass cylinder where the demon lord was sleeping.
8533That transparent cylinder seems to be made of something different than glass.
8534
8535Once the slate finishes growing, it freely falls down.
8536I imagined that it would break on the hard ground, but its velocity decreased in the middle of the way, ending the fall with only a hard sound.
8537
8538Masked men in white robes gathered there, they collected the slate, put it on a workbench-like thing and then started doing something.
8539
8540"That's your source of information?"
8541"As you can see."
8542
8543The emperor affirmed.
8544
8545The source of the weasel emperor's information really seems to be that troll demon lord.
8546No wonder he made me promise not to [Do anything destructive no matter what I see beyond this.]
8547
8548"Maybe the troll demon lord just tricking you by manipulating the information?"
8549
8550When I asked that, he scornfully laughed, "Hmph."
8551
8552"Do you think someone who's been entrusted with a country didn't do that much evidence gathering?"
8553
8554Guess he's right, the ones at stake are not just his life after all.
8555
8556"We've confirmed that the information from at least 700 years ago are recorded with no mistake."
8557
8558The weasel emperor said confidently that with a triumphant look.
8559
8560The elevator finally stops, a bridge made from an artificial material that looks like it's made from Force magic, is hanging between the elevator and the floor.
8561
8562"--Let me take over from here."
8563
8564A man wearing deep purple overcoat appeared from the opposite side of the bridge.
8565The [Old Man] noh mask he's wearing on his face peeks through his hood.
8566
8567Indescribable discomfort and disgust arose in me the moment I saw that figure.
8568However that discomfort and disgust immediately abated.
8569
8570Intrigued by the unnaturalness of it, I checked the log and see--
8571
8572>[Anathema Mask]'s effect resisted.
8573
8574--displayed.
8575
8576It seems to be a mask to make him disliked.
8577
8578Of course, that's not all, with normal appraisal, the only information that can be seen are that his name is [Touya], titles are [Tactician], [The Hated], and [The Isolated], and his level is 55.
8579
8580The degree of concealment is even higher than the [Hide Skill] reincarnated people have.
8581The performance is quite high, though not as good as my [Thief God Harness].
8582
8583"Tactician Touya huh."
8584"Right on the mark. Kuro the emissary of Shiga Kingdom--"
8585
8586I could hear a boy-like voice overlapped by an old man voice.
8587The mask seems to camouflage his voice too.
8588
8589And then, his true information is displayed besides the fake information on the AR reading as a double exposure, as if it knows that I've seen through the camouflaged voice.
8590His skills are [Unknown] concealed by [Hide Skill], but everything else are bare.
8591
8592Surprisingly his name sounds familiar to me.
8593
8594"--And your true identity is."
8595
8596Tactician Touya stopped his words to put on airs.
8597
8598"Hero Nanashi of Shiga Kingdom."
8599
8600I can imagine the face of an elf with a triumphant look behind the noh mask.
8601He's probably smirking with half-open eyes.
8602
8603"You've done your homework, tactician Touya."
8604
8605Yes, his race is elf.
8606
8607And his name is--.
8608
8609"Or perhaps, I should call you Trazayuya the elf sage?"
8610
861115-24. Trazayuya
8612 
8613Satou's here. The scene of the detective main protagonist splendidly untying the case in a mystery series, fully loading the catharsis, is really wonderful. It's just that, the feeling of bitterness from having all of your wrong reasoning shot down is the only real flaw isn't it.
8614
8615
8616~
8617
8618
8619"Hou? Well done figuring that out. Correct."
8620
8621I thought he would play dumb, but he easily admitted it instead.
8622
8623Tactician Touya--No, Sage Trazayuya lowers his hood and takes off the mask.
8624I could see flame-like swaying light in his purple eyes.
8625
8626On the other hand, there's no eyebrow on his cleanly shaved head and the pointed end of his ears are smoothed over too.
8627
8628That reminds me, I remember reading, "My life will run out soon", in a document I found in [Trazayuya Maze].
8629Wonder why he's fine?
8630
8631Asking, "Didn't you die?" would be too rude, I can't do that.
8632
8633"However, Touya the elf has died. I'll have you understand that the one here is Touya the tactician of Weasel Empire."
8634"What do you mean?"
8635
8636Does he want to erase his Sage persona?
8637
8638"I was saved by His Majesty when I was foolishly turning into a demon lord. Thus my life as an elf ended at that time."
8639
8640Sage Trazayuya--Tactician Touya smirked as if mocking himself.
8641
8642Although I can't know for sure, he probably used too much of his Unique Skills in order to create the [Maze].
8643Nevertheless, I'm surprised that the weasel emperor would go to such a distant place even if it was years ago.
8644At that time, he might have been a willful crown prince, or perhaps a prince whose succession right was low in the order.
8645
8646"Did you build the empire as a repayment of the favor?"
8647"--Favor?"
8648
8649Tactician Touya looked puzzled.
8650
8651"Is it not?"
8652"I helped build the ideal empire because the weaselkin offered me the 『Dungeon Seed』 they found in a ruin as a compensation."
8653
8654--Dungeon Seed?
8655
8656I recalled the labyrinth in Seryuu City when I heard that unfamiliar term.
8657I wonder if that labyrinth was also created using that Dungeon Seed thing?
8658
8659"Let us end the reminiscence there."
8660
8661The emperor who were left behind, corrected the subject on track.
8662
8663"Sorry, Tarou. I said something unnecessary."
8664"Add 'emperor' there. The subordinates can hear us here."
8665"I'll be careful, Emperor Tarou."
8666
8667He's speaking familiarly with the emperor using his name even though he was calling him [His Majesty] earlier.
8668I still can't quite grasp the relationship between tactician Touya and the emperor.
8669
8670Right, I've to confirm several thing before we get to the main subject--.
8671
8672"I want to confirm some things first. Why did you do acts of terrorism in Shiga Kingdom?"
8673
8674At first I didn't ask about it since I thought it was only natural for the emperor of the Weasel Empire to cause disturbances behind the back if they regarded Shiga Kingdom as their enemy, but if it was an instruction from Sage Trazayuya who should have had a favorable relationship with Shiga Kingdom, I'd like to know his intention.
8675
8676"Acts of terrorism?"
8677
8678Rather than feigning ignorance, it feels more like he doesn't understand what I'm talking about.
8679
8680"You guys were the one who gave the Reborn Seeds to the spies of Holy State Parion right?"
8681"You're not completely wrong, but it's not correct either."
8682
8683Tactician Touya corrected me in a roundabout way.
8684
8685"Us giving the Reborn Seeds to the spies of Holy State Parion is the truth, however we did that in order to escalate the revolt on the western part of the continent to attract the gods' attention there. We also never expected that the spies of Holy State Parion would ignore the war and do acts of terrorism in Shiga Kingdom."
8686
8687I stare at tactician Touya's eyes.
8688There's neither wavering nor impurity there.
8689
8690I see--Looks like he's not lying.
8691
8692The ones behind the illicit manufacturing of the Fiend Drug in Selbira Labyrinth's underground were the demons after all.
8693
8694
8695~
8696
8697
8698"Touya, tell him about the god's taboo."
8699"I do not mind, but wouldn't it better for him to check the document himself?"
8700"It would be impossible to read 20.000 years worth of record wouldn't it? It's not like he's connected to a search engine."
8701
8702I can search just fine if I put them in my Storage, but I'd better not tell them about it.
8703
8704"I'll read the document later. Please tell me the summary."
8705"The things that are treated as God's taboo are 『Reincarnated person and transported person teaching the way to make integrated circuit (LSI)』, 『Means of permanent mass transportation』, 『Easy means of communication between cities』, 『Mass production through factory modernization』, and lastly 『Printing』."
8706
8707I see, Mukuro's railroad was the second and the communication tower fell under the third huh.
8708Sailing boats and airships probably barely miss the second criteria.
8709Space magic and communications through city cores are probably in the clear since they don't meet the condition of [easily] for the third one.
8710
8711But, the fourth one is a close call.
8712I was going to start doing that with Echigoya Firm.
8713
8714However, the first one, integrated circuit should be pretty similar to the golem creation process using [Philosopher's Stones] and magic cores--no, I'm the only one who know how to do that besides the elf.
8715That means, revealing that technology to outside world is dangerous huh....
8716I feel that it should be safe since it's a magical technology, but there's no need to tread on thin ice.
8717
8718--Wait, there's something amiss.
8719
8720"『Treated』 as taboo?"
8721
8722When I repeated tactician Touya's word, the emperor grinned an evil smile.
8723
8724"That's right. The gods never distinctively said 『This is a taboo』. They simply gave Divine Punishment to a country and then they gave a notification through the oracle miko that the country had violated the taboo."
8725
8726That's quite awful.
8727
8728It's like executing someone and then later said that, "That's a crime so you get to be punished."
8729
8730"The time difference between the time a taboo was violated until the Divine Punishment is quite wide on each case, you'll see if you read the document later. There are cases where it happened the next day at the earliest and 10 years at the longest."
8731
8732That means Weasel Empire hasn't triggered the divine punishment for longer than the one in that record huh....
8733
8734"Do you know what are the differences?"
8735
8736Taking the tactician Touya's place, the emperor asked me.
8737
8738"Is it the existence of people who have Oracle skill or perhaps holy magic skills?"
8739
8740I answered while remembering the time I met Lady Liedill.
8741Adding up the isolation of the parishes, this answer must be right.
8742
8743"Correct."
8744
8745The emperor floated a carnivorous smile on his face when he heard my answer.
8746
8747"We obtained the conclusive evidence by testing it in a small country."
8748
8749--Oy.
8750
8751"Hereditary skills (Gifts) the like of God Urion's 『Eyes of Condemnation』 do not appear to trigger the divine punishment. People with low level holy magic also won't reach the Gods."
8752
8753From the story I heard from the captain of tank unit I captured in Makiwa Kingdom, that country wasn't destroyed even after violating the taboo, but judging from the emperor's way of talking....
8754
8755"What happened to that small country?"
8756
8757I couldn't help but asked even though I already knew the result.
8758
8759"Of course, it was destroyed--"
8760
8761Hypocritical anger is rising in me from hearing the way he calmly said it like a researcher who merely reported the result of the experiment.
8762The destruction of a country with no acquaintance of mine should have nothing to do with me, yet I can't help but empathize.
8763
8764"Suppress your anger. The one who destroyed it was not us."
8765
8766The emperor told me that the king of that country was the one who happily introduced the technology brought by his spies in the country.
8767He only let the spies to be caught on purpose.
8768
8769"Tarou, humans cannot think as logically as weaselkin. That applies to the hero too--nay, precisely because he's a hero, he dislikes seeing the weak being unilaterally exploited."
8770"Fumu, either way. I'm going to annihilate any country who bares their fang on my country without leaving anyone alive you know?"
8771"Even in spite of that."
8772
8773I take a deep breath to calm my mind while listening to tactician Touya reprimanding the emperor.
8774Thanks to the maxed out MND stat, calmness comes back to me as if a switch was turned.
8775
8776I should feel thankful for this convenient body, but it makes me feel weird at myself somehow.
8777
8778"If I must take their life anyway, giving meaning to their death is--"
8779"Forget about it. I don't want to break my promise."
8780
8781I interrupted the emperor and unilaterally told him.
8782I've promised that I [won't do destructive acts] in exchange for the information after all.
8783
8784"--Finding someone who can think logically is harder than searching for a star fragment in a dessert."
8785
8786The emperor lamented something, so I turn at tactician Touya.
8787I still have something I need to ask him.
8788
8789"I've heard from the crown prince. The way to oppose the gods is 『something that anyone knows, therefore no one arrives at the answer』--."
8790"That guy is talkative, contrary to my expectation."
8791
8792Tactician Touya sighed at my question.
8793
8794"You've seen the rocket in development at Brains haven't you?"
8795
8796I affirmed.
8797
8798"The answer is space."
8799
8800--Huh? That's surprisingly normal.
8801
8802"The known range of the Gods of this world is from the ground to the low orbit at most. If we just build facilities that inherit the scientific technology on the back of the moon, those guys can't do anything about it."
8803
8804I see--I don't think it's that simple, but it fits with the things the emperor asked me.
8805
8806--Mu?
8807
8808For an instant, really only an instant, the emperor's expression twitched.
8809I'm not saying that what these two talked about are all lies, but it seems there's more to it.
8810
8811I probably won't get an answer asking them here anyway, so I'll keep it in the corner of my mind for now.
8812
8813"Touya, the 『Philoshoper's Stone』 and the 『Dark Crystal』 that you want are finally available in sight."
8814"Excellent. Now we don't need to search for the undersea city in the souther sea whose existence itself is doubtful."
8815
8816The emperor and tactician Touya had that conversation while I was pondering.
8817Apparently, the thing they were looking for in Nenerie the undersea city was not the floating engine in the central part of the city, but the Darkness Crystal which should be used in the core of the floating engine.
8818
8819"So, when are they going to be available?"
8820"That's up to him."
8821
8822The emperor jerked his chin at me.
8823
8824"I'll give them to you now."
8825"--What?"
8826
8827I took out a 『Piloshoper's Stone』 and a 『Darkness Crystal』 from my storage and handed them over to Touya.
8828
8829"As expected of Hero. Infinite Inventory has no limit so you can carry your item at all time."
8830
8831Tactician Touya muttered enviously.
8832According to Arisa, it seems there are some reincarnated people who have Infinite Inventory, but I've yet to meet one.
8833
8834The emperor nods satisfyingly and then he calls the masked people with a bell in his hand.
8835
8836"Kuro. I will fulfill my promise. You can read the slates in the storage of the Record of The Sage all you want, however you are not allowed to take them away."
8837
8838After saying that, the emperor called a masked person with graceful body line.
8839I can't see her look but according to AR reading, she seems to be a 120cm tall female spriggan.
8840
8841"Looking for tens of hundred millions slates without a guide will be painful. Follow this librarian. Use her as you like."
8842"Thank you."
8843
8844After thanking the emperor, I follow the librarian to the slate storage.
8845Tactician Touya has already returned to the surface, the emperor is riding the elevator back to the audience hall.
8846
8847When the librarian touched the door of the slate storage, it lit up and I could hear the sound of a key opening.
8848
8849"This place is the Infinite Bookshelves."
8850"I can see that it's a kind of spacial expansion.... This is amazing."
8851
8852I saw bookshelves that extended everywhere without limit the moment I entered the slate storage.
8853
8854"Lead me to the oldest slates."
8855"Yes, please over here. Please do not be separated from me. People who do not wear this mask won't be able to leave once they get lost here."
8856
8857The librarian told me threateningly.
8858
8859I can easily get out here whenever with Unit Arrangement, but coming back here would be troublesome so I'll make sure not to get separated.
8860
8861We've just walked for a few steps but I already can't see the door behind and the bookshelves around us have changed to ones that look quite old.
8862The fantasy sensation is quite nice.
8863
8864"These are the oldest slates from approximately 20000 years ago."
8865"Alright."
8866
8867--Now then.
8868
8869Each slate only has around 128 words, but reading all of the hundreds millions slates normally would take too much time.
8870Guess I'll have to use my trump card here.
8871
8872"I'll be reading them using a special kind of method. Make sure not to get surprised."
8873"Special? Please do not damage the slates--"
8874"Of course, I promise you that there won't even be a chip on them."
8875
8876I interrupted the librarian, extended [Magic Hands] to pick around 100 slates and put them into my Storage.
8877
8878"--The slate!"
8879
8880The slates reappeared faster than the librarian could finish her surprise.
8881Of course at their original locations.
8882
8883The contents of the slates stowed in the Storage are saved as picture data.
8884
8885I originally wanted to use the advanced magic [Copy Storage] used to preserve old books.
8886Pasting them into paper would take time, but it can be done in an instant if it's into image files.
8887
8888"Let's steadily go at it."
8889"Y-yes."
8890
8891I urge the librarian and copy the slates one after another.
8892
8893I wanted to quicken the pace, but copying 1000 of them at the same time was my limit so I used the Parallel Thinking skill to read the saved contents while continuing copying more.
8894
8895According to the records on the slates, floating castles like the Shadow Castle in the eastern Rumooku Kingdom that were in active service 20000 years ago were the oldest.
8896The record began when the troll demon lord was defeated by the Dog Head Ancient King and sealed in this burial mound.
8897
8898"--These are all just troll demon lord's grumbles."
8899
8900For 100 years after he had been sealed, many of the records were of the troll demon lord bad mouthing Dog-head.
8901The next most numerous ones were complaints about the Gods and an ancient magic empire.
8902
8903If the troll demon lord is to be believed, it seems the ancient magic empire at that time got the support of the God blessing and cruelly and tyrannically oppressed the vassal kingdoms on the ground.
8904
8905Dog-head and troll demon lord raised a revolt against the gods for the sake of liberating the kingdoms on the ground from the ancient magic empire's rule.
8906However, Dog-head gradually went on rampages and started destroying the kingdoms on the ground which should have been the ones he was intending to save so the troll demon lord became hostile at the Dog-head but he was defeated and got sealed away.
8907
8908There's also a record about the Dog-head and his manservant getting defeated by the gods and god apostles soon after.
8909Though it seems Dog-head had been reviving himself every hundreds to a thousand year using Selbira's Labyrinth as the seedbed.
8910
8911Most of the demon lords stopped reviving once they revived themselves a few times, but the Dog-head was especially obstinate and continued to revive himself.
8912Every time that happened, ancient dragons and heavenly dragons who were easily provoked had a revenge match against the Dog-head and got themselves beaten, and then the Gods entreated the Dragon God to defeat the Dog-head.
8913
8914Looking at the records, it seems there was only a few which got sealed like the troll demon lord.
8915
8916Surprisingly enough, the most dangerous one, the Demon God was sealed by the Gods.
8917It seems the Demon God is sealed in the moon, though the source of the information is [Oracle Miko] so I don't know if I should really believe it.
8918Looks like the Demon God was sealed when it was exhausted from its fight against the Dragon God.
8919
8920If this is all true, then while being sealed the Demon God might be--no, it's not like I have a proof that the Demon God knows about that.
8921Let's stop putting guesses on top of guesses.
8922
8923I see that the weasel emperor spoke the truth, at least from the records I've read so far.
8924
8925However, I couldn't really find any proof about how reincarnated and transported people aren't able to defy the Gods.
8926Indeed, there were records of some baffling behaviors like a hero who didn't act like a hero at all ending up losing his blessing and got killed by a demon lord, or a hero who suddenly assassinated a demon lord the moment he reconciled with that demon lord.
8927There were also cases where a demon lord who was reigning its kingdom in peace suddenly destroyed the kingdom with its own hand, and a reincarnated person who was allying himself with a hero killed the hero during the triumphal return from their demon lord subjugation, but I think those aren't enough to insist that they were manipulated by the Gods.
8928
8929There were several records of reincarnated people and heroes challenging the Gods and the god's apostles, but none was victorious.
8930Some demon lords defeated the god's apostles, but none was able to gain victory against the Gods. Even that Dog-head was only able to end it in a draw in several occasions.
8931
8932I think tactician Touya and his cohorts found the way to win against the Gods from these cases, but I couldn't understand how.
8933The only way to overcome Gods that I can think of is by having them fight against another God.
8934
8935The only successful example of threatening the Gods was Corpse.
8936Other than him, every one who did was destroyed.
8937
8938"--This one is finally at 600 years ago huh. Just a bit more."
8939
8940I turned at the librarian who had been quiet since a while ago, she was sinking on the floor while looking like her soul had escaped her mouth.
8941
8942I check the clock on the menu in a glance.
8943
8944Yup, I got way too absorbed.
8945
8946It's just a little bit more, I want to read all of them before going back, but she's already at her limit.
8947I'll go ask for another librarian.
8948
8949I carry the girl and [Teleport] to the entrance with space magic.
8950
8951One question appeared in my mind while I was opening the door.
8952
8953--If their aim is to build a base in space, then what are they keeping the nuclear weapon for?
8954
8955Judging from the documented slates, I don't think physical attacks work on Gods.
8956
8957Right at that time, the ringtone from the space magic [World Phone] rang in my mind.
8958
8959--From Arisa.
8960
8961『Master, is it alright to call you now?』
8962『Yea, no problem. Is there any trouble?』
8963
8964Arisa hesitated at my question.
8965Looking at everyone's condition on the marker column, it doesn't seem to be a life-threatening trouble.
8966
8967『No, well rather than trouble, it's』
8968
8969Quite an indecisive attitude for Arisa.
8970
8971『W-wait, Nana. I said you can't, this isn't Tactic Talk, so your voice won't reach. 』
8972
8973Looks like something is happening with Nana.
8974While still being connected to Arisa's call, I connect a call to Nana with [Telephone].
8975
8976『Master! Affair is wrong so I tell! The only one who is allowed to call Master, Master, is me--calling familiarly is prohibited so I tell.』
8977<TLN: Nana calls Satou 'Masuta' for Master in Japanese. Others call him 'Goshujinsama' also for Master.>
8978
8979It became even more incomprehensible.
8980It seems Nana is talking with someone over there.
8981
8982I'd better go back to the solitary island palace for now.
8983Family crisis over world crisis.
8984
8985I open the menu and glide my finger to the Unit Arrangement.
8986
8987『Ugeeh, you serious!』
8988
8989Dangerous words came from Arisa.
8990
8991--I can't delay anymore.
8992
8993I return to the solitary island palace with Unit Arrangement.
8994
8995There is--.
8996
8997"Master, found!"
8998
8999A little girl with snow-like white long straight hair jumped at me.
9000
9001Err, who are you?
9002
9003I couldn't issue that question at the girl who looked like a kitten who had found her mother.
9004I glanced at Arisa for help.
9005
900615-25. Dungeon's Function
9007 
9008Satou's here. I wonder since when was it, stories about dungeon management became as common as the stories about adventurers clearing dungeons. Personally speaking, I think it started from the fourth volume of the classic dungeon exploration RPG masterpiece.
9009
9010
9011~
9012
9013
9014"Master!　Master, Master!!"
9015
9016The white haired little girl repeated the same word while hugging me.
9017I asked Arisa for help, but she's only scratching her cheek, not looking like she'll take any action.
9018
9019"Master is my Master so I declare."
9020"Mwu, too close."
9021
9022Nana hugs me from behind, Mia tries to separate the white-haired little girl away from me.
9023Due to the physical correction from her level, Mia easily pulled the little girl away.
9024
9025"Aa, Master! Let me go, Masteeeeeeeer!"
9026
9027The little girl who got separated panicked and struggled to desperately come back to me while crying.
9028Seeing that, Nana muttered "young organism" and stopped moving.
9029
9030"Bullying is uncool~?"
9031"You shouldn't make a little girl cry nanodesu."
9032"Mwu."
9033
9034Mia loosened her grips from Tama's and Pochi's cover fire, using that chance the white-haired little girl jumped out and clung back to my waist.
9035
9036As Lulu enters bringing some tea, I sit down on the sofa and put the little girl on my lap.
9037Tama is looking enviously, but it doesn't seem like she'll push her aside.
9038
9039"Now then, so what's with this girl?"
9040
9041According to AR reading, her name is [Core Two], her race is [Homonculus].
9042Since her affiliation is the Dejima Island's [Phantasmal Labyrinth], she's probably the external probe unit of the Dungeon Core.
9043
9044"Picked up~?"
9045"When Pochi was traveling to better herself in combat with Tama, she was in nude and chased by bad people nodesu."
9046
9047Tama and Pochi puffed their chests with eyes full expectation, so I patted and praised them, "You two did great."
9048Pochi's explanation was a bit too short, but she probably meant that they found Core Two running away from bad people when they were training.
9049
9050Still--.
9051
9052"How did you girls know that she was my acquaintance?"
9053"Looking for Master~?"
9054"She said Master, so it's Master nanodesu."
9055
9056I see, that's really like Tama and Pochi.
9057
9058"Master, let's go home. It's dangerous outside the dungeon you know?"
9059
9060Core Two turned her head upward while clinging to my chest.
9061Nana twitched whenever Core Two called me Master, but it seemed she was controlling herself, recalling the time when Core Two was crying.
9062
9063"There's not many place safer than here you see."
9064
9065The only place safer than here is probably only Yuika's base with her barrier.
9066
9067"Not true."
9068
9069Core Two shook her head. I'm not sure if she doesn't believe me, or if she can't accept it.
9070
9071"Well, the labyrinth will be conquered sooner or later after all~"
9072"Not true!"
9073
9074Core Two reflexively objected Arisa's carefree words.
9075
9076"If I'm with Master it's going to be absolutely absolutely invincible!"
9077"W-well, if Master is there even a straw house would be invincible."
9078"Of cour~se?"
9079"If you're with Master, everywhere is wonderfully peerless nanodesu."
9080
9081At Core Two's rebuttal, Arisa assented with a stunned expression, Tama anad Pochi also agreed.
9082Core Two inclined her head in confusion at their reactions and looked up at me.
9083
9084"Would you like some snacks?"
9085"Snacks?"
9086
9087After confirming that we had calmed down, Lulu came in with snacks.
9088
9089"Choco biscuit~?"
9090"You put biscuit on the sooft chocolate and eat it nodesuyo."
9091
9092Tama and Pochi explained the snacks today to the Core Two.
9093
9094"Chocolate?"
9095"Young organism, you do it like this so I teach."
9096
9097Nana demonstrated it to the Core Two who didn't understand.
9098
9099"Tasty. Master, it's tasty."
9100"Thank you, don't mind me, you can eat more."
9101
9102Core Two's eyes sparkled on her first bite, she turned back and offered the chocolate biscuit to me.
9103I bit it once and prompted her to eat the rest.
9104
9105"Master, a~n."
9106
9107When Arisa mimicked Core Two and offered her chocolate biscuit to me, the other girls also mimicked her and offered theirs.
9108I'm not too fond of sweet things, but it tastes curiously tasty today, maybe because I was investigating things for a whole day and all night.
9109
9110"Kya"
9111
9112When I pretended to eat Lulu's finger along with her chocolate biscuit, she got surprised with reddened face.
9113The effect of staying up all night might have just seeped in.
9114
9115"--So, did your talk with the emperor go well?"
9116
9117Arisa asked while licking the chocolate on her fingers.
9118
9119"Hey, the other girls will imitate you."
9120
9121While whacking Arisa's head, I get Arisa, Hikaru and the others to go to the other room to talk about my talk with the emperor.
9122I asked the other girls to take care of Core Two.
9123
9124"Master, please don't leave me."
9125
9126When I put her down from my lap, Core Two separated her hands from the chocolate biscuit and clung to me.
9127
9128"I'm just going to finish my business for a bit. Once I'm done, let's go to the 『Phantasmal Labyrinth』. Until then, wait here and enjoy the snacks okay."
9129"U-un. I'll wait."
9130
9131Core Two nodded with an anxious look.
9132I waved my before going out of the room to ease her anxiety even a bit.
9133
9134
9135~
9136
9137
9138"--He's evil."
9139
9140Sera who heard my story gave her impression about the weasel emperor with an indignant expression.
9141
9142The ones here are Hikaru, Princess Shistina, Sera, Arisa, and me.
9143It seems Lady Karina is training in the desert training site with virtual golems.
9144
9145I've informed Zena-san and Liza who got left behind in the Weasel Empire that I'll come back once I'm done here.
9146
9147"Really? I think it's normal for a king to make his nation prosperous though?"
9148"B-but. For Ancestor King-sama to say such thing."
9149
9150The princess put her hands on her mouth, shocked at Hikaru's statement.
9151
9152"The eastern end of the continent where the weasels live is a poor land, I don't think they would have survived if they hadn't done that you know?"
9153"Well~ they do say that 『poverty dulls the wit』, so I also agree on that part--"
9154"Wait, of course I do think violating the taboo is a problem okay?"
9155
9156While listening to Hikaru and Arisa's conversation, I calm down Sera who seems like she can't vent out her anger.
9157There's no need to use mind magic. I just pat Sera's shoulder who's sitting beside me, Sera who noticed her lost of composure takes a deep breath and leans her head on my shoulder, calming down.
9158
9159"And, what are you going to do Master?"
9160"I want to collect a bit more information from the 『Room of Truth』, after that I'll pull back."
9161
9162If the emperor understands that violating the taboo might mean fighting the gods, then I don't need to be noisy from outside. I don't intend to intervene on their domestic affairs.
9163I'm going to send some kind of surveillance though as I'd hate it if they launch the nuclear weapon here.
9164
9165"You won't prevent it?"
9166"Yeah, even if I announce the thing about taboo to the people there, I'd only be treated like an insane madman."
9167
9168In fact, I saw such activities in the Imperial Capital.
9169Moreover, the people of Brains and the important people of the empire are participating in it despite knowing the danger of the taboo.
9170
9171"Does that mean forsaking the citizens?"
9172"Satou-san won't ever do such a thing. If the God's divine punishment is about to ruin the people there, he will surely cause a miracle."
9173
9174The one who reacted to the princess was Sera who clung to my arm.
9175Arisa and Hikaru are flapping their mouths, having the position of defending me stolen from them.
9176
9177As a matter of fact, there's an underground shelter under the Weasel Empire's imperial capital similar to the one in Shiga Kingdom's Royal and Duchy Capital, so they probably won't all die out even if the God's divine punishment happen.
9178If it looks dangerous, I'm thinking of evacuating the citizens to the sub-space with [Another World] magic.
9179Doing that should count as lifesaving, not intervention, so there's no problem.
9180
9181"It'll be forestalled though."
9182"Isn't it fine? In this world there's a lot of people who don't understand what's important until the damage happens."
9183"Un, building Shiga Kingdom was also tough.... For Sharlick-kun and the others."
9184
9185Arisa and Hikaru approved at my self-ridicule.
9186
9187Even if I act preemptively, they'll most likely resent me saying, "You've gone and done unnecessary things" instead of being thankful as the result after all.
9188
9189
9190~
9191
9192
9193"Hee, so this is the 『《Dungeon Master Room》』."
9194"First time I'm in one."
9195
9196Arisa and Hikaru are looking around the room curiously.
9197
9198"What is this~?"
9199"It's glittering nodesu!"
9200"Pretty."
9201"A, aaa-! You can't touch that!"
9202
9203The other girls are also loitering around here and there.
9204Pochi and Nana seem to be the type who, 'for now let's push', when they found a button, Core Two stop them whenever they're about to push something.
9205
9206『Master, please don't let outsiders inside the <<Dungeon Master Room>>.』
9207"They're all my relatives."
9208『--There is no problem if they're your relatives.』
9209
9210My random excuse was accepted.
9211Looks like Dungeon Cores are unexpectedly flexible.
9212
9213"Huh? The main core calls Master by 'Goshujinsama'?"
9214『As a result of the analysis of the information from Core Two, that way of calling seemed to be of the majority, so it's been changed.』
9215
9216Dungeon Core cordially replied Arisa's question.
9217While still being expressionless, Nana nodded, looking somehow satisfied.
9218
9219『Master, please confirm the present situation of the labyrinth.』
9220
9221A graph showing the total sum of the Dungeon Point appeared in front of me.
9222
9223"Uwa~, you really use Dungeon Point (DP) to manage a labyrinth."
9224"So torture room and prison exist?"
9225
9226Arisa and Hikaru peeked from my sides and muttered.
9227
9228『Master, is this arrangement weird? Would you like to return it to the state before the previous master's customization?』
9229
9230The Dungeon Core seemed to have a doubt seeing their reactions, it timidly asked me.
9231Apparently, the current setting was set by the weasel demon lord.
9232
9233"Can you show me that temporarily?"
9234『Yes.』
9235
9236Three gauges are displayed; the amount of magic power, the amount of miasma and the amount of souls.
9237These are the general numerics needed for the dungeon, and the dungeon point is a notation for them.
9238
9239"Show both of them side by side."
9240『Yes, Master.』
9241
9242After saying that, Dungeon Core changed the display.
9243Quite a convenient interface. The part where I don't have to rewrite the code myself is wonderful.
9244
9245"Oh my--Master updated the interface."
9246
9247Soft feel of something voluminous stuck on my back.
9248It appears she's Core Two who has become adult sized.
9249
9250"Mwu, guilty."
9251"Geh, loli girl became a kyonyuu." <TLN: huge breasts.>
9252
9253Arisa was only surprised but Mia quickly pulled away the adult Core Two.
9254I'd prefer if she was a bit slower.
9255
9256"Hey look, Satou! This is amazing!"
9257"It really is."
9258
9259Hikaru and the princess beckoned me while staring at a three-dimensional display.
9260I looked at them out of interest and saw endless stream of Chant Orb names in a column, numerical values were displayed on the right.
9261
9262"Don't tell me--"
9263
9264As I stared up at the 3D display, Core Two nodded.
9265
9266"It's the list of item for the treasure chests with the needed dungeon point."
9267
9268Come to think of it, my [Chant Orb] was found in a labyrinth.
9269
9270That means I could have gotten the [Chant Orb] if I just controlled Seryuu City Dungeon Core huh.... It's just a postscript now though.
9271
9272"--This is nice."
9273
9274I can't make too many of them since it needs a lot of DP, but this looks usable to power up the girls and the executives of Echigoya Firm.
9275
9276『Master, is it to your liking?』
9277"Yeah, I'll frequently come here a bit more."
9278
9279Looking at the gauges earlier, I can supply the magic power and the miasma as much as needed, but I can't do anything about the soul gauge.
9280There's no way I'm sacrificing the adventurers who enter the dungeon just to power up my companions.
9281
9282At most, I can only change a boss room into a training room for the girls and bring monsters from outside there.
9283There's no skill that we urgently need right now anyway, I'll just take this slowly.
9284
9285"Now then, it's about time we get back."
9286"Master, are you going somewhere?"
9287
9288『Master, the place for Dungeon Master is here.』
9289
9290When I said that, Core Two became teary eyed.
9291The Dungeon Core also asked me with tearful voice just like Core Two.
9292
9293This looks as if I've done something bad.
9294
9295"Then, you can just make a permanent gate to the solitary island palace here right?"
9296"Yup, then Core Two-chan can go back and forth and she won't get lonely will she?"
9297
9298Hearing Arisa and Hikaru, Core Two looked up at the Dungeon Core.
9299
9300『I understand. I will adopt that compromise.』
9301
9302We've reached an agreement somehow so I make a gate that connects to the solitary island palace.
9303Core Two came with us as if it was natural, I'd need to prepare a bedroom for this child.
9304
9305I don't mind her sleeping together with me if she were in her little girl figure, but I can't do that with her current kyonyuu body.
9306
9307A brownie appeared from inside the mansion in a hurry.
9308
9309"Satou-sama, you have a call from Echigoya Firm."
9310
9311Huh? I should've already told them that I was going to Weasel Empire, did something happen in Echigoya Firm to expressly call me?
9312
9313I entered the gate to Echigoya Firm alone after telling the girls that I was going to the Royal Capital for a bit.
9314
931515-26. God's Breath
9316 
9317Satou's here. It comes assailing like a collapsing sand hill, like pulling a block of Jenga, like an avalanche of the end. You can't always prevent it even if you know it's coming beforehand, just like disaster isn't it.
9318
9319
9320~
9321
9322
9323"Kuro-sama, you're back from Weasel Empire."
9324
9325Just when I got to Echigoya Firm, the smile of Tifaliza, the bearer of an intelligent beautiful look, quickly found me.
9326
9327"I got your call just when I got back. Did something happen?"
9328
9329I don't think it's a pressing matter since it was not an urgent call, but Tifaliza only ever contacts me for the periodical report so it must be relatively important.
9330
9331"Yes, from Makiwa Kingdom--"
9332
9333The name of the country which we, disguised as dragon knights, protected appeared.
9334Did some problem arise regarding the refugee support and restoration?
9335
9336"--Pipin contacted us."
9337
9338Pipin is a former phantom thief and currently a slave who works as an intelligence operative of Echigoya Firm.
9339
9340"If I'm not mistaken Pipin is...."
9341"Yes, he's accompanying Kei-sama and Sharururun as a backup."
9342
9343Tifaliza supplemented faster than I could recall.
9344The former fake apostle and a reincarnated person, Kei was traveling to trace back the damages she had done with her Unique Skill due to her narrow mindedness.
9345
9346"So something happened with either Kei or Sharururun?"
9347"Yes."
9348
9349Tifaliza affirmed my question.
9350
9351I looked at the two's names on the marker column while I was waiting for her answer.
9352It's alright, neither of them are injured.
9353
9354"According to Pipin, Kei-sama is able to use holy magic."
9355"Hee, that's good to hear--"
9356
9357I noticed the underlying problem as I indifferently congratulated.
9358
9359"--is that true?"
9360"Yes, Pipin saw it himself."
9361
9362Tifaliza gave an immediate answer.
9363
9364"I'll be going to Makiwa Kingdom for a bit."
9365
9366While hearing Tifaliza saying her farewell, "Please take care", and the noisy footsteps of the manager, I left Echigoya Firm behind.
9367
9368
9369~
9370
9371
9372I moved to the base point closest to Makiwa Kingdom where Kei and the others are with Unit Arrangement, and hesitated as to whether I should change my appearance.
9373Satou should be more appropriate if I want to congratulate her, but appearing out of nowhere like Kuro, visiting Dasles City which is on the back region of the kingdom I've never visited before will be a problem.
9374
9375--Well, whatever.
9376
9377Such a trivial thing won't be a problem soon.
9378
9379I change into Satou appearance with Quickdress skill and get out of the mountain hut base.
9380
9381"Would be nice if the storm doesn't come--"
9382
9383I muttered while looking up at the cloudy sky as if hinting the future.
9384
9385I can see Dasles city below.
9386
9387"It seems Kei and the others are in Zaikuon Temple near the castle."
9388
9389While using Magic Essence Camouflage, I teleport to the back of Zaikuon Temple which doesn't have a sign of life.
9390
9391"Glory to God Zaikuon!"
9392"Come come! It's a celebration today!"
9393"Festival! Everybody dance today!"
9394
9395There's a large crowd in front of the temple, the people are deliriously praising the God.
9396
9397"The believers will come back now!"
9398"Umu umu, we can finally repair this temple."
9399
9400I heard familiar voices from among the crowd.
9401
9402"--Kei."
9403"Sa-Satou-san?!"
9404
9405Hearing my voice Kei wearing Zaikuon priest clothing turned at me in surprise.
9406
9407"Is he your acquaintance Kei?"
9408"Yes, temple head-sama. He's Pe-Pe-Pen--err, Satou-san, a noble."
9409
9410Apparently she doesn't remember my house name.
9411
9412"Nice to meet you, temple head-sama. I'm Satou Pendragon. This may be trifling, but please accept my offering for the temple"
9413
9414I hand over a small bag with 20 gold coins inside.
9415
9416"Well well--how devout of you."
9417
9418Temple head grinned widely at the glitter of the gold coins peeking from the bag's opening.
9419
9420The gleeful-looking temple head led me and Kei to the temple's drawing room and served their treasured Makiwa tea.
9421The tea was insipid and only had the color for it, but I overcame it safely with the help of Poker Face skill.
9422
9423"Temple head! We have a visitor."
9424"O-okay, wait for a bit."
9425
9426It seems there's a lot of visitors today, there's already been many of them coming during the little time we were talking.
9427According to the temple head, Kei had been making use of the [Compounding] skill she learned from her foster parent to help the restoration of Dasles City and gain believers.
9428
9429"Temple head-sama, they're--"
9430
9431Judging from the priest's expression, looks like they can't turn down the visitors this time.
9432
9433"I will take my leave soon."
9434"I-Is that right. I'm very sorry for not being a good host."
9435"Could I talk a bit more with Kei?"
9436"Yes, of course you can."
9437
9438We left the drawing room, seen off by the grateful temple head.
9439
9440"Oh my, looks like we ended up chasing the preceding visitors away."
9441"Oh no, we were just about to leave ourselves."
9442
9443The one in the corridor, led by the priest earlier, is the current acting Marquis Dasles, Miss Shelmina Dasles.
9444Looks like she's overworking herself, she's hiding the dark circles under her eyes with makeup.
9445
9446"Your Excellency Marquis!"
9447"That's incorrect. I'm only acting as a substitute until uncle comes back."
9448
9449Miss Shelmina denied the surprised temple head with a sour look on her face.
9450
9451Shiga Kingdom should have told Makiwa Kingdom the passing of her uncle, Dwod Dasles the pyromaniac noble, but it seems they haven't announced it to the public yet.
9452They're probably going to do it once Dasles Marquisdom has been restored to a degree.
9453
9454"Would you be the acting marquis? I'm Satou Pendragon from Shiga Kingdom. I'm stopping by as the people here have been taking care my acquaintance."
9455"Shiga Kingdom's?!"
9456
9457Miss Shelmina was surprised to hear my introduction, and then she introduced herself as she would to a noble of a foreign country.
9458She took my hand and began to talk about how grateful she was for the large airships Shiga Kingdom sent to help transporting the refugees.
9459
9460"As one would expect from the country founded by Hero King Yamato-sama, even Shiga King is a noble person."
9461
9462We helped them using Echigoya Firm name, but it appears she thinks it was Shiga King who unofficially sent the help.
9463We ended up talking while standing, so Kei and I were led back to the drawing room.
9464
9465"Is the thing I heard from priest-dono earlier true?"
9466"Yes of course."
9467
9468After she talked to me enough, miss Shelmina asked the temple head for a confirmation.
9469
9470"It's true!　■ Bless"
9471"W-what are you--"
9472
9473Kei happily stood up and chanted a holy magic spell.
9474Miss Shelmina's face stiffened at Kei's sudden action.
9475
9476The blessing light rains down over the head of miss Shelmina the territory land lord's candidate.
9477
9478--This is bad.
9479
9480I jump over the table with a speed rivaling short-range teleportation and push miss Shelmina down.
9481The people who didn't understand the situation voiced their surprise.
9482
9483>[Holy Magic: Zaikuon Belief] Skill Acquired.
9484
9485So the revival is true.
9486
9487"Excuse me. Please forgive my discourtesy since it was an emergency."
9488"I-I'm saved. Thank you for your wise decision."
9489
9490The only person who understood my action in this place, miss Shelmina said that with a pale face.
9491
9492"Get away! You insolent rabble!"
9493"Stop it! Viscount is my lifesaver."
9494
9495Miss Shelmina rebuked her enraged escort knight.
9496
9497"Eh, um? You don't like God's blessing?"
9498
9499I lightly whack the head of Kei who looks puzzled.
9500There are things that you shouldn't do even if they're out of good will.
9501
9502--A land lord needs to control a City Core.
9503
9504However, that has several conditions, and people who have received blessing from god are against one those conditions.
9505Of course, there's a trick that can be used to remove God's blessing by way of a ritual magic, however it seems that needs a huge amount of cost and time to perform.
9506
9507"Kei, you shouldn't bless someone without their consent. There are people who have pledged their faith to another God."
9508
9509The temple head admonished Kei in an easy to understand manner in my place.
9510
9511"Putting aside the mean, I certainly saw the actuation of a holy magic. That holy symbol is certainly--"
9512
9513Miss Shelmina tidied her clothes, coughed once and said that.
9514Looks like she's not going to pursue Kei's rash action.
9515
9516"--the same as the one in the temple. So God Zaikuon has really been revived."
9517
9518Miss Shelmina clearly stated the words I hesitated to say out loud.
9519
9520That's right, Kei already had holy magic skill from the beginning.
9521However, Kei couldn't use that holy magic even if she chanted the right spell.
9522
9523Because the source of her holy magic, God Zaikuon had died.
9524
9525And now.
9526
9527Kei is able to use holy magic.
9528In other words, God Zaikuon the source of the holy magic has been revived.
9529
9530Nevertheless--it's fast.
9531
9532Once, Demi God-mode Aze-san told me.
9533
9534"When they had just arrived at this world, God Zaikuon and God Garleon challenged the Dragon God and got killed, however they were revived in 1000 years."
9535
9536But, if that's the truth, then God Zaikuon who was killed 30 years ago revived too fast.
9537
9538"Then, we will double the amount of the current offering, in exchange please send priests to the free medical building."
9539"Double the amount now--"
9540
9541The temple head frowned to hear miss Shelmina.
9542
9543"Could you get it back to the same amount as 30 years ago at least?"
9544"Unfortunately, right now the restoration takes top priority."
9545
9546Miss Shelmina shook her head at the temple head's entreatment.
9547Their financial is probably in a bad shape since the king seems to hardly assist.
9548
9549I'll send some fund through Echigoya Firm at an appropriate time.
9550
9551
9552~
9553
9554
9555"Is Viscount Pendragon staying in the temple?"
9556"I'm not, now that I've met Kei, I'm thinking of departing Dasles City by today's end."
9557
9558I only came here to say [Congratulation] to Kei after all, and I had confirmed the revival of God Zaikuon.
9559There's no need to stay here for long.
9560
9561--Nn? Red luminous points are reflected on the Radar.
9562
9563"But! I was thinking of holding a party to welcome Viscount Pendragon...."
9564
9565Miss Shelmina spoke regrettably.
9566
9567Yet she's not going to forcefully detain me.
9568Welcoming a noble of a foreign country is probably going to hit their finance hard.
9569
9570I open the map and confirm the identities of the red points while talking with miss Shelmina.
9571
9572They're nothing to be afraid about.
9573
9574They're level 20 small fries, the points that need special mentions are only their [Fiend Drug Overdose] states and that they're people that belong to the crime guild [Cannibal Snake].
9575
9576If I'm not mistaken, [Cannibal Snake] are the bunch who led the refugees and did some terrorism at the neighboring Silga Kingdom.
9577
9578"--Viscount-sama! Right, black overcoat, behind a child!"
9579
9580I heard Pipin's voice from beyond the crowd.
9581Looks like he's warning me about the owner of the red point reflected on the radar.
9582
9583"--Tch."
9584"Uwaaa"
9585
9586A man in black overcoat who's using a kid as a shield assaults miss Shelmina with a dagger.
9587The guard who was going to cover miss Shelmina was rammed by another man from the flank.
9588
9589It seems they slipped into the temple's crowd.
9590
9591"Sharu!"
9592"--Did you call?"
9593
9594With Kei's shout, a beauty jumped down the roof and landed on the black overcoat man's back.
9595She's Sharururun, a former phantom chivalrous thief, now a member of Echigoya Firm whom I, as Kuro, tasked to guard Kei.
9596
9597A different man with brown overcoat behind the smashed man came assaulting while his body was transforming.
9598
9599The brown overcoat man blocks Sharururun's dagger with his transformed claws
9600
9601"Monster?"
9602"Uwaaaa, it's a monster!"
9603
9604The members of [Cannibal Snake] who were hiding themselves in the crowd stirred a panic with loud voices.
9605
9606--This is bad.
9607
9608I pull miss Shelmina's hand to keep her away from danger and kick the small man who stealthily attacked with a dagger.
9609I invoke the [Calm Field] from magic column while I'm at it and stop the surroundings from panicking.
9610
9611After that, I stun the [Cannibal Snake] members with the highly stealthy [Stun Hand].
9612It's a faulty magic that's easy to block if there's no level difference, but that's not the case if I use it.
9613
9614"V-viscount Pendragon. I-I'm glad that you saved me, but could you please let your hands go now?"
9615
9616Miss Shelmina appealed with a red face in my arm.
9617Oops, I forgot that I was still embracing her.
9618
9619"Shelmina-sama! There's no mistake, this tattoo is of the 『Cannibal Snake』."
9620"I thought uncle had annihilated them all, so there are some remains."
9621
9622The guard who inspected the man defeated by Sharururun said that.
9623
9624"Viscount Pendragon, and the woman over there, thank you for your assistance. I will be sure to reward you later."
9625"No need for thanks. I only helped Kei."
9626
9627Sharururun curtly brushed off miss Shelmina.
9628Offended by her attitude, the guard is glaring at Sharururun.
9629
9630Kei who sensed the worsening atmosphere points at the sky while looking like she realized something.
9631
9632"Look look! Sunbeam!"
9633
9634Kei is pointing at beautiful light streaming between the thick cloud.
9635
9636"It's like the sky is also celebrating God's revival."
9637
9638Kei spoke with an unnaturally bright tone to break the ice.
9639Lured by Kei's smile, everyone smiles.
9640
9641Mysterious toll of a bell can be heard out of nowhere.
9642
9643"What a beautiful sound."
9644
9645I can feel the superior skill of the bell craftsman from the tone of the deep calm toll.
9646
9647I wonder if I should put a bell in the solitary island palace too?
9648
9649I ask miss Shelmina while thinking that.
9650
9651"Is this from the castle's bell?"
9652"I-it's not, I've never heard such a beautiful sound either."
9653
9654Yet, miss Shelmina returned a negative.
9655
9656--Well now?
9657
9658If she who has lived her whole life in Dasles City doesn't know, then where does this sound of bell come from?
9659
9660My question is quickly answered.
9661
9662In the worst possible way.
9663
9664
9665<<TAKE HEED>>
9666
9667An intimidating voice descended from the sky.
9668It's like hearing several kinds of language at the same time.
9669
9670Sounds of rustling sound and soil reached my ears.
9671
9672Everybody besides me have fallen prostrates with their foreheads on the ground.
9673Even the land lord candidate, miss Shelmina is not an exception.
9674
9675<<TAKE HEED>>
9676
9677The voice descended from the sky once again.
9678
9679Looks like it has begun.
9680
968115-27. Divine Punishment
9682 
9683Satou's here. The term Divine Punishment reminds me of the Bible, but the sayings; god's wrath, or [hit by retribution] and various allegories exist in Japan.
9684I've never suffered from divine punishment and god's wrath firsthand though.
9685
9686
9687~
9688
9689
9690<<<TAKE HEED>>>
9691
9692Intimidating voices descended from the sky three times.
9693
9694Oracle skill was added to my Skill Column.
9695Apparently, those are divine messages from the Gods.
9696
9697Several words--nay, a word that had several meanings reached my mind directly.
9698Apparently, Gods hold a conversation not through voices but by notifying a lot of people directly.
9699
9700After a moment of silence, the main subject begins--.
9701
9702<<<TABOO>>>
9703<<<TABOO>>>
9704<<<TABOO>>>
9705
9706Not just one, several Gods seemed to announce it together.
9707
9708<<<TABOO>>><<<WEASEL>>><<<TABOO>>><<<INSOLENCE>>><<<TABOO>>><<<RUINATION>>><<<TABOO>>><<<DAMNATION>>><<<TABOO>>><<<EXECUTION>>><<<DEPRAVITY>>><<<RETRIBUTION>>><<<FAITH>>><<<INCITE>>><<<PEACE>>>
9709
9710How do I say this, it feels like a hysteric person who can't explain well because they're overcome by their emotion.
9711Or maybe it's like listening to a badly tuned crossed radio?
9712
9713Voices of agony leaked from the people.
9714
9715It seems the intense chains of images are tormenting them.
9716Yet, none stands up, every one of them is enduring the pain.
9717
9718It probably means that their awe toward the Gods are just that strong.
9719
9720I'm a bit intrigued as to why I am fine.
9721
9722The toll of the bell stopped before long, and the torrential images that came along with the Gods' divine messages ended.
9723Some words I don't quite understand were mixed in but I think there's no mistake that it's generally, "Divine punishment will befall Weasel Empire that has violated the taboo."
9724
9725However, the way it was told intrigues me.
9726The Unknown little girl I met in my fight with the Dog-head before was able to converse normally.
9727
9728--Perhaps, the ones earlier were not Gods, but something that pretended to be Gods?
9729
9730Many people have fainted, while the stout-hearted ones begin to stand up unsteadily.
9731
9732I'm a bit hesitant to leave behind Kei, miss Shelmina and the others, but please let me off with just sprinkling healing magic here.
9733
9734I move to where Liza and Zena-san are staying in Weasel Empire using Unit Arrangement.
9735
9736
9737~
9738
9739
9740"Master!"
9741"Sa-Satou-san, this is terrible!"
9742"Oh good, you two are safe."
9743
9744Liza and Zena-san who noticed me came rushing.
9745They seem to be fine thanks to their high levels, but all the maids in the building have fainted.
9746
9747For now, I'll secure their safety first before grasping the information in Weasel Empire.
9748
9749I go back to the solitary island palace with the two.
9750
9751"Satou."
9752"Liza~?"
9753"Welcome back nanodesu."
9754
9755The youth troupe welcomed us immediately once we got back to the solitary island palace.
9756
9757"Huh? Master?"
9758
9759Arisa's carefree look seems odd to me.
9760
9761"Did the Gods' divine message not reach here?"
9762"Hoe? What's that--"
9763
9764Arisa who looked dumbfounded dropped the rice cracker in her mouth midway.
9765
9766Apparently it didn't.
9767To think it can even prevent the Gods' interference, asking Yuika to set up the barrier was the right choice.
9768
9769"--Don't tell me, the divine punishment for Weasel Empire was carried out?"
9770
9771Please do something about the rice cracker crumbs around your mouth before putting on your serious face.
9772I affirm it, wipe Arisa's mouth and take everyone to the living room.
9773
9774And then, an urgent call from Echigoya Firm came.
9775I use [Tactic Call] to connect Manager and Tifaliza.
9776
9777『I already know about the Gods' divine messages. If there's any problem in our branch offices and the areas around Shiga Kingdom, report to me through the Urgent Call at your discretion.』
9778『Understood, Kuro-sama.』
9779『Then we will begin to gather intelligence and the analysis.』
9780
9781Manager asked me to hold when I was going to cut off the call.
9782
9783『Kuro-sama, I have a request. I'd like to grant the right for the branch managers of Echigoya branch offices to provide the accumulated goods. Will it be alright?』
9784『Of course. I give you the full privilege of the whole Echigoya Firm. I'm counting on you Elterina.』
9785『Y-yes! Kuro-sama!! I will do my utmost to meet your expectations!』
9786
9787Manager replied powerfully at my slightly irresponsible lines of leaving it all to her.
9788Entrusting Echigoya Firm to her and Tifaliza should be fine.
9789
9790I remember one thing and reconnect to Tifaliza.
9791
9792『Tifaliza, I forgot something. Record the branch offices which reported the divine messages.』
9793『--Acknowledged.』
9794
9795Wonder what?
9796
9797Am I imagining things or Tifaliza seemed a bit sullen or rather, astounded.
9798Well, it's probably not a big deal, I'll go see her directly when I find some time.
9799
9800I cut the call and sit on one of the chair in the living room.
9801
9802All regular members of the solitary island palace are already here.
9803Along with the irregular members, demon lord Shizuka and the brownie maids.
9804
9805
9806~
9807
9808
9809"Somethings that seem to be Gods' divine messages came in Makiwa Kingdom earlier."
9810"Gods' divine messages? It's not an oracle received by Miko?"
9811
9812Sera asked as I began to talk.
9813
9814"Yea, voices came descending from the cloud."
9815
9816Of course, I checked the cloud and above it but found no one there.
9817At least according to the map.
9818
9819"Why is it Makiwa Kingdom? Didn't Satou-sama go to Weasel Empire?"
9820"I got a report saying that Kei the former fake apostle was able to use God Zaikuon's holy magic, so I went there to check on her."
9821
9822I answered the princess's question.
9823
9824"Wasn't God Zaikuon killed by Dragon God-sama 30 years ago? Isn't the revival too fast no matter how look at it?"
9825"The reason why it's so fast is unclear. I saw Kei using God Zaikuon's holy magic with my own eyes. The revival is probably true."
9826
9827I look at everyone while replying Hikaru.
9828Is there no more question?
9829
9830"And, what were the divine messages about?"
9831"Aa, it was not in a common spoken language, I guess it was like images accompanied by words?"
9832
9833Arisa urged me to go ahead so I got back to the real issue.
9834
9835I told the words I heard back then as accurately as possible to everyone.
9836Mainly for Sera.
9837
9838"Is there any difference to when Sera-san received an oracle?"
9839"Besides the parts about several overlapping voices and for someone aside from Oracle Miko being able to hear it, it's mostly the same."
9840
9841Sera answered after pondering a bit.
9842
9843I got [Oracle] skill when those divine messages fell from the sky, but I don't plan to put skill points and activate it.
9844
9845However, it looks useful when I need to negotiate with Gods in the future.
9846If I just grasp the God World, the sub space where they live during our conversation, it also seems possible for me to go there and talk directly.
9847
9848"So the divine punishment will fall on Weasel Empire right?"
9849"That's probably correct."
9850
9851There are other problems besides that.
9852
9853I can't help but think that the [Execution], [Depravity], and [Retribution] parts in the divine messages refer to the surrounding countries that have left the Weasel Empire alone.
9854The [Faith], [Incite], and [Peace] after those come off as, "Peace will come if you pray to the gods begging for forgiveness."
9855
9856If that's true, then it's possible there are also calamities that require, [prayers to the gods].
9857
9858"Is it, my fault?"
9859
9860Sera looks at me as if relying on me.
9861
9862Judging from the timing, I don't think the reason is because of Sera's visit to the Weasel Empire's amusement park.
9863If someone with the Oracle skill can unconditionally reach the Gods, then the little girl who was already living in the slum should be the trigger instead.
9864
9865"Isn't it Weasel Empire's own fault?"
9866"But still, for the common people to be judged together with the emperor...."
9867
9868Sera shook her head at Arisa's follow up.
9869
9870"It's alright. I will help the people."
9871
9872Arisa and Hikaru stood up in shock to hear me.
9873
9874"Wait! You're going to fight Gods?"
9875"That's impossible Ichirou-nii! No matter how strong you are, against god is no good."
9876
9877Do I look that belligerent?
9878Also, Hikaru was too surprised she called my name in the solitary island palace by mistake.
9879
9880"I'm not going to fight Gods okay."
9881
9882Sera openly looks relieved after I said that.
9883Of course, that applies to Arisa and the others too.
9884
9885"If the divine punishment looks like it'll mass slaughter the people, I'm going to evacuate them to the subspace using the forbidden spell."
9886
9887The magic power I've stocked in the holy swords look like it'll be all used up cause I'll probably need to use a humongous amount of MP, but I can just recharge it at the Ether Vein in the Void Sky.
9888I've been only consuming magic power lately, the bill from neglecting to replenish the supply comes biting.
9889
9890I cut off my words and look at everyone.
9891
9892Now then, I've told them the situations and my plans.
9893
9894"Now then, about what we're going to do here on--Sera-san."
9895"Yes!"
9896"Could Sera-san go to Tenion temple in the Duchy Capital and once again receive an oracle regarding this matter?"
9897"I understand. I'll go ask Head Miko-sama--apprentice miko Lili for the permission to use the Sanctuary."
9898
9899I'm sending Zena-san and Lady Karina to guard Sera.
9900This means Zena-san would be traveling again, but she accepted it heartily.
9901
9902"Princess Shistina, Hikaru and Team Pendragon are to stand by in the solitary island palace. I think the call for dispatch will come suddenly, so please relax as much as possible."
9903
9904It was quite an unreasonable order, but everyone consented without complaining.
9905
9906I'm planning to give Hikaru, Arisa and demon lord Shizuka a reason to stay in the palace even in this emergency.
9907There's the information about how people with God's Fragment are unable to go against Gods after all.
9908
9909While thinking and pigeonholing myself, demon lord Shizuka ask me.
9910
9911"Do I need to do something?"
9912"Yeah, I'm sorry but please stay here in the solitary island palace for a while."
9913"Fragments?"
9914"Yeah, that's right. I might ask you to help me like I did recently."
9915
9916I asked demon lord Shizuka.
9917
9918There's a lot of reincarnated people in Weasel Empire.
9919It's possible that there are some among them who have overused their Unique Skills and on the verge of becoming a demon lord.
9920
9921In case that happens, her ability to remove Unique Skill from her familiar will be essential.
9922
9923"Alright, then let's do a relaxing sea fishing contest!"
9924"Aye aye sir~?"
9925"Pochi will definitely catch parrot fish today nodesu!"
9926"Then I will catch some black-tailed gull."
9927
9928Everyone harmoniously left the room per Arisa's command.
9929
9930Arisa peeked her face on the door.
9931
9932"『Protect your life』 okay!"
9933
9934This time, Hikaru peeked behind Arisa.
9935
9936"Don't forget about 『Don't be rash』 too okay."
9937
9938I don't think there's any need to use Japanese language there, still I answer them, "Of course" and move away with Unit Arrangement.
9939
9940The destination is Weasel Empire--.
9941
9942In order to confirm the execution of the divine punishment and to browse the slates.
9943
994415-28. Divine Punishment (2), the Power of Science
9945 
9946<<<TAKE HEED>>>
9947
9948Intimidating voices descended from the sky.
9949
9950"It has begun at last."
9951"Umu, faster than predicted."
9952
9953The emperor put his folded finger on his chin.
9954The court ladies are helping him since his hands cannot reach his fat-covered body.
9955
9956And for some reason, he's wearing round glasses that reflect mysterious light on his nose.
9957
9958Tactician Touya creased his eyebrows, thinking he had seen that pose somewhere.
9959Apparently, it reminded him of something.
9960
9961"Playtime is over you know."
9962
9963Tactician Touya thinks.
9964
9965Perhaps the size of a reincarnated person's vessel depends on the profundity of their actions.
9966
9967"Don't get your knickers in a knot."
9968
9969The emperor waved his other hand that was on the handrail to end the talk and looked around the throne room.
9970
9971The God's influence doesn't seem to reach here, the ministers inside the room aren't prostrating themselves despite looking anxious.
9972
9973"The God-proof Barrier left behind by the ancient kingdom is quite excellent."
9974"This will be a solace for the people who sacrificed their lives exploring the ruin."
9975
9976Tactician Touya nodded at the emperor.
9977Even though they couldn't find the underground sea city of the ancient magic kingdom, the Artifact they found in the underground ruin of an ancient empire on the western desert demonstrated enough power.
9978
9979"How about Kuro--no, Hero Nanashi?"
9980"Kana the 『Insightful』 tried looking for him, but he has disappeared leaving his followers behind. We've sent a platoon of Temple Knights to arrest them."
9981
9982Common sense in the empire would dictate that it's an excessive force just to arrest two people, but the emperor nodded with a face that looked like it was obvious.
9983
9984"Matching the oracle huh... As we thought, that person is really--"
9985"Yeah, it's most likely true."
9986
9987Tactician Touya affirmed the emperor who was speaking with a sorrowful face.
9988There's no one here who chides him for interrupting the emperor.
9989
9990Most of the ministers are looking up at the dim rays in the sky.
9991
9992"Crepuscular rays huh."
9993"With such a scenery. Say it more elegantly, like, it's angel's ladder or something."
9994
9995The emperor criticized tactician Touya.
9996
9997"That expression may be appropriate, but it's ill-omened."
9998
9999Tactician Touya points at one of the dim rays and speaks.
10000
10001"Look, the angel--no, the god's apostle shows itself up."
10002"So that's apostle.... It doesn't look like a person even if it doesn't have wings."
10003
10004The apostle who looks like a silver cone calmly descends inside the dim ray.
10005It seems to be descending to the area near the science armory outside the imperial capital.
10006
10007"Looks like it has the angel halo."
10008
10009There's a blinking golden light halo formed by unlimited symbols above the cone.
10010
10011"Well then, shall we begin too?"
10012"I give you the permission. Dispose of those who call themselves Gods."
10013
10014By the emperor's command, tactician Touya puts up his bishop's staff and instruct the generals and the ministers.
10015
10016"Generals, go with the special special science vehicle corps and flying corps to intercept the cone."
10017"Understood!"
10018
10019The fully motivated weaselkin generals are rushing out of the room while shaking the decorations on their chest.
10020
10021"Gather the Temple Knights in the palace."
10022"Tactician-dono! Give us the permission to intercept too!"
10023"I will not! Your opponent will personally show up."
10024"It can't be--"
10025
10026Tactician Touya puts up his hand to stop the captain from speaking anymore and nods.
10027
10028"Chief of security bureau, I entrust you the right to command soldiers inside Imperial Capital. Quickly evacuate the refugees to the nearest underground shelters."
10029"Acknowledged. Leave the populace's safety to us."
10030
10031A male human with a villainous face salutes at tactician Touya and runs off to carry out his duty.
10032
10033"Tactician-dono, would the underground be safe? Our opponents are Gods and their henchmen--"
10034
10035The leaders of the house of lords came before tactician Touya.
10036Flattery are showing on their servile faces. The matter they have in mind is themselves--and their relatives self-protection.
10037
10038"We've prepared three large airships in the Imperial Capital's airport. Ride on them with your relatives and other influential nobles and evacuate to the Saga Empire."
10039
10040However, tactician Touya tells the leaders that preparation is everything.
10041
10042"As expected of tactician-dono!"
10043"You've even foreseen that this will happen! Then Her Royal Highnesses will too?"
10044"They're your relatives huh. Then they can go together with you. We're racing against time. You'd do good to hurry."
10045
10046He nods at the leaders who are fully eager to desert their country and urges them to hurry escape as if driving them away.
10047
10048"Just how many will arrive at Saga Empire...."
10049"I don't care. Now the people who will obstruct our fight have disappeared."
10050
10051At the knight captain's words, tactician Touya shook his head, expelling the trifle out of his mind.
10052
10053"Now then, just how many of our hands would be bitten off?"
10054
10055After saying that, the lips under his mask warped fearlessly.
10056
10057
10058~
10059
10060
10061"So that's His Majesty's enemy!"
10062
10063From the open hatch of a running tank, a vehicle captain scowled at the floating silver cone.
10064
10065"It's shining something!"
10066
10067Before the soldiers who were running on the side could finish speaking, a light resembling light magic's [Laser] shot out and mowed down one of the fort-like armory in the distant.
10068
10069"Hmph, like that can break through the steel wall that's thicker than a common fortress city's--"
10070
10071In the middle of the vehicle captain's talk, a roaring sound and flame arose, burning cloud of dust came up from the ground hit by the light earlier.
10072
10073"W-woow, the hell was that."
10074
10075The vehicle captain is looking at the scene with a dumbfounded face.
10076The defensive wall of the thick armory that renders even the armor of the tank he's riding on meaningless was torn off in an instant. The tank he's riding on is as good as having no armor. It can't be helped for him to lose his fighting spirit.
10077
10078"Don't falter! We're invoking the Magic Eater!"
10079
10080The commanding officer who was riding on parallel beside him encouraged the cowering vehicle captain.
10081Understanding what he meant, life returned on the vehicle captain's eyes.
10082
10083"Here they come! The Magic Eater Birds!"
10084
10085Twin-engine aircrafts equipped with disk-like Magic Eater Invokers appeared on the horizon.
10086The strange noise of the Magic Eater activation echoed together with the propellers and the engines sounds in the battlefield.
10087
10088"Ooo, that cone bastard is slanting!"
10089
10090The apostle who was standing still in the air began to fall.
10091
10092"All vehicles stop! Prepare for bombardment, retake your aim after the first volley, fire three volleys of armor-piercing shells in succession. After that, stand by and prepare the high-explosive shells!"
10093
10094The captain's voice reached every vehicle from the radio.
10095
10096"Normal shell loading, complete!"
10097"Third special vehicle here, normal shell loading, complete!"
10098
10099The radio personnel conveyed the reports he got from the loading personnels to the commanding officer.
10100At the same time, the apostle fell to the ground in the view of the vehicle captain who was peeking outside.
10101
10102"All vehicles, start the bombardment."
10103"Fireeee!"
10104
10105The main cannon of the special vehicles spouted fire, lead cannonballs hit the area around the apostle, raising cloud of dust.
10106
10107"Correcting elevation--three to below, one to the left, a bit back to the right. Aiming complete."
10108"Armor piercing shells loading complete."
10109"Fireeeee!"
10110
10111The armor piercing shells shot by the special vehicles sunk into the apostle one after another.
10112
10113
10114~
10115
10116
10117"Who could've thought physical attacks would be this effective."
10118
10119The emperor muttered while looking at the scene before his eyes.
10120The plan to contain the apostle with Magic Eater and tear the apostle with the special vehicles' cannons seems to be working well.
10121
10122The light magicians and the space magicians from the imperial court magicians are showing the battlefield to the people in the throne room.
10123The imperial court magicians who usually don't get along are cooperating to capture image from outside the Magic Eater's range.
10124
10125"Lead and iron have low interference against magic. Furthermore, we're using that in the special vehicle's corps' armor piercing shells."
10126"Hmph, fantasy against fantasy huh."
10127
10128The bone of lesser dragons and the white warhead of the armor-piercing shells floated in the emperor's mind.
10129
10130"His Majesty! We got a call from Magyuba City! An apostle has appeared!"
10131"Mogeiba City also called, they said 『Appearance of a silver cone. One third of the city has become white chloride』."
10132
10133Similar reports from other cities came one after another.
10134
10135"His Majesty! We've confirmed the apostle invasion on the opposite side of Imperial Capital! Their number is--"
10136"What is it, say it."
10137"--12. 12 apostles have appeared!"
10138
10139Hearing the communication officer's words tinged with despair, the people in the throne room gather their line of sight at the emperor and tactician Touya as if imploring them.
10140
10141"Looks like the opponent is serious."
10142"However, we're yet to go all-out either."
10143
10144Tactician talked to the king and then turned toward the anxious-looking people.
10145
10146"Get out the remaining 『Magic Eater Birds』. I allow the deployment of Temple Knights. Don't forget the D equipment!"
10147"Acknowledged."
10148
10149Entrusted with the order by the tactician, the captain turns toward the emperor.
10150
10151"Our loyalty to His Majesty! For the empire's victory and everlasting glory!"
10152
10153The captain raised his spear and took a knightly bow to the emperor and then he left the room commanding the Temple Knights.
10154
10155"How about the 『Whistling Arrow of Awakening』?"
10156"We just got the materials. We can't possibly make it that fast."
10157
10158The tactician and the emperor exchanged words in a room sparse of people.
10159
10160"Hahhahha! Don't lump me together with you Tactician!"
10161
10162A man with loud footsteps showed up in the throne room that was ruled by silence.
10163The man wearing a white robe unsuited in the palace is the director of Brains.
10164
10165"Director huh? What are you here for."
10166"I have a report for His Majesty."
10167
10168He eluded the tactician's question and stepped forward before the emperor.
10169
10170"We've completed the preparation for the 『Whistling Arrow of Awakening』, should we launch it as planned?"
10171
10172Brains Director's frankness doesn't change even in front of the emperor.
10173
10174"Of course. Push forward while there's still no obstacle."
10175"Okey! Prompt decision! I'm really mesmerized by that side of yours~"
10176
10177Brains Director winked with a jestful expression, took out a hand radio and ordered the launch of the [Whistling Arrow of Awakening].
10178
10179"What kind of magic did you use in such a short notice?"
10180
10181Tactician caught the shoulder of the director who was going to pass through him and asked for his trick.
10182
10183"I don't use no magic. It's human wisdom. I thought this was going to happen so I had it finished enough that we just needed to put the Darkness Crystal as the core and the Philosopher's Stone for the fuel. Working ahead of the schedule so that you don't fall into a death march is the basic of the basic."
10184"Is that so--"
10185
10186The director shakes off the tactician's hands, and then tactician's words reach the ears of the director who's stretching his white robe to his ears while walking.
10187
10188"--With this, His Majesty's plan takes a step forward."
10189"Hahn?"
10190
10191The director stopped and asked the meaning of the tactician's words.
10192However, the tactician fell silent, only the words of the feverish emperor reached his ears.
10193
10194"Now, go! Break the seal of the Moon's Demon God and wake the sleeping god."
10195
10196
10197~
10198
10199"This is bad! The steering golem of the Moonfaring Ship won't activate!"
10200"What should we do? Should we stop the launching sequence?"
10201"But, we can't possibly prepare a new golem now. It'll take at least three days at the latest even if we put together the 『Brains』's spare."
10202
10203The [Brains] members are having a violent discussion inside the control tower near the rocket's launch pad.
10204
10205"Is this really the result of our all-night works everyday."
10206"Damn with science almighty. Weren't you always lecturing us pompously? Bring out some good idea!"
10207"What are we doing quarreling against ourselves! There must be something that can be done!"
10208
10209An apostle, crumbling from the tank cannons, is approaching the launch pad.
10210
10211The apostle is probably aiming for the armory and the rocket launch pad from the start.
10212If this keeps up, there's no doubt that the rocket will be destroyed before the tanks defeat the apostle.
10213
10214"I'll go!"
10215
10216An apprentice girl in the control tower declared that while swaying her purple ponytail.
10217The only one who can ride the spaceship is only her with her small build.
10218
10219"Becoming an astronaut has always been my dream in my previous life."
10220"You can't! The Moonfaring Ship's fuel is only enough for a one-way trip. Moreover, the core will explode on arrival. You can't, absolutely."
10221"I don't care. I also have good luck, though it's not as good as His Majesty Emperor."
10222"--Sorry."
10223
10224The supervisor who opposed the girl who put up a bravado yielded to the unwavering eyes of the girl and gave her the permission.
10225
10226"Maintenance division! Put every food and water into the 『Magic Bag』! Also stuff the oxygen cylinders there! And all of the remaining Darkness Crystal fragments! And don't you forget the gravity propeller prototype!"
10227
10228The supervisor gave orders through the radio to increase the girl's chance of return even by 1%.
10229
10230"What's that? ...Uh oh! Someone is clinging to the rocket."
10231"Priest clothing? --No way!"
10232
10233One of the people in the control tower gave a warning, and the supervisor screamed after looking at it through the binoculars.
10234
10235
10236~
10237
10238
10239"Patriarch-sama, just another step. It's our duty as God Zaikuon believers to crush the scheme of the demon lord's adherents. I'll accomplish mine soon."
10240
10241A young man with long purple hair wearing priest clothing muttered in delirium.
10242He was the only one who arrived here among his allies who invaded the rocket launch pad during the chaos.
10243
10244"Kuhi, kuhihihhi. Hand, my hand is trembling... I've to take the god's medicine."
10245
10246The man took a small bottle from his breast pocket, but he couldn't open it with his trembling hands, he finally used his teeth to open the cap.
10247He drank the liquid inside the bottle, but he couldn't swallow it well because of his trembling hand, it was spilling out around his mouth.
10248
10249"Kuhi, kuhihihihhi. kuhi, ＫＵＨＩＨＨＨＩkuhiＨＩＨＩ"
10250
10251The man stopped trembling, but some strange noises that didn't sound human were mixed among his voice.
10252
10253"You over there! Stop!"
10254
10255A soldier carrying a gun stopped him, the man turned around with eyes clad in purple light.
10256
10257"gunＪＪＪgＧＵＧＧＧＧＵＵＵＮＮＮＮＮ"
10258"M-monster!"
10259
10260Before the soldier could even pull his gun's trigger, the blood from the remaining lower part of his body scattered in that place.
10261It was caused by the blade that extended from the man's purplish shadow.
10262
10263"s-sOONpatriarchＳＡＳＡＳＡＭＡＭＡＡＡＭＭＭＭ"
10264
10265The back of the man who had began to climb the rocket was burbling as if it was a different creature.
10266
10267
10268~
10269
10270
10271"D-demon lord--"
10272
10273One of the men wearing priest clothing on top of a hill muttered when he saw a purple giant that appeared on the rocket's launch pad.
10274The rocket broke easily, the launch pad and the falling control tower became submerged in fire.
10275
10276"Priest Bebenbe, that's wrong. He is a holy king devoted to the great God Zaikuon. A holy warrior who has come to purify this land smeared in taboo."
10277"Patriarch-sama."
10278
10279The patriarch who sent the fanatic man to his death said some made-up story.
10280No one besides his mistress knows that he secretly despises reincarnated people with their purple hair.
10281
10282"We have our own role to fulfill. Let us go."
10283"Yes, Patriarch-sama."
10284
10285The fanatics go down the stair toward a narrow underground ritual site behind the hill.
10286
10287"Gentlemen, my gratitude for following me until today."
10288"""Patriarch-sama."""
10289"We will now hold the last ritual. For the glory of God Zaikuon."
10290"""For the glory of God Zaikuon."""
10291
10292The fanatics are chanting the most secret art that's only been handed down to the priest king of the God Zaikuon Country destroyed in the past.
10293
10294--<<Invoke Deity>>.
10295
10296An art to descend the great God into a body.
10297Even if the art is successful, the life and souls, everything of the people who chanted them will be annihilated, it's a forbidden ritual magic.
10298
10299No one knows whether the secret art will be successful since the success rate up until now is exceedingly rare.
10300
10301However, if it's successful--.
10302
10303Another crisis would befall Weasel Empire.
10304
1030515-29. Divine Punishment (3), Satou's Identity
10306 
10307Satou's here. I remember reading a mystery novel where the protagonist was the culprit all along in the past, but I recalled throwing the book away due to the forced outcome. I really think the author should have foreshadowed it to the readers, so they could understand.
10308
10309
10310~
10311
10312
10313"Huh? There are traces of people searching the house."
10314
10315When I came to the doghouse which only had its frame remaining using Unit Arrangement, the guest house we were staying at looked as if it was pillaged by burglars.
10316Our dummy traveling bags are cut, the content inside have been scattered on the floor.
10317
10318The doghouse where I came out of is also broken in a corner of the room.
10319It seems the people who searched here were quite violent.
10320
10321For some reason, there's a holy symbol of God Zaikuon painted on a wall with a cross mark on top of it.
10322I don't quite understand what it is about, but I see that they hate God Zaikuon.
10323
10324"For now, let's read the rest of the slates--"
10325
10326I opened the Map while muttering alone and realized that it was not the time to do that.
10327
10328There's a luminous point showing [UNKNOWN] on the Map. My Crisis Perception isn't kicking in so it's probably the god's apostle.
10329Apparently, the situation has changed since I got back to the solitary island palace.
10330
10331I checked just in case, but I don't see them in Makiwa Kingdom and the neighboring countries.
10332Of course, the same with Shiga Kingdom where my acquaintances are.
10333
10334They're not in Saga Empire either, I should just leave the countries I'm not too involved in alone.
10335
10336"--For now, they seem to be on equal ground."
10337
10338I closed the Map and checked the battlefield with the space magic's [Remote View], a magic to see afar.
10339It seems there are some casualties among the military personnels, but I don't plan to be overprotective toward professional soldiers.
10340
10341Nevertheless, I never thought that the apostle would look like a strange silver cone.
10342
10343How the apostle look wasn't described in the slates you see.
10344Moreover, there were lots of blurred words and inadequate depictions since it seems Troll Demon Lord wasn't an author in his previous life.
10345
10346『--Steel Cutting Slash!』
10347
10348I saw a familiar knight in the Remote View.
10349
10350It seems they've invoked the Magic Eater, they're not fighting with magic but with cannonballs and physical attacks.
10351The apostle that was hurt by the cannonballs and the Temple Knights' white swords restored itself like rewinding a video.
10352The Weasel Empire's Magic Eaters probably don't have enough power to interfere with the magic power inside the apostle's body.
10353
10354『This will finish you off! Pentagram Tearing Slash!』
10355『Stop, Liedill! Techniques that use magic power are unusable!』
10356
10357Lady Liedill who was going to use her finisher was hit by the apostle's feeler and got knocked down.
10358She seemed sturdier than I imagined, she evaded the second feeler while unsteadily getting up.
10359
10360Lady Liedill is an airhead like always.
10361I sent a cheer for her in my mind.
10362
10363"Oops, forget about that."
10364
10365I muttered alone and got right back on track.
10366
10367Then I opened my Map and checked on the surrounding cities, turned out other apostles had appeared there too.
10368
10369The Imperial Capital's populace have evacuated to the underground shelters so they're probably going to be fine even if I leave them alone, but the opponent is a god's apostle.
10370There's a possibility that they have the same attack power as the [Demon God's Offshoots] I encountered in Shiga Kingdom's capital.
10371
10372I take a holy sword that works as a magic power reserve out of my Storage and use [Another World].
10373
10374Similar to what I did in the Dejima Island's Labyrinth before, I copy the underground shelters and abduct the people into it.
10375I'm sorry for doing it without asking their approvals, but please regard it as an emergency evacuation.
10376I'll put them back once the turmoil is over.
10377
10378"Wonder if the magic power is enough to evacuate all the cities in Weasel Empire?"
10379
10380The Magic Crystal Pillar I got during the incident with Demon Lord Shin floated in my mind.
10381
10382"Looks like I can finish this without using the magic power in the Magic Crystal Pillar I'm keeping as an insurance."
10383
10384Now then, let's go to the next city.
10385
10386
10387~
10388
10389
10390"There are more god's apostles now."
10391
10392When I had finished evacuating the Weasel Empire's populace and got back to the capital, the apostle had increased from one to 13.
10393
10394I was able to evacuate most people but a smoke car used by the wealthy to flee in one of the cities had been turned into a salt object, and most of the cities' defense forces were already annihilated; there were a lot of people I couldn't save too.
10395It's impossible to completely save them all, and in the first place, my heart isn't going to ache even if professional soldiers and the statesmen who abandoned the people they should have protected die.
10396
10397Several airplanes and large passenger planes were attacked by Rocket Trees and flying monsters.
10398I also caught sight of monsters who should have been controlled by screws gaining freedom and rebelling at some cities' lines of defense.
10399
10400I couldn't exactly neglect that so I helped them dealing with the monsters a bit.
10401
10402"Oops, I probably shouldn't leave that one alone."
10403
10404A separated apostle is approaching a rocket launch pad where there are civilians.
10405I close the Map and exit the mansion to prevent that.
10406
10407There's a pillar of purple light beside the rocket.
10408
10409"Geh, there's even a demon lord."
10410
10411--This is way too chaotic, Weasel Empire's Imperial Capital.
10412
10413Using space magic forbidden spell <<Aport an Object>>, I retrieve the people in the rocket launch pad and the control room.
10414
10415"W-where is this?"
10416"W-who are you?"
10417"Hero Nanashi."
10418
10419I only explained that much to the confused people.
10420
10421"H-hero?!"
10422"Why is a pawn of God Parion here!"
10423
10424Oops, looks like hero's worth is at an all time low in Weasel Empire.
10425No, Hero Hayato was welcomed in Dejima Island, there's a possibility that it's just a part of people in the Imperial Capital who keep that perception.
10426
10427"Now then, I have no time to chat. Take shelter together with the capital's people."
10428
10429I open the gate to the sub-space and throw them one by one inside using [Magic Hand].
10430
10431I left only the purple haired girl since she was in a critical state as her body was covered in purple light.
10432I absorb the surplus magic power from her, maximize the Spirit Light and tear off the miasma that binds her.
10433
10434Contrary to what I thought, it was just an initial symptom, so I neutralized it easily.
10435
10436"I don't have to remove her Unique Skill at this rate."
10437
10438I send the girl to the same place as the people earlier and close the gate.
10439
10440Now then, the critical situation continues, but since they're doing better than I thought, it doesn't seem like I need to intervene.
10441For now I'll go read the slates to collect information and see the emperor later.
10442
10443
10444~
10445
10446
10447"--Here he is."
10448
10449The moment I showed up in the room where the emperor was after I had finished gathering information, some unwelcoming words hit me.
10450With a wave of his hand, tactician Touya made the Temple Knights and officials who were in the room to withdraw.
10451
10452Ignoring the sarcastic gaze of tactician Touya, I ask the emperor.
10453
10454"I have two things to ask of you before we get to the main subject."
10455"Say it. You will have your answer if it's something I can tell."
10456
10457Is it just my imagination or is his tone pricklier than yesterday.
10458
10459"Have you read slates from recent times--about 100 years ago?"
10460"Of course."
10461"With your own eyes?"
10462"I can read ancient language from the age of gods just fine."
10463
10464Fumu, in that case he should know the same thing as me if he's directly read it.
10465
10466"Then, about his identity too?"
10467
10468I asked the emperor while looking at tactician Touya.
10469
10470"I do not know which identities you're referring to, but yes I know about both of them."
10471
10472--Then I guess it's fine.
10473
10474"Is that all?"
10475"Yeah, if you're not being deceived then it's fine."
10476
10477After all, there are demon lords in my faction too.
10478
10479"Then we will be asking ours."
10480
10481After saying that, the emperor urged tactician Touya with his eyes.
10482
10483"If you've already read the recent slates, then you can already guess what I am going to ask don't you?"
10484
10485It's probably about me.
10486
10487The recent slates were choke full of me.
10488For some reason the matter in sub-space starting from the solitary island palace, the events in the Dragon Valley and Elven Homes that are protected by barrier, and the things in void sky weren't recorded, but my activities as Nanashi were written profusely.
10489
10490However, there was nothing about the fact that Satou and Nanashi are the same person.
10491I can easily imagine that he, with his intellect, should already realize that they're the same person.
10492
10493Even so, there's no need for me to reveal it myself.
10494
10495"What are you trying to say?"
10496"Playing dumb is futile. Viscount Satou Pendragon--"
10497
10498I'm ignoring his questioning without relying on Poker Face skill.
10499
10500"--Or perhaps, I should say it like this?"
10501
10502Tactician Touya stops, takes off his mask and scowls at me as if he's instigating me.
10503
10504Guessing that he's going to call me God Slayer, I put up a defense in my mind.
10505
10506"One who challenges Dragon God--"
10507
10508Just as I thought huh.
10509
10510"--No matter how many times he was killed--"
10511
10512Huh?
10513
10514The turn of events seems strange somehow.
10515
10516"--One who continues to challenge. The eternal challenger--"
10517
10518Not understanding what tactician Touya's intention is, I match my line of sight with his to probe for information.
10519
10520"--One of the seven Gods that arrived from another world together with the World Trees--"
10521
10522Challenging dark purple light leaks from the depth of his eyes.
10523Since that's a symptom of demon lord-fication, shouldn't you better calm down a bit?
10524
10525I missed his words because I was thinking that.
10526
10527"--Eh? What?"
10528
10529Thanks to that, I replied like I were a deaf-type protagonist.
10530He apparently thought I was making fun of his decisive lines, color of anger were mixed in tactician Touya's eyes.
10531
10532"I'll say it no matter how many times until you can no longer hide it."
10533
10534Tactician Touya's eyeteeth begins to lengthen like fangs.
10535Un, sorry about it. That's why, calm down.
10536
10537"One who surpasses all principles, an existence outside of this world--"
10538
10539Tactician Touyaa threw his arm inside the mantle, flipping it up and vigorously pointed his finger at me as if it was going to pierce my heart.
10540
10541"--God Zaikuon! That's your true identity."
10542
1054315-30. Divine Punishment (4) Basis
10544 
10545Satou's here. There are people who, "know themselves worst.", and people who, "Know themselves best."
10546But, aren't the most numerous ones the people who make use of either case depending on the situation?
10547
10548
10549~
10550
10551
10552"What's wrong? Don't tell me you never thought that your true identity would be found out."
10553
10554Tactician Touya is pointing at me with a triumphant look on his face.
10555
10556"I'm not a God--You won't believe me even if I tell you that right?"
10557"Of course!"
10558
10559Tactician Touya is full of confidence.
10560
10561"Could you tell me what's your basis for thinking that I'm a God?"
10562
10563After I said that, tactician Touya grins and begins to talk.
10564
10565"There are too many mysteries surrounding you."
10566
10567Tactician Touya calmly speaks as if he's a stage actor.
10568
10569However, I'd like to be spared from his slightly narcissistic strange pose.
10570I somehow feel that his preferences will match with Dog-head's.
10571
10572"The first entry about you in the slates is about your fight with the black greater demon in Seryuu city."
10573
10574That's certainly the case.
10575Of course, I'm written as [Silver Masked Hero] in the slates.
10576
10577"Someone with a single-digit level couldn't have possibly won against a greater demon."
10578
10579Un, I forgot to change my level in the Exchange Column at that time.
10580
10581"You must be possessing some kind of concealment-type artifact. Or so we thought, thus we had to investigate your identity."
10582
10583After saying that, tactician Touya peers into my eyes as if checking my reaction.
10584
10585"However, even the most skilled people couldn't find any trace about you before you appeared in Seryuu City. Yes, so perfect we couldn't help but thought it was as if you suddenly came together with the 『Stars Fall』."
10586
10587No no, I think I was transported at that time, so the suddenly appearing part is true.
10588
10589"We played it safe and absolutely made sure to chase your whereabouts to prevent contact. And with each reports, we couldn't help but question the sanity of our informer."
10590
10591Tactician Touya slowly shakes his head with his finger on his forehead.
10592That gesture pisses me off somehow.
10593
10594"Slaughtering senior greater demons one after another, and even easily beating the Golden Wild Boar King whose strength was famous among successive generations and the great monstrous fish Tovkezeera."
10595
10596The one who defeated Tovkezeera was Hero Nanashi, there was no information about me being the same person as Hero Nanashi in the slates.
10597
10598"Let alone them, you even defeated the strongest 『Ancient King Dog Head』-dono who was called the evil god and the offshoots of Demon God-sama."
10599
10600--Nn? What's this?
10601
10602I sensed something odd just now.
10603That sense of oddness disappeared before I could say it, but another question appeared instead.
10604
10605"Isn't it said that no one besides Dragon God and Demon God have ever defeated Dog-head?"
10606
10607When I pointed that out, tactician Touya looked a bit disgruntled.
10608Looks like he vaguely noticed that too.
10609
10610"Hmph, it's most likely because it happened right after 『Ancient King Dog-Head』-dono had just revived so he was in a weakened state."
10611
10612The Dog-head beating was written humorously in the slates, but the detail as to how I actually defeated him wasn't depicted, and mysteriously, the little girl who intruded in my fight with the dog-head wasn't written at all.
10613
10614"And, even though you had the power to defeat Doghead-dono, as weakened as he was, you bafflingly hid all of your achievements and continued your journey as a common man. You could have gained any kind of glory and fame if you just made it public, yet you only repeated your pleasure jaunts and philanthropic works."
10615
10616Cause my main purpose is going on trips in another world.
10617
10618"We racked our brains at your mysterious acts. However, everything came to light once we confirmed a certain phenomenon."
10619
10620Tactician Touya's reasoning feels familiar to me somehow.
10621A deja vu of having your conjecture proven wrong.
10622
10623"And? What is that phenomenon?"
10624
10625I know that he's surely mistaken, but laughing at him would be too sad so I urged him to continue.
10626This is not because I pity him as a fellow sufferer of mistakes. Absolutely not.
10627
10628"You can chantlessly teleport an impossible amount of things to an impossible distance away. However, that's fine and all. We thought that you were just hiding such a Unique Skill."
10629
10630Is he talking about Unit Arrangement?
10631Since I can teleport considerably far away with space magic, wonder which one is it?
10632
10633"However, it doesn't seem like you pay the compensation for it. Not magic power, not your soul, nothing!"
10634
10635He shouldn't be able to know my magic power consumption, maybe he's referring to me teleporting way outside the limit without replenishment?
10636
10637"Such a thing is not possible for someone who's been given god's fragment, someone who is just given a portion of the authority. Someone that can freely command such an absurdity at will is an existence outside the principle. In other words, only a God."
10638
10639I see, so Unit Arrangement is that much of an absurd ability.
10640
10641Come to think of it, when I experimented to see the limit, I could repeat it ad infinitum it stopped being funny, and I was also able to escape from the center of gravity many times.
10642
10643"We also have other basis."
10644"And that is?"
10645
10646Might as well listen to it all.
10647
10648"--30 years."
10649
10650What?
10651Did I miss him speaking again?
10652
10653"Are you still playing dumb? It has only been 30 years since you were defeated and killed by Dragon God!"
10654
10655Tactician Touya shouted irritatedly.
10656His fangs are about to reach a dangerous level, please calm down.
10657
10658He seems to refer to God Zaikuon reviving even though it has only been 30 years since his dead.
10659
10660"It's certainly strange. Please tell me the reason if you know why."
10661"Hmph, you're not going to admit that you're God Zaikuon until the end huh."
10662
10663I mean, that's wrong.
10664
10665"There's a true meaning in you not only piling up achievements as a fake hero but also hiding your philanthropic works."
10666
10667With a [zubi] sound effect, tactician Touya points his finger at me while taking a pose like he's leaning his back.
10668
10669I almost impulsively shouted, "What'd you say!" out loud, but I held back.
10670I had a feeling that he'd snap and turn into demon lord if I teased him like that.
10671
10672"I have a proper hero title y'know?"
10673
10674I let him to cool down by pointing out his mistake a bit.
10675
10676"Yes, a true meaning!"
10677
10678Tactician Touya completely ignored me and continued on.
10679Can't be helped, I'll hear it till the end without doing unnecessary interruptions.
10680
10681"What kind?"
10682"I'll only be preaching to the choir, but very well I'll have you hear it."
10683
10684For now, I urged him to continue.
10685
10686"The period of revival for a god that has died is fixed."
10687
10688The weasel emperor is calmly glaring at me to not miss any of my gestures.
10689Unlike tactician Touya, it doesn't seem like he's entirely convinced that I'm God Zaikuon.
10690
10691"However, there's also a way to shorten that."
10692
10693Judging from the oracle I heard before going here, is it prayers?
10694
10695"In order to shorten that, the most effective way is people's genuine prayers and devout piety. Awe and reverence can also shorten the revival period but it is not as effective."
10696
10697Such a detailed explanation isn't written on the slates.
10698Looks like tactician Touya has another source of information besides the slates.
10699
10700"You should understand that playing dumb after this far is meaningless!"
10701
10702Thin purple hair begins to grow on the bald head of tactician Touya.
10703Apparently, he only shaved his head.
10704
10705"In summary, what you want to say is--I gathered prayers and piety from the people by acting as Satou and Nanashi in order to hasten God Zaikuon's revival?"
10706"That's right!"
10707
10708Swoosh, tactician Touya's hair lengthened into a straight long hair to his waist.
10709
10710"You are the mortal frame of God Zaikuon. A split Mitama!"
10711
10712I begin to think that my identity might really be God Zaikuon after this much of a grand declaration.
10713
10714Of course that's a misdirected wrong deduction.
10715If what he said is the truth, then that means a split Mitama of God Zaikuon that's not even the main body defeated Dog-head and the Demon God's offshoots.
10716
10717It doesn't seem like I can get any more useful information, guess I'll stop keeping his nonsense company and leave here?
10718
10719
10720~
10721
10722
10723"Or perhaps you don't remember?"
10724
10725Tactician Touya spoke with a slightly different mood when I was waiting for the right timing to leave.
10726
10727He might have sensed that I didn't believe his deduction.
10728His tone somehow changes into that of a persuasion.
10729
10730"Have you ever thought that your memories are inconsistent? Did it get cut off?"
10731
10732--Mu.
10733
10734I can't deny that.
10735
10736My memories were interrupted between the time I fell asleep and awoke in younger body in the [Dragon's Valley].
10737The reason for my rejuvenation is unknown, who was the one who teleported me is also unknown.
10738
10739"Don't you ever feel that your thought is being manipulated by someone?"
10740
10741--Mumumu.
10742
10743....Not never.
10744
10745Although I can't confidently say that it has, I can't really recall the time when Hikaru disappeared.
10746Why did I think that her disappearance at the time was not a problem, and how I didn't think of Hikaru let alone worry about her until our reunion was also strange.
10747
10748"Have you ever forgotten things that you intended to do before you realized?"
10749
10750After being reunited with Hikaru I forgot to pursue that doubt further in spite of having it in my mind.
10751
10752"Looks like I've hit the nail on the head."
10753
10754Tactician's Touya triumphant look is infuriating.
10755
10756However, the more I denied that impossibility, the more I doubt that maybe even that thought is an influence from an outside force.
10757Tactician Touya pursues further at my shaken heart.
10758
10759"Admit it! Split Mitama of God Zaikuon!"
10760
10761--Impossible.
10762
10763However, my heart is swaying, unable to intelligently deny like earlier.
10764The thought of my own memories and thought being manipulated brings anxiety and stress that have never arisen before in my heart.
10765
10766Maybe.
10767
10768Just maybe.
10769
10770Is that--really the case?
10771
10772『There's no way that's true isn't it?』
10773
10774I heard a familiar voice in my ears.
10775That obviously disgusted-sounding voice had the power to blow away my worry in an instant.
10776
10777『Calm down. My hero.』
10778"You're--"
10779
10780Two small hands hug my neck together with a fleeting light snowfall-like sensation.
10781
10782Those of the little girl who was in the painting.
10783
10784
10785~
10786
10787
10788--The little girl in the painting.
10789
10790A mysterious being who appeared in the painting inside Duke Oyugock's castle and when I was being misled by Dog-head Demon Lord.
10791Dog-head Demon Lord called her [God Parion], she's shown as [UNKNOWN] like the Demon God's Offshoots on my AR reading.
10792
10793"Who are you?"
10794『Me? I'm your princess. You're my hero. We're two birds who share a body and a pair of wings walking the eternity together--』 <TLN: An expression for 'a happily married couple'.>
10795
10796Her clear comfortable voice similar to Lulu almost robs me of my consciousness.
10797I forgot how she evaded my question and ended up immersing myself in the sound of her words.
10798
10799"Who are you talking to?"
10800"--Eh?"
10801
10802Tactician Touya looks around at the surroundings suspiciously.
10803
10804It seems the other people can't see her existence.
10805Since Dog-head demon lord could, she seems to be able to choose who can see her.
10806
10807"Did you manipulate my--"
10808
10809She puts her little finger on my mouth midway.
10810
10811『I only do what you desire. I will be there as you wish. If you cannot remember it, that means it's something the current you don't need. It will be naturally released when you really need it.』
10812
10813Normally those sounded unbelievable, but for some reason, I felt like believing her without a doubt.
10814
10815『Are you convinced?』
10816"--Yea."
10817
10818I nodded back at the girl.
10819The smiling little girl's body is becoming transparent.
10820
10821Right, maybe she knows about it.
10822
10823"Do you know the reason why God Zaikoun revived faster?"
10824
10825I asked her that while feeling slightly impatient.
10826
10827『Reason? Maybe the kids who didn't want the civilization to advance united? Because Divine Punishment can't happen unless all the seven Gods who arrived riding on the world trees assembled.』
10828
10829--Huh? I felt something odd again.
10830
10831『Look, my hero.』
10832
10833A yellow light is spreading at the ground where the little girl pointed at.
10834That was the place where a demon lord was fighting an apostle.
10835
10836『A big battle-loving idiot has appeared.』
10837
10838The yellow light becomes a huge person shape.
10839I think it's at least 100 meter tall?
10840
10841The information of the person shape shown on my AR is the same as the little girl's--[UNKNOWN].
10842
10843The same as the apostle, but it's clearly different.
10844Warnings from Crisis Perception is alarming enough to tighten my heart even though it's so far apart.
10845
10846"That's, don't tell me--"
10847『It is. You can tell the other big idiots over there too.』
10848
10849The little girl who was looking at the yellow person shape turned at me.
10850
10851『Tell them, that's the Zaikuon you seek.』
10852"That's, God Zaikuon?"
10853"W-what'd you say!"
10854
10855Tactician Touya heard my muttering.
10856
10857"What do you want me to do?"
10858『--Nothing.』
10859
10860The little girl gently smiles.
10861Her expression is like a mother, unsuited for her age.
10862
10863『Do as you like, my hero. Do anything you like anytime you want.』
10864
10865After saying that, the little girl disappeared in the air.
10866Her parting words sounded like an invitation from a devil or a dark god, but I felt a deep affection for me in them.
10867I think that she's probably the one who summoned me to the [Dragon's Valley].
10868
10869
10870~
10871
10872
10873"Say it! Who was here! No, what was here!"
10874
10875Tactician Touya grasped my shoulder and forcibly turned me around.
10876And just when I was soaking in the lingering sensation, what a cruel guy.
10877
10878"An unknown little girl."
10879"Little girl? --God Parion!"
10880
10881Like I said, unknown.
10882
10883"Touya. Whether he's a split body of God Zaikuon or not is trivial now."
10884
10885The emperor pointed at the yellow person shape--God Zaikuon with his line of sight.
10886
10887"My fragments given by God are aching. There's no mistake that's a God--"
10888
10889Is it just my imagination or is the weasel emperor swelling.
10890
10891"--Our enemy."
10892
10893The yellow light that makes up God Zaikuon is pulsing.
10894
10895<<<DIVINE PUNISHMENT>>>
10896
10897Heavy sense along with awe arrived directly in my brain.
10898The Imperial Capital and the special tank corps outside turned into salt, swallowed by white tsunami and disappeared.
10899
10900"The Imperial Capital is turning white?"
10901"That's the divine punishment."
10902
10903The Imperial Capital is turning white starting from the edge of the city.
10904
10905Several purple pillars of light appeared in the slums.
10906Looks like several reincarnated people had turned into demon lords.
10907
10908Even though I should have carried all the reincarnated people and [Brains] when I kidnapped the capital's people earlier, just where were they hiding....
10909
10910"It seems demon lords don't turn into salt."
10911"Of course. That only works on the 『Being with Predestined Live (Mortal)』. It has no effect on the followers of Demon God, demon lords who are 『Immortal Beings』."
10912
10913The weasel emperor looks at me.
10914
10915"Hero Nanashi, it appears God's power is mightier than we expected. It is very likely that the people won't be protected from the divine punishment by merely hiding underground. Please carry them out if you have a shred of sympathy for our people."
10916"I left the people in the imperial castle, but I've saved the populace already."
10917"Is that right.... My gratitude, Hero Nanashi."
10918
10919The emperor looked relieved when I told him that.
10920
10921"What are you two going to do?"
10922
10923Perhaps because of I saw that, I asked the weasel emperor and tactician Touya such a thing.
10924
10925"It's good as long as the people are safe. However, I want to protect the underground burial mound. Protect it from the Gods' hands."
10926"Okay. I'll blockade it with a strong barrier."
10927
10928It's not because I'm asked by martyr-like clear eyes.
10929I'm going to protect it since it's an important facility for me too.
10930
10931"We will defeat the God."
10932
10933The emperor who's wrapped in purple light easily stands up from the throne.
10934
10935"As the great demon lord of this generation, I will challenge and slaughter the God."
10936
10937The emperor presses both his hands on the ground and transforms into a purple beast.
10938
10939"If I become a beast who's lost his reasoning after destroying the God, I'd like you to kill me with that anomalous strength of yours."
10940
10941Looks like the emperor's determination is firm.
10942
10943"Understood."
10944"Thank you. Hero Nanashi."
10945
10946The emperor who has turned into a beast becomes huge and breaks through the tall ceiling of the throne room.
10947
10948"We will defeat the God."
10949"I see."
10950
10951Without cheering or stopping him, I see the emperor off.
10952
10953"Are you not going?"
10954"My turn will be for the last. The role of this body is to raise the final big firework called Imperial Castle."
10955
10956Tactician Touya replied me with some antique words midway.
10957He probably wants to draw a line for the rise of standard in their revolt against Gods.
10958
10959"Explosion is romance. And there is no bigger romance than an explosion that drags a God with it don't you think?"
10960
10961That reminds me, he's this kind of guy.
10962
10963"You're right."
10964"Yeah, damn I am."
10965
10966While looking at the fight between demon lords and the yellow person shape in the distant, tactician Touya laughs like he's yawning.
10967I felt insanity in his dark expression, sending chill down my spine.
10968
10969There should be no need for me to see it until the end.
10970
10971I should just come again once everything is over.
10972The bureaucrats and the court ladies who had stayed in the castle seemed to have left the capital using an escape VTOL.
10973
10974The Temple Knights and soldiers are still fighting against the apostles even now.
10975
10976"--Farewell."
10977
10978Muttering a good bye word that's unlike me, I go toward the seal of the burial mound.
10979
10980I, who have finished all of my roles, leave the whitening dying Imperial Capital behind.
10981
1098215-31. The Golden Knights' Deployment, Preparation (1)
10983 
10984Satou's here. I've seen manga that inform the readers with [This is ●●] as the title on the first page. I wonder if there would be people who mistook it for another work if that wasn't written?
10985
10986
10987~
10988
10989
10990"Master, so intense! At this rate I'll break."
10991
10992Slender legs are wrapped around my waist, voluptuous hills are pushed on my face.
10993
10994"Co-Core Two."
10995"Master, Master, Master."
10996
10997I pat Core Two who seeks me maddeningly.
10998
10999"""GUILTY"""
11000
11001Arisa and Mia separate Core Two away from me.
11002
11003"Master, Master, Master."
11004
11005Core Two is frantically stretching her arms toward me even while being pinned by Hikaru and Lulu.
11006
11007I stare back at her bewilderingly.
11008I received Core Two's intense hug the moment I got back to the Solitary Island Palace with Unit Arrangement, thus I don't know why she's like this.
11009
11010"What's wrong, Core Two?"
11011"Master, Master, Master."
11012
11013Since she can't give any meaningful reply, I ask the girls for the situation while grasping her hand.
11014
11015"Do you know what this is about?"
11016"Well? We had just gathered here after pausing the sea fishing contest because the brownies told us that Core Two seemed strange, so we don't really know."
11017"Maybe something's happening at Dejima's Dungeon?"
11018
11019Following Arisa, Hikaru gave a reasonable opinion.
11020
11021"Right, I'll go see it for a bit."
11022
11023I use Unit Arrangement to move to the <<Dungeon Room>> of Dejima's Labyrinth.
11024
11025"--What?"
11026
11027The Dungeon Core is flickering intensely, the room is basked in red and blue light.
11028
11029"Report the current situation!"
11030『Master, someone, is.』
11031
11032The Core answered intermittently.
11033
11034『From outside, i-invading, m-me.』
11035
11036Apparently, the dungeon is getting hacked.
11037The hologram window displayed by the Core shows the current information of the labyrinth.
11038
11039"It's trying to make the monsters go on a Stampede outside the labyrinth huh."
11040
11041I'm guessing so from the displayed information.
11042
11043"Oh no~?"
11044"It's a pinch-pench nanodesu."
11045
11046When I looked at the direction of the familiar voices, I saw Tama and Pochi looking up at me from my shadow.
11047When their eyes met mine, they sank down into the shadow until around the eyes with a [We got found out] expression.
11048Looks like Tama followed me here with Shadow Ferry.
11049
11050--Right then.
11051
11052"Private Tama, Private Pochi! This is an emergency mission!"
11053"Aye!"
11054"Nanodesu!"
11055
11056When I said that, the two jumped out of the shadow and waited with shupin poses.
11057
11058"Annihilate the monsters overflowing from the labyrinth's entrance!"
11059"Aye aye Sir~?"
11060"Roger nanodesu."
11061
11062I move the two to a small shrine near the labyrinth's entrance with Unit Arrangement.
11063The labyrinth and the labyrinth island are under my rule, so moving on them is an easy task.
11064
11065Alright, now the monsters have been taken care of.
11066
11067『Mas, ter, su-support, pl-easesese』
11068"Got it."
11069
11070I touch the Dungeon Core and directly connects to the Core's consciousness.
11071
11072『<<<OBEY>>>--contradict with Master's orders.』
11073
11074The state of someone's will fighting against Core flew to me.
11075It seems it's [Master] instead of [Goshujin-sama] inside Core's mind.
11076
11077『<<<OBEY>>><<<PROVIDENCE>>><<<OBEY>>>--I-I won't ob-ey.』
11078
11079Just as Core's said, the Dungeon Core seems to be under a heavy load.
11080
11081"Core, turn the one connecting from outside over to me."
11082『<<<OBEY>>><<<SUPERIOR>>><<<OBEY>>>--Yes Master.』
11083
11084After a light headache, the arrogant voices reached my mind directly.
11085A choice, [Requested by a being of higher-order. Do you want to obey?] and YES/NO, appeared in the edge of my vision.
11086Of course it'd be no, but I'm not going to choose just yet.
11087
11088This comes from some manga or anime--
11089
11090『Only people who are prepared to get hacked hack.』
11091
11092--Or so.
11093
11094It might be a bit different, but it mostly sounds like that I think.
11095I trace back the faint Magic Essence that flows in the Dragon Vein.
11096
11097It's quite far.
11098After going through several Magic Clumps, Miasma Caverns, and Sources, it's even further than those.
11099
11100It's like a cracker that attacks through several network servers.
11101
11102『<<<INSOLENCE>>><<<OBEY>>><<<TABOO>>>』
11103
11104It seems the other side sensed that they were being traced back, threatening will streamed from the source of the interference.
11105
11106It feels like the divine messages I heard in Makiwa Kingdom.
11107If I have to say it insolently, it [stinks of Gods].
11108
11109"Irritating."
11110
11111The unpleasant noise-like feeling in my mind was wiped out by that single word, and then I continue the trace with my cleared mind.
11112
11113--Selbira's Labyrinth?
11114
11115No, it's still even further.
11116
11117When I pursue that further--.
11118
11119
11120~
11121
11122
11123"It fled huh."
11124
11125The line was abruptly disconnected.
11126
11127The trace I pursued completely disappeared there.
11128The Dragon Vein or Source it used to connect was probably physically destroyed.
11129
11130『Master, thank you for your aid.』
11131"Nah, this much is nothing."
11132
11133At this rate, there's a high chance that the other labyrinths are going to be forced into doing Stampede.
11134
11135"Core, with my authority as the Dungeon Master, cut off the connection to the Dragon Vein. You're prohibited from reconnecting until I give you the permission."
11136『The connection has been cut off. 16 days remaining until Magic Essence is exhausted.』
11137
11138Fumu, I thought Core would reject me, but it's expectedly obedient.
11139
11140"What happens when you run out of the Magic Essence?"
11141『The Dungeon Core will enter Sleep Mode, all activities of the labyrinth will stop. This includes the volcanic restraint.』
11142
11143That reminds me, the labyrinth here does that eh.
11144
11145『It is possible to extend the active time to 721 days if the volcanic restraint is suspended. Would you like to suspend the volcanic restraint?』
11146"No don't."
11147
11148If the volcanic activities resumed, the labyrinth island will become uninhabitable, and it should have a big effect on the crops and fishing industry of the the nearby Dejima Island.
11149
11150I ponder a bit--.
11151
11152"I'll bring Magic Essence from another place with Space Magic. It's a bit thick, and the flow rate is strong, but endure it."
11153『Yes Master』
11154
11155Please, stop mixing shyness in your thought when you have that synthetic voice.
11156
11157I connect to the Magic Essence convergent in the Elemental Stone Refinery in the Void Sky with space magic and pour it to the Dungeon Core straight.
11158
11159『Master, amazing, Master, Master, be gentler, Master, I'm breaking, Master.』
11160
11161When I heard the entreating coquettish voice of Core, I understood that Core and Core Two have the same personality.
11162The voice stir up my sadistic side, but I'd feel bad bullying it so I suppress the rate of flow to half.
11163
11164While I'm at it, I also charge the holy swords used for magic storages that I've been neglecting.
11165The amount of Magic Essence is plentiful in exchange of the slower flow rate, so I charge 100 holy swords at once.
11166
11167It has become much more easier to do it than when I was charging with my own hands.
11168Thanks to that I forgot to recharge though.
11169
11170"Finished~?"
11171"Mission Complete nanodesu."
11172
11173Tama and Pochi came back just when I started the magic charging.
11174
11175"Little meat~?"
11176"The monsters here are all kananomo, it's no joy nodesu."
11177
11178Kananomo? Did she mean Kanamono (metal utensils)?
11179Certainly, most of them are golems and monsters with no substances, there's only a few that are edible.
11180
11181"Salamander~?"
11182"Pochi caught a Dungeon Crocodile nodesu."
11183
11184Pochi and Tama fill the room with bodies of monsters on the floor and look up at me with a "praise me" face.
11185
11186"What a big catch. Should I make hamburg steak of Dungeon Crocodile and Salamander for the lunch today?"
11187"Great~?"
11188"Pochi is very very happy nodesu!"
11189
11190When I suggested that while patting their heads, the two jumped up in joy.
11191I've made it so that Core can cut the charging connection through space magic itself, so I can leave it to charge by itself.
11192
11193"Core, cut the connection once you've charged enough magic power."
11194『Y-yes, Master, ah, Master, haahaa, Master.』
11195
11196Core's reply was amorous somehow.
11197
11198"Don't forget to contact Core Two when your magic power has been depleted to half."
11199『Yes Masteeer』
11200
11201Will it really be alright....
11202
11203I've set a method for safety just in case.
11204I suspect that Core would try to charge magic power until it broke somehow.
11205
11206
11207~
11208
11209
11210"Welcome back, Satou."
11211"Sera has requested her return from Duchy Capital."
11212
11213When I got back to the solitary island palace, the girls welcomed me with complicated faces.
11214Arisa reported in a business-like manner while averting her eyes from the object on the floor.
11215
11216Lulu's and Liza's faces are red.
11217When I look at Princess Shistina, she averts her eyes with reddened face.
11218
11219It was probably because they saw the antics of the object on the floor, Core Two who's lightly breathing with an expression like she's just done it.
11220She must have been connected to the Dungeon Core and directly received the sensation from over there.
11221
11222It seems a woman with such an appearance is still within the limit for Demon Lord Shizuka, her loose lips are just slightly loosened.
11223I'd like to believe that she doesn't have any strange thought for the girls here.
11224
11225"Mwu?"
11226
11227I pat the head of Mia who's nursing Core Two while looking like she doesn't really understand and bring everyone besides Core Two to the living room.
11228I'll leave Core Two to the experienced married brownies.
11229
11230"How was over there?"
11231"Wait, before that, I'll call Sera-san and the others back here first."
11232
11233After confirming with Sera, I called the three dispatched to the Duchy Capital back here with Unit Arrangement.
11234
11235"We're back."
11236"Good work."
11237
11238I wait for the three to sit on the sofa and continue the talk.
11239
11240"Please report your situation first."
11241"Yes, allow me to tell you the conclusion first of all. The Gods are 『Giving the divine punishment to Weasel Empire, and for the surrounding nations' sins of being negligent to monitor Weasel Empire--"
11242
11243Arisa and Hikaru began to boo when Sera got to the [sins of being negligent to monitor].
11244I agree with them, but we can't continue like this so I silence them.
11245
11246"Will be given similar punishment』, so it's said. When I asked what kind of punishment it would be, another oracle descended, 『The effect of the Blessing that holds back the monsters in one place will be annulled』."
11247"What is 『Blessing that holds back the monsters』, so I ask."
11248
11249Nana who had the same question as me asked.
11250
11251"It's a Blessing that keeps monsters from coming out of the Monster Dominions and Labyrinths through God's authority."
11252"Is that a Blessing?"
11253"Yes, it is not commonly known, but we're taught that in the Temples."
11254
11255Sera replied Arisa's question with the face of a clergywoman.
11256
11257"Isn't the Miasma density the reason why monsters don't come out of their dominions and labyrinths?"
11258"Un, the scholars from my time also postulated such thesis."
11259
11260Princess Shistina and Hikaru raised an objection at the temple's common sense.
11261
11262"T-that shouldn't be--"
11263
11264Denied of her doctrine, Sera immediately reacted and stood up.
11265
11266"Calm down, Sera-san. I don't think Sera-san is telling a lie."
11267"Satou-san."
11268
11269I calm Sera down and make her sit again.
11270
11271"I think the fact that monsters prefer places with high miasma concentration is true. However, populated areas, slums and graveyards are also places with high enough miasma concentration."
11272
11273I learned this after getting Miasma Sight skill, there were stagnated places that resembled the inside of a labyrinth.
11274
11275"Places with high miasma concentration does not always equal places with monsters, though I can't say that it's certain since undeads sometimes do appear in graveyards."
11276
11277I wait for everyone to chew the words before continuing.
11278Excluding Tama, Pochi and Lady Karina who looked sleepy from all the difficult talk, the other girls seemed to understand.
11279
11280"In other words, I think a power that attract monsters to labyrinths and magic lumps does exist."
11281
11282Leaving aside as to whether that's a God's Blessings or not--
11283
11284"And, if the Gods have some kind of mean to erase that power, there's a high chance that Stampedes will happen in various places."
11285
11286--Stampedes are certain to happen in various places.
11287
11288However, I can't confirm whether the ones who hack Dungeon Cores to cause the Stampedes are the Gods.
11289It's very gray.
11290
11291"Oh no!"
11292"Nanodesu!"
11293
11294Tama and Pochi reacted to the word Stampede and stood up on the sofa.
11295When Liza made a "Zip your mouth" gesture at them, the two quietly sat back on the sofa at the same time.
11296For some reason, they're taking the [Shellfish pose] by hugging their knees and rounding up.
11297
11298"Of course Golden Knights will deploy right?"
11299"Of course."
11300"Alrightt!"
11301
11302When I affirmed Arisa's question, she stood up on the sofa like Tama and Pochi earlier and raised her fist to the sky.
11303
11304"--Arisa."
11305"Nay nein."
11306
11307Losing to Lulu's sad line of sight, Arisa took the shellfish pose beside Tama and Pochi to reflect on her action.
11308Lady Karina looks like she wants to join in too somehow, but please hold yourself back because that's not a pose a young lady should take.
11309
11310"Now then, before the Golden Knights deployment, I want to talk about the Weasel Empire I saw."
11311
11312After I said that, everyone straightened themselves with a serious face.
11313Of course, that included the three who had become shellfish.
11314
1131515-32. The Golden Knights' Deployment, Preparation (2)
11316 
11317Satou's here. I think ending something without a fight is the best. However, I do think that's not the same as not resisting at all. It's necessary to take the appropriate actions against an opponent who invades further the more you yield.
11318
11319
11320~
11321
11322
11323"First, let's start from the most important matter. I have saved most of the general populace, reincarnated and transported people of Weasel Kingom."
11324"Thank God...."
11325
11326Sera who looked worried sighed in relief.
11327
11328"As expected of my--"
11329"Mwu."
11330"--our Master, right."
11331
11332Arisa changed her praise slightly due to Mia's dissatisfied mutter.
11333
11334Many soldiers and the privileged class who abandoned the people and escaped the cities lost their lives, but since no one asked about it, I didn't mention it.
11335
11336"All the cities in Weasel Empire besides the capital and Dejima Island have been turned into white salt by the God's Apostles, becoming ruins with no one left."
11337"You kiddin' me--"
11338
11339Except for Tama and Pochi who don't really understand, everyone becomes pale.
11340Only Arisa is composed enough to joke.
11341
11342"And, only the Temple Knights and Science Corps in the empire's capital have any kind of success in repulsing them."
11343
11344Sera reproached the people opposing God's Apostles, muttering in a low voice, "How impious....", but I decided to pretend that I didn't hear it since it was something that couldn't be helped for religious people.
11345
11346"In addition, demon lords manifested near the imperial capital and barged into the battle."
11347"But why?"
11348"--Who knows?"
11349
11350Arisa's question is natural, but I too don't know the reason why.
11351There were some reincarnated people at the places where the demon lords manifested, so I couldn't help but think that maybe they were forced to turn into demon lords by the God's Apostles.
11352They probably didn't drink Demon Lord Orb like Shin boy did in Shiga Capital when he turned into a demon lord.
11353
11354"And mysteriously, even God Zaikuon participated in that three-pronged melee."
11355"Haaaaa? But why!"
11356"I didn't ask the reason--"
11357
11358I shake my head while soothing the peevish Arisa.
11359
11360"--A wise man does not court danger, you see."
11361
11362God Zaikuon might tell me if I interviewed him directly, but it felt like I would raise a battle flag if I made some strange connection with him.
11363
11364"--That's quite true. Better not step on a tiger's tail."
11365
11366It seemed Arisa remembered the thing she said to me when I went to Weasel Empire, she nodded in consent.
11367
11368"For God Zaikuon to descend and personally deliver the Divine Punishment.... Unbelievable."
11369"You're right. My old friends said that the cost for a God to descend was extremely big, so they absolutely won't descend."
11370
11371Hikaru affirmed Sera's muttering.
11372
11373"Yes, even in the history of the temples, excepting the Invoke Deity ritual magic, the only record of the advent was 20.000 years ago during the war against the Dog-head Evil God."
11374
11375God Zaikuon should be killed by the Dragon God 30 years ago, did he not manifest in the world at that time?
11376Or is it merely because it's not written in the [History of Temples]?
11377
11378It bothers me a bit, think I'll ask about it to Aze-san when I visit Boruenan Forest later.
11379
11380The one who told me that was the female intelligence agent in Selbira the labyrinth city, but since she got the information from Zaikuon God's priest who in turn learned it from an oracle granted to a miko of another God, she probably doesn't know much more even if I ask her.
11381
11382"Then, there was probably a priest that could perform the ritual magic."
11383
11384The old Zaikuon priest I saw in the slum quarters flash on my mind.
11385
11386If I'm not mistaken, the reincarnated person who was with him called him Patriarch Bodrazog or something.
11387I checked and found that him and his sympathizers weren't among the empire people I rescued.
11388
11389--God's damnation is near! People! Pray to God, ask for mercy!
11390
11391The old priest Bodrazog was giving that sermon with flaming madness in his eyes.
11392That fanatic seemed like he was capable of sacrificing his and his followers' lives as the compensation for the God's advent.
11393
11394Well, whatever.
11395Guessing won't tell me if it's right or not, and the person concerned is already dead even if I know anyway.
11396
11397I put the subject back on track.
11398
11399"And, the weasel emperor became a demon lord and challenged God Zaikuon in order to have the final duel against the God who destroyed his country."
11400
11401I doubt that weasel emperor would fight from the front.
11402He's probably going to fight by throwing all the resources he has in hands and do all kinds of craftiness.
11403
11404"The emperor became a demon lord and battled God Zaikuon huh.... Can he win?"
11405"I think it's probably impossible."
11406
11407I shook my head at Arisa's question.
11408
11409In the first place, the Unique Skills of the emperor who became a demon lord aren't suited for battle.
11410Even if he uses it with all his wisdom, damaging the God is probably the best he could do.
11411
11412The [Self Destruct System] that the tactician prepared is probably their last hope.
11413
11414"That's the situation right now. I don't intend to interfere as long as the God doesn't target here."
11415
11416There's neither merit nor duty for me to go against the God and jeopardize my friends.
11417
11418I omitted the matter about my identity being found out by the tactician and the weasel emperor, and the true identity of Tactician Touya as Elf Sage Trazayuya.
11419I can just tell them about those matters during a chat over some tea later.
11420
11421
11422~
11423
11424
11425"Now then, let's decide on the deployment of the Golden Knights."
11426
11427I clapped my hands to reset everyone's consciousness, and began to talk about the way to prevent the Monster Stampede calamity news that Sera brought with her.
11428
11429"I'm thinking of dispatching people to Selbira City and Seryuu City which have labyrinths ahead of time, other than those places, the rescue squad will be deployed whenever we get a report from the branch offices of Echigoya Firm."
11430
11431I tell and look at the girls.
11432No one seems to object.
11433
11434"Sa-Satou-san--Me too."
11435"Of course, I want Zena-san to go to Seryuu city. Pochi will go with you with her Dragon Steed, Lyuryu, so you should be fine even if a greater demon and dungeon master come attacking."
11436
11437There are Echigoya Golem units and Zena-san's little brother, Chevalier Marientail over there, and they've thinned the labyrinth's monsters quite a bit, so deploying there a bit late should be alright.
11438
11439"I'd like to entrust Labyrinth City Selbira to Nana and Mia."
11440
11441We've also thinned the monsters there and there's a lot of combat forces like the guildmaster and the explorers.
11442There should be no real problem with Nana's defensive power and Mia's spirit magic.
11443
11444"U-um, what about Yowok Kingdom's labyrinth?"
11445
11446Lulu asked timidly.
11447
11448There's a revived labyrinth in the hometown of Lulu and Arisa that was invaded by Yowok Kingdom.
11449Even though she probably doesn't have many good memories about the place, she probably would hate it if her hometown is infringed by monsters.
11450
11451"Right. Someone should go there too. Lulu, could you go?"
11452"Y-yes!"
11453"Then, I also--"
11454"You can't Arisa, I have another duty for you."
11455
11456The duty thing is a lie.
11457
11458Arisa and Hikaru can't be deployed outside since I've acquired the information, [People who hold God's Fragment cannot go against God], in the Weasel Empire.
11459I don't know whether that's true or not, but looking at the abnormal rate of demon lord occurrence in the Weasel Empire, I feel that it's not necessarily wrong.
11460
11461I'd like to believe that they should be fine with the anti-mind attack items I made for them, but even it's fine against God's Apostles, I feel that it won't quite suffice against God.
11462
11463Besides, Lulu should be fine alone.
11464
11465Lulu demonstrates the strongest firepower at long range, but she also has the next strongest defensive equipment after Nana, can use Force Magic up until the advanced level, and has refined her self-defense skill enough to completely handle a Shiga Eight Sword.
11466She's not standing out due to her shy nature, but she's the all rounder who can fight at multiple range among Team Pendragon.
11467She's probably going to be fine alone as long as the opponent isn't a demon lord class.
11468
11469Of course, I'll be sending some brownies and accompanying Golem units with her as a support though.
11470
11471"Hikaru, please ask Tenryuu to exterminate Monster Stampede if she finds one near Fujisan Mountains later."
11472
11473I can open a gate that connects to the Heavenly Dragon Shrine and let her talk with Tenryuu from there.
11474Or maybe I should ask Arisa to connect them with her [<<World Phone Neo>>]?
11475
11476"Okay! So Arisa and me are in the house-sitting team?"
11477"Yeah, sorry, but your turn will come a bit later."
11478
11479Tenryuu and the other dragons should be able to cover the vast [Monster Domain] area along Fujisan Mountains.
11480
11481"Shizuka too--"
11482"Okay okay, let's wait for our turn while playing cards here."
11483
11484Demon lord Shizuka has the important role of extracting the [God's Fragment] from the demon lords that have occurred in various places, so she has to stay here regardless of the reason.
11485
11486The remaining ones are Liza, Tama, Lady Karina, Sera and the princess.
11487
11488"Let's change the plan for a bit--"
11489
11490At first I planned for us to wait in the Solitary Island Palace until we get a report from Echigoya Firm, but since each of them is probably worried about their hometown and places they're related to, I've decided to dispatch them to each of those places.
11491I can bring them back to this palace with Unit Arrangement anytime anyway, I'll ask Tama and Liza to be the emergency dispatch units.
11492
11493"--Karina-sama will be going to Muno Earldom which has many 『Monster Domains』 neighboring it."
11494"I-I understand! I will protect Muno Earldom with all my might."
11495
11496Lady Karina pushed her fist on her breast and accepted the order.
11497The demonic breasts are transforming, I feel like they're shooting a dangerous level of charm wave.
11498
11499『We will not forget to protect Satou-dono's and Liza-dono's posts either.』
11500"Thank you, Raka."
11501
11502An attentive [<<Intelligent Item>>] is wonderful.
11503
11504"Sera-san, please go to the Duchy Capital where the ruin of a labyrinth sleeps."
11505"Yes, this time I will protect Duchy Capital and its people whom Satou-san has saved before."
11506
11507Sera stares at me with eyes full of determination.
11508I feel like she's going to work hard alone, so I tell her not to forget to contact me before things get dangerous.
11509
11510I'm going to give [Small Light Ship] to the two to assist their movement.
11511It's a high speed dimensional airship. I leave the steering to the brownie flying squadrons.
11512
11513"Am I going to the Royal Capital?"
11514"Yes, due to the frequent disasters in Shiga Kingdom, the populace are most likely anxious. Therefore, please parade around the capital with strong looking Golem Knights to encourage the people."
11515
11516I can't let her go to the front line after all.
11517
11518"Echigoya Firm will prepare the prototype <<Hundred Throne>> that can operate a maximum of 1024 non-combative search type drone golems, please use it during the parade."
11519"My! It's the magic tool for control that Arisa back then jokingly said to appear in 『Manga』 isn't it! How very wonderful!"
11520
11521The princess who isn't really pleased with jewels and dresses gets into magic books and this kind of romance hard.
11522
11523The prototype is quite big, so a small airship will carry it.
11524Since the princess's room is big and the floor is sturdy, it should be able to hold the throne.
11525
11526In addition, I asked her to search for enemies around the capital after the parade.
11527
11528"What about Tama~?"
11529
11530Tama asked with a worried look.
11531
11532"Tama will wait with Liza for now okay."
11533"Aye~"
11534
11535I pat the disappointed Tama's head and nod at Liza.
11536
11537"Don't worry, Your turn will come soon enough."
11538"Aye!"
11539"Yes, Master."
11540
11541I went to Boruenan Forest while everyone was preparing for their dispatch.
11542
11543
11544~
11545
11546
11547"Aze, long time no see."
11548"Satou"
11549
11550Having come to the tree house in Boruenan Forest, I felt happy when I saw my beloved.
11551I gently embrace her and get healed by her warmth.
11552
11553"Satou-san. Please reserve such a shameful act for when you've gained divinity."
11554"Hello Lua-san."
11555
11556If it comes to this, I should've left it at that when Tactician Touya accused me of being God Zaikuon.
11557
11558--Wait, I can't.
11559
11560It'll just get found out immediately.
11561
11562I separate myself and then Aze-san stares at me as if she's steeled herself.
11563
11564"I really shouldn't tell you this, but just a little while ago we got a notice from Gods during the Sacred Tree Meeting."
11565
11566Sacred Tree meeting is a meeting where the representative high elves from each World Trees in the world gather.
11567
11568"It was a notice about the execution of Divine Punishment toward Weaselkin Empire and.... and the absolvement of Demon God's blessings in the monster domains and the labyrinths in the whole world. And we were warned not to tell this and not to give support to the king of every country....."
11569
11570I see, so that's why there wasn't any contact from Boruenan Forest to the Solitary Island Palace at all.
11571
11572"Dispatching Light Ships too, giving information too, everything has been banned."
11573"Then, should I return the Brownies dispatched at the Solitary Island Palace too?"
11574"No, only the elves were prohibited. We can't put up words for you, but spriggans and leprechauns who are good at fight, and also trolls--"
11575
11576I put a finger on Aze-san's lip.
11577I'd be happy for reinforcement, but I want to avoid worsening Aze-san's position.
11578
11579It seems she's barely ever interacted with Gods, but they're still acquaintances for hundreds millions of years after all.
11580
11581"Having the brownies there are quite enough."
11582"But, those children are not good at fighting."
11583"Fighting isn't the only thing needed. The girls can fight with all their power on the front line precisely because of the brownies' support."
11584
11585It'll troublesome in various ways if the brownies aren't there.
11586Putting aside cooking, we've left the brownies to do washing, bedmaking and taking care of the garden after all.
11587
11588
11589~
11590
11591
11592"I'm not sure if Aze knows--"
11593
11594I asked about the information I heard from the female intelligence agent of Selbira City, "God Zaikuon incurred the Dragon God's anger and was killed 30 years ago."
11595
11596"Yes, that's the truth."
11597"Do you know where he was killed?"
11598"It's probably at the Dragon's Valley or a Sanctuary somewhere?"
11599
11600Looks like Aze-san doesn't know where he was killed either.
11601
11602"By Sanctuary, do you mean the same place as the one in the Duchy Capital's Tenion Temple?"
11603"It's a place made from a torn part of the God World where the seven pillar Gods are living. I think it's similar to the 『Another World (Sub-space)』 Satou showed me before? I have never been there but from what I heard from high elves who had visited there, it was a wonderful place filled with pure air and thick divinity."
11604
11605I see, so they fought in an <<Instant Battlefield>>-like place similar to the temporary battle area in games.
11606It must be a place where they can fight with full power without affecting other places.
11607
11608Right, lastly I have to tell them about Trazayuya-shi.
11609
11610I ask them to call Mia's mother, which is also Trazayuya-shi's daughter, Lilinatoa-san.
11611
11612"It's been a while Satou-san. Been awhile! Is Mia healthy? She must healthy right."
11613"Yes, she's very healthy."
11614
11615I greet Lilinatoa-san who's in contrast with the taciturn Mia and then get to the subject once I clear my throat with some tea.
11616
11617"--Toya was?"
11618"Yes, he was living as the tactician of Weasel Empire known as Touya."
11619"....I see."
11620
11621Lilinatoa-san casted her eyes down while talking in a short sentence similar to Mia.
11622She probably also knows that Divine Punishment has befallen Weasel Empire.
11623
11624"Thank you for telling me. My gratitude for you."
11625
11626Her smile looks forced, but I'll leave the consoling role to her husband, Lamisauya-shi.
11627
11628"Have you told Giril and Dohar?"
11629"No, I have yet to."
11630"Then I'll go tell Giril who's in Boruenan Forest myself."
11631
11632I thanked Aze-san for the offer and left Boruenan forest.
11633
11634I also have to tell Elder Dohar in Bolhart city, but they probably don't have the leeway to have a reminiscent talk right now either, I'll talk to him later.
11635
11636When I got back to the Solitary Island Palace, a report from Echigoya Firm informed us of the Monster Stampedes.
11637
11638"It's growing tense."
11639"You're right--"
11640
11641I ponder for a bit.
11642
11643"--Everyone, listen to me."
11644
11645It might be difficult to keep the secret while fighting this time.
11646Although there's no need to actively proclaim it, you don't need to worry about getting found out.
11647
11648So I tell the girls.
11649
11650"Is that alright?"
11651"Yea, if you worry about it and end up forsaking a life you could have saved, you'll be regretting it forever right?"
11652"Un, that's true but--"
11653
11654Arisa probably wants to say that it'll make the sightseeing tour harder.
11655
11656"It's alright. We can use illusion during the tour and we can visit anywhere without problem by disguising ourselves."
11657
11658It's been proven when we visited Weasel Empire in animal costumes.
11659
11660I look at everyone and say.
11661
11662"Now, it's time for the Golden Knights' deployment."
11663
11664I send the girls clad in silver and golden glittering armors one after another to the battlefields.
11665
11666At this time, even though I had noticed the contradiction between, the thing little girl in painting told me, "Divine Punishment can't happen unless all the seven Gods who arrived riding on the world trees assembled." and the story about Divine Punishment I learned from the weasel emperor and the slates--I didn't realize the significance of that--.
11667
11668I only learned about that a little bit later.
11669
11670--At the day Weasel Empire disappeared from this continent.
11671
1167215-33. The Golden Knights' Deployment (1)
11673 
11674※It's not from Satou's POV this time
11675
11676"Ou, ye finished too?"
11677"Yaaas, got me some ee-edamame, gonna share 'em with others later."
11678"Thank ye. Got some smoked cheese in our home, take 'em with ya."
11679"Lookin' forward to 'em."
11680
11681The villagers are having a carefree conversation.
11682
11683This place is one of the mountains north of Shiga Kingdom that goes to the Fujisan Mountains, in the territory of Earl Muno.
11684One of the villages governed by Viceroy Brighton of Muno Earldom.
11685
11686"Imma go to the city to sell some cheese, you selling too?"
11687"Gonna sell some dried fig. Ther' popular cos they said the viceroy's wife likes it."
11688"Lina-sama ain't the wife of viceroy-sama they said y'know."
11689"Was that a'ight? Ain't she gonna marry him once she got old enough?"
11690"Ya, she's pretty 'fter all, an' they said she's a daughter of some upper noble-sama."
11691
11692Since Viceroy Brighton is often absent, the daughter of Viscount Emline, Lina Emlin is working as a magistrate in viceroy's place.
11693At first she was just a figurehead, but now she's shown her quick-wittedness, she can govern as a viceroy with no problem.
11694
11695It's a pity that this fact is rarely passed on to the viceroy, Viscount Pendragon.
11696
11697Their carefree life was disturbed by the God's Divine Messages.
11698Monsters that rarely show themselves began to attack the villages one after another.
11699
11700However, there is no damage to the villagers and the domestic animals.
11701
11702"Dog God-sama, thank yee."
11703"Cat God-sama too, thank ya."
11704
11705The golems protecting the villages took care of the coming monsters, many villages held meat festivals for revering.
11706The people call and worship the golems as Gods, and the viceroy as Great God.
11707
11708The Gods are seeking prayers by way of Divine Punishment, but it seems the people in this territory are far detached from that.
11709
11710
11711~
11712
11713
11714"KARI--err, KUNGFU KIIIIIIIICK!"
11715
11716The kungfu kick of a silver knight sank into the torso of a Hydra that attacked Muno City.
11717A four headed snake attacks the silver knight who's stopped moving.
11718
11719Looks like she has successfully sealed her original technique name, [Karina Kick], thanks to the repeated special trainings.
11720
11721"Impertinent, desuwa!"
11722
11723The silver knight jumps off the torso and then does a rotating kick with her hands on the ground, mowing down the snake heads.
11724Another head grew back on the stump of the cut neck.
11725
11726"Pochi and Tama would be happy if they're here desuwa."
11727
11728She's sure that they would happily say, "Unlimited meat~?", "All you can eat nanodesu."
11729
11730『Silver Kungfu! Don't let your guard down! The tail is coming.』
11731
11732The deadly poisonous tail attacked the Silver Knight like a spear, but a scale-like light appeared in front of the knight right before it hit and stopped the tail.
11733
11734It was an act that would expose the identity of Silver Knight Kungfu if there were people who saw it, but her special characteristic in the form of her breasts are already too pressing obvious, it just feels too little too late instead.
11735
11736"Kungfu Spiral Punch!"
11737
11738Whirlpool of blue light appears on Silver Knight Kungfu's arms, every time her fists gouge the hydra's torso, its tissue is destroyed such that its regeneration can't keep up.
11739The huge hydra used up all its strength before long, becoming a corpse in front of Muno City's gate.
11740
11741The army of Muno Earldom is favorably fighting against the other monsters.
11742
11743While no small feats were attributed to Chevalier Zotol for reorganizing the territorial army and the vice-captain Chevalier Hauto's commands, it's mostly thanks to the magic cannons and improved fire wands supplied by Echigoya Firm and the upgraded equipment and magic swords the soldiers carry.
11744
11745"Next, it's just cleaning up the remnants right?"
11746
11747A small dimensional airship that looks like a miniaturized light ship appears from the gap in space in front of the muttering Silver Knight Kungfu.
11748
11749"Good work. Silver Kungfu-sama. We're going to the next battlefield, so please get on."
11750
11751A small pilot peeking from the hatch prompted Silver Knight Kungfu.
11752The pilot is a brownie wearing futuristic-looking flight uniform.
11753
11754
11755~
11756
11757
11758"Good work, Karina-sama."
11759"T-thank you, desuwa."
11760
11761In front of the Silver Knight Kungfu--Karina who was resting in the living room of the Solitary Island Palace, her loved one presented her with some sweet yellow orange juice.
11762
11763"How was Muno City?"
11764"Y-Yes, I defeated them with no problem."
11765
11766Satou's line of sight was directed toward the silver ornament she wore.
11767
11768『The city suffers no big damage. Karina-dono defeated some slightly strong Hydras. We didn't meet any master of dominion class of monsters.』
11769
11770The one replying was the ornament--[<<Intelligent Item>>] Raka.
11771Raka's master, Karina is prioritizing the resupply of sugar content.
11772
11773Her bracelet made a ringing sound when he had her fill.
11774
11775"Looks like we've arrived at the next battlefield desuwa."
11776"I'll prepare many things for dinner, please be careful not to get too late okay."
11777"Yes, I'm looking forward to it!"
11778
11779While departing triumphantly, the thing in Karina's mind was probably not Satou but the dinner dishes.
11780It seems love affair still hasn't become her priority yet.
11781
11782
11783~
11784
11785
11786"Monsters! It's a dead-end here so I inform!"
11787"As expected of Nana ane-san!"
11788"Wrong so I deny. Refer to me as Golden Knight White so I recommend."
11789
11790Golden Knight White is holding back the overflowing monsters of Selbira Labyrinth by herself.
11791By all means, she's not Nana of Team Pendragon.
11792
11793"Eh, but, that way of talking is Nana nee-san's 'rite?"
11794
11795The muttering explorer was elbowed by his friend on the side.
11796
11797"Idiot. Read the mood! --Go for it! Golden Knight White."
11798"Ain't that right-- yer' awesome! Golden Knight White."
11799
11800It appears the explorers here have come to a tacit understanding.
11801And then, the explorers began to attack the stopped monsters like a surging wave.
11802
11803And, on top of a spire of the western guild--.
11804
11805"Mia-sama! Large monsters have crossed over the mountain from the Blue Territory."
11806"Mwu, Golden Knight Green."
11807"Pardon me, Mia-sama. No, Golden Knight Green-sama."
11808
11809Boys of various fairykins gave their report while pointing at the southern mountain to the small Golden Knight Green who has confirmed another monster invasion besides the labyrinth's one.
11810
11811"This is bad. Nagas and Colored Moles are coming from the northern mountain too!"
11812"Mwu, perplexity."
11813
11814North and south.
11815
11816The fairykin boys are looking pale at the prospect of a pincer attack by monsters.
11817
11818"Nn, decided--"
11819
11820Since her colleague is fully displaying her defensive capabilities below, Golden Knight Green activates a facility to assist the spirit creation while thinking that being found out poses no problem.
11821
11822"--Activate, 『Fairy Hill』"
11823
11824With Golden Knight Green at the center, rainbow colored Spirit Light is released.
11825It's the same Spirit Light her beloved emits.
11826
11827"Spirit Enchantment. ■■■■■■...."
11828
11829Golden Knight Green begins to chant while smiling satisfyingly.
11830It's the secret art of Spirit Magic--Spirit Creation spell whose use is restricted only for High Elves.
11831
11832People who have Spirit Seer skill might shed tears if they saw the unfolding scene.
11833The spire was colored by such beautiful dances of Spirit Light and Spirits.
11834
11835"....　■　■ Magic Dragon King Creation <<Create Tiamat>>"
11836
11837Tiamat that looks as if it's composed of light flies in the sky.
11838
11839"Annihilate the monsters."
11840
11841By Golden Knight Green's order, Tiamat who's circling in the sky shoots out two breaths, annihilating the monsters at each ridges of the mountains afar.
11842From the excessive ridiculous power, cold sweat stream down on the cheeks of the girl under the helmet.
11843
11844"Overkill?"
11845
11846Golden Knight Green decides not to use it on the ground and hurriedly deport Tiamat back.
11847
11848The battles on the ground still continue on, but Golden Knight Green who has judged that there is no turn for her begins to play a tune that rouses fighting spirit after drinking a honey-flavored magic recovery potion.
11849
11850Encouraged by the heroic music, the explorers and the labyrinth army are determined to fight the monsters.
11851
11852
11853~
11854
11855
11856"It's really peaceful."
11857"Y-yes-s, Lulu-sama."
11858"It really is, isn't it."
11859
11860Golden Knight Black, Lulu Watari is looking at the peaceful town and the revived labyrinth below.
11861For some reason, the brownies accompanying her are behaving strangely.
11862
11863"E-Echigoya Firm has confirmed that there's no sign of monster appearing from the labyrinth."
11864"The monsters there are drying up in the first place, it might be better for us to be vigilant of the monster domains instead of the revived labyrinth."
11865
11866The brownies who came with her on an airship disclosed the newly acquired information beside Lulu.
11867
11868"Monsters-san aren't coming are they."
11869
11870Silence rules the place for a while.
11871I wonder what's wrong, Lulu cutely tilts her head.
11872
11873After looking at each others, one of the brownie begins to talk after readying itself.
11874
11875"No no no, that's cause Lulu-sama shot them all down even before they came into view!"
11876
11877Since awhile ago, Lulu has been tepidly sniping down every wyverns and serpents who showed themselves from behind the mountain with her Accelerated Gun.
11878She did it so naturally one might have misunderstood, but frankly speaking, it's pretty much a superhuman feat.
11879
11880The pace is so high even the 20 gargoyles working to gather the dropped materials can't keep up with it.
11881
11882Lulu contemplated for a while, but unable to quite comprehend the issue, she repeats the same words from earlier.
11883
11884"It's really peaceful."
11885"Yes, you're absolutely right."
11886
11887It must be can't be helped for the brownies' tones to sound slightly stiff.
11888
11889
11890~
11891
11892
11893"Invitation to a tea party?"
11894"Yes, there is not much time until the time your highness has promised Meltina-sama and Bontenyu-sama."
11895
11896When Princess Shistina came to her private room in Shiga Kingdom's Capital from the Solitary Island Palace, a court lady who looked relieved caught her.
11897Princess Shistina pondered for a bit, and then she remembered that she had accepted an invitation to a tea party from her sister of different mother and the second queen.
11898
11899Usually Princess Shistina would have declined such an invitation, she was confounded why she accepted this one, but then she remembered that they asked her to appraise a rare magic book as a pretext so she couldn't refuse it.
11900
11901The court lady asked her if she wished to change, she said I'm fine like this and then walked to the salon where the tea party was held.
11902Court ladies and maids hurriedly chased after princess Shistina.
11903
11904"Shistina-sama, Sir Pendragon has not returned yet?"
11905"Yes, unfortunately, Satou won't come back until after he visited the countries along the course."
11906
11907Princess Shistina replied with an answer she had prepared at the expected question.
11908
11909"It's really an unusual magic book isn't it? I wonder if this is ancient language?"
11910"Yes, that appears to be the case. Perhaps the knowledgeable Sir Pendragon could read it?"
11911
11912Princess Shistina gave an evasive answer, "Well, I wonder about that? I won't know before showing this to him", even while thinking, "Satou who can even read language from the Age of Gods must be able to read this."
11913Even if she can't read it, she memorizes the characters on the title and decides to check it later.
11914
11915"Slaying a demon lord is an achievement ranking next to Ancestor King Yamato-sama."
11916"Yes, it's a great deed done without God Parion's blessing and talisman like Hero Hayato-sama's followers. "
11917"Shistina-sama has really make a wonderful gentleman hers."
11918
11919The girls who sneered at her behind her back when they heard her getting engaged to Sir Pendragon, "She's getting late married to some upstart viscount", completely ignored their own shortcoming and looked at Princess Shistina enviously.
11920
11921"Was that dress given by Sir Pendragon too?"
11922"It's so wonderful, it looks like Jade Silk, but it's even more supple and--has more mystical luster to it."
11923"It's like.... the Fairy Silk in the fairy tale."
11924
11925Princess Shistina's dress is a rare article made from Fairy Silk that only appears in fairy tales, it's the meticulous work of the forest fairy, elves and the house fairy, brownies.
11926No matter how great an authority one holds, it's something that cannot be obtained unless one prepares to part with wealth enough to buy a country.
11927
11928Just when the envious stares of the queen and the princess became unpleasant, a retainer came with a bad news informing the arrival of a crowd of monsters on the mountain.
11929
11930She was going to use this chance to escape the tea party, but unfortunately, her turn never came.
11931Her golem army didn't even need to fight the monsters, Liza and Tama who got the information from Echigoya Firm--Golden Knight Orange and Golden Knight Pink destroyed them instead.
11932
11933The traces of destruction at the actual site didn't look like they were made by people, and with many pools of blood left at it.
11934Mysteriously, not even one body of the monsters remained.
11935
11936Princess Shistina who got the information from her reconnaissance Drone Golems thought, now that we got the meat, we're having meat dishes at dinner tonight.
11937
11938
11939~
11940
11941
11942"Sera, are you feeling unwell?"
11943"Head Miko--No, Lily-sama. It's nothing."
11944
11945The two are facing each other in the Sanctuary of Tenion Temple in Duchy Capital.
11946
11947Being inside the tranquil sanctuary is enough to heal your heart.
11948However, according to the story she heard from her beloved, there's a high chance to establish a conversation with God Tenion here.
11949She can't talk carelessly here.
11950
11951"What do Gods expect from people?"
11952
11953Thus, she spun words with a safe content.
11954
11955『Gods expect for people's devoted prayers and gratitudes for their happy life--however, they have even forgotten to do such trivial things.』
11956"Lily-sama--"
11957
11958Sera was going to call Lily who suddenly spoke, but then she immediately perceived that it was the words of God Tenion through Lily and stopped herself.
11959
11960『And then, they seek greater prosperity each days, be envious of others, and finally become a slave of their desire.』
11961
11962Sensing sublime divinity from Lily, Sera's thought is filled with awe changing to revere, she couldn't even blink.
11963
11964『Why are the taboo taboo. Why do Gods who love people conduct such a merciless act. My dear Miko, gentle girl, ask your own heart, seek the answer.』
11965
11966Before long the divinity that had filled the sanctuary lapses, and she can finally regain control of her unmovable paralyzed-like body.
11967
11968"Tenion-sama--"
11969
11970While hugging the unconscious Lily, Sera held deep gratitude at the God who had personally given her troubled self a pointer.
11971
1197215-34. Golden Knights' Deployment (2), Seryuu City's Boy Knight
11973 
11974※ Not from Satou's point of view this time
11975
11976"What's wrong Yuni?"
11977"Martha-san, would Seryuu city be alright?"
11978"Priest-sama said the bad ones are the weaselkin right? Nothing to do with us."
11979
11980The maid little girl and the inn lady's daughter are having such conversations at the Gate Inn of Seryuu City.
11981
11982Even the people who gathered at the temples to seek salvation right after the God's Divine Messages have returned to their daily life.
11983Outwardly at least--.
11984
11985
11986~
11987
11988
11989"Get out of Seryuu City demi-humans!"
11990"Go away!"
11991
11992An act of barbarism that would make any sensible person frowns is being carried out in one of the vacant lands inside the city.
11993
11994Brats dressed in good clothes are throwing stones at demi-human children.
11995Many stones missed their target, but several of the ones thrown by older boys hit theirs.
11996
11997"P-pleass, sthop"
11998"I'm sohryy"
11999"Plese"
12000
12001Neither the fast dogkin, the agile catkin, nor the smart weaselkin could defy the [Don't move from there] order of their master, asking for mercy was all they could do.
12002
12003It's an ugly scene that would make decent human beings feel sick, but it appears to be a pleasant entertainment for the humans here.
12004
12005Of course, not all the people in Seryuu City regards this is an entertainment.
12006
12007"What are you doing! Cease at once!"
12008
12009A beautiful girl showed herself up from a carriage parked at the side of the road.
12010With her long blond hair, her strong-willed blue eyes filled with dignity of a noble are glaring at the people participating in the ugly festival in the park.
12011
12012"The woman over there, are you a government official? Earl Seryuu should have given a direction not to abuse beast people pointlessly."
12013
12014The earl has prohibited owners of beastkin slaves inside the city from abusing them because he has a dealing with the influential Viscount Pendragon who has beastkin slaves.
12015It seems the fact that Viscount Pendragon's cooperation is crucial in order to put the management of Seryuu City's labyrinth on track is not divulged to the low class government officials.
12016
12017"This is a filthy place. It's not a place some great priestess-sama should come."
12018
12019For the female official who's aware of her declining beauty, a fresh young girl accompanied by a handsome knight is an object of envy.
12020
12021Due to her uncontrollable envy, the female government official spout out words to drive the girl away.
12022
12023"Do you mean to say that you don't intend to obey Earl Seryuu's decree?"
12024"Did you hear otherwise?"
12025
12026The girl raised her brows in anger at that answer.
12027Because that was equivalent to rebelling against the lord.
12028
12029It'd be a different story if she were one of the ignorant populace, but it's absolutely intolerable for someone who gets their payroll from the lord.
12030
12031"Sir Marientail, cut down this official. I have confirmed that she's clearly rebelling against the earl."
12032
12033The girl gave a merciless order to her accompanying boy knight.
12034A slight anguish floated on the boy knight's face that looks similar to his big sister's, Zena Marientail.
12035
12036"Auna-sama, are you sure about this?"
12037"It doesn't matter. A fool who can't abide her lord cannot be anything but harm."
12038
12039A cold smile shows up on the beautiful girl's face, she mutters, "This is my mercy."
12040It seems there is no one here who's aware that Auna is the name of Earl Seryuu's daughter.
12041
12042"Besides, if we arrest her here, her whole family will be executed."
12043
12044The boy who knows the depth of the girl's compassion and her inflexible nobility draws his sword.
12045Pale blue light twinkles on the sword's surface.
12046
12047"Be at ease, it will be painless. Are the people over there your friends? I've to execute them along with you if they are?"
12048"N-no, I'm not."
12049"Me neither."
12050"M-me too, I'm not."
12051
12052The boy knight let the scurrying men in the vacant lot go, but he acted when the boys who were throwing stones tried to do the same.
12053
12054"Whoops there, I can't let you kids go just like that."
12055
12056The boy knight goes around and cut in in front of the children using Flickering Movement and then he drops his fist on them.
12057
12058The person himself intended it to be a light punishment, but due to his tempered body from the level ups in short term, his version of [light] didn't seem to be light at all.
12059The kids are groaning in agony on top of the grass in the vacant land.
12060
12061The boy knight looked a bit awkward at first, but then he turned serious when his ears caught the shrill noise from the [Bone Conduction Alarm].
12062
12063"Auna-sama!"
12064"Looks like it has begun."
12065"Yes."
12066
12067Auna understood that an unprecedented crisis has befallen Seryuu City from the short exchange with the boy.
12068
12069"It cannot be helped. We will have to end our tryst."
12070"T-tryst?"
12071
12072The boy knight's face reddened at Auna's joke.
12073It's an innocent scene between a boy and a girl, but it appears the Gods of this world aren't kind enough to allow that.
12074
12075Black particles extending to the sky can be seen at the direction of the labyrinth.
12076
12077"It seems the labyrinth monsters are overflowing outside. Go Knight Marientail. As for me, I will accomplish the role that's been assigned to me."
12078"Yes, Auna-sama!"
12079
12080The boy runs through alleys with speed of wind.
12081Was there anyone who noticed that he looked like her big sister during the initial appearance of the labyrinth?
12082
12083"I wish to City Core. With my Authority as the nobility of Seryuu, cancel the contracts of these people."
12084『Confirmed the qualification as the nobility of Seryuu to cancel the contract.』
12085
12086When Auna spoke to the ring she took from her chest, a voice could be heard out of nowhere.
12087
12088『Canceling the contracts.』
12089
12090At the same time of that voice, blue light flows from Auna's ring and wraps the beastkin children.
12091
12092"Your healing will be at Parion Temple. Get into the carriage."
12093"Buf, canf move"
12094"Ordee, been"
12095"I've already released your slave contracts. We don't have much time, quickly move."
12096
12097The beastkin inadvertently obeyed Auna who was used to giving command, and then they raised shouts of joy when they found out the pain didn't come even though they moved.
12098
12099At the vacant lot left by the carriage and the beastkin children, the female official who narrowly escaped death timidly lifts her head.
12100
12101"She totally forgot about me.... Good grief, just who does she think--"
12102
12103The female official couldn't finish her cursing.
12104The last thing reflected on her sinking dark eyes were a gigantic camel cricket and a brutal claw that looked like the grim reaper's scythe stuck on her chest.
12105
12106
12107~
12108
12109
12110"Are you guys alright!"
12111"Marientail-sama! The labyrinth blockade has failed."
12112
12113A soldier of the territorial army with wounds all over his body answered the boy knight.
12114
12115"At first the blockade was working...."
12116
12117A part of the territorial army composed of nobles who thought the monsters coming out of the labyrinth looked weak undid a part of the blockade as they tried to score meritorious deed for themselves.
12118
12119"What happened to those guys."
12120"Their bones are over there."
12121
12122One soldier laughed with a gloomy face.
12123
12124"Marientail-sama! I'm sorry for being late. We will help the blockade here. Marientail-sama, please exterminate the monsters who have scattered in the city!"
12125"Understood. I'll leave here to you."
12126
12127The branch manager of Echigoya Firm appeared with a group of golems and was left to take care of the labyrinth's blockade.
12128
12129"Platoon commander Allison, I will entrust the command here to you. Leave the direct battles to the golems, please don't let any monster that crosses the blockade alive."
12130"Where are you going company commander?"
12131"I'm going to dispose of the monsters scattered in the city."
12132
12133Those sounded like he was abandoning his duty as a commander, but there was a reason for that.
12134
12135The boy knight's level is higher than anyone here, but his actual battle experience is shorter than anyone here.
12136Thus he decided to secede the command to the experienced platoon commander Allison, and went to do a sweeping outside.
12137
12138"Platoon Marientail will be divided into four groups. I give the right to command the groups to the noncommissioned officers. Hunt every monster you see while waiting for the reinforcement from territorial army to arrive."
12139"""Yes, commander!"""
12140
12141The four military units went on to slaughter the monsters that attacked the citizens.
12142
12143Among them--.
12144
12145"Amazing, he defeated a monster that could even defend against great axe in one blow!"
12146"Uwaah, look at that! He defeated another one."
12147"Awesome, didn't know there was a knight that strong besides Kigori-sama."
12148"Oh! How nimble! He kicked the wall to get to the roof!"
12149
12150The citizens who saw the boy knight's deeds shouted as if they were watching an action movie before their eyes.
12151
12152"But y'know, the sword of that knight-sama earlier--"
12153"You saw it too?"
12154"It really was shining blue wasn't it?"
12155
12156Such conversations continue to repeat and spread inside the city, the notion that, "Boy Knight Marentail's true identity is the 『Silver Masked Hero』" seemed as if it was true by the time the monster number had decreased.
12157
12158And then they lived happily ever after--.
12159
12160
12161~
12162
12163
12164--Would have been nice if it ended like that.
12165
12166"The holy sword would cry y'know? I advise." <TLN: It refers to itself using Wagahai (I).>
12167
12168The boy knight is facing off against a jet black demon in the open space in front of the castle.
12169
12170Moreover, two camel crickets bigger than houses are accompanying the demon on its sides.
12171
12172"One who attacked Seryuu City before--Jet Black Greater Demon."
12173"Pleasantly correct. I delighted." <TLN: The line is just as awkward in Japanese. That's just how the demon talks.>
12174
12175The greater demon draws a dark red great sword out of thin air.
12176
12177"Now let's fight. I battle."
12178
12179At the northern end of Shiga Kingdom, the boy knight's battle against despair has just begun.
12180
1218115-35. Golden Knights' Deployment (3), Little Hero
12182 
12183※Not from Satou's perspective
12184
12185"『Physical Reinforcement』, 『Herculean Strength』, 『Agility』, 『Concentration』"
12186
12187Boy Knight Marientail buffed himself using his Skills.
12188The boy knight was being wary of the greater demon as they faced against each other, but the demon only looked at the boy knight gleefully, as if it had no intention to attack at all.
12189
12190"I don't know what you're planning, but you'll regret that carelessness!"
12191『Are you ready now? I boredom.』
12192
12193The boy knight used Flickering Movement and changed his course perpendicularly when he got close to the greater demon.
12194However, the greater demon is unaffected by the feint, it keeps its gaze at the boy knight.
12195
12196The boy knight who had gotten right beside the greater demon recited the Command Word [Quick Increase], the holy sword in his hand shined and the boy's running speed increased fivefold.
12197
12198The greater demon slightly smiled at the boy's actions.
12199
12200For a greater demon, this much speed is as good as standing still.
12201The corner of the greater demon's mouth disgustingly lifted at the imagination of the boy's last moment.
12202
12203"Acceleration Formation."
12204
12205A light ring appeared in front of the boy knight, and then he explosively accelerated when he passed through it.
12206
12207It was such a speed that made even the greater demon's kinetic vision lost him.
12208Moreover, the boy knight was not aiming to attack with a powerful large slash, but a stabbing technique that made use of his speed to its fullest.
12209
12210But yet--.
12211
12212『A simple acceleration equaling constant speed? I ridicule.』
12213
12214--The boy knight which attacked at a speed that even made his outline looked blurred was intercepted by the greater demon's mere instinct.
12215
12216The boy knight was blown away by its jet black tail, bouncing while breaking the stone pavements and crashed into the bookshelves of a bookstore, stopped moving.
12217The boy knight is hidden by the broken bookshelves and piles of old books.
12218
12219『Now, entertain me more, I expect.』
12220
12221Normally, one wouldn't have lived through a counterattack of a greater demon.
12222Even if they did, they'd probably be critically injured.
12223
12224Even though that's the common sense, the greater demon's line of sight is unshakably fixed at the bookstore where the boy knight disappeared into.
12225
12226Sure enough--a blue light jumped out of the white dust.
12227
12228"WOOOOOOOOOOO!"
12229
12230Responding to the boy knight's war cry, the holy sword he holds shines blue.
12231The greater demon doesn't counter the second attack and blocks him with its dark red great sword, the clash scatters blue and red sparks around.
12232
12233『Lonesome struggle, I pity.』
12234
12235Looking down at the boy knight who's wielding the holy sword with both his hand, the greater demon's free hand swings down.
12236Its poisonous claws are wet with abominable radiance.
12237
12238"--He ain't alone!"
12239
12240A good looking man who ran past the open space with Flickering Movement slashes the greater demon with trailing red light of Magic Edge.
12241The greater demon's tail counter attacks were all handled skilfully by the blond haired good looking man.
12242
12243"Kigori-sama!"
12244"Yo, Marientail. Kept ya waiting!"
12245
12246The one who has appeared as the boy knight's reinforcement is the strongest level 40 knight, pride of Seryuu City.
12247And--.
12248
12249A huge lightning attacks the greater demon.
12250
12251"Hehe, thanks to you buying time, Lightning Geezer got to launch a serious blow."
12252"This is Rindolf-sama's Ruin Thunder."
12253
12254The thunderbolt cast by the chief magician Rindolf-shi known as Lightning Geezer made the greater demon stopped moving.
12255
12256『Numbing surprise, I delighted.』
12257
12258When the greater demon threw out its chest, its burnt skin scattered, and flawless skin appeared.
12259Even a surprise attack with advanced lightning magic is not effective against a greater demon.
12260
12261『Quickly returning the favor, I swift attack.』
12262
12263Jet black lightning released from the greater demon's horn extends toward Lightning Geezer who's on top of the castle's spire.
12264However, a wall of light that appears before the castle blocks the magic.
12265
12266--It's a defensive wall created by the City Core.
12267
12268The greater demon gleefully looks at the wall of light without minding about its attack getting blocked.
12269There are soldiers with magic cannons and fully equipped knights beyond the wall of light.
12270
12271『Amusing toys, I call.』
12272
12273The greater demon roared once and then a jet black circle was produced below it.
12274
12275"That looks bad, let's stop him Sir Marientail."
12276"Yes!"
12277
12278The two assaulted the greater demon while leaving blue and red trails of light.
12279
12280
12281~
12282
12283
12284"D-damn! It can also use its scales along with tail!"
12285"Marientail! Evade them!"
12286
12287The scales on the greater demon's body transform, attacking the boy knight's abdomen.
12288The blond man cut in there.
12289
12290"Kigori-sama!"
12291"I can block this much with Vajra Body. Don't stop your hand, stop him no matter what it takes!"
12292
12293The scales gouge the good looking man's armor and body, he's coughing blood from his mouth.
12294
12295"Yes!"
12296
12297The boy knight's effort at swinging holy swords while enduring his tears, and the desperate backing from the castle turn fruitless before long.
12298
12299『Now, succumb to despair. I recommend.』
12300
12301Various grotesque demons appeared from below the greater demon.
12302
12303Countless lesser demons and insect rider mid demons riding insect monsters are arising from the magic circle that has expanded in the open space.
12304Lesser demons with wings fly in the sky and play around by crashing down on houses.
12305
12306"It's like the gate to hell's opened."
12307
12308While spilling blood from his lips, the good looking man's dark eyes are looking at the surroundings.
12309As a top level person in the territorial army, he understands that there is no force in Seryuu Earldom that can oppose this large of an army.
12310
12311"W-we can't give up yet! Even if it's for a blink or an instant. We have to buy a bit of time!"
12312
12313The boy knight encourages the good looking man.
12314The demons are looking at the scene while smirking and laughing as if it's an interesting show.
12315
12316"--After that what then. Reinforcement from the royal family won't come. Even if they did, everything woulda been destroyed already."
12317"Wake up Kigori!"
12318
12319A hot unyielding fist shakes the resigning good looking man up.
12320
12321"It's not the kingdom's--Kuro-dono will come. Ane-sama will definitely make him move."
12322
12323A small bit of hope burns inside the good-looking man's heart with those words.
12324
12325"Kuro--the hero's follower eh."
12326
12327And then, the round two of the despairing act between demons and knights began.
12328
12329
12330~
12331
12332
12333"Martha-san, I wonder if the children at the orphanage are safe."
12334"It's alright, that place is as sturdy as a castle, knight Son-sama told me."
12335
12336In a corner of the shelter under the inn, the maid little girl, Yuni and the daughter of the innlady, Martha are diverting their anxiety with little voices.
12337The neighboring people including the inn's guests are taking shelter here.
12338
12339An especially loud thunderous sound resounds auspiciously.
12340
12341After that, the outside becomes quiet.
12342
12343"Maybe they've repelled the monsters?"
12344"Let's see for a bit."
12345"Oy! Stop!"
12346"I'm just gonna take a peek."
12347
12348One of the evacuated men shakes off the people who try to stop him, he opens the basement door and peeks outside.
12349
12350"Oy, how is it outside?"
12351
12352The man who tried to stop him seemed to be worried about outside too, he asked the man who stopped talking.
12353However, the man kept silent and then something fell down from above.
12354
12355"Ouch. What's this? It's sticky--UWAAAAAAAA"
12356
12357When the man realized that the thing he held in hands was the head of the man who peeked outside, he screamed and threw it away.
12358The corpse of the man who lost his head fell down while spraying blood.
12359
12360An even more menace comes to the basement that was dominated by scream and bellow.
12361
12362With crunching sounds, the ceiling--the inn's floor is torn off, sunlight pour in.
12363Inside that light, somethings peek in, two black rods--no, they're the feelers of a huge insect.
12364
12365The instant the feeler touched one of the men, the eye of a huge camel cricket appears in the torn ceiling and perceives everyone.
12366The feeler coils around Yuni and Martha who were in the corner of the room.
12367
12368"GYAAAAAAA, help me father, mother, help help help help."
12369"H-help--Satou-san."
12370
12371Martha and Yuni screamed, but only the inn couple dared to challenge the feeler.
12372Their desperate resistances end with them falling victims to another feeler.
12373
12374"Let go of Yuni, nanodesu!"
12375
12376A ball of light shining blue flying from afar pierces through the two feelers.
12377And then a white shadow that comes after the light ball catches the four people who were released from the feelers in the air.
12378
12379"Lyuryu! Take care of Yuni and the others nodesu."
12380
12381--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
12382
12383A small knight clad in golden armor jumped off the white dragon.
12384
12385"Sure Kill Magic Edge (Vorpala)--"
12386
12387In the middle of speaking the technique's name, the golden knight attacks the camel cricket's black body.
12388The camel cricket's defensive wall that was shining dark red was broken in an instant, the body that was harder than steel was pierced through like it was made of paper.
12389
12390"Punishment, nanodesu!"
12391
12392The golden knight's sword that burst out in the sky is emitting blue light.
12393
12394"H-hero-sama?"
12395"It's a little hero-sama."
12396
12397The people who came out of the inn spoke that unanimously when they saw the golden knight.
12398
12399--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
12400
12401The white dragon circling in the sky informed that there were new enemies closing in.
12402
12403"Lyuryu! Drop off Yuni and the others below nodesu."
12404
12405--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
12406
12407As instructed by the golden knight, the white dragon that's holding the inn family and the maid in its hand drop them down.
12408It was a soft gentle descent.
12409
12410"Are you not injured nanodesu?"
12411"Y-yes, thank you--nanodesu? B-by any chance."
12412
12413Yuni was going to guess correctly, but she stopped as the golden knight made a mouth zipper gesture.
12414Of course, Yuni didn't know a gesture from Japan's showa era, but she sensitively interpreted that it was, "Keep it a secret" and stopped talking.
12415
12416"Hero-sama, please tell us your name."
12417"Pochi's name is Golden Knight Yellow nanodesu!"
12418"Golden Knight Yellow-sama! Thank you for saving us!"
12419
12420Even though Yuni was intensely retorting inside her mind, "You said it! You said it, Pochi-chan!", she endured by smiling wryly in cold sweat.
12421And then, she spread the golden knight's false name, "Golden Knight Yellow" at the surrounding with an especially loud voice.
12422
12423She's quiet the worrywart little girl.
12424
12425"Did the others not come?"
12426"Zena went to the labyrinth nodesu. Pochi will go over there with Lyuryu to defeat the demon nodesuyo."
12427"So you've come to defeat the demon! Golden Knight Yellow-sama!"
12428
12429Even while having headache at her friend's verbal slip, she conveyed the golden knight's actions to the surrounding people.
12430The admirable effort of Yuni who was gasping for breath didn't reach the natural airhead golden knight, it was over with her tilting her head cutely.
12431
12432"Then, here it goes! Pochi will bring the souvenirs when she comes with Master nodesu!"
12433
12434Yuni waves back at her friend who left while waving.
12435
12436"Thank you for your covering, Yuni-chan."
12437"Eh, Satou--"
12438
12439She looked at the familiar voice, but the one over there was an unfamiliar face.
12440However, the gentle pat on Yuni's head is of his from her memories.
12441
12442"Yes, please stay normally next time."
12443"Right. We'll definitely do that."
12444
12445That mysterious person gathered the people, created an underground shelter with earth magic and put up a powerful barrier.
12446It was such a splendid barrier whose sturdiness could be perceived even by untrained eyes that they could believe him when he guaranteed that even demon lords couldn't break it.
12447
12448
12449~
12450
12451
12452『Is it over? I dissatisfied.』
12453
12454The holy sword held by the rough breathing boy knight has lost its blue luster, the female magic soldiers he's protecting behind him have also used up all their magic power they can't even move.
12455The only one that can use magic now is a female wind magician.
12456
12457The good looking knight Kigori who fought together with him has  also left the stage with big injury, Garleon temple head Nebinen is desperately trying to save his life with healing magic behind a destroyed house.
12458
12459".... ■■■■ Air Hammer"
12460
12461The wind magic shot by the girl who has prepared to die vanishes without even reaching the greater demon.
12462
12463『Composition too soft. I grading.』
12464
12465The greater demon is looking down at the despairing girl, who puts both her hands on the ground, with eyes filled with joy.
12466People's despair and fear are a feast for demons like them.
12467
12468In order to enjoy that, they continuously torment their opponents while leaving them alive.
12469
12470"....　■■ Air Hammer"
12471
12472A silver knight appearing in the sky casted a chant-shortened accelerated wind magic.
12473The magic that should have resulted the same like earlier reached the greater demon, showing enough power to make it step back several steps.
12474
12475"<<DANCE>> Wind Stiletto!"
12476
12477Receiving the same Holy Verse as the holy sword of kingdom's defense Claiomh Solais, seven stilettos released from the silver knight's hands are dancing in the sky while letting off clear sounds.
12478They attack the greater demon like birds of prey while creating blue trails of light.
12479
12480『Are you a pupil of Ancestor King Yamato? I delighted.』
12481
12482The greater demon gleefully handles every blades which attack like a skilled swordsman each.
12483
12484"<<CLAD>> Wind Stiletto!"
12485『Two Holy Verses? I astonished.』
12486
12487Holy Verse is one per one.
12488That's an absolute rule that even applies to the divine gift holy swords.
12489
12490However, the black haired boy who made the stiletto will laugh it off if he hears that.
12491That difficulty is only a matter of putting several circuits in parallel.
12492
12493The invisible vacuum blades spread on the stilettos are gradually cornering the greater demon.
12494
12495Yet, even so, the differences between humans and demons are obvious.
12496Even though the holy swords dancing in the sky keep making many wounds, the decisive blow is still far away.
12497
12498The silver knight begins to chant an attack magic to recover from the hopeless situation.
12499
12500『Kukakakaka, suffer by the poison in the black blood. I pleased.』
12501
12502The soldiers who inhaled the scattered blood of the greater demon are lying on the stone pavement while coughing blood.
12503
12504Seeing that, the silver knight bites her lips under the helmet.
12505She holds down her feeling to save her coworkers by using ranged healing wind magic with her willpower.
12506
12507The thing that she should do now is to repulse the greater demon.
12508
12509And then she completed the spell up to right before the verse for the invocation.
12510The silver knight makes her next move before before chanting the last invoking verse.
12511
12512"<<APPEASE>> Wind Stiletto!"
12513
12514Receiving the third Holy Verse, the seven stilettos shined brightly--they burst open from inside and turned into blue particles.
12515
12516『It couldn't endure it? I ridicule.』
12517"Tempest"
12518
12519Without minding the ridiculing greater demon, the silver knight recited the last invoking verse of the advanced wind magic that she had reserved.
12520
12521Tempest-like wind rages with the greater demon in the center, golden trails of light appearing inside the wind shuts the greater demon inside the tempest like a cage.
12522Even the continuous attacks of its jet black arms from the inside only warped the golden cage, failing to break it.
12523
12524It's a magic made by engrafting the secret technique of spirit magic Garuda into wind magic, a magic especially made for her.
12525
12526『Kuhahaha! I pleased.』
12527
12528The vacuum blades appearing inside the golden cage inside the tempest excruciate the greater demon.
12529
12530Even with that much attacks, humans' magic isn't enough to defeat a greater demon. Normally that is--.
12531
12532Twinkling blue sparkles can be seen inside the tempest.
12533The tempest changes before long, evolving into a different magic glistening with blue sparkles.
12534
12535『You sacrificed a divine gift holy sword to defeat me! I commend.』
12536
12537The greater demon shaved by the holy swords' grains disappeared into mist inside the tempest.
12538
12539"It's thanks to magic and tools Satou-san gave me."
12540
12541The silver knight mutters at the tempest without anyone to hear her.
12542
12543A golden knight riding on a silver lesser dragon arrived beside her.
12544
12545"Zena--not, nodesu. Err, err."
12546"It's Silver Knight Air remember. Golden Knight Yellow-san."
12547"That's right nodesu! Pochi wanted to say that nodesuyo!"
12548
12549The silver knight hit her forehead with her hand, having the same feeling as Yuni earlier, but she quickly pulled herself together and heal the surrounding people with advanced wind magic.
12550
12551"Pochi and Lyuryu defeated all the other demon people nodesu."
12552"As expected."
12553
12554She said it lightly, but there aren't many people in the vast Shiga Kingdom that can defeat multiple flying mid demons in a short amount of time.
12555
12556"Demon lord hasn't appeared yet nodesu?"
12557
12558The golden knight made a dangerous remark while cutely tilting her head.
12559
12560"Yes, it should be over with this."
12561
12562If they appear that easily, people probably won't be able to live a peaceful life.
12563
12564The two who have finished emergency measures by using magic descend to the ground.
12565
12566"You've worked hard. Yukel."
12567"Ne, Ane-sama?"
12568"I'm a follower of Hero Nanashi, Silver Knight Air. I'm not your elder sister. Understand?"
12569"Yes! Ane--no, Air-dono."
12570
12571The golden knight's ear twitches as she gazes at the conversation between siblings.
12572
12573"--Someone is calling nodesu."
12574"Yellow?"
12575"Pochi will be going for a bit nodesu."
12576
12577The golden knight rides on the white dragon and flies in the sky.
12578
12579And she went to a backyard of a temple in Seryuu City.
12580
12581
12582~
12583
12584
12585『Here you are--little hero.』
12586
12587A little girl with honey colored hair is knitting corolla in the middle of a flower garden in the backyard.
12588
12589The little girl smiles unsuitably of her age.
12590
12591"Pochi is Golden Knight Yellow nanodesu. Hero is Master nanodesuyo?"
12592『No, you're a [True Hero]. Everyone just keeps it a secret.』
12593"Really nanodesu?"
12594
12595The honest golden knight who doesn't understand doubt looks as if she comprehends the little girl while tilting her head.
12596
12597『Yes, really nanodesu. That's why, I want you as hero to defeat the demon lord.』
12598"Bad demon lord nanodesu? Master told Pochi not to defeat good demon lords nodesu?"
12599
12600The battle inside the underground labyrinth with her master floated in the golden knight's mind.
12601
12602『It's a really bad weasel demon lord, so it's alright. Master will praise you if you defeat it.』
12603"Then Pochi will do her best nodesu! Pochi will call Zena now nodesu."
12604『No, you won't make it in time then. My hero is almost getting killed by the bad demon lord over there.』
12605"That's bad nanodesu."
12606
12607After saying that, the golden knights stands on her Dragon Steed's, the little girl smiles satisfyingly.
12608A smile that would have made the golden knight's friends to prepare for battle against the little girl had they were here.
12609
12610『You're going right away right?』
12611"Yes, nanodesu."
12612
12613However, the pure golden knight who doesn't understand to doubt readily consents the little girl's request.
12614
12615『I'll open the gate to the battlefield.』
12616
12617A gate that looks similar to the temple's gate is opened before the golden knight and the white dragon.
12618A huge ruin dyed in white can be seen beyond the torn space.
12619
12620『Go little hero. And save my hero.』
12621"Yes nanodesu! Pochi will work hard nodesuyo!"
12622
12623The golden knight replied cheerfully and turned toward the battlefield together with the white dragon.
12624
1262515-36. Divine Punishment (5), The Forbidden Knights
12626 
12627※Not in Satou's point of view
12628
12629"A giant of light--so the God has manifested itself!"
12630
12631When I turned toward the captain, I saw a yellow giant near the place where apostles and demon lords were fighting.
12632
12633"Liedill, evade it!"
12634
12635At the vice captain's shout, I leap forward without checking the surrounding and wrap myself in the mantle created from the rat demon lord's pelt.
12636
12637"GUWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
12638
12639I could hear the scream of a colleague behind me.
12640The city in front of me is bathed in yellow light, turning into white salt.
12641
12642"T-the Magic Eater Birds!"
12643
12644I heard Dazlim the tigerkin knight screaming.
12645The flying [Magic Eater Birds] are falling apart while leaving trails of white salt.
12646
12647"Divine punishment of the Gods huh...."
12648"That kind of cursed god, just call it evil god."
12649
12650I've never been able to get along with vice-captain who always butted head with me at every occasion, but I agree with him this time.
12651Crisis Perception that didn't act until a while ago is ringing an alarming warning.
12652
12653"--What's that shining thing?"
12654
12655From between the light peeking through the clouds, countless shining objects showed themselves up.
12656Although the outlines are vague, they look like cubes.
12657
12658"Familiars of the evil god are they!"
12659
12660They must have appeared to help the evil god.
12661
12662"They're comin' here too!"
12663"It appears they've deemed us as God's enemies--All members of 『Temple Knights』, let's show them evil god our real strength."
12664"""OU!"""
12665
12666Responding to the captain's order, everyone goes to challenge the cubes.
12667
12668"Magic swords ain't working on them eh?"
12669"My great holy sword Monofoshi Zao ain't doing good either."
12670
12671Just as my friends have said, my cherished sword feels like it's cutting water.
12672These cubes seem to be a kind of apostle too.
12673
12674"All members, I allow the use of the white sword for fighting apostles!"
12675
12676The white swords coated in dragon fang powder is restricted in their use.
12677The captain was preserving it until the fight against evil god, but he probably judged that it would have no point if we died fighting the cubes before that.
12678
12679"It's working! It's working!"
12680"Of course! They're the secret plan of His Majesty the Emperor and Tactician-dono."
12681
12682As long as we have the weapons, defeating the cubes that are only fast but bad at cooperating is easy.
12683We defeated the cubes one after another.
12684
12685Our only concern is the remaining coating of the white swords--.
12686
12687~
12688
12689
12690"Liedill! Come!"
12691
12692Lion knight Gizlem called me.
12693
12694"Sir Gizlem?"
12695"The captain has ordered for some Temple Knights to gather."
12696"But we can't leave this place...."
12697"Shut it! This is an order! Leave those cubes to Vice Captain Gwalba."
12698
12699Lion knight Gizlem caught my arm and dragged me to the gathering place.
12700
12701--The Imperial Palace?
12702
12703I was taken to the palace in the center of the whitened imperial capital.
12704There are 13 Temple Knights including me in front of the palace gate.
12705
12706"Captain! At this situation--."
12707
12708Just when the bespectacled rat knight Mobitt was going to flare up at the captain, right at that time.
12709
12710"--Wha."
12711
12712A huge purple beast broke through the palace and showed itself up. It looks like a grotesque-looking wild weasel beast.
12713The beast turned its eyes at us.
12714
12715--Scary.
12716
12717A terror enough to make me want to run away from this place immediately grasps my heart.
12718
12719"D-demon lord...."
12720
12721When I muttered that, the other knights besides the captain drew their swords.
12722A lot of the swords have already lost their white luster.
12723
12724"Restrain yourselves! You are before His Majesty's presence!"
12725
12726I can't digest the captain's words.
12727
12728"--Do you not understand?"
12729"Tactician--dono?"
12730
12731A reincarnated person who looked similar to Tactician-dono showed himself up from the palace.
12732That smooth bald Tactician-dono shouldn't be able to grow such long purple hair.
12733
12734"That is His Majesty. He has casted away his weaselkin body in order to challenge the God."
12735
12736There are certainly light of wisdom in its grotesque eyes.
12737
12738"Hear me! You have the tenacity not to lose yourself in battles."
12739
12740Urged by Tactician-dono, the captain straightened his posture and shouted out.
12741
12742"Therefore, we grant you these."
12743
12744There are several twisted dark purple horns that give off dull light on a floating plate beside the captain.
12745
12746"T-this is?"
12747"Entrusted by His Majesty, the ancient artifacts--Twisted Demon Horns."
12748
12749I can feel terrible miasma and curse from the Twisted Demon Horn.
12750
12751"If you use the Twisted Demon Horn, you can fight against the God and obtain a power that exceeds even a hero."
12752
12753Hearing that, my colleagues show a daring smile and gather in front of the twisted horns.
12754
12755"However!"
12756
12757The captain continued his words as if stopping my colleagues whose hands were reaching toward the Twisted Demonic Horns.
12758
12759"However, it requires a great compensation."
12760
12761The captain looks up at His Majesty who has turned into a beast.
12762
12763『Noble knights who seek freedom.』
12764
12765A voice tingled with mysterious reverberations are echoing in front of the palace. 
12766
12767『For the freedom of people.』
12768
12769It's unmistakably the voice of our respected Majesty.
12770
12771『To liberate mankind from its rulers.』
12772
12773His words are filled with determination and sorrow.
12774
12775『I expect you to abandon everything as a man.』
12776
12777After saying that, His Majesty turns toward the yellow giant.
12778
12779"We will not force you."
12780
12781The captain said that and took a nearby twisted horn without hesitation.
12782Seeing that, my friends also scrambled for one.
12783
12784The last remaining Twisted Demonic Horn.
12785
12786Pressured by everyone's stare, I took the last one.
12787
12788After ascertaining that, the captain pushes the Twisted Demonic Horn onto his forehead.
12789
12790"For our desire for freedom!"
12791
12792After shouting that, the captain's white fur undulate, changing into a grotesque with bubbling sounds.
12793
12794Even after seeing such a terrifying transformation, my friends only drew their breath and pushed the Twisted Demonic Horn onto their foreheads.
12795
12796"""For our desire for freedom!""""
12797
12798My friends are turning into grotesques.
12799They lost their figures as people, losing even their sense, my friends roared like a beast.
12800
12801Crunching and clanking sounds that are unthinkable coming from people reach my ears.
12802Repulsed by the excessive dread, it seemed I had dropped the Twisted Demonic Horn.
12803
12804I reach my hand at the horn in a hurry.
12805
12806However, a hand covered in white fur appearing from behind me picked up the Twisted Demonic Horn.
12807
12808"Vice Captain!"
12809
12810The owner of the white hand was the vice captain Gwalba.
12811
12812"This is mine. It's too early for you--"
12813
12814Gwalba's mouth forms a crescent shape and then he shouts, "For our desire for freedom!" out loud.
12815I had a feeling that Gwalba who had changed into a grotesque muttered faintly, "--You just stay there."
12816
12817"Go! Greater demons! Army of liberty who serve under Demon God!"
12818
12819Tactician shouted at my friends who had changed into grotesques.
12820
12821"Now is the time to break the chains and shackles called blessing of the foolish Gods!"
12822
12823The laughing Tactician looked like a devil who entices people into depravity.
12824
12825
12826~
12827
12828
12829『My good luck to them!』
12830
12831With His Majesty's blessing, light purple light rain down on my grotesque friends who have gathered around His Majesty.
12832
12833His Majesty turns his face at me.
12834
12835『Liedill, my knight. Make sure to watch the last battle of our empire until the end, and bequeath it to the future generations.』
12836"--Your Majesty?"
12837
12838His Majesty's line of sight moves to the Tactician.
12839
12840『Tactician. My gratitude for all your work so far. Return to your master.』
12841
12842His Majesty and Tactician are staring at each other.
12843
12844--Your master?
12845
12846His Majesty's words are as if--.
12847
12848"Is that so, then I will hand over the last firework (romance) to her."
12849
12850After showing a priest staff with red protuberance to His Majesty, Tactician presented it to me.
12851The thing I spontaneously received should be the magic device for [Self-Destruct] that His Majesty spoke of before.
12852
12853I reflexively accepted it but as I have to protect His Majesty's life, there is no way I activate this self-destruct device.
12854
12855"Farewell, Tarou. Building the empire with you was truly fun. I will await for good news in a faraway land."
12856
12857Tactician who had said his farewell was turning vague like a haze and then he disappeared like he was dissolved in the air.
12858Being at a loss, I can only look at the self-destruct magic device in my hand.
12859
12860『March on, my loyal knights! We will kill Zaikuon!』
12861
12862His Majesty led my grotesque friends toward the battlefield.
12863
12864I watch over their fight from the white imperial palace that has no one remaining.
12865The beautiful imperial capital gets destroyed by the storm raged from the battles, disappearing into white sandstorm.
12866
12867The empire with all its dream, hope and glory disappeared like a short-lived dream.
12868
12869Even after turning into grotesque beasts, even after devoting their loyalty to His Majesty my friends are disappearing into white mist every time they touch the yellow giant.
12870
12871Alone, by myself again.
12872
12873"Aah, please don't leave me...."
12874
12875There is no way anyone hears that mutter, the yellow giant is walking step by step toward the palace.
12876It's as if there's something that the yellow giant seeks in this palace--.
12877
12878※ This is not from Satou's perspective
12879
12880"Geez, just when I came to this backwater country to punish the weasels, the God had gone ahead and dropped the divine punishment, what's the meaning of this."
12881
12882Hero Meiko Kaname is grumbling in the noble outlook room inside the Saga Empire's battleship.
12883Handsome knights and priests who look like characters of otome games are serving around her.
12884
12885It was originally a fleet of seven battleships that were going to attack Weasel Empire's capital, but they got the God's oracle along the way and five of the ships had gone back to Saga Empire.
12886
12887"There is nothing we can do, Gods' will are beyond what us mortals can fathom."
12888"Hmph. Since we have those phone-like 『Talisman』, they could have sent a mail or something. Geez, they can't even hourensou us even though they've lived so long."
12889
12890The handsome priests had a cramp on his face hearing the hero's blasphemous remark.
12891By the way, the hero who was a junior high school student in her original world doesn't know that hourensou is an abbreviation of houkoku (report), renraku (contact) and soudan (consultation). She only somehow knows the nuance.
12892
12893"I want to ride that spaceship-like silver ship, not this dingy uncomfortable ship."
12894"We're deeply sorry. Hero-sama's guards are only good at disappointing and troubling hero-sama."
12895
12896A handsome official who looks like a puppy apologized to the hero.
12897
12898The hero's exclusive ship, [Sub-Dimensional Battleship Jules Verne] was attacked by the black greater demon, and got partially destroyed together with its maintenance dock.
12899
12900"But it's not your fault."
12901
12902She casually flapped her hand toward the apologizing official, telling him not to mind it.
12903
12904"I'd rather push this checking the divine punishment execution job to those accompanying aunties."
12905
12906A longearkin man began to play the hero's favorite tune with his lute in order to pacify the complaining hero's boredom.
12907No one beside the hero knew that it was the opening of an idol anime for girls.
12908
12909
12910~
12911
12912
12913"Your Highness Maryest, the investigation unit has returned."
12914
12915In the noble room inside another battleship accompanying the hero's, Imperial Princess Maryest who was Hero Hayato's attendant was receiving report from the captain.
12916
12917"Regarding the fallen airship that we discovered earlier--"
12918
12919Princess Maryest creased her forehead as she listened to the captain carefully.
12920
12921"I see... So there's no survivor either this time."
12922"Yes, since the bodies had all turned into salt, we couldn't retrieve their bodies nor their memento."
12923"I understand. You can withdraw."
12924"Please excuse me."
12925
12926Princess Maryest let out a heavy sigh after confirming that the captain had gone.
12927They had found many wreckages of fallen big airships and cities that had turned into salt on their way along the Weasel Empire's territory.
12928
12929And, they found no survivor in every one of them.
12930
12931"Have a drink, Mary."
12932"Rin."
12933
12934Ringrande offered a glass with red wine to her depressed-looking friend.
12935Princess Maryest inclined the glass in a disorderly manner without even enjoying the fragrance and drank the bitter red liquid in one gulp.
12936
12937"You should savor it more, it's a good wine."
12938"--You're right."
12939
12940Princess Maryest finally had a smile on her face when Ringrande chided her while smiling wryly.
12941
12942After a slight recess, they got a report of the fleet arrival at the neighborhood of the Weasel Empire's capital and the two went to the bridge.
12943
12944
12945~
12946
12947
12948"It's white.... It's as if we're still inside the cloud."
12949
12950Princess Maryest muttered blankly while overlooking the capital that had turned white from the divine punishment.
12951
12952"Mary! That!"
12953"Are those demon lords? And so many of them...."
12954"Something in the center, I don't know what that is, is fighting the demon lords. I wonder if that's the God's apostle?"
12955"It's like the Armageddon, the last battle between God and Devil, that Hayato mentioned."
12956
12957A yellow giant is fighting the demon lords clad in purple light.
12958Princess Maryest and Ringrande are in awe with the yellow giant who puts up a good fight against the demon lords these girls and Hayato desperately fought.
12959
12960"Your Highness, should we stay on the course?"
12961"No. If we just charge on ahead as is, we will only lose the hero and the fleet fruitlessly--"
12962
12963Princess Maryest shook her head at the asking captain.
12964
12965"--Retreat. It's impossible for us to intervene the fight between God and Demons."
12966
12967She implicitly says that it's suicidal for humans to plunge into that battle.
12968
12969"Mary! The flagship the hero rides on!"
12970
12971Ringrande who was looking outside the window shouted.
12972
12973"Light signals from Hero-sama's ship!　『Demon lords in sight, we will go on ahead』 it said."
12974"--That idiot!"
12975
12976Ringrande cursed hearing the signal officer.
12977It was an extremely disrespectful act against the hero, but the people in the bridge wisely chose to keep silent.
12978
12979"Maryest, you and the others retreat! I'll bring back that idiot with a rope on her neck."
12980"Wait!"
12981
12982Ringrande who was going to rush out of the bridge looked back at the door.
12983
12984"Mary, go to Shiga Kingdom! Seek Hero Nanashi and Satou's cooperation!"
12985
12986After saying that, she passed through the corridor with loud footsteps and jumped out of the emergency hatch riding on a flying wooden horse.
12987
12988"We could have called that frivolous hero back if only God Parion's talisman had been restored."
12989
12990That complaint was erased by the wind, reaching no one's ears.
12991
12992
12993~
12994
12995
12996--ＧＲＲＷＬＬＯＭＡＯＯＯＯ!
12997
12998One of the demon lords roared, invisible sound waves hit God Zaikuon.
12999Even though it was an advanced wind magic, God Zaikuon only staggered, it didn't seem like he was damaged much.
13000
13001--ＺＡＺＺＺＺＺＡＹＥＥＥ.
13002
13003On the other hand, the greater demons surrounding the God lost their limbs every time they touched the yellow light wrapping the God.
13004It was very much a one sided battle, but thanks to the protection of the [Good Luck] given to them by the emperor, it was not a fatal wound as their limbs regenerated themselves.
13005
13006Although, even though the yellow light has that much power, it doesn't seem to be able to encroach the purple light that wraps the demon lords.
13007There are five demon lords including the Great Weasel Demon Lord in this place; a foxkin demon lord with swords as his arms, a snakehead demon lord with octopus-like lower half, a tigerkin demon lord with wings on his back, and a human-shaped demon lord with ox horns.
13008
13009However, the demon lords are fighting God Zaikuon erratically, there is no coordination between them.
13010Only Sword Demon Lord appears to follow the Great Demon Lord's orders.
13011
13012--ＺＡＺＺＺＺＺＡＹＥＥＥ.
13013
13014The God's yellow light twinkles and then countless light arrows appear, attacking the roaring demon lords.
13015The light arrows pierced through the demon lords' purple light, but most of them evaded the succeeding arrows.
13016
13017--ＮＷＯＬＬＷＹＷＥＥＥＥＥ!
13018
13019The Great Weasel Demon Lord roared, then violet light wrapped the other demon lords.
13020He's using [Good Luck] Unique Skill.
13021
13022In response to that, the demon lords activated their own Unique Skills.
13023With each other Unique Skills, the demon lords that are already strong by themselves become even stronger.
13024
13025The Great Weasel Demon Lord suddenly looked up.
13026
13027『How boorish....』
13028
13029Saga Empire's battleship appeared breaking the cloud over there.
13030Apparently, the Great Weasel Demon Lord still retains his individuality even now.
13031
13032『Temple Knights, get rid of them. Yet, if they break through them, you go.』
13033『--ATYOURcommand, At yourCOMmandegozaru.』
13034
13035Sword Demon Lord nodded at the Great Demon Lord's order.
13036It seems he's losing his self after using too much Unique Skills.
13037
13038
13039~
13040
13041
13042"Why!"
13043
13044Hero Meiko shouted in anger inside the shaking ship and explosions sounds.
13045From the shaking that's clearly different from the ones up until now, fear is mixed in Hero Meiko's confident attitude.
13046
13047"The Magic Furnace at the starboard is blown! Losing propulsion!"
13048"Intruders on the starboard! It's the Temple Knights of Weasel Empire!"
13049
13050The bridge crews shouted out the report frantically.
13051
13052"That means they're defying Saga Empire's hero aren't they."
13053
13054Hero Meiko smiled ferociously as if shaking off her fear.
13055
13056"How impertinent for mere weasels."
13057
13058Hero Meiko slapped her own cheeks and stood up full of fighting spirits.
13059As if matching that timing, the bridge's door was blown up from outside.
13060
13061Four Temple Knights broke through the smoke, entering the bridge.
13062
13063"Leave this to us!"
13064"We have to show our good side to Meiko-sama."
13065
13066The hero's followers draw their swords and point them at the Temple Knights.
13067
13068However--their number is the only superiority.
13069
13070The leading Temple Knight with four arms cut up the followers' holy armor and magic armor like papers with his white sword.
13071The remaining Temple Knights infringe upon the shaking blood-vomiting followers.
13072
13073"Geez, how embarrassing. Are you guys only good for your faces?"
13074
13075While being disappointed at the cowardliness of her struggling retainers, Hero Meiko wraps herself in blue light.
13076It's the sign of the activation of Hero Meiko's Unique Skills.
13077
13078The first Unique Skill, [Unrivaled Mobility (Cannot be hit)] can evade every attacks.
13079
13080"This hero is of evasion type!"
13081"Fire a barrage with no space for evading!"
13082
13083It seems there were betrayers in Saga Empire, the Temple Knights seem to be aware of Hero Meiko's Unique Skills.
13084
13085The temple knights took the magic devices on their waists and fired a rain of fire bullets from the submachine-gun-like fire wands.
13086
13087Hero Meiko is wrapped in blue holy light once again.
13088
13089The second Unique Skill, [Foresight], accurately predicts 10 seconds to the future.
13090
13091"Useless! You can't run anywhere even if you try to predict it!"
13092
13093One of the Temple Knights shouted triumphantly.
13094Just as he's planned, it's a solid barrage with no place to escape. There's no space even on the port.
13095
13096The third Unique Skill [Infinite Arsenal (Inexhaustible Swords)] is activated, a holy sword appears out of thin air.
13097It closely resembled the holy sword the previous hero Hayato had, Arondight.
13098
13099The Temple Knights wondered if she intended to cut the barrage with the holy sword.
13100
13101"Don't make light of herooooooooooooo!"
13102
13103Hero Meiko shouted a spirited yell.
13104The barrage shot from the fire wands changed its trajectory as if it was changing it on its own.
13105
13106It must be a miracle from Hero Meiko's Unique Skill, [Unrivaled Mobility (Cannot be hit)].
13107
13108"Impossible!"
13109"Meiko Kaname, that's the name of the one that defeats you."
13110
13111Wrapped in holy light, Hero Meiko cut the Temple Knight along with his holy sword he used to defend against her in two.
13112
13113Her last Unique Skill, [Strongest Katana (Nothing cannot be Cut)] cuts everything in existence.
13114
13115The second and third Temple Knights thrust their magic swords at Hero Meiko, prepared to die together.
13116
13117"W, what?"
13118"Impossible...."
13119
13120The two's magic swords slipped through Meiko's body.
13121Betraying the Temple Knights who thought that she had changed place with an illusion, the Hero Meiko they hit cut both of them with the holy sword in her hand.
13122
13123There's not even the slightest hesitation nor mercy at the tip of her sword.
13124
13125"Hee, you're good."
13126
13127Hero Meiko muttered in admiration.
13128
13129After cutting the third one, a person who could block her sword finally appeared.
13130It's the four-armed Temple Knight who holds the white sword.
13131
13132Hero Meiko seemed to be satisfied after exchanging blows several times, she struck her holy sword at the white sword.
13133Blue and white light filled the deck, both swords broke with a clear sound.
13134
13135"You have no chance of victory now that you've lost your holy sword."
13136"Aren't you the same, your prided white sword's broken too isn't it."
13137
13138The Temple Knight picks up the holy sword and magic swords of his cohorts below him.
13139
13140"It might be not as good as Dragon Fang powder, but absurdity also dwells in this concentrated dragoon blood."
13141
13142While speaking some cryptic things, he drips red liquid in a bottle on the three swords in his hands.
13143
13144"Hmmm. Then me too."
13145
13146A new holy sword appears from the thin air of the Infinite Arsenal.
13147The holy sword this time resembles the strongest holy sword that Hero Nanashi carries, Excalibur.
13148
13149"It's such a waste that there's no eject function on this warehouse."
13150
13151The grumbling hero's holy sword exchanges blows with the three swords.
13152Red and blue light dyed the bridge, broken machinery parts grazed by the light scatter around.
13153
13154"There should be no level difference."
13155
13156The temple knight's arms has decreased by one.
13157
13158"My sword skill is also several classes above--"
13159
13160Decreased by two, and three now.
13161
13162"--And yet, why?"
13163
13164The Temple Knight who had lost one of his legs muttered frustratingly on the floor.
13165
13166"There's no way the ally of justice blessed by God Parion's protection could lose to bad guys siding with demon lords!"
13167
13168--Hero is an embodiment of absurdity.
13169
13170He recalled what Tactician Touya once said.
13171
13172"Regrettably, this is it."
13173
13174He pushes the small magic depth charge switch he got from Tactician Touya.
13175He doesn't know the meaning of the black fan shapes on yellow background mark.
13176
13177"Wha, nuke?"
13178
13179With a flash from the tactical nuke, the battleship vanishes.
13180
13181One person jumped out of the mushroom cloud.
13182The hero Meiko.
13183
13184She was able to survive from the point blank hit of an unbelievably huge explosion.
13185Although her armor is broken, her clothes are mercilessly torn, only cloths that protect her dignity as a girl remain.
13186
13187"Suicide bombing is the worss!"
13188
13189While grumbling, Hero Meiko took out a new flying shoes from her Infinite Inventory and stood mid-air, she healed her wounds using the stocked-up magic potions.
13190
13191"Or rather, it hurr too much. I thought I was gonn die."
13192
13193Normal humans would have died if they were hit by a tactical nuke at point blank.
13194
13195The only one that could survive from one such attack is probably Viscount Pendragon.
13196That is if you can put him in the same category as [Normal Humans].
13197
13198It appears she was able to narrowly escape by using her Unique Skill, [Unrivaled Mobility] in overlaps.
13199Was her articulations off because of her fear, or perhaps--.
13200
13201
13202"Now then, let's quickly beat all the demon lords. I'll rank up to the 『True Hero』 by just defeating one of the small fries, it should be easy afterwards, and expanding the difference between me and them would be the best--"
13203
13204Innumerable light balls assaulted her.
13205
13206"--Here it comes."
13207
13208Apparently, the second round has begun.
13209
13210
13211
13212~◆~　Extra　~◆~
13213
13214
13215"--Tsunami at Ganika Marquisdom's sea?"
13216"Yes, we've got a report from the branch office of Raragi Kingdom at the south sea."
13217
13218That emergency call greeted me when I had gone back to the Solitary Island Palace from Seryuu City.
13219This Raragi Kingdom is the biggest sugar producing area at the south sea, moreover, they're raising the superb cows that feed on sugarcanes, so I want to protect it at all cost.
13220
13221I open the menu to move to Echigoya Branch of Raragi Kingdom with Unit Arrangement.
13222
13223Right at that time--.
13224
13225"Wawanwaawawan, wawanwaawawan, wanwanwawan."
13226<Or alternatively, "Wowoofwooofwowoof, wowoofwooofwowoof, woofwoofwowoof.">
13227
13228--Pochi?
13229
13230I got the alarm through the dragon vein from the Raka Clone installed on Pochi's Golden Armor.
13231This voice is of the second degree, the light one.
13232
13233If it's not life-threatening, then I should save the countries that were about to be destroyed by the tsunami first.
13234
13235"Waarning~?"
13236"It's the alarm!"
13237"Arisa! Check out what's happening to Pochi!"
13238"Okaay!"
13239
13240I asked Arisa to follow up and executed the Unit Arrangement.
13241If it's a situation where it's dangerous without me, Arisa will contact me with [World Phone].
13242
13243First, I have to erase the tsunami.
13244
13245The too flashy, [<<Continental Guard>>] is the last resort, but I will use it with no hesitation if Pochi looks to be in danger.
13246
13247The dragon veins nearby will be in shortage of magic power for a bit though, so I don't want to use it thoughtlessly you see.
13248
1324915-38. Divine Punishment (7), Hero Vs Demon Lord
13250 
13251※ This is not from Satou's viewpoint
13252
13253"Here comes one, demon lord."
13254
13255Hero Meiko looks over below.
13256
13257『kiLL degozaru』
13258
13259A fox demon lord with swords as its arms makes an imposing pose while spreading its sickle-like arms.
13260<TLN: Typo'd as weasel in the previous chapter. Fox is the correct one.>
13261
13262--ＫＩＬＬＫＩＬＬＫＩＬＬ！
13263
13264With the demon lord's roar, its chest split apart and a bright red ball of light is shot toward Hero Meiko.
13265
13266"Shoot out 100 times that if you want to hit me!"
13267
13268Hero Meiko easily evaded it but the light ball suddenly turned around and pursued her sky orbit.
13269The fallen light ball hit the ground and created a white crater with a huge sound.
13270
13271"Fuhn, that's some power. But--"
13272
13273The hero's sword cuts the demon lord's sword arm.
13274
13275"There's no point if it doesn't hit."
13276
13277Hero Meiko smirks, it seems she's satisfied to be able to say a line from a famous anime.
13278
13279--ＫＩＬＲＫＩＬＬＫＩＲＬ！
13280
13281Hero Meiko wounds the rampaging demon lord one sidedly.
13282
13283"Your demon lordness is just all show isn't it. You're totally weak."
13284
13285――ＫＩＲＬＫＩＬＲＫＩＲＲ！
13286
13287The demon lord's body is wrapped in purple light.
13288
13289"Unique Skill now of all time? You should've used it from the start, this isn't a game you know."
13290
13291The demon lord attacked without reacting to the hero.
13292While leaving game-like blur effect--afterimage body doubles.
13293
13294"Geh, gross."
13295
13296Hero Meiko, with her limited vocabulary, backed away, and then she held her holy sword upward to counter it.
13297
13298It's as if she's saying that this is the way to hold Holy Sword Excalibur.
13299The purple haired little girl house-sitting in the solitary island palace would have agreed with her if she were here.
13300
13301--Dazzling holy light surrounds the hero once again.
13302
13303Far stronger light than when she used her Unique Skill up until now.
13304There's a jewel like blue crest of light on the surface of her skin if you look closely.
13305
13306"It'll be the same no matter how many times you try!"
13307
13308Just like before, she randomly evades the attack and counters by swinging her holy sword down.
13309
13310Yet--.
13311
13312"Guha"
13313
13314Hero Meiko rolled on the ground while screaming unbecoming of a girl.
13315
13316"Ouch, what're you doing to a girl."
13317
13318Blood is dripping from the huge wound on the back of Hero Meiko who's standing up unsteadily.
13319
13320"This time, it's my--"
13321
13322She's cut on the back once again, Hero Meiko fell on the ground while raising smoke of white salt.
13323Hero Meiko was literally applying salt on her wound in agony.
13324
13325The holy light that envelopes her is flickering like a broken electric spark.
13326
13327『seEmsYoucan'tEVadeATTacksoutsIDeofcognizanceDEEgozaruNA』
13328
13329Sword arm demon lord laughed loudly, saying 'it seems you can't evade attacks outside of cognizance'.
13330
13331"You spoiled it! I won't fall for the same trap."
13332
13333Hero Meiko stood up while taking an acceleration magic potion.
13334
13335Hero Meiko suddenly got close to the demon lord with Flickering Movement and unleashed a slashing attack.
13336However, it seemed she assessed something, she pulled back her sword and rolled to the side.
13337
13338『ForeSIGht DEgozarukA?　ormaYYYYYYBe just good intuitionDEgozarukA』
13339
13340It seems Hero Meiko had anticipated the reverberation of the space magic the sword arm demon lord was going to use.
13341It's the same technique the red-body demon skillfully used against Hero Nanashi once.
13342
13343『evading WIthout AttacKINg YourE CORNERed DAAEgozaru』
13344
13345The hero who evaded the demon lord's sword arm was kicked by a fox leg clad in purple light from her blind spot.
13346Hero Meiko spat out saliva mixed with salt, standing up unsteadily.
13347
13348"I have to create some distance--If I can't defeat you at close distance, I'll do it from afar."
13349
13350Hero Meiko retreated back using Flickering movement and took out countless magic cannons from her [Infinite Arsenal (Inexhaustible Swords)].
13351sure of her victory the hero grinned, then suddenly her view was blurred and the demon lord appeared right in front of her.
13352
13353"Wha--"
13354
13355The demon lord speaks to Hero Meiko who couldn't react to the abrupt development.
13356
13357『pULLed, DAAEgozaru.』
13358"Ahahaha, this, can't be real right?"
13359
13360Her hand that was going to grasp the magic cannons grasps upon empty air.
13361No wonder, as the magic cannons that have been taken out are left behind far away.
13362
13363"Geha."
13364
13365Receiving an overhead blow from behind, Hero Meiko's upper body was buried in the white salt ground.
13366Her legs above ground aren't moving at all.
13367
13368The holy light enveloping Hero Meiko finally loses its light and disappears.
13369
13370『theEND, ＤＡＡＡＡＺＥgozaru』
13371
13372The demon lord swings its sword arm.
13373
13374"....■■■■■■ Explosion!"
13375
13376Clear sounds resounded in the battlefield, an explosion wrapped up the demon lord.
13377It's a special spell of the previous hero's follower, Ringrande.
13378
13379"Even like that, she's still a Saga Empire's hero. I can't let you easily kill her."
13380
13381Her armor is broken, half of her beautiful silver hair is dirtied by red blood.
13382No one knows how she could escape the nuclear explosion, but she's by no mean only slightly wounded.
13383
13384"ＤＡＡＡＡＺＥdegozaru"
13385
13386The sword arm demon lord clad in dark purple light showed up, cutting the explosion apart.
13387
13388The sword demon lord has already lost its ability to speak recognizably.
13389
13390Ringrande continously shot [Quick Burst] that could be chanted quickly at the attacking Sword Demon Lord, but none of it hit the demon lord.
13391
13392--ＤＡＡＥＧＷＯＯＯＺＡＡＡＡＬＷ.
13393
13394She could barely protect Hero Meiko from one of its attack, let alone counterattacking.
13395She changed to space magic midway and rolled under the smoke from the explosion she created herself while carrying Hero Meiko toward the imperial capital.
13396
13397
13398~
13399
13400
13401"Aryarya? Where is this nanodesu?"
13402
13403Suddenly appearing in the sky of the Weasel Empire's capital.
13404A master and her servant came from a gate that no one noticed.
13405
13406Golden Knight Yellow and her Beast Steed, lesser dragon Lyuryu.
13407
13408"Somehow, it doesn't seem like Seryuu City nanodesuyo?"
13409
13410Golden Knight Yellow tilted her head in puzzlement.
13411She never thought that she would be led to a different place by the little girl.
13412
13413--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
13414
13415"Somehow, there's a lot of enemies nodesu."
13416
13417The white dragon inclined its wing toward the enemies.
13418
13419"Lyuryu there's a big meat over there nodesu! So many wonderful sukiyaki and hamburg steak, Pochi doesn't know what to do nodesu."
13420
13421Even when she saw the huge Great Weasel Demon Lord, the Golden Knight Yellow naught uttered fear nor awe, but appetite.
13422Is she a big-shot or is she just a glutton, no one can judge for sure.
13423
13424『--Connection Lost. GPS Signal Lost.』
13425"Armor person is saying some difficult things nodesu."
13426
13427The Raka Clone installed in the golden armor reported the lost of the connection to the Solitary Island Palace.
13428
13429"Aryarya? It doesn't connect to Master nodesuyo?"
13430
13431Since she didn't understand the situation, Golden Knight Yellow tried to contact her Master, but she was at a loss when it was impossible to make a call.
13432She hurriedly turned back, but the door she came out of had already disappeared.
13433
13434"Pochi is in trouble nodesu. But Master or Tama should quickly notice and come here nanodesuyo."
13435
13436Golden Knight Yellow muttered as if she was convincing herself.
13437
13438--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
13439
13440The white dragon reported an explosion on the ground to its master.
13441There, Ringrande was protecting Hero Meiko behind her back with her broken sword pointed toward the demon lord.
13442
13443"Some girls are being bullied by a purple monster nodesu!"
13444
13445--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
13446
13447"Armor person! Please nanodesu!
13448『Yes My Girl. Dimension Catapult Activate.』
13449
13450One flickering silver board appeared in front of each of them.
13451
13452"Lyuryu!"
13453
13454--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
13455
13456The moment both of them touched the board, they got accelerated to faster than speed of sound.
13457The two of them arrived before the sword arm demon lord and the girls, and scooped out Hero Meiko and Ringrande.
13458
13459Normally it was a speed that should be unbearable for a normal man, but it was made possible due to her master's scheme and magic knowledge, and above all, the tempered steel body of Golden Knight Yellow who played around with a lesser dragon without any equipment.
13460
13461"D-dragon?"
13462"It's Ringraden person nanodesu."
13463
13464Golden Knight Yellow called her name wrong, but Ringrande whose consciousness was hazy didn't notice it.
13465
13466『puLL, DAAEgozaru.』
13467
13468The Golden Knight Yellow who was flying in the sky above was teleported before the sword arm demon lord.
13469
13470"That was surprising nanodesu."
13471
13472Golden Knight Yellow blocked the swinging attack of the sword arm demon lord with her holy sword.
13473Blue and purple light crossed, the flash and the spark burn the surroundings.
13474
13475Cliiiink, an ear-splitting sound reverberated, Golden Knight Yellow's ears under her helmet flopped down.
13476
13477Another sword of the sword demon lord was coming behind her.
13478
13479~
13480
13481"Such attacks won't work on Pochi nodesu."
13482
13483Golden Knight Yellow turned around and blocked the attack that was coming from her blind side with the second holy sword.
13484
13485The sword she used to block it is Holy Sword Pochi--contrary to its very cute appearance with its paw-shaped guard, it's the latest original holy sword comparable to the [Divine Gift Holy Sword].
13486
13487Looks like she's still hiding her strongest fang.
13488
13489『attackOUTsideCOGnizanceWhYCOuldEvaDEgozaruna』
13490
13491Sword arm demon lord was surprised to see Golden Knight Yellow blocking its attack when her attention was robbed by the first attack.
13492
13493"It's the most basic of basic to fight against space magicians nanodesu."
13494
13495Golden Knight Yellow is looking at the sword arm demon lord with a triumphant look under her helmet.
13496Of course, even a demon lord that could freely manipulate space magic was not almighty enough to see the face under the helmet.
13497
13498Wary of the Golden Knight Yellow, the Sword Arm Demon Lord jumped back with a short-range warp, taking some distance away from her.
13499
13500"If Pochi can't do that much, Arisa will take all her desert and puddings nodesu. In this world all Yakiniku meal set is delicious nodesu."
13501
13502She said some nonsensical things midway, but Golden Knight Yellow said that quite seriously.
13503
13504--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
13505
13506The white dragon looks anxiously at the two people it's carrying.
13507
13508"Alright nodesu. Pochi wants Lyuryu to take the two to a safe place nodesu."
13509"W-wait. That's a demon lord. You absolutely can't win alone."
13510
13511Hero Meiko interrupted as she was instructing the white dragon.
13512
13513"Demon lord nanodesu? That's bad nodesu. Pochi thought that was a monster nodesuyo."
13514"I'm amazed that you survived. I guess I should say as expected of a Dragon Knight?"
13515
13516Golden Knight Yellow didn't listen to Hero Meiko.
13517
13518"Is demon lord-san a bad demon lord nanodesu? Pochi was told not to fight the good demon lord nodesu."
13519"A-are you stupid? Of course all demon lords are bad you know?"
13520"The one who says stupid is the real stupid one nodesuyo?"
13521
13522Sword Arm Demon Lord is staring at their carefree dialogue curiously.
13523
13524It seems there is no one here who is aware about the violation of a mutual non-interference verbal contract between the Weasel Emperor and the Golden Knight Yellow's master.
13525
13526After all, Golden Knight Yellow was sleeping when that was talked about, and her master didn't tell her about it after she woke up.
13527However, a God not her master is couldn't possibly guess that she, who doesn't have the mean to teleport, would be moved to the weasel empire on a far away side of the continent when he wasn't looking.
13528
13529In reality though, the weasel emperor had already broken the contract when he asked her master to help his citizens.
13530
13531"Didn't it attack just now! Only a bad demon lord comes attacking!"
13532"Is that true nanodesu?"
13533
13534Golden Knight Yellow nods at the sword demon lord.
13535
13536"Can't be helped nodesu. The way of sword is smeared with blood nodesu."
13537
13538Golden Knight Yellow muttered seriously while looking at the glittering gauntlet of her golden armor.
13539
13540"I'm going to help. I'm still a hero of Saga Empire. I won't fall behind a native hero who hasn't been given God's Authority."
13541"Then here's a healing magic potion for you nodesu."
13542
13543Hero Meiko drank the the magic potion she got from Golden Knight Yellow without any question.
13544She's a typical careless modern Japanese person who hasn't gotten accustomed to another world.
13545
13546"W-what's this?"
13547
13548Glitter effects wrap Hero Meiko, all of her wounds are healed.
13549Forget about that, even her broken articulation was restored.
13550
13551"Blood Elixir Rev. nanodesu. Any wound will be healed as long as you haven't died nodesuyo."
13552"What's with that doubtful-sounding name."
13553"Don't mind, we're in a battle nanodesu."
13554
13555Hearing Golden Knight Yellow said that, suddenly realizing it Hero Meiko turned around.
13556The sword arm demon lord is still waiting.
13557
13558『dragonUTeeeeDEGOZARU』
13559
13560Apparently, the sword arm demo lord is preoccupied with the white dragon.
13561
13562"Lyuryu, take Ringraden person to a safe place nodesu."
13563
13564--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
13565
13566The white dragon soars away with Ringrande in its hand.
13567The sword demon lord who likes dragons doesn't seem like it's going to obstruct the white dragon's flight.
13568
13569"Then, let's go nodesuyo."
13570『coming DWEEDgozaru』
13571
13572Blue light envelops the whole body of Golden Knight Yellow.
13573
13574"Eh? A Native Hero's Unique Skill?"
13575
13576Hero Meiko seems to be misunderstanding it, but the light just now is not from the usage of Unique Skill.
13577
13578"Armor person, please nanodesu."
13579『Yes My Girl. Dimension Catapult Activate.』
13580
13581A flickering silver board appeared in front of Golden Knight Yellow.
13582The same acceleration board like earlier.
13583
13584"Body double technique nanodesu!"
13585『Physical Mirror Image.』
13586
13587Golden Knight Yellow split into 64 bodies at three axis.
13588Frighteningly enough, the majority of them have mass and magic power.
13589
13590The sword demon lord who's also a space magician lies in wait for Golden Knight Yellow's attack with traps in ambush.
13591
13592"Today's sure fire technique Magic Edge Spiral Strike (Vorpal Strike) Exerion, stand by nanodesu!"
13593『Yes My Girl. Extra Mode Activate.』
13594
13595Various reinforcement magic envelop Golden Knight Yellow.
13596
13597The original name was [Extra Mode] but Golden Knight Yellow is convinced that it's [Exerion] due to a purple haired little girl's scheme.
13598The Raka Clone installed in the Golden Armor interpreted that the request was for [Extra Mode] with its fuzzy function.
13599
13600"W-what's with this reinforcement magic? Unbelievable.... How did my status became three times as high? T-this is like raising your level for several times."
13601
13602It appears Raka Clone had judged her as a comrade, Hero Meiko also got the effect of Extra Mode.
13603
13604At the surprised Hero Meiko, Golden Knight Yellow only tilted her head and that was it.
13605She probably doesn't really understand what she is surprised about.
13606
13607"Let's go nodesuyo!"
13608
13609The 64 Golden Knight Yellow who jumped to the silver board with Flickering Movement appeared before the sword demon lord in an instant.
13610
13611"Ah, stupid!"
13612
13613Golden Knight Yellow jumped into the distorted space trap that Hero Meiko evaded in the nick of time earlier.
13614The figure of Golden Knight Yellow getting stabbed by her own holy swords flashed in Hero Meiko's mind.
13615
13616The dark purple light released by the demon lord and the blue light released by Golden Knight Yellow dye the battlefield blindingly.
13617
1361815-39. Divine Punishment (8), Dog Hero Pochi
13619 
13620※This time it's not from Satou's perspective
13621
13622"Choiyaa, nanodesu!"
13623
13624Blue and purple sparks dyed the battlefield.
13625Breaking through the reverberation of the distorted space, numerous holy swords assail the demon lord's sword arms.
13626
13627Golden Knight Yellow and her split bodies unleashed a single blow on the sword demon lord, landing behind it.
13628
13629『whyＤＷＥＥＤgozaru』
13630
13631The sword demon lord sets up the reverberation traps using Space Magic that Pochi and her split bodies ignored like a trick in front of them once again.
13632
13633Her split bodies might have decreased, but there's still 47 of them remaining.
13634
13635"This much is nothing nanodesu!"
13636
13637Pochi and her split bodies accurately see through the space traps and annihilate them with their holy swords.
13638
13639『hoWＷＥＥＤgozaru』
13640"It's father bought the sacrifice of 72 pudding-sans nodesuyo."
13641
13642Pochi probably mistook [Chichikawareta (father bought)] for [Tsuchikawareta (As a result of)].
13643If this were a web novel, there's no doubt that comments correcting the typo would pour in like rain.
13644
13645The desperate struggle against the purple haired girl, Arisa and her [Game of Tag] flashed in Pochi's mind.
13646Every time she lost a fight, her snacks and puddings were mercilessly taken.
13647
13648"direct match ＤＷＥＥＤgozaru."
13649
13650The sword demon lord's arms increased to six, each arms held a different weapon.
13651
13652"Yes, nanodesu."
13653
13654Together with the 47 split bodies, she shifts to close combat against the sword demon lord.
13655It's a high speed battle that no ordinary human can see.
13656
13657The split bodies disappear one after another, but each of them damaged the sword demon lord.
13658
13659"Uwaa, I can't move well."
13660
13661Hero Meiko also wanted to participate in the battle, but she couldn't get used to her tripled stats and fell to the ground many times.
13662
13663"Ugege, watch out you."
13664
13665Hero Meiko futilely shouted while evading the raining Magic Edge Cannons and the sword demon lord's flame bullets with her Unique Skill, [Unrivaled Mobility].
13666
13667
13668~
13669
13670
13671"Uwawa, nanodesu."
13672"emperor ＤＷＥＥＤgozaru."
13673
13674The Great Demon Lord who had lost its lower body was blown to between the two who were fighting fiercely.
13675
13676"The big meat-san came nodesu."
13677
13678Pochi who had lost a lot of calorie from the high speed battle licked her lip under the helmet.
13679
13680The blown salt disappeared, the intellectual eyes of the Great Weasel Demon Lord look at Pochi from below.
13681
13682"Golden armor...."
13683"Meat-san talked nodesu!"
13684
13685Pochi was surprised.
13686
13687"Are you an attendant of Hero Nanashi?"
13688"Yes nanodesu! Pochi is Master's sword, Golden Knight Yellow nanodesu!"
13689"Is that right."
13690
13691The Great Weasel Demon Lord partly closed his eyes after hearing Pochi's answer.
13692
13693"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
13694
13695Hero Meiko wrapped in blue light is about to cut the Great Weasel Demon Lord.
13696
13697A clear sound echoed in the battlefield, purple and blue light shined on the Great Demon Lord's body.
13698The sword demon lord intercepted her holy sword.
13699
13700"Tsk, you glittering little thing over there! Hold back the sword demon lord properly!"
13701"Pochi is troubled if you tell her that nodesu. Please wait a bit nodesuyo."
13702
13703The troubled Pochi's ears flopped down under the helmet at Hero Meiko's unreasonable demand.
13704
13705"Mou, you're useless!"
13706"eliminateＤＷＥＥＤgozaru."
13707
13708Receiving fierce attacks from the sword demon lord, Hero Meiko separates away from Pochi.
13709
13710"Is weasel-san a demon lord person nodesu?"
13711"Umu, I'm the Great Weasel Demon Lord."
13712"Are you a bad demon lord nanodesu? Master told Pochi not to fight good demon lords nodesu."
13713"Like I said! Bad demon lord's friends are all bad people!"
13714
13715Hero Meiko who had come nearby interfered Pochi's question.
13716
13717"It's as that girl has said, demon lords are evil from Gods and Heroes's perspective."
13718
13719The Great Weasel Demon Lord addressed Pochi's question with a quiet voice.
13720
13721"However, good and evil depend on your viewpoint. From the perspective of people who rebel against the Gods that restrain people's growth and happiness, we are the light of hope."
13722"Hahn! No matter how many sophism you spin, you're the bad one here for breaking the rule of this world!"
13723
13724Hero Meiko shouted while fighting the sword demon lord.
13725It's as if this is an anime or manga, but her ears probably also got improved from the tripled stats.
13726
13727"killＤＷＥＥＤgozaru."
13728"YOUUUUU!"
13729
13730The sword demon lord caught up with her, and they parted away from the two again.
13731
13732"Pochi doesn't really understand if it's too difficult nodesu."
13733"I see--."
13734
13735The Great Weasel Demon Lord closed his eyes while regenerating his lower body.
13736
13737"Then let me say this. I bear no hostility towards Hero Nanashi. Although we cannot be called friends, we're like acquaintances."
13738"You know Master nodesu?　Then Pochi won't fight nodesu."
13739"Is that right, that is most excellent--it's about time."
13740
13741The Great Weasel Demon Lord turns his head.
13742His eyes were looking at the last demon lord that was blown away to the horizon as the yellow giant arrived at the center of the palace.
13743
13744The yellow giant that arrived at the ruined palace repeatedly hit the ground with both its arms.
13745
13746"It's like a child throwing a tantrum."
13747
13748The Great Weasel Demon Lord that has finished regenerating his lower body stands up.
13749
13750"What's the yellow person doing nodesu?"
13751"There is something that guy seeks below that place."
13752"A big meat nanodesu?"
13753
13754The Great Weasel Demon Lord pleasantly laughed at Pochi's words full of her appetite.
13755
13756"That guy wants only one thing. Depriving the 『Dragon's Vein Connection』 that Troll Demon Lord has."
13757"Dragon's Vein, nanodesu?"
13758
13759Pochi tilts her head, she's heard the words somewhere before.
13760
13761....Unfortunately, it seems she can't recall it.
13762
13763"It's an authority that the Dragon God had only ever given to one god; the Demon God once."
13764"That's amazing nodesu."
13765
13766The Great Demon Lord talked while putting up a mysterious air, but Pochi responded randomly with a low tension voice.
13767
13768Getting whatever response after especially talking about the secret like that, the Great Demon Lord tasted the feeling of letdown.
13769If his subordinates were to saw his slightly pitiful face, they would likely think that it was rare.
13770
13771A flash-like small light wraps the yellow giant.
13772
13773"It's coming--if you have a way to defend yourself, use it. If you don't, hide behind my body."
13774"Why nanodesu?"
13775
13776The Great Weasel Demon Lord moves to cover Pochi behind his back.
13777Apparently, he's taken a liking to the pure Pochi.
13778
13779"Explosions that will shake the earth are coming."
13780"That's terrible nanodesu!"
13781
13782It's as if Pochi's surprise was the switch as several flashes ran through center of the yellow giant--God Zaikuon, thunderous roars erased the surrounding sounds.
13783Most of the forces and the explosions were directed right above the yellow giant, but they were strong enough to blow away every salt buildings around.
13784
13785"--GWUOOOO"
13786
13787White pebbles broke through the purple light defending the Great Weasel Demon Lord, Pochi who was being covered behind him jumped to his side.
13788
13789"Weasel person is in danger nodesu!　『Phalanxusu~』」
13790
13791Pochi climbed on the giant body of the Great Weasel Demon Lord, and then she stretched her short arms and spread open the disposable defensive shield, Phalanx.
13792Even only for a short time, this can actualize the same defensive power as the later model of Castle that Golden Knight White Nana has.
13793
13794"Auch, nanodesu."
13795
13796However, the white pebbles broke through that impregnable defense.
13797It's the same white splinters that pierced through the Great Weasel Demon Lord.
13798
13799Pochi who slipped off the Great Weasel Demon Lord, flicked away a white splinter that pierced through the demon lord with holy sword Durandal.
13800
13801"Awawa, the holy sword broke nodesu."
13802"Conceal yourself behind my body obediently, there's only a few of them but those are the splinters of Dragon Fangs--the ultimate weapon that pierces even God."
13803
13804While saying that, the Great Weasel Demon Lord increased the thickness of his purple aura.
13805
13806Intermittent sounds of explosions are still continuing even now, the white Imperial Capital seen from behind the Great Weasel Demon Lord is hidden by horrible salt and soil smoke.
13807
13808"Alright then nanodesu!"
13809
13810Pochi hit on a good idea hearing the Great Weasel Demon Lord, she dropped the holy sword and put her hand inside the Golden Armor's storing pocket.
13811A white splinter that pierced through the Great Weasel Demon Lord's body was flicked away by the white sword that Pochi took out.
13812
13813"This time Pochi will protect you nodesu!"
13814
13815The Phalanx that has lost its effect disappears in front of Pochi who goes around in front of the Great Weasel Demon Lord.
13816
13817With a speed that can't be seen with naked eyes, Pochi intercepts the white buckshots that are coming flying faster than the speed of sound.
13818
13819"Don't tell me that's a Dragon Fang Sword--"
13820
13821The Great Weasel Demon Lord muttered.
13822
13823It's as he's guessed, the sword Pochi uses, Dragon Fang Sword--is a sword made from a lesser dragon fang created by the Ancient Dragon using Primeval Magic.
13824It can be said to be the completed form of the swords used by the Empire's Temple Knights.
13825
13826"Uoryaa, nanodesu."
13827
13828With spirited yells, Pochi intercepted all the shots.
13829
13830
13831~
13832
13833
13834"It didn't die even after getting hit by that directly huh...."
13835
13836The Great Weasel Demon Lord is looking at the yellow giant bending down on the ground of the imperial palace's remain.
13837Even though the yellow light has weakened like it's going to disappear, it continues to pulse as if asserting its life force.
13838
13839"We'd probably win if we had several more shots of that, but I cannot ask for too much."
13840
13841The Great Weasel Demon Lord stands up while bleeding out.
13842
13843"You shouldn't move nanodesu! You're hurt all over nodesuyo!"
13844
13845Seeing the gushing blood, Pochi rummages through the Golden Armor's pocket in panic.
13846She finally found the health recovery magic potion and generously use it on the Great Weasel Demon Lord's wounds.
13847
13848The magic potion showed its effect before long, the bleeding stopped.
13849
13850"Thank you. Little hero."
13851"Yes nanodesu. But, Pochi is not a hero, she's Golden Knight Yellow nodesuyo?"
13852"Is that so, pure one. I will carve that name on my soul, Golden Knight Yellow, Pochi."
13853
13854Pochi panicked when she heard that.
13855
13856"Pochi's name is a secret nanodesu! Being known is bad nanodesuyo."
13857
13858The Great Weasel Demon Lord laughs happily.
13859
13860"Then I will keep that name a secret. I vow to never speak of it to anyone."
13861"Thank you nanodesu."
13862
13863『ＤＡＡＡＡＺＥgozaru.』
13864
13865The sword demon lord who's bleeding all over landed beside the Great Weasel Demon Lord.
13866Only one of its six arms remains.
13867
13868"There's blood all over nanodesu.... But, there's no more magic potion nodesu."
13869
13870Pochi shoved her hand in the Golden Armor Pocket and got flustered.
13871Her figure looks like a certain panic-prone cat robot.
13872
13873"Don't worry, the bleeding has already stopped."
13874
13875The Great Weasel Demon Lord puts his giant paw on top of Pochi who's on the verge of tears.
13876
13877"Besides, I only need to give the decisive blow on that guy next."
13878
13879The gentle eyes of the Great Weasel Demon Lord sharply changed the moment they turned at the yellow giant, like he was a different person.
13880
13881"Wa it!　De mon, lord...."
13882
13883Pushing through the salt ground, Hero Meiko who looked like a ghost stood up.
13884Apparently, she also survived the attack earlier by continuously using her Unique Skill, [Unrivaled Mobility].
13885
13886However, that required a great compensation--.
13887
13888"The hero girl is in tatter nanodesu!"
13889
13890--Blue lines emerge on Hero Meiko's body, blue lights are leaking from her mouth and eyes, just like how she was before drinking Pochi's potion.
13891
13892"de, mon lord..... DEMONLOOOOOOOOORD"
13893
13894Hero Meiko screamed and then blue light are emitting furiously from the lines and holes on her body.
13895
13896"Fallen hero huh--how pitiful."
13897
13898The Great Weasel Demon Lord quietly muttered.
13899
13900"Awawa, something's bad with hero girl nanodesu."
13901
13902Pochi doesn't know what to do, and the fact that she can't ask help from her master Satou and her comrades makes her restless.
13903Even though she knows how to fight, she's still a little child who lacks experience, so it's understandable.
13904
13905"Parion's heroes won't become demon lords even if their Soul Vessel is broken."
13906
13907The Great Weasel Demon Lord gave a signal to the sword demon lord to lead Hero Meiko to the other side of the battlefield.
13908
13909"The vessel of a fallen hero is completely broken, they change into a hunting machine that will continue to hunt demon lords until they breathe their last. Any kind of healing magic no longer works on them."
13910
13911The Great Weasel Demon Lord is looking at Hero Meiko who's destroying the sword demon lord without being afraid of getting injured.
13912Pochi looks at the rampaging Hero Meiko while crying and shouting.
13913
13914"Pochi, Pochi couldn't do anything at all nodesu."
13915
13916She's exhausted all her medicines, and she can't communicate with her master and comrades.
13917Pochi was at a loss.
13918
13919That cannot be helped.
13920In a world where it's common to lose your life to the unreasonable violences, her master prioritized to make her learn the way to survive.
13921
13922Even though that sacrificed everything else, the fact that she's able to survive in a battlefield where demon lords and God are rampaging in just less than two years is a proof of the success of that objective.
13923
13924If we're talking game-like, I guess it's the result of putting all growth points toward combat-oriented abilities?
13925
13926"If you can't do anything, then do not ever forget that chagrin."
13927
13928The Great Weasel Demon Lord who's overlooking Pochi gives an advice.
13929
13930"And learn."
13931
13932With tears in the corners of her eyes, Pochi looks up at the Great Weasel Demon Lord.
13933
13934"In order to catch up with your ideal self someday...."
13935"Yes nanodesu."
13936
13937One feeling buds inside Pochi who's clenching her fists.
13938Whether that withers or grows into a great tree depends on her own will and supports from her surroundings.
13939
13940Pochi is looking up at the Great Weasel Demon Lord with eyes full of determination.
13941
13942And then--.
13943
13944As if waiting for that, the space beside Pochi broke like it was made of glass.
13945
13946And the one who emerged from there was--.
13947
1394815-40. Divine Punishment (9), Reinforcements
13949 
13950※The viewpoint will change to the later part of Weasel Empire on ~, please take note.
13951
13952Satou's here. I've always been scolded by my parents since I was small.
13953I got scolded for disobeying my parents, like playing at a dangerous river, going to a mountain and making a secret hideout, not tidying up my room, or not taking a bath quickly.
13954
13955For me who have been scolded overwhelmingly more than I scold someone, whenever I recall those days, I ponder really hard why was I that unruly.
13956I might be oblivious of it, but the current me is probably thanks to my parents and teachers who patiently kept on scolding me of those days.
13957
13958
13959~
13960
13961
13962"--Geh, the country would be destroyed before the tsunami came."
13963
13964I was shocked at the points shown on my radar when I teleported to the magic kingdom Raragi with Unit Arrangement.
13965On top of dozens of level 30-50 krakens, there's a peculiar super huge level 92 kraken called [Sea King] that covers half of the island.
13966Moreover, it seems this [Sea King] is a familiar of the [Dog-Head Demon Lord].
13967
13968I have to exterminate them fast--huh?
13969
13970For some reason, Pochi's marker is at the Weasel Empire.
13971I left her alone since there was no more considerable threats around Seryuu City, just how the heck did she end up getting to that place....
13972
13973She probably fell into a trap of a third party, but more than that, I'm surprised that there's someone else that can move that far besides me and Arisa.
13974
13975"For now, let's bring her back with Unit Arrangement."
13976
13977I open the map and check Pochi's surroundings.
13978For some reason, Pochi and her white dragon Lyuryu are not the only ones there, Lady Ringrande, Sera's big sister and Hero Meiko, Saga Empire's hero are there too.
13979Furthermore, it seems a big airship that carries Princess Maryest has landed slightly away from them.
13980
13981Since there are demon lords near them, Pochi was probably sent in to help Hero Meiko and Lady Ringrande.
13982Judging from the situation, God Parion is the most suspicious.
13983
13984I was going to confirm the situation with space magic, but then the roof of Echigoya Firm got blown away.
13985
13986"I've got to quickly clean up this side too."
13987
13988Since my skill, [Threaded Think], only splits my thinking by multi-threading instead of like having several brains at once--in short, it's only at the level of an [expert of dividing works], it's not possible for me to do several things with a large burden like searching the map and using advanced magic at once.
13989
13990『Master! It seems Pochi is outside Seryuu City!』
13991
13992Arisa reached me with [World Phone].
13993She's like a windfall, I tell her the situation.
13994
13995Meanwhile, I transform to Hero Nanashi figure and fly in the sky.
13996I lock on the krakens that come into my field of view with advanced force magic [<<Multiple Javelins>>], but the processing time is a bit slower than usual.
13997
13998『Open a gate near Pochi, and bring Liza and Tama with you to retrieve Pochi and everyone around!!』
13999『Okay, I got it!』
14000
14001Arisa willingly consented my instruction.
14002I recalled my worry hearing her somewhat high spirited voice, so I give her a warning.
14003
14004『Arisa, I think you understand already--』
14005『Of course! It's fine, leave it to me.』
14006
14007The Sea King's giant sea spear came flying during that time, so I smashed it with [Break Magic].
14008
14009--Ge geh.
14010
14011The [Giant Sea Spear] that got its structure destroyed changes into a mass of ocean water and pours down to the ground.
14012I frantically stretch [Magic Hand] and store the ocean water into my storage.
14013
14014Arisa cut off the communication during that time.
14015
14016I'm a bit worried if she's going to be okay, but let's trust Arisa here.
14017
14018I release [<<Multiple Javelin>>] that have finished locking-on.
14019Now all the enemy besides the Seas King should have died off.
14020
14021Since there's a tanned girl and a white skinned girl stuck on the Sea King's forehead, I can't eliminate it before rescuing them.
14022
14023It seems a level 82 monster called [Flame King] has invaded the neighboring country while a Roc called [Sky King] is raiding the islands of sugar road.
14024These Flame King and Sky King seem to be familiars of [Dog-head Demon Lord] just like the Sea King below me.
14025
14026Good grief, please don't leave these kinds of troublesome legacies behind.
14027
14028While evading the train-sized arms of the Sea King, I go in to save the girls on its forehead.
14029The tanned girl is of an unusual race called [Half-Ghost], while the white skinned one seems to be a [Homonculus] like Nana.
14030I hurry on to save them while averting my eyes from the demonic breasts of the tanned girl that can even compare to Lady Karina's.
14031
14032
14033
14034
14035~Weasel Empire~
14036
14037
14038"Ja-jaan! Arisa-chan arrives!"
14039
14040The one who appeared from the crack in space is a little girl donning golden armor with a red mantle.
14041It seems she doesn't have any intention of using her temporary name, Golden Knight Red.
14042
14043"Arisa! Nanodesu!"
14044"We've come to pick Pochi up!"
14045
14046The shock absorber installed on Arisa's golden armor softly received the full body hug of Pochi.
14047
14048"--Arara? The situation seems chaotic isn't it?"
14049
14050Arisa who's hugging Pochi knitted her brow looking at the surroundings.
14051
14052"Forgive me, Nanashi--"
14053
14054The Great Weasel Demon Lord who saw Arisa muttered in his mouth.
14055
14056"Little girl, look at the eastern ground."
14057
14058The Great Weasel Demon Lord pointed at the shining yellow giant.
14059
14060"--T-that's!"
14061
14062When Arisa saw the shining yellow giant, fighting spirit boiled from within her.
14063Even though she's not using her Unique Skill, her golden armor is tinged with purple phosphoresce.
14064
14065"DEMONLOOOOOOOOOOORD"
14066
14067Hero Meiko is going to attack Arisa who's overflowing with purple aura.
14068
14069"Nin nin~?"
14070
14071Golden Knight Pink, Ninja Tama appeared from Arisa's shadow and evaded Hero Meiko's slashing attack with cast-off no jutsu.
14072No one in this place questioned the origin of the slashed large tree.
14073
14074"It appears you are a hero, but if you're going to harm Golden Knight Red, we will keep you company."
14075
14076Golden Knight Orange Liza who appeared after Ninja Tama said that while taking a stance with her white dragon spear.
14077It seems the girls who have teleported to the Weasel Empire are equipped with the highest level of equipment that they've been bestowed.
14078
14079"Liza-san, please take care of that rampaging hero. I'll be that guy's opponent."
14080"--Arisa?"
14081"That guy's an enemy! I absolutely must defeat it!!"
14082
14083Arisa who was pointing at the yellow giant--God Zaikuon, raised her visor and shouted.
14084
14085"However, master ordered us to go back once we retrieved Pochi--"
14086"DEMONLOOOOOOORD."
14087
14088The two's conversation was cut off by the assaulting Hero Meiko.
14089
14090"He might be wounded all over and dying, but that guy (God Zaikuon) is strong y'know? Even demon lords banding together weren't a match for him."
14091"How cowardly. Leave that guy to me."
14092
14093Arisa grins and laughs.
14094A smile unsuited for the jovial Arisa.
14095
14096"Sorry--"
14097"It's fine, it's fine. I also remember a promise I made when I was reincarnated."
14098
14099It appears some kind of sealed memory resurfaced after she saw God Zaikuon.
14100
14101"I'll show you the things made by our cheat Master when he goes all-out."
14102
14103After saying that, Arisa flies in the sky with the support of her golden armor.
14104
14105"Storage Dimension Release! Deploy Staff Warship!"
14106『Yes My Lady. Dimension Lock Release.』
14107
14108The armor responded to Arisa and then the space behind her cracked.
14109From there, a golden staff in the shape of a spaceship appeared.
14110
14111"Main Staff, boarding."
14112『Yes My Lady. Open Canopy.』
14113
14114After Arisa said that while taking a strange pose, she disappeared before the Great Weasel Demon Lord and got on board the whole upper part of the Staff Warship that acts as a cockpit.
14115
14116"Chanting support mode, set the power to the maximum."
14117『Aye Aye Ma'am. Transform Staff Ship.』
14118
14119The bow separates, changing the ship's shape to look like a catamaran.
14120The 1024 Sacred Tree Stone Furnaces inside the ship go into full operation all at once, the warship's bow gets clad in blue light.
14121
14122The yellow giant afar rises and looks at the airship, it seems that it has sensed the enormous magic power.
14123
14124"You're far too late to notice now--『Over Boost』"
14125
14126Arisa's body is wrapped in purple aura, that light also covers the whole Staff Warship.
14127
14128"Because! My cheat isn't only the equipment! <<First Aria>>!"
14129
14130Responding to Arisa's shout, one magic circle materializes on the warship's bow.
14131Apparently, she used an advanced space magic chantlessly.
14132
14133Normally, [Over Boost] is a Unique Skill that makes the user put all their magic power into the next magic and make them helpless after the use, but with the Staff Warship taking over that burden, that risk has been canceled off.
14134
14135The Sacred Tree Stone Furnaces that have used up its Sacred Tree Stones all at once are loaded up with the next rounds of Sacred Tree Stones.
14136
14137Arisa uses [Over Boost] once again.
14138
14139"<<Second Aria>>!"
14140
14141The second magic circle materializes, the blue magic circle turns into purple.
14142
14143"I've still got more, <<Third Aria>>! <<Fourth Aria>>!"
14144
14145She chants advanced space magic one after another while overlapping them with her Unique Skill.
14146The Staff Warship is wrapped in purple aura.
14147
14148"GWUOOOOOO"
14149
14150Due to the excessive overuse of many [Over Boost], an unusual phenomenon happened to Arisa's body under her armor.
14151Arisa's double teeth grow a little, purple gem-shaped lines begin to surface on her body.
14152Raka Clone that detected the state of emergency is trying to send an emergency call, but that fails to transpire in this space where communication is obstructed.
14153
14154The yellow giant who sensed the danger stepped forward staggeringly.
14155
14156"N-not yet! Arisa-chan won't lose to this little pain! <<Fifth Aria>>, <<Sixth Aria>>--"
14157
14158The beastkin girls who are fighting the rampaging Hero Meiko look up at the Staff Warship Arisa is riding worryingly.
14159The three beastkin girls are clearly stronger than Hero Meiko, but honoring their master's non-killing policy, they're unable to settle the match.
14160
14161"--<<Seventh Aria>>, Merge Magic"
14162
14163Arisa uttered that while having a dark laugh, and then the seven magic circles merge into one.
14164It appears she made chantlessly casting forbidden spell that should have been impossible to become a reality by chantlessly casting seven parts of advanced space magic spells.
14165
14166"Now, die once again--"
14167
14168The yellow giant creates multi layers of light shields in front of it.
14169Shields that it didn't use in its fight against the demon lord.
14170
14171It shows how dangerous Arisa's attack is.
14172
14173And then, the third purple light flows.
14174
14175--Never Give Up.
14176
14177A Unique Skill for the sake of defeating a superior enemy.
14178
14179"Forbidden spell of space magic--『Mythology Down』"
14180
14181A torrent of purple golden light are shot from the Staff Warship's bow.
14182
14183"WOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
14184
14185Arisa fires the magic while enduring the enormous magic power flowing in her body.
14186
14187The distorted purple golden light reaches God Zaikuon while erasing everything in its path.
14188The yellow and purple golden lights clashed for an instant before the shields of yellow light were broken.
14189
14190The light not only overruns the Material Plane but also the surrounding Ethereal Plane, and finally arrives at the sub-space where the God's substance rests.
14191
14192--ＺＡＺＺＺＺＺＡＹＥＥＥ.
14193
14194The God's scream echoes in the whitened earth.
14195
14196The God's arms break, its legs are blown off and fall to the ground.
14197
14198"A-a lone human winning against God!!!"
14199
14200Seeing that scene, the Great Weasel Demon Lord shouted in surprise.
14201
14202"A-Arisa--"
14203
14204Liza was looking at the Staff Warship whose first half has melted and ceased functioning.
14205Still, thanks to the overprotective design of the girls' master, the cockpit where Arisa resides is completely flawless.
14206
14207Arisa who's safe inside the cockpit stares up at the sky while leaning her body on the cockpit's seat without confirming the result of her attack.
14208
14209"The sky is--"
14210
14211The scene of clouds getting parted and a ring of light appearing from there are reflected on Arisa's eyes.
14212
14213"--I'd only take wanko soba for the second helping please."
14214
14215Arisa's hidden muttering reached no one's ear.
14216
14217
14218~
14219
14220
14221Even after receiving the barrage of dragon's fangs land mine and the anti-god magic, [Mythology Down] that Arisa used, the yellow giant, God Zaikuon still survives.
14222
14223The yellow giant wrapped in light is flickering like it's at the end of its life.
14224Were it received several more attacks of the same scale, even a God would probably perish.
14225
14226But the ring of light that broke through the cloudy sky overturned that.
14227
14228Six multi-colored orbs of light are floating on the ring of light, a belt of light that materializes from that ring pulls the body of God Zaikuon to itself like the tractor beam from science fiction.
14229
14230Several of the surviving demon lords tried to attack God Zaikuon with long-ranged attacks, but the cocoon-like light covering God Zaikuon thwarted them all.
14231
14232God Zaikuon that arrived at the ring turned into an orb of light.
14233
14234The seven orbs of light slowly begin to rotate on the ring, and then, the surrounding clouds are dyed with richly colored lights.
14235
14236"As I thought, those light orbs are Gods--"
14237
14238The Great Weasel Demon Lord couldn't finish his muttering.
14239
14240A pillar of light released by the whirlpool of light turns the Weasel Empire into a deep deep crater, that forces spreads  unstoppably to the whole of Weasel Empire, changing everything into a wasteland.
14241
14242That day, the weasel empire was erased from the continent.
14243
1424415-41. Divine Punishment (10), End
14245 
14246Satou's here. I love plain and simple foreign Hollywood movies. There are many things to retort if you think hard about it, but I just can't get enough of the easy-to-understand series of hardships and the catharsis afterward. Happy End really is the best after all.
14247
14248
14249~
14250
14251
14252"Phew, most of the tsunami have been taken care of now I think?"
14253
14254I saved the two girls from the Sea King, eliminated the Dog-head familiars, an islet-sized size roc [Sky King], and a tyrannosaur-like creature clad in fire [Flame King], and then I flew about to the south sea and took care of the tsunamis.
14255
14256I even had to eradicate a fleet of ancient undeads and ghosts on an emerging floating island in the middle of the way, it was troublesome.
14257
14258How do I say this, the south seas are hellish.
14259
14260A marker window popped up in my vision when I was grumbling.
14261
14262--Red alert?
14263
14264"Geh, this is bad!"
14265
14266I get back to the solitary island palace with Unit Arrangement.
14267
14268"Hikaru! Please take care of the rest of the Ganika Marquisdom."
14269"Un, I got it--"
14270
14271After saying that to Hikaru who was standing by in the island palace, I teleported to the Weasel Empire with space magic.
14272
14273Frankly, I don't want to let Hikaru go out but Arisa is in a dangerous situation right now.
14274Since Hikaru has blessing from her Patron God, [Ama no Mizuhana-hime] besides the one from God Parion, I believe she will be fine.
14275
14276At the other side of the teleport gate, there are Arisa's half-melted Staff Warship doing emergency landing, the beast girls and the Weasel Emperor who's turned into a demon lord around the ship, and Hero Meiko who's spreading blue light around, looking dangerous.
14277Lyuryu and Lady Ringrande seem to be at the large airship in the distant.
14278
14279I looked up at the sky and saw seven light orbs floating.
14280Since their indications show, [ＵＮＫＮＯＷＮ], they're probably either the Gods or the God's familiars.
14281
14282The ring of light turns into a rich colored whirlpool.
14283
14284--Crisis perception.
14285
14286That one's dangerous.
14287
14288I extend [Magic Hand] toward everyone it can reach.
14289
14290While the crisis perception was striking my back, I somehow--got them.
14291
14292--This is bad.
14293
14294Something falls from the sky.
14295
14296--Dangerous, dangerous, dangerous.
14297
14298I hit the Unit Arrangement by a hair's breadth.
14299
14300The moment right before the light falling from the sky touched us--it activated in time somehow.
14301
14302
14303~
14304
14305
14306"Phew, I hadn't panicked in a long time."
14307
14308After we moved to my personal desert space, I sighed a breath of relief.
14309
14310--Oops, not yet!
14311
14312Next, I teleport again to save Lyuryu and the others.
14313
14314--ＬＹＵＲＹＵＲＹＵＵＵ.
14315
14316Seeing me, the white dragon let out a voice of joy and jumped at me like Pochi.
14317
14318--Geh.
14319
14320Behind Lyuryu, beyond the crashed large airship, I saw a tsunami of white light coming.
14321It's probably the residual wave of the light that fell unto us.
14322
14323"Oy, oy, this place is the halfway point to the neighboring city, far from the capital y'know--"
14324
14325While muttering in astonishment, I caught Lyuryu and the large warship with [Magic Hand] and took them to the same place as earlier.
14326
14327"Master! Please save the hero girl nodesu."
14328
14329Pochi who found us jumped and asked me.
14330
14331Certainly, the rampaging Hero Meiko who's leaking blue light from her mouth and eyes looks like she's on the verge of ruin.
14332I quickly bind Hero Meiko with shadow magic and hand over a Blood Elixir to Pochi.
14333
14334"Try to let her drink this."
14335"Yes nanodesu!"
14336
14337I hope this will cure her, but if that's not possible then I have to make her drink the forbidden [Nectar].
14338I can't leave the [Nectar] in other's hands since it has many problems.
14339
14340However, I can't care for Hero Meiko more than this.
14341
14342I need to do something about the tsunami of white light before Hero Meiko. If I leave that alone, the parishes and Dejima Island would be swallowed up.
14343Resolving the great disaster comes first before an acquaintance I met once.
14344
14345"Arisa, strange."
14346
14347I heard Tama shouting on top of the partially destroyed Staff Warship's cockpit.
14348I rush into the ship's cockpit with Flash Drive before I even think about it.
14349
14350The preparation to use Unit Arrangement toward Dejima Island ended up being canceled, but at this time, that didn't reach my mind.
14351
14352"Arisa! Are you alright!!"
14353"I'm fiNE."
14354
14355Arisa replied with a strange accent with her head still covered in the helmet's visor.
14356Violet phosphoresce is leaking from the gaps of her golden armor.
14357
14358--Demon lord.
14359
14360That was added on Arisa's titles.
14361
14362I activate Soul Seer, Magic Seer, Miasma Seer, Spirit Seer and hide Menu's indications to make the throughput even a bit more efficient.
14363
14364The inside of my eyes feel painful, perhaps I'm overdoing it.
14365However, I don't care about that right now.
14366
14367I see that magic power is leaking out from Arisa's cracked Soul Vessel, while miasma is widening that crack.
14368It's like some kind of purple thing is overflowing from the Vessel's crack.
14369
14370--Calm down, Satou.
14371
14372I frantically suppress my flustered heart.
14373
14374"It's alright, Arisa. It's alright."
14375
14376While murmuring as if I was convincing myself, I tore off the miasma and gently fixed the broken Soul Vessel to its original shape.
14377
14378"Alright, just a bit more--"
14379
14380I purged Arisa's golden armor with the Master Key.
14381
14382"Don't look."
14383
14384Arisa hides her lips with her hands and curls up in the cockpit's seat.
14385
14386"Don't worry, I won't hate you just because your appearance changed a bit."
14387"Really?"
14388"Yeah, of course I am."
14389
14390I murmur to ease Arisa and lift her head.
14391
14392"Drink this. While your Soul Vessel still retains its shape."
14393"Un, okay."
14394
14395I made Arisa drank the [Nectar].
14396Among my belongings, only this and Blood Elixir Rev. are capable of healing damage on a Soul Vessel.
14397
14398However, the healing from Blood Elixir Rev. is only temporary.
14399When the Soul Vessel is damaged this much, the vessel probably won't ultimately be restored unless she drinks the [Nectar].
14400
14401"--Ah, Master is entering me."
14402
14403Arisa is Arisa even at a time like this.
14404Ignoring her nonsense, I keep watch of her Soul Vessel's restoration.
14405
14406Before long, after what felt like an eternity, Arisa's Soul Vessel is restored.
14407
14408"--Phew, good."
14409"I'm sorry."
14410
14411I pat the apologizing Arisa's head.
14412Since it seems that she's reflected enough, I'll decide her punishment after I've heard the reason why she overdid it.
14413
14414"Don't be that rash ever again okay?"
14415"Un, if anything happened, tell me everything about it--"
14416
14417When we were staring at each other, another emergency was displayed on the AR reading.
14418
14419Come to think of it, Dejima Island and the parishes were in trouble weren't they.
14420
14421
14422~
14423
14424
14425"--Made it in time."
14426
14427I the place closest to the Imperial Capital, Dejima Island that still have survivors, with Unit Arrangement
14428
14429Lete City was about to be swallowed up by the tsunami of white light before my eyes.
14430
14431I recalled the moment when the catear-kin reincarnated person was using her Unique Skill to try to delete my memory.
14432I've sheltered those girls with other reincarnated people, I should go see them when I have time.
14433
14434"Now then, gotta do something about that."
14435
14436I choose the advanced earth magic [Great Wall] on the Magic List.
14437
14438"Guess this is more like the rise of Mountain Range of Nanashi instead of Great Wall of China?"
14439
14440A tall wall higher than mountains rise up on several hundreds kilometers long range.
14441It looks quite showy, but compared to the [<<Continental Guard>>], this magic is simpler and more cost efficient.
14442
14443"Now then, let's briskly clean this up."
14444
14445I connect the [Great Wall] while moving with Unit Arrangement.
14446My magic power was used up halfway through, but since I had several fully charged holy swords on hand, I got my refill from them.
14447
14448
14449"Who would have thought that it would almost reach the Ratkin territory at the northern side."
14450
14451This disaster-grade tsunami of white light must be the real Divine Punishment.
14452Turning several cities into white salt was probably the Divine Punishment from the apostles and one God, while the white light earlier was probably the large-scale Divine Punishment from the seven Gods.
14453
14454No wonder the conditions for the Divine Punishment changes depending on who you ask.
14455
14456
14457~
14458
14459
14460"Fumu, these crater and the spiral-shaped grooves are terrible."
14461
14462After confirming that it was safe with space magic's [Senrigan (Extra Clairvoyance)], I moved to the Weasel Empire using teleport magic.
14463
14464It seems the Gods are satisfied after dropping the Divine Punishment, they've disappeared from the sky.
14465
14466I put back the [Room of Truth] where the Troll demon lord was sealed from my protected sub-space to its original place.
14467Since I had put an absurdly strong barrier on the original place, I don't think they noticed it.
14468
14469It seems that barrier has disappeared by the Gods' Divine Punishment.
14470It's probably not the barrier itself that disappeared, but the bedrock where the barrier was placed.
14471
14472"Wonder what's that warped space?"
14473
14474I saw a mirage-like phenomenon in the corner of my view.
14475Is it an evacuation capsule in the sub-space?
14476
14477It's cracked, and a survivor--is there.
14478
14479"It's a miracle that she survived."
14480
14481I pull out the familiar face buried in salt.
14482
14483--Uwaa.
14484
14485Her lower body and one of her arms have become salt and fallen apart.
14486It's a miracle that vital parts like her head and heart are safe.
14487
14488I moved to the research laboratory in the solitary island palace with Unit Arrangement while wrapping her in Fixture magic.
14489
14490"Guess no need for cleaning and such."
14491
14492While muttering that, I put Lady Liedill the temple knight inside a bio-tank for Nana.
14493
14494"Although it's a different story for limb loss, I guess it's not possible to regenerate organs?"
14495
14496Since the [Nectar] is too dangerous, I fill the bio-tank with Blood Elixir Rev.
14497
14498Afterward, the self-regeneration mode of the Bio Tank should take care of the rest.
14499
14500
14501~
14502
14503
14504"What should we do about the hero?"
14505"Right. I'll ask Echigoya Firm to nurse Hero Meiko and her cohorts. We can just deliver them to Saga Empire once they're able to move about."
14506
14507Perhaps I should return Lady Ringrande to her parent's house, but for now it's probably better for her to stay in Echigoya Firm's guest room.
14508She's probably going to be fine since I've asked Sera to care for her.
14509
14510Since Hero Meiko fell into critical condition while spewing blood when I let her drank the [Nectar] for some reason, I only gave her the Blood Elixir Rev. to return her from the rampaging state as the treatment.
14511
14512I stripped off the blue lines on her skin with surgery and healed her with a high magic potion afterward.   
14513
14514--Later, after asking Beriunan and Burainan Clans who like to research things to investigate the line, I learned that its composition is similar to crystallized blue liquid.
14515Back then, when I put too much magic power into Liza's [Black Spear of Cricket], evolving it to [Magic Spear Douma], crystal lines that looked similar to magic liquid also appeared on the surface of the spear, it was probably a similar phenomenon.
14516
14517"Does this mean the Divine Punishment is over now?"
14518"Un, probably. It seems the Stampedes in the labyrinths and many monster domains have also stopped."
14519
14520I affirmed Hikaru's question.
14521
14522I'm thinking of leaving the care for the stricken areas to each countries.
14523If they request Shiga King for assistances, I'm planning to release the preserved foods and medicinal supplies I've hoarded in large quantities.
14524
14525
14526~
14527
14528
14529"Master, Pochi is a bad kid nanodesu."
14530
14531When I was done with some works, Pochi entered my face with a serious face.
14532Liza and Tama are with her.
14533
14534"Please give punishment to Pochi nodesu."
14535"Does Pochi understand what bad things she did?"
14536"Pochi left her post without telling Master nodesu."
14537
14538It's true that she violated her order, but my responsibility is heavier for postponing things even though I was aware that something happened to Pochi.
14539Abstaining from nightlife for one month is too light, I should ask Hikaru to think up of something later.
14540
14541Now then, putting aside my reflection, right now it's about Pochi.
14542
14543"Why did you leave your post?"
14544"Pochi was called by a little girl nodesu."
14545
14546I couldn't really understand from Pochi's explanation, but looking at the rough image from the Battle Recorder installed in the golden armor, it was a girl that looked similar to the little girl in painting.
14547
14548"Did she give her name?"
14549"She didn't nodesu. But, she said Pochi was a 『True Hero』 nodesu."
14550
14551Fumu, the ones who know that are only us--no, Pochi becoming a hero was recorded on a certain slate written by the [Troll Demon Lord].
14552Since the fact that Pochi defeated the rat demon lord was also written, authorized people of Weasel Empire should be aware about it even if they're not the Gods themselves.
14553
14554But well, there's a good chance that it was God Parion.
14555
14556On this continent, the only people capable of opening a gate from Seryuu City to the Weasel Empire's capital are me, Arisa and the high elves.
14557It'd be a different story if a reincarnated person with teleportation unique skill appeared in Shiga Kingdom but making an assumption about such an irregular situation like that is too conspiracy theory-like.
14558
14559"And then?"
14560"The girl said that 『My hero is going to be killed by a bad demon lord, help』 nodesu."
14561
14562I see, [My Hero] huh--chronologically speaking, it's unlikely for her to be the [Little girl in painting].
14563It's probably safe to regard that the [God Parion (Temp)] who set Pochi up is a different being than the [Little Girl in Painting].
14564
14565Next, I listened to the things that happened in the Weasel Empire from Pochi.
14566
14567"Then I will be announcing the punishment for Private Pochi."
14568"Aye."
14569
14570Hearing me, Pochi straightened herself.
14571
14572"The crime of leaving one's post and endangering one's self is not light."
14573"Aye."
14574"Therefore, 10 days of meals without meat should be proper."
14575
14576Pochi's ears flopped down, she looked downward.
14577Liza and Tama who are next to her are looking pale like their blood run cold after hearing the severe punishment of [10 days of meals without meat].
14578
14579"However--"
14580
14581Pochi's ears twitch.
14582
14583"--In light of Pochi's courage and kindness for rushing in to save the life of a girl in danger, the meals without meat is decreased by three days."
14584
14585Pochi raises her head.
14586
14587"Furthermore, appreciating your prudence of not thoughtlessly engaging the demon lords you encountered but instead properly judging as to whether they're evil or not, the meals without meat is decreased again by three days."
14588
14589Pochi's ears returned to their positions.
14590
14591"And, extolling your achievements of healing the injured Hero Meiko and Weasel Empire, and saving Lady Ringrande, the meals without meat is decreased again by three days."
14592
14593This would probably turns up more to plus if this were the story of a super popular magic school, but completely giving a positive here is bad.
14594
14595"That's why, the meal without meat is only for today. Be careful not to repeat what you did okay."
14596"Yes, nanodesu! Pochi wants to learn many more things nodesu!"
14597"Yup, you're great Pochi."
14598
14599I'm glad that Pochi is interested in things other than battles, meals and her hobby, writing stories.
14600I pat Pochi's head hard.
14601
14602"Tama will learn too~?"
14603
14604Since Tama also came declaring and hugging me on the opposite side, I also praised her, "You're also great Tama."
14605Looks like Tama is already affected by Pochi.
14606
1460715-42. Mastermind
14608Not from Satou's perspective
14609
14610
14611
14612"So you're back, Parion."
14613
14614A boy-like voice greeted the being that teleported in with light.
14615The light from the shining little girl illuminates a black-clothed boy within the dark eerie hall.
14616
14617The light disappeared before long, eerie darkness returned to the even eerier hall.
14618
14619"Touya-sama, please don't call me that."
14620
14621The tone of the little girl who was called with the name God Parion contained respect toward her superior.
14622
14623"Then, stop assuming that form."
14624"Yes."
14625
14626When the boy in black clothes--the one called Tactician Touya in Weasel Empire ordered that, the little girl turned into a glamorous woman along with faint light.
14627The beautiful young face of the God also changed into a plain one with no special characteristics.
14628
14629After she was done transforming, she untied a pendant-like thing from her neck and the light disappeared.
14630
14631"Touya-sama, I'm returning the 『Thief God's Mirror』."
14632"I still have something for you to do. Take it with you."
14633"Yes, Touya-sama."
14634
14635The pendant she has, [Thief God's Mirror] seems to be a <<Shape Change Artifact>> for transforming.
14636
14637As if waiting for the two to be done, a tune that has an eerie intimidating aspect to it echoes in the hall as if it's the appearance of a bad guy.
14638
14639"Looks like the Chief has come."
14640
14641The two people kneel toward the throne that looks like it's assembled from humans bones situated at the depth of the hall.
14642
14643A blue and a red gems on the back of the bone throne begin to blink, and then a groan-like sound comes from them.
14644
14645"--What happened to the Irregular?"
14646
14647The groan sounds changed into a human voice before long, the voice of an old man with strange dialect. <TLN: Kansai dialect.>
14648
14649Tactician Touya raises his face and talks to the gems on the bone throne.
14650
14651"We can assume that the Estrangement Plan has failed."
14652
14653The woman with plain face bit her lips in vexation when she heard the word failed.
14654Apparently, she was involved in the [Estrangement Plan] thing.
14655
14656"Did he get swallowed up in the Divine Punishment?"
14657"According to the spy in Shiga Kingdom, it appears he's safe."
14658"Safely escaping from the Seven Gods' Divine Punishment 'ey. Ain't he a tough."
14659
14660The words of the guy called Chief sounded like he was astonished from the depth of his heart.
14661A slight awe seemed like it was mixed in it.
14662
14663"Then, what 'bout the Anti-God Mine?"
14664"It had some effect, but it lacked the decisive factor."
14665
14666They're talking about the Dragon Fang Nuclear Mine, the trump card that the Great Weasel Demon Lord used on God Zaikuon.
14667
14668"Guess a direct confrontation 's impossible 'fter all, mite' work if we had 10,000 lesser dragons more as the ingredients tho'."
14669"That's an empty theory. Furthermore, I don't think the same thing will work again against Gods."
14670"Ain't that tru'. Guess we've gotta leave it to our Lord-san to fite' Gods 'fter all."
14671
14672For them, the Seven Pillar Gods are opponents that must be defeated.
14673The [Lord-san] spoken by the chief seems to be a God other than the Seven Pillar Gods--or perhaps a being that can match Gods.
14674
14675"I have a report for your excellency."
14676
14677Hearing the Chief, the woman with plain face spoke while still falling prostrate.
14678
14679"What's it? Lemme 'ear em 'k?"
14680"According to the one who had infiltrated Weasel Empire, it appears a woman from Irregular's faction critically wounded the God."
14681
14682As an addendum, she said that the infiltrator has ceased sending reports.
14683
14684"That's amazin'. Did she turn into a True Demon Lord?"
14685"No, she was still a human."
14686
14687The chief's voice sounded as if he heard some unbelievable thing.
14688
14689"Y'kiddin' me.... Think we coulda take 'er to our faction'?"
14690"Let us not, that's clearly a trap--a death flag."
14691"Ain't yer' rite'. Best not to have anythin' to do with the Irregular 'ey."
14692
14693With a pale face, Tactician Touya hurriedly stopped the chief who seemed excited.
14694Perhaps his tension was transmitted along, the chief's voice sounded nervous too.
14695
14696"Since Shin should 'be in the Irregular's faction, d'ya think he'd be strong eno' to defeat a God in time?"
14697"That's not possible. He's just a normal human. He transcended humanity precisely because turned into a demon lord with the Demon Lord's Orb while he had Hero title."
14698"Ain't that rite', 's fine s'long as Shin has enough power to live normally."
14699
14700The Chief murmured as if he was a parent worried about his child, after a moment of silence, the gems blink.
14701
14702"O, yea, guess Weasel Emperor-han has really?"
14703"--He was hit by the Seven God's Divine Punishment. There is no way he survived."
14704
14705The subject changed and Tactician Touya shook his head at the Chief's question.
14706Silence drifts about in the eerier room for a while.
14707
14708Contrary to their concern about the emperor of another country, it seems there's no one here worried about Hero Meiko who should be from the same place as them.
14709
14710"Touya, y'can take a break fer' now. You've just losta friend n'all."
14711"That I cannot do. For as long as I've lived, this isn't the first time I lost a friend."
14712"Ain't no way you can get used to that."
14713
14714At the Chief's friendly concern, the Tactician Touya's declared that there was no need for it.
14715The woman with plain face seems worried about Tactician Touya while she's still falling prostrate.
14716
14717"I'm gonna have Emperor Rugan-han and the army work hard fer' a while, so my side--Intelligence Bureau'll be alright."
14718"Is it about the continuation of the chaos on the continent's west?"
14719"Yeap."
14720
14721The Chief spoke of Saga Empire's Emperor's name familiarly.
14722
14723The woman with plain face clearly looked perplexed when the Chief stated the name, [Intelligence Bureau].
14724From her viewpoint, it was odd for the Chief to purposely state the obvious like the name of his department.
14725
14726"Won't the Irregular intervene?"
14727"No worries tere'. I'm gonna have the Saga Empire's heroes deployed before' the Irregular came. He's a KY guy who likes ta' crash in other's turfs 'fter all." <TLN: KY= Kuuki Yomenai, can't read the mood.>
14728
14729From the flow of conversation, you can infer that the existence called Irregular is a menace whom he, who controls the entirety of Saga Empire's Intelligence Bureau, really cannot ignore.
14730
14731More importantly, heroes--the Chief certainly did say that.
14732
14733It seems that Saga Empire has summoned not only Hero Meiko but multiple heroes right after Hero Hayato defeated the demon lord in Dejima Island and returned home.
14734
14735If academicians were to hear this, they would probably rack their brain hard as to where they got the enormous magic power needed to summon heroes and at what cost.
14736
14737"Gotta be extra careful 'bout things related to Irregular."
14738"Yes, we have taken an extreme caution against the Irregular's proxy organization, E Firm. We're concentrating our effort in lowering E Firm's influence in the continent's west through amicable means, please don't worry."
14739
14740The woman with plain face answered the Chief's question.
14741
14742"And, how 'bout the plan there?"
14743"Then, in regards to the Labyrinth Highway Plan's progress--"
14744
14745The woman with plain face stood up and answered the Chief's question.
14746
14747"--About the Miasma Level at various places, they're extremely low compared to our expectations."
14748
14749She displayed a screen using Force Magic in front of the bone throne, and spoke about the detailed information.
14750According to that display, the miasma in Dejima, Selbiraa and Seryuu are especially low.
14751
14752"It's the Irregular's fault ain't it."
14753"There is no shred of doubt."
14754
14755Tactician Touya affirmed the Chief.
14756
14757"The channel to Dejima has been completely cut off. We have no choice but to stop the Labyrinth Highway Plan. We have to wait for the next opportunity."
14758"Yeap, dunno if it'll take 100 or 200 years, but waitin' for the Irregular's natural life to end would be the wise choice 'ere eh'."
14759"Umu, in 66 years the Demon Lord Season will come anyway."
14760"Bein' born as a long-living race 's convenient at a time like this 'ey."
14761
14762It seems the 'Opportunity' they speak about is connected to the [Demon Lord Season].
14763Their objective probably requires the miasma to thicken.
14764
14765"Then next, we're just gonna be careful 'bout Emperor Rugan-han's senile demands."
14766
14767The Chief spoke as if he was persuading--no as if he was guiding someone.
14768
14769"Babysitting the emperor is your job."
14770"Touya-han 's always strict ain't ya."
14771
14772After exchanging relaxed words, the gems lost its light once the Chief said, [Then, C'ya] and stopped speaking.
14773
14774
14775~
14776
14777
14778"Touya-sama--will you be visiting the health resort in Buchi Forest?"
14779"Yes, that's right."
14780"T-then, could I come along with you? J-just now, I felt like having a vacation."
14781"Yes, that's right."
14782
14783Tactician Touya answered the nervous woman with plain face as if his mind was somewhere else.
14784
14785"I-I can?"
14786
14787Without noticing Tactician Touya's state, the woman with plain face jumped up in delight.
14788
14789"I-I must get ready and buy some clothes! Cute clothes and attractive underwear--"
14790
14791When the woman with plain face was muttering her delusion with her hands on her face and her back turned toward Tactician Touya, the gems on the bone throne suddenly shined.
14792
14793"--Looks like he's gone."
14794
14795At the bone throne's words, the woman with plain face twitches.
14796
14797"Yeah.... It felt like my heart got frozen still."
14798
14799Touya collapses with his knees and hands on the ground, gasping.
14800Sweat run on his boy-like face like a waterfall, the light in his eyes is like that of a returned soldier who has seen hell.
14801
14802"It was far more terrifying compared to when I stood before God Zaikuon, as if my life--no my soul was going to be erased.... "
14803"Ain't that rite'. Even tho' he shouldn't know where I was, I still got scared to death 'ey."
14804
14805While Tactician Touya was wiping his sweat with a handkerchief, the woman with plain face is going around restlessly in askance between the bone throne and Tactician Touya.
14806
14807"U-um?"
14808"....He was here until a bit ago."
14809"Who was--could it be?!"
14810
14811The woman with plain face, who couldn't follow the Chief's and Tactician Touya's conversation, hit on a certain guess.
14812
14813"Yeap, the Irregular came."
14814"No way. My Space Perception didn't--"
14815
14816The woman with plain face spoke in dismay about how her always-on passive space magic couldn't detect anything.
14817
14818"Since mine's detection skills only sensed something incorrigible, it wasn't just Mana Camouflage 'ey."
14819"The High Elves and Ancestor King Yamato are on Irregular's faction too. They must have techniques we aren't aware of."
14820
14821The Chief and Tactician Touya continued to exchange words while ignoring the woman with plain face.
14822
14823"Guess we really hafta' give up the Godbeater girl 'fter all."
14824"Yeah, when were talking about taking her to our faction, his presence shook even only for an instant."
14825"Don't poke the bear eh. The risk's just too high."
14826
14827Apparently, that was the reason why they went pale and quickly changed the subject.
14828
14829"That's right. We have a higher probability of surviving raiding the God's Realm with white swords in hand."
14830"Hahahaha, ain't that rite'. Once Lord-san is restored, we're goin' into full swing."
14831
14832The woman with plain face drew her cheeks when she heard the two talking about the final war in the God's Realm as if they were going to a pleasant quarrel.
14833
14834"I didn't brin' it up before, but 's the Seryuu City's Labyrinth Highway Gate safe?"
14835"Yeah, the Labyrinth Highway--the gate to hell is safe." <TLN: Makai=hell can also be read as Demon Realm.>
14836
14837Tactician Touya replied the bone throne.
14838
14839"I was panicking when I heard the report about the Irregular appearing in the 『<<Dungeon Master's Room>>』, but he left just like that after confirming Douma Third the 『<<Dungeon Master>>』."
14840"Really, all's good then 'ey."
14841
14842The Douma Third that Tactician Touya mentioned is a cricket monster that became the next [<<Dungeon Master>>] succeeding the Black Greater Demon.
14843
14844"That's the labyrinth created from the important 『Dungeon Seed』 we got from Tarou-han 'fter all."
14845"Yes, you're right....  Either way, without the passage beyond the gate, we cannot go to the moon to release the seal."
14846
14847Tactician Touya's eyes had a sorrowful look for an instant, but he quickly regained his calm.
14848
14849"'s it impossible even for the elf sage Trazayuya 'ey?"
14850"Don't call me with that name. The foolish Trazayuya had chosen to erase his self when he turned into a demon lord."
14851
14852Tactician Touya spoke as if vomiting.
14853
14854"I discarded my name and sealed the memory of my former life when I reincarnated, that guy--the me of this life was an elf through and through. He even gave up life rather than living as a demon lord...."
14855
14856This was in a book left by the elf sage Trazayuya.
14857
14858--We elves have poor attachment to life. When we're driven into a corner, the struggle we do is surprisingly weak compared to other races.
14859
14860Apparently, that included him.
14861
14862"Can't Touya-han make' a Space Engine by slowly learnin' and drinkin' some good liquor this time?"
14863"It's impossible. How far do you think the moon is. Using Jules Verne and this girl's space magic have a higher probability of success."
14864
14865Tactician Touya implied that even the Sub-Dimensional Ship Jules Vernee and the woman with plain face's space magic can't be used to go to the moon.
14866
14867"The Irregular's Unique Skill could probably do, but that's not allowed 'fter all."
14868"Yea, that is the only thing we have to prevent no matter what."
14869
14870The woman with plain face looked at the Tactician Touya like she wanted to know the reason, but he didn't speak further about that.
14871
14872
14873~
14874
14875
14876"Someone! Anyone come hereeeeee! His Majesty is! His Imperial Majestyyyyyyyy's!"
14877
14878The next morning, a Saga Empire's lady's maid's scream tore off the morning quietness.
14879Guard soldiers and senior servants who sensed the abnormality rush into the Emperor's bedroom.
14880
14881The naked bodies of the aged emperor and beautiful young ladies who have come of age are exposed in the large bedroom.
14882
14883"Eh, Your Majesty."
14884
14885Yet the gazes of the people who had rushed into the room weren't directed at the bodies of the beautiful young ladies, but at a huge blue sword hanging on top of the bed.
14886
14887The huge sword is fixed in the air through either space magic or force magic, hanging one foot above the pale emperor's forehead.
14888
14889The emperor is staring at the huge sword without blinking, his body is trembling like he's convulsing.
14890The emperor doesn't move an inch even though his eyes are tossing about from the tip of the sword.
14891
14892"Save His Majesty!"
14893"""OU!"""
14894"Wait!"
14895
14896Someone stopped the guards who were going to move as instructed by a senior servant.
14897
14898"Empress Wilyan-sama? Why did you stop us!"
14899"His Majesty is paralyzed. Moreover, that big sword is linked with the paralyze magic, it will likely take His Majesty's life if you untie it carelessly."
14900
14901Empress Wilyan is the mother of Princess Maryest who served as a Hero Hayato's follower.
14902She is an outstanding magician like her daughter.
14903
14904The royal court magicians whom she called take more than two days trying to release the huge sword aiming at the emperor's forehead, during that time, the emperor has to shiver in fear without even being able to blink.
14905
14906Even after the emperor has been rescued, that huge sword continues to stay at that place, any kind of magic is unable to remove it.
14907And dreadfully enough, it seems even the holy swords brandished by Saga Empire's heroes couldn't break that huge sword.
14908
14909And, despite the gag order, this story is spread among many people.
14910
14911"Did you hear?"
14912"Yea, about the Sword of Damocles right?"
14913
14914Since the huge sword's creator's name is Damocles, people call the huge sword made from Adamantite alloy [Huge Sword of Damocles].
14915
14916However, there is one thing that remains a secret here.
14917
14918That is the words written on the huge sword.
14919
14920Which are--[I'll overlook it this once. There is no next time.]
14921
14922Those words were conveyed to the next emperor of Saga Empire and the prime minister by the Empress Wilyan, not Rugan Second who abdicated the throne under the pretext of bad health.
14923
14924'Who wrote that', from a highly reliable guess that would be....
14925
1492615-43. New World
14927
14928Satou's here. When I saw the folk tale [Kikimimi Zukin] for the first time, I thought living a life while being monitored at every places seemed scary to me as a child. In modern time, there's surveillance cameras here and there, but I never thought that they were scary.
14929
14930
14931~
14932
14933
14934"--Fumu, as I thought, it was an act huh."
14935『Un, that seems about right.』
14936
14937I'm near Tactician Touya's hideout, I've asked Dryad to get information from the moss growing there about the thing they said after I left.
14938
14939I was bothered by how they only talked about some unusually convenient stuff for me, so I asked Dryad for help.
14940
14941My suspicion was proven true sure enough, but I'd never thought that they noticed my Mana Camouflage.
14942
14943『It seems there's no more children who heard them.』
14944
14945Dryad sorted the accumulated information from vegetation networks, like moss and weeds, and then conveyed them to me.
14946Scientifically speaking, there's no way moss and weeds have the ability to store information.
14947
14948"Thank you Dryad. It really helped."
14949『Ehehe, I got a lot and lot of magic power after all~』
14950
14951I parted with Dryad who was waving her hands buzzingly, and I went to Saga Empire that was close to the hideout.
14952
14953I've put a marker on the woman with plain face who seems to be the one who teleported Pochi, so next I'm heading to the empire to seize the Chief guy.
14954
14955Even though it ultimately saved Lady Ringrande and Princess Maryest, I can't overlook the fact that they put Pochi in danger because of some pointless scheme.
14956
14957Erase at once--not, as that's not to my liking, I'm thinking of presenting him with enough fear to make him think twice before trying to meddle with us ever again.
14958I'm sure that he will obediently listen if I let him taste dives from 10,000 feet high in flesh several times, as long as he doesn't have the ability to fly or teleport that is.
14959
14960"There huh--"
14961
14962At the top floor of a building I'm looking up to, there's a gnome man titled Saga Empire's Intelligence Bureau Chief.
14963
14964--No.
14965
14966This guy is not the same as the one earlier.
14967
14968According to the AR reading, his race is [Dummy Puppet], though it's been cleverly hidden by a concealment-type artifact.
14969It looks exactly like the real person, but this guy is a fake.
14970
14971I tried to trace back the magic power flowing from this guy, but all of them are fakes and unconnected to the main body.
14972
14973When I tried searching the map, I found one other [Dummy Puppet] in a rural area of Saga Empire.
14974I'll put a marker on it and prepare a trap that can trace the main body when he accesses the puppet.
14975
14976"--Now then, what to do."
14977
14978I'm sitting on top of one of the Saga Empire Imperial Palace's spires, muttering alone.
14979
14980I can put Tactician Touya and the woman with plain face under [Geass] to prohibit them from getting hostile, but that'll be a bad move.
14981Even if I curb them, with the Chief still being on the loose, it will probably end up with them going into hiding and acting behind the scene.
14982
14983Besides--.
14984
14985I recall the conversation of Tactician Touya and his cohorts.
14986Adding that up with the information Dryad collected, it seems currently they're truly not going to pick a fight with us.
14987
14988Maybe I should pretend that I've been successfully deceived?
14989
14990For the time being, I'll give a warning to their public power, Saga Emperor and complete the preparation needed to seal the Seryuu City's Labyrinth Highway--that Hell Gate thing anytime I want.
14991Preparing Holy Monuments and the same laminated-type Purification Barrier that can be activated anytime in the whole earldom should be enough.
14992The Dragon Veins flowing near Seryuu City are very thick since they're connected to the Dragon's Valley, so it should be able to activate a slightly strong barrier without problem.
14993
14994I gaze at the stone inside my hand while collecting my thoughts.
14995
14996"Yup, even the Appraisal skill can identify this as a 『Lunar Stone』."
14997
14998If the Chief doesn't ever access the Dummy Puppet, I'm thinking of using this thing as a bait to lure him out.
14999
15000This is a stone I collected in the moon when I was taking a walk there while installing the space factory in the Lagrangian point halfway to the moon.
15001
15002It seems they didn't want me to go to the moon, but it was just a dreary place with only grounds and rocks, nothing interesting.
15003I had tried searching the Map but there wasn't any temple or ruin where the Demon God could be sealed, nor demons and monsters.
15004
15005According to the myth, the Demon God should be sealed on the moon, but it's most likely a deviated information.
15006
15007Or perhaps, the Demon God has already broken off the seal and is secretly lurking in the world.
15008That possibility exists if the God that gives reincarnated people like Arisa their fragments is the Demon God.
15009
15010Well, there's no use thinking more about it.
15011
15012Arisa seems to be waiting in my room, so I decide to quickly give a warning to the emperor and finish the miscellaneous things.
15013
15014
15015~
15016
15017
15018"--Master."
15019
15020When I got back after finishing my business, Arisa was waiting in the pitch black office.
15021
15022"Arisa, at least turn on the light while you're waiting."
15023"Welcome back. Were you at Aze's place?"
15024"Nah, I was just disciplining the troublesome guys who set Pochi up."
15025
15026I told her that first while rebuking her.
15027
15028At the Saga Emperor's room, I gave him a slight warning by imitating the Sword of Damocles myth.
15029I don't think he'll ever try to meddle with us again if he has a decent sense.
15030
15031As for the matter about Chief, I'm going to talk about it with Arisa after she's recovered, Hikaru and Liza.
15032
15033"As expected of Master. You're quick--"
15034
15035She sounds meek unlike the usual Arisa.
15036
15037"--I have something I need to talk to Master about."
15038
15039I was a bit surprised at the fact Arisa spoke of falteringly--her memory was sealed and sighting the descended God was the trigger--but the content itself was within the range of assumption I thought up after seeing the Weasel Emperor's state.
15040
15041"The God who let Arisa reincarnated said that 『If you meet other Gods besides me, kill them』?"
15042"Un, that God said that they will attack anyone who's been given that God's power for sure if they find one, even though meeting one seldom ever happens."
15043
15044That's strange.
15045
15046I'm sure Gods have seen reincarnated people including Arisa for many times through the oracle Miko.
15047
15048More importantly--.
15049
15050"So the God who let you reincarnate was the 『Demon God』 after all?"
15051"I don't know. Judging from the circumstances, there's a high chance that's the case, but that God never directly said it."
15052
15053That makes sense, from what she said earlier, her memory might have been sealed.
15054Would the trigger happen regardless of which Gods she encountered, or would it have to be God Zaikuon first, the discussion will change depending on that.
15055
15056However, there's a high possibility that the Demon God who produces demons is sending reincarnated people to this world as the [Eggs] to mass produce demon lords.
15057I don't know why he didn't just embed the fragments in the people who live in this world though.
15058Good grief, the objective of Gods bringing forth reincarnated people is still unclear even now, it's depressing.
15059
15060If we go by my deduction that has never been right with detective novels, it's "Reincarnated people will spread their knowledge, violate the God's Taboo, and then the Divine Punishment will befall them and the God who will nonchalantly appear will torment the reincarnated people who turn into demon lords" I guess?
15061
15062--Nay.
15063
15064It's full of holes if I think about it a bit more, and it's highly inefficient.
15065
15066However, there's no mistake that the God who gave power to reincarnated people manipulates their will to forcefully make them fight the other Gods.
15067The proof is the fact that Arisa had absolutely no doubt about fighting Gods.
15068
15069I have no intention of fighting Gods right now, but I have a feeling that I'd need to regard the God who sent the reincarnated people here as an adversary in the future.
15070If Arisa agrees to it, I'd even like to remove her God's Fragments.
15071
15072"--By the way, have you seen your status after I healed you?"
15073"Un, I have."
15074
15075Arisa answers with a serious tone.
15076
15077"Don't forget to always equip the 『Thief God Harness』 when you're going out okay."
15078"Yes, dear."
15079
15080I lightly whack Arisa's head.
15081
15082"Owie."
15083
15084She should be fine now if she can crack jokes.
15085
15086After fighting God Zaikuon, Arisa has gotten several titles.
15087
15088First, [Demon Lord] that I saw.
15089
15090In addition, [One who Rebels], [One who Challenges God], for some reason [Hero], and--.
15091
15092I look at Arisa's status displayed on the AR twice.
15093Looks like it's not a mistake after all.
15094
15095Over there--[Satou's Familiar] has been added.
15096
15097
15098~
15099
15100
15101"Now then, what do you plan to do from now on?"
15102
15103After putting Arisa to sleep, I meet face to face with the Great Weasel Demon Lord in the castle I made inside the desert sub-space.
15104The content of our talk is about the future of the Weasel Empire's people.
15105
15106Since Miss Liedill is currently regenerating in the culture tank, I'm here only with the Great Weasel demon Lord and the Sword Demon Lord.
15107Two of the other demon lords have also survived, but since they've turned into complete war machines, I've binded them with [Geass] and imprisoned them in the [Abyss Dungeon] I made with space magic.
15108
15109Eventually, I'm thinking of using Demon Lord Shizuka's [Familiarize] and [Transfer] to transfer the demon lords' [God's Fragments] to small animals and have Arisa and the other members defeat the resultant demon lords.
15110It seems Arisa will get [True Hero] title after all, and the other girls might even obtain hero title too.
15111
15112"If Louise is still alive, she can delete the memories related to science from the people--"
15113"That's impossible. You understand right?"
15114
15115This Louise that the Great Weasel Demon Lord mentioned is the catear-kin reincarnated person who was in charge of deleting memory at Lete City.
15116Of course she's alive, but even if she's able to manage around 100 people, doing it to the whole population of Weasel Empire is impossible.
15117
15118"However, letting them lead a life in the sub-space is no difference to what Gods are doing."
15119"You're right. Moreover, even if they can live for 100 years in the sub-space, it's not something that can be done forever."
15120
15121The sub-space I created hastily using the forbidden spell should not last that long, although it might be a different story if it was reinforced by Yuika's Unique Skill like with the solitary island palace.
15122
15123"And they'd probably be persecuted if they went back to the former world--"
15124
15125--Rather, if the Seven Pillar Gods noticed them, they'd probably impose another Divine Punishment.
15126
15127"In the first place, there's no way this world that has trouble to even sustain daily livelihood can accept immigrants."
15128
15129I'm in consent with the Great Weasel Demon Lord.
15130
15131Brighton City and Villages under my administration did accept a lot of immigrants, but that was only possible because I had arranged the environment with magic on top of the area being underpopulated.
15132Moreover, the whole immigrants of the Weasel Empire are more than Shiga Kingdom's population.
15133The uninhabited city on the Ancient Dragon's Continent has also been ruled by many natives already, so it's not usable.
15134
15135"I think I can take care of the food somehow at least."
15136"Umu, I'm thankful for that, however if they just keep living on like this, sooner or later they will violate the taboo, repeating the same thing."
15137
15138The Great Weasel Demon Lord contemplates.
15139
15140"Satou. Do you not desire this world?"
15141
15142He really said some Great Demon Lord thing.
15143
15144"Don't you mean half of the world?"
15145"I'm not talking about game."
15146<TLN: Dragon Quest 1's reference.>
15147
15148I'm not sure how to respond if you're serious.
15149
15150"With the power of that space magician girl called Arisa and you, we can kill Gods."
15151"Sorry, but I'm not going to fight Gods."
15152
15153If we're talking about whether it's possible or not, I can do it myself even without forcing Arisa.
15154After all, I can cast the anti-god magic [Mythology Down] in no time at all, then I can just cut the God with the Divine Sword when they're weakened.
15155
15156And I also can continuously shoot the [Mythology Down] as long as I have enough Magic Tanks.
15157
15158"Why!"
15159
15160The Great Weasel Demon Lord is exasperated.
15161
15162"Though imperfect, the ones who gave birth to the creatures of this world are the Seven Pillar Gods."
15163"Where is the proof of that!"
15164"I've heard about it from the High Elves who have lived since the age of myth."
15165
15166At least, I don't think that Aze-san and the other high elves are lying to me.
15167
15168"Are you saying that it's okay to be abused if it's by your birth parents!"
15169"Your argument is reaching to the far extreme."
15170
15171I might have agreed with the Great Weasel Demon Lord if we lived in the era where the Dog-head rampaged 20,000 year ago, but I don't feel the Gods' stance in the present time to be that malicious.
15172If the ones that manage this world are the Seven Pillar Gods, then I think the people of this world should obey the rules imposed by the administration.
15173As long as the rules (Gods) aren't doing some unreasonable exploitation that is.
15174
15175"It is the nature of people to demand a better life. You think it's fine for them to suppress that idea!"
15176"Isn't it because they don't want people to kill each other like in WWII and Cold War?"
15177"You think those guys are such benevolent beings!"
15178
15179U~n, for some reason the Great Weasel Demon Lord really hates Gods.
15180
15181"Right. Since I've never met Gods, I can only make conjectures from various books--"
15182
15183I look up at the Great Weasel Demon Lord and speak in sincerity to make my words reach him.
15184
15185"--I'm not going to fight them based merely on those conjectures."
15186
15187At the very least, even though the [Little Girl in Painting] was self-righteous, I didn't feel malice from her.
15188
15189"Are you going to hold a conversation with them?"
15190"Yup, I'll be going to meet them."
15191"Are you serious?"
15192"Of course."
15193
15194I gave an affirmation to the astonished-looking Great Weasel Demon Lord.
15195
15196The markers I had put on God Zaikuon and the apostles came off immediately, but I was able to confirm that the markers were in the [God's Realm] for an instant.
15197Since the coordinates have been recorded and all, I don't think I shouldn't go.
15198
15199Of course I'm only going once I've completely prepared and made an appointment with some friendly God though.
15200
15201"Now then, since our stances stand on parallel lines, let's get back to the first topic."
15202
15203Right now, deciding the future of the Weasel Empire's people comes first.
15204
15205I'd like to give them hope for their future by the third day, I'm not talking about the [Rule of Three during Disaster] I heard somewhere before though.
15206Seriously spare me from having the people I saved getting suicidal.
15207
15208"There is no place for them in the former world. The people of Weasel Empire don't want to let go of the convenience of technology. Is that correct?"
15209"That's right. The ignorant one would not care, however, ones who have tasted the convenience will not be able to go back to their previous condition."
15210
15211Un, I can understand.
15212
15213I also want to take a bath every day and eat tasty things whenever I want.
15214
15215"So here's a suggestion--"
15216
15217The Great Weasel Demon Lord who listened to me in silence opens his mouth after I'm done.
15218
15219"It might be possible if it's just one or two, but can it really be done with this number?"
15220"Yup, I've safely completed the empirical test. The mice I used in the test arrived there safely."
15221
15222At first I was going to send Chuu Fat and the other mice who had amassed a massive influence under Shiga Kingdom in the test, but they were tied to Shiga Kingdom's hygiene improvement and crime control more than I could've imagined, so I used some normal lab rats instead.
15223
15224"Then we will go with that suggestion--no, I should lower my head. Please lead us Weasel Empire's people to the new world."
15225
15226When the Great Weasel Demon Lord entreated by lowering his head on the ground, the fox-faced Sword Demon Lord followed suit.
15227
15228"Then, I'm counting on you to persuade the people in the sub-space okay."
15229"Understood. I vow that I will successfully persuade them before the Ark is completed."
15230
15231I waved my hand at the Great Weasel Demon Lord and started the preparation for the Ark.
15232I have the materials and all, I should be able to complete it in half a month.
15233
15234As I thought, working with my hands crafting something is really way more fun than some world's crisis or chasing some mysterious mastermind.
15235I'll leave that one until they're caught in the net themselves, right now let's continue the preparation to safely send the Weasel Empire's populace to the new world!
15236
1523715-44. New World (2)
15238 
15239Satou's here. I tend to handle things I got for free or got before I wanted it, roughly. I'm sure that things I obtained after much hardships must have this [Hardships Cost] added to it.
15240
15241
15242~
15243
15244
15245"Well then, I'm off."
15246"Un, take care okay."
15247
15248After saying that to the girls, I teleported to the desstination using Unit Arrangement.
15249
15250"....It's cramped."
15251
15252I open the hatch of the small pod I used to send the mice in and go outside.
15253I had used Astronout magic before I teleported, so I'll be okay regardless of the environment.
15254
15255--A desolate world of death.
15256
15257That was my first impression.
15258Ruins of crumbled high-rise buildings stretch out in the emptiness.
15259
15260"Oh, I can still use Skills huh."
15261
15262Even though the Skill Column is grayed out in my Menu, I still can produce Magic Edge on my finger.
15263
15264However, using the Magic Edge felt slightly off than the usual.
15265Since the skill indication is grayed out, perhaps there's no added augment from Skills.
15266
15267"....Magic power isn't recovering?"
15268
15269The decreased magic power isn't recovering at all.
15270I'm not talking about my abnormal recovery rate, but the rate for common people.
15271
15272Apparently, Magic Essence that's needed to recover Magic Power almost doesn't exist in this land.
15273This might also be the reason why the mini Gargoyle units I sent earlier as a scout ran out of magic power.
15274
15275The Magic Column in the Menu is white like usual.
15276
15277"Now then, how about All Map Exploration--"
15278
15279My magic power got completely consumed, but it activated nonetheless.
15280It seems I can get information from this world through the Earth Vein even though there's no Dragon Vein.
15281In addition, even though it takes a long time to activate, [Appraisal] skill seems to be usable with times.
15282
15283"The map's name is 『Ordinal M World Line, Planet Earth, Ruins of Japan Empire』 huh."
15284
15285The word 'ruins' is like a proof that there is no one in this land.
15286
15287--No. [There is nothing] is more correct.
15288
15289After searching the whole map, let alone people, there's not even an animal larger than small ones.
15290
15291I've secured several means to go back, but since my Menu functions normally, it's just excellent.
15292I tried going back to the [Solitary Island Palace] and went back here.
15293
15294"Fumu, is it because the worlds are different--"
15295
15296I put my hand on my chin and muttered.
15297
15298It seems there was a slight load when I used Unit Arrangement to move between worlds.
15299I probably shouldn't use it too often between worlds.
15300
15301
15302~
15303
15304
15305I went around the earth using Sight-based Unit Arrangement, and confirmed that there's no one on the ground.
15306It appears nuclear fusion reactor was the mainstream instead of nuclear fission in this world, but there was a lot of glass craters on the ground and the terrains were considerably different from the earth I know.
15307
15308World War 3-like nuclear wars probably happened.
15309
15310"Just how rampant was the insanity in this world...."
15311
15312Even several large-scale underground shelters were crushed by special bombs that could penetrate earth crust, I couldn't find any survivor.
15313When I moved to the place that should be Tokyo, snow was piled up like it was in glacier period.
15314
15315"Survivor in the space is also, none huh."
15316
15317A lot of debris was floating in the satellite orbit, the lunar base had also been annihilated.
15318
15319"Traces of attacks by unknown aliens or hell's spawns, also none."
15320
15321Humanity killing each other is within my assumption.
15322
15323I give a silent prayer to the destroyed people of this world.
15324
15325I had grasped about the destruction of this world and the state of electromagnetic waves from the mini gargoyle scout units beforehand, but I still wanted to confirm whether there was really no former inhabitant before we start the emigration.
15326
15327I call forth a large warship loaded with numerous large-scale Sacred Tree Stone Furnaces from my Storage.
15328I resupplied my of magic power from those furnaces and picked one magic from the Magic Column.
15329
15330--Terra Forming.
15331
15332Rainbow colored light similar to my Spirit Light stretches to the sky, covering the planet like auroras.
15333With this, these ice age-like atmospheric temperature, lethal toxic substances and radiation should subside somehow.
15334
15335"Next, I need to prepare the planned site of the settlement--"
15336
15337The place is Kansai in Japan.
15338It's partly because it's near an inland sea which is a rich fishing ground, but also because I have limited options since Kanto and Tokai regions have been destroyed into huge craters.
15339
15340While getting magic power supply, I created cities with multi-storied buildings and 10 KM gaps in between, and covered them in a barrier that'd protect them from radiation and pollution.
15341The barrier will only hold up for around three months since there's no replenishment of magic power from outside, but during that time, the [Terra Forming] magic should finish purifying the outside world cleanly.
15342
15343"In addition, I'll leave them water and preserved food."
15344
15345I turned the land from around Kyoto to Lake Biwa into empty lot, and then I purified the frozen water in Lake Biwa, Lake Nara and Lake Osaka, making them drinkable.
15346In addition, I left enough preserved food to feed a population the size of a city for 10 years.
15347I think I put a bit too much, but since they're excess that was over-mass produced by the Chlorella factory, there's no problem.
15348
15349"These should be about right eh? After this, I can just ask them if they need more once they've settled in--"
15350
15351And since I'm planning to put a Sacred Tree Stone Furnace in the emigrant ship, it should be possible to use magic here for one year. I guess it could be 10 years if they economized?
15352
15353After that, they should be able to make it themselves if I just leave a lot of solar panels.
15354
15355--Ah perhaps.
15356
15357Can't I just let them out here from the sub-space without using the Ark?
15358
15359I tried to do that, but it was not possible.
15360Apparently, the subspace I created belongs to that world, it can't be connected directly here.
15361
15362Looks like this world isn't in that easy mode.
15363
15364『Master, can you hear me?』
15365
15366Arisa contacted me.
15367
15368『Yeah, I could--』
15369
15370--Huh?
15371
15372Strange.
15373It shouldn't possible for space magic to reach here.
15374
15375『How'd you do it, Arisa?』
15376『Telepathy thing?』
15377
15378Arisa's tone sounded slightly triumphant.
15379
15380『There's no way--』
15381
15382When I was going to deny that, I understood that it was certainly something close to telepathy.
15383
15384『Ehehe~ you noticed? It's exactly it, the [Familiar~]'s power!』
15385
15386I hold myself back from retorting Arisa's weird intonation of [Familiar], I contemplate.
15387
15388Right now I and Arisa can communicate with our will, the effect seems to be similar to [Telephone].
15389Apparently, there's a reason why [Satou's Faamiliar] was added on Arisa's title.
15390
15391『Still, it's amazing how it enables us to talk between world.』
15392『Sure is, it's the power of our love.』
15393
15394Well, leaving aside love, being able to communicate between worlds that even space magic can't do sure is convenient.
15395Moreover, just like my Unit Arrangement, it doesn't seem to consume magic power either.
15396
15397This looks like it'll be useful when I'm visiting the God's Realm.
15398
15399『--Ah, right, I forgot.』
15400
15401Arisa said that and told me her primary business.
15402Apparently, the weasel emperor called me.
15403
15404『Got it, tell him that I'll be back asap.』
15405『Hooi. Cup ramen as the souvenir, please!』
15406『Okay okay, leave it to me.』
15407
15408To meet Arisa's request, I dropped in a bit on the way back to our world.
15409
15410
15411~
15412
15413
15414"Were you able to convince them?"
15415"There is no problem."
15416
15417When I visited the castle in the desert subspace I made, the former great weasel demon lord--the current weasel emperor was having a lively meeting with the director of [Brains], and several other people.
15418There's someone wearing a robe too, looks like the weasel empire imperial court magician also came.
15419
15420The director and other people who saw me begin to ask questions in a rapid succession.
15421
15422"I heard we're emigrating the people to another world."
15423"Is it true that it's Earth that's been destroyed by nuclear wars?"
15424"Did World War 3 really happen?"
15425"I'd rather go to Mars!"
15426
15427--Calm down.
15428
15429While being overwhelmed, I answered the questions of these [Brains] members.
15430
15431The new world I suggested to them is the earth of a parallel world I visited earlier where no one is alive.
15432I found it by chance when I was randomly sending unmanned pods to see if I could find my original world.
15433
15434"We're going to become Adam and Eve in the new world!"
15435
15436Before I could even finish, a woman who was accompanying Brains's director said something similar to what Arisa would say.
15437I don't think it'll be that romantic since all the people of Weasel Empire are coming along too.
15438
15439"However, can you teleport all the empire's people? Weasel Empire needed quite an amount of magic power to summon people from earth. We were barely able to maintain the gate for three minutes even when using catalysts."
15440
15441I give a positive answer to the man wearing the weasel empire imperial court magician robe.
15442
15443"It's fine. It will take some time, but the people will be going to that world using ships that cruise between dimensions."
15444
15445As a matter of fact, transporting the Ark using my Unit Arrangement would have been the fastest, but if they were given a new land without any distress, they'd likely take it for granted, so I'm having them to take a slightly dangerous and troublesome way.
15446
15447Of course, their safety is guaranteed enough.
15448
15449"An emigrant ship that can go across worlds huh..... We'll make it in 100, no 30 years."
15450
15451The director said some long-term idea.
15452
15453"It'd be too pitiful for the people if they had to wait that long. I'll provide the shell, the main engine, and the life support system, so you guys just need prepare the interior."
15454
15455The cruise will probably only take three months, three years at the longest, so the system doesn't need to be that tedious.
15456It'll probably take longer if the system is based on science instead of magic, but since it's going to have Sacred Tree Stone Engine anyway, there should be no problem in using magic tools.
15457
15458"--Could it be, you had the people in mind from the very start."
15459"If you're letting all the empire's people migrate, just how long ago you had it planned."
15460
15461....The emperor and the director seemed to have a misunderstanding.
15462
15463Seeing them this happy, it's hard for me to say that I just thought it up yesterday.
15464
15465Thus, the plan to emigrate the people of weasel empire to another world, [World Exodus] truly begins.
15466
15467
15468~
15469
15470
15471"You really made the travel possible in one month...."
15472"You can finish the interior during the cruise to kill time."
15473
15474The weasel emperor sighed as he was overlooking several emigrant ships floating in the void sky-styled sub-space.
15475
15476He had the [God's Fragment] removed by Demon Lord Shizuka, and I turned him back to his original weasel emperor figure using Primeval Magic.
15477With his devotion, I was able to manage the Primeval Magic quite well to do it.
15478
15479It seems to be extremely painful, so I'd better not casually use it on living people.
15480
15481"Your Majesty! We've finished the preparation to depart."
15482
15483Lady Liedill wearing a space suit arrived with a small void sky ship.
15484She was a long-earkin girl who served as a Weasel Empire's Temple Knight, I had saved her when she was in critical condition from the Divine Punishment, and she regained a body close to her original one thanks to Bio Tank.
15485
15486Lady Liedill jumped from the small void sky ship to the wharf where we were.
15487
15488"Oops."
15489"Are you okay."
15490
15491It seemed she was still not used to her new body, I caught her as she staggered and lost her balance.
15492I help her back on her feet while trying not to focus on the poyo-poyo sensation that hit my arm in accordance to inertia.
15493
15494『You pervert.』
15495『I had no ulterior motive.』
15496
15497I replied to Lady Liedill who complained through Telepathy similar to what Arisa did.
15498
15499"Your Majesty, the preparation for ceremony has been completed."
15500"Umu, let's go."
15501
15502I follow after him to the ceremony hall.
15503
15504"Liedill, are you really not going to stay here?"
15505"Yes, Your Majesty. Even if this body has been altered by this guy, my loyalty lies with Your Majesty."
15506"Is that so--"
15507
15508I take no notice to the conversation that has been repeated many times these past several weeks.
15509
15510I don't know if it was because I poured Blood Elixir without restraint, or if it was because Lady Liedill lost the majority of her limbs, her title became [Satou's Familiar] once the treatment was complete.
15511
15512We can communicate between worlds since she's my familiar, it's useful if there's trouble with the weasel emigrant fleet, so I leave it as is.
15513
15514As a bonus--.
15515
15516『This fat, it's a nuisance.』
15517『I think it's attractive.』
15518『Hmph.』
15519
15520--Maybe because I had set the tank for Nana, her breasts volume increased to E cup from her super slender old self.
15521She said it like it was a problem, but it seems she's taken a liking to it so I didn't readjust it.
15522
15523"Hear me my people! We are no longer able to set foot in this world whose gods loathe us. However--"
15524
15525I take a look at the people standing in lines while taking no heed to the weasel emperor's speech.
15526There's not even one person with purple hair.
15527
15528All of the reincarnated people received Unique Skill--or rather, [God's Fragment] as a compensation for reincarnating.
15529
15530All of those fragments were transfered to small monsters by Demon Lord Shizuka, and then my companions defeated the demon lords that manifested.
15531Unfortunately, except for Arisa who got [True Hero] title like Pochi, no one got [Hero] title.
15532I also had the former demon lord who was training in the selbira labyrinth's lower layer, Shin boy to defeat them, but unfortunately his ability wasn't even enough to give a finishing blow to a weakened demon lord so he wasn't able to get [True Hero] title.
15533
15534"--Give an applause of gratitude to Hero Nanashi! This emigrant fleet wouldn't have been possible without him!"
15535
15536While enduring the earsplitting waves of sound, I wave my hand at the people elegantly like a member of Imperial Household.
15537
15538"Then, let us depart!"
15539
15540After the weasel emperor declared that, the people who were standing in lines began to move to the cockpits of the emigrant fleet.
15541
15542"Satou. Please take care of my little brother and the weasel people who stay in this world."
15543
15544Even though I couldn't imagine that Weasel Empire's prince wanting my help, I replied him with a short, "I got it."
15545
15546『Your Majesty, this is a farewell degozaru.』
15547『Umu, serve under Satou and become his shield from now on.』
15548『Acknowledged degozaru.』
15549
15550The former sword demon lord who's staying here regrettably parted with the weasel emperor.
15551
15552There were also around 200 other people who declined the emigration, but I had already sent them to various places in the world separately.
15553These settlers' memories about science were erased by the catear-kin reincarnated person, Louise, who was in charge of memory deletion in Lete City, so they shouldn't become a target of a new Divine Punishment or something.
15554
15555"Wait~?"
15556"Emperor person, please wait nodesu!"
15557
15558Tama and Pochi ran up while holding a necklace-like thing.
15559
15560"Dog Hero Pochi and Cat Ninja Tama. I see that you two are lively today too, excellent."
15561
15562The weasel emperor looks like a friendly old man as he smiles with his whole face.
15563
15564"Safety prayer~"
15565"We made 『Sekka Flower』's necklace to protect you in your journey nodesu."
15566
15567It's the same necklace Pochi and the others got from the little girl Yuni when we departed Seryuu City back then.
15568For these two, this [Sekka Flower] Necklace must be the very symbol of safe journey.
15569
15570"Umu, I will cherish it."
15571"Aye!"
15572"Yes nanodesu."
15573
15574I left the emigrant fleet with a small void sky ship along with Pochi and Tama who were waving their hands buzzingly.
15575
15576"Ga~te?"
15577"Open nanodesu!"
15578
15579It's an Otherworld Gate I remodeled from Saga Empire's Hero Summoning and Weasel Empire's Japanese Summoning magic circles.
15580A dark gray subspace can be seen on the other side of the multi layered magic circles.
15581
15582One ship after another enter that subspace.
15583
15584"They're gone~"
15585"Emperor person will be alright for sure nanodesu."
15586"That's right. I'm sure he can accomplish it."
15587
15588The preparation was excessively enough after all.
15589
15590After confirming that the gate had closed, I teleported back to the Solitary Island Palace.
15591I'd like to relax with my companions before visiting the God's Country.
15592
15593"Meat meat meat~ ham~ burg~?"
15594"Bird-san, goat-san, beef-san, lots of them, but I love them all~ nanodesu."
15595
15596I'm walking in the alley toward Solitary Island Palace where flowers are blooming while listening to Tama's and Pochi's lunch song.
15597Peaceful daily life really is the best isn't it.
15598
15599
1560015-Intermission 1: Hayato Masaki
15601 
15602※ This is from Hero Hayato's point of view
15603
15604"Looks like there's a time limit for God Parion to connect worlds. I have to go soon."
15605
15606Gentle light falls from the heaven, wrapping me.
15607
15608My body floats in the air and my view is swallowed by the light while my friends and Satou are watching.
15609I could dimly hear Rin's sorrowful voices calling me.
15610
15611--Sorry, Rin.
15612
15613I apologize to my friends in my mind.
15614
15615『My gratitude, Hero.』
15616
15617I heard a voice mixed with noise, like a badly tuned radio, inside my mind.
15618This cute childish voice is of God Parion.
15619
15620She conveys her thought with flowing images.
15621
15622Looks like she's thanking me for subjugating the demon lord.
15623I regret that I can't see the young goddess inside the whitened view.
15624
15625『Parting, Apologize.』
15626
15627--Don't worry about it. I'm the one who chose to do it.
15628
15629I shook my head at God Parion's apologetic thought.
15630
15631『Great Happiness, Future, Blessing.』
15632
15633--Yeah, I'll find so much happiness so that Rin and the others I left behind won't have to worry.
15634
15635Hearing me, the young goddess sent a smiling image at me.
15636That's right, children gotta have to smile!
15637
15638
15639~
15640
15641
15642"This place is--"
15643
15644I was standing on a stone pavement when I noticed.
15645
15646--The precincts of a shrine?
15647
15648Right! I was in this shrine when I got summoned.
15649
15650"So I've come back...."
15651
15652I run down the stairs.
15653
15654I passed through a vermilion arc gate, arriving at a gray road that smelled of exhaust fumes.
15655
15656"Kya"
15657
15658I heard a girl's voice on the side.
15659Looks like she was surprised because I rushed in.
15660
15661"My bad--Tachibana!"
15662"--Eh? Masaki-kun?"
15663
15664I found my childhood friend with her loli face--Tachibana Yumiri and I immediately hugged her slender childish body.
15665
15666"No, w-wait, Hayato-chan! Please do this at a more romantic spot."
15667
15668When I heard my panicking childhood friend's voice, I couldn't hold back my nostalgia and ended up weeping.
15669
15670"What? Are you hurt anywhere? Heey, Hayato-chan."
15671"Yumiri Yumiri, I'm back. I've come back."
15672
15673Yumiri gently hugged this unseemly me back even while being at a loss.
15674
15675
15676~
15677
15678
15679"Here you go, Pekari. You like it right."
15680"T-thank you. Ah to think I could drink Pekari again--"
15681
15682Yumiri offered a handkerchief as I got in tears again when I saw the sport drink she gave.
15683I feel that Yumiri's cheeks look red, maybe because of the hug earlier.
15684
15685"--Huh?"
15686"What is it now."
15687
15688Yumiri frowns quizzically.
15689
15690"Why are you in sailor uniform?"
15691
15692From what I remember, this guy doesn't have a cosplaying hobby.
15693
15694"You're really! We were together at the school earlier."
15695
15696--Earlier?
15697
15698I stare at Yumiri's eyes.
15699
15700"W-what."
15701
15702Yumiri crosses her arms in front of her body, taking a guarding pose.
15703She was shaken enough that she began to act strangely, but I only noticed that after I got home.
15704
15705There was something more important for me at this time.
15706
15707"What year and date are now!"
15708"He?"
15709
15710I caught the puzzled Yumiri's shoulders and asked.
15711
15712"Tell me!"
15713"U-un.... It's the third of March 2013, the time too? It's 12:15."
15714
15715I don't remember the time, but there's no mistake about the date.
15716
15717This was the day I got summoned.
15718
15719"I thought Time magic didn't exist...."
15720"Hey, didn't you say that you'd graduated from chuunibyou in your middle school days? Did it recur again?"
15721
15722Yumiri who heard my muttering said something, but I couldn't afford to mind that as I touch my face all around.
15723
15724"Are you really alright?"
15725"Mirror! Do you have a mirror?"
15726"I do though?"
15727
15728I look at the mirror Yumiri handed to me worryingly.
15729
15730--It's the high schooler me.
15731
15732"Huh? Come to think of it, why are you wearing a suit? Interview for a part-time job?"
15733"It's a long story--"
15734
15735I talked to Yumiri about the other world while feeling pleasant with the surprise from the young goddess.
15736At first Yumiri didn't believe me at all, but she consented after I crushed a coin into four parts with my fingers.
15737
15738My strength had been badly lowered compared to when I was another world's hero since I couldn't use my skill here, but there was still enough unreasonable strength remaining for me to do that.
15739I feel that I probably could join into the circle of top athletes if I just trained a bit.
15740
15741"Hmm, you went through a lot. And, did you leave lovers or wives in the other world?"
15742
15743Her words were light.
15744Looks like she didn't completely believe it.
15745
15746Well, whatever.
15747
15748I also would have laughed someone if they told me something like this.
15749
15750"Nah, I didn't have any lover nor wife--"
15751
15752--The one that's always been in my mind.
15753
15754Yumiri blushed as I stared her.
15755
15756Let's not talk about Princess Arisa.
15757
15758"Sorry, Yumiri, I have to go home and say 『I'm home』 to my little sister."
15759
15760When I said that with an earnest look, Yumiri's shoulders dropped down a bit for some reason, but then she waved her hand and said, "Bye bye" while looking astonished.
15761
15762"Un, see you tomorrow."
15763
15764My cheeks loosened from Yumiri's farewell.
15765
15766"Yea, see you."
15767"Bye~"
15768
15769Yumiri looked satisfied when I replied her.
15770
15771
15772~
15773
15774
15775"Ichirou-nii's friend?"
15776
15777A beautiful woman who feels similar to Satou is looking at me suspiciously.
15778
15779"Yes, I'm here to deliver a letter he's entrusted to me."
15780"How old are you?"
15781"Tw--seventeen."
15782
15783I almost said my age when I was in the other world.
15784
15785"Then you knew Ichi-nii when you were seven?"
15786
15787--What does she mean?
15788
15789"No, it was two years ago."
15790
15791Her expression disappeared from her face when I said that.
15792
15793"Really--"
15794
15795The beauty whose expression changed into that of a noh mask said, "Go home", and turned back into the entranceway.
15796
15797"P-please wait. At least please take letter."
15798"If you want to prank someone, do it somewhere else--"
15799
15800She said that with a cold voice, and then she slammed the entranceway's door right before my face.
15801
15802"Oh my? Do you need something here?"
15803
15804When I turned back at the voice behind, there was a middle aged woman who looked similar to Satou, holding a shopping bag.
15805
15806"Are you Suzuki Ichirou's mother?"
15807"Yes, I am?"
15808
15809After introducing myself, I told her the same thing I said earlier.
15810
15811"Don't you know that our son went missing 10 years ago?"
15812"10 years ago? He left me a business card though--"
15813
15814I hold out a business card that Satou gave me.
15815
15816"I think you're mistaking him with someone else. That child went missing when he was attending an university. He shouldn't be working anywhere."
15817
15818I recalled, the words "The world might be different" that Satou said when I listened to her.
15819After apologizing to her for the clamor, I left the Suzuki house.
15820
15821A little while after leaving Suzuki house, something that I didn't notice earlier hit me.
15822
15823"--Why didn't Satou's family even consider the possibility of him surviving?"
15824
15825The two didn't seem like they hated Satou.
15826Yet the two didn't seem to even consider the possibility of Satou being alive at all.
15827
15828I hesitated if I should talk to them again, but for some reason, I ended up only putting Satou's letter inside a nearby postbox and went home.
15829
15830
15831~
15832
15833
15834"Hayato-nii, what a' you doin'?"
15835
15836My little sister Aika who had just turned three talked to me clumsily.
15837
15838"I'm making a doghouse."
15839"Do'! Keep do'?"
15840
15841Aika gleefully asked while climbing my back.
15842
15843She's adorable today too.
15844Truly an angel.
15845
15846"Right. We should keep one."
15847"Waai"
15848
15849Aika happily jumps up and down.
15850I quickly supported Aika as she was about to fall from my back and lowered her on the ground.
15851
15852"Ride on do' back!"
15853"I see I see. Then we gotta keep a big dog."
15854"Aye!"
15855
15856Looks like my image library will get additional pics of my pretty little sister riding on a dog's back.
15857Aika was watching me making the doghouse for a while, but then she dozed off halfway through so I let her sleep in the sofa.
15858
15859"--Alright, complete."
15860
15861Lastly, I nailed a nameplate written with word, Satou, on the doghouse.
15862
15863This nameplate was sent to me from Suzuki family.
15864It was probably because I sent a letter of apology to Satou's family the following day.
15865
15866I got a message from Satou through his family's letter.
15867Dunno why, but he asked me to make a dog house and put this nameplate on it.
15868
15869"Well it's that guy's request, so this must have some meaning to it."
15870
15871
15872I muttered while stretching myself.
15873
15874I clap my hand to brush off wood chips and dust.
15875
15876"Hayato-chan, are you inside?"
15877
15878I heard my childhood friend Yumiri's voice from the entranceway.
15879
15880After our reunion recently, she came to call me "Hayato-chan" like she used before, instead of "Masaki-kun."
15881I got thoroughly made fun of in the school, but since it somehow felt like I regained my lost youth, I gladly enjoyed it and then it waned before I knew it.
15882
15883"I'm here!"
15884
15885I called Yumiri from the garden, thinking of bragging the doghouse to her.
15886
15887At that time, a presence appeared behind me.
15888
15889"Hello, Hayato-sama. It's been awhile."
15890
15891I turned back and saw a man who looked like he was just before his thirty coming out of the doghouse.
15892
15893"Don't tell me, you're Satou?"
15894"Yes, it's been a while isn't it."
15895
15896It's my friend with the same atmosphere, but aged.
15897I don't know how he crossed worlds, but Satou could probably do it indiscreetly.
15898
15899"Thank you for coming. I'm happy to see you again."
15900"Yes, me too."
15901
15902It's only been several months for me, but it's probably around 10 years for Satou.
15903
15904"Satou, what happened to that world--"
15905
15906I asked my friend's business while exchanging reunion hugs with him.
15907
15908
15909◆
15910
15911
15912"Ha-Hayato-chan? Onee-san thinks BL is bad for you!"
15913
15914Yumiri who saw us exchanging reunion hugs said some preposterous remark.
15915
15916"Would you happen to be Hayato-san's elder sister?"
15917"N-no, I'm Tachibana Yumiri, Masaki-kun's childhood friend and classmate."
15918
15919Satou shrewdly talked to Yumiri.
15920He murmured, "Tachibana" when she heard Yumiri's name.
15921
15922"Sometimes ago, Hayato-san really helped me when he picked up a briefcase with a large sum of money in it."
15923"Briefcase?"
15924"Yes, that's right. If I couldn't find that briefcase--"
15925
15926Looks like Satou is fit to be a first-rate fraud.
15927Yumiri who got deceived in the blink of an eye said, "It's nothing important, I'll talk to you at school tomorrow", and went home.
15928
15929"I'm glad we cleared the misunderstanding."
15930"You bet yea."
15931
15932I ask Satou again while sighing in relief.
15933
15934"And, did something happen to that world?"
15935
15936--I won't spare anything if my power is needed.
15937
15938"Arisa asked me for something."
15939"My honey--sorry."
15940
15941Oops, it should be about time for her to become Satou's wife and have children.
15942
15943"No, you're free to call her what you like."
15944
15945Satou is all smiles like usual.
15946For some reason, he's drinking the cheap instant coffee with great relish.
15947
15948"And, what do you need? Ask me anything if it's something I can help."
15949"Then, could you guide me to the drugstore or supermarket nearby?"
15950
15951--Drugstore?
15952
15953"Arisa said that she wanted to eat instant food, thus I'm here to buy various kinds."
15954
15955--Haa?
15956
15957This was the time when my jaw dropped.
15958Who would have guessed that he was teleportating between worlds, which even gods couldn't do, just to buy instant food!
15959
15960"You never change...."
15961
15962While sighing, I lead my friend to the city in order to fulfill his wish.
15963
15964"You even had a driver's license."
15965"Yes, I couldn't exchange that thing with money if I didn't have an ID card."
15966
15967Satou got his fund by selling a mysterious object made of gold in a precious metal purchasing shop.
15968After the exchange, we went into a back alley and his appearance changed to the 15 year old Satou I'm familiar with.
15969
15970"The effect of illusion magic is truly short in this world isn't it."
15971
15972Apparently, it's not that 15 years have passed in that world, he just had it prepared to match his appearance on the driver's license.
15973After buying several boxes of instant foods, Satou went back to the other world satisfyingly.
15974
15975Afterward, he occasionally came to visit once every several months.
15976
15977I was surprised when he brought along Rin who looked and got younger, but right now she's got along well with Yumiri and Aika.
15978Satou prepared her family register in this world.
15979His cheat performance is really dependable like always.
15980
15981"Satou, how is the world over there?"
15982"Yes well, it's really peaceful like this world."
15983
15984I asked Satou while watching him playing with my little sister in the garden.
15985
15986"Hey, did you do something to that?"
15987
15988The TV was full of news about wars and disasters when I got back to this world, but they decreased every time Satou came visiting.
15989
15990Satou only smiled and laughed without answering me back.
15991
15992Geez, looks like Satou is Satou no matter the world.
15993
15994-Intermission 1 End.
15995
1599615-Intermission 2. At the Eastern End of the Continent (1)
15997 
15998※ This isn't from Satou's POV
15999
16000"....Furry mountain?"
16001
16002I muttered as I saw a small mountain of fur in my dim view.
16003
16004--Thud.
16005
16006A warm lump touched my body.
16007
16008When I look down, I see a creature resembling a newborn rat.
16009It might be cute if it were small, but it's as frighteningly big as an adult man.
16010
16011I almost reflexively jumped out, but I couldn't put any power in my limbs, I was only able to bend backward.
16012
16013"●●●"
16014
16015I heard gibberish words from the small mountain.
16016
16017Apparently the owner of that fur is alive.
16018I wonder if I've been carried here to be his food--.
16019
16020Right when I thought of that, I noticed.
16021
16022"So this is reincarnation..."
16023
16024I had never thought that I would be thrust down in the animal realm.
16025
16026I couldn't fight again the rapid drowsiness of my body as I fell asleep just like that.
16027
16028And then I recall my shitty past in my dream--.
16029
16030
16031~~~◆~◆◆◆
16032
16033
16034"Mom, I'm  hungry."
16035"I'm sorry, we have no money, so get some meal from our neighbor okay."
16036"Eeh, again?"
16037
16038Hearing my mom's and elder sister's conversation in the corridor, I realized that mom had offered all the food to [God].
16039Since dad disappeared with a young girl, mom was always absorbed into [God].
16040
16041"Tarou, let's go."
16042"Un."
16043
16044Together with my elder sister, we went to the neighboring diner.
16045Of course nowadays there's no one kind enough to feed us free of charge.
16046
16047We were finally able to eat after I washed plates while enduring the cold water while my sister acted like a waitress.
16048It was not that good, but I didn't care as long as it made me full.
16049
16050One day my sister ran away from home after she graduated middle school.
16051I was always a baggage of my sister....
16052
16053I survived somehow while enduring hunger.
16054I'm sure I would've long been dead if there was no lunch service in my middle school.
16055
16056After graduating middle school, I was picked up by a small factory in the town, I left my mother who offered everything to god as I began to live alone.
16057The wage is low, but I was satisfied with living a life where I could have meals three times a day.
16058
16059Cause I wanted to be apart from my mother who raised queer cry at night and endlessly repeated her god's teaching, no matter what.
16060After living alone, I noticed that my heart had also started to fall ill.
16061
16062
16063After some time, when I (boku) started to call myself with ore (I), I met an unexpected person.
16064
16065"Is that you Tarou?"
16066"Dad?"
16067
16068The dad that I hadn't met for more 10 years was wearing priest-like clothes.
16069
16070"What are you doing now?"
16071"I'm an instructor of the Eastern Joy School."
16072
16073--Ha?
16074
16075Don't tell me that even dad had been influenced by some good-for-nothing cult?
16076
16077"Tarou, won't you go with me?"
16078"I'm not interested in cult."
16079
16080I shook off the arm of my father who started to be delirious and spat out.
16081
16082--I don't wanna have anything to do with cult and god!
16083
16084"This is different! Don't group up the Eastern Joy School with the average cult! This is a school dedicated to finding happiness for people!"
16085
16086That's the same thing, dad.
16087
16088"You have a job right? Would you like to join the Eastern Joy School?"
16089
16090My dad said that after seeing my factory uniform.
16091His eyes, mixed with flattery and contempt, were unpleasant.
16092
16093"I've no interest."
16094"Then why don't you try investing in the school's benefit society? 100,000 no, just 10,000 yen is fine! This month's quota is tight you see. Please."
16095
16096I felt sick looking at my father acting like the model of shamelessness.
16097I lightly pushed him aside and ran away.
16098
16099Even though I noticed that the pay envelope in my pocket fell, I ran through the alley without stopping.
16100I almost vomited hearing my father saying, "Thanks, Tarou" behind.
16101
16102"God can go die!"
16103
16104I frantically shouted out the sordid feeling overflowing in my heart.
16105I felt like I'd get swallowed by that sordid feeling if I didn't do that.
16106
16107I kept running while staring at the sky.
16108
16109"Oy! Look out!"
16110
16111Before I could see who said that, I heard a high-pitched noise of a brake, and got hit by an impact, my sight was wrapped in darkness.
16112Truck guy, sorry for jumping in front of ya....
16113
16114
16115◆
16116
16117
16118"....God?"
16119
16120I faced a self-proclaimed god in a purple space.
16121
16122The self-proclaimed god told me that they'd reincarnate me to another world.
16123Moreover, they'd give me a special power that only I could use called Unique Skills.
16124
16125--Too suspicious.
16126
16127"I don't have money."
16128
16129The self-proclaimed god replied with something with 'denial' and 'unnecessary' as the points.
16130
16131Apparently, it's hard to communicate with this guy.
16132It feels like having a conversation between extreme ends in the factory.
16133
16134"Like I said, I don't need no power! More importantly, let me hit you."
16135
16136I don't mind if my soul is erased here if I could hit god who had wrecked my life.
16137
16138And then a purple sphere emerged in front of me.
16139I didn't know if that was a god or not, but I hit it with all my might while thinking of my shitty father and cult mother.
16140
16141It felt like hitting a water surface and then my right arm got sunk into the sphere until my shoulder.
16142
16143"Uwaa"
16144
16145I pulled my arm in panic, but two lights were coiling about around it.
16146
16147"Chose? Chose what?"
16148
16149I asked the self-proclaimed god, but the other party didn't reply, instead an image got unilaterally transmitted to me.
16150
16151"Gods? There's other gods? Hit them all I want if I meet them?"
16152
16153I tried to grasp the purple lights and then I felt my body got filled with power.
16154It seems I acquired two power, [Lucky Star] and [<<Reflect Unlucky>>].
16155
16156"If this power allow me to hit gods, then I'll accept it."
16157
16158I grinned at the image transmitted by the self-proclaimed god.
16159
16160"I'll beat you the last as a thank."
16161
16162The self-proclaimed god replied like it was nothing, annoying me.
16163
16164"You're looking forward to it? I'll make you eat those words someday."
16165
16166I was melting inside the purple darkness as I heard the laughter of the self-proclaimed god who heard my declaration of war.
16167
16168
16169◆◆◆~◆~~~
16170
16171
16172"Sheesh, is this primitive age...."
16173
16174I muttered while looking at the people living in pit-dwellings.
16175
16176I thought I was dropped into the animal realm when I just got reincarnated, but it turned out that I'd just been reincarnated as one of beastkin races, the weaselkin.
16177
16178My father in this life seems to be the patriarch of this poor hunting community at the eastern end.
16179
16180After losing to the powerful tigerkin and lizardkin, we were driven away to the barren land near the coast which had few prey, a lot of people died of starvation during winter.
16181I wanted to discard this unstable hunting lifestyle and pressed forward with agriculture, but the land here is really bad it's impossible.
16182It seemed my father tried to procure sea products, but he gave up after 30% of our tribe were eaten by the monsters living in the sea.
16183
16184I spent many days without food, but strangely enough, there were many times where I got food myself before I died of starvation.
16185Gods and cults are still my enemy even now, but I don't mind thanking that self-proclaimed god for the [Lucky Star] I got.
16186
16187"Ani-cha"
16188"Ou, are you alright going out today?"
16189"Aye!"
16190
16191I support my youngest weak little sister walking.
16192I dunno if it's because my father is fertile or if it's just the tribe thing, but I have a lot of siblings in this life.
16193
16194"You look like a princess today."
16195
16196She usually wore some dirty crude clothing, but today she's wearing something that looks like a traditional costume.
16197
16198"Ehehee, it's a ritual."
16199"Ritual? Ritual huh--"
16200
16201I felt a foreboding at the [Ritual] my little sister told me.
16202
16203And that foreboding became real immediately.
16204
16205"S-STOOOOOOOOP!"
16206"Tarou, don't obstruct the ritual!"
16207"Yes! That good-for-nothing sick is finally good for something."
16208
16209My father and my eldest brother sneered at me for trying to stop them.
16210Even though I tried to forcibly shake them off, this child's body couldn't make it happen.
16211
16212I could hear shrill laughter of my little sister.
16213
16214"Look, she's having fun right."
16215"That happy medicine is exclusive for the offering after all."
16216"That's just a drug!"
16217
16218The moment I snapped, my little sister's laughter stopped, and I heard shouts of joy from the tribe people overlooking the ritual.
16219My heart froze looking at the lump of flesh that was my little sister.
16220
16221"You should thank her. If he didn't become the god's sacrifice, the corpse over there would have been you, the 『Taboo Child』, instead--"
16222
16223My eldest brother told me that while laughing repulsively.
16224
16225"--You sure are lucky."
16226
16227Hearing that, I lost control of myself and hit my eldest brother while screaming.
16228Of course, a seven year old like me couldn't possibly win against my eldest brother, I laid on the ground after getting beat up.
16229
16230--I want power.
16231
16232Not the vague lucky power I got from the self-proclaimed god, but a power to have my way with....
16233
16234
16235~~~~
16236
16237
16238"Nii-san, I should go with you after all."
16239"Al, there's no need for you to pull the short end of the stick too y'know?"
16240
16241The brightest one among my siblings, Alrusuri came before me in traveling clothes.
16242
16243My eldest brother drove me out of the tribe once he took over as the patriarch, perhaps it was because he didn't like me kept pressing the agriculture.
16244
16245"They say you're going abroad to study about agriculture but--"
16246"I know."
16247
16248--In reality, it's an exile.
16249
16250"Besides, my dream is the same as Nii-san's, that is having agriculture as our tribe's mean of survival."
16251"I see."
16252
16253I left the familiar pit dwelling village with Al and two guards.
16254A tinge of loneliness recurred in my chest when I could not see the village anymore.
16255Looks like I'm attached to it even though it's a poor village.
16256
16257"Where are we going?"
16258"I heard from father who went traveling in the past--"
16259
16260We know little about outside world as there's no peddler who comes to our village.
16261
16262According to father, our race is a nomadic people who peddle around the world.
16263It seems there's extremely few who settle down like this village.
16264
16265"If tigerkin or lizardkin people found us, we'd probably be killed or become slaves. So we need to head toward the humankin country while avoiding their regions."
16266
16267According to father who was once a traveler, we should be able to reach either Rumooku Kingdom or Doraoku Kingdom.
16268
16269We hid ourselves from huge monsters and tigerkin's assaults, ran away with all our might from the slow lizardkin, and finally arrived at a human settlement with our emaciated bodies.
16270
16271While feeling nostalgic at humans living at the village, I was thrust before the reality; beastfolks like us are persecuted.
16272We helped the farmwork in that village while getting treated like slaves as we learned their language.
16273It was the long-awaited agriculture, but the things the village was doing was just a primitive farmwork where they plowed, randomly sowed seeds, and scattered fertilizers without even ridging the field.
16274
16275We ran away from the village once we learned how to talk imperfectly, heading toward the western big kingdom, Shiga Kingdom.
16276
16277
16278~
16279
16280
16281"Nii-san, there's a village."
16282"Yeah, the field looks splendid."
16283
16284Going out of our way to Shiga Kingdom looks to be the correct choice.
16285We rode our horses to Puta Town along the highway since the field belonged exclusively to villages.
16286
16287"Young master, the town seems strange."
16288"Yea, it seems you're right."
16289
16290The guards didn't need to stop us.
16291We could hear tumult from the people inside the town.
16292
16293There must be trouble.
16294
16295"Let's avoid this town and go to the next one."
16296
16297I turned the horse around as I said that.
16298
16299"Nii-san, that!"
16300
16301Hearing my little brother, I turned back and saw a foxkin girl with purple fur who tumbled out of the town gate.
16302And she's bloody all over....
16303
16304"Nii-san!"
16305
16306I heard my little brother's worried voice far in the back.
16307Apparently, I'd run the horse without thinking of the consequences.
16308
16309"Gimme your hand!"
16310『Ui? Mofumofu?』
16311
16312--Japanese language?
16313
16314I pick up the young foxkin girl, passing through the townspeople who carry crude weapons such as farm tools.
16315
16316"There's more of those cursed beasts!"
16317"Kill the No Life King's kin!"
16318
16319Ignoring the mob-like townspeople's shouts, I run the horse.
16320
16321"Nii-san, they're chasing us."
16322
16323Three armed men are pursuing us.
16324
16325"Young master, please leave this to us."
16326"No you can't. I'd rather dump this girl than you guys."
16327
16328The body of the young foxkin girl on the back seat stiffened hearing me rejecting the guards' reckless suggestion.
16329
16330"Nii-san!"
16331
16332I turned my line of sight back to the front at my little brother's shout, a ratkin riding a six-legged boar jumped out of the forest.
16333
16334"I ask! Are you criminals?!"
16335"We're not, we just saved a girl who was about to be killed by adventurers."
16336"Understood. With justice in hands, Warrior Mize of Ash Ratkin will assist you!"
16337
16338That ratkin was strong.
16339To think a level 30 warrior was this strong!
16340
16341Warrior Mize defeated the pursuers in no time at all and we got out of the trouble.
16342
16343
16344~
16345
16346
16347"Thank you. I'm Tarou of weaselkin. I came to Shiga Kingdom to learn about agriculture."
16348"Hou? That's unusual for a beastkin."
16349
16350Warrior Mize was surprised after my introduction, and then he folded his arms while looking a bit troubled.
16351
16352"Is it that unusual?"
16353"Sorry, it's not about that."
16354
16355I urge the hesitant Warrior Mize to continue.
16356
16357"Presently, Shiga Kingdom is in a dangerous state due to the murder of a noble by the 『No Life King』."
16358
16359The town earlier certainly looked strange.
16360
16361"Umu, and?"
16362"That 『No Life King』 is a Cursed Child--In other world, he has the same purple fur as you and that girl over there."
16363"In other words, we cannot enter Shiga Kingdom?"
16364
16365I exchanged looks of loss with my little brothers and the guards at the outrageous situation.
16366
16367We must have looked really pitiful.
16368
16369"This must be fate. If it's fine with you, would you like to go with me?"
16370
16371Warrior Mize told us that.
16372We don't really mind as long as we can learn about agriculture--.
16373
16374"To where?"
16375"Elf Village, Boruenan Forest."
16376
16377Thus, our destination changed from Shiga Kingdom to Boruenan Forest.
16378
16379-Intermission 2 End.
16380
16381Chapter 15-Intermission 3. At the Eastern End of the Continent (2)
16382 
16383"Niisan, what do you think that white thread is?"
16384
16385One day when we got close to the black dragon mountain range, my little brother said that.
16386
16387"Where?"
16388"Look, it's between the peaks over there."
16389
16390It must be very thin.
16391Unfortunately, I can't see it with my eyesight.
16392
16393I could only make out silhouettes of countless wyverns flying near the summits.
16394
16395"That's the world tree."
16396"That?"
16397
16398My brother and the guards were dumbfounded since they didn't understand the term [World Tree], but I knew the name from the title of a game I played in my previous life.
16399Even though it was a used game I bought for 100 yen in a bargain sale, I remember playing it for around a year.
16400
16401The fox girl died young in her previous life so she doesn't have that kind of memories.
16402
16403Now then, putting that aside--.
16404
16405"Mize, I know you're telling us to cross that mountain range, but shouldn't we prepare some countermeasure for the wyverns?"
16406"Everything's fine. They will be driven away by the master of the mountains. That's why I've brought those with me."
16407
16408The ratkin warrior Mize glanced at the 10 goats tied to the horse.
16409
16410"Niisan!"
16411
16412I turned around at my brother's warning, and then a black shadow appeared in front of us.
16413The thing that appeared while being accompanied by several tornado and shaking that equaled earthquakes was a monster that makes the kaijuus in monster films looks cute in comparison.
16414
16415『Dragon?』
16416
16417The taciturn fox girl is looking up in rapture.
16418Unlike us who couldn't even move an inch, apparently this girl is very daring.
16419
16420"It is an honor to meet you black dragon-dono!"
16421
16422Warrior Mize talked to the black dragon while still on his horse.
16423
16424His voice is shaking.
16425He's probably afraid of the black dragon too.
16426
16427"We have prepared these goats for black dragon-dono's tribute! Please have them!"
16428
16429The black dragon seemed to understand Mize, after roaring once frighteningly, it began to catch the goats with its huge hands and greedily devour them.
16430The sounds of the goats screaming and the crunching sounds of the bones made me hallucinate my own future.
16431
16432The black dragon finished eating the goats in a flash, and then it looked at Mize as if it was urging something.
16433
16434"We're very glad to see that you like it. We have a business to do at the other side of the mountain range. We would like a permission to cross over black dragon-dono's territory."
16435
16436――ＲＷＵＬＯＯＯＵＵＵＵＮＮ！
16437
16438The black dragon shot a flash after replying Mize.
16439A black ditch of several kilometer long was carved on the mountains, raising white steam.
16440
16441"Dragon Breath...."
16442
16443To think the otherworld dragon was such an out-of-ordinary being....
16444
16445――ＲＷＵＬＯＯＯＵＵＵＵＮＮ！
16446
16447The black dragon flew to the horizon after roaring once.
16448
16449Guided by Mize, we crossed the mountain range through the warmth black road, arriving at Boruenan Forest.
16450We did not get attacked by monsters even once during our trip in the black dragon mountain that was said to be perilous.
16451
16452
16453~
16454
16455
16456"Purple fur is it degozaru...."
16457
16458We met an elf who was speaking with [Gozaru] as we arrived right before the barrier of Boruenan Forest.
16459
16460"The ratkin over there can go inside the village since you have a letter of introduction from Yuya, but the weasels and the fox people cannot."
16461
16462After the gozaru elf said that, another elf behind him muttered weakly, "If only the matter with Touya didn't...."
16463
16464"Elf-dono, we would like to learn about agriculture. Would you please allow my little brothers and the guards to enter?"
16465"Niisan!"
16466
16467If the problem is with the purple fur, then it should be okay if I and this fox girl just not go with them.
16468
16469Fortunately, there's a lot of wild beasts at the foot of the black dragon mountains.
16470I should be able to live alone until they've finished their study.
16471
16472"What should we do degozaru?"
16473"--All right."
16474
16475At the gozaru elf's question, the elf behind him contemplated with folded arms and then he nodded.
16476
16477"If you want to learn about agriculture, I'll introduce you to the gnomes of Borueswen. Our agriculture cannot be replicated by anyone but elves. Although gnomes use earth magic for it, it should be similar enough to general agriculture."
16478
16479Thus, we will be staying at Borueswen with the elf's introduction, while warrior Mize will be training in combat at the Leprechaun's training site.
16480
16481『Ui fight too.』
16482
16483The fox girl who had learned the basic of swords from Mize during our trip went with Mize to the Leprechaun's training site.
16484Thus we spent three years, and obtained useful skills like Compounding and Alchemy besides Agriculture.
16485It was thanks to the skill points I saved up during our journey.
16486
16487We could have led a comfortable live with a permanent residence at Borueswen, but even though it was a wasteland, that place is my second birthplace.
16488
16489Above all, my little brother wants to go back to our homeland.
16490I don't want to part with my little brother after he's kept me company this far.
16491
16492We bid the gnomes who took care of us farewell and went toward the Leprechaun's training site to say goodbye to Mize and the fox girl.
16493
16494
16495~
16496
16497
16498"Master!"
16499"I-is that you?"
16500
16501The fox girl who had grown rapidly in just three years appeared.
16502
16503--In a macho way that is.
16504
16505"You look like you can even hit a bear to death."
16506"Ui, cut that once."
16507
16508Since the fox girl leveled up from 1 to 12, she can seemingly kill a normal bear easily now.
16509She's swinging a heavy looking bronze great sword buzzingly.
16510
16511"You've really worked hard."
16512"Ui, worked hard!"
16513
16514The fox girl who's purring like a cat looks heartwarming befitting of her age.
16515
16516"Is that you Tarou-dono, is your farmwork going well?"
16517Warrior Mize showed up.
16518His level only increased by one, but the aura around him looks sharper than before.
16519
16520"Yeah, my master has given me a permission to go independence."
16521
16522They've shared us resilient seeds and seeds suitable for our homeland's climate, we just need to raise them next.
16523
16524"Is that right. I will pray to the god of this land for the development of Tarou-dono's homeland."
16525
16526My face was going to reflexively warp at Mize's words, but I can't show such a rude behavior in front of our benefactor, so I endure it.
16527
16528"No need for prayer--Mize-dono's words are quite enough."
16529
16530I overwrote the true intention I spoke out with good words.
16531
16532"Master, where are you going?"
16533"Ah, back to my village."
16534"Ui will go too! Help, master's trip!"
16535
16536I had never been yearned so defenselessly like this so I inadvertently nodded at the fox girl.
16537
16538"Stay safe."
16539"You too Mize-dono, be in good health--"
16540
16541We parted ways with our benefactor and went straight to our homeland.
16542
16543There were times when we got chased by people who saw my and the fox girl's purple fur, but we were somehow able to safely reach the familiar-looking wasteland.
16544
16545
16546~
16547
16548
16549"Niisan, the village!"
16550"Let's hurry!"
16551
16552We arrived at our homeland after four years, it's become a ruin of burned buildings.
16553
16554"Looks like the lizards invaded."
16555
16556Those rotten arms under the ruin must be of the brown scaled lizardkin.
16557
16558"Master, something smelly over there."
16559
16560While having a bad feeling about this, I quietly walked toward the place the fox girl pointed at.
16561
16562"Ni-Niisan."
16563"Yeah, those damn lizards...."
16564
16565The bodies of weaselkin women and children have been thrown inside a deep hole.
16566
16567"WOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
16568"GAIE, ZOIOAAAAAAAAA! Damned lizards, I'll kill every last one of them with these hands."
16569
16570The two guards wailed, it seems they caught sights of people they knew among the bodies.
16571
16572"Niisan, those are."
16573"Yeah, it's father and brother."
16574
16575Father's and eldest brother's heads are decorated inside a small hole at the edge of the big hole.
16576
16577I don't know the type, but this small shrine is something to worship a god.
16578I saw something like it in human villages during our trip.
16579
16580"Serves them right."
16581
16582I was planning to scrape off the patriarch's social status with my own hand as a revenge for my little sister, I'd never thought that the lizards would get to it first.
16583
16584"Young master, it seems the lizards are going to attack the lionkin settlement nearby while taking our brethren along."
16585"Then these were sacrifices for their victory in war huh...."
16586
16587My little brother who heard the guard is looking at the bodies of our brethren with a pained look.
16588
16589"--Should we go help them?"
16590
16591I said that after a careful calculation.
16592
16593I actually was fully intending to abandon them, but if I chose that here, I would likely lose not only my brother but the two reliable guards.
16594Besides, we'd need manpower to create a new agriculture-based village.
16595
16596"That's a suicidal act deesu."
16597"Who's there!"
16598
16599A man wearing yellow overcoat suddenly appeared behind us even though there wasn't any presence before.
16600His skin is dark brown, nearly ocher-colored, but his face is unmistakably that of a human.
16601
16602I use [Status Check] which I don't use often since it's tiring, to check the man's info.
16603
16604--Demon?
16605
16606This is the first time I saw this race.
16607It might sounds nefarious but most races in this world are terrible anyway, so there's probably not much difference.
16608
16609"I'm just a passing by nice demon desu."
16610"D-demon?!"
16611
16612The guards and my little brother seem to know about it.
16613
16614"If you answer my question, I can compensate you with your wish desu."
16615"Are you saying that you can fulfill the compensation even if I tell you to exterminate the lizardkin?"
16616"Killing all the lizardkin in this world would require too much efforts desune. I can help if it's just annihilating the lizardkin who attacked this village and is at war with the lionkin deesu."
16617
16618--Alright.
16619
16620"Pay it in advance. I'll answer anything you want after we've confirmed it."
16621
16622I don't care even if the demon is the same devil from my knowledge.
16623
16624"Okay deesu. If you don't, I'll be having all your lives for it desuyo?"
16625"Yea."
16626
16627I'll sell even my soul.
16628
16629"Nice resolve you have there desu."
16630
16631The next moment after a mysterious roar reached my ears, our bodies are already flying in the air.
16632
16633"Uwaa"
16634"I'm not good with wind magic, you'll fall if you struggle desuyo?"
16635
16636Despite being not good with it, he could fly up this many people in an instant, astounding.
16637Even among gnomes, there wasn't any who could use magic this well.
16638
16639"Before that, I'll be destroying an eyesore that is the monument of foolish god deesu."
16640
16641A fireball shot by the yellow clothed demon smashed the small shrine.
16642
16643"You, do you hate gods?"
16644"I loathe both the foolish god and the god of pestilent deesu. I only believe in my lord nanodesu."
16645
16646Looks like I can get along with this guy.
16647
16648
16649~
16650
16651
16652The result, it was an infringement.
16653
16654My vocabulary cannot express just how dreadful the being called demon is.
16655The yellow clothed demon's fire magic was vividly striking enough that I could imagine him fighting against that black dragon.
16656
16657We saved the female hostages and freed the soldiers that had been enslaved while his fire magic was reducing the lizardkin and lionkin armies to ashes.
16658
16659"Tarou-sama, we have annihilated the enemy forces and captured the lionkin's women and children. What would you like to do with them."
16660"Kill them, but do not torment them. Do it in a single stroke."
16661
16662I had determined myself to do that even while holding the Japanese sense of guilt.
16663If I showed mercy here, the lionkin would go after the weaselkin afterward.
16664
16665"The grief and resentment of the innocents are pleasant deesu."
16666"What bad taste."
16667"That's the kind of existence demons are desu. More importantly, I'm here for the reward deesu."
16668
16669I face the yellow demon.
16670
16671"Do you know the location of Troll Rock desuka? It looks like this desu."
16672
16673A hologram of a strangely shaped rock floated in front of the yellow clothed demon.
16674
16675"I do. That's the one in the bottom of the ravine."
16676
16677In our village, there was a rumor that you'd get cursed or go missing if you got close to it.
16678
16679"Most excellent deesu. After four hundreds years, the shape of the land has changed from the battle between the foolish god and the god of pestilence, how very troubling desu."
16680
16681I guided the yellow clothed demon to the rock.
16682When the yellow clothed demon touched the rock, one part of the rock disappeared, showing a set of stairs.
16683
16684"Your eggs would break if you do not strengthen your mind desuyo."
16685"Eggs?"
16686
16687I went down the stairs in confusion.
16688
16689--Fear.
16690
16691A fear that felt like an icicle piercing my heart bound me down.
16692
16693"That's the troll demon lord desu. He's the most ancient of demon lords, sealed in this land, he's recording the secret of the world on those slates desu."
16694
16695Knowledge is power.
16696
16697"I also want to read that language."
16698"You can call me whatever you like desu. Incubating the eggs is one of my jobs too deesu. I could make you the king of the world if you wish for it dyesu."
16699
16700I sold my soul to the devil, and obtained various knowledge from the yellow clothed demon.
16701I obtained an ancient artifact called Screw, capable of manipulating monsters, at Rumooku Kingdom, and researched the development of robot-like heavy machinery golems, rapidly gaining power.
16702
16703Most importantly, now that I got a gigantic resources called monsters after securing the power of Screw--I had gotten a hold of an abundant of materials for both food and arms.
16704After securing plentiful food and enough forces to repulse foreign enemy, we gathered our brethren who were living in the surrounding nations, and rallied ratkin and foxkin people who lived in poverty, and the weaselkin village eventually grew to be called a country.
16705
16706And then--.
16707
16708"A pleasure to meet you, King Tarou and Crown Prince-dono, I'm Touya who will be assisting you per Yellow Clothes-dono's request."
16709
16710--With the wisdom and tactics of the black clothed Tactician who called himself Touya, we annexed the once eastern big three countries of the lionkin, tigerkin and lizardkin, and our country became known as an empire.
16711
16712"You're not going to dispatch troops to the ash ratkin and the longhair ratkin countries?"
16713"Yeah, that place is our benefactor's homeland."
16714
16715I wouldn't be here without warrior Mize.
16716
16717"Even if I obtain the world, I won't meddle with them if the kings of those lands do not wish to be under our empire."
16718"Is that right, then I will abide by my emperor's wish."
16719
16720Tactician Touya bowed like a retainer.
16721
16722"Touya, what's your and Yellow Clothes-dono's goal exactly?"
16723"I am not aware of Yellow Clothed-dono's goal. My goal is to beckon my lord to this land and exterminate the foolish gods."
16724
16725I thought he was speaking nonsense to flatter me, but Touya's eyes were bereft of any lies.
16726Apparently, he was a comrade called in by my [Luck] all along.
16727
16728"What are you going to do after exterminating the gods?"
16729"After that huh--the owner of this body, Trazayuya wants the elves to lead mankind into a calm gentle world--"
16730
16731Tactician Touya burst into laughter in the middle of his words.
16732
16733"That'd be nice if possible, but this world cannot endure a battle that would destroy the foolish gods. The god of pestilence refereed by Yellow Clothes-dono--the dragon god can even crush a planet."
16734
16735I could easily imagine the myth that Tactician Touya heard from the long-living High Elves.
16736According to the records in the Slate Room, battles between gods during the age of gods destroyed many continents, people were driven to the brink of extinction.
16737
16738As I thought, there is really a need to beat the gods with our hands as people.
16739
16740"Only dragons and demon lords can reach gods."
16741
16742However, the [Golden Wild Boar King] revived by Yellow Clothes-dono and his cohorts and the [Dog-Head Ancient King] revived by Touya's master were both destroyed by Hero Nanashi.
16743
16744That person just might be able to win against gods.
16745
16746Judging from the Star Fall at the Dragon's Valley, he is powerful enough to challenge the dragon god and survive, he's even destroyed the Demon God's Offshots at Shiga Kingdom.
16747
16748"Tarou, only a fool relies on uncertain elements."
16749"You're right. Relying on uncertain elements is like praying to god."
16750
16751We will do what we as people can do with our own hands.
16752
16753Before the gods destroy this land--.
16754
16755-Intermission 3 End.
16756
1675715-Intermission 4 At Muno Earldom
16758 
16759※It's rather shortish.
16760
16761"Father, is that a potted--vegetable?"
16762"This isn't vegetable, Soruna. This is called Bonsai, a culture from hero-sama's country, you see."
16763
16764I'm currently pruning the Bonsai sent from Echigoya Firm in the family-only living room.
16765It is said to be a pastime of gentlemen in Hero-sama's world, it is truly profound.
16766
16767I put the Bonsai on the table so Soruna can see it well.
16768Enjoying my rare time together with my daughter while viewing the Bonsai.
16769
16770Noisy footsteps rushed into that peaceful space.
16771
16772"Big news!"
16773
16774Consul Nina rushed into the room.
16775
16776--How unusual.
16777
16778There's only a few things that could make her expression change.
16779I could easily expect what happened.
16780
16781"Did Satou-kun do something distinguished again?"
16782"Distinguished? It's nothing as plain as that."
16783
16784--Oh?
16785
16786He's the person who defeated a Floormaster in Selbira Labyrinth and liberated this city from powerful monsters in just half a day.
16787To make Consul Nina shaken when he's such a person already, I'm excited to hear what he did.
16788
16789"Would you tell me what he did then?"
16790
16791I readied myself.
16792After all that has happened, I will listen to it without getting surprised.
16793
16794"Satou and his companions defeated a demon lord."
16795
16796D-demon lord?
16797
16798defeateddemonlord?
16799
16800Defeated? Demon lord?
16801
16802Demon lord demon lord, demon l-o-r-d, demon lord....de-demon lord?!
16803
16804"W-what'd you sayyy!"
16805
16806I shouted out loud from the depth of my heart.
16807
16808After Soruna patted my back and I received cold water from the maid, I finally regained my sense.
16809
16810Even though I had prepared myself, I couldn't help but get surprised by this.
16811Who would have thought that he would do something that would be recorded in the annals of history--.
16812
16813"W-what should I do, Nina?"
16814"C-calm down."
16815
16816Looks like Consul Nina isn't able to hide her unrest just like me.
16817
16818"Sa-Satou-kun said in his letter that he was visiting Hero-sama to support him, wasn't it Hero-sama who defeated the demon lord?"
16819"We don't know the detail yet. A global notice from the Royal Capital has arrived on the City Core terminal. Haven't you seen it yet?"
16820"Oh sorry, it seems I've overlooked it."
16821
16822Come to think of me, I think something sounded when I was pruning the Bonsai's branches.
16823
16824By the way, Soruna was only lightly surprised, "Oh my."
16825She might be the biggest shot in the family here.
16826
16827
16828
16829~Nina's Point of View~
16830
16831
16832Earl Muno who confirmed the City Core terminal said something unexpected.
16833
16834"--A summon from His Majesty?"
16835"That's right. His Majesty wants to give words of praises to Satou-kun's exploits."
16836
16837I got a headache when I saw Earl Muno who didn't comprehend the graveness of the matter.
16838
16839"Do you understand what it means?"
16840"Yes, it's quite an honor."
16841
16842Wrong.
16843
16844"His Majesty's ulterior motive."
16845"Ulterior motive?"
16846
16847I sighed at the parroting Earl Muno.
16848This whole family really can't read the underside of things.
16849
16850"His Majesty is probably going to raise your peerage to Marquis, in exchange he'd ask you to hand over Satou to be his direct retainer."
16851"EEH?!"
16852
16853The Earl shouted in surprises at my prediction.
16854
16855It's sad, but considering Satou's distinction, it's probably for the best.
16856
16857"C-can't we decline it, Nina."
16858
16859What is this blockhead saying?
16860
16861"I-I mean, I promised Satou when I gave his peerage to protect him and his family."
16862
16863Oy oy, you're gonna go against the king for Satou's sake?
16864The opponent is too much no matter how you look at it.
16865
16866"If you decline this, you won't ever rise to Marquisdom in your generation. It's probably only going to get a reconsideration in your grandchildren generation."
16867
16868Were Orion capable, it might have been possible in his generation, but it's probably out of question since that kid's not good at socializing.
16869
16870"Even so, I don't mind. My position as an Earl right now is due to Satou-kun's assistances."
16871
16872The earl spoke gallantly.
16873That's certainly true, normally it'd have taken 10 years, and even with my plans, becoming an earl on the next generation would have been most satisfactory.
16874
16875"Well, you're the one deciding it."
16876
16877The things I can do is giving advices and implementing what Earl Muno decides.
16878No matter what predicament we would fall into as a result, I feel that it'd be fun as long as we're with Satou.
16879
16880My job as a consul should have compelled me to remonstrate the territory lord though.
16881
16882
16883~
16884
16885
16886"Earl, there's a letter."
16887
1688810 days after that news shook up Shiga Kingdom, a letter arrived through the Griffon Mail.
16889Of course, the only one who would send a letter with such an expensive service is Satou.
16890
16891There wasn't any detail regarding demon lord subjugation in the letter addressed to me.
16892It was full of trivial things like how the banquet with the hero party at Dejima Island was fun and how he had stocked up many interesting souvenirs from Dejima Island so asked me to look forward to it.
16893
16894Therefore, I'm guessing that if there's anything important, it should be written in the letter for the earl.
16895
16896I look at the earl's expression as he reads the letter.
16897The earl who was reading nonchalantly suddenly raised his face in surprises.
16898
16899"B-big news, Nina!"
16900"W-what sorta things did that guy do this time!"
16901
16902I look at the letter from the earl's side in a hurry.
16903
16904"It's written here that we're going to Saga Empire."
16905"--Ha?"
16906"We can visit the Hero Summoning Room of Parion Temple by Her Imperial Princess's invitation!"
16907
16908The earl stressed that.
16909
16910"W-what are you talking about...."
16911
16912Incomprehensible.
16913A visit to the Hero Summoning Room?
16914
16915He used the stupidly expensive Griffon Mail just to report that?
16916Besides, I can't think of that as more important than the story about the demon lord subjugation.
16917
16918However, it seems I was the only one who thought that here.
16919
16920"Father, that's so wonderful!"
16921
16922Soruna-dono and the earl are both exalted.
16923Good grief, these parent-child are really alike.
16924
16925In the end, no details were written in the letter for the earl either.
16926Satou is probably going to this castle before heading to Saga Empire, I intend to ask him about the details at that time.
16927
16928Good grief, that guy is too unconcerned about his own exploits.
16929
16930My mouth formed a smirk when I thought of the time Satou returning to this castle.
16931I'm going to surprise him back to get even and complain about the troublesome things and political strife Muno Earldom will fall into from now on, and--.
16932
16933--A grand festival held in Muno Earldom to celebrate Satou's exploits.
16934
16935A parade would be nice.
16936I order the maids to prepare for the festival while imagining the troubled look on his face as he's a guy who's not fond of looking showy.
16937
16938Now then, prepare yourself, Satou!
16939
16940-Intermission 4 End.
16941
1694215-Intermission 5. At Muno Earldom (2)
16943 
16944"Has it come into view?"
16945"Yes, Satou-sama."
16946
16947I received a report as the airship was about to arrive at Muno Castle and went to the airship from the Solitary Island Palace.
16948
16949This airship isn't the property of the Tourism Ministry, but my personal one, it has been disguised to look shabby outwardly.
16950I've also reduced the maximum speed, it can only move as fast as a scooter.
16951
16952The brownies who are in control of the airship said, "It has a taste that can't be found in the light ship and the newest model, nice", to me about the ship.
16953
16954"Been a while since we were here hasn't it."
16955"Nn."
16956
16957Mia nodded at Arisa who went out of the Solitary Island Palace after me.
16958
16959"I wonder if the earl would be pleased with the souvenir?"
16960"It's awright~?"
16961"That's right nanodesu! There's no one--not many people who don't like meat nodesu!"
16962
16963Tama and Pochi assured the worried Lulu that it'd be alright.
16964Pochi probably changed her words midway since Mia was in her view.
16965
16966"Let's dismantle it immediately once we arrive there."
16967"Yes, Liza-san."
16968
16969Lulu replied Liza's suggestion with a nice smile.
16970Liza had a serious expression on her face, but since her tail is swinging rhythmically, there's no doubt that she's looking forward to the meat dish that follows after the dismantling.
16971
16972"So this is Karina-sama's home town."
16973"I've been wondering, is that an orchard?"
16974
16975Zena-san is looking at the surroundings, Sera spoke while gazing at an orchard in the distant.
16976
16977"Yes, we've opened a Lulu orchard with the cooperation of Viscount Emlin."
16978"Viscount Emlin's--"
16979
16980Sera put a serious look on her face when she heard my reply.
16981My Attentive Ears skill picked up her mumbling, "To think they'd use that tactic to send their daughter in...." for some reason.
16982
16983Viscount Emlin's seccond daughter, Lady Lina came to the earldom to work as Earl Muno's eldest daughter, Soruna's lady-in-waiting. She's currently working as a representative of viceroy in Brighton city, the city I'm in charge with.
16984
16985She got to somehow become the representative due to the course of events, I don't think her father had that schemed.
16986Sera is probably just worrying too much.
16987
16988"By Lulu fruit, do you mean that high class fruit?"
16989"Yes, that's right."
16990"I never knew that there was another Lulu orchard than the ones in Oyugock Dukedom."
16991"That's because it won't bore fruits yet for another two years."
16992
16993The princess tilted her head with her hand on her cheek.
16994Since she loves Lulu cakes, she's probably aware of the producing area and such.
16995
16996"Master, we have a report from the brownie so I inform."
16997"They want us to go to the passenger cabin since the ship will be descending soon desuwa."
16998
16999Nana whose report was stolen by Lady Karina wore an aura of disappointment while still being expressionless.
17000
17001We'd be fine here with my [Magic Hand] but we still went back inside.
17002
17003"Satou-san, the brownie at the observation deck reported that they saw a row of carriages."
17004
17005I thanked Zena-san who reported with a cheerful look and opened the map.
17006Apparently, the row of carriages belongs to Orion-kun the eldest son of the earl, and Lady Karina's little brother.
17007
17008Since it's about time for him to graduate his school at the Duchy Capital, he probably comes back to start the study to become the next head of the family, not as a temporary vacation.
17009In addition to his, there are more than 10 carriages reflected on the radar, and every one of them has a young noble of Oyugock Dukedom inside.
17010
17011--I guess even Orion-kun has friends whom he can bring home with.
17012
17013Such a rude thought flashed in my mind, but I lightly shook my head to dispel my prejudice away.
17014
17015
17016~
17017
17018
17019"Earl~?"
17020"He's waving at us nodesu!"
17021
17022Tama and Pochi who found Earl Muno waving from the castle window looked up at me while pointing at him.
17023I assented and praised them, "Good work finding him", but the two of them misunderstood that, they rushed to the deck and jumped to the castle's window.
17024
17025Their sounds of landing differed, 'Shutat' with Tama, and 'Bitaan' with Pochi but they arrived at the window where the Earl Muno was without any injury.
17026
17027"M-me too!"
17028"You cannot Karina-sama."
17029
17030I grabbed the nape of Lady Karina who was going to rush to deck, stopping her.
17031
17032Good grief, she really doesn't think like a blooming noble daughter she is.
17033
17034"Ooh, I'm glad to see Pochi-kun and Tama-kun looking as lively as always."
17035"Nihehe~? Wer back~?"
17036"We're back nanodesu."
17037
17038I heard the conversation between Earl Muno, Tama and Pochi.
17039
17040"Welcome back, what is the hydra that's hanging on the airship?"
17041
17042Earl Muno asked Pochi and Tama when he saw the meat souvenir.
17043
17044"Souvenir~?"
17045"That's right nanodesu. It's the tastiest of hydra, the three-headed hydra nanodesu."
17046
17047Just as Pochi's said, among the kind of hydra that are all delicious, the three-headed one is the tastiest.
17048The two headed one has this strange bloodiness to it, the four headed one's meat is too hard, there's only a few way to cook it.
17049Liza herself thinks that it doesn't have the chewiness of a five-headed hydra, but I don't think that viewpoint is shared by many people.
17050
17051"Satou-sama, we will be dropping the hydra over there."
17052"Yeah, I'll leave it to you."
17053
17054I left it to Brownie without meddling.
17055
17056After dropping the hydra at the backyard, the airship landed in the courtyard of Muno castle.
17057
17058"Welcome back, Satou-kun, Karina."
17059"We have returned Earl Muno."
17060"Father, onee-sama, I'm back--!"
17061"My my, oh Karina."
17062
17063I bowed like a noble to Earl Muno who met us in the courtyard himself.
17064Lady Karina ran up to her family and hugged her older sister and father.
17065
17066After the princess and the other girls went down and greeted them lightly, we're changing place to Earl Muno's private room.
17067Liza and Lulu went to the backyard to dismantle the hydra.
17068
17069Along the way--.
17070
17071"So that's Pendragon--Damn treacherous fiend and his usurpation plot."
17072
17073--There was a young man muttering that misguided accusation.
17074
17075He's not a citizen of Muno, but of Dalgan city that's located at the northern end of Oyugock Dukedom.
17076I'm not sure why a citizen from another fief is inside the Muno castle, but since the guards inside are only looking at him with troubled looks without asking his identity, it doesn't look like he's a suspicious person who lost his way here.
17077
17078Since he said it in a volume that wouldn't get heard without the Attentive Ears skill and he was a commoner without an official position, I ignored him.
17079I memo'ed his name at least since it'd be troublesome if he spread some strange rumor about me.
17080
17081
17082~
17083
17084
17085"Ceremony for ennoblement of honorary chevalier?"
17086"Umu, Hauto-kun has passed his etiquette test. I think it's about time to appoint him as a honorary chevalier and get him to marry Soruna."
17087
17088The first topic we had when we got to the private room was about the former fake hero Hauto turning a honorary noble.
17089
17090Of course, many things, like how Lady Soruna was surprised with her eyes wide open when she met the princess for the first time and how the castle employees were peeking at the princess and Sera while hiding also happened, but let's omit that.
17091
17092"Earl, we should get Zotor to be a honorary chevalier too while we're at it."
17093"Would they allow it?"
17094
17095Earl Muno replied anxiously at Ms Nina's suggestion.
17096
17097"His atonement period is about to end soon, it should be fine."
17098
17099Is the [Atonement] she mentioned is in regard to how he left the army due to his dissatisfaction toward the lesser demon posing as consul and acted as a chivalrous thief?
17100I don't think it's a big enough sin that he ought to make up for, but I still don't really understand the value system in this world even now, so I accept it as is.
17101
17102"When will the wedding ceremony be held?"
17103
17104The only wedding ceremony I had attended in this world was of Tisrad, the eldest son of Duke Oyugock and Sera's elder brother.
17105
17106"Ceremony?"
17107
17108Lady Soruna tilted her head quizzically.
17109
17110--Huh?
17111
17112Maybe it's something that only family attend?
17113
17114"Only the pedigreed noble at the Royal Capital hold a reception for their children other than the heir. Other nobles aren't going to come unless it's for the heir even if you invite them."
17115
17116Ms. Nina said that like she couldn't believe me.
17117
17118Come to think of it, traveling in this world was dangerous wasn't it.
17119The one inviting and the one coming would need to mobilize the army to clean up the highway, it'd cost them quite a bit.
17120
17121Moreover, this world adopts polygamy so people have a lot of children, no wonder they won't hold a ceremony for every one of them.
17122
17123"But isn't it too sad if we don't do anything?"
17124"That's true. It might be a good idea to hold something like a festival that also serves as an announcement to the populace."
17125
17126At Arisa's appeal, Ms. Nina spoke while stroking her chin.
17127
17128"And we've got more than enough hydra meat here, how about using it for Soruna-sama's wedding ceremony?"
17129"Are you sure? That much meat would net you quite a sum y'know?"
17130"Yes, it's always been a souvenir for the earl."
17131
17132Besides, turning hydra meat into jerky makes it too hard, it's not well suited for long-time preservation.
17133In the first place, we hunted the hydra to hold a meat festival and also strengthen Muno Earldom's army anyway.
17134
17135"Then, since Orion-kun will also come home within half a month, let's hold a wedding for both."
17136"Wedding~?"
17137"Soruna is a bride-san nanodesu!"
17138
17139Lured by the excited Earl Muno, Tama and Pochi who were single-mindedly nibbling baked sweets beside him took up happy poses too.
17140Looks like they heard us talking even though they seemingly didn't.
17141
17142"Ufufu, oh father, you're too hasty."
17143"Really. Let's say the bridal dress, that won't be ready in just half a month."
17144"We also need to decorate things."
17145
17146Lady Soruna chided Earl Muno while looking like she wasn't at all dissatisfied with it, Ms. Nina and Yuyurina the civil official with braided hair told him the reasons.
17147The jewels that will be used as adornment seem to come from the tribute that the kobolds from the abandoned mine town gave.
17148
17149
17150~
17151
17152
17153"Doing an ennoblement ceremony during Orion-sama's absence! What's your objective, Pendragon!"
17154
17155The young man I saw earlier snarled at me while I was heading to the ennoblement ceremony room together with Sir Zotor and Hauto-kun.
17156
17157"Oy, watch your mouth."
17158
17159Sir Zotor rebuked him with a scowl.
17160Not sure if the timing is good or bad, it's just right as Earl Muno and Ms. Nina have gone to the ceremony room.
17161
17162"What'd you say you Pendragon's dog! Are you going up against this Gira-sama whom Orion-sama has entrusted to be the territory's inspector!"
17163
17164I see, a fox that borrows the authority of a tiger huh--no, a rat that borrows the authority of a cat I guess?
17165
17166"What is this about?"
17167"Our apologies, Sir Pendragon."
17168
17169It seems Sir Zotor and Hauto-kun can't rebuke the young man strongly, in honor of Orion-kun the next family head.
17170
17171"Hmph, if you know your place--"
17172"What if I do?"
17173
17174I release a concentrated [Coercion] that would even bind a lesser demon up at the unpleasant young man.
17175It was only for an instant, but the effect was tremendous, he forgot to breathe and passed out.
17176
17177"Did I overdo it?"
17178"No, he, a commoner, did verbally abuse a noble. Normally, he'd have been enslaved into a crime slave or executed."
17179
17180Ms. Nina who came out of the corridor denied the question I asked at Sir Zotor.
17181
17182"Geez, I wish Orion-dono sent someone better than this guy to inspect things."
17183"It seems he's a childhood friend of Orion-dono, he probably appealed to him using that?"
17184
17185Hauto-dono who had been silent for a while replied Ms. Nina's grumble.
17186I see, he can't use his friend as a spy in the Duchy Capital after all, I can understand the situation.
17187
17188Though I agree with Ms. Nina, he should have first thought it through when choosing personnels.
17189
17190While we were talking, she ordered the guards who was watching us at a distance to imprison the unconscious young man in the jail.
17191I have no interest in his fate, so I'm going to leave the punishment to Earl Muno and Ms. Nina.
17192
17193Regardless of that trivial matter, Sir Zotor and Hauto-kun ennoblement proceeded smoothly, and Muno Earldom got new nobles.
17194It seems Sir Zotor will be elevated into Honorary Baron and Hauto-kun into Honorary Baronet at the next Kingdom Conference, though they haven't told the two yet.
17195It seems their ennoblement is urgently needed since Muno Earldom is lacking viceroy and governors.
17196
17197
17198~
17199
17200
17201"Father, I'm back!"
17202"Welcome back, Orion."
17203"Have you grown again?"
17204"Soruna-neesama, it hasn't been that long since we last met."
17205"You're getting cheeky for Orion."
17206"Karina-neesama, please stop with your hugging habit. My retainers are watching."
17207
17208After the ennoblement ceremony, we greeted Orion-kun's party that had just arrived.
17209Muno family sure has a lot of skinship.
17210
17211Orion-kun's eyes that were softened from meeting his family turned grave when he saw me.
17212
17213--Huh?
17214
17215He seemed normal despite his bursting sister complex when he went with us to Brighton City and during the liberation of the abandoned mine town, I wonder what happened?
17216
17217"Orion-sama!"
17218
17219The young man Gira who should have been detained earlier rushed here together with some men with unpleasant looks who seemed to be his friends.
17220Orion-kun looked nostalgic somewhat, but it seemed he couldn't remember their names as he didn't speak of it at all.
17221
17222Gira and his cohorts didn't seem to notice that as they stood in front of him with their hands pointing at me to condemn me.
17223
17224"Really now, they look like underlings who'd be crushed doing domestic administrations."
17225"Indeed."
17226
17227I agreed to Arisa's muttering.
17228
17229It'd be annoying if this guy left a bad taste on our reunion at Muno Earldom.
17230I look for the highly stealth mind magic [Stun Hand] in the Magic Column.
17231
17232"Multiplied~?"
17233"Lots and lots of noble person nanodesu."
17234
17235Tama and Pochi who saw the young nobles getting down from their carriages reported.
17236It seems these two have completely forgotten about it, but you girls are also nobles with peerage now you know?
17237
17238"There's a lot of pretty ones."
17239"You're right. You can make an otome or a girl game with this line up."
17240
17241There's a lot of women among Orion-kun's friends.
17242I'm thinking that they might be candidates to be Orion-kun's mistress.
17243
17244"Hahhahha! The heaven is on our side!"
17245
17246The young man Gira triumphantly said that.
17247
17248A young nobleman stepped forward beside him.
17249It's a refreshing handsome young man who'd be high in the class caste somehow.
17250
17251The young man Gira grinned at the entry of his comrade.
17252
17253However--.
17254
17255"Hey, you're in the way."
17256
17257The young noble man lightly pushed the young man Gira away, came before me and lightly bowed.
17258
17259"Nice to meet you, Viscount Pendragon-sama. I'm the grandson of Marquis Lloyd, Izo Llyod. I have come to visit the earldom as a candidate for Orion-sama's retainer. I would love to hear about Muno Earldom from Viscount."
17260
17261He's acting all friendly for some reason.
17262
17263"Hold on, Izo! Stop stealing the march. Viscount Pendragon-sama, I'm Marimo from Baronet Fukke house that's related to Earl Houen--"
17264"Too long! My name is Myumir, daughter of Baron Jitbelt. By all means, would viscount please teach me as a senior retainer, if possible at night in a private room--"
17265"I'm Batts of Baronet Henz--"
17266
17267Starting with the young man, the young nobles introduced themselves to me one after another.
17268Some carnivorous women also mixed among them, but I pretended to not notice them as I ignored them.
17269
17270"T-this is...."
17271"They thought that they would be able to get acquainted with Sir Pendragon if they became my retainers."
17272
17273Orion-kun replied the young Gira's question.
17274I can see that they're really childhood friends looking at them.
17275
17276"Orion-sama."
17277
17278One of the maids whispered to Orion's ear.
17279She looked familiar, turned out she was Pina, the head maid who served Lady Karina back then.
17280
17281According to Attentive Ears skill, it seems the content is about the quarrel that led to the young man Gira's imprisonment earlier.
17282
17283"I do cherish the memories of us playing together when we were little."
17284"Orion-sama?"
17285
17286The young man Gira looked puzzled at Orion-kun who suddenly spoke like he was "bidding farewell."
17287
17288One of his friends that helped him escape the jail realized the situation and ran away into the crowd.
17289It's good that he's perceptive, but it wouldn't do me any good to leave someone who might hold an unjustified resentment alone, so I pulled his legs with [Magic Hands], letting him fall before the guards.
17290
17291"I will ensure that you keep your life at the very least."
17292"Orion-sama.... B-but! Ori--"
17293
17294The young man Gira's mouth was blocked and he got taken back to the dungeon.
17295
17296"Viscount Pendragon-sama, I'm sorry for the trouble my childhood friend caused you. I will be sure to make up for it."
17297
17298Whoa, he would have snarled at me together with his friend if it was the same Orion from before, but for him to apologize for his friend's impoliteness like this, looks like he's grown up in this short period of time.
17299
17300"And you guys! I understand that you admire Sir Pendragon and all, but have some modesty and restraint. Don't forget that outwardly, you're candidates to become my retainers."
17301
17302In a sense, what he said was servile, but there wasn't a shred of envy in Orion-kun's eyes even if it seemed like he found them unbelievable.
17303Even though it's of a different type than Earl Muno, it appears he's establishing his own style as a territory lord.
17304
17305Wonder what changed him?
17306
17307"Pluump~?"
17308"Pregnant woman-san nanodesu!"
17309
17310The answer was at the end of the eagle eyed Tama and Pochi's line of sight.
17311The stomach of Muse, Orion-kun's fiancee is swelling.
17312
17313According to AR, it seems she has a boy and a girl twin.
17314
17315The thing that has changed him must be his readiness to be a husband and a father, I'm sure.
17316
17317That reminds me, the president who offered a marriage meeting to Mr. Metabo said this, "It's an environment that will promote a man to be responsible."
17318I still don't really understand, but that might be it.
17319
17320"I think she's already in her fourth month?"
17321
17322Arisa followed up with 'I know, I've got a lot of parent friends'.
17323Is it just my imagination or did she seemed like she ridiculed herself.
17324
17325"O-O-O-Orion?"
17326"Ara ara, my my."
17327"Nice job, young master."
17328"O-Ori-Ori..."
17329
17330Earl Muno was surprised, Lady Soruna's face was overjoyed, Ms. Nina muttered in admiration.
17331Lady Karina is like a broken record.
17332
17333Shotgun marriages are nothing news for me, but perhaps premarital sexual relationship is unusual in this world.
17334
17335"I've prepared myself to get passed over by Karina, but I never thought that Muse-dono would too."
17336"No worries, we're gonna catch up to them real quick."
17337
17338Hauto-kun leisurely smiled at Lady Soruna.
17339
17340"Now then, let us celebrate the birth of the next successive Earl of Muno this night. Lulu and I will show our skills."
17341"Hee, looking forward to that."
17342
17343I brought along the young nobles who offered their helps and started the preparation for the barbecue festival.
17344Of course, I did not only prepare meat, but also salad and jelly made from sour citrus for the mother.
17345
17346I was all smile before I knew it, probably because the unexpected auspicious occasion and the growth of the family of my friend were happening right before my eyes.
17347
17348While watching over Mia who was singing a tune for the meat festival and Tama and Pochi who were dancing to that tune, I continued to cook in front of the wire mesh with an unusually pleasant feeling in my heart.
17349
17350Celebration really is nice!
17351
17352-Intermission 5 End.
17353
1735415-Intermission 6. A Peaceful Day [Arisa]
17355 
17356"Po-Pochi lost.... Pochi can't believe it nodesu."
17357"Fufuhn, this is Arisa-chan's true power!"
17358
17359I childishly bragged in front of Pochi who was hanging her head down.
17360
17361"Tama next~?"
17362"Come at me with all your secret ninja arts!"
17363
17364I provoked Tama by parodying a line from a super popular beat-em up game, 「Samu☆Tama」.
17365
17366"Tama, won't lose~?"
17367"Here I go!"
17368
17369Tama's sharp kinetic vision catches my high-speed hand-throwing.
17370Normally, I shouldn't be able to win against Tama who could act after seeing my move.
17371
17372However--.
17373
17374"Aryarya~?"
17375"Ta-Tama lost noddesu!""
17376
17377--Tama's excellent kinetic vision became her downfall instead.
17378
17379"See? This is Arisa-chan's phantasmagoric 『Kaleidoscope』!"
17380"Amazingly awesome~?"
17381"Gureat, nanodesu!"
17382
17383After having beaten Dog Hero Pochi and Ninja Tama, I went to the final stage.
17384
17385White Fort Nana who has triumphed over Magic Spear Liza and Spirit User Mia is waiting there.
17386
17387"So you've gotta be the one in the showdown after all. 『Innocent Oppai』 Nana!"
17388"....Arisa, demanding the change of that name."
17389
17390Mou, Nana, it's inelegant to complain about your nickname like that.
17391
17392"Then how about 『Innocent Beauty (Face)』."
17393"Acknowledged so I tell."
17394
17395Nana nodded.
17396
17397"Now then, we've had a bit of distraction, but let's continue."
17398
17399Nana and I readied ourselves.
17400Contrary to me who's taking the standard pose, Nana is standing naturally.
17401
17402"Let's go!"
17403
17404Nana quietly nodded.
17405
17406"Rock paper scissors!"
17407
17408Mine's paper, Nana's also paper.
17409The starting hands won't decide the winner.
17410
17411There's only a few people who throw scissor in the beginning.
17412Thus it'd be either rock or paper.
17413
17414"Aa, let's, GO!"
17415
17416Still a draw with both paper.
17417
17418"GO!!"
17419
17420This time, both are scissors.
17421
17422"GO!!!"
17423
17424And the fourth throw finally determined the winner.
17425
17426"Aw yiiiiiiiiiiiiis!"
17427"Arisa's victory~?"
17428"Victorious nanodesu!"
17429"Nn, strong."
17430
17431I receive the praises with the phoenix pose.
17432Fuffuffu, this means I've secured the winner's right!
17433
17434"Then Arisa will take the duty of telling Master about dinner."
17435
17436Liza said that plainly.
17437But, looking at her tail lifelessly lying on the ground, it seems she's relatively dejected.
17438
17439"Tomorrow will be me so I tell."
17440"Nn, winners' turn."
17441
17442Mia nodded at Nana's declaration.
17443
17444"Third place play-off~?"
17445"I won't lose Tama."
17446"Come on~?"
17447"Do your best~, nanodesu!"
17448
17449While listening to Tama and Liza's rock paper scissors match behind me, I went into the teleport gate heading to Master's research lab.
17450
17451
17452~
17453
17454
17455"If he's not here, then he's either at Aze's place or under the tree's shade in the courtyard maybe?"
17456
17457I couldn't find Master in the study room that looked like an office.
17458It's been quite hard to find where master is ever since he could went anywhere after learning the Unique Skill [Unit Arrangement].
17459
17460"--There he is."
17461
17462Master is sitting on several arranged cushions with his eyes closed under a tree.
17463His shota-ness which hasn't changed in the least from the time we first met is truly splendid.
17464
17465Especially this defenseless, eyes-closed figure, awwfully to my liking.
17466
17467....Guhe. Guhehehe.
17468
17469J-just a bit okay.
17470
17471I stealthily tip-toe and slip into Master's side.
17472
17473I mustn't use space magic even by mistake.
17474He found me out immediately when I did so back then.
17475
17476I wipe the drool hanging on my mouth with my sleeve and then I slip onto Master's lap.
17477
17478--So blissful.
17479
17480Ehehe~, let's lean my head on Master's chest and then--.
17481
17482Can't get enuff of this~.
17483
17484It's so wonderful my Kansai dialect inadvertently came out.
17485This euphoria is enough to sustain me.
17486
17487Still, Master isn't reacting eh?
17488
17489I grind my head on him.
17490
17491--Muhhaa.
17492
17493The shota's [This is it!] smell stimulates my nasal cavity.
17494Ah, I can die happy like this.
17495
17496Right when I raised my head while laughing like Tama, "Nihehe~", I'm met with Master's black eyes.
17497
17498"--Mor, ning?"
17499"Ah, morning Arisa."
17500
17501There it is, my favorite Shota voice.
17502Now it's come to this, I've gotta steel myself like a woman would.
17503
17504I turn around to face Master and hug his neck--.
17505
17506"What're you doing."
17507"Sexual harassment?"
17508
17509I was going to impulsively kiss him, but Master held my forehead back.
17510Geez, this Cheat.
17511
17512"'Sexual harrassment?'　--Not. You're banned from this prank."
17513"Yes, I'm sorry."
17514
17515I obediently apologize and wait for Master's punishment.
17516
17517"Don't do it again okay."
17518
17519His fist touches my hair like pomf.
17520
17521"Guhhaa!"
17522
17523Ow, oww. It reaaally hurts.
17524The person himself seemed like he was holding back, but it was painful enough to make me reflexively scream.
17525
17526I roll on the ground like a caterpillar for a while.
17527
17528Apparently Master thinks my reaction is just an exaggerated act, it seriously hurts you know.
17529It's a mystery how my health gauge isn't decreasing at all.
17530
17531Maybe Master has the phantom [Hold Back] skill with him.
17532
17533
17534~
17535
17536
17537"So, what are you here for?"
17538
17539Master asked with a nonchalant face as I got up with teary eyes.
17540You really can't tell that he's the same great hero who defeated greater demons and demon lords in his spare times.
17541
17542"Lulu asked me to go get you since the dinner's ready."
17543"Oh, it's already that time huh."
17544
17545Master got up and stretched himself.
17546
17547This would have been the time for the shota character to show a glimpse of his navel if this were an otome game, but such a wonderful scene didn't come to pass since the hem on Master's shirt was too long.
17548I should think about that part the next time I'm designing Master's shirt.
17549
17550"By the way Master, what are you researching?"
17551
17552I asked Master while we were walking together toward the gate.
17553Master's pose earlier is the pose he takes when he's researching something inside the PC in his mind with his Unique Skill.
17554There were times when he was really doing nothing and taking a nap when he did that, but since he didn't react even after I got on his lap earlier, I'm sure of it.
17555
17556"Ah, I was making anti-god equipment."
17557"Antigod?"
17558
17559An-tigod?
17560
17561Ant-igod?
17562
17563Antigod?
17564
17565No--anti-god!!
17566
17567"Y-you're not going to fight god next are you?!"
17568
17569I don't think it's true, but Master might just be able to do it.
17570
17571"Nope."
17572
17573Master replied negatively with a gentle smile.
17574
17575"That's right, you wouldn't--"
17576
17577--Wait, I remember.
17578
17579It's not might, he's already beaten the strongest Dragon God.
17580Master must be telling the truth since he's not the type to joke around about that.
17581
17582"What's wrong?"
17583"It's nothing. But, you're making anti-god equipment even though you're not going to fight them?"
17584
17585Master took the thinking pose when I asked him that.
17586It's like he's finding the words to answer me.
17587
17588"Right--You can say that having the power to fight and the intention not to fight aren't necessarily antithetical I guess?"
17589
17590In other words, even if Master doesn't have the intention to fight, there's a possibility that the other party (Gods) might.
17591
17592When I confirmed it to Master, he nodded lonesomely.
17593
17594"Yea, it looks like there are gods who like to fight, and when the times come they challenge me, I'd have a hard time if I didn't have the mean to oppose them."
17595
17596--[Challenge] and [Have a Hard Time] huh.
17597
17598I noticed some things that the person himself wasn't aware of in Master's words.
17599
17600Master isn't concerned about victory or defeat.
17601It's about whether he could win easily or with a hard fight.
17602
17603"Was there a time when you had a hard fight?"
17604"Yeah, in my battle against the Wild Boar King, I only got one mid-class magic, I also barely had any anti-demon lord weapon with me, it was really hectic."
17605
17606It's rare to see tedium in Master's face, but I've got to tell this to Mito.
17607
17608"Speaking of, were you able to design those anti-god equipment?"
17609"Well, the one for me is simple enough, but the size gets too big when I try to make them usable for Arisa, Liza and the others."
17610"Hee, how big?"
17611"It gets bigger than the small airship of the tourism ministry."
17612
17613Master showed a hologram of a twin-frame spaceship-like thing in the air using light magic's [Illusion].
17614
17615What's this?
17616
17617What's this! It's so cool!
17618
17619"Is it like the Staff Warship?"
17620"Ah, this one's for Arisa. For Liza and the others, something like this."
17621"It's like a robot, or rather, it looks like a powered exoskeleton that'd appear in a moe battle anime or a light novel."
17622
17623The powered exoskeleton itself looks like it can be downsized to human size, but it seems the magic furnace and magic device parts are too big to be installed on the frame.
17624Apparently Master is researching the way to deploy those parts in the Ethereal Plane.
17625
17626Mounting them here would be difficult.
17627
17628
17629~
17630
17631
17632"Master, you were here."
17633"Ah, Lulu. Oh yeah, it's already time for dinner huh."
17634
17635Lulu called when I was talking with Master.
17636Master looks so gentle, enough to make me envious, whenever he's looking at Lulu.
17637
17638"Mou, oh Arisa. The meals will get cold if you don't call Master right."
17639"I'm sorry, Lulu-anesama."
17640
17641I obediently apologized to Lulu and we went to the solitary island palace's dining room together.
17642Furthermore, it seems today's dinner will be with the first bonito catch from Ganika Marquisdom.
17643
17644"Fresh leaves in the eyes--"
17645
17646Not of mountain cuckoo, but of infant green dragon and God Bird Hisui's chirping, while listening to them, I eat the extraordinary bonito dish Lulu cooked with relish.
17647<TLN: From the old Japanese Haiku "Me ni wa Aoba, Yama Hototgisu, Hatsu Katsuo" that explains that upon seeing the appearance of Fresh Leaves and the chirping of the Mountain Cuckoo and the Skipjack Tuna (Bonito) is a sign that the early summer days has come.>
17648
17649Since Master seems like he can change the climate of this solitary island palace at will, maybe I should ask him to change it to early summer for today?
17650
17651Un, we're having another elegant meal today!
17652
17653-Intermission 6 End.
17654
1765515-Intermission 7. The Journey of John Smith
17656 
17657This is before the Divine Punishment chronologically.
17658
17659
17660"Yohn Fmith, tis s'far we can accomfany you."
17661"Thank you, Holphelp. I'll look for another caravan from here on--and also, the name's John Smith."
17662
17663I said my thanks to the deerkin man.
17664
17665After leaving the northern part of Shiga Kingdom, I headed west to the center of the Center Small Kingdoms together with a caravan troupe.
17666The highway in the Center Small Kingdoms was in bad shape compared to Shiga Kingdom's, much of it was uneven and blocked.
17667
17668The most problematic thing was the monsters.
17669I almost died many times thanks to that.
17670
17671During those times, I was 'coincidentally' saved by caravan troupes and wandering adventurers who happened to pass by.
17672At first I was proud of my good luck, but even I started to have my suspicion when [Stone Wolves] and [Moving Wood Bears] began to save me.
17673
17674It's probably the work of the guy who gave me this arm, but I don't understand his objective.
17675Since he neither contacts me or restricts my actions....
17676
17677"●●●　●！"
17678"Ah, my bad. I still don't really get the language around here."
17679
17680I look for a caravan heading west while ignoring a sexy female peddler with brown skin.
17681I can't negotiate with people who don't speak Shiga Kingdom's or Saga Empire's language.
17682
17683Woulda loved Appraisal or Language skills, not even asking for cheat skills here.
17684
17685"Onii-san with the flat face over there, care to have some Riuch's fried rice?"
17686"Whaddya mean by flat--"
17687
17688I was speechless when I looked at the master of the voice.
17689An odd guy who looks like a plastered wall covered by moss is standing there.
17690
17691I'm sure he'd be popular in a theme park.
17692
17693"Onii-san, is this your first time seeing a Mosskin?"
17694"Ah, sorry for staring at ya--how much's for the fried rice?"
17695
17696I could see raisin-like things among the unknown meat and vegetables mixed in the steamy fried rice that's being fried.
17697It's different from the Chinese-style fried rice I know, but it looks quite good.
17698
17699"One full bowl of this is one copper coin."
17700"Give me two bowls."
17701
17702I pay him with the warped copper coins of the Center Small Kingdoms, not of the Shiga Kingdom.
17703
17704Although there are slight differences in size, copper coins can be used in most countries.
17705Since the rate of exchange for silver coins is different when I'm going back, I'm prioritizing using up the copper coins which worth relatively less.
17706
17707"Give me the bowl back once you're done with it."
17708"Yea, got it."
17709
17710I taste the fried rice at once.
17711
17712A bit salty, but it's good.
17713No, maybe because I sweat a lot in the long trip this saltiness tastes irresistibly good.
17714The unknown meat seems to have been pre-seasoned, it adds depth to the usually monotonous-tasting fried rice.
17715
17716I couldn't stop my hand from spooning the fried rice into my mouth.
17717Right when the saltiness about to get too intense, sweetness spread on my tongue.
17718
17719--Was that raisin just now.
17720
17721After getting reset by the sweetness, the stimulating saltiness and the umami from the unknown meat hit me like a brick again.
17722
17723This stall owner is quite good despite his plastered-wall-like face.
17724It's as if he's the rumored [Miracle Chef] of Shiga Kingdom.
17725
17726"This is some good stuff. Is this sweetness from raisin?"
17727"That's from date palms."
17728
17729Date palms?
17730
17731"My cousin is selling baskets of it at the stall over there if you're interested."
17732"I see, gotta buy some later."
17733"If you're going, you should try your luck at the stall in front of the date palm's."
17734
17735Hmm, is it a dice gambling or a rat race?
17736Taking a peek should be fun.
17737
17738I memorized the stall's direction and held out the bowl to the mosskin.
17739
17740"Another bowl please."
17741
17742Good food in a trip is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
17743You don't know if you'll ever get to eat it again later on.
17744
17745I decided to slowly enjoy my third bowl.
17746
17747
17748~
17749
17750
17751"--Rubik's Cubes?"
17752
17753Toy Rubik's Cube I'm familiar with are lined up on the stall, though they might be of a different kind since they have five square rows on each side.
17754
17755"Yo, niisan, wanna try your luck?"
17756"Luck?"
17757"Yeah! Turn this square thing like this and."
17758
17759The stall keeper called me while stroking his well-groomed beard.
17760He lifted up a cube and turned it around, and then he played with it and made one side full of the same color.
17761
17762"You'd get some luxurious premium stuff if you can get it like this on two sides and more."
17763
17764The stall keeper showed various articles exhibited behind him.
17765The fifth and sixth prizes are of dummies instead of the real things, probably to prevent crime.
17766
17767"Saga Empire's--『Appraisal Orb』, and the other one is 『Interpreter Earrings』?"
17768
17769The 10 gold coins prize when you get four sides of the same color is attractive, though it's probably fake.
17770My funds have been running dry, this is just right.
17771
17772I'm good at Rubik's Cube if I do say so myself.
17773
17774But, before that--.
17775
17776"By the way master, there's no way you can get five sides of the same color without getting six too right? Why do you have a fifth prize?"
17777
17778The stall keeper sighed greatly at my question.
17779
17780"Not all of them are as educated as you y'see."
17781"No well, either way isn't it just obvious?"
17782"That's not exactly true. If I left out the fifth prize, there'd be a lot of folks asking, 『Don't you have a fifth prize?』. Explaining to them that they'd always get six colored sides when they get five every time is troublesome, so I just put up a prize for it."
17783
17784I see....
17785
17786"Then that means there's no fifth prize?"
17787"Hm? I'll let you have it if you can get six sides on the same color."
17788
17789The stall keeper put on a face like he was saying "try it if you can" while waving his hand.
17790
17791That attitude only fires me up.
17792Let's get to the point.
17793
17794"Is there a time limit?"
17795"Only until this hourglass drops. I'll let ya reverse it when it does if you pay me another 10 copper coins."
17796"As many times as I want?"
17797"As many times as you want s'long you have the cash."
17798
17799I see, good thinking.
17800This would hook people who have low gambling-resistant to put out all their money.
17801
17802I confirm the cash I have on hands.
17803Doing it on the first try is impossible.
17804
17805But I should be able to get all of them with four silver coins, no, five.
17806
17807"First time is only five copper coins."
17808"Is that fine with one side cleared like this?"
17809"Think of it as a service for beginner."
17810
17811The stall keeper started the hourglass at the same time I started moving the Rubik's cube.
17812I easily cleared two sides after a few rotations.
17813
17814"Whoa, ain't ya a promising newbie! You already got two sides! How bout it? You'd get one small silver coin if you stop here."
17815
17816You're one to talk after letting it easy for me to get two sides.
17817The stall keeper raised his voices while smiling indifferently, attracting the peanut gallery around.
17818
17819I'm not good with attentions, but I can't use [Burying] in this situation.
17820I concentrate on the Rubik's Cube while telling myself [That's a pumpkin], [This one's a cabbage] in my mind.
17821
17822"Aah! He broke it off after getting four sides!"
17823"T-ten gold coins!"
17824"That guy, oh no."
17825
17826I frantically move my hands while ignoring the peanut gallery.
17827
17828My wallet has already been emptied.
17829I've got to clear all sides before the last hourglass no matter what!
17830
17831"Oh oh oh, almost all the sand's fallen."
17832
17833The stall keeper deliberately tried to hurry me up.
17834
17835"Aaah, oh no oh no oh no."
17836
17837Ah, geez.
17838The oh-no woman is noisy.
17839
17840"3,2,1--"
17841
17842--Got it!
17843
17844"Ze--"
17845
17846I held out the cube right before the stall keeper could fully declare zero.
17847The stall keeper's face was hardened in surprise.
17848
17849"Whoaaaaa!"
17850"First time I see someone did it."
17851"●●●●●!"
17852"●●●! You're awesome!"
17853
17854Surprises and congratulations welled up among the peanut gallery.
17855
17856I confirm the stall keeper's reaction while feeling embarrassed.
17857If this guy tries to run away, I've got to get the money I paid him at least.
17858
17859"Ah! The box!"
17860"What the heck?!"
17861"Sand?"
17862
17863The cube I submitted collapsed into six-colored glittering sand.
17864The stall keeper snatches an obsidian ring-like thing inside the sand.
17865
17866"Hahaha, this is it! This is one of the artifacts hidden inside 『Cube of Myriad Truth』! You did well youngster! These are your promised rewards. Accept them!"
17867
17868The ecstatic stall keeper took out an Orb and earrings from item box-like black cross-section and threw them to me.
17869
17870"I'll give you these gold and silver pouches too. Take all the remaining stuff too! ■■■■...."
17871
17872I caught the things the stall keeper threw and put it inside my bosom.
17873
17874"....　■ Fly"
17875
17876The stall keeper floated, and flew to the southwest direction while laughing loudly.
17877With his lines earlier and all these mid-boss-like things he did, I don't wanna go anywhere near southwest.
17878
17879
17880~
17881
17882
17883"--Not here?"
17884
17885I bought date palms to be my preserved food in the trips, and signed a contract to board a caravan's sand boat heading to the one of the most prosperous trade country among the western ones, Garleon Union.
17886After hearing that caravan would embark tomorrow, I went back to the stall that served the superb fried rice earlier, but it was already vacated.
17887
17888"Excuse me, when is the stall here going to open in the morning?"
17889"Huh? The guy that was there just opened today. A catkin and a dogkin brats came to pick him up."
17890"Hmm, you think he's gonna open again tomorrow?"
17891"Who knows."
17892
17893I purchase sand rate skewers from the stall of this indifference old man.
17894
17895--Eurgh.
17896
17897Sand is gritting inside my mouth, looks like it's not well prepared.
17898Nevertheless, I'm not going to throw them away like when I was in Japan.
17899I crammed the skewers into my mouth while ignoring the taste and pour unrefined sake I bought on the other stall down my throat.
17900
17901And then, next day--.
17902
17903I went back to the stall street to look for the stall that sold the fried rice yesterday, but I couldn't find any mosskin after all, his cousin stall that sold date palms was also nowhere to be found.
17904They probably belonged to some caravan troupes and were only doing side jobs yesterday.
17905
17906"I'm sure we'll meet again if fate allows."
17907
17908After muttering something I didn't believe myself, I joined the caravan I'd be riding on and left the town.
17909
17910"What's that, so pretty."
17911"Forget about it. That kid doesn't understand western countries language."
17912
17913I look back at the dark brown beauties who are riding the caravan together with me.
17914
17915"It's an Orb."
17916"Orb?"
17917"Oh? You can speak western countries language."
17918
17919One of the beauties said in admiration.
17920
17921The [Interpreter Earrings] I got yesterday appeared to be genuine.
17922Therefore, this Orb of [Appraisal] is also highly likely to be genuine.
17923
17924However, I feel that I'd be better off using the money I'd get from selling this kind of Orb.
17925This is troubling.
17926
17927"A Sand Pig is coming! Anyone who can use a bow, get ready!"
17928"Our turn~"
17929"You too come here! Pebbles vomited by a Sand Pig could easily break through a plank unless it's made of iron!!"
17930
17931I rolled behind the sand ship's iron plank while being hugged by a voluptuous beauty.
17932
17933"That thing's sturdy! Arrows from a small bow won't work on it."
17934"Just shoot! It'll work as a diversion."
17935
17936Diversion is fine huh.
17937
17938I don't wanna leave this lucky situation where I'm being hugged by beauty, but this situation seems dangerous if it keeps up.
17939I part myself from under the beauty's arm in grief.
17940
17941"H-hold on!"
17942"My shotgun is perfect as a diversion."
17943
17944I unwrapped the cloth hiding my gun and loaded it with some bullets.
17945
17946Aim at the Sand Pig swimming in the sand.
17947It won't reach at this range, though not like it'd be really damaging even if it did.
17948
17949But the roaring sound and the impact on the sand will be quite something, me think.
17950
17951I pull the trigger after narrowing down the timing on the shaking ship.
17952
17953--It hit?
17954
17955Looks like a lucky hit grazed the Sand Pig's eyes.
17956
17957"You're pretty good! I'm Miji, an archer and a dancer."
17958"Oh my my, Miji sure works fast. I'm Rouri, and you?"
17959
17960Eyes of two beauties filled with admiration are turned at me.
17961
17962"I'm John Smith. Just John Smith."
17963
17964I personally thought it was a cool self-introduction, but the two beauties didn't seem to get it.
17965If I find myself in the same situation next time, I should try calling myself an adventure lover.
17966
17967I extolled Miji's bravery, thanked Rouri's kindness when the Sand Pig appeared and presented them date palms from my knapsack.
17968Looks like sweets are justice even in another world.
17969
17970While I'm getting surrounded by smiling beauties, the sand ship we're riding on is en route to Garleon Union.
17971
17972Would it be tranquility or stormy drama waiting for me there.
17973The way to another world TUEEEE looks so distant and steep.
17974<TLN: TUEEEE is basically the Japanese version of OP.>
17975
17976
17977<TLN: Author's note below.>
17978The identity of the mosskin is unclear. Of course the identities of the catkin and the dogkin who came to get the mosskin are also unclear.
17979This is the first appearance of the try-your-luck stall keeper recommended by the mosskin. Whether he will appear again in the future or not is undecided.
17980
17981-Intermission 7 End.
17982
1798315-Intermission 8. Rumor of Demon Lord Slayer
17984 
17985※The intermission is chronologically timed after Satou and Hero Hayato defeated the demon lords in Dejima Island (before the Divine Punishment oracle).
17986
17987~Bishtal Dukedom~
17988
17989
17990"Your Excellency! Your Excellency my Duke!!"
17991"What's with the commotion."
17992
17993Duke Bishtal raised his voice in displeasure among heaps of documents inside his study room.
17994
17995The duke's grandson who's studying governmental affairs as a consul rushed into the room.
17996Duke Bishtal thought that he was one of the superior ones amongst his relatives but he still lacked composure at times like this since he was still young.
17997
17998"It's a Wyvern Mail from the royal capital! A-and it has the royal family sealing wax on it."
17999
18000The duke who was only lending his ears while reading a document finally raised his head when he heard [Royal Family Sealing Wax].
18001The letter that came from the royal capital was stamped with the [Shiga Kingdom Sealing Wax].
18002The use of this wax mainly brings news about birth or funeral of the royal family or a huge incident that shakes the very core of the kingdom.
18003
18004However, since emergency matters like an appearance of demons are notified through City Core, the duke retains his calm.
18005
18006"Calm yourself, how unsightly."
18007
18008Duke Bishtal received the letter while reprimanding the consul.
18009
18010His other hands fetches a magic item to open the wax instead of a paper knife.
18011Heating the royal sealing wax to remove it instead of cutting it has been a custom since Ancestor King Yamato era. According to history, the practice began because the people who idolized Ancestor King Yamato didn't want to cut the royal sealing wax.
18012
18013"--What"
18014
18015The wrinkle on Duke Bishtal's forehead deepened after he finished reading the letter.
18016The consul was watching him while enduring his aching stomach.
18017
18018"Impossible--"
18019
18020The duke was going to crush the letter out of rage, but he stopped when he saw the royal sealing wax on his desk.
18021
18022"Your Excellency, what was written in the letter?"
18023
18024The consul worked up his courage and asked the duke whose blood vessel seemed like it was going to rupture like 'gununu'.
18025
18026"Pendragon."
18027
18028Duke Bishtal squeezed the name of his bitter enemy.
18029
18030"The letter said that the youngster killed a demon lord with the hero."
18031"Since when did Pendragon become a hero's attendant? I haven't heard of one such rumor though?"
18032
18033The duke glared at the consul who was unintentionally speaking in question.
18034
18035"He wasn't acting as an attendant, it was a united front."
18036"--United front?"
18037
18038Duke Bishtal threw the letter onto his desk and jerked his chin to urge the consul to read it.
18039
18040"Please excuse me."
18041
18042The duke gulped down a glass of brandy the maid brought while the consul was reading.
18043The transparent cubes inside the glass weren't ice cubes, but rock sugars, a native product of the sugar producing area in Raragi kingdom.
18044
18045"D-demon lord slayer--"
18046
18047Duke Bishtal gulped down his second glass of brandy while watching the consul with a displeased expression.
18048
18049"If this keeps up, his patrons, Oyugock and Dukus's influence will grow stronger."
18050"Wasn't Pendragon under patronage of Earl Muno?"
18051"Muno has always been Oyugock's string. Oyugock probably sent the youngster to Muno territory to solve the problem there in the first place."
18052
18053An old butler who was working quietly inside the study room reacts to Duke Bishtal.
18054
18055"Demon Lord slayer--"
18056
18057The old butler's slit eyes narrowed further and he nodded.
18058
18059"--You're very fortunate master."
18060"Fortunate you say."
18061
18062The old butler didn't flinch at the boiling Duke Bisthal and continued on.
18063On the other hand, the consul's existence was forgotten like air as he trembled with the letter on his hands.
18064
18065"Yes, fortunate. There might be some discord between the two of you in the beginning, but it was concluded peacefully, and Her Highness Shistina has become Sir Pendragon's legal wife. Being the grandfather of his legal wife would be a huge advantage to you."
18066
18067People that are connected to Viscount Pendragon might insist that she's not his [Legal wife, but a candidate of legal wife] but from most noble's point of view, having an unmarried woman traveling together abroad and with her parents approving it, they might as well already be a pair of wife and husband.
18068Even if the person in question denied it, people would just talk in the back, "What is it now after all this time", or "They had some dispute and got divorced."
18069
18070"I see, we have Shistina. I thought she was good-for-nothing for declining the marriage into Earl Lesseu house, but it seems she's useful for something in the very end."
18071
18072He'd look like a garbage parent or maybe a garbage grandfather in modern Japan, but with this country's common sense, nobles see their daughter as a unit to tie houses of noble together, so he's not exactly a special case of garbage.
18073
18074"At present, there's a discord between Sir Pendragon and master, but now is the time to show the dignity of the elderly, Master might want to show your good will and concede here."
18075"Are you telling me to lower my head to him?"
18076"No, there is no need to do such a foolish thing."
18077
18078The old butler slowly shook his head.
18079
18080"Master can simply give the viscount the things he wanted."
18081"You realize that the rumor said that he's a strait-laced guy who can't be flattered with money or women right?"
18082
18083Numerous nobles approached Viscount Pendragon with marriage proposals with their daughters, and many offered him positions in order to build connections, but not even one swayed him.
18084There was even a rumor that he was into men, but even though many nobles brought handsome young men, men, old men or men with muscles to him, none tugged his heartstrings.
18085
18086Few people know the fact that he also declined a position on Shiga Eight Swords.
18087
18088"They failed because they approached with general taste as their standard and without investigating his preference."
18089"Hou?"
18090
18091Duke Bishtal shakes his brandy glass and urges the butler to continue.
18092
18093"The viscount is a moderate ladies' man. The rumor says that his favorite is young girls that haven't come of age, but this is a fake info that Duke Oyugock faction spread. A lot of people swallowed that fake info whole because many of his retainers look young."
18094"In other words, he likes women with huge breasts and ass?"
18095
18096The old butler shook his head at that question.
18097
18098"No, he likes girls with poor figures."
18099"You're basing that on?"
18100"After further investigation, we know that he takes good care of a maid retainer with poor figure more than Her Highness and the duchy lady."
18101
18102The old butler replied full of confidence at Duke Bishtal's doubtful eyes.
18103
18104"Also, he likes to help people in trouble, that is another fact. I think we should make use of that to send in honest people with poor figure from noble houses under Your Excellency's tutelage."
18105
18106The old butler explained that the viscount could suspect their intention if they sent people with the same reason so they should hire a good director from some theater to create the situation.
18107
18108"Fumu, just that won't be enough."
18109
18110Even if House of Duke Bishtal's influence grow after they manage to send people into Viscount Pendragon, they won't be able to make use of his power at critical times.
18111
18112"Yes, therefore we should present the viscount with things that he can't refuse under Your Excellency name."
18113
18114The old butler said that he wouldn't decline if they sent gifts to congratulate for the [Demon Lord Slayer] matter.
18115
18116"Other nobles will probably send him gifts too. Stuff that can eclipse those gifts are likely only the mithril sword 『Rock Bone King』 or magic sword Shaitan handed down in my duchy house."
18117
18118Those two are too precious, Duke Bishtal's frowned.
18119
18120"No, we need not either. I have done an investigation on that matter too."
18121"Great as always, Geezer! And what is it."
18122
18123The duke praised the confident old butler and urged him to continue.
18124
18125"Yes, it's rare 『Spell Scrolls』, as well as 『Chant』 and 『Magic』 Orbs."
18126
18127The old butler said that he acquired the information by using a huge amount of gold coins.
18128
18129His information is correct.
18130No, to be more precise, [It was correct].
18131
18132The fact that that info was old is the fatal point, but there is no one who could point that out in this place.
18133
18134"He had an intimate relationship with Viscount Shimen who supervises a scroll workshop in Oyugock Dukedom, and both Marquis Ashinen, the viceroy of Labyrinth City and Earl Seryu bought up Chant and Magic Orbs."
18135"Is there any point collecting more than one Chant Orb?"
18136"That is only if he uses it for himself. There is a lot of promising explorers under his organization, 『Pendora』. He probably uses the orbs to shape those children into magic swordsmen and the scrolls to assist the weak ones."
18137
18138The old butler gave the most reasonable explanation to Duke Bishtal's question.
18139
18140"Then buy up those stuff."
18141"Understood. I will also give instructions to look for suitable girls."
18142
18143The old butler bowed and left the room.
18144
18145"Kukuku, I'm really lucky to have excellent subordinates under me."
18146
18147The consul had a slight uneasiness as he was watching the back of Duke Bishtal who went to the courtyard.
18148He didn't open his mouth out of fear of the duke's wrath, and he left the room like a shadow.
18149
18150Looks like he's decided to watch the duke's plan to go smoothly from afar.
18151
18152
18153~Shiga Kingdom Royal Castle~
18154
18155
18156"Ancestor King-sama, pardon me for calling you."
18157"Hold on, I told you to stop with that Ancestor King-sama stuff. Just call me Duchess Mitsukuni Mito."
18158
18159The king, the prime minister and Duchess Mitsukuni are inside the king's private room.
18160
18161"After the matter about Demon Lord Slayer the other day, many more nobles appealed for Viscount Pendragon to become a direct retainer of the Royal Family."
18162"Well, guess so."
18163
18164Mito couldn't hide her elated expression even though she sounded like she couldn't believe it.
18165
18166"I am thinking of promoting him to be an earl, changing his master from Earl Muno to Royal Family and appointing him to be the viceroy of either Trade City or Labyrinth City."
18167"You can't."
18168
18169Mito rejected the idea of the king who carefully chose his words.
18170
18171"Would you tell us the reason."
18172"Don't change his master. Ichirou--Sir Pendragon told me that he became a noble because he was fond of Earl Muno. And it seems he agreed to be a viscount after hearing that it was a condition for Muno-san to be an earl, he might run away if you're being too forceful, you see."
18173
18174The king froze from to the culture shock since the reason was too far apart from common nobles.
18175
18176"Your Majesty. I think Ancestor--Mito-sama is most likely right. The viscount also only agreed to the position of Vice-Minister of Tourism Ministry because the order was to investigate delicacy and tourist attractions."
18177
18178It's far too different from royal court nobles who compete every day for a position in the government.
18179Only one who nodded in this place, Mito who muttered, "That's so like Ichirou-nii."
18180
18181If someone with an achievement as great as Demon Lord Slayer, that hasn't been seen since Ancestor King Yamato, run away, the dignity of Royal Family will be greatly shaken.
18182The king stares at Mito like he's relying on her.
18183
18184"However, we must bestow gifts to someone who has slain a demon lord."
18185"Then how about promoting Sir Pendragon to earldom and Muno-san to Marquisate?"
18186"Such thing is--"
18187
18188--not possible, was what the king wanted to say, but he stopped since that wasn't the case.
18189
18190"It's possible. It might be due to Mito-sama's Echigoya Firm's assistance and Sir Pendragon's enormous fund, Muno Earldom is reviving at an impossible rate. It's only a matter of time before it's equal to the past Muno Marquisate."
18191
18192The prime minister continued after offering an unusual western snack to Mito.
18193
18194"Persuading Bishtal and Kelten would be difficult, but once those two are curbed, there will be nothing that can stop it."
18195"Well then. I will do something about those two."
18196
18197Mito is delightfully biting a thin baked sweet while ignoring the two who are discussing seriously like it's none of her business.
18198
18199"You'd get it even harder if Sir Pendragon did something even greater after his promotion this time huh."
18200
18201Mito's comment was absolutely improbable, but after doing leaving a feat as impossible as [Demon Lord Slayer], the prime minister and the king couldn't laugh it off and had a miserable expression on their faces.
18202Looks like even the king and the prime minister of a prominent kingdom on the continent find the existence of a retainer who's too excellent unmanageable.
18203
18204
18205~Shiga Kingdom Capital, Royal Academy~
18206
18207
18208"Shiro-kun, Crow-san, did you hear the news?"
18209"What's wrong Tina-sama."
18210"Good morning, Tina-sama."
18211
18212Tina Kelten, the daughter of Marquis Kelten, rushed into the room in excitement.
18213At her rare state that's unlike her usual graceful behavior, line of sights inside the classroom are gathered to her.
18214
18215"What is it about?"
18216"Viscount Pendragon-sama's great achievementt!"
18217
18218Shiro and Crow look at each other when they heard 'great achievement'.
18219Since most of the two girls' master's acts were great achievements, they didn't know which one it was about.
18220However, other people don't know about that.
18221
18222"Oh my, you haven't heard it?"
18223
18224Tina said like she couldn't believe it.
18225
18226"Which one?"
18227"Viscount Pendragon-sama and Saga Empire Hero Hayato-sama challenged the 『Phantasmal Labyrinth』 of Dejima Island together."
18228
18229Shiro thought, "Maybe it was about the time Masita became Dungeon Master?" but she did the mouth zip pose, taught by Pochi, in her mind and didn't spoke it out.
18230
18231"Hee, Shiro and Crow's master is Hero-sama's acquaintance."
18232"Amazing."
18233"No wonder Tina-sama took them under her wings."
18234
18235Tina made a big gesture to silence the children's whispering.
18236She's going to speak the best part.
18237
18238"Viscount-sama and Hero-sama went through many distress and confronted a demon lord at the deepest part of the labyrinth!"
18239
18240The children cowered and muttered weakly, "Demon lord."
18241Just like how Showa children hide their navel when they hear a thunder, the children in this world huddle together when they hear 'demon lord'.
18242
18243"There's nothing to fear! Viscount-sama and Hero-sama cooperated together to fight the demon lord, and came out victorious!"
18244
18245As if Tina's excitement was infectious, excitement and joy welled up in the children's face.
18246
18247"It's the birth of Demon Lord Slayer since Ancestor King Yamato-sama! No, since Ancestor King Yamato was a hero, it's the first birth of Shiga Kingdom Demon Lord Slayer in history!"
18248
18249Chorus of [Demon Lord Slayer] began inside the classroom.
18250Shiro and Crow who kept their calm thought it was a bit scary.
18251
18252"I will declare here! I, Tina Kelten, will become Viscount Pendragon-sama's wife!"
18253"I will too!"
18254"Me too!"
18255"Me (boku) too!"
18256
18257With Tina's declaration, the little girls inside the classroom got swept up in the mood and declared their marriage proposals.
18258
18259There were some strange ones mixed in, but since it's not good to discriminate by gender, Shiro and Crow didn't interject and quietly clapped their hands while saying, "Masita, so popular."
18260
18261The same thing happened in the classroom of Rumooku Kingdom's princess Menea, and everywhere in the Royal Capital, nobles and citizens marched on toward Viscount Pendragon's mansion, compelling ten percent of the guards stationed in the capital's garrison to organize the onlookers.
18262Viscount Pendragon who likes to tour around probably never imagined that his own mansion would become a tourist attraction itself.
18263
18264
18265~Shiga Kingdom, Monastery at the eastern end of the Royal Territory, Viewpoint of a maid attendant of the third prince~
18266
18267
18268"PEN, DRAGOOOOOOOOOON!"
18269
18270At an enclosed corner of the monastery, a man who looks like an elderly is shrieking at the dusty ceiling.
18271
18272I ran away outside the room out of fear of the man's frenzy.
18273As his maid attendant, maybe I should have soothed him here, but scary thing is scary.
18274
18275Nuns who are running in the corridor from the courtyard direction call out to me.
18276
18277"H-hold on, what's happening with His Highness?"
18278"It's more awful than the usual fit."
18279
18280I raised my eyebrow at the onlooker's curiosity.
18281
18282"Geez! It's because you were talking about that in the courtyard!"
18283"Courtyard...."
18284"Nothing like that--"
18285
18286The nun was going to say that they didn't talk about anything weird, but then she recalled a certain thing and put her hand on her mouth.
18287
18288"--Are you talking about the news of Viscount Pendragon-sama exterminating a demon lord?"
18289"It's not exterminating, he slew a demon lord."
18290"Aw c'mon, exterminating is fine."
18291<TLN: 'Exterminating' here usually used for pest.>
18292
18293I interrupted the two's lively chat and said, "That's it, that's the one!"
18294
18295"His Highness flew into a rage because you two were gossiping about."
18296"Eeh"
18297"He couldn't have heard it from that distance."
18298"He did."
18299
18300For some reason the noisy birds and insects that were usually chirping to the limit of their souls were silent today, so chatters from the courtyard that couldn't usually be heard could today.
18301
18302"Ouch, sorry about that."
18303"It was a mistake, sorry sorry."
18304"We'll share you some honey cake."
18305
18306--Honey cake!
18307
18308A-are you a god!
18309Giving honey cake as an apology despite being in a monastery strict about sweets!
18310
18311I coughed to clear my throat and nodded.
18312
18313"I-I've got no choise."
18314
18315I fumbled my word, but it couldn't be helped.
18316I mean, it's honey cake.
18317
18318Ignoring the nuns' laughing glances and the His Highness's shrieks behind, I went to the nuns' room in elation.
18319
18320Since His Highness still tried to escape when I came back, I told the monastery guards about it and got to enjoy a quiet night in a while.
18321
18322I thought His Highness would be brought back immediately, but he was nowhere to be found the next day.
18323It seems that it would take a long time before I could hear the name of His Highness--Third Prince Sharlick again.
18324
18325In other words, my peaceful days will continue in the meantime.
18326
18327-Intermission 8 End.
18328
1832915-Intermission 9. Divine Punishment Day, Front Line
18330 
18331"Captain! There's someone in a forest nearby!"
18332"Hm? Is it someone who hasn't taken refuge yet?"
18333
18334I look through the Farsight Pipe after hearing my subordinate's report.
18335True enough, I could see a lizardkin and a catkin girls in the thicket near a forest.
18336
18337They probably didn't hear about the evacuation order since they were living deep in the mountain.
18338
18339I nod once and look at the surroundings.
18340Looks like there's no one else.
18341
18342"No choice, let's go help them."
18343"Yes sire! Bring on additional two horses."
18344
18345The adjutant gave an order following mine.
18346Four horsemen descended the hill, heading to the forest.
18347
18348"Haa, the glorious Seventh Knight Company babysitting lost children."
18349"Careful with your mouth. This is a Royal Order just you know."
18350
18351After receiving the notice about Divine Punishment, we, the Kingdom's Seventh Knight Company have been encamped at the southern mountains.
18352In order to evacuate the kingdom's populace and hold down the Monster Stampede here.
18353
18354『Liza, knight people are coming~?』
18355『That appears to be the case.』
18356
18357From afar, the lizardkin and catkin girls stopped plucking grass and looked at us.
18358They said something but we couldn't hear them from this distance.
18359
18360They're probably frightened from a sudden appearance of fully armed knights.
18361
18362"You must be people from a nearby village. By the Royal Order, the populace is too evacuate to a nearby town. You two also have to evacuate, however we cannot send guards just to escort you to the bottom. Wait in the encampment until the army carriage goes to the town."
18363
18364I told the necessary info to the girls who couldn't say anything all out of surprise.
18365I don't know how much the ignorants are informed of, but we cannot take them away like criminals without telling them anything.
18366
18367"Encampment?"
18368"It's at the pass over there."
18369
18370I pointed at a mountain pass with a fort to show the lizardkin girl.
18371
18372"If we go now, we should arrive just at the right time for meals."
18373"Meat~?"
18374"That's right, today we're having stew with meat."
18375"Oh, great~?"
18376"Hahaha, you'll get your shares too, eat and grow big."
18377"Aye!"
18378
18379I heard my subordinates talking with the catkin kid.
18380
18381I saw the kid jumping in delight when she heard about the meat stew.
18382She must be very happy about the meat.
18383
18384If they've been living deep in the mountain, I'm sure they never ate meat unless their village elder shared some from the hunters. I really understand the kid's joy.
18385
18386"So what were you two doing in the forest?"
18387"Master asked us to pick some medicinal herbs."
18388
18389Master?
18390Are these girls slaves?
18391
18392However, they're wearing some good clothes for slaves.
18393Since there's probably no one eccentric enough to have a lizardkin as a love slave, these girls must be a kind of freed slaves.
18394There's many cases of freed slaves calling their former master, "Master", in the northern part of the kingdom.
18395
18396"Looks like you haven't got much success in your herb gathering, however, we cannot allow you to go back to the forest now."
18397"I understand."
18398
18399The lizardkin girl nodded unwillingly.
18400Judging from their small bags, they mustn't have gathered enough.
18401
18402
18403~
18404
18405
18406"What's this? Did you kidnap some demi-human kids?"
18407
18408I heard a sarcastic voice when we entered the fort gate.
18409Four men wearing white armor.
18410
18411If the one saying that was a member of the Knights, I would have dropped my fist on them, but I can't do that against these people.
18412
18413After all--.
18414
18415"Shiga Eight Sword Candidates-sama have quite the imagination."
18416
18417Their expressions turned sours when I emphasized the candidate part.
18418In order to fill the vacant seats, I heard they were holding selections to be a Shiga Eight Swords member among four candidates.
18419The loudest rumor said that those seats would be quickly filled once Viscount Pendragon and his companions who enliven the royal capital the other day returned.
18420
18421That's why these guys went to this dangerous front line in order to raise a meritorious deed.
18422
18423Since they currently only ever fought wolf packs and wyverns, they must be fretting now.
18424
18425"You went out for a reconnaissance right? Did you meet any monster?"
18426"No, there was no monster around the forest, it was as if someone went ahead and swept them out."
18427"Hmph, you're useless."
18428
18429Shiga Eight Swords candidatess went back into the fort after leaving an irritating line.
18430
18431"Still--"
18432
18433Although I've heard that the monsters around this area are culled out once a year, this is the first time it's been so monster less.
18434
18435"--What's wrong?"
18436
18437Lizardkin and catkin girls averted their eyes while looking awkward.
18438
18439"No, it's nothing."
18440"Uy uy~. Tama doesn't know no overhunting~?"
18441"Tama."
18442
18443Scolded by the lizardkin girl, the catkin girl made a strange move of hand moving over her lips.
18444It's probably some kind of charm handed down in this area.
18445
18446Right after, the catkin girl's stomach growled and we went to the courtyard where the outdoor dining room was with smiles on our faces.
18447
18448
18449~
18450
18451
18452"Now, have a go at the Seventh Knight Company hodgepodge stew."
18453"Wa~y?"
18454"Thank you."
18455
18456They've started distributing food at the encampment just as I guessed.
18457Since the inside of the fort is cramped, we, knights have arranged tables in the courtyard.
18458
18459"Geh, today's meat is wyvern huh..."
18460
18461I'm sorry for having raised the demi-human girls' expectation, but today's stew is an extremely rare miss in recent days.
18462Head chef Kozun of this fort is quite a skillful cook, but there's nothing that can be done with the hopelessly tough wyvern meat.
18463
18464"Delish~"
18465"This is good."
18466
18467I heard those voices nearby.
18468I thought they were being considerate to us, but I realized that they were being honest when I saw their expressions.
18469
18470Looks like they got an eating habit so horrible such that even this tough sinewy meat tasted good for them.
18471
18472"Oy oy, you serious."
18473"This tough smelly meat, good?"
18474"Tougood~?"
18475"It has been prepared quite thoroughly. The one who cooks this must hold everyone here dear."
18476
18477The lizardkin girl had a way with words like she wasn't a freed slave.
18478
18479"Hou, the girls brought by the Third Patrol sure said some good things."
18480"Ge geh, old man Kozun."
18481
18482Head chef Kozun appeared.
18483Looks like he's loitering around in the courtyard after he's done with the cooking.
18484
18485"Who's your old man. You brat."
18486"But ya know, no matter how thoroughly prepared it is, this gamey smell is just really bad."
18487"Try eating it along with this herb. It will weaken the smell."
18488"Ha? Like eating that grass will--geh, for real."
18489"Really--wa, ooh."
18490
18491I tried the herb I got from the lizardkin girl.
18492
18493--It's true.
18494
18495As someone who grew up in a gourmet house, I couldn't say that this is tasty, however, it smells better now.
18496Now this isn't something not edible.
18497
18498"But, y'know, wyvern is still wyvern."
18499
18500One of my subordinates blurted out unnecessarily.
18501Even if that's the truth, you shouldn't have said it here.
18502
18503"Then, go and fetch a better tasting animal or monster next time."
18504"I'll go get it for you if there's a wild boar around."
18505
18506Someone reacts to the conversation between head chef Kozun and my subordinate.
18507The lizardkin and catkin girls.
18508
18509"No wild boars~?"
18510"Right, I saw a Serpent Dragon (Naga) flying around, although it's a bit far away. That thing is tasty."
18511"Naga? If it's similar to snake, it should be good made into hodgepodge or stew."
18512"They're tastier grilled than stewed. The intestines are poisonous, please be careful."
18513"Hou, you sure know your stuff. Do you often eat them?"
18514"I-It's not too often."
18515
18516Oy, wait.
18517Wait a minute.
18518
18519She saw a Naga?
18520
18521"Naga huh~, might as well have a taste on the legendary 『Feathered Serpent (Kukulcan)』."
18522"Tasty~?"
18523"Is that good?"
18524"According to an old tale, it's so good that dragons scrambled for one and sank a continent."
18525"Oh, jeezuz~?"
18526"That sounds promising."
18527
18528Fools, if a Feathered Serpent (Kukulcan) really comes out, all of us will be killed in an instant.
18529
18530No, not that.
18531Now's not the time to retort that.
18532
18533"Oy, you two. When did you saw that Naga?"
18534"This morning~?"
18535"From the summit of a mountain, we saw three of them in a mountain at the seaward side."
18536"I'm amazed you could see them."
18537"We have a Farsight Pipe."
18538
18539Then it's understandable.
18540I said my thanks to the girls and went to the commander to report it.
18541I don't know what kind of talk was held between the fort commanders, but after a while, a birdman scout flew to the eastern sky.
18542
18543
18544~
18545
18546
18547"Gale Wolves have come out of the forest!"
18548
18549A soldier at the watchtower shouted out loud.
18550
18551"Those monsters came at last!"
18552"Lower the gate! We're sortieing out!"
18553"Please wait. Our order is to repulse the monsters from the fort--"
18554"Oh shut it. What's the point of a knight being holed up in a fort."
18555
18556When the soldiers were busy trying to fortify the fort, Shiga Eight Swords candidates who couldn't read the mood made a racket, demanding for the gate to be opened.
18557Apparently, the fort commander intends to drive off these nuisances, as the candidates departed along with their accompanying holy knights.
18558
18559"Even if they've got rotten personalities, their skills with swords are reliable."
18560
18561The intense light of Magic Edge surging out of the candidates' swords could be seen even from here.
18562They skilfully cut off Gale Wolves that are faster than horses.
18563
18564"It's dangerous~?"
18565"Yes, it's dangerous to fight in an open space when monsters can come from the sky."
18566"--Sky?"
18567"There~?"
18568
18569I saw a vague shape of something flapping wings.
18570That's the birdman sent out for reconnaissance.
18571
18572"Between clouds."
18573
18574The lizardkin girl pointed up, I looked up and saw thin black strings with clouds as the background.
18575
18576The watch at the watchtower probably found it too.
18577He furiously beats the alarm bell, the fort's magic furnace growls.
18578
18579A transparent magic wall enclosed the fort before long.
18580
18581『Aye aye sir~』
18582『Yes, I understand. We will go to confirm it.』
18583
18584I faintly heard the catkin and lizardkin girls' voices between the alarm bells.
18585Come to think of it, I forgot to evacuate those girls.
18586
18587"This place will be full of danger. Evacuate underground while we still have time now."
18588"Aye~?"
18589"Good luck--"
18590
18591After we've made sure that the catkin and lizardkin girls have left, we start the preparation to intercept the Nagas.
18592
18593
18594~
18595
18596
18597"Magic Cannons, fire the first and the third."
18598"First Magic Cannon, fire!"
18599"Third Magic Cannon, fire!"
18600
18601The two Magic Cannons shot through the Nagas that were approaching the fort.
18602According to personnels who had Appraisal, they seemed to be weak level 10 monsters, but since they could spew flame like a dragon, they could bake us whole over the fort's magic wall if we were careless.
18603
18604"There's no end to this."
18605
18606We've killed more than 30 Nagas, but more of them are still coming.
18607We managed somehow since the monster's new reinforcement that came out from the other side of the mountain stopped all of a sudden, but this could get dangerous soon.
18608
18609"Attention, all members! The Magic Furnace is nearing its limit. Don't waste the cannon balls! Use the Heavy Ballista and Bows along with them!"
18610
18611Smoke of dangerous-looking color came out of the chimney that led to the Magic Furnace.
18612Looks like it's nearing its limit.
18613
18614"Geh, those Shiga Eight Swords Candidates-sama are coming back."
18615
18616I thought they came back to help us out, but instead they were being pursued by about 100 Gale Wolves and Hopping Bears, and even dangerous monsters like Rock Guns and Bombardment Frogs way behind them.
18617
18618"I've had enough of this."
18619"Can't agree more."
18620
18621We'd have been spared of future trouble if they were killed in action during the chase, but guys like them tend to greedily cling to their life and survive.
18622
18623"Open the gate! Open the gate!!"
18624
18625No one tried to open the gate, despite the demanding shouts of the Shiga Eight Swords candidate beyond.
18626
18627Opening and closing the gate take time.
18628We cannot expose the whole fort to the risk of annihilation to save him alone.
18629
18630We will have him to fight the monsters like his Holy Knights subordinates who died earlier.
18631
18632"Plug your ears~?"
18633
18634I heard the catkin girl's voice clearly in my ears.
18635I looked around, thinking that she might have jumped out of the shelter out of fear, but there were only soldiers around.
18636
18637"It's coming~?"
18638
18639I had a bad feeling about it and blocked my ears with both my hands.
18640Right after, my body felt like it got beaten all over.
18641
18642Soldiers who failed to plug their ears squirmed on the ground.
18643
18644This is bad, we've got to intercept the monsters even if we're the only one left!
18645I slip into the magic archer seat and look for the enemy.
18646
18647"What's going on?"
18648
18649There is no monster, not even one?
18650
18651"Fie, fie, fie~?"
18652
18653I chased after the faint carefree voice and turned my sight there.
18654A golden colored ball jumped about amongst the crawling monsters on the ground, finishing them off one after another.
18655
18656I know that.
18657That's the Golden Knight who appeared in the Royal Capital during the greater demon attack.
18658
18659Golden Knights, the attendants of Hero Nanashi, have come to the rescue!
18660
18661"Now's the time, pull the idiot in front of the gate in!"
18662
18663By the fort commander's order, the gate opened and the Shiga Eight Sword candidate entered.
18664
18665『Hurry up. A big one is coming.』
18666『Aye~? Bunshin no Jutsu~?』
18667
18668The golden ball--the small Golden Knight split into many, and finished the monsters all at once.
18669A slightly taller Golden Knight is glaring at the south mountaintop with a white spear on their hand.
18670
18671Huge.
18672Huge enough that you can see it with naked eyes even from here.
18673
18674It's too huge for a Naga.
18675Moreover, it has two heads.
18676
18677『Be glad, Pink. That is the 『Feathered Serpent (Kukulcan)』.』
18678『Excellent~』
18679
18680The small pink mantled Golden Knight is dancing and jumping for joy with folding fans-like things on their hands.
18681Don't tell me, they're going to fight that legendary monsters with just the two of them?
18682
18683『I don't think we cannot beat it, but we have to be careful not to injure it badly and ruin the meat.』
18684『Aye!』
18685『It pains me to do this, but let us call Master.』
18686
18687I heard those voices intermittently.
18688The next moment, a door opened beside the two Golden Knights, and a white robed boy with purple hair appeared.
18689
18690That's--.
18691
18692"""HERO NANASHI!"""
18693
18694Hero Nanashi waved back at the cheers from the fort and then he went toward the huge enemy along with his two attendants.
18695
18696There's not even speck of anxiety or fear oozing from him.
18697Truly a hero.
18698
18699"Hero-sama."
18700"Don't lose."
18701
18702The soldiers and knights inside the fort stared at the back of Hero Nanashi like praying.
18703
18704We are witnessing history in the making.
18705Let us watch over Hero Nanashi and Golden Knights' fierce battle against the legendary monster [Feathered Serpent (Kukulcan)] without missing even a sec.
18706
18707That's the only thing the powerless like us could do.
18708
18709The Feathered Serpent (Kukulcan) glared at Hero Nanashi and then flames overflew out of its two heads.
18710
18711--Eh?
18712
18713Kukulcan's heads disappeared.
18714The lifeless body of the falling Kukulcan also vanished.
18715
18716What just happened?
18717
18718"Fini~shed~, mission comple~te~?"
18719"The fight is over. We will be taking half of the Nagas and the Gale Wolf's bodies."
18720
18721Two Golden Knights who appeared on the the fort's wall before anyone knew it said that to us.
18722
18723"You're free to have the rest. It'll be bad if the meat get spoiled, make sure to drain the blood out as soon as possible."
18724
18725No, wait a moment.
18726This wasn't a daily scene like worrying about spoiled meat or something was it?
18727
18728What about the fierce battle?
18729
18730What about witnessing history?
18731
18732Somebody clapped my shoulder as I was getting confused.
18733
18734It's the head chef Kozun.
18735
18736"We narrowly escaped death huh."
18737"Y-yeah."
18738
18739Right, that's right.
18740
18741The Golden Knights had disappeared when I looked up, and Hero Nanashi had also vanished from the battlefield.
18742
18743"--Oh crap."
18744
18745I forgot to say my gratitude to our saviors.
18746
18747"Let's get those meat and magic cores. This fort's emergency magic stones have decreased by half from the fight just now."
18748"...You're right."
18749
18750Together with head chef Kozun, I went outside the fort with dismantling tools.
18751Heaps of monsters were everywhere.
18752
18753"Heroes are awesome."
18754"Yeah, with this much difference, I can't even feel envious."
18755
18756I'm going to say my thanks the next time we meet.
18757That's why, let me be glad to have survived, and actually feel my life while eating some good meat at least for today.
18758
18759I only realized that the lizardkinn and the catkin girls who should have evacuated underground had gone when I was going to call them for dinner.
18760
18761I don't know where they've gone, but I'm sure they will be fine.
18762
18763That's the hunch I have.
18764
18765I'll treat them as many meals as my wallet allows the next time I see them again.
18766
18767-Intermission 9 End.
18768
1876915-Intermission 10. Ruin Exploration
18770 
18771※Not from Satou's POV either this time.
18772People who aren't familiar with Yasaku the explorer, please look at the afterword.
18773This turned out oddly longer than planned, please excuse me as this is the last one before Chapter 16.
18774
18775
18776
18777
18778
18779"Drop dead, you crane fly!"
18780
18781The arrow I shot hit the enemy right in the forehead.
18782
18783"Yasaku, harpies aren't bugs y'know."
18784"To begin wiiith, there's no bug called crane flyyy."
18785
18786Tan the magic swordsman cuts down the incoming harpy, then priest Kyura's pole mace crushes the fallen harpy's head.
18787
18788--Seriously?
18789
18790No, I'm sure it was in the line Ancestor King-sama said when he shot down a flying wyvern in the legend.
18791
18792"You guys don't know that. Crane fly must exist."
18793
18794As if reacting to me, several harpies perching on top of the cliff sing all at once.
18795
18796--ＬＵＬＵＬＲＲＲＵＵＵＬＵ.
18797
18798"Yasaku, Charm incoming!"
18799"Ou! <<DISTURB>> Blue Magic Bow."
18800
18801Blue Magic Bow in my hand shined red, and the arrow shot from it demolished the harpies' charming voice.
18802Jeez, I ain't gonna fight my charmed friends in this narrow path.
18803
18804"The ruin should be around here according to the map..."
18805"Stop fooling around and help, you!"
18806
18807In this situation where we're being surrounded by a flock of harpies, lightning magician Sheriona nonchalantly unfolds the map.
18808
18809"Ain't this the best time for your flashy magic to get to work!"
18810"Ah, no no, baaad. Yasakuuu, you should properly listen to what others are sayiiing."
18811"We told you that the rocks in this gorge are combustible didn't we."
18812
18813The two women reproached me.
18814Felt like even the harpies joined in to ridicule me.
18815
18816"Shut up, shut up, shut up!"
18817
18818I shot down the harpies one after another with superhuman speed.
18819The flock finally ran away after I routed around 20 harpies.
18820
18821"Ah, so tired."
18822
18823I lean my back on the ground, takes the water bag on my waist and moisten my mouth.
18824Arid wind of the gorge quickly dried my sweat, but it was far from pleasant due to the weird bad odor it carried.
18825
18826I put my mana into desalinating magic tool and refill the water bag with water.
18827It's an expensive magic tool (consumable goods), but it's indispensable when exploring desolate places.
18828
18829"Geez, mr. Kelten sure got us some pesky quest."
18830
18831I chew the salty hard dried meat, chowing down the dull tasteless meal.
18832We could have cooked harpy meat, but having a barbecue party at a place like this might invite some strong monster out of nowhere.
18833Only eccentric nobles and careless beginners would do such a suicidal act.
18834
18835"You're one to talk."
18836"Indeed. Yasaku, you were the one who jumped on this quest first thing first weren't you."
18837
18838I push away my past memory to oblivion and gaze at the magnificent gorge.
18839
18840This place is a great canyon at the boundary of a territory under direct control of the king, far south-southwest from the Labyrinth City.
18841We came to this remote place by the request of Marquis Kelten in the Royal Capital.
18842
18843If we don't get back to the Labyrinth City soon, people might think that we've kicked the bucket in the middle of this journey.
18844
18845"Weird. The ruin's entrance should be around here according to the map."
18846"You sure you're not missing any mark?"
18847
18848Sheriona dropped the bag on her back, took out an ancient document and turned the pages.
18849I peeked from her side, but since I couldn't read ancient language at all, I only reconfirmed once.
18850
18851
18852~
18853
18854
18855"Did you hear that?"
18856
18857Tan muttered and dubiously looked around at the surroundings.
18858I strained my ears and heard a faint goat cry-like sound, "Meeee."
18859
18860I peeked below the cliff and found a stranded goatling on a ledge far down.
18861
18862Since the wire I fitted on my arms can't reach it, I take out a rope from my knapsack and tie it to a mountain-side rock.
18863
18864"What a whimsical guy."
18865"Ain't it fine, we're free till we find a clue from the ancient document anyway right?"
18866
18867Besides, if I save it when it's still young, it might come back when it's ripe for eating.
18868I wind the rope on my waist and get down the cliff.
18869
18870That happened when I got halfway through.
18871The rock my right hand was grasping came off with a thud.
18872
18873"Whoa."
18874
18875One bad thing after another, right at the same time, the foothold under my left leg collapsed.
18876
18877I desperately look around while sliding down the steep.
18878Found a handy-looking dead tree slightly far away.
18879
18880"There!"
18881
18882I shoot the wire on my right hand at the dead tree.
18883
18884--Missed.
18885
18886"Goddammit!"
18887
18888I twist my body and shoot the wire on my left hand.
18889
18890--Missed, again.
18891
18892The wire passed the dead tree in vain.
18893
18894"■■■■ Cube"
18895
18896I heard Tan's voice up above and then a transparent magical pedestal appeared below me.
18897I landed on the magical pedestal and managed to cling to it somehow.
18898
18899"You saved my ass, Tan!"
18900"I can't keep it for long. Find a foothold quick!"
18901
18902Looks like handsome men are also capable men.
18903Just like me.
18904
18905Afterward, I got down the cliff without problem, and reached the panicking goatling.
18906While taking a deep breath, I roll back the useless wires, and refill the launcher magic tool.
18907
18908"...Mee"
18909
18910The goatling got scared when it saw me and edged back while crying feebly.
18911It's about to fall off the ledge.
18912
18913"Good boy. Don't move okay."
18914
18915I approach it with coaxing voice, but there's no effect whatsoever.
18916Whenever the goatling stepped back, pebbles and soils fell off the ledge.
18917
18918"It stands to reason, Yasaku's face is that of a carnivore."
18919"He only ever eats meat in the city after all."
18920
18921I could hear Tan and priest Kyura's interruption above the cliff.
18922
18923"Oh shut it!"
18924"Meeeeee"
18925
18926I reflexively shouted, the goatling got scared and lost its footing on the ledge.
18927
18928"Nmeeeee"
18929
18930The goatling's scream that sounded like its last echoed in the gorge.
18931
18932"Uh oh!"
18933
18934I shot the wire on my arm at once.
18935
18936"--Phew."
18937
18938Third time's the charm as the wire gets the job done this time.
18939I reel the wire while being careful not to break it and put the goatling back on top of the ledge.
18940
18941"...Mee"
18942"Geez, you're one little trouble."
18943
18944I lie at the ledge while hugging the trembling goatling.
18945
18946"The heck's that?"
18947
18948I felt something odd from the rock face at the back.
18949
18950"Yasaku! Did you find something!?"
18951"Wait a sec!"
18952
18953I approach the rock cliff while holding the goatling.
18954
18955"Branch growing out of a rock...."
18956
18957My stretched hand slipped through the rock.
18958
18959"Whoa"
18960
18961I pulled it back in a hurry, the hand under the glove was the same as always.
18962
18963--It's an illusion.
18964
18965I readied myself and plunged into the rock face first.
18966There's a shallow cave inside, with a hidden door even.
18967
18968Looks like this is the entrance we're looking for.
18969I came back to the ledge and called my friends aloud.
18970
18971
18972~
18973
18974
18975"You think Goatsuke safely got back home to his parents?"
18976
18977I muttered while shooting down a vampire bat swooping down from the ceiling.
18978The ruin's ceiling is so high that even Tan's force magic [Magic Lamp]'s light can't reach it.
18979
18980"He's fiine. We droove away the goat-eaaating harpiees."
18981"You're right. Goatsuke must be jumping up and down energetically in the mountain now."
18982
18983When I was talking with priest Kyura while fighting, a point blank electric shock ran through.
18984
18985"Oy, watch it!"
18986
18987When I complained to lightning magician Sheriona, she pointed behind me with a nice smile on her face.
18988
18989"Geh, Wall Slime."
18990"Jeez, you two aren't beginners, don't lose your focus when exploring."
18991"I'm ashamed of myself."
18992"Sorryy."
18993
18994I took out a molotov out of my bag and hurled it at the slime, burning it.
18995There's no way one bottle of this is enough to burn the resistant slime down, but as the fire-hating slime gets burned, it runs away into a crack in the wall.
18996
18997I thoroughly check the narrow passage while surmounting standard traps and poisonous scorpions.
18998
18999"Suspended ceilings, pitfalls, filling the passage with electricity when you push a button, can't believe this guy put all these."
19000"It seems like the designer of this place likes to make traps as a hobby."
19001"There's even chain reaction traps."
19002"Traps are nothing much. Yasaku will disarm them anyway--"
19003
19004Like hell they are.
19005
19006Just how nerve wrecking do you think disarming even one of them is.
19007
19008"--The real problem is that this magic facility is functioning."
19009"According to the legend, this should have been a magic facility from 600 years ago. Simply maintaining the fixture magic is one thing, but normally, things that consume mana like electric traps should have been halted."
19010"It seeems, the monsters invaaaded through the ventilations and settled dooown on their own."
19011
19012True, the monsters we met so far were all slimes or small ones.
19013
19014"I can feel magic power from below."
19015"Tan, use detection magic."
19016"Acknowledged."
19017
19018Believing Sheriona's intuition, I asked Tan who could use force magic to inspect it closely.
19019If there were someone who could use wind magic and the rare space magic, detecting things would be easier, but in a case like this, force magic that can be used to pull in mana isn't inferior to them.
19020
19021After finishing the chant, Tan concentrated with eyes closed.
19022
19023"It's quite deep."
19024
19025Sweat ran down Tan's face.
19026
19027"Strong magic power."
19028
19029Tan opened his eyes and wiped the sweat using his sleeve.
19030
19031"There's a chance that there's a large magic furnace usually used in a fort or a large airship, or perhaps a powerful monster."
19032"You serious--"
19033
19034The fact that the ruin hasn't died is a happy miscalculation, but in case of the latter, we might end up having to fight an unbelievably strong monster.
19035
19036"What should we do, Yasaku? Go back?"
19037"Pshaw, 'course we're gonna see it to the end."
19038
19039We wouldn't have been explorers, if we turned tail and ran here.
19040People like that would have bought a farmland and slaves with money from exploring labyrinths, and lived their life in ease and comfort.
19041
19042"Umu, let's go. Toward the unknown."
19043
19044Tan spoke unenthusiastically.
19045It doesn't sound like a sarcasm when a guy with a good face said that, awesome.
19046
19047"Theen, leet's gooo. Sherii, which wayyy to the manaaa?"
19048"That way."
19049
19050We go toward where the magic power Sheriona sensed.
19051
19052"It's wide, is that dark place a pitfall?"
19053
19054While muttering, I put a fire on a torch I took from my waist and throw it at the darkness.
19055The torch drew an arch, rebounded on the floor once and fell into the deep darkness.
19056
19057"Seems quite deep. Will the rope be long enough?"
19058"It appears we don't need it."
19059"Yasaku, look at that."
19060
19061Sheriona and Tan pointed at the ceiling, toward an elevator-like thing.
19062
19063We created footholds to reach the elevator using Tan's force magic [Cube], but for some reason I had to crawl into the elevator along those footholds.
19064Geez, these guys sure are rough with their leader.
19065
19066The elevator's lever was a bit rusty, but I managed to make it work by putting a little power into it.
19067I lower the elevator to where my friends are waiting and descend down while taking turn to operate the handle lever.
19068
19069"It's clear now that we're down here."
19070"Yeah, even I know this. This vibration must be magic furnace."
19071
19072The lowest floor has three passages, we're advancing in one of them.
19073
19074This passage is also full of traps just like the one above. We're pressing forward with similar hardships like before.
19075Since it was bothersome, excepts traps that activated by themselves, I only put marks on the places that became the switches for those traps while we passed them.
19076
19077There were several rooms along the way, but there wasn't even a hint of treasures at all.
19078We arrived before a huge door before long.
19079
19080"About time for something to appear."
19081"Yeah, don't let your guard down."
19082
19083Just as we had guessed, there was a functioning magic furnace ahead.
19084The wall on one side has been broken, revealing rocks of the same color as the valley rock's.
19085
19086Seems like there's no powerful monster we had feared.
19087
19088"Weird."
19089"Yea--"
19090
19091We nodded at Sheriona's word as we looked up at the buzzing magic furnace.
19092The magic furnace here is a type that has a particularly high output.
19093
19094That's fine.
19095
19096Since the majority of magic furnaces are of this type.
19097However, in order to maintain this type of furnace, it needs to be feed with a large quantity of magic stones.
19098
19099Even if it has a magic stone silo and an automatic loading function, it isn't something that fits a desolate place old enough to be called ruin.
19100
19101"It appears that it has only been restarted recently."
19102
19103Sheriona reported after checking the back of the installation.
19104The magic stone silo connected to the automatic loading installation is huge, the current scale seems to be enough to operate the furnace for about three months.
19105
19106Additionally, it seems there's a ladder hidden behind it.
19107It probably connects to the floor where we found the elevator.
19108
19109"Then I guess the treasures have been taken away..."
19110"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
19111
19112Sheriona spoke full of confidence to reply the dejected me.
19113She tells me the answer when I look at her.
19114
19115"The magic stones would have been taken away if that was the case."
19116"Riiight, that maaany magic stones would have feeetch good money."
19117
19118Priest Kyura agreed with Sheriona.
19119
19120After taking a break, we choose the second passage.
19121This time it's a direction with the lowest concentration of mana.
19122
19123"It's a miss huh."
19124"Yeah, I can see that."
19125
19126There were only debris and junks lying around inside a huge warehouse-like room.
19127Judging from the neglected foundations, this was probably a port for large airships.
19128
19129The port gate at the ceiling is grown with tree branch-like things, leaving an impression that it hasn't been opened for a long time.
19130There's a door for goods transport on the right, but it's warped and can't be opened, and the passage seen from a gap on it is buried with rock and sand.
19131
19132"Not good. Let's go to the next one."
19133"Yes."
19134
19135I call out to my friends while wiping the rust on my hand.
19136
19137Judging from the direction, that goods transport door should be connected to the last passage.
19138
19139
19140~
19141
19142
19143And at the last passage.
19144
19145There was a residential area beyond that, with brutal natives lying in wait.
19146
19147"Kyura!"
19148"■■ Purification (Turn Undead)!"
19149
19150The Wraiths inside the room received holy magic from priest Kyura who's holding a holy symbol, and they ascended.
19151When it's Kyura that does it, the intonation sounds like slow [Tuurn, undeeead].
19152
19153Can't believe the magic still works.
19154
19155We've searched more than 30 rooms, but every one of them was littered with undead.
19156One thing they have in common is the old clothes they're wearing, most are of Skeletons, Ghosts, Wights, Wraiths, and Mummies.
19157
19158"I raan out of manaaa."
19159"...　■■ <<Chain Lightning>>"
19160
19161Sheriona's attack magic smashes a crowd of Wight in the passage.
19162Tan's force magic isn't well suited against undead, so he's opting to cut them down using a magic edge coated magic sword.
19163
19164"Yasakuu, any potioon leeeft?"
19165"I've got one mana recovery potion."
19166
19167I hand over the last mid-mana recovery potion to her.
19168I'm also running out of mana, but Kyura's holy magic is our top priority to pass through this den of undead.
19169
19170Afterward, we passed through 12 rooms, and arrived in a hall with a huge door right when the four of us had run out of mana recovery potion.
19171
19172"The door screams that the ruin master is waiting inside."
19173"Yeah, it really does."
19174
19175I look at my friends faces one by one.
19176
19177Nice expressions they have there.
19178No one is thinking of retreating here.
19179
19180"Let's go! Gimme a hand, Tan."
19181
19182Tan and I push the huge door.
19183
19184
19185~
19186
19187
19188"--There it is."
19189
19190That thing is inside a place that's even wider than the warehouse earlier.
19191
19192"That's the legendary...."
19193
19194Tan's voice who usually sounds aloof is shaking.
19195
19196"Holy Living Armor."
19197
19198Sheriona muttered while looking dumbfounded.
19199It looks the same as the statue of Ancestor King-sama in the royal capital's plaza.
19200
19201"It's huuugeee."
19202
19203Kyura spoke like usual.
19204This girl might be the real big shot.
19205
19206"Ah, it's huge alright."
19207
19208It's 10 times as big as me, three times bigger than the kingdom's giant golem.
19209In the Ancestor King-sama's legend, it was sometimes depicted to be only twice as big as me, and sometimes it towered over the super huge Heavenly Dragon's head as it commanded the army, deciding which one is true was a source of debate among scholars, but it seems that dispute will be over now.
19210
19211"I wonder if the magic furnace earlier was for that thing?"
19212"Yeah, you're probably right."
19213
19214The Holy Living Armor is surrounded by metal scaffoldings, pulsing pipes clad with mana light coming from the ceilings are attached to the Holy Living Armor.
19215
19216Kyura's nonchalant voice reached my ears.
19217
19218"Thaaat's, straange."
19219
19220Kyura stared at a space on the right side of the Holy Living Armor.
19221
19222"Yeah, what's that space?"
19223"It is strange."
19224
19225Just as Tan and Sheriona said, there's a vacant space where another Holy Living Armor could have been put.
19226It's as if there was another Holy Living Armor on that place.
19227
19228"Now then, what to do, Yasaku?"
19229"Well, not like we have--"
19230
19231I look at the surroundings to answer Tan.
19232
19233This huge maintenance warehouse blows through four underground floors, and we're currently on the third floor.
19234Of course, that Holy Living Armor is on the lowest first floor.
19235
19236I looked around and found a suspicious protrusion on the second floor.
19237
19238"Tan, don't you think that magic device over there look suspicious?"
19239"You're right. That looks like it's asking to be fiddled."
19240
19241There's a floating light globe, control panels and chairs surround it.
19242Fortunately, there's no one here.
19243
19244"Looks like we can get down there. Let's take a look."
19245
19246We get down the maintenance ladder toward the floor below.
19247
19248"Don't dawdle and get down."
19249"Hey! Don't look up!"
19250"Don't speak like a maiden you!"
19251"No matter how ooold they are, women are aaall maiden you knooow."
19252"Don't speak like I'm an elderly!"
19253
19254We might have been too careless.
19255With clattering noises, the floorboards in the passage between us and the control panel peeled off and formed into angular crab golems.
19256
19257"What the heck are those!"
19258"History book states that Holy Living Armor commanded countless golems."
19259"Why are you so calm."
19260
19261As we were joking around, the floorboard golem's number keeps increasing.
19262
19263"R-Retreat! Like hell we're fighting dozens of golems and increasing."
19264
19265Sheriona's huge ass obstructed when I tried to climb the ladder.
19266We should manage to climb the ladder to the end as Tan's force magic Flexible Shield prevented the golems from climbing it.
19267
19268"Hold it, don't touch my butt."
19269"Fool! Now's not the time for that!"
19270
19271I gave up pushing her from behind and decided to support Tan with Blue Magic Bow.
19272
19273"Tan, make an opening with Flexible Shield--<<DISTURB>> Blue Magic Bow!"
19274
19275While resounding like a whistling arrow, the arrow shot from the Blue Magic Bow cut across the golems.
19276Golems whose mana got disturbed from the inside twitched, shook, and fell off the ladder.
19277
19278"Haha, good things that they were construct-type monsters."
19279"Yasaku, let's climb up while we can."
19280"'Course."
19281
19282It could only buy us some time, but it bought us enough time to flee from the ladder where we couldn't fight freely.
19283
19284
19285~
19286
19287
19288"Yasaku, they're catching up!"
19289"Geez, stubborn bastards."
19290
19291They caught up to us as we passed through the undead residential area.
19292For some reason, the elevator couldn't be used to go up, so we went to the magic furnace room to use the hidden ladder.
19293
19294"Haaa, haaa, I caaan't."
19295"Me too, I can't, anymore."
19296
19297Putting me and Tan aside, Sheriona the magician and Kyura the priest ran out of breath.
19298If this keeps up, they won't be able to use magic when the golems catch up.
19299
19300A certain thing caught my eyes at that time.
19301
19302"--Yasaku?"
19303"Go ahead of me!"
19304
19305I urged my friends to go ahead and glared at the clacking incoming wood golems.
19306
19307"Eat this, damn you!"
19308
19309I hit the [Mark of Trap] on the wall.
19310The falling ceilings crush the golems.
19311
19312"Hmph, don't underestimate human-sama's wis--dom?"
19313
19314The thick ceiling that hit the floorboard golems shook.
19315Looks like they aren't broken yet even after getting crushed.
19316
19317"Are you for real!"
19318
19319Moreover, the second wave of floorboard golems are coming from the passage.
19320
19321"Cya!"
19322
19323I shot a Blue Magic Bow's arrow at the passage and chased after my friends.
19324
19325"Yasaku! Here!"
19326
19327I could hear their voice from above the magic furnace room.
19328They're waving their hands in front of a hidden door above the ladder.
19329
19330Looks like they're waiting for me above the ladder.
19331
19332I jump onto the rusted ladder as I desperately run from the floorboard golems.
19333
19334--Geh.
19335
19336The ladder cracked and broke right in front of my eyes.
19337I desperately climbed up as the ladder fell and fire the wire on my hand at the remaining ladder on the wall.
19338
19339"Aw yeaaaah!"
19340
19341The wire splendidly entwine the ladder on the wall as the falling ladder hit the wriggling floorboard golems below.
19342I'm man who can do it at times of need.
19343
19344"Yasaku, hurry up!"
19345
19346I looked back as prompted by Tan and saw the floorboard golems climbing up using their selves as the scaffold.
19347I frantically move my limbs to climb the ladder.
19348
19349"This is bad, they will catch up to us at this rate."
19350"Can't you clamp down the door with your force magic, Tan?"
19351"Bad idea. They'll just destroy the wall with number."
19352"Oooh nooo."
19353
19354I look around inside the magic furnace room.
19355As long as you don't give up, the thing needed to reverse the situation is everywhere.
19356
19357"Sheri, how about making that magic furnace explode with your magic?
19358"We'll die too if we do that."
19359"What if we use Tan's magic to clamp down the hidden door?"
19360"Won't make it in time."
19361
19362Then, we should use something to induce secondary explosion--that's it!
19363
19364"Sheri shoot your magic at the rock!"
19365"Roock?"
19366"Yasaku?"
19367
19368Looks like even the quick-witted guys can't catch on.
19369
19370"This rock is the same as the valley's rock."
19371"I see! It's combustible!"
19372"Yasakuu, you're being unusuallyyy, smaaart."
19373"Unusually is one word too many!"
19374
19375After getting it, Sheriona chants an attack magic, Tan also chants force magic and remains on stand by.
19376
19377"...　■■ <<Chain Lightning>>"
19378
19379Snake-like lightning falls on the rock.
19380With a small spark, the magic furnace room is filled with flash and roaring sounds.
19381
19382I quickly close the hidden door and Tan locked it with Fixture magic.
19383In addition, Kyura the priest reinforced the hidden door with a strong defensive magic.
19384
19385Earsplitting thunderous sounds and vibrations assaulted us.
19386Dust pours down the ceiling, creaking sounds echo from the passage joints.
19387
19388Intermittent roaring sounds continued on, and just when the ceilings look like they were about to fall down, silence finally came.
19389Since we couldn't touch the hidden door due to heat, we advanced on the hidden passage and went back to the first floor.
19390
19391We sent a pigeon golem to Marquis Kelten to report our finding of the ruin, and waited until next morning to recover our mana, afterward, we went inside the ruin once again.
19392
19393
19394~
19395
19396
19397"Amaaazing."
19398"It's a heap of wreckage."
19399
19400Since the elevator broke down, we looked for another passage and came to the lowest floor.
19401Just as magician Sheriona, and priest Kyura said, the underground passage is littered with wreckage of floorboard golems and walls that there's no place to put your foot on.
19402There were some golems that had little damage among them, so Tan and I broke their limbs just in case.
19403
19404"Looks like it's fine."
19405"Seems about right."
19406
19407We went back to the Holy Living Armor room and went to where the control unit was, it didn't look like there would be any more floorboard golem appearing.
19408Since the magic furnace is destroyed, the Holy Living Armor and the warehouse automatic defense function probably have been halted.
19409
19410"So, how are we going to carry the Holy Living Armor out?"
19411
19412Sheriona points at the ceiling.
19413
19414"Looks like the ceiling can be opened."
19415"How?"
19416"Isn't it working by the mana supplied from the magic furnace?"
19417
19418--Ah.
19419
19420I noticed it from that reply.
19421We had to destroy the magic furnace in order to eliminate the floorboard golems.
19422
19423"...Checkmate."
19424
19425We've got no choice but to report to Marquis Kelten and ask him to transport this thing.
19426We went back to above ground in order to send the spare pigeon golem.
19427
19428"Meeee"
19429
19430Goatsuke who was eating grass with his parents on top of the cliff sounded happy when he saw me.
19431That Goatsuke and his parents suddenly looked up at the sky.
19432
19433Lured by them, I also looked above, several beautiful sunlights pierced through the thick clouds.
19434
19435"I wonder what is this sound?"
19436"It sounds sooo niiice."
19437"Where is it from?"
19438
19439We heard mystical bell sounds from the rift between clouds.
19440
19441＜＜＜TAKE HEED＞＞＞
19442
19443Overpowering voice fell from the sky.
19444I instinctively went down on my knees and lowered my head.
19445
19446Looks like it's not just me, my friends are doing the same too.
19447
19448I listen carefully to the voice falling from the sky.
19449It was the voice of god, informing people about the Divine Punishment.
19450
19451"Looks like the age of turmoil is upon us."
19452"Yes, that appears to be the case."
19453"If it uuuss, no matter the plaaace, no matter the aaaage, we will be fiiine."
19454
19455Looks like the dream of spending the days in ease and comfort at the capital for having discovered Ancestor King-sama's relic has to be postponed.
19456
19457Really--.
19458
19459"Geez."
19460
19461I muttered and released the second pigeon golem into the sky.
19462
19463-Intermission 10 End.
19464
19465Note: 【Yasaku's Appearances】
194664-Intermission:  A Certain Master and His Vassal's Conversation
194678-19. The Battle in the Arena
194689-Intermission: The Misfortune of Puta Town [Latter Part]
1946912-22. Royal Capital Chaos