章 46: Chapter 46
I'm not upset to be suddenly knocked out and dragged into… wherever this place is for once. We still had time before the siege at the inn began, and I had plenty of questions I wanted to ask her.
"Well, you look like you have something on your mind,"
Akon Kagura, the Dragon God, smiles as she seats across me. On the large table between us is an assortment of dishes and drinks that the dragon god is greedily eating her way through. She seems as carefree as the last time we met.
"While a lot has happened," New memories and too many questions need answering. A lot has happened. "Are these memories real, or did you make fake ones that are impossible to tell apart from my real ones."
"Oh, those are real. There the memories of the other you in this world,"
"The other me?"
"Yes, the other you? A version of you was reborn in this world and died shortly before I accidentally summoned you to this world. I shoved you into her body since your old one was too damaged to use. But don't worry about stealing her life. Like I said, she was already dead when I put you into her body,"
"So… I am…"
I am a walking corpse. I hijacked someone else's body. I have been pretending to greet these people as if they were my friends and old acquaintances.
"Relax, that girl died and didn't have any friends. She dedicated herself to finding that green demon and killing it. If you feel bad, I'm sure she will be happy to give you her body in exchange for killing that demon,"
"Y… yeah… I'll do that,"
Finishing the old me's quest does make it easier to accept using her body.
"Besides, you aren't the only one in this situation. Wait until you see how many souls are inside of… no, that is a story for another time. Now you should get going. Now some bad people are surrounding that inn you are staying at,"
"Wait, can you send some people back to Japan?"
I had to ask her now that I had the chance to. I made a promise, after all.
"Oh, those two… while I will look into it, it might be impossible even for a god, depending on the method by which they came into this world. Now get going and put on a good show for me,"
<0>
At shortly past midnight, Tama and Pochi sprang into action upon sensing the attack. Satou ordered them to awaken the other girls taking a break. I had just finished talking to the Dragon God and was preparing for war. We had already suited up, so everyone could fight without delay.
With all the lights off to create the illusion that we had been asleep, Satou and I peered out of the third-floor window and noticed three distinctive clusters of torch-bearing people advancing towards us from the opposite side of the street.
We were surprised to find that the attacking group comprised of five members of the pyro noble's retinue, ten criminal guild members, twenty monster hunters, and ninety thugs, a total much higher than what we had anticipated. The pyro noble was not amongst the group. However, he was stationed on horseback near the entrance of the castle. Consequently, our plan became to engage in a long fight to draw him closer.
Satou stated that Baronet Poton, his servants, and his family were all trapped in a room in the back of the castle, in a Paralysis state. It seemed the only way we could rescue them was to take care of the pyro noble first. Yet, Satou was left wondering why he had not used the City Core to deal with the Paralysis.
Uncle, Kena and her team had successfully sneaked into the enemy's side and hid away in the back of one of the groups. We had requested them to take captive the pyro noble's retinue or, if nothing else, stop them from getting away.
"Three bows,"
"The one on that roof makes four, sir,"
Tama and Pochi were watching the outside and alerting Satou to any archers they found. Satou then used Remote Stun to take out the archers one by one. The archers were all stationed alone, so hopefully, they would just assume they'd been ambushed. Satou used his Remote Stun to knock out the other criminal guild members that attempted to approach him along the rooftops. Despite them attacking us, he was kind enough to ensure they didn't fall and suffer a severe injury.
I cast Enchant: Magic Protection and Physical Protection to strengthen everyone's defence while Satou deals with the people outside. Enchant: Shield protects Arisa, Lulu and Mia from snipers, while Enchant: Sparking Blade assists the vanguard group in close combat. Hopefully, no overly powerful monsters will appear, allowing everyone to remain safe.
Satou and I took the vanguard group downstairs, leaving Mia, Sara, Arisa, and Lulu on the top floor. Mia and Lulu are ready to fend off any potential attackers coming from behind, while Arisa uses her Space Magic to watch for any monsters coming our way. Sara is on call, prepared to give medical attention in case of injury.
When we arrived at the ground level, the guards of the inn informed us that the entrance had already been forced open. It apparently had not occurred to them that something was happening. Upon seeing us come out with all our weapons, they appeared taken aback, but Satou commanded them to guard the inn's main entrance. The innkeeper and other occupants had been safely relocated, so the sentries' primary objective was to ward off any prospective burglars.
"Foolish upstart who dares to side with the accursed white tigers, take heed!" As soon as the inn was surrounded, Attendant A of the pyro noble's retinue gave an impassioned speech from outside. "You have committed a grave sin by siding with those filthy beastfolk!" It was almost like a call to action for a protest. "Your sins are..."
The misunderstanding of our supposed sheltering of the white tigerfolk gave Attendant A a chance to go on about our transgressions for a while. Nevertheless, we still listened to him carefully to understand their motives.
In brief, Marquis Dazaress protected the white tiger princess and her entourage from the weaselfolk. Yet, the tigerfolk unexpectedly betrayed them and committed a horrendous act of violence: they slaughtered the marquis' family, stole all their possessions, set the residences of the land aflame, massacred his people, and even killed the previous king, who was present at the time.
It was understandable that one might want to hold a grudge based on what was said, yet the situation appeared doubtful. The Tigerfolk wouldn't have any motive to set the buildings alight and massacre the people, so there was probably someone else behind the scenes who didn't want the tigerfolk and humans to be unified. It seemed much more probable that this person had set up the Tigerfolk and framed them for the horrific incident.
Upon finally understanding the circumstance, I still found burning innocent people for the cause unacceptable. Satou and I had no intention of abandoning our scheme to apprehend the arsonist. Satou opened the courtyard gate, allowing us to exit and face the crowd outside.
"Foolishness! You plan to fight us for those white tigers?! You should be pleading for your life!" Attendant A became even more enraged when they saw us fully armed.
"There aren't any white tigerfolk here in the first place, you know," I tell him, but Attendant A only lets out a growl.
"A bald-faced lie! We know you met with them! We know you treated their injuries and bought supplies to aid them in their escape! Your feeble excuses won't fly here!"
"I did have their injuries treated, but I have treated countless people recently who have been burned by a group of nobles abusing their powers,"
"Hmph, enough nonsense!" Apparently, they were not keen on hearing me out. "We won't let you buy time for that white tigerfolk filth to escape! Get them! Kill them all!"
"Kill the men! Capture the women! Steal everything!"
The motley crew of outlaws shouted and raised their weapons in response.
"I am your opponent, you stupid VGs, I declare,"
Nana hurled a "Taunt" at the oncoming outlaws. It sounded like she was referring to "VGs," which could mean "virgins," although I didn't know why she was trying to be discreet. Nonetheless, more than half of the approaching mob seemed to have taken notice, so maybe her subtlety was effective. Tama and Pochi scurried alongside Nana, wielding their Soft-Stun-activated Magic Swords and striking the villains in a manner reminiscent of an action-packed comedy.
Pearl proved her impressive abilities as she expertly took down outlaws, even when a group of five assaulted her simultaneously. It was incredible to witness how quickly and accurately she countered each opponent, subduing them without causing significant harm. All of the outlaws who faced Pearl were swiftly defeated. I can only be grateful she's not on the other side.
"Piece of pie?"
"Piece of meat, sir!"
Pochi and Tama must have meant 'piece of cake'. Nana meanwhile showed impressive strength with her Body Strengthening, pushing multiple people back with her shield and using her own sword to repel an axe-wielding mon hunter leaving a red trail in its wake. Next up was Liza, who thrust her spear through the air and managed to pierce Attendant A'a shoulder, leaving a red line to indicate where it had been.
A red line?
From what I could tell by the looks of them, Liza and Nana had become a bit overly enthusiastic. Fortunately, they had not activated Spellblade, so nobody had been hurt. However, their behaviour was noticeable, and some of the mob began to distance themselves.
"H… hey, isn't that a Magic Spear?"
"Those three are using Magic Swords, too,"
"And they've got some kinda magic defence!"
"Hey, I didn't hear nothin' about this. I ain't about to fight those guys for one lousy coin!"
As the outlaws tried to escape, it was too late. A trap had already been set for them.
"Urk, what's this?"
"A throwing net! There's someone else here!"
Before the battle commenced, Satou had placed a net in the dark recesses and used Magic Hand to sweep it over our fleeing foes. When it comes to catching criminals, Satou shows no mercy and leaves no room for escape.
"Gah, my eyes! My eyes!"
"Guh, c… can't breathe..."
The outlaws attempted to jump over the wall behind the inn. However, they were met with Mia's Water Magic spell, Irritation Mist. The intensity was so great that they continued to writhe in pain once they fell to the ground. Once Mia had defeated them, Ordo and his beastfolk slipped in from the shadows to tie them up and deliver them to the town guards.
Ordo and the others were approaching from the city gate late due to explaining the situation to the guards. Had the guards been hostile, they would have had to use force to gain control. However, considering Satou's composure, everything had gone as planned.
Despite being outnumbered, our group remained strong overall. Unfortunately, some individuals got past the five vanguard girls and got close to Satou and me. Too bad for them that Satou and I are far stronger than the people they faced so far. Satou could easily take out the outlaws, even with just his fairy sword being sheathed. I, however, managed to incapacitate multiple of them with only my bare hands.
"They've got reinforcements! The beastfolk are coming from the eastern mines!"
The outlaws who'd been attacking from the east started yelling fearfully.
"No!"
"St… stay away!"
The broadsword slashed through the air, producing a vivid arc of blood. The outlaws dropped to the ground one after another, creating a scene of desolation along the street with the corpses they left behind. The white tigerfolk man struck a pose with his bloody sword.
"It is I, Frost Knight Gargaolon! I swear on Princess Luniya's name that I will help you!"
"Gargaolon! So you're here after all!"
"I knew you were involved with them!"
The knight-like Attendants B and C, matching swords with Tama and Pochi, noticed Gargaolon and further bought into their master's propaganda.
"Brother! Don't run ahead without us,"
"That's right! We're here, too,"
Gargaolon was flanked by two white tigerfolk men, followed shortly by a group of ten or more different beastfolk.
"Capture that man! Ten gold coins to whoever catches him!"
Attendant D yelled angrily at the lawbreakers, attempting to provoke them into attacking Gargaolon. Nonetheless, they were scared of the formidable combat skills of the tigerfolk man.
"Hmph, cowards! I, Oin the Goblin Eater, will be the mon hunter to claim those ten gold coins!"
The young man barreled toward Gargaolon, clutching a shield in one hand and a battle-axe in the other. Five more monster hunters followed close behind him.
"Pretty impressive, boy!"
"You're not bad yourself!"
Oin, the mon hunter, quickly defended himself against Gargaolon's broadsword by parrying it with his shield. Then, he attempted to strike Gargaolon with his axe, but Gargaolon gracefully managed to dodge it with an acrobatic leap. Gargaolon looks like he has the situation handled, so we can leave the east side to him and his friends.
"Hey, mister! He's coming!"
I heard Kon's shout from outside the siege encampment. Satou had asked him to keep an eye on the castle.
"It's Marquis Dazaress! The Flame General has arrived!"
Upon hearing Attendant D's yells, the criminals shifted their gaze to see the path leading to the castle.
"Gotcha?"
"All's fair in tug-of-war, sir!"
Tama and Pochi were able to catch Attendants B and C off guard and administer the final blows while they were preoccupied.
The figure of the aristocrat on horseback was illuminated by a gigantic flame, taller than a regular torch. It was obvious that he had already initiated the Crimson Cane. Satou had warned me about that wand. He said it can cast powerful fire spells but at the cost of attracting fire monsters. Although I had not anticipated that he would attack recklessly with his aides present, I had to remain vigilant as he had already proven his readiness to employ Fire Magic against defenceless citizens.
"Mia, use Mist Coat, please,"
"Mm, roger,"
The spell I asked Mia to use coated the surroundings in water to help limit the spread of fire, but it was not a guarantee that these structures would be fireproof. Nevertheless, it was a better option than not doing anything.
"So you've finally emerged from your hole, Gargaolon!"
"You are quite persistent, Marquis,"
The pyro noble and Gargaolon started shouting at each other before the pyro noble pointed his staff toward me.
"You! The fool who supported these beasts! You and Gargaolon shall burn!"
His Crimson Cane started to produce even bigger flames. I use the Break Magic spell to stop things before he can do anything. The cane sputters and sparks a few times, but the fire around Marquis Dazaress dies instantly. It's hard not to laugh at the confused look on his face. He tries again, building up an enormous flame, but I stop the pyro noble.
"Something wrong?"
I struggle not to smirk as Marquis Dazaress stares at the Crimson Cane in confusion.
"Y… you! How dare you disrupt an attack from the Legendary Crimson Cane!"
"Someone kill her!"
A group of outlaws surrounded me and attacked at once. There were ten of them in total, but I wasn't worried. Satou and I hadn't gotten more involved in the fight because the battle wouldn't last long enough to draw Marquis Dazaress in if we had entered the battle. But now that he is here, I have no need to hold back.
"Dance Claidheamh Soluis,"
Claidheamh Soluis broke off into ten blades blocking each of the outlaw's weapons swinging towards me. The unexpected attack throws the outlaws back, and I don't give them a chance to recover. I used Warp over and over again and struck each outlaw until they were all out cold.
Marquis Dazaress backed up, and the remaining mon hunters and outlaws on his side took a step back as I drew Gjallarhorn while the multiple blades of Claidheamh Soluis floated around me. I still haven't mastered using both swords simultaneously, but this little display had the desired effects.
"C… Claidheamh Soluis… Gjallarhorn… y… you… you're a hero?! Why are you protecting those accursed beastfolk?! Fulfil your duty and wipe them out!"
"I am fulfilling my duty as a hero,"
I start walking towards him, and no one tries to stop me. The mon hunters and outlaws even part to let me pass.
"I am taking out a noble who abuses his power. One who has brought misery to countless lives after losing himself to his hatred. I have seen the lives you ruined with my own eyes Marquis Dazaress. Even if you were trying to arrest someone, you still went too far,"
"Enemy of Lord Dazaress!"
Attendant E slipped past Pochi and charged towards me with a blackened spear in hand.
"Yah, sir!"
Pochi body-slammed into Attendant E's side, sending him staggering. I used that opening to kick the man in the chin and yank his spear out of his hands. Satou swiftly stored the weapon in his storage when it landed by his feet.
"Thank you, Pochi,"
"Hee-hee! Sir,"
Pochi scuffled her feet shyly at my praise.
"Watch out?"
A mon hunter leapt toward Pochi with a poison dagger, but Tama brought him down.
"Pochi! You must never let your guard down on the battlefield!" Liza's voice was full of concern.
"I'm sorry, sir."
Pochi smacked her own cheeks to pull herself together.
"Master! In the sky to the south!"
Arisa's voice reached Satou and me through our still-connected Telephone spell. At the exact moment, a ten-foot-long naga soared above the inn. The naga was breathing fire, and it had black scales.
"Fire!"
"Meat, sir!"
The lure of the cursed staff must have been too powerful for the anti-monster barrier to keep the monster away. Otherwise, the warning bell from the watchtower at the gate would not have rung so belatedly. Everyone was so distracted by our battle that we didn't notice the monster's approach until it was too late.
"D… dragon! It's a dragon!"
"Run for it! We'll all be eaten!"
Upon sighting the naga, a large majority of the outlaws abandoned their weapons and ran away.
"You're not getting away!"
Gargaolon and his beastfolk followers cut the outlaws down mercilessly. Until Nana's shield and Liza's spear stopped them.
"What foolishness is this?"
"Needless killing is forbidden, I report,"
"We intend to capture these men and sell them as criminal slaves. Please refrain from destroying my master's property,"
"Fine, then. We're just here to help. We'll abide by your master's intentions,"
Nana and Liza managed to get Gargaolon and his forces to stand down. Satou and I were too busy checking on the monster situation to stop them ourselves, so I am glad those two managed to handle that situation for us.
When Satou checked his map, he found a horde of monsters was coming toward the town, including demi-goblin mages, fire-eater nagas, and regular nagas. We theorized that the reason that non-fire-attribute nagas were also approaching seemed related to the fire-eater nagas. The swarm was following the small number of fire-eater nagas like a cloud. Individually, they were pretty weak, but if that many of them descended on the town, everyone would be in danger.
Marquis Dazaress retreated, and it was good he managed to slip away as he still had the Crimson Cane, which was causing the monsters to follow him. He won't be escaping. From the looks of it, Marquis Dazaress is heading for the castle, and I can easily capture him once the monsters are dealt with.
Satou threw a spear at the fire-eater naga above us as it turned to head toward the castle, bringing it down midflight. While I used my Ice Storm spell to cut down a large chunk of the naga swarm.
"Liza, I'm leaving you in charge here,"
"Understood!"
The beastfolk girls rushed toward the fallen fire eater naga's, as Satou headed for a quiet place where he could work without anyone noticing him.
"Sir Gargaolon! Deal with Dazaress's attendants!"
"Tch, fine. But I've got a score to settle with that bastard,"
"All right! Once I catch him, I'll let you give him one good punch,"
"Heh. Looking forward to it!"
Gargaolon and company started to follow after Marquis Dazaress initially, but Satou had them stay behind to deal with the rest of the outlaws. With the outlaws under control, the mon hunters fighting with them starting to switch to our side, and Satou dealing with the monsters, that leaves me free to deal with the fire-loving noble. Taking Pearl and Nana with me, I head to the castle leaving Mia and Sara behind to treat the wounded.
We headed toward the castle under cover of darkness. Passing through the streets, I headed up the slope. In the distance, the drawbridge of the constable's castle started rising as one fire-eater naga landed on the castle gate, then another. I quickly took out one of them with my Ice Storm spell to take care of one while Nana took the other one out with her Magic Arrow spell.
The nagas fiercely assaulted the castle walls and ramparts in hot pursuit of the fire-eater nagas, their rush resembling an avalanche pummeled through the fortress's weaker parts. Thankfully, the castle had been fortified in preparation for potential monster attacks. Thus Marquis Dazaress should remain safe while tucked away inside. But he was a fool.
Marquis Dazaress and his retinue emerged into the castle courtyard, ready to face the nagas. In an impressive display of power, he sent a wave of fire upon a group of them that had gathered on the castle wall. Witnessing this, the remaining nagas quickly launched an attack on Marquis Dazaress and his retinue.
"Step where I step, I'll create a path over the wall,"
We didn't have much time until they were killed, and I don't believe they would open the drawbridge if we asked. I used the Cube spell to make a small invisible staircase over the wall and instructed Pearl and Nana to follow me. Just as we got on top of the wall, a pillar of fire rose up from inside.
When we climbed up the castle wall, I immediately realized that an intermediate demon, enflamed, was brutally attacking the nagas attempting to escape. Shining on his forehead was the jewel from Marquis Dazaress's Crimson Cane. Not one could get away unscathed; the sharp, laser-like flame cut them into pieces. Fortunately for one of them, they managed to slip away, only to be caught by a fiery, gigantic hand and pulled back over the wall.
When I heard that Marquis Dazaress had received Count Bobino's support, alarm bells should have gone off in my head. After all, Count Bobino was a patron of the cult that worshipped the Demon Lord, the Wings of Freedom. I guessed that he had given Marquis Dazaress a Long Horn, an item that could transform someone into an intermediate demon. I wasn't sure whether Marquis Dazaress knew what using the Long Horn would entail, but it no longer mattered by that point. After making quick work of the final Naga, Marquis Dazaress, or rather, the demon, spread out his four wings and took off into the air.
I couldn't let him escape this courtyard, so I used the Laser spell to cut off its wings. I also tried to cut off its head, but the demon dodged that laser. Nana instantly unleashed a volley of Magic Arrows, but the demon shielded himself with his arms. But Pearl got luckier sneaking up behind the demon and striking its back as the demon blocked Nana's arrows.
"Dance Claidheamh Soluis,"
I don't miss the opening striking the demon with the multiple flying blades of Claidheamh Soluis as it reeled in pain. The demon howled in agony, but I wasn't finished yet. I charge in and sever the demon's head from his shoulders with Gjallarhorn. But I let my guard down too soon.
My finely-honed 'Sense Danger' skill was triggered, so I quickly spun around to face a brilliant flash of light. In the blink of an eye, it had wiped out the remaining nagas before dissipating into the heavens. An intense gust of wind hit the castle and town of Puta. Struggling to raise my head, I peered past the castle towards the summit, where a giant black dragon was unfurling its wings.
GWROW, GWROW, GWLOROOOOOURGH!
The powerful roar of the dragon, echoing from more than a mile away, sent vibrations through the air that prickled my skin. Pearl, Nana, and everyone else in the castle was terrified at the sound. However, since I understood the dragon's language, the roar that petrified everyone else only sounded like this to me.
"WEAK! SO WEAK! I CAME ALL THE WAY DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN FOR THIS?!"
I guess the dragon was disappointed that its battle with the nagas ended so quickly. I spotted Satou using his "Skyrunning" and "Warp" skills to approach the black dragon. I can leave everything to him and turn my attention to my companions. But just in case, I asked Arisa to keep an eye on Satou for me. At first, I thought she would have begged me to help Satou, but it sounded like she was excited to see her master fight a dragon one-on-one. I will ignore her comments about hoping Satou's clothing would be ripped off.
"It's okay," Both Nana and Pearl jump when I put a hand on their shoulders, but I smile reassuringly. "The dragon is being dealt with as we speak."
"But dragons are dangerous. I report,"
"We can't be certain it won't attack the town,"
"It's going to be okay," I assure them, but they are still pale and trembling. "The dragon is already leaving."
Arisa is giving a play-by-play to me as we speak. So far, it is an even match, but Arisa is confident Satou will win. I'm sure he will too. Looking around, I can see my next move. Marquis Dazaress is dead. His attendants are dead. Most of the guards at the castle have been injured, but thankfully, there seem to be very few fatalities among them. I hand Pearl and Nana the potions I had in storage and instruct them to help the guards while I go to treat Baronet Poton and the others that Marquis Dazaress had paralyzed.
"Oh, why couldn't it have taken more off?! If only it would have taken more than his top off, I might have finally been able to see it…."
"Arisa, I can still hear you,"
I try to ignore Arisa's comments over the Telephone spell and enter the castle. The castle really took a hit and is barely standing. I had to use my Sonar spell to find the best path through the rubble and the Magic Hand spell to help me clear blocked passages. Satou makes it so easy to use multiple Magic Hands at once, but I could only manage to use twelve at most. I have no idea how he could use hundreds at once.
I find Baronet Poton and the others inside the castle's dungeon, locked in a cell. They haven't been tied up or shackled but still couldn't move. When I find them, everyone looks like they are about to die of fright since the ceiling has started cracking. I quickly reinforced the ceiling and walls with earth magic before tearing open the door after I failed to find the keys.
Marquis Dazaress had paralyzed more than just the Baronet and his family. Maids, butlers and even senior members of the town guard have been paralyzed and locked in this cell. I quickly have everyone drink a potion to cure their paralyzed bodies before I cast a healing spell to take care of a few bruises and one or two broken bones. Baronet Poton must have put up a fight because his arm was broken, and his left eye was swollen shut.
"I'm sorry… I couldn't stop him…"
Baronet Poton tried to speak but quickly collapsed. Luckily the living area of the castle was mostly in tack so he could be taken to his room. Everyone else looked like they were still in shock after tonight's events, so I sent them to get some rest before returning to my companions.
"Master,"
"Hero Kura. We have treated all the wounded as ordered, I report,"
Nana and Pearl look much better now, and the colour has returned to their faces. Satou had given me an update on the situation with the dragon on my way back. He won. Satou said he won the fight but would return late, so we should go to bed without him.
"Good," I nod and smile. "Then we are done here. Let's head back to the inn and everyone else."
<0>
The following day we woke up in the giant bed, and Lulu looked adorable as she got flustered over hugging Satou in her sleep. There were other beds in our building, but Arisa suggested we have a sleepover to celebrate our win, and Satou must have crawled into the bed when he returned.
Nana and Sara were the only ones not to wake up with the group that morning. Nana hugged Mia tightly to her chest, causing Satou to give a jealous look and Mia to struggle to free herself. It took us ten minutes to free Mia and wake Nana up. As for Sara, it was easier to wake her up. Pearl just had to shake her shoulder, and she was quickly up. She sat up and apologized for keeping everyone awake, saying she usually never sleeps in like this.
We stayed in Puta for a few days longer than expected after defeating Marquis Dazaress. We threw a big party for everyone that helped us during the battle. Satou made an artificial arm for the one-armed boy, Kon, and we found a new home for the white tigerfolk. Now that they were safe, Satou arranged for them to move to the Muno Barony. Baron Muno and Nina aren't the type of people to turn them away just because of their race.
As for the punishments for everyone involved in the battle, the outlaws became criminal slaves, and the few surviving attendants of Marquis Dazaress were sent to the old capital for trial. Regarding Baronet Poton, through the assistant secretary dispatched from Kuuche, it was confirmed that he had not been involved in the attack on the inn; though, it was then established that the rumours surrounding his acceptance of bribes were true. We thus chose to defer to Marquis Lloyd, the head of his faction, to handle the matter.
Satou and I hesitated to keep all the money from selling criminal slaves and collecting rewards for keeping public order to ourselves. Therefore, we split up the money to assist the impoverished citizens in Puta. Specifically, we donated the money to revive a shuttered orphanage and created a school to train mon hunters. I suggested some retired mon hunters to teach in the school.
Then, on the day of our departure...
"Larvae, we must say farewell for now,"
"Hey, are you leaving? Where're you going?"
"Nana, stay with us? Please?"
"Don't go, Nana!"
Nana gave the kids comforting pats on their heads as they clung to her, and I was anticipating her to offer to take them with us; however, she was surprisingly pragmatic about it.
"These larvae have a base here. The journey would be too dangerous for them, I conclude,"
She likely referred to the orphanage when she mentioned the 'base'. It hadn't much more than rugs and beds, but that was undoubtedly better than having the children sleep on the streets or outdoors. Nana had brought together approximately fifty children from the streets to stay in the orphanage. Unfortunately, there were almost three times that number of orphans in the city, yet she could not get all of them. Fortunately, the director and the community members could care for the remainder.
"Mr Noble, come see us again sometime!"
"Heh-heh, thanks again, Sir Knight. You didn't need to give the rest of us such nice equipment, too,"
Kona flexed the hand of his artificial arm as Kena and her companions struck a sultry pose in their brand-new armour. Satou had gifted them with sets of mon-hunter-style protective wear, fashioned with breastplates and shoulder pads made from beetle monster carapace. Although these looked like any regular leather armour, the inside was lined with sturdier newt and hydra-skin, thus significantly increasing their defensive capabilities.
"Sir Knight! Take these freshly picked tomatoes with you!"
A young apefolk boy handed Satou a big basket. The people of Puta had given us a tremendous send-off - children, beastfolk, and monster hunters had all come to bid us farewell. The faster children had attempted to jog alongside the carriage before eventually returning home. Nana glanced back at the town multiple times, her usually emotionless face breaking into an expression of sorrow. We set off on the carriage, the old, bumpy dirt road full of weeds beneath our wheels.
<0>
We journeyed through a road that even the most daring bandits were afraid to venture on, trekking across the mountain peaks and valleys.
"Master, we have repelled the lance beetle, I report,"
"Company?"
"This one's a one-horned serpent, sir,"
"The nagas from yesterday were delicious, but this monster looks as if it would have a splendid texture, too,"
We had a great time hunting the monsters that emerged, admiring the shifting vegetation surrounding us. Additionally, a few monsters resembling trees and mushrooms could be spotted.
"Mushrooms?"
"Figs,"
Thanks to Tama's keen vision and Mia's extensive plant expertise, we managed to acquire a great deal of rare plants.
"Master! Look at this fruit!"
"Hey, it's a pomegranate! Man, I've missed that seedy texture!"
"Mm. Yummy,"
The area had abundant natural growth, most likely because no nearby settlements existed.
"Here's as good a place as any, I'd say,"
After passing through the Farthest Village, we had been travelling for around half a day when Satou stopped the carriage and decided to move to air transport from that point. I really hope he fixed the problems he was having with the airship design.
"We're taking an airship from here, right?"
"Well, that was the plan at first..."
"Danger!"
As Satou was talking with Arisa, Tama suddenly scrabbled up onto his head, her eyes wide. She must have sensed the black dragon's approach. If Satou hadn't warned me, I might have attacked. Soon, the sound of flapping wings filled the air as he descended from the sky. Satou lifted the horses and runosaurs up with Magic Hand so they wouldn't run away.
"Kuro! I've come to collect you!"
"Hello, Hei Long,"
Kuro? I almost thought the dragon was talking to me, but then I remembered that the black dragon gave Satou a similar-sounding name to mine.
The impatient black dragon had arrived to pick us up two days ahead of schedule.
"Are these horses and lizards for me?"
"No, they're our travelling companions. Please don't eat them,"
"Very well. I'll just eat a wyvern or a land urchin later,"
"Sounds good. I've been wanting to try land urchins, myself,"
After briefly chatting with the dragon, Satou turned around to introduce him to the rest of us, but apart from me, everyone else was frozen and pale-faced. Satou had told us that he'd made friends with the black dragon. I was expecting a little fear but not like this. Pochi, Tama, Mia, and Arisa hide behind me, clinging to me and shaking.
"N-nice to meet you, Mr... What was it again?"
"Hei Long,"
"Wow, lame... All right then, Hei Long. My name's Arisa!"
"Tama,"
"P… Pochi, sir,"
Once Arisa greeted the dragon, Pochi and Tama crept out from behind me and timidly followed her lead. Their ears were flattened with fear, and Pochi's tail was between her legs.
"They said, Nice to meet you,"
Satou interpreted everyone's statements for the black dragon.
"Greetings, little ones. I am the black dragon, Hei Long,"
"I am the youngest elf of Bolenan Forest, Misanaria Bolenan, daughter of Lamisauya and Lilinatoa,"
Mia gave her usual lengthy introduction as she poked her head out from behind me.
"L… Liza of the orangescale tribe,"
"I am Nana, I declare,"
"I… I'm...Lulu..."
Liza seemed nervous, while Nana was indifferent. Lulu looked like she was about to faint.
"I… I'm Pearl… of the Rabbitfolk,"
"It… it is a great pleasure to meet you… I am Sara… the oracle priestess of the Tenion Temple…."
Pearl and Sara look like they are about to faint too. Everyone's fear only grows when the dragon leans closer to me as I am about to introduce myself. Hei Long sniffs me creating a gust of wind that ruffles our hair and nearly flips the skirt wearer's skirts.
"You have the god's scent on you,"
"Yes. I have met the dragon go a few times now,"
Hei Long finally leaned back before the girls had a heart attack laughing.
"So you can speak my tongue as well,"
"I have a talent for picking up languages,"
With that, introductions are over. Hei Long wanted to start the party immediately, but we were too close to the nearest village, so Satou suggested we go elsewhere.
"Nya-ha-haaa?"
I didn't expect we'd get to travel on top of a dragon's head. It is probably safer than Satou's airship, which crashed too many times to count during testing. Tama was playing around by putting her weight on the horn in the centre of Hei Long's head, and Hei Long responded by tilting in the corresponding direction. He was a playful dragon, it seems.
There were several other horns besides the one Tama was playing on. Satou was leaning against one of them like a chair, sitting on a cushion and enjoying the breeze. Usually, the wind and the movement of the dragon's head would be enough to send us flying off, but Satou was using the Canopy spell to fend off the strong wind and supporting everyone with Magic Hand to ensure no one fell.
"Oh, what a view!"
"Mm. Pretty,"
Arisa and Mia were initially scared but calmed down enough to enjoy the view.
"Tama, let us go faster, I entreat,"
"Okay!"
Like Tama, Nana seemed to enjoy the thrill-ride aspect. But other riders were not so happy.
"It's not okay, sir! We're gonna fall! We're gonna fall, sir!"
"Precisely! Tama, get down at once. We are in the sky, you know. If you fall, you won't be able to fly on your own,"
Pochi was sitting on Satou's lap, and Liza was glued to his left arm.
"It's fine,"
Tama was unfazed by their protests.
"I… it's not fine, sir,"
"Listen, Tama. You're in for the scolding of your life once we're back on land,"
Clearly, Pochi and Liza were not good with air travel. Both their voices were frighteningly serious. I'd figured Pochi would be scared, but I definitely hadn't expected this from Liza.
"Master! Stop laughing and keep your hand here, sir! If you don't support me, I might fall, sir!"
Sitting in Satou's lap, Pochi flinched every time the black dragon tilted his body. Her ears were flat on her head again. Sitting in his lap didn't seem to calm her down, so he let her put my hand on her stomach. Incidentally, Lulu was silently clinging to Satou's right hand with her eyes closed the whole time.
I would help him by calming the girls down, but I had two people to care for. Pearl was like Lulu, tightly hugging my right arm with her eyes shut and armour digging into my arm. Sara, meanwhile, was holding my left arm, and Satou looked envious when she saw her chest pressing into my arm. Sara was fine at first, but once we reached a certain altitude, she suddenly turned pale and grabbed hold of me. But the trip is nearly over now. The black dragon starts to descend as we reach our destination.
The black dragon stretched his wings to the ground, and Nana and the younger kids slid down them into the flower garden below. Liza and Lulu were still latched on to Satou, and Pearl and Sara were clinging to me, unaware we had landed. We carried them down to earth with "Skyrunning" and sat them gently among the flowers.
The sleeping potions we'd given to the horses and runosaurs to keep them from getting frightened didn't seem to have worn off yet, so Satou used the Magic Hands supporting them to lay them down on the ground.
"M… master, I apologize for my shameful behaviour,"
"I'm sorry, master,"
"No need to apologize. It was your first time travelling by air, after all. Anyway, would you help me get the party ready?"
"Understood!"
"Yes!"
Liza and Lulu still looked somewhat pale, but they perked up a little when Satou gave them jobs to do. Pearl and Sara were the same way, but soon everyone returned to normal. Satou took out the gifts I'd procured for Hei Long. Several barrels of liquor and thirty freshly slaughtered goats. The sight made me feel sick.
"Ooh! You brought goats! How considerate you are!"
The black dragon roared excitedly. Goat was apparently one of his favourite foods. Everyone else flinched at the black dragon's roar, but they calmed down once Satou explained that he was excited. Pochi's tail was still between her legs, but Tama was gazing up at the black dragon with great interest.
"And these barrels must contain sake! Then I shall call forth some dragonspring liquor!"
Hei Long gleefully created a spring of the delicious liquor, then picked up a goat and skillfully roasted it with a small fiery breath. Perfect, I was hoping for some more of that drink.
"Gah-ha-ha-ha! Goat is so delicious!"
The black dragon chomped on the goat from the head down, bones, horns, and all.
"Yummy?"
"I… it does look tasty, sir,"
Tama and Pochi started drooling as they watched the black dragon eat. He certainly knew how to make food look tasty. The goat wouldn't last long at this rate, so Satou brought out some whale meat, too. Satou produced several pieces of whale from storage that he'd divided into two-hundred-pound chunks, cutting them into giant skewers for the black dragon and barbecue-ready pieces for us. We'd also gathered other monster ingredients on the way, like land urchins, monster mushrooms, and rocket bamboo.
"Meat?"
"The skewers are bigger than I am, sir!"
"What a wonderfully large cut of meat,"
The beastfolk girls smiled brightly when they saw the skewers for the black dragon. I guess they didn't particularly care whether they got a whole-roasted goat.
"What are you cooking down there, Kuro?"
Having paused from its meal of goats, the black dragon gave the gargantuan skewers an inquisitive look.
"Giant-monster-fish meat,"
"G… giant monster fish?! Those gluttonous creatures?!"
Hei Long's long neck recoiled in surprise.
"Kura hunted them a good while ago. Would you like to try some?"
"C...certainly, yes," The black dragon eagerly dug into the three chunks of meat on the skewer. "D… delicious!"
Shooting out flames, Mia and Sara clung to me as the dragon roared his approval of the meat. I hope he doesn't breathe fire around us again. Even though it wasn't close to us, I could still feel the head.
"Yummy!"
Tama bit into a regular-size skewer and imitated the black dragon.
"Dangerlicious!"
"Dragons certainly are lively,"
Pochi and Liza didn't seem to be quite as relaxed as Tama.
"It's okay, you two," I gently reassure the duo clinging to me. "Hei Long was just expressing his appreciation for the meat."
It took a while for everyone to get used to the black dragon, but eventually, they followed suit after Tama, Satou and me.
"What in the world is that?"
"Th… this is called mustard mayonnaise..."
Satou interpreted for Lulu. Lulu put some of her freshly made mustard mayonnaise on one of the giant skewers, and the black dragon gleefully popped it into his mouth.
"This is especially delicious! The spiciness is rather addictive,"
As it turned out, dragons were big fans of mayo.
<0>
"Hmm? What's this glass-looking thing?"
"You'll find out soon enough,"
Satou evaded Arisa's query and quickly utilized Magic Mold to manufacture an impromptu stove. Subsequently, he spread a layer of tomato sauce on a thinly rolled-out pastry and laid a combination of shredded cheese and various toppings on it.
"N… no way... Could it be?!"
Arisa was about to make a guess, but Satou motioned for her to be quiet and carefully put the covered dough into the oven. The tantalizing aroma of melted cheese wafted through the air, stopping the beastfolk girls in the middle of their meat-eating, and they gathered around curiously. I had to restrain Pochi and Tama to get them to avoid the burning heat. Satou removed the cooked product with a large spatula and sliced it into fan shapes.
"All right, it's ready,"
"I knew it! Pizza!"
Arisa shrieked and grabbed a slice with both hands. Satou crafted two types of pizzas to begin: one that featured bacon and salami and the other being a vegetarian option that included tomatoes, asparagus, eggplant, paprika, and other toppings.
"Careful, it's hot,"
"Stretchy?"
"So hot, sir,"
"Oh my God, this is so freakin' good!"
"Mm, yummy,"
The pizza proved especially popular with the younger crowd. Tama and Pochi were dripping with cheese, so we'll have to ensure they washed their faces later.
"Hero Kura, I have been burned by the pizza, I report,"
I treated the teary-eyed Nana with some Healing Magic and wiped her mouth since she was just as messy as Pochi and Tama.
"Master, this would go well with teriyaki chicken, would it not?"
"I think the dwarves' sausages would be good, too,"
Liza and Lulu demonstrated their culinary prowess by correctly guessing some classic pizza toppings. It was pretty impressive!
"Kuro! I would like to try that dish as well,"
"Sure, no problem,"
Satou made a giant pizza just for Hei Long.
"So thin?"
"The sunlight goes through it, sir!"
Tama and Pochi gleefully ran around the circumference of the giant pizza.
"Make sure you don't hit the dough, please,"
"Don't worry, be happy!"
"We won't, sir,"
The duo ran after the pizza, hardly glancing back. A sudden gust of wind unexpectedly raised a few skirts, notably Lulu's and Nana's. However, the wind caused more trouble than just that.
"Pochi!"
Tama's alert came just a moment after it was too late. The gust of wind swept Pochi off her feet, and she fell straight into the pizza dough.
"Wah, sir!"
"Yaaargh!"
The forceful impact of the pizza dough sent it flying, engulfing Arisa as it went.
"I'm sorry, sir,"
"Ugh, my hair's all sticky now..."
Satou employed Magic Hand to gather the pristine dough, and I cast the Soft Wash spell to rid the dough from the two girls.
"Arisa, I'm sorry, sir,"
"As long as you know better now. If you bring me a really tasty skewer, I'll forgive you, Pochi,"
"Roger, sir!"
"Mm, quite the peculiar delicacy. Perhaps not as delicious as the goat or the giant monster fish, but it's certainly tastier than wyvern meat," Satou had finished the dragon's pizza by the time I finished cleaning up the girls. "By the way, is the next one ready yet?"
Despite not sharing the same meal, after spending the night indulging in scrumptious food together, we all became great friends with Hei Long. After the celebrations had ended, we got back on the dragon's back and flew over the Black Dragon Mountains. We descended to the Bolenan Forest that lay at the foot of the mountains.
"Kuro, my friend, this is as far as I can take you. Though I would like to help you go farther into the forest, that wretched high-elf woman becomes cross whenever I venture too close," I had learnt to interpret the black dragon's facial expressions throughout the day, and I could tell from its grimace that something was wrong. "The last time I got too close, she rained lightning down upon me and broke half my scales. It hurt for a hundred years till next I moulted. Kuro, you would be wise to refrain from approaching by air."
Wow, the elves' defences were strong enough to fight off even a dragon!
"Thank you. You've done more than enough by bringing us this far," Before we said goodbye, Satou wanted to ensure something. "Are you sure it's all right for me to take the leftover dragonspring liquor and your broken fang?"
"I have no further use for them. Consider them thanks for the delicious goat and giant m… erm, proof of our friendship,"
We wondered if he was going to state that it was compensation for the meal, yet the black dragon carefully averted his gaze, so we made the decision not to inquire further.
"Bye-bye, Hei Long,"
"Yes, let us fly together again someday!"
With a heavy heart, Tama embraced the nose of the black dragon.
"Tama! Don't be rude to Sir Hei Long! ...Please pardon us, and I pray that you shall triumph in all your battles,"
It was apparently a customary phrase used in greeting among Liza's tribal community.
"Goodbye, for now, sir,"
"I am saddened to part with such a good friend, I report,"
"See you,"
Pochi, Nana, and Mia bid cheerful goodbyes.
"E… erm, Sir Hei Long, please take this pot. It's the mustard mayonnaise that you liked from before."
"Ooh! A splendid gift for a mayonnaise enthusiast such as myself. Take this spike, child. It will make a fine staff,"
"Th… thank you,"
After receiving the spike, which resembled an iron spear, Lulu everyone feels the envy from Sara, Arisa, and Mia. Carefully, she accepted it.
"Until we meet again, Hei Long. I'll stock up on goats and sake for our next party,"
"Indeed. And do not forget the giant monster fish meat and mustard mayonnaise,"
After Satou gave his goodbyes, the black dragon turned to me, Sara and Pearl.
"Brave Hero, we should fight the next time we meet,"
"Yes, I'll look forward to our match,"
I smile and nod my head. If Satou could beat him, I know I stand a good chance of winning, too, even if Satou is far more powerful than I.
"Don't,"
"You mustn't do something so dangerous,"
Mia and Sara didn't think my chances were that high, though. They swiftly grabbed me, pleading with me not to agree to the fight. Meanwhile, the dragon compliments Pearl on her strength, saying she will make a strong opponent for him someday.
"And you, miss priestess," The dragon leans towards Sara, and I can feel her body shaking. "Make sure my competition makes it our fight in good condition."
"Y… yes!"
Sara nods her head. As we waved farewells, the black dragon took off into the sky. He flew around us in a few orbits before setting off towards the top of the Black Dragon Mountains. Satou and I up a few Seal Slates at the peak, and the plateau meant that with the use of a Return spell or two, we could visit anytime, truly a convenience provided by magic.
<0>
"Forest,"
"Is this Bolenan Forest? It's kind of...normal,"
Mia and Arisa muttered in front of the forest, the former speaking Elvish. We had made it to the edge of the Bolenan Forest with four horses, two runosaurs, and a horse-less unicorn that Mia and Arisa shared. Since Arisa couldn't ride horses alone, so she was riding with Mia on the unicorn.
Mia jumped off her mount and uttered the words open gate in Elvish. Instantly, the barrier had small ripples that created an opening around ten feet in diameter. Mia rushed inside, her excitement causing her to be unable to stand still.
"Hey, Mia, wait!"
Walking down the narrow path with Mia, we came into a somewhat open area with no other paths leading out of it. I couldn't help but recall my experience in the Cradle when I saw ring after ring of mushrooms scattered about the clearing. They were exactly like the fairy rings that had acted as travel gates when I rescued Mia.
Although giant trees in the vicinity had distorted my sense of perspective, and the World Tree still resembled an orbital elevator, otherwise, the forest looked just like any other. Mia scanned her surroundings in the grove, looking uncertain of where she was meant to go from there.
"Oh hey, it's the human! Hiya,"
A green-skinned young girl emerged from one of the trees: a dryad.
"Dryad,"
"Oh, hey, kid,"
"Open,"
Mia was asking the dryad to activate the right fairy ring.
"Sorry, no can do,"
"Why?"
Mia looked distraught at the unexpected refusal, but Satou quickly stepped up.
"Dryad, if you don't have enough magic, I can provide some,"
"That's not why, but sure, I'll take your magic,"
The dryad grabbed Satou's cheeks to plant a kiss on his lips. Quickly, he held her back by the forehead.
"Only if you open the travel gate,"
"Hmm... I guess maybe it'd be all right now?" The dryad looked around thoughtfully, then nodded. "Yeah, okay."
The dryad stole a kiss from Satou's lips, and suddenly, the fairy rings in the clearing began to emit a phosphorescent green light, one after another. Immediately, two figures appeared from within one of these circles, a young boy and a girl, barely bigger than Mia.
"Laya! Lia!"
Mia's haste was so sudden that it looked like she would trip and fall, and she did. She scrambled towards them, but the grass caught underneath her feet, and she tumbled onto the ground.
"Mia!"
"Mia!"
The pair hurried over to her and crouched down. Pulling herself up, Mia embraced them, repeating their names.
"Master, look over there,"
"Lots of Mia's?"
"So many elf people, sir,"
The beastfolk girls gestured towards the other fairy rings, observing as elves emerged from them in succession.
"Hero Kura, I have located winged larvae. Permission to capture!"
"Oh, how cute!"
Nana and Lulu screamed excitedly as they saw the fairies dancing alongside the elves. Accompanying them was an elf wearing traditional shrine-maiden garments and a stunning platinum-blond woman. Satou seemed particularly fascinated by her, as he couldn't take his eyes off her.
"E… excuse me, master! How long were you planning on kissing her?"
"C'mon, just a little more?" Satou was so engrossed in observing Mia reconnecting with her parents and the blond elf that he forgot about the dryad still draining his magical energy. "You gave me lots and lots of magic today, so I'm gonna throw you a real welcome party!" With a wave of her hand, the dryad illuminated the trees and shrubs in the clearing with a soft green glow. "Here we go!"
The forest was filled with soft light that spread throughout, even reaching the giant trees in the distance. As we stood amongst it, the grass at our feet started to blossom and flower, while on the trees, colourful petals bloomed and rustled in the breeze. The gentle swaying of the trees created a melodic tune that filled the air.
"Heh-heh! This is a once-in-a-lifetime service from me, y'know,"
The dryad beamed with pride, and a flurry of luminous petals spun around the glade. In an outpouring of joy, the elves started singing an ode to Mia's homecoming, and the fairies leapt around the clearing with the petals. As Mia embraced her loved ones, emotion gripping her, the entire forest seemed to be screaming, 'Welcome, Mia, you are home.'
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