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Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 182


Chapter 182 Strongest Sage, Guards Against Attack

 

"...Is it working?"

I look up at the sky as I say that.
And then I saw some magic stones falling from between the flying monsters swarming the sky.

A few seconds after the magic stones were hidden away from view by the monsters.
The surrounding monsters suddenly slowed down, right as the magic stones fell onto the ground.
Looks like the first volley went well.

"Make more of them and throw them at the monsters!"

"Got it!"

Ruli mass produced the magic tools while Iris threw them.
Then the monsters around us began to stop moving one after another.

Eventually... Only one monster still moves among all the immobile monsters.

"...Now then, we can finally fight for real now."

It's a gigantic lizard monster bigger than even other gigantified monsters.
It's probably a Flame Lizard originally, but there's not a trace left of its original form after the parasite monster's empowerment.

Limbs that have been strengthened to their utmost limit, stretched out fangs.
Its current form looks closer to a kind of dragons than anything else.

Judging from the degree of power up, its body's hardness scale should match that of a dragon too.
However, unlike dragons, there should be a strain from its forced power up, it must have a weak point.

I probe that weak point with 『Perfect Detection』 and cut it up with my sword that's been enhanced with multiple layers of reinforcement magic.

"GAAAAAAAA!"

Flame Lizard screamed out loud with a grating voice.
I cleanly cut off one of the Flame Lizard's leg with my sword.

However....

"I-its leg!"

Alma shouted out while looking at the cut monster.
The reason is obvious in a glance.

A new leg has grown back at the stump where the old leg was cut.
And it's coming to attack me.

The Flame Lizard only took half a second to counterattack.
I jump back to evade the new leg's assault.

"It regenerated!?"

"How'd you beat something like that...? It's invincible..."

The girls sounded surprised to see the situation.
The new leg is in no way inferior compared to the old one... No, it's gotten even more powered up.

when people see regenerating monsters for the first time, it's not uncommon for them to assume that those monsters are invincible.

However, monsters do not have unlimited regenerative power.
If they continue to regenerate their wounds forcefully, their magic stone will be overloaded and break.
Undoubtedly before I run out of mana.

However... looks like it won't be that easy.

"Ga... Ga...."

Flame Lizard slowly raises its head while letting out eerie sounds.
And a magic that the past me had witnessed many times before is being reproduced inside the monster.
<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>
--『Raw Magic Flame』.

It's close to Dragon Breath, but a false one.
It's a magic that converts the entire life force and mana of the host monster into a destructive force, you may even say this is the true worth of parasitic monsters.

"...It's come to this huh."

『Raw Magic Flame』 is basically a process of converting life force into mana and then transforming that mana into a flame which is then shot out, it's an extremely primitive spell art.
Thus, that spell art is not that sophisticated.

Due to that reason, it can't be neutralized just by slightly altering its spell art.
The 『Raw Magic Flame』 won't disappear even if you kill the monster, since it's a self-destruct attack to begin with.

Getting out of the harm's way is a simple task as there's still one second time till the firing... but the parasite monster is not only aiming at me, but also at Ruli and the girls behind me.
It's probably intentional, in order to block me from evading the attack.

If frontal attack isn't working, play out the trump card without hesitation.
And in the most effective way possible.

....Good grief, its capability to make judgment is way too good for a monster.
I don't seem to have any choice but to guard against it here.

"W-what's that thing!?"

"It looks like bad news!"

The girls seem to have noticed the unusual mana from the Flame Lizard too.

My remaining mana is about half of the maximum value.
Well, I should manage somehow.

"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The Flame Lizard shot out a flame sphere about ten meters in diameter while wailing out its last.
This would have been easy if it were just a simple flame, but unfortunately it's not.
Humans won't even left any ash behind if they get hit by it.

Even 『Perfect Detection』 is meaningless in the face of such an attack.

"Everyone, do not move!"

I spread out a defensive magic while giving instructions to the girls.
There is no way to frontally negate a magic with such firepower.

I spread out the defensive magic while thinking so.
It's an anti-magic defensive spell that concentrates a huge amount of mana into a small area.

Then, the flame assaulted me.
I could tell that the surroundings' temperature had gone up in an instant.

A few seconds enduring it.
The flame finally receded and we got a good look of the surroundings.

The plain has turned into scorched earth as far as the eye can see.
The crowding monsters around us had been swallowed up in it too.

Only the place where I am with Ruli and the girls remain pristine among them.
Of course, I made an adjustment on the defensive spell to make this happen.

"Is everyone all right?"

"Yes!"

"It's really hot, but I'm fine!"

The Flame Lizard that had exhausted all of its strength slowly collapsed while I was checking everyone's well being.
Its head that shot out the 『Raw Magic Flame』 has turned into charred white bone, not a trace of its former shape remains.

"Err... I don't really get it, but did we beat it?"

"I think I saw an unbelievable amount of mana for a sec there... Don't tell me, it self destructed?"

"Yeah. It was a self-destruct attack. ...Well, the real body is safe though."

As I said that, I burned down a space near the lizard's leg that looked as if it was devoid of anything.
Once the flame subsided, a small 5-cm long scarab beetle shaped monster laid there.














Previous Chapter

Shinsetsu Nobu-san Isekai Ki Chapter 45


Chapter 45 Alchemist of Peach

 

Chirp, chirp, chirp.

Good morning everyone, Nobusada here.
The pain on my head gradually worsened by the last volley of liquor. Wonder if Cure Potion doesn't cure hangovers. Yet, I still got up, was it because it's an occupational disease?

Sefi-san has loosened her grip too, she's currently lying listlessly in the bed.
Hey you my neighbor, Sefi-san. Did ya always take off your clothes when sleeping. She's so sexy I feel like I'd lose myself and attack her, but the gentleman known as pervert inside me gradually dawn that's not what I want, so I quietly get out of the bed.
Mitama and Bell are also sleeping in this room after all.

I used Clear on the scattered plates all at once and collected them. I put the remaining food into lunchbox sized stone storages, leaving out only the Flame Dog's furnitures. I'd wager that Bell and Mitama would probably eat them later.
I finished with around three lunchboxes worth of food with me.


But really, Mitama looks real blissful in her sleep. It tickles my mischievous mind.

Squish squish

I poked on her smiling cheeks. The feel of the soft squishy skin is so good. Oh crap, does this count as some form of assault?

Squish squish

I can't stop, I won't stop. No I should stop. I should control my slightly tingled sadistic heart and return the plates back to the first floor.
With the Lunar Cat on my waist, I got out of the room while carrying the plates.


I met Storm-san's mother at the kitchen when I brought the plates in, thus I gave my thanks and apologized for the racket last night, but she laughed it off saying 『Oh don't sweat it, it was tame compared to our regular adventurers』. This very image of lady of character laughed heartily while her chest was launching up and down. Really, no-bra huh.
I asked if I could do practice swings at the backyard, and she gave me the OK, so I went out to it.


SWOOSH SWOOSH

I focus myself and wield the Lunar Cat. Swinging it while imagining myself squaring off against Master, carefully choosing my Kata. I could feel the katana getting ever so slightly more familiar in my hand. I want to be able to wield it like it's part of my limbs one day.

After sweating for about an hour, I went back  to the room and was met with the sleepy faced Bell.

"Oh, you're awake huh. Bell, wanna get breakfast?"

"Yesh, good morninf.... Ha! I will, I'm eating!"

Bell knows no reserve when it comes to food. Probably a habit from his extreme poverty days.
I brought a packed box of food on my way back, and toasted the bread that Bell gave yesterday after slicing it thin with magic.
I put some cheese on the toast, warmed it a little more and handed it over to Bell. Looking at Bell who stuffed his mouth full with it makes me rethink how much he looks like a squirrel once again. My niece was like this too when she was little, I thought a bit seriously. Bell is a man though.

"...Something smells nice."

Growl----

Mitama who woke up from the scent let out a cute growl.

"Mitama, want some?"

She nodded and took a seat, her eyes were asking, 'is it ready yet~?' I broke into smiles when I saw that. I quickly make another like earlier for Mitama.

"...By the way."

"Hm?"

"...Are Sefi-san and Nobu, in an adult relationship?"

BWOFH

I reflexively spew out the juice in my mouth. What is this girl saying. Look, Bell on the other side is wet with juice now. I apologized to him and handed him a towel.

"What is this about?"

"...You two were sleeping together in the same bed this morning. Unfair."

She saw that huh... but what does she mean by unfair. We did sleep together though yeah. Look, next to me Bell is turning beet red.

"We're still not in a relationship. I haven't done anything either."

"...Really?"

"Yup."

"...Then it's ok."

Just what's going on Mitama-san. She stealthily struck a 'hell yeah' pose.

"...Thanks for the food. Thank you Nobu. Later then."

"O-ou"

Then she quickly got out of the room. What was that anyway. Her free-spirited part is really like a cat.
And Sefi-san is still knocked out even now. I've checked out already you know.


Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves at the party this time.
There was that part where Master who was still suffering from hangover getting dragged away by his subordinates, but it was mostly problem free! Would be nice if we all can get together again sometime.


<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>




One week later.
Afterward, I spent busy days training, doing quests and developing new merchandises.

I think I've grasped the actual condition of this store after running around at the back. 『Shut-in Lamia』 might not look that popular judging from appearances. However, thanks to Sefi-san's personal connections with the knights, the guards, and even nobles, it's selling more goods than you'd expect. And its reputation is only getting better after successfully improving potion that was generally considered as foul tasting.

I borrowed Sefi-san's compound room to improve Peach Powder and did trials and errors to put peach flavor on Cure Potion and Mana Potion. I met my goal with Cure Potion, but the Mana Potion got way too effective and became a problem. When even simple Applevel Jam acquired mana recovery effect, the same ingredients made an ordinary Mana Potion to be as effective as a Hi Mana Potion.
You might think that the more effective the better, but I don't want to destroy the market and the price, nor I intend to get ourselves be shunned by people of the same profession. Doing that would just invite unnecessary grudges.

Seems like I've got no choice but to adjust the ratio between peach, medicine and neutralizer.
And that problem was solved after a brief words from Sefi-san, 『Then how about adding other stuff in it~』. Those other stuff are, you guessed it, lettuce and carrots. With this, our store's mana potions have turned into healthy drinks which could help adventurers resupply their dietary fiber need in the middle of adventuring.

And as a countermeasure for imitation goods, I've prepared an exclusive marking stone bottles bearing Izumi mark. Size-wise, one is about as big as an energy drink bottle, with our family crest stamped on the side. I didn't forget to have varied shapes to distinguish the types of potions and to decrease chance of misidentification. We also introduced a discount system for when you bring back the bottles. Repeat buyers must be quite pleased with this system too.

I've also successfully created compact for the powder after the development of Peach Powder, Peach Solution Powder (for cure potion) and Peach Magic Powder (for mana potion), so we might consider selling it depending on demand. We might need to get more personnels soon.

Wonder why was everything decided by me... oh right, cause Sefi-san went and left all the decision making to me.
I'm happy how much trust she put in me, but is this really fine?









Previous Chapter

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku 16-41

16-41. [Judicial Nation] Sheriffald (5)

 

Satou here. Things that are right to you may not necessarily apply to everyone. Self-righteousness sure can easily run wild, surprisingly enough.





"To reiterate, you claim that the people on this list have created a fictitious crime syndicate known as Dujii to be a cover to conceal their criminal activities?"

The Chief of Judicial Bureau sighed as he looked at the list.
After we were done with preparations, I got to the Central Judicial Bureau through the Main Urion Temple's miko's connection.

The Chief's name isn't on this list.

"However, I only have evidence for around half of them--"
"And those evidence are?"
"That will be for the Trial before God."

After I told the Chief that, the henchmen who had their names on the list all began to verbally abuse me.
Well, I pay them no heed so I've got not clue what they're saying.

"Why not, we should accept it, Chief. It will be a good chance to prove our innocence in front of God and other members of diet."

The man who said that was the one whose name is on top of the list, the handsome vice-chief.
The Chief turned a dubious look at the guy's unexpected remark.

"Our innocence will be guaranteed by the 『Golden Scale』."

The lackeys open their mouth all at once after the confident remark of the vice-chief.

"T-that's right! Those participating in the Trial before God are our cohorts, ladies and gentlemen with judicial qualification!"
"They will surely believe in our innocence!"
"The Scale is always on our side!"

I'm sure they know about the Golden Scale's mechanism too.

"Sir Pendragon, we will acknowledge the exercise of Trial before God. However, I assume you are aware that if you were to lose in this trial, that is the same as throwing mud in the honored faces of your country administrative?"
"Yes, of course. Whether it's a fine in the number that rivals national budget, or the magic sword Demon Slayer that's slain a demon lord, we would yield you any item you so desired as a reimbursement if it ever comes to that."

Oh crap, Deception skill went haywire for a bit there.
There's no such thing as magic sword Demon Slayer, I've gotta make one later.

"Very well--"

The Chief gave his agreement after looking at my face for a while.
The flow of events so far happened exactly like we had arranged last night.

"--Vice Chief Bupa and you guys, you are fine with it, correct?"
"Yes, everything under the just law."

The vice-chief replied sarcastically at the Chief.





『Arisa, they acknowledged the trial here. How's the preparation for the guest over there, ready to go?』
『You betcha! I got it under control quick.』

I'm talking with Arisa through space magic [Telephone].
Even though it was a sudden visit on her part, looks like Arisa cleared it with her charm.

『Coming too fast would throw a wrench in this plan, make sure to match the timing okay.』
『OK, wanna match our clock so there won't be any [margin of error]?』

Arisa was seemingly referencing something but since I couldn't recall what it was from, I gave her some random "Yeah let's", and changed the call to the next person.

『Satou-san, her highness Sistina's golems are helping with the installation over here, we should be able to make it in time.』
『Thank you, Sera-san.』

Looks like they're done with installing a device that telecasts video at the plaza.
It will be showing masterpiece paintings and world's pretty scenery until the appointed time.
There should be quite a crowd gathered by the time the trial starts.

『Forgive me, Satou-san. I'm still not done with the construction.』

Zena-san gave that reply when I checked on her progress.

『Was there a problem?』
『Yes actually, I saw the beastkin-san we helped in the first day getting chased by some hoodlums, so I went to save him...』

Being unable to overlook oppression of the weak is truly like Zena-san.

Apparently the people chasing the beastkin weren't the store manager in that trial but the human men who were working in the same store.
Zena-san suppressed those men and towed them to the guards.

『I'll absolutely make sure to finish it before the time.』
『Please don't beat yourself over it. Don't worry, I'll send reinforcement your way, Zena-san.』

Selecting personnel is my job.
After telling the sorry Zena-san not to worry about it, I ask Hikaru at the Solitary Island Palace for help.

『You sure you want to let Shiga Kingdom be wide open?』
『No worries. There hasn't been any suspicious activity there for a while, and we have guard golems and Echigoya members around too.』

After equipping Hikaru with anti-backdoor items like Arisa and Sera, I Unit Arranged her to the airship at the outskirts and tasked her to help Zena-san.

--Chuii?

When I saw ChuuFat who peeked out of my breast pocket, I remembered that the Sage Mice who make up the information network at Shiga Kingdom had come here.

Well, it's not like we're living in some game or manga, no way the end would immediately begin the moment a flag was raised.





"--Under these suspicion, they are accused to be the ones behind Crime Syndicate Dujii."

Boos and jeers erupted from people who also weren't in the list after the indictment was read aloud at the Trial before God.
The presiding judge was shouting, "Keep silent!" while waving around a handbell-like thing, but most couldn't shut their mouths.

"Please keep it down."

I silenced the bad mannered people with wind magic [Wide Area Silence].
As you'd expect from an anti-magician group spell, the effect is outstanding.

I could have used [Compulsion (Geass)] skill if I wanted to, but that would faint people who tried to disobey it, so I refrained.

I cancel the spell on people who are unrelated like the judge, the temple head and miko.
When I winked at the temple head, he noticed that his voice would come out, and then he proceeded to speak.

"It appears that the disgrace displayed at the Trial before God has brought upon God Urion's wrath."

With the temple head's declaration, the people in the hall turned pale.

The huge Weasel Empire having been obliterated in a single night by way of Divine Punishment seems to be still fresh in their memories.
Even though my tale of demon lord slaying never reached here, news about the downfall of Weasel Empire probably did through Saga Empire.

"Those who wish to let their voice be known, raise your hand and wait for my approval as a presiding judge before you speak out."

Once the judge reminded them of something really obvious, I canceled [Wide Area Silence] on everyone.

"Are you siding with that swindling foreigner hiding behind God's name! You traitor--"

Suddenly, an old man who was a part of the booers began to sling abusive language along with his saliva, so I made him quiet for a bit with wind magic [Dyspnea].
This is an arranged version of wind magic [Suffocation] to make it non-fatal.
The target will breathe normally once they calm down, so this spell is perfect for these troublesome people.

"Quiet. You are in God's presence. Once again--"

The trial finally begins for real once the judge re-state his warning.



<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>

"--I understand the content of the indictment. However, aren't all the information come from rumors you've seen and heard, sire? Is that no difference than a false accusation then. Do you have evidence with you, sire?"

Vice-chief objected politely.
The [Golden Scale] greatly tilted toward him, maybe thanks to his composure.

Yup, just as planned.

"Sir Pendragon, please submit your evidence."
"Very well. If you'd please witness this--<<Image Projection>>."

I took out a mysterious glittering object from my breast pocket, and recited some convincing-sounding Command Words.

This mysterious object is a gem made from processed special sap called Alua, it produces beautiful glittering light on the surface of the object if you circulate your mana into it.
By the way, this object is the latest creation of the up-and-coming artist, Tama-sensei.

If I'm not mistaken the title was [Crowd Dancing Millet Jelly].

While thinking about such, I produced a screen in the air and projected the footage recorded yesterday on it.
At the same time, I put up On-Screen Windows on top of the projection to display the crimes those people have committed.

"""OOOOOOOOOOO"""

While the audience was getting surprised, I added more display windows that had the recording details.

"So you were the culprit of that incident!"
"You bastard, you were connected to the scoundrels who injured my uncle!"
"No, those pictures must be some kind of mistakes!"
"Come to think of it, I saw that guy coming out of your mansion!"

The great hall of the Trial before God is wrapped in tumult of pandemonium.
Even the usually always calm judge seemed to be overwhelmed by the impact of the moving pictures.

Well, since it's a world where recording equipment are artifacts you'd excavate from Furu Empire era, this reaction is probably only natural when they're shown near-futuristic screening like this.

And thus, the [Golden Scale] scoops out the change in the audience's deep psyche and tilts toward me.

My victory is all but guaranteed as long as this keeps up.
However, that would not satisfy the condition of God Urion's Trial then.

The sound of a bell resounded once the [Golden Scale] completely tilted to one side.

That sound greatly lowered the tumult volume.

"Everyone, be quiet--"

The Vice-chief calmed people down in place of the flustered judge.
I muted the sound while the footage is still rolling.

Of course there were people who kept on hammering on without caring, so I shut them up with [Dyspnea] chantlessly.

The vice-chief who had a refreshing martyr-like expression on his face continued on while pointing at the completely tilted scale.

"--It appears that I cannot shirk away any longer from this. With our dignity as the watchdogs of law, let us confess to all our crimes and serve our sentence."

The vice-chief called for the people around him.
The majority of those people were looking down on the ground in despair, but some were turning their eyes all over the places, still stubbornly trying to look for a way out.

The Chief is glaring at that Vice-Chief with a puzzled expression.
He must have felt something odd with the Vice-Chief who acted too gallantly.

The Chief glanced at me.
He might have sensed something wrong considering it went way too smooth.

"Those who have objection may come forward. Otherwise, I will proceed to read the sentence."

The judge announced that with a carrying voice.

"Well then--"

A sound of door getting violently flung open stopped the judge who was going to state the sentence.

"--OBJECTION!"

A boy donning blue colored armor stood in front of the door.

















Previous Chapter

Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 181

Chapter 181 Strongest Sage, Plunges into the Herd

 

The battle this time will be a brief showdown.
We'd have run out of mana long before we could defeat all these small fry if it weren't.
Yet these monsters aren't so weak we could easily annihilate them all.

While the magic tool is in effect, I'll charge in at once and kill the boss.
Frankly speaking, that is our only chance of victory.

For that to happen, I need to slip through nearly 5000 monsters, grasp the boss's mana composition and impart that to Ruli.

"Okay, in five seconds I'll pry open the barrier and commence the attack!"

"""YES!"""

I pull my sword after hearing their response.
And just about five second later.

I erase the barrier by shooting a simple anti-magic on it, and activate 『Enforced Detection』.
Drawing attentions of all these monsters isn't possible as long as the boss is giving orders, but it should considerably lessen the girls' burden.

In exchange, more monsters will be coming at me, but there's not much difference between 1000 and 5000 monsters.
In both scenarios, my surroundings will be completely full of monsters with attacks coming from all directions.

"HISSSSSS!"

"GAAAAAAAAAA!!"

There are several thousands of monsters inside the barrier as calculated.
Most of which are coming at me.

First, the monsters are shooting out their fangs at us.
As fangs are a necessary tool for monsters, normally they would never do such attacks... however, these monsters controlled by the parasite monster made use of their fangs as projectiles without a hint of hesitation.
It'd be nothing if there were only one monster that did that, but when so many monsters they look like a wall did it, it's practically a barrage.

"...It's taken complete control huh."

I probe the surrounding mana while backstepping the projectile fangs.

Just as I thought, the parasite monster seems to be in dead center.
The distance to there is only 40 meters.

However, those 40 meters are so far.
The monsters aren't just attacking, they're also positioning themselves to block the path to the boss.
...Alma and the others have started to provide support fires, but it won't make any difference.

A boss in an ordinary monster herd can only give extremely simple orders like 『Fight』, or 『Run』 at best.
And the herd monsters will act autonomously while still following those orders.

Thus, no matter how many monsters there are in one such herds, you'll ever end up fighting 20 monsters at most.

--However, this herd isn't anything like that.
It's as if all of these monsters share the same view, moving in perfect unison.

As such, I ended up fighting more than 100 monsters at once.
The monsters should be moving in accordance to the actions I take, but I just need to misdirect them whenever I'm about to be read.

That's all it amounts to since we're near the entrance to the barrier now, however the number should increase the deeper I go.
Right afterward--I plunged into the herd.

"HISSSSSSS!"

All kinds of attack like fangs, rocks, venoms are pouring on me who went in solo.

I don't evade.
As I've plunged myself into the herd, there's no space to evade.

Instead, I activated multiple magic at the same time toward the incoming attacks.

They're super simple magic like reflection and small-scale explosions.
The firepower probably isn't even 1/10th of these monsters' assaults.

However--not even one of their attacks reached me.

"...It went well huh."

Of course, it wouldn't have gone this smooth if I used ordinary counter magic.

What enabled that is 『Perfect Detection』.
It's one of the magic I newly developed after getting hold of Disqualified Crest as the past me never used it.
It's only recently that I've gotten the grasp of magic control good enough to be able to use this.

The detection range of 『Perfect Detection』 is only 3 meter around me even for the current me, but its capability is far above your average detection magic.
Other detection magic can only manage to grasp enemy's position, type and speed, but 『Perfect Detection』 adds projectile's weight and center of gravity, and everything from mana quality to magic composition on top of those.

Furthermore, once the target enters the range, there is no limit to its number.
Even if the targets are omnidirectional attacks of hundreds variety, everything will be instantly analyzed.

And then I activated the most efficient magic to obtain the end result from that.
<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>
"...Giiga?"

The monsters I attacked stopped for a moment, looking like they didn't know what just happened.
No wonder.
Ordinary attacks would have produced some forms of sounds or splinters after all.

However, true no nonsense attacks don't afford such things.
From these monsters' perspective, it must look like they suddenly fell down helplessly the moment they entered my range.

『Perfect Detection』 does not only give me info about enemy attacks.
But also info about the enemy itself incomparable to that gotten from ordinary detection magic.

With that info at hand, I defeat monsters that block the way to the boss and create enough space to tilt my body as I move forward toward the center.

In exchange for a limited range, I've got complete control over that range.
Truly the magic that embodies the Disqualified Crest.

"This is more convenient than I thought."

More than the the obvious utility like blocking attacks and killing enemy, it makes going forward a simple task.
Ordinarily, in a herd of monsters so dense you can't even move about, you'll have to move them out of the way.
Of course, that's while neutralizing attacks that are coming at you at a rate of around 100 shots per second.

But it has its drawbacks too.
It consumes a lot of mana.
The current me can only maintain this magic for 10 minutes at most.

It's only natural though as I'm doing many complex operations while basically performing rapid invocations of detection magic at hyper speed.
You might even say that it's low cost relative to the info you get.

A few minutes later.
I reached the center of the barrier.

"...There huh."

The boss's mana reaction is close by.
I slip into the slight gaps that 『Perfect Detection』 found in the ever-increasing density of monsters.
Then--『Perfect Detection』 perceived the boss's magic stone.

"Gi-GYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

The next moment, the boss monster shrieked out an unfamiliar sounding scream.
Looks like it's not fond of 『Perfect Detection』.

And then a magic circle was developed out of the boss monster, emitting a huge amount of mana.
It's a genuine attack magic, unusual for monsters.

This is... Even if we have its composition, we'll need a large amount of mana to negate it.
I'd better off letting itself to blow up.

Judging that in a moment notice, I diverted my mana from 『Perfect Detection』 to defensive magic.
Immediately after, an explosions blew away the surroundings, swallowing the monsters around me.

Moreover, the lackey monsters protecting the boss appear to be very dutiful, they're still trying to attack me even while suffering fatal injury from the explosion.
In addition, lots of those lackey monsters are flying type monsters, those will be coming for me too surely.

"Mathi-kun!"

I could hear Ruli's worried voice.
I can't see her among the blown monsters, but she must be looking here.

"No problem here! More importantly, here you go!"

While shouting that, I took a magic stone from Storage magic, and threw it at Ruli when a straight line toward her opened for an instant.

Disqualified Crest isn't suited for augment magic, but in truth, there is one augment-related thing that it's better than the Glory Crest at.
--And that is augmenting speed, where precision don't matter at all.

Thanks to that, I was able to throw the magic stone in that instant.
Of course, an augment that ignores precision serves no purpose at all... But I'm sure Ruli will be able to understand the composition I wanted to make from that shabby magic circle and create a proper one from it.

Believing in that, I activated 『Perfect Detection』 and endured attacks from countless monsters.
This parasite boss monster isn't so weak that it could be beaten while blocking this many attacks.

--A few seconds later.

"Here I go!"

I could hear Iris from far away.
Looks like the magic tool is done.













Previous Chapter

Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 180

Chapter 180 Strongest Sage, Entrust Role

 

"Can I ask you one thing?"

"...What is it?"

"What are the requirements to be qualified as a Rank A? Is there a test?"

The examiner looked taken aback to hear my question.
Looks like he recalled something.

"...Test is the ordinary route. A rigorous test that would take one month to finish at least. The danger level can't be compared to Rank B test either. ...However, there is a case where someone became rank A without tests."

"Without tests?"

"Yeah. There was an adventurer who ranked up to Rank A after successfully subjugating an upper rank A monster.... There's only ever been one person who managed to do so with this method though."

...Glad I asked.
They'll allow it without a test so long we beat strong monsters huh.

We've got no time to dilly dallying for one month, I'd prefer to make use of this shortcut.
It'd be nice if the monster we're going to fight now is an upper rank A one.

"By the way, if the boss here is at that level of powers, can it be used to rank up?"

"If it fulfills the conditions, I could make a recommendation for you. But... I'd advise against it. Sure, it was an exception that had been applied once before, but things got quite hectic at that time."

"Was there any problem?"

"Yeah. When it gets to the point that such a strong monster needs to be killed, all ordinary people would have all long gone fleeing. There'd be only a few witnesses even after you beat it. Take this situation, I'm the only observer here, and the enemy is an unknown monster, first you'd have to make the guild recognize the monster's rank to be of upper rank A."

I see.
The aftermath sounds more troublesome than defeating the monster itself.

"Got it. We'll go with monster killing route."

"...You sure about that? I can't guarantee you're getting the rank up even if you succeeded with the subjugation, ya know?"

"No problem. We're gonna have to subjugate it either way."

Even if it didn't pan out, the monster had to be killed anyway.
I'd just chalk it out as good luck If it went well.
And there might be a way to take a short quest like this one even if it didn't go well.

"Once the barrier is dispelled, monsters will come out of it attacking. Their number can't be compared to anything before. Use this chance to prepare as many arrows usable in battle as you can."

Up until now, Alma and Ruli created arrows on the spot during battles.
When you can't use Storage magic, carrying the raw material means less luggage, and you can rapidly replenish only the arrows you need.

Especially magically enhanced arrows, it's pretty complicated to carry them due to magic stones related matters, thus you'd have no choice but to completely discard your mobility and fight near a practically arrow storehouse.
Since evading uses less mana than defending, you normally want to prioritize that, therefore this means she won't be able to use that strategy.

But we will bear those disadvantages.

"We're making arrows in advance? But then won't we be able to move..."

"Exactly. This time we'll stay 50 meter in front of the barrier and fight while defending against enemy attacks. You three will cover for me while I charge into the barrier alone."

"Cover for Mathi-kun... Since the arrows will be pre-made then, you want me to do something with magic tools?"

"Yeah. Ruli, make this magic tool. As magic stones that can be put in an arrow are limited in size, Iris will be throwing them at the battlefield instead."

I hand over a paper drawn with a magic circle to Ruli.
Come to think of it, been awhile since I did this.
Recently, Ruli has become capable enough to construct her own magic circle after all.

"...This magic circle looks incomplete to me though... Like the lines here, they're not connected."

Ruli muttered so within a glance.
Correct.

"You're going to decide on that when the battle starts."

"...Think up magic circles in the heat of battle?"

I answer Alma's question.

"Yeah. We won't know the boss's magic composition until the battle has been commenced. We will insert a magic circle imitating the main body's magic composition to the hollow part."

Magic circles carved in monsters might look the same, but they differ in details.
This magic circle is pointless if it doesn't imitate the parasite boss monster.

"Imitating magic composition... and, what would that accomplish?"

"Other monsters will mistake the magic tool for the boss, creating chaos. The effect will depend on the magic tool output, but if all goes well, it's possible to neutralize all monsters but the boss in one go."

"I-is that even possible..."

Monsters infected by the parasite monster will obey the parasite monster.
That binding force is far stronger than that of ordinary boss monster's.
And the boss uses its own mana to give orders.

We're making use of that fact.
Using the fake boss mana, we'll issue an order 『Don't do anything』, neutralizing the subordinate monsters.

...The barrier came into view while we were talking.
The barrier has a green colored protective camouflage, but since it only takes color cue from its surroundings and nothing else, it's pretty obvious at a glance.

I can't probe the inside, but judging from the mana this barrier is made of, the boss is inside it no doubt.
We approach the barrier while thinking that.

"By the way, what should I do?"

The examiner asked me that after walking a bit more.
Come to think of it, I forgot to give this examiner an instruction.
This guy has his own important role.

"Please come up with a way to make the higher ups approve our rank up at some place away from the battle. And also, make sure whether the monster we're fighting is an upper Rank A or not."

"...Is that good enough?"

Hearing me telling him that extremely important role, the examiner had a let-down mixed with a relived expressions on his face.
Looks like the examiner was seriously thinking of fighting.

Despite looking eager to go home ever since the quest started, he drastically changed the moment the city was in danger huh.
However, his role really is important.

"Well, not like there's any other choice. This is the most important job there is for you."

"But, any little bit of help would... no. I'm just gonna drag you lot huh. I got it. I'll fulfill my own duty as an examiner... How far should I be to not get in your way?"

"Stay at 500 meter away at first. Afterward, move on in accordance to your assessments while observing the situations."

"Got it."

The examiner nodded with a serious look.
This should ensure the examiner helping our rank up to rank A.

Considering the precedent, there's a very low chance of us getting it, but I hope it'd at least hasten our rank up.
<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>


"This place is about 500 meter away from the barrier. I can confirm that there's no monster burrowing in the ground in the area, so you can collect proof for upper rank A stuff without worry here."

"I got it."

When we got 500 meter away from the barrier, then we left the examiner at the place after exchanging those words.

After parting with us, the examiner took a telescope-like item and began to observe us from a distance.
Do your best, the speed of our rank up rests on your shoulders.

Ruli asked me worryingly while we were walking.

"Umm... We still haven't make any preparation, would it be alright?"

"I don't think there's any problem, but what do you mean by alright?"

"Wouldn't the monster cancel the barrier and come out attacking us if we get too close..."

Ruli looked at the barrier as she said that.
We're about 200 meter away from it.

"Ah, that huh."

Come to think of it, I haven't explained.
This knowledge isn't really critical since you rarely ever get the chance to fight this kind of monsters, but I guess I'd better teach them anyway.

"These types of monsters don't fundamentally go out of their way to undo their own barrier. As that'd result in the mana they took much effort collecting to disperse away... It would be a different story were a huge amount of people attempted to shoot large-scale magic at the barrier, but not with our number here. No need to get that cautious."

"Umm, won't it attack me when it sees my mana...."

"It would if you were in your dragon form, but there should be no problem in your current form. It'd be different if there were three more Iris though."

"O-Oh good to hear!"

True, it's easier to attract monster's attention the larger pool of mana you have.
But, since Iris's mana is quite condensed when she's in her human form, it should be fine.

We got close to the monster barrier.
The barrier is completely still even though we're only 50 meter away from it.

"Uwaa, so big... But there's no movement at all..."

The barrier's radius is about 80 meters.
It is unusually big compared to barrier humans make.

The reason this barrier looks stable is due to its strength, it's not flickering just from monsters moving inside.

"It has the opposite effect and makes it look creepy when it's this stable..."

"Are there really monsters inside this?"

"Yeah. There should be around 2000 monsters at the lateral sides of the barrier alone. All in all there's probably around 5000 including the ones at the center, I think?"

I replied so while we were getting ready to battle.

Regardless of how impermeable the barrier is to mana, that doesn't mean it's perfect.
Thus, once you've gotten close to the barrier surface, it's possible to probe inside.

...This seems quite troublesome.
The monsters inside posses both the number and strength.

I still can't see mana reaction of the main body, but it's probably in the dead center where my detection doesn't reach.
The fact that it's able to surround itself with this many monsters means that it has the strength to back.

Looks like I can expect much from this.
I don't know the standard of an upper rank A monster, but I hope this one exceeds it.

"Arrows and magic tools are all ready!"

"We can go anytime!"

"Yes! Let's fight!"

Looks like they're done with their preparations while I was thinking.
I looked the magic tools and arrows around the three girls to confirm that all the necessary stuff were present and then turned toward the barrier.

"...Shall we then."










Previous Chapter

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku 16-40

16-40. [Judicial Nation] Sheriffald (4)

 

Satou here. I'm not very good with real mystery, but I'm quite fond of TV dramas about detectives. That they're easy on amateur viewers by doing stuff like suddenly divulging who the culprit is, or making an individual obviously suspicious are the nice things about them.





"Let's move on to the next one."

I'm currently doing a test in the Trial before God's room of the Main Temple after obtaining the permission through the miko.

The beastkin girls, Mia, Nana and Mito have come here from the Solitary Island to help me with it.
This time the room is closed for entry, thus no one is going to discriminate them.

"Hamburg steak is really good."

The girls answer my inquiry one after another.

"Aye!"
"Yes nanodesu! Hamburg-sensei is the strongest nanodesuyo!"
"It's a bit soft, but it is indeed good."
"Hamburg steak's tastiness is the truth so I announce."
"Nn."
"It really is."

The Golden Scale tilted toward me.

"Is it my turn next? Hamburg steak isn't really good."

Mito who stood opposite to me threw an inquiry that had been prepared beforehand.

"Owh, no~?"
"That can't be nodesu! Hamburg-sensei is really really tasty nodesuyo!"
"There might be people who don't agree to its softness, however I think the hamburg steak itself is good."
"I cry objection to that evaluation so I protest."
"Mwu."

We observes no change in the Golden Scale.

"True, it's not that good."

I said something that couldn't be farther from what I think, but the Golden Scale isn't moving an inch.
Looks like in cases the thing you said differ from what you have in minds, it will prioritize what you truly feel.

Suddenly I noticed something and looked below, there Pochi and Tama were looking up at me with sad faces.

"That was just a lie, you two."
"Sa~fe."
"Pochi is relieved nodesu. But lying is not good nodesuyo."

While patting the relieved Tama and Pochi who struck a "Bad!" pose, I organized what we had verified so far.

"--I think I've gotten a good idea about the mechanism."

The test is completed.

"It's over nodesu?"
"Yeah, I was able to understand it thanks to everyone's help."
"I'm honored to have been of use."
"Don't worry be happy~"
"Pochi is glad to hear that nanodesu."
"Master, how should I support you next, so I ask."
"Are you sure?"

I gave my thanks to the beastkin girls, Nana, Mia and Mito who had helped with the test.
Verifying [Golden Scale] was over so quick because these girls are honest to a fault.

I sent them back to the island after thanking them for their help.
Of course I plan to treat them to a full course hamburg steak for their assistance this time.

I thank the miko for allowing me to borrow the room and go back to the airship moored at the outskirts of the city.
Not for taking off, it's cause the ship has a complete set of counterespionage facility inside.





"Now then--"

Since it seems there's still some time until ChuuFat and the other mice, whom I have teleported below the building, to get into their positions, I'll go gather some intel with space magic.

"Usually, I'd go with the king first--"

Since this country's system closely resembles that of democratic ancient Greece's system, there's no king here.
There should be someone that rules over the City Core, but I couldn't find anyone who fit the bill with Map Search.
Perhaps the governance of City Core itself is split up.
That's interesting, maybe I should test it out with one of the City Cores when I have time later.

"Let's take a look at the Chief of Central Judicial Bureau for now."

I stopped myself right when I was going to invoke space magic at the location data I got from Map Search.

In countries with bad public orders and rampant crimes like this, there's a chance that they have sophisticated traceback magic devices installed.
Moreover, in this Judicial Nation Sheriffald, the positions of high ranking officials at Judicial Bureau are like those of nobles in other countries, so they might have access to the City Core terminal.
And if they do, that means they're capable of deploying anti-detection barriers.

Thus, I decided to use the anti-traceback space magic spell before invoking [Clairvoyance] and [Clairhearis].

The chief of the Central Judicial Bureua was a stout fat bald middle-aged man.

『--Who's there!』

Oops, I got found out way quicker than expected.
There's a possibility of him simply bluffing, but 9 out of 10, it's probably for real.

Well, since I the traceback was repelled by the anti-detection space magic I prepared beforehand, he only found out that someone was trying to peek, not that I was the one doing it, surely.

"But, that's weird..."

Unless he's in danger of getting monitored daily, there's no need to deploy anti-detection barriers.
I could understand if he was in the middle of scheming something, but deploying the barrier while he's just doing paperwork feels unrealistic cost-wise.

"Fumu, it doesn't seem like the chief is going to call his subordinates..."

I checked on the Map right after canceling the space magic, but there were no movements that indicated the chief calling his subordinates.
Perhaps, this chief is being monitored daily by someone else?

Well, I've designated the chief's room as the most important place for the Sage Mice to observe, so let's just leave it to them.





There's still some time before the Sage Mice are finished with the arrangement, thus I've decided to investigate people who likely have access to the City Core terminal.

First thing first, let's take a peek at the Guard Bureau's guardroom.

『Bah, I'm beat.』
『You there, less talking more moving.』

I could see one of the guards writing something resembling records while grumbling.
Still, records huh--might be worth stealthily duplicating them and pinpoint all the corrupt people.

『Hero-sama's working his ass off out there.』
『No shit, ya think all Hero-sama are like that?』
『All Hero-sama? Ya talk like there's more than one hero-sama.』
『Previous hero was yeah, but rumor says there's four rite' now.』

Oh, quite an interesting topic.
It isn't related to the Trial, but let's lend an ear to this.

『The heck, four?』
『Yea, seems they all got summoned together.』
『Hee, so how's the other heroes like?』
『Hell if I know.』

Fumu, [Summoned together], does that mean it was a Group Summoning?

Yet, I only found Hero Meiko alone when I searched for heroes at Saga Empire, wonder why?
Maybe it was simply a false rumor, or perhaps those heroes are somewhere else--most likely they're being reared at either Saga Empire's [Hero Labyrinth] or [Bloodsucking Labyrinth].

Suddenly, a young man who seemed to be their superior came in.

『Oy! We're sortieing out! Looks like they found out about the illicit brewery at the central district this time.』
『Seriously?』
『Hero-sama works way too hard.』

I took a glance at the Map.
The ones taking actions at the central district are Arisa and the girls, not the hero.

They have left the brewery already, and are in the middle of moving to the next criminal's hideout.

『Quit your whining and get to work! If we don't control the situation while Hero Seigi-dono is out there, Hero Yuuki-dono of [Explosive Flame] would show up and turn everything into ashes!』
『What the hell.』
『You sure he's not a demon lord instead?』

I agree with these guards.

Apparently this Hero Yuuki is magician type hero.
He's probably the hero that came to Garleon Union after we left.

I've been ignoring these heroes since I'm not really interested, but once this trial is over, perhaps I'd better gather information from Echigoya Firm and Shiga Kingdom's Intelligence Department?

"Now then--"

When no one was present inside the room, I took it upon myself to borrow the records with [<<Aport an Object>>], and copied the documents with [Recording], [Magic Hand], and [Parallel Thought].
I could have used Transcript skill too if I wanted, but it's faster this way.





After I'm done copying, I return the original records to its place.
I duplicate the copied data into blank papers using my Storage function. It's an original function of Exchange Column's Memo Note to copy text.

Afterward, I call Tifaliza at Echigoya Firm using space magic [Telephone].

『Tifaliza, sorry for bothering when you're busy, but could you analyze some documents for me.』
『As you wish, Kuro-sama.』

Tifaliza readily gave her consent with her usual flat tone even though it was a sudden request.
I send the copied records to Tifaliza's office room with Unit Arrangement.

『What kind of analysis would you like to read?』
『Please check records about crimes perpetrated by Crime Syndicate Dujii, and list all the people who declared or made verdicts that those crimes are perpetrated by Dujii.』
『Understood. Should I also list people who could be profiting from the cases?』
『If you could do that, please do.』

Got a feeling that's impossible from the records alone.

『Kuro-sama, Manager Elterina would like to ask if you want her to do something--』

Looks like the manager is still bordering on workaholic like usual.

『Nah, nothing in particular. Tell the manager to work hard at her normal duty.』
『Y-yes. Understood.』

While feeling slightly puzzled by Tifaliza's ambiguous sounding answer, I ended the space magic Telephone call.





"Think it's about time?"

Once I've confirmed that the Sage Mice are in positions, I use space magic once again to investigate things.
The plan is to let the Sage Mice to record the situations there with the magic tools they carry after we shook things up.

After deploying space magic to prevent traceback, I invoke space magic [Clairvoyance] and [Clairhearis].

Before challenging the chief again, I chose between the three vice chiefs.
I saw on the Map that someone had just rushed into the Vice-chief's room, so I peeked on them.

『Vice-chief Bupa, Zou-dono's brewery has been raided.』
『What!』

What a timely topic.
This Vice-chief doesn't have anti-detection barrier deployed, so he doesn't notice me looking.

I listen carefully to their conversations through the space magic.
The watching sage mice are carrying video recording magic tools with them, but just in case, I also activate video and sound recording magic to preserve the info I'm witnessing now.

『That blasted hero! What the hell is the official we stick on him doing! Didn't I give him order to lead the hero to the underground bars at the downtown!』

I see, the reason why the hero had been focusing solely at the downtown was these guys' handiwork.

『N-no, that's, it's not the hero this time.』
『What? Another straitlaced inspector? Or is it the hardheaded fools from Guard Bureau?』

Since it's from the suspect himself, I memo-ed people who sounded like they could be taken off the list.

『It's neither of them』
『Then who? Just speak!』
『It's the subordinates of Shiga Kingdom's Earl Pendragon...』

In the picture, the handsome middle-aged judicial bureau Vice-chief stamped his feet before he beat the desk hard.

『Why are those bunch acting like our country's guards! Stop their foolish actions at once!』
『H-however--』
『What are you hesitating for? What is there to fear from a noble, no matter how high his rank, of a foreign country we have no real diplomatic relation with. Dispatch the national soldiers and knights if the guards can't handle them!』

--Oh?

Looks like the fact that I'm [Demon Lord Slayer] hasn't reached him, maybe because there's practically no diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Well, since the judges and guards of this country should be listening when Hero Seigi called me [Demon Lord Slayer], I'm sure the news will spread before long.

『That's not what I mean! Earl Pendragon has come here to take on that Trial at God Urion Main Temple.』
『Trial? What the heck is that?』

Guess God's Trials aren't really well known?

『Are you not familiar with it? The Trial of God Urion. Expose evils, make justice be known to the world, that trial.』
『An earl from a foreign country took that?』

The Vice-chief gnarled, "So what?", at the subordinate.

『The populace already knows about the trial. Should we stand in his way, wouldn't that be the same as declaring that there's something going on behind the scene!』

The vice-chief groaned to hear the subordinate.
This vice-chief didn't seem to be aware of it, but apparently, the God's Trial is a common knowledge amongst the populace from temple worships and folklores.

For now, these two seem to be in cahoot.

I open the Map and look for the next candidate.
I tried peeking at the Guard Bureau's director room since he was seemingly having a suspicious secret talk just like the vice-chief earlier.

『Director!』
『You again, Inspector Stary.』

A very obese inspector who was sweating all over pressed on a gray-haired old man, the director.

『I heard that the culprits of salt smuggling have been arrested?』
『Umu, if you mean that beastkin criminal, he had been captured by the pursuing investigator at the Corrupt City--I mean, City-state Dodobu.』
『So then, where is that criminal imprisoned at? I'm gonna find out the ringleaders this time for sure.』

The director pushed away the inspector who brought his face close.
Looks like he got his hands on the sweat as he took out a handkerchief and wipe them before replying the inspector.

『We've identified that already. After an interrogation by the investigators who caught him, he confessed that he was a member of [Crime Syndicate Dujii].』
『--Dujii!』

The inspector raised his voice like he heard the name of his parent's nemesis.

『Dujii! Dujii! Dujii! Are you saying that it's Dujii again!』
『Lower your volume.』

The bureau director frowned.

『I'll get a clue on Dujii's hideout for sure this time. Where's that criminal locked up at?』
『Aah, then you'd better go to the morgue instead of the jail.』
『Did you silence them again?』
『Stop phrasing it like that. Their comrades showed up while we were taking him... We had no other choice to prevent escape.』

The inspector is right, he's silenced them no matter how you look at it.
Moreover, there's a possibility that the beastkin was caught on a false charge judging from the flow of this conversation.

『Dead men tell no tales, huh...』
『You, stop needlessly suspecting your coworkers. I don't care if you're the Chief's favorite, keep that up and I'd have to hand out punishment soon, you hear me?』

The bureau director glanced at the door like he was driving out the inspector.

『I will definitely get a lead on Dujii! Definitely!』

The director sighed while ignoring the inspector who shouted out loud outside the room.

『Good grief, this is why these self-alleged justice bunch are bothersome. If you think you can get a lead on a crime syndicate that never existed, go on and do your worst.』

I check on one target after another after recording the director's confession.
I managed to investigate around 30 people before Arisa and the girls came back, but even though there were two among those who had put up anti-detection barrier, none had prepared a way to traceback like with the Central Judicial Bureau's chief.



<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>

"We're back."

The diversion group, Arisa and the girls returned to the base after arresting criminals.

"Zena-tan and Sera were completely dominating the battlefield today, I'll have you know."
"Not at all! I-I just took us to the places where the miasma were the thickest with Wind Magic."
"No need to be so modest, Zena. Didn't you practically arrest all the bad men yourself using the combination of wind magic and self-defense art."

Zena-san is blushing to receive praises from Arisa and Sera.

"What about Sera-san?"
"I only went around telling apart people who had malice in their heart with holy magic."

Arisa could probably do the same with people whose offenses are carved on their Status, but Sera probably saw through those who didn't have them carved.
After all, you can use City Core to delete crimes carved on Status.

"What's that mountain of documents over here?"
"Those files with tags are records of this country. While these thin files are the report Tifaliza analyzed."
"In that short while? Master, you work your employees hard as always."

Arisa took the thin file and began to read on it while sighing.

"Master, this is amazing. Are these documents really created while we were away?"
"Yep, it is."

I don't know how Tifalize analyzed that bundle of records, but the report she made contains minute details in an easy to understand manner like, who laid the blame on Dujii, or who profited from those crimes.

"Really, she'd have been the most valuable player in a cyber information war."
"She really would."

I nodded together with Arisa who was done reading the file.

If I didn't make sure to keep Tifaliza's talent a secret, people at the level of Shiga Kingdom's prime minister would have tried to head hunt her.

I shared the content of the record I took with space magic earlier with the girls.
Even content that were meaningless by itself carry a different meaning after reading Tifaliza's summarized report.

This much is enough to expose them, but still impossible to apply to the whole ruling class of this country.
There's a fair amount of honest guards like the inspector earlier, however, most of the upper echelon ones are taking the wait-and-see approach, none seem capable of unmasking the ringleaders.

It's hard to solely rely on the Main Temple's authority to expose the corruption.
It could end up turning into Main Temple VS Central Judicial Bureau if I'm not careful.





--Chuii.

The Sage Mouse ChuuFat that had come back took out many recording magic tools from his small <<Magic Mouse Pouch>> and handed them over to me.

"Good work, ChuuFat. Make sure to change shift with other mice and get some meals before continuing your surveillance okay."

I put Souffle Cakes and Cheese Cakes into ChuuFat's Mouse Pouch and teleported him back to the Judicial Nation's underground.

We check on the recording one by one.

『Hero and an Earl who took on the [Trial of God Urion] huh.... I loathe to borrow the powers of foreigners, but this country has no capability to save itself from itself anymore.』

"Master, isn't this person--"

I quietly nodded to Arisa who turned around, and made a gesture to listen quietly.

『It shouldn't surprise anyone if they came to the conclusion that I'm the head of Dujii if they were to check on the documents.』

No, unfortunately, you were only deemed gray even in Tifaliza's Report.

『Perhaps I should confess and drag along people that Inspector Stary is investigating with me, laying bare this country's abscesses in broad daylight to public....』

Quite a resolution.

He's probably been working hard to correct the corruption in this country.

I lift my eyes from the monitor and look at the girls.

"So yeah, I plan to finish everything tomorrow."

Looks like I can complete this trial quickly.
I'm gonna test a trial holding big weights on the [Golden Scale] tonight, but before that--

"I'll be going to meet the Chief."

To make the final preparations, you see.
















Previous Chapter

Shinsetsu Nobu-san Isekai Ki Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Drink Drink Yeah

 

"Nobu-ku~n, we boughta whole lotsa booze~. Uffuffuffu, I'm gonna drink till I drop~."

"...Nee-san. Just remember when to stop, okay."

"Eeh, it's fine it's fine, I'm gonna drink myself to sleep today anyway. We've got Kagura around too, she's gonna carry me if I went down."

"I do not mind. However, I too plan to cut loose today, so I cannot make any promise. Oooh, but still, it really does smell good."

"Welcome back, I've prepared lots today, look forward to them."

The three came into the room carrying booze... but aren't those too much?
There's like 20 bottles at least. Sefi-san said she was going to bring some too, how much booze are we gonna have again?

"Pardon my intrusion, Nobusada-san. Thank you for the invitation. I got these from the madams, I'd be happy if you could share them."

"Ou, enjoy yourself, Bell."

Bell showed up and brought a package with him. The content... Various bread huh. I'll cut and put them on the table. His complexion has gotten quite brighter compared to that period of time. Still bit too thin though.

"Well well, what a gathering of beautiful ladies you have here Nobusada. If Eleanor doesn't get her act tog..."

THUD!

With a dull sound, Eleanor-san's heel sunk onto the ankle of Master who had just arrived. And then she proceeded to step on his foot.
OH, Master has a pained look on his face. That musta hurt. I got a chill just from looking.

"Nobusada-san, thank you for inviting me and father. Please use these for those who don't drink alcohol."

Eleanor-san handed over an assortment of fruit juice. Besides peach, there are grape, apple and other flavors here. Ooh, thankies. From me especially! I'll say it again, I can't drink.

"Oh my my, there's so many~. Nobu-chan, I'm here~. Ufufu, okay, here you go, 『Flavor of Waist』 and 『Chief <<DON>> Perry』. I'll get the rest out later kay~."

Futsuno-san, Kagura-san and Master jumped out the moment they heard the brands.

"『Flavor of Waist』 ya say!? Ain't that mom's hometown's sake. Uwaa, the stuff I always wanted to have before I die is right in front of me."

"Mwuu, it has been awhile since my last taste of 『Flavor of Waist』. I can never get enough of that dryness."

"I'm going with 『Chief <<DON>> Perry』. That stuff is always the best whenever the duke treated me to a drink at his place."

"Ufufuu, I've brought many other stuff with me, so you must-not-rush okay~"

While the four heavy drinkers are flaring up, Bell and Mitama are looking at the food with sparkly eyes.

"Uwaaa, uwaa, soo many tasty looking unknown food everywhere. Is it really okay for me eat all these."

"...Slurp."

Mitama, please stop looking like a carnivore that has found a weakened prey. I've prepared a lot more, so please wait a bit more.

I ask everyone to have a seat once they've all come together. Well, it's technically a party, I guess I'll open it with a light speech. Mitama, hold on a bit, this won't take long. Wipe your waterfall-like drool please.

"Err, I'd like to give my appreciations for coming here today. It's been a bit over a month since I came to this city. It's only thanks to everyone's help that I've been able to continue working as an adventurer this far. It would be my honor if you could enjoy this little party. ...But I'll spare you the longwinded talk, let's get on to it, chee---rs"

"""""""CHEERS!"""""""

With that signal, everyone began to enjoy the drink and the food.

"...hamu hamu hamu hamu. Hofuu, yummm."

"Hamuu, oo niife."

Mitama and Bell stuffing their mouths like squirrels. The relatively expressionless Mitama looks very happy during these times. I like it when she puts on that face.
Ah, Bell, you're gonna choke yourself, slow down. I pour the fruit juice Eleanor-san brought into a cup and put it before Bell. Bell gulped it down while sounding his throat. The food won't go anywhere, eat them slowly.


"Kuuuuh, it's permeating my inside noja. Irresistible."

"Good food, good sake. This might be even grander than your average noble's party. Ever since Nobusada came, I've been looking forward to his growth, and his cook don't fall behind that."

"Hmm, this minced meat goes nicely with 『Flavor of Waist』. No choice but eat it together with the sake then."

"Nfuu, drinking really is better when you're having fun. Ufufu, so good."

While everyone is enjoying themselves, I act as a waiter along with Eleanor-san. Initially she was taking the food sparsely, but it apparently seeing me looking restless made her take the initiative to help.

"I'm truly sorry Eleanor-san. You ended up helping."

"Please think of it as thanks for the food. They're really tasty. And I'm not really good with liquor either, don't worry about me."

Eleanor-san smiled, and then the huge amount of food she'd gathered close by disappeared in an instant. Oh right, this girl could eat really fast. Yet, her suppleness never go away.
I've got to taste the Flame Dog's dishes too before they all disappear.

Bite

Mm------, yummy! There's no extraneous flavor in order to bring out the ingredient flavor. And due to the exquisite salt work, it doesn't feel flavorless either. Unlike my cooking that's bordering on overdone, this superb balance is a proof genuine skills. Storm-san's mother-san is pretty good!

Some chew bite and nibble later, I was getting full before I knew it. However, that didn't stop the guests from feasting, even that much food, only 30% remained. Amaze...
I added more dishes from the magic rucksack while cleaning out the plates. I would have retorted about taking dishes from a rucksack just a little awhile ago, but this is my common sense now, so I don't think of it anymore.



<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>



That battlefield was entering the closing act.
Master suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Sefi-san in a drinking bout. Bell was loitering around, seemingly satisfied with full stomach.

"Iyaan, who woulda though the War Fist would fall like this here. Sefi-han, so strong nyaa. I thought I was kinda good at it, but yer' on a whole 'nother level."

"Hey now, Futsuno, aah jeez, you're already tottering on your feet. Nobusada. Pardon me, I will be taking my leave here. We'll never know what mess this girl will perpetrate if we leave her alone now. It was quite a treat. I will be sure to pay you back in kind."

"Imma keep drinking nyao. Muffuu, aa, wait, iyan. Kagura, put ma down."

Kagura-san lifted up the flailing Futsuno-san and brought her back to her room. She had drunk a lot herself, so she was going back to hers too afterward. Yup, Futsuno-san and her sexy disordered kimono felt like she was going to take them off if it kept up, so it was the correct choice. I do feel a tinge of disappointment though!

"Then, I too will be excusing myself. I still have to carry my father after all."

"Would you like me to help you carry him then?"

"I'm used to this much, please don't worry. Thank you for the feast today. Considering his state, my father will probably have a hangover tomorrow, so Nobusada-san, you can pick a date to continue the training at your own convenience."

"Right then. But I would have never thought that Master could drink himself to dead like this."

"As do I. Sefi-san must be quite strong. Or maybe the party today was just that fun to him. I haven't seen my father having that much fun in a long time. Well then, see you later."

"Be careful on your way back. Good night."

Eleanor-san smiled and easily carried Master's huge body on her back. Yup, it felt like my eyeballs were going to pop out when I saw it for the first time too, Eleanor-san's strength is unbelievable. How's that possible with those slender arms of hers I wonder. Maybe it's to do with muscle density or something.
As for Mitama and Bell... Ah, no, the two are already fast asleep. Mitama is sleeping on the sofa so she's fine, but Bell's keeled over with his face on a plate. The two have a really blissful sleeping faces.
I can't bring myself to wake them up, let's put some warm blanket on them.

Now then... There she is. I couldn't see Sefi-san anywhere, turned out she fell over in the king-size bed. Good grief, how much did she drink anyway. Right when I approached her, thinking of piggybacking her back to her store.

Slither

Oea?

My body got forcefully taken into the bed. W-what's happening?
There's bewitching face of Sefi-san right in front of me. I'm being hugged tightly, I can't move my body.
What the heck is this blissful softness hell.

"Wai-, Sefi-san, what just...."

I couldn't speak until the end as my mouth got blocked and something flowed inside. T-this is, alcohol!?
A hot liquid passes down my throat. When Sefi-san separated her lips, I breathed out a slightly steamy breath.

"Nnfufufuu. Baad Nobu-chaan. You can't be the only one sober~"

No wait, what are you saying. I still have to put these stuff away. Wait, Sefi-san. Don't press your breasts on me! I'm getting pinned down by her surprising strength, I really can't move at all. I'm getting dizzier all the while, probably from the alcohol. What kind of strong alcohol did these heavy drinkers have.

"...Thank you. I've never been in such a fun party. Although there were many hectic days, I'm really happy to have met you Nobu-chan.... Zzzzz."

After whispering so, Sefi-san fell into slumber in the position. Of course, while she's still tightly holding me. However, I cannot help but forgive this act of forcefulness after seeing such a blissful sleeping face.
Ah well, might as well go to sleep like this. I'm getting dizzy anyway... And thus I parted ways with my consciousness.












Previous Chapter

Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 179


Chapter 179 Strongest Sage, Goes Deeper Into the Prairie

 

"...More incoming monsters."

"Looks... like it!"

Alma shot an arrow at a boar monster coming from afar while saying that.
The arrow accurately pierced the monster's heart, killing it instantly.

Burrowing snakes aren't the only monster that pop up here.
There are of course flying and ground monsters around, and all of them have turned gigantic without exceptions.

Against these powered monsters, even Alma's arrow that usually pierced five monsters in one shot could only manage to kill one with an exact vital shot.
Since arrows don't work well against burrowing monsters, Alma is mostly in charge of flying and on-ground monsters.

"Umm... Over there!"

On the other hands, Ruli is beating these monsters with magic tools.
Normally Ruli would be in charge of creating arrows for Alma most of the time, but since a high powered arrow can't manage to beat two monsters at once this time around, they're acting independently now.

Ruli's strategy is similar to the strategy I used on that snake earlier on.
Whenever snake monsters come out of the ground, she hardens the soil to stop their movements.

One thing that's different is my strategy has myself as the decoy, while Ruli is using magic tools for both roles.
Thus, it's not as efficient as my way, but it enables her to safely beat monsters from a distance.

Even though she'd need to stock magic stones for this tactic, such is one of the strong points of Glory Crest.
Even the past me used a variety of schemes to fight monsters.

"Don't tell me, I'm the only one who can't locate monsters here?"

The examiner asked me in the heat of battle.
Indeed, this fight has us fully making use of Passive Detection.
Especially for monsters below the ground, you can't rely on most of your senses against them.

However... it's not like all of us can do it.

"I don't think Iris knows when underground monsters are going to attack either.... Well, not like there's any need to be on guard in Iris case though."

Iris got blown away while I was speaking.
The snake monster powered up by the parasite monster made a surprise attack on Iris from below.

Due to the damage on her magic circuit, Iris's mana control and detection are unreliable.
She can roughly know the location of monsters above grounds, but those under are just too much for the current Iris.

"Alright, got another one!"

However, Iris doesn't seem fazed at all by the ambush.
Rather, it feel more like 『Prey found!』 to her.

And she's not mistaken.
In fact, she didn't even have a scratch on her from the burrowing snake monster's ambush.

So long as Iris is impervious to its fang, the snake's mana-powered neurotoxin is useless against her, and even if the fang did go through her defense, mana-powered toxin would dilute itself inside Iris's enormous mana pool, it probably won't have any effect.
There's too large of a gap between a dragon and a snake, regardless of how powered it is.

"Sooi!"

While still being blown away, Iris readied her spear mid-air and threw it at the snake monster.

It's just a simple throw without magically enhanced strength or anything... but with Iris's brute strength, the thrown spear had practically turned into an iron stake for the snake.
The snake didn't get staked, it got torn asunder, crushed by the spear.

"What is that? Some kinda ace buff magician or something? I haven't seen her chanting even once though..."

"Nope, Iris is just awfully sturdy, she can't use magic."

Iris killed another monster while we were conversing.

Although it may not compare to [Enforced Detection], her simply moving around would flaunt her mana around to act as a bait to the surrounding monsters.
As a result, Iris beat the most monsters after me.

"...Can't use magic? Yer' kidddin' me?"

"It's true. ...Also, you don't need chanting to use magic. The reason why monsters have been appearing in front of me since awhile ago is thanks to a chantless spell too."

I took a half step back as I said that.
And then, a snake came out of the ground I was standing on, so I made use of its momentum to cut it in half with my sword.

I'm not using magic to converse my mana.
I only draw monsters here with [Passive Detection], and then kill them with the lowest amount of effort.

"Are there nothing but monsters in this party...."


<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>
We got close to the center of the prairie as we battled on.
The incessant monster attacks suddenly stopped midway through.

"They're not attacking anymore."

"I don't detect mana reactions either, think it's finished?"

"...You really did it. Those monsters were ridiculous, but Mathias's party is beyond even them..."

Iris, Alma and the examiner spoke.
Indeed, there's no easy-to-detect mana reaction from monsters in the vicinity.

"Normally you'd think so... but I feel something odd in the surrounding mana... And that boss Mathias-san mentioned didn't come out either."

However, Ruli objected to the opinion that the subjugation was over.
Unfortunately enough for the examiner who looks really eager to go home... she's right.

"Ruli is correct, the boss hasn't shown itself up yet... Well then, which way do you think it is?"

"Unn, judging from the state of mana... Over there?"

Ruli pointed right.
Hmm, she managed to notice the oddness in the mana reaction, but I guess she still cannot grasp the mechanism behind it yet.

Well, just the fact that she could see through this camouflage without prior knowledge means that she's got quite the talent in mana detection.
It took the past me around 30 years to even notice it after all.

"Close but no cigar. The correct answer is over there."

I pointed left.
The exact opposite of Ruli's guess.

"It's not close at all! It's totally the opposite direction!"

"Nah, don't sell yourself short... How does the mana reaction over there feel to you?"

I pointed at the direction Ruli pointed at first.

"Unn, I don't see mana reaction that feels like of monsters... There's some really really small reactions though, but I think that's just bugs or something like that."

"Then how about over there?"

I pointed at the place where the boss is.
Ruli looked over there... and seemingly noticed the camouflage.

"Ah, there's a place without a single reaction, not even from bug!"

"That's the area where the boss monster lurks. It has set up a kind of barrier to stop its mana from leaking to the surroundings."

Some parasite type monsters remake the environment around them to suit themselves better.
The camouflage that prevents mana from leaking is a part of that.
For those monsters, the reason is probably not to prevent their mana from leaking, but simply because a place with dense mana is more comfortable to them.

"A mere monster constructing barrier...."

"Their barrier differs from the barrier we create with magic though."

We're heading to the barrier the monster put up.
Suddenly someone said halt.

"Hold it, you guys have already passed the test. There's no need for you to defeat that thing."

The examiner stopped us.
Looks like we've passed the Rank B Qualification Test.
It's nice that we were able to pass it easily, but...

"Didn't the quest I took ask for Testra Prairie Subjugation? It won't count as one if we don't defeat that."

I point at the barrier.
The barrier seems to be covered in grass and soil, it only looks like a mound from over here, but judging from the mana reaction, it's apparently a dome-shaped barrier.
Monsters that are shutting themselves inside the barrier are harmless, but in reality, those monsters probably dug underground where the barrier didn't reach and went outside the prairie.

"You're right, the quest is about Testra Prairie Subjugation... but the content was [Subjugating monsters, especially those that could become a threat, in the outbreak at Testra Prairie.]. The quest should be considered as complete even without you defeating monsters that shut themselves inside a barrier."

I see.
At the time being, that might be right.
Not like the monster inside is going to come out anytime soon after all.

Personally, I'd like to raise our rank as fast as possible, so it's easier if we don't have to beat that.
Ordinarily I would have gone to beat the monster regardless of quests or such, but I'd be wasting time to recover my mana then.

...However, since we've taken up on this quest, I can't exactly do that.

"If we leave that alone, that thing would break out of the barrier and attack towns. Time left until that happens... about two weeks I reckon."

Hearing that, the face of the examiner who looked like he was going back turned serious.
To the point that I doubted he was the same person.

"...Are you telling the truth?"

"Yeah."

"...Is Frejia included in those towns?"

"It's really hard to believe... But if Mathias says so, it's practically guaranteed..."

Saying that, the examiner ponders.
Afterward, he bowed deeply toward me.

"I ask you. Could you please defeat that monster? I don't wanna expose that town to danger. Of course, I'm gonna fight too."

...I see.
He'd like to avoid endangering himself, but he'll fight for real if the town is in danger huh.

Looks like this examiner isn't just a coward.
Well, I guess an adventurer that would run away at the prospect of going to a dangerous location wouldn't be entrusted to be a rank up test examiner.

"Got it. ...Are you fine with that, you three?"

That's always been my intention since we took this quest.
And I couldn't possibly forsake a territory friendly to Eis Kingdom.
It was one of the reasons we could took this quest so quickly after all.

...It might stand to reason if it were a hostile territory though.

"Of course! That's what we come here for!"

"Yes! ...I'm a bit curious about that monster-made barrier too!"

"I'm not really sure, but I just need to beat up monsters right?"

Looks like the three are in agreement.
Let's get on to the kill... is what I'd like to say, but I have something to ask them first.

Our moves would slightly change depending on the answers.














Previous Chapter

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku 16-39

16-39. [Judicial Nation] Sheriffald (3)

 

Rumors about plausible-sounding underworld of society and illegal websites circulating among people might have the same appeals as a certain urban legend. The thing that piqued curiosity isn't whether it exist or not, but that it really might exist.




"Tried inputting Doujii or Dudii?"
"Got no hit on either."

I've searched those before Arisa suggested.
From the results of my search on criminal background, just like in other towns, there's a lot of criminals lurking around.

However, there's no Crime Syndicate Dujii to be found anywhere.

"Wonder if it's its street name?"
"Might be."

Map Search would have found it even if it were concealed, but things get tricky if the case here is where the real organization name and the well-known name differs.

"If Master is thinking of using some special searching method, maybe Sera and I'd better go back to base?"

Arisa whispered in my ear.
She's probably being considerate since both of them may have god's back doors on them.

"Nah, there's no need for that."

I don't think we'll get to the point of needing to use cheat skills this time.

Besides, I've got no response from the equipment to trace back the back door the two are wearing.
Looks like gods don't have the time to frequently peek at this world either.

As for these backdoor re-tracer, the mechanism works by indirectly measuring Divinity from the change in Miasma and Magic Power.
The tool doesn't react to my [Unit Arrangement] and Sera's holy magic, but I've confirmed that it did react to Divinity back when I received the [God's Trial] earlier, so it should work properly.

"I'll be heading to Echigoya Firm to collect information, everyone, could you do the same at the inn and other local stores?"

The girls agreed to my suggestion.
I changed into Kuro in a back alley and went to the inn where the advance party of Echigoya Firm is staying.

"Kuro-sama!"

The advance party was a noble girl working directly under Echigoya Firm's manager, Elterina.
She can use summoning magic, hence she's got a variety of ways to secretly gather info and get in touch with someone.

I immediately got down to business.

"--Crime Syndicate Dujii? Oh that's a famous name."

Apparently their operations extend to many things like distilling liquor, to smuggling salt and stuff.

"I've tried using my summon rats to look for them, but--"

Apparently they couldn't even find a single member, let alone their base.

"Rumors going around that their headquarters is at the neighboring corrupt city Dodobu, but merchants coming from that city denied the rumors, you see~"

Corrupt City is the alias, officially it's known as Commercial City Dodobu.
It's one of city states, and a place where you can procure grey zone commodity and get some services.

"I see, then I should pay a visit to Dodobu City."

After showing my appreciations to the noble girl, I asked her to continue gathering more info about Crime Syndicate Dujii.

『Apparently, Crime Syndicate Dujii's hq is at the Commercial City Dodobu, I'll be going there for a bit.』
『I gotcha--but don't think of going to some lewd onee-san's store just because you're heading alone to the Corrupt City Dodobu, okay.』

Looks like Arisa and the girls knew about Dodobu City from their own network of information.

『Yeah, of course.』

I replied instantly while making sure that my voice wasn't shaking from the guilty consciences with the help of Poker Face skill.

No choice.
Let's postpone the visit to the pretty onee-san establishment for later.





"--I'm back."
""Welcome home, Satou-san.""
"That was quick."

After returning back to the inn from Corrupt City Dodobu with Unit Arrangement, I met up with Arisa and the others by relying on my Map.

"In vain?"
"Yea, both ordinary people and criminals know the name Crime Syndicate Dujii itself, but I couldn't find anyone who knows how to get in contact with them at all."

Since I couldn't find them with Map Search, I marched into the headquarters of a largish Crime Guild and made use of [Interrogation] and [Negotiation] skills, but the results were nil.

"I see, we don't have new info either."

Arisa said so with a gloomy face.

Right then, sounds of building collapsing and noises could be heard from deep inside a back alley.

"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN"
"HERO'S COMING FOR UUUUUUUUUUUUS"

Afterward, ruffian looking men rushed out of the alley while screaming.

"Satou-san, stand back."

Zena-san steps forward with a Wind Crystal furnished wand in hand.
However, she probably won't get her turn.

Bandages-like things stretching out from behind the men pulled down and bound those men one after another.

『Don't think you can run away from [Hero's Attendant] Jema-sama's Flexible Bandage--wait, Demon Lord Slayer?』

A bunny eared beauty is looking at me.
Unfortunately, she's not wearing a bunny suit, just ordinary leather armor instead.

The gauntlets furnished with small shields equipped on both her arms must be the magic tools to control the bandages that bound the men.

『Aren't you going to catch bad people too? Seigi-sama would catch 'em all if you play around.』

The bunny eared beauty talks in Saga Empire Language.
I suppose she only knows how to speak her native language without a translation ring.

『Are these guys members of Crime Syndicate Dujii?』
『Who knows? I dunno.』

Well, they're not.

『Jema, you got them too huh--A-Arisa-san!』

Seigi came out of the back alley.
Looks like he's been working hard, his armor and mantle are dirty.

The hero brushed off the dirt from his mantle and armor and then, with a flushed face, he trotted and stopped in front of Arisa.

"H-how have you been? Faring? We have crushed six crime syndicates already, and caught more than 100 criminals ourselves."

Hero Seigi is looking at Arisa with a face hoping for her praises.

"Hee, amazing. How'd you do it? With human-wave tactics using Sage Empire soldiers?"
"No no not that, I found them with one of the three Unique Skills I got from Parion-sama, 『Evil Search (Where's the Bad People)』."
"--Seigi-sama!"

A woman wearing a civil official attire rushed from behind him and blocked his mouth in panic.

"Didn't I just tell you not to reveal your Unique Skills after that trial!"
"I-I know that! Your eyes, you don't have to get so mad!"

Hero Seigi protested at the attendant like a child at his rebellious phase.

Come to think of it, he also announced his unique skill 『Justice Mind's Eye (There is Only One Truth)』 during the trial.
Judging from what he said, looks like he still has one last Unique Skill left.
Considering the other two Unique Skills are Search and Examination types, I guess the last one is an Enforcement type?

They're pretty useful if you're going to work as a policeman or a detective, but I can't help but wonder if that's alright for a hero expected to slay demon lords.

"Seigi, is there a top member among these people Jema caught?"
"Wait a minute--"

Asked by the civil official attendant, Hero Seigi glared at the bandaged men for several seconds.
I think it's the initial [Appraise] skill given to Heroes by the god, but he sure takes time to perform it.

"--No. Looks like it was only the bald guy knocked out at that room over there, and the beard guy who tried to escape until the end."
"Thank you very much--please call Saga Empire soldiers to bring those two to our base Moryu and interrogate them."

After telling that to hero Seigi, the official turns around toward the bunny eared attendant and instructs her.

『Jema, hand over those bunch to this country's soldiers.』

Meanwhile, Hero Seigi was talking to Arisa, "Did you know that you're prohibited from drinking liquor in this country, that's why you don't see drunkards around."

Wait, this country has prohibition law?

Come to think of it, I don't think there was a bar at that diner too.
I displayed the Tourism Ministry document on the AR display.

The document states, [Local Product: Nothing in particular], [Choice Liquor: None].
Skimming through, the fact that it's [None] instead of [Nothing in particular] must mean it really is prohibited.
Would have liked if it was written clearly on a footnote instead of this confusing text.

Well, since this is a country where Shiga Kingdom absolutely has no diplomatic relations with, forget embassy, there's not even any spy situated here, I guess it's only natural.

"Seigi, can you still go on?"
"Yea, no problem. I can still use 『Evil Search (Where's the Bad People)』 a few more times."

The official attendant made a sour look to hear hero Seigi who completely didn't get what she just admonished him earlier.
Looks like she's got quite the work cut out for her.



<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>

"What should we do? Master?"

Maybe it was due to the fact that Hero Seigi's skills has a surprisingly good compatibility with criminal search, Arisa's voice was mixed with fluster.

"Satou-san, should we split up and search too?"
"Let me help the search with wind magic! The miasma around criminals' bases of operations is usually quite thick, I could narrow them down with advanced level wind magic."
"I will lend a hand too. As it is possible to distinguish criminals with holy magic, 『Evil Detection』."

Sera and Zena-san made an appeal to help.
The roundup would probably not fall behind Hero Seigi's party with these two's magic.

Well, if we're simply looking for criminals, searching with my Map is faster and the correct choice.

However, it couldn't find the Crime Syndicate Dujii hero Seigi mentioned.
Might be a good idea to continue arresting criminals while interrogating them.

『Expose wrongdoings, pass down righteous judgement』

『Right the injustice, you who challenge the trial』

Orders from God Urion flashed on my mind.

"...Expose wrongdoings? Right the injustice...?"

Something bothered me somehow, so I uttered them.

"Aren't those God Urion's order?"

I affirmed Arisa's question.

"Something is not right..."

Sera muttered.
Looks like she caught on something like me.

Together with Arisa, she spaced out with furrowed brows.

"--Is it?"

Zena-san tilted her head.
Unfortunately, I can't articulate it enough to answer Zena-san.

"Even at Seryuu City, we often expose injustice done by the territorial army and civil officials and punish them properly, you know?"

The moment Zena-san said that, Arisa and Sera suddenly raised their faces.

"Ah!"
"I got it!"

Arisa and Sera shouted out at the same time.

"Expose!"
"It's the expose part!"

Then, as if that explains everything, the two look at me with cheerful faces.

"Umm? What do you mean?"

Zena-san asked the two before I could.

"It's normal for criminals to do wrongdoings right?"
"You won't say 'right the injustice' for criminals. Normally it'd be 『Judge the criminals』 wouldn't it?"

I see, I get what the two are trying to say.

"You mean the people who are committing those crimes aren't part of a crime syndicates?"

I confirmed what the two wanted to say.

In other words, the ones carrying out wrongdoings are people that belong to the authority and judicial organ huh.
Even though I think exposing wrongdoings are also the correct words to use on villains, that's probably what the two mean.

"At the very least."
"That should be what God Urion meant by expose."

Arisa and Sera asserted.

"Perhaps, Crime Syndicate Dujii itself never actually exists."
"Is it like a cover used by the people belonging to the authority and the judicial organ for when they're doing something unlawful?"

Zena-san said her guess at Arisa's remark.
No wonder my Map search couldn't get a hit if it was a fictitious organization created by people who are in charge of punishing evils to hide their wrongdoings.

"Arisa, Zena-san, and Sera, please arrest the criminals at the places I point you at."
"--A diversion huh."

Arisa struck a snapping finger pose that didn't actually make a sound.

"Exactly."

Even if we know that it's the authority and judicial organ, the number of people is too big, thus I intend to cause them unrest by randomly arresting criminals who are likely connected to them.

"Besieging them would be troublesome with just you three alone, take the living doll unit from the airship with you."

The heroes should have been enough to act as a diversion, but either his Unique Skill has a limited range, or they carry prejudice on the downtown, they've been ignoring the crime syndicates at the high streets.

"Will Master watch over through magic?"
"I can't possibly do it all alone, I'll be relying on reinforcements, you see."

After seeing off Arisa and the others running off toward the airship, I went behind a shadow and summoned a reliable reinforcement from the capital with Unit Arrangement.

--Chuii.

Sage Mouse ChuuFat cried on my palm.
The king-like outfit and crown I gave to him as a present suit him very well.

"Sorry to call you on a short notice, ChuuFat."

--Chuii.

ChuuFat cried, like he's saying "Don't worry about it."

"I'd like to investigate crimes done by the bigwigs of this country, could you lend me the Intelligence Bureau of Mouse Empire?"

--Chuii, Chuiiiiiiii.

ChuuFat cried out loud while beating his chest with his small hand, as if saying, leave it to me.

"I'll be counting on you then. I'll send you back, would you gather personnels needed at the Mouse Square then."

--Chuii.

I sent back the nodding ChuuFat to Shiga Kingdom's subterranean tunnel with Unit Arrangement.
With ChuuFat at the top, the Sage Mice have exerted a huge influence under Shiga Kingdom's capital, they've been helping to elevate hygiene level and curb criminal activity at the capital.
We may not be able to exchange words, but they understand our words, and can operate simple magic tools.

While waiting for the ChuuFat and other Mice, guess I'll go and support Arisa and the girls, and keep track on hero Seigi's movements?





Spacing out in a back alley would get me reported, thus I decided to move to a nearby bridge.
Gazing at the surface of water on top of a bridge shouldn't look that suspicious.

"Oh?"

There was already a preceding visitor on the bridge.

It's the 100-man platoon commander who was deemed a stalker at the trial yesterday.

His face looks serious, like he's going to attempt suicide anytime now--.

"--Geh."

While I was looking, the armored commander had put his feet on top of the bridge rail.

"Hold it right there!"

I immediately rushed out and pull the commander back.

"Unhand me! No point in me living anymore! No point in living a life where I can't see Yowa-chan's smiles!"

Yowa-chan must be the bakery girl's name.

"I was just watching over her, what's so wrong about that! Look at Dujii, no one arrest them no matter what shitty thing they did! This world ain't fair!"

He's at the absolute end of his wits.

"If I have to say, it's the way you're doing it that's wrong."

Oh crap, I went and said it out loud.

"--Way?"

The 100-man platoon commander is glaring at me resentfully.
Can't be helped, I'll accompany this guy till ChuuFat is done preparing.

"Yep. Should have directly confessed your love to Yowa-chan or something like that instead."
"Like I could do something so embarrassing!"

He declared something so weak with a manly expression.
No well, I think that's the starting point.

"Then what about utilizing a go-between?"
"Go-between?"
"Enlist your superior's help to ask her parents for her hands in marriage."

I'm not sure how much the average wage of this country's servicemen, but a 100-man platoon commander should be able to support a family.

The commander has a look like everything has ended in this world.

"I did that already. Her parent said 『I'm never giving my daughter to soldiers and guards.』"

They refused both soldiers that could die in a battlefield, and guards too?
Is it because they don't want a groom who can't continue the bakery or something?

"I see, I'm sorry to hear that. Here, eat these and try to cheer up."

Liquor is apparently banned in this city, so I gave him some donuts taken from my bag.

"This is good... Really good..."

Please don't eat while crying.

In addition, I used mind magic [Calm Field], [<<Inconstancy Regret>>], and [Mind Recovery] to sweep away his regret.

--Oh right.

"Can I ask you one thing?"
"What is it?"

I confirm one thing that's caught my interest earlier while supplying additional donuts to the commander who had done eating.

"You mentioned Crime Syndicate Dujii earlier--"

Earlier he said, "Look at Dujii, no one arrest them no matter what shitty thing they did!", didn't he.

"Yeah, guards who usually went to arrest criminals with zeal only do so haphazardly when it involves them, even the supposed watchmen of justice, Judicial Bureau won't dispatch their investigators for them."

I see, looks like I've narrowed down the places where ChuuFat should probe around.

"Do you know somewhere I can check records about cases that had happened and stuff?"
"Why dontcha look at either Judicial Bureau or the Guard Bureau?"

Looks like he's not detailed in this too.
Servicemen and guards have different jurisdictions after all.

Well, I'll likely find out what kind of crimes the Crime Syndicate Dujii has done if I check on Judicial Bureau and Guard Bureau records, then by investigating people who profited off of those crimes, seizing evidences should be possible.

Map Search is way too convenient I even forgot to check on such basic places.

I parted ways with the commander who looked like he had been liberated off of an evil spirit after binge eating donuts, and I decided to look for places where they keep the records of Judicial Bureau and Guard Bureau with space magic.





"Think it's about time they're ready?"

Looking at the Map, they seem to have done preparing, so I moved to a back alley and Unit Arranged ChuuFat and the other Mice all at once.

They've come together with crows for some reason.
Apparently, these crows are tamed animals of the Sage Mice.

Maybe I should call them Raven Riders?

"Now then, I'm counting on you."

--Chuii.

After seeing off Sage Mice who had signal transmitter magic tools with them, I went to prepare stuff for when we found the culprits.

Villains acting like good people huh, they should learn when it's time to give up.







※ Next update is planned for 3/18









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