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Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 195

Chapter 195 Strongest Sage, Picks Chance

 

About six hours later.
We finished the quest smoothly and got the reward at the guild.

It was a boring but fruitful quest in term of intel gained.
We now know their technological level and the refineries' locations thanks to the map.

『So, what are we going to do now?』

『Right... Nothing good would come out of staying in this town anyway, let's get them quick. We've grasped our enemy positions after all.』

We were probing the surrounding mana reaction the whole time during the quest.
Result, found 32 sub-demons.
A standard amount for a group of sub-demons.

『But these sub-demons are good at acting in unison right? Wouldn't it better if we waited until they're scattered about?』

Alma looked at the surroundings as she said that.
The sub-demons have situated themselves around the center of the town indeed.

It's probably a good idea to wait for the sub-demons to disperse in order to neutralize their union.
However--.

『Nah, there's no point in waiting. These demons must be holding their current positions.』

I peeked at the mana reaction as I said that.
They've been making sure to absolutely stay in the center of the town.

This is probably done on purpose.
Since their sense-sharing is limited to 50 meter range.

And the sub-demons in this town are moving about while always maintaining their link together.
Thus, defeating even one of them would notify the rest of the sub-demons in the entire town.

This is most likely not a coincidence.
They must have willingly taken this kind of security measures to immediately detect any incident or attack from outside.
That all the refineries are located around the center of the town must be for this too.

『...You mean, we're gonna have to face these sub-demons all at once if we wanna beat them?』

『That would happen if we leisurely wait for them to join up with on another. However, if we attack sub-demons that are their on the way to join up with others and end the battle fast, we should end up only fighting a few.』

Even if these sub-demons are gathered together, it's not like they're all smack dab crowding in one place.
These sub-demons are moving with a certain level of freedom within the 50 meter range limit.

『End it quick... The demons are all within a 50 meter range right? They'd join together in a blink of an eye when they're that close...』

『Not necessarily so. Because these demons won't be going in a straight line. Each one should take about 10 seconds.』

Well if there is a sub-demon acting as an intermediary in the center of the 50 meter range, they should be able to move farther than that, in fact, these demons are scattered about in a 200 meter range.
Even if all these demons were to rush here, it would still take a few dozens of seconds at least.
Ordinary demons would arrive in a few seconds by flying or breaking through walls, however, sub-demons don't have that kind of strength.

『T-ten seconds...』

『That much is enough when you're ambushing a sub-demon... Besides I'll be employing a scheme that will stop them from banding together easily.』

『Scheme?』

『Yeah. Put a disguise magic that blurs your mana on yourself and beat them without having your face seen... In short, you want to prevent these demons from moving at their pace, that's the knack for defeating sub-demons.』

The past me went through some hard times defeating sub-demons in my youth.
Their individual strength is far away weaker than an ordinary demon, but it gets really troublesome when they band together.

『Beating a demon without having your face seen... I don't think I could do that though...』

『It is difficult... And that's why it will be me and Iris that's going to directly fight these demons. You two will pretend to be innocent passer by and disturb the demons. Hide yourselves in the spot I specify.』

Ruli and the girls are still not able to hide their presences while fighting.
There's the difference in our level of experience and crest after all.
And Disqualified Crest is the most qualified crest for stealth action after all.
However, the demons would surely overlook them if they just hide without participating in the fight.

However, I've been hiding Iris's mana with magic from the moment we came into this town.
I don't have the leeway to keep doing so while fighting the sub-demons for real.

And thus, Iris will be fighting too.
Iris's fighting prowess is a good match for the sub-demons.

Sub-demons are good at union, but in exchange they have fundamentally low offensive powers, therefore, they can't deal any damage on opponents with an extremely high defensive power like Iris.
Iris probably won't able to hit the sub-demons either, but by acting as bait with her conspicuous mana, it should make my battle considerably easier.

...While thinking that, the sub-demons got into positions that's easy to attack on.
I thought it would take another few hours before we got this chance, lucky us.

『Here's our chance. Alma, and Ruli, go hide over there.』

I pointed at a nearby shadow.
<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-I understand! Do we need to prepare anything?』

『I'll release Iris's mana later, use the confusion to make magic tools and slip them in. Make it a type of magic tool that will explode on ground contact. Something flashy would be good.』
『I got it! Should I augment it on arrows?』

Usually, when Ruli augment offensive magic, she does it by augmenting Alma's arrows.
Since simply putting offensive magic in a magic stone won't help in hitting the target.
However, we won't use arrows this time.

『No, just make it ordinary magic tools... Alma, you've learned how to use Wired Homing Enchant right?』

『I've been using Wired Homing Enchant all this time... Huh? Are you telling me to use it on magic stones?』

『That's right. Throw them at the place the demon will step on when I tell you so... Can you do it?』

『Umm... No sweat!』

The 『Wired Homing Enchant』 that Alma usually uses on her arrows can actually also be used on things she throws.
Of course, using it with arrows is more powerful and effective, but this time we're doing a specific method.
This technique doesn't have many uses, but I was right to teach her just in case.

『Me, what about me?』

『Iris, you wait here and flail your spear around randomly at the demons!』

『S-so haphazard! ...I can just run wild?』

『Your role, Iris, is to be a decoy. Just be careful not to stray too far, and go on a rampage!』

I look at the demons' positions afterward.
We're currently right at the edge of the area where the demons are.
At this position, I can catch mana reaction of the entire group of demons there.

--Nice timing.







Previous Chapter

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku 16-53

16-53. Sage's Tower (2)

 

Satou here. Keeping stuff tidy and in order, be it data or things, so you can readily get them anytime you need it is a form of talent, I think. You tend to forget where you put things right when you need to get them, don't you.





"--Are all these?"

I reflexively muttered that when I looked up at huge piles of old scrolls and books in front of me.

We were led to a room beyond Sage Karyu's, the principal, room.
I'm here to solve an [unsolved problem that has remained so for 100 years] as part of God Karion's Trial, but looking at these piles makes me get cold feet a bit.

Well, since I'm only supposed to solve one problem among these, there's no need to get so worked up.

"The number of problems themselves doesn't even reach 30. Most of these are investigations and memos left by the past scholars."

Sage Karyu told me so while stroking his long white beard.

"These here are the original scripts, but you can find the copies in the Great Library in this tower, while the problems themselves have been carved on the pedestals of the red salt statues on the first floor so anyone could read it if they so desire."

I see, the statues in the entrance hall carry such a role huh.
According to Sage Karyu, there are other red salt statues carrying a similar role situated in God Zaikuon main temple's chapel and inside the city itself.
As those statues have been reinforced with earth magic, they're holding up fine being outdoors.

"Then, maybe it's a good idea to look around the statues before picking a problem?"
"Nn, more efficient."
"Umu, umu. That's exactly right, missies."

Sage Karyu smiled as he replied to Arisa and Mia's conversation.

"I shall give the key to this library to Satou-kun. You can get to this library from the passages. You can read the documents here anytime you want, however you're not allowed to take them out with you. As their value cannot be understated, take care not to damage them."
"Yes, I will take the utmost care."

Sage Karyu handed over ID bracelets to us along with the key.
We can freely enter the Great Library some floors below as long as we have these.

"So this is the 『Ring of Wisdom』 of 『Sage's Tower』..."

Princess Sistina is gazing movingly at the bracelet she holds in her hands.
Looks like it's a kind of amazing item.





"Would you like to go to Great Library first? Or do you want to check the red salt statues?"

Apparently, Miko Maiya is going to continue acting as our guide.

Looking at the girls, their faces screamed 'I wanna go to the Great Library'.

"Well then, please show us the way to the library first."

We're headed to the Great Library two floors below Sage Karyu's room.
Three levels of this huge tower are filled with bookshelves, and one of those levels is an archive that's not open to public. It's not an archive of banned books, the archive is housing incomplete written memo and book collections of scholars that didn't have a successor. According to my Map, the forbidden library here is located deep underground.

"Lots."
"More than master's library even."
"I think there's about as many books as both the Royal Academy's and Forbidden Archive's libraries put together?"

The girls gave their impressions while looking around at the bookshelves.
The amount of books befit the name Great Library indeed.

It did feel a bit odd for a small City-state nation Kariswolk to have more books than a big kingdom such as Shiga Kingdom, but I got the reason why after checking the author's names of these books with my Map Search.
A great majority of them are books written by scholars belonging here and books written and donated by scholars who were staying here for a time.

"Arisa-chan, Space Lens Eye!"

Arisa survey the books' spines with her space magic reinforced eyesight while saying 'Bikaa' out loud.

"Mwu, unfair."
"Mia-sama, here's a telescope. I brought some along with me since I thought this would happen."
"Tina, nice."

Princess Sistina took a telescope from her magic bag and gave it to Mia.

"Found the first edition of Magic Complete Works!"
"They have the extra issue of Selmaraya Earth Magic Encyclopedia here!"
"Mwu, which."

The girls are getting excited to see rare books.

I stopped Arisa from charging in at the bookshelves to prevent her bothering other people here and went there with her.
I reached the book Arisa's hand couldn't reach.

"--You there!"

A stern sounding voice stopped me, so I turned at the source of that voice.
A beautiful woman wearing eyesight-correcting spectacles stood there with perked up shoulders.

"This is the Bookshelves of Scarlet Floor where only scholars and officiating monks with permission can enter! Take the primary grade kid and away with you now!"
"H-hold on! Excuse me--"

I blocked Arisa's mouth as she was about to object and showed the wrist of my other hand that wasn't reaching the bookshelves at the woman.

"Do you have a problem with--eh? 『Ring of Wisdom』? Why does an adolescent kid have that?"
"Sage Karyu-dono had given these to us."
"N-no way."
"Librarian Besse, he's telling the truth."
"M-Miko Maiya-sama!"

Miko Maiya who came with Princess Sistina after us talked to her.
Seems like they're acquaintances.

"His Excellency Earl Pendragon has taken on God Karion's trial."
"W-what--"

The librarian who became speechless seemed like she found Miko Maiya's explanation hard to believe, but she immediately straightened herself and apologized to us.
I'm glad Miko Maiya came with us.
It probably would have taken some time to convince her with just these bracelets.

"Please give your orders to me or the librarian at the desk if you need a book. As an apology for my impoliteness earlier, I shall make frantic efforts to provide assistants."

Well, thanks to this little incident, we managed to get acquainted with librarian-san amiably, all's well.

"Hey, how many books here can we borrow at once?"
"I'm very sorry, but the books here cannot be lent. Please read them at the reading room, or hire transcribers affiliated with Great Library if you wish to make a copy."
"Can the chained books over there be transcribed too?"

Princess Sistina points her fingers at bookshelves and books that have been chained down to prevent theft.
There's even an iron grill in front of the bookshelves.

"Those books are prohibited from getting transcribed. You can write the part you have memorized, however, transcribing straight from the bookshelves is prohibited."

According to the librarian, they're not of banned books kind, however the books contain dangerous knowledge that could prove bad were they taken out indiscreetly, thus the spread of information has been limited.

"I'll be heading to the entrance hall to check on the statues' pedestals there, Arisa and you girls, are you staying here?"
"Un, I'll do it later."
"Library won't run away."

After thinking a bit, Arisa said so and Mia nodded at her reply.

"...That's right. It's not going anywhere."

Princess Sistina, the former master of Forbidden Library, looked to be a bit regretful to part from here, but she forcefully convinced herself about it and went with us.





"『What is miasma?』, 『What is mana?』, 『What is spirit?』, 『What is a soul?』--These are problems that have existed since the founding of 『Sage's Tower』 huh."
"They're intriguing and all, but there's no way we could solve one in a day."
"Nn, difficult."

Since these weren't recorded in the books the elves had, I should just leave these fundamental questions to the researchers.

"What do you think about this one?"
"Did you find something good?"
"Look."

Beckoned by Princess Sistina, Arisa and Mia came to her.

"『For what reason do Labyrinths exist?』 huh?"

As a dungeon master myself, the mystery hit a bit too close to home.
There were numerous theories about it contained in the books at Shiga Kingdom, but nothing was decisive.

Let's memo it down as a candidate.
Perhaps I could get an answer if I asked Dungeon Core about this.

"These ones here are similar, just replace labyrinths with monsters and demons."

It's easy to come up with these questions after all.
There was nothing about City Cores, since its existence is hidden to public.

And so, the girls and I continued to read unsolved problems carved on the pedestals.

Curiously enough, there was no stuff like [Who made labyrinths?], [Who made skills?], or [For what reason do levels exist?].
In a world where gods exist in reality, people probably think that gods created those.

Considering how God Karion was like during our conversation back then, doesn't seem like they'll answer a question after all.

"『What's the difference between demon lords that get revived and those that don't?』 eh... Master, do you know about this?"
"I wonder?"

As far as I know, only two demon lords have gotten revived, the [Golden Wild Boar King] and the [Dog-head Ancient King].
Their common feature is that both had [True Demon Lord] title, but if that were really the requirement for it, it'd have been made clear once I checked Saga Empire's documents, so it's probably not that.
The Boar King was revived with the help of demon lord adherents and greater demons, but the Dog-head seemed like he just revived on his own at Selbira Labyrinth, thus it's difficult to declare that these revivals need other people carrying out a revival ceremony.

"Master, this is..."

Arisa was at a loss for words while pointing at a pedestal next to her.
Written there is, "What is the condition for the demon lords to manifest in this world?"
I could give the answer to that right here and now, but this is one unsolved problem that absolutely has to remain unsolved.

A tragedy on the level of witch hunt would befall reincarnated people if the truth were to be known.
Yup, I never saw this problem, nuh uh.

"Satou."

I went to Mia as she called.

"Intriguing."

She's pointing at a pedestal written with "How does one achieve chantless magic?"
Princess Sistina who came after me was also piqued enough to say, "Let's get to the bottom of this!", however, just like how chant shortening could only be achieved through skills, I think chantless magic could only be done through Unique Skill like in my and Arisa's cases.

"That's not necessarily true, no? Like, you can use magic without skills if you work hard on it, right. If you can act as the proxy that does the magic calculation instead of skills, perhaps you could do the same with the chanting part?"

Arisa insisted so.

"You're right. It does sound intriguing, wanna give it a try?"
"Try."
"Mia-sama, would you allow me to accompany you in your research?"
"Nn, welcome."

Mia and Princess Sistina seemed eager when I tried rousing their interest.

"Tell me if you need materials, I'll transcribe it for you."
"Thanks."

Afterward, I checked the rest of the pedestals.

"My? Was that all? There were less than 20 here, weren't there?"
"The remaining nine are all located close to the walls."

Guided by Miko Maiya, we went to a hard to find location near the entrance hall's front door where the rest of the pedestals were.
The statue up there looks kinda ominous.

"The ones here are more like subject matters than problems."
"『The transition of primeval magic to modern magic and variations』, 『Did level and skill not exist during the creation of the world?』, 『About the relationship between modern magic and Demon God』, 『Denying the irreversibility of the transformation from living being into undead』... These are all interesting too."

I'm a bit piqued by this [The transition from primeval magic to modern magic and variations], feels like it can be solved relatively easily.

Some of the other keywords are curious too.

The second and the third ones are quite interesting, however, the fourth one, the possibility of turning undead back into living being is quite intriguing.
If it can be done, I could maybe turn the kids who had become vampires at Tokiswolk Kingdom back into humans.
There has been a case of a normal creature that had been transformed into a monster turning back into an ordinary creature, in the form of Princess Doris's pet bird, Hisui, so I don't think it's impossible.

For now, for the trial I'll check out these three, "The transition of primeval magic to modern magic and variations", "For what reason do labyrinths exist?", and "Denying the irreversibility of the transformation from living being into undead", and see if I could easily solve one.

"Master, look at this."

Arisa called me when she saw the last pedestal.
It's a labyrinth-related theme.

"『How does a Dungeon Master produce magical items and monsters?』 huh..."

True, it looks good to be a research theme.
Since there's no way to test and verify things without the help of a [Dungeon Master], it's understandable how this problem remained unsolved for more than 100 years.

This one looks to be quite easy to solve.
Though, if I did, people would then question the source of information and its authenticity, which is just troublesome.

<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.>



"Good work, Master."
"Welcom~"
"Welfomf bafh rarorefu."

We joined up with the rest of the girls who had gone around checking eateries.
After parting ways with Miko Maiya at Sage's Tower front entrance.

Pochi's mouth is stuffed with hodge-podge, she's frantically trying really hard to swallow it.

"Master, Sage Beans and Boiled Kariswolk Pork are tasty, so I report."
"The trout sherbet is pretty good too desuwa!"

Nana greeted me and immediately presented a bowl of hodge-podge.
Seemingly lured by Nana, Lady Karina also held out a plate with slices of frozen fish-like sashimi on top to me.

"Fish sherbet? --Ah, must be stuff that's like Rui-be huh."

Arisa sounded upset at first, but then she recalled some kind of cuisine from earth and nodded.
Apparently, you're supposed to eat this cuisine half-thawed and uncooked, but low temperature kills parasites anyway, it's a good source of vitamins in this winter season where it's difficult to obtain fresh vegetable.

"Welcome back, Satou-san."
"Please come over here. I will get you something warm to drink."

While greeting back Sera, I took the seat Zena-san offered.
As I warm myself with the ginger tea-like drink Zena-san gave me, I look around the eatery.

There's a big stove in the center of the eatery, a pot put on top of it is raising white smoke.

"Master, this salmon thingy is some good stuff."
"Pochi would like Master to eat hodge-podge too nodesu."

Arisa and Pochi offered me food.

I'll start with the lightly seasoned looking Rui-be.
Exactly like how it looks, it tastes like sherbet when you first put it in your mouth, but once inside, the heat thaws it out, spreading rich sashimi-like oily flavor in your mouth.
It tastes a bit like frozen salmon, really good. I could get addicted to this.

"This is good."
"Right~?"

Arisa looked a bit triumphant.
Losing to the gaze of Pochi who was standing next to her with an excited look on her face, I reached out to the hodge-podge.

"This one is pretty good too."
"Yes, nanodesu!"

The flavor is a bit too dense, but the spare-rib-like texture from the pressure cooking is delicious.
And the smallish soya bean-like beans mixed inside goes well with the meat flavor.

"Mia-chan, they have fried mushroom wrap here, would you like a taste?"
"Taste."

Zena-san offered Mia a dish.
Princess Sistina gracefully brought the plebeian cuisines recommended by Lulu and Sera into her mouth.

While we were having a pleasant meal in the corner of the eatery like this, I heard some clatter from the streets.

"Like I said! Demon God-sama is the forefather of modern magic, okay! He's called Demon God meaning he must be god of magic!" <TLN: 'demon' and 'magic' in this context share the same kanji 'é­”'.>
"This again, you demon lord devotee and your screws-missing head!"

A man and a woman who were arguing with each other entered this eatery.

The man is quite handsome himself, but the woman is one such beauty that was a bit wasted on her underling-like speech pattern.
Putting aside Lulu as a special case, the woman has this transient beauty that wouldn't look pale in comparison to the girls in my party.

"I've been saying, yer' wrong! Even if I'm a believer of Demon God-sama, I ain't no adherent of demons and demon lords! To begin with, there ain't no reliable literatures that say demons are Demon God's familiar!"
"Hmph, have you forgotten about Lalakie Monument left behind in the ruins of a civilization that existed after Lalakie civilization from the age of gods, and the epitaph found at Golden Tower of Toro Kuro!"

That's quite an interesting topic.

As the AR readings have guaranteed that the woman isn't a demon lord adherent, I stand up from my seat to get in touch with the two.

"Hello there, if it's fine with you two, could I join in your talk?"



※Next update is planned for 7/1




Previous Chapter

Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Strongest Sage, Mixes Fakes

 

"All right, let's get right to it."

"Yes!"

"Hear hear!"

The three of us begin to work together to put ore into the tank.

『...Should we do this seriously?』

『I don't think we should. They'd get suspicious of us...』

Ruli replied to Alma while looking around.
The factory manager said that it was a heavy labor, but we're used to this kind of work compared to our usual training.

The ore isn't that heavy, and there's no time constraint imposed on us.
Even Ruli, who's got the lowest stamina amongst us, could fill the tank full in 30 seconds.

However, it takes a group of four adventurers a few minutes to do that at other tanks.
They'd begin suspecting us if we didn't take that long.
....What an extremely dull job.

I speak to the three after finishing the batch.

"Let me be in charge of pushing the button, you three stay back."

"Got it!"

After confirming the three had gotten out of the barrier, I pushed the button and got out myself.
Afterward, the machine began to start with a dull sound--and a mana overdrive occurred inside it.

The mana overdrive is being forcefully stopped by the safety device installed in the machine.
Normally, the machine should have stopped functioning the moment this situation happened, however, the machine's remodel must have been done to prevent that.
The mana overdrive ceased while we were looking.

...I see. Every once in 40 instances, the machine isn't able to stop the overdrive, causing an explosion huh.

『That was an amazing amount of mana...』

『Yeah. No wonder it explodes... Well, you can tell when it's gonna do so, as such there's no worry of getting caught in one so long we're careful.』

The machine stopped in about five minutes, then it cough up a very tiny crystal below it.
It weighs about one gram.

"One piece done."

I put the crystal into the casket.
But really, I can't believe they went around telling people this small crystal was used as a 『building material』.
At least try harder to make up something more believable.

We continued the routine while I was thinking that.
Put the ore, wait for the machine to do its magic for five minutes, and then put the crystal into the casket.
Such a routine.

By the way, even though our employers are demons, I still do the job properly... or pretending to as I secretly mix in some fakes.
I've changed the crystal structure of these Rankine Magic Crystals, adding a function to prevent mana bomb from getting ignited.

With this, even if the demons managed to get their hands on refined Rankine Magic Crystal, they won't be able to complete the mana bomb.
It's possible to see through it if they used an extremely advanced analysis equipment, but there's no way a technological level that let machines explode to do refining is capable of that.

And at the 29th time...

"Okay, on to the next one!"
<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.>
"Yes!"

I had the girls get out of the barrier before starting the magic tool as usual.
However... the machine reacted strangely this time.

First of all, the power-on sound was slightly higher pitched than usual.
Next, the mana overdrive happening inside was more intense.
...I see. So this is the rumored explosion huh.

I got out of the barrier while thinking that, then 2 seconds later.
The machine exploded with a shrill sound from the mana overdrive.

Hearing that sound, the factory manager came in to check the situation.

"That sounded like an explosion! Is anyone injured?"

"Nope! We're all fine!"

I immediately replied to the manager.
...The manager looks to be seriously concerned about our well beings.

"Very well! Keep at it, but don't let your guard down!"

The factory manager went back to his post with a relieved look after confirming our safety.

Even though he's being mind controlled by demons, the base must be a kind person.
Since this type of mind control does not erase emotions.

Magic that's able to erase emotions will make the target's facial expressions look unnatural, thus the demons must have purposely left it.
Minimizing the unnaturalness while binding his actions.
Quite a calculated way of mind control.

However, this too will end in a few days.
I wouldn't mind letting demons be were they kept it to themselves... but they went and tried to create mana bomb by manipulating humans.
...I guess it's only perfectly natural since demons do not carry any other emotions besides malice.

As such, I'll keep going with the total annihilation plan.






Previous Chapter

Shinsetsu Nobu-san Isekai Ki Chapter 57


Chapter 57 Entrapped Fox Girl

 

That day, we met up with an adventurer friend of us who came to Gramada. She was a general human adventurer called Kurei, she got along well with Nee-san they sometimes drunk together till morning. As she was older than us, she taught us many things when we just started working as adventurers.
She brought a job to transport a luggage to Pezun Mura to the south. Apparently the stuff was of value and pretty rare, she was looking for people she could trust. The amount of reward was quite extraordinary, and since it was a request from our friend, we took the job on.

We were to prepare the luggage and escort its delivery. There were 12 escorts including us three. Quite heavily guarded considering it would only take 2 days to Pezun Mura. I was a bit concerned just how valuable the thing we were carrying.

Kurei talked to a man who seemed to be the leader, and we were assigned to guard the flanks. Since Kurei was a vanguard, I was to be in the middle and Nee-san was the rear guard, the balance was just right. Some thing that bothered me a bit was the fact that other guards besides us were shady looking men. Sure enough, Nee-san looked slightly rattled. Usually, I would try to act cold on men to keep my distance from them as much as possible, but it didn't seem possible this time. I should keep my guard up at night too. Mainly on the chastity side.

Compared to this, the journey with Nobu was comfortable. There was the fact that he was our life saver, but even Nee-san was at ease around him right from the beginning. It might be partly because Nobu's groin was laid bare when we first met. It was my first seeing one besides dad's, but it was a bit cute? We then traveled together to Gramada as a matter of course, the cooking he made for us was really good. The stuff served in the feast back then was quite tasty too, wonder if we would get to eat that every day if we were in Nobu's party? He did send some slightly perverted glances at times, but it didn't feel uncomfortable, we should be fine being in a party with Nobu.

Oops, no no. Losing in thoughts would slacken my awareness. I'm in charge of looking out amongst us three, gotta keep it up.


Fortunately, we arrived at Pezun Mura without running into either monsters or bandits.

It seems like we're gonna stay here tonight and then transport the stuff to a villa slightly away from here. Our huge luggage is stored in an annex of the inn along with the wagon. The most important item in the luggage, a box of around 50cm wide is being strictly kept in our room for some reason. Apparently it's a direct order from Kurei's employer. I'm a bit discontent that we end up having to keep a night watch even though we're in an inn. But we got no choice since it was our job, so we did.

The next morning, Kurei woke me up, I got ready in a hurry. The box was still here too. Phew, I'm not used to these stuff, so I feel a bit nervous. But when I told Nee-san that, she laughed saying I was fast asleep like usual. I got red in the face.

When we got back to the wagon, the male leader confirmed that the seal on the box hadn't been broken.
Once it was clear that there was no problem, we advanced toward our destination, the villa.

The villa is on top of a small hill to the south of Pezun Village, it can be seen clearly. Wonder what kind of people live in such a huge mansion. Well, it's got nothing to do with me. More importantly, it'll be a job well done once we deliver the package. Apparently, us three would be dismissed right after. I want to get back home quick and eat tasty things. I'm done with dried meat and black bread for awhile. Oh right, I should ask Nobu to make me something. And now I'm already looking forward to pester him.


After climbing slowly, we arrived in front of the villa. The male leader confirmed with the gate's guard.
The guard who had gone into the villa came back, opened the gate and then the wagon advanced inside and stopped before the front door.
A hooded person who's probably the mansion's owner is waiting at the front door. A huge woman is standing next to him. She's got a big horn on her head, revealing intimidating airs. It's my first time seeing an Onifolk, it's a bit scary.

"Well done coming here. I'm pleased to see the luggage got here safely."

The hooded person sounded like a young man. But, I wonder why. I'm having a really bad feeling about this person. Have I met him somewhere?

Right when I thought that, a man who was working as an escort with us pushed and pinned down Nee-san behind me. Looks like he knocked her out in that instant. Right when I tried to turn around to help her, Kurei who was beside me held me down. But why!?
During this confusion, the hooded man approached us. And then he slowly took off his hood, I remembered that face. The reason that made us leave our village. The son of that noble stood there.

"I'm happy that my important luggage, you two, got delivered here nicely. Kukuku, we finally met. You're finally mine. Ha ha ha ha ha, haa ha, haa ha."

The man laughed with a distorted face. The female onifolk next to him followed after him with a lifeless expression.
But why would Kurei do something like this...

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Mitama...."

She shed tears while weakly muttering and pinning me down.

Looking again, I could see some kind of mark on her neck. That's... a slave crest!? It looks similar to the crests I saw at Kirishina-neesan's place. This man must have done something to her. What an awfully detestable man.

Then, something hit me and my view went dark.




◇◇◇
<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 were already locked in a room in the villa when I came to. A shackle is fastened around my legs, I cannae' move. It's an iron ball heavy enough to stop me from moving with my strength.
It's the same with Mitama. Oh no, just why is that idiot here. I gotta wake Mitama up and confirm our situation.
I lightly smack her cheeks and then she woke up with a pouty face.

"Mitama, do you feel anything odd? Do you remember what happened?"

She suddenly realized something and confirmed her body. Looks like she's still herself besides the shackle on her.

"...Kurei was made into a slave. There was a slave crest on the scruff of her neck."

"What!? It was all that idiot's doing huh. Which means, we're gonna end up becoming his slaves if we don't do something."

We cannae' escape even if we want to because of these shackles, what should we do?

Someone made a noise outside the room when I was thinking that. And then the door was violently opened, that idiot came in with the onifolk woman and Kurei. Ah crap, I really don't want to look at his mug.

"How are you feeling, my wives?"

The idiot is looking at us all smiles like he's making fun of us. He looks utterly disgusting.

"It's the worst. And who's your wives eh. Don't even joke 'bout that!"

He let my curses slide like it was nothing. Mugugu, yuck.

"Kukuku, those rebellious eyes are nice. But you won't be able to do that anymore in a few days. Once that gets here, you will be at my mercy. Wait here as you look forward to it. Ahahahaha."

The idiot smirked like he had won. Ooh, I've had enough.

"Right right, I'll leave you with your friend to take care of you. Fufufu, try to get along the best you can."

The idiot went out of the room after saying that. I totally cannae' stand his mug! I'll pray so he pops, baldens and gets torn off. Don't make light of fox curses 'k!?




The three of us are left in the room. First of all, gotta check on Kurei why.

"Kurei, how did it end up like this? How could you become a slave."

Kurei twitched when she heard that. Looks like she didn't think we would know about it.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to do this either. But this slave body of mine couldn't go against that person..."

Kurei began to slowly narrate her story afterward.







Previous Chapter

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku 16-52

16-52. Sage's Tower

 

Satou here. One of my friends from university days told me that only geniuses are capable of solving problems left unsolved by ordinary men their whole life.
However, even if it's geniuses who overcome the last step, I think it's the persistent efforts of us ordinary men that tread down the path right before that last step.





"Waa, snow country~"
"The snow is bow-wow all over the places nodesu!"

Arisa and Pochi jumped into the snow like puppies who had just seen snow for the first time.

We arrived at the city state Kariswolk where Karion main temple is located.
I realized that I was overthinking about [God's Backdoors] from previous trials, and so I went with all members who had times on this occasion.

The territory where this city state is located is currently snowing, thus [Sage's Tower], which is also another name for the city, is hidden by the heavily falling snow, we can't see it here from outside the city.

"Geez, Arisa. You're going to catch a cold."

With a 'dear me' expression, Lulu scolded Arisa and Pochi who went on to create snow angels while laughing.
Hearing that, Lady Karina who was late to join in with the two stopped herself from jumping with an awkward look on her face.
Well, Princess Sistina and Sera's scolding time would have waited for her if she did jump.

"Mia, hoping for a snow rabbit."
"Nn, leave it to me."

Nana carefully scooped out snow in her hand and requested Mia to make her a rabbit model out of snow.

"Snug snug~?"

Tama who's piggybacking me hugs my head while purring.

"Tama, get down. You're troubling Master."
"Tama can't~?"
"I don't really mind."

Scolded by Liza, Tama asked for my permission while looking dejected so I gave her the ok.

"Satou, will ancestor king--Mito-sama come along too?"
"Yes, but she's got some business to attend to this morning, I think she will join us in the afternoon."

I replied to Princess Sistina as she looked around.
Looks like she wasn't present when I invited Hikaru while she was going out.

"Satou-san, as ordered, I've told that side we don't need the carriage coming for us."
"Thanks again, Zena-san."

Zena-san who had gone ahead to the city's gate with Flight magic came back.

"Well then, let's get going once Sera-san is here."

I gaze at the kids playing with snow after saying that.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"No no, don't worry about it."

After a bit, Sera who had dressed herself came down the airship.
Apparently she dislikes cold, thus she was going to go out in thick clothing, but after I told about the perfect effectiveness of my magical temperature control with, she went and changed to light dresses.

I didn't use the magic during our trip to the eastern snowy Kiwolk Kingdom since I wanted us all to enjoy snow kingdom to the fullest, but I'm using the magic here since wearing thick clothing would hinder our mobility.

"Well then, let's go."

I told the girls and stepped forward toward the city gate beyond the snow field.





"Icicles~?"
"It kinda looks tasty nanodesu."
"Ahaha, wanna try putting strawberry syrup on it and have a taste later?"
"Nn, blue calpis."

The kids are laughing while reaching out to the icicles hanging on the windows and roofs of houses here.
Mia seems to like it blue.

"But really, it's pure white desuwa."
"This is what they call blanket of snow."

Princess Sistina replied to Lady Karina.

"It doesn't look like there's a stall in this season here."
"Instead, there's lots of home stores around."

The doors and windows are small so these houses look like private houses, but there are signboards drawn with pictures signifying dinery and bar hung on the front doors.
I wonder if the fact that there's a lot more rental library than other countries here is due to Sage's Tower?

"Is that perhaps the main temple?"
"The holy mark of God Karion is carved on the front wall, that must be it."

Sera answered Zena-san's question.
Karion Main Temple is a building that looks like ice.

It's not actually made of ice, the building is built with crystal reinforced with earth magic.

"Sparkly~?"
"It's transparent nanodesu!"
"A building made of ice desuwa!"
"Well, there are people who cross over galaxies with a spaceship made of ice after all, no surprise here too right?"

Arisa said so while mentioning an episode in a space opera about a great man that founded a democratic nation.
She herself intended that to be a joke, but since Pochi, Tama and Lady Karina seemed like they were about to believe her for real, I told them that this was made of crystal.

I went inside the temple with the girls.

"I thought it'd be full of priests, but there's a surprising number of scholars here."

Just as Arisa said, there's lots of priests and scholars here.
Including the priests, most of the people coming and going out of the temple are wearing gray robes, so it's hard to tell them apart.

"Apparently there's a library deep inside the temple, you see."
"Hee, do you think it's open to the public?"
"I wonder?"

Looking at the library's Map, only scholars related to [Sage's Tower] and students studying under these scholars' private schools are inside the library.

"Pink~?"
"If I had to say, isn't it more vermilion?"

Statues made of vermilion rock salt are lined up in the chapel.
Looks like Tama sees those statues as pink colored.

"Welcome to Karion Main Temple, visitors from a foreign country. What do you seek here, recovery, or blessing?"

A gentle-looking male priest came to greet us.

"No, I'm here to take on God Karion's trial."
"T-trial? Do you wish to inspect the library for the 『Pursuit of Truth』? Or do you mean, trial in its 『Truest Sense』?"
"I would love to get the permission to inspect the library, however, I'm here today to take on the trial in its 『Truest Sense』."
"P-please wait for a moment!"

The male priest went back inside in a hurry.
Other temples seemed to have received a messages about me, did this temple not get it, I wonder?

"T-Thank you very much for waiting."

After a while, the priest earlier came back with a strict-looking temple head, several high ranking priests and a young miko.

"Pleased to meet you, 『Challenger of God's Trial』. I'm 『Oracle Miko』 who serves upon God Karion, my name is Maiya."
"I'm Earl Satou Pendragon of Shiga Kingdom. It's an honor to meet Miko Maiya-dono."

Miko Maiya greeted with an earnest look.
This Miko-san and her serious-looking expression would look good in female teacher fashion.





『--O God. O prudent God whom we revere.』

After the same old procedures, I proceeded to contact God Karion with Miko Maiya's lead.

A bright light fell down the heavens to answer miko's call.
It's a pleasant vermilion light.

The ecstatic expression on miko's face turned flat.
She's entered the trance state.

『...What a pain.』

A child voice of unknown gender echoed in my head.
I think that was God Karion's voice, but the line was cut off along with that word.

I caught the falling miko and quickly checked the Log.

>Title [Mark of Karion] Acquired
>Title [One Approved by God Karion] Acquired

I had feared that I failed, but doesn't seem to be any problem.

"...Earl Pendragon."

The sweaty miko-san looks up at me with flushed cheeks.
Quite sexy.

"You must have found God Karion's revelation to be deeply meaningful, haven't you?"

The miko is looking at me expecting for my affirmation, but it's a bit hard to comply to that.
I don't idolize god Karion enough to feel the deepness of that [What a pain].

"The words earlier had the meaning of 『There is only one trial given to those who seek it. Repeating the same words would only waste time, pursue the temple's records』."

The miko quietly spun her words.
She's quite a lively miko considering she just went through a contact with god.

"And the trial is 『Go to Sage's Tower, inside, pick and solve one among the problems that have been left unsolved for more than 100 years.』"

That sounds kind of fun.

I've gotten the mark already so it's not like I've got to do the trial anyway, but it'd be troublesome if they tried to find fault later on.
God Karion might have given the mark to me just as an advance payment after all.

<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.>



"Your excellency, over there is Sage's Tower."

Miko Maiya pointed at a stone-made large tower as her glasses reflected light.
The miko has taken upon herself to show us around the Sage's Tower, but for some reason she's changed her outfit from [Oracle Miko] to [Female Teacher Fashion]. Complete with triangular glasses.

Apparently, it's a traditional outfit introduced by a hero donned whenever she visits the Sage's Tower.

"No matter how you look at it, the character-making is way too much~"
"Nn, excessive."

Arisa and Mia had that conversation behind my back.
Well, I'm actually in agreement here, but the tight skirt looks very much perfect on Miko Maiya, so I have no intention to point out the excessiveness.
Feels like Arisa and the girls would cosplay as one if I carelessly blurted it out.

Inside a building made of stone at the base of the tower, scholars and students are exchanging opinions in the entrance hall and passages here and there.

『According to the documents from Furu Empire's era, the magic circle inside fire wands is--』
『Fundamental differences in mana supply between magic cannons that exist today and magic cannons from Magic Kingdom Lalakie--』
『I proclaim that we could clear up monster dominions without wasting human resources by making use of Soul Art considered forbidden!』
『To produce clean water through water gems in desert areas, the mane of kelpie as a catalyst would be--』

There's a lot of discussions related to military technology for such a place of learning.
It's probably because the close proximity of monster threats here, that military technology dedicated to strengthen city defence feels close to people in a different way than in modern times.

"Pink~"
"There's statues over here too nodesu!"
"They look different from the statues we saw at the temple."

Tama and the girls found rock salt statues scattered in the entrance hall with their sharp eyes.

"From here on is where the scholars are doing their research, therefore I would have to ask for a minimum number of people--"

Miko Maiya told us so in front of a spiral staircase at the deepest part of the entrance hall.
Arisa, Mia and Princess Sistina, aka the researchers, are coming with us, while the other members have been tasked by me to trail-blaze stores that sell tasty stuff intended for scholars and students around the tower.

We climb up the stairs to the topmost part of the tower with miko Maiya leading.
Since Arisa and the girls complained that they were tired halfway through, I created [<<Floating Boards>>] with Force magic and put them on board.

And then we came to a room at the top.

"Miko Maiya, if you're here that means that man is?"
"Yes, Sage Kanryu. This gentleman here is Earl Satou Pendragon, he's taken on God Karion's trial."

The kind-looking old man with white beard appears to be a sage.

"Welcome, Satou-kun. I hope to witness you work out an answer to the unsolved problems here."

Sage Kanryu smiled profoundly as he said that.

Now then, what kind of problems are left unsolved for 100 years?
I would prefer if it doesn't take too long to solve.








Previous Chapter

Shinsetsu Nobu-san Isekai Ki Chapter 56


Chapter 56 Beginning of Mayhem

 

The sun is still high up, the veil of night is still a long way away. Two sisters are unloading goods from a horse carriage at a pleasure quarter in the corner of Gramada.
Once the two are done, they talk to a woman in charge of inspecting the storehouse as they wipe their sweat.

"Ane-yan, we're done with the load."

"Yes yes, Futsuno-chan, Mitama-chan, thanks for your help."

"...We're hugely indebted to Kirishna-neesan, so this much is nothing..."

The woman in her 30s called Kirishna smiles cheerfully at the two. Wearing bold black suit-like clothing that empathizes her body lines, with three fox tails growing out of her rear.

"Fufufu, Mitama-chan you're such a good kid. I'm sure you'll be a good wife and wise mother someday."

"Only Mitama? Ane-yan, how 'bout me?"

"Ufufu, since Futsuno-chan keeps acting like an elder sister, and can't be honest with men, you've got still a long way to go."

"...Correct. Nee-san is always acting behind her mask. I can't think of a man she could open her heart to."

The two are looking at Futsuno while smiling. Futsuno who finds it awkward puffs up her cheeks.

"What's with ye two! Even I could easily get a man or two if I just put my mind into it ok!?"

"My my, you're really saying that?"

"...Un, as expected of Nee-san, so staunch."

"Uuu, you two meanie."

This time the two laugh out loud to see Futsuno like that. While Futsuno herself pouts at the two. It's quite a heartwarming spectacle to happen in the tumultuous pleasure quarter.


Geez, what's with Ane-yan, and Mitama too. Do they really think I'm that dense with men?
...Oh no, I cannae think up a single thing to deny that. It's true, there isn't a whole lot of men I could open up to.
Cannae be helped, I mean with the reasons we got ta flee the village and all. Mugugu, I gotta catch a wonderful husband one day and brag 'im to the two into silence.
Kirishna ane-yan is the manager of this slave company, 『Beastfolk Expansion』. It's a famous store in many ways. The slaves here are of all races but General Human. Customers cannot pick their slaves, only slaves recommended by the manager can be bought out. Ya might wonder how she could stay in business with such an odd custom, but ane-yan store is in fact flourishing. I heard a rival company tried to mimic her method, but it quickly went out of business.
Ane-yan and her insights are capable of finding the right slaves for the right customers. The slaves are educated well and adore ane-yan, so they truly trust in the owners she introduces them to. The store's reputation is the real deal even with the pick-customers part, hers is one of the leading stores in this town.
Ane-yan herself acts like a cool beauty while she's taking care the store, I long to be like her. Yet she has mother-like broad mindedness behind the scenes. One of the reasons we ended up drifting to this town was because ane-yan is a distant relative of our mom. Truly, we're really indebted to her.






There's a shadow of a person looking at the three from afar.

Kukuku, hahahahaha. Found you, finally found you. Fufufufu, ahahahahaha.

The person let out an ugly smile and disappeared into the shadow.




<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.>
◇◇◇



A week has passed since I moved in here.
From my point of view, it was a very eventful week... Special training with Master and Eleanor-san, once it was over, experiments about magic development began. In addition, whenever I could get back home, I had to cram making medicines in my free times. Phew, just when did I bid farewell to my retirement-like depraved lifestyles again.

Right, I've also sorted out the stuff I stealthily borrowed from Jamito. The gold and silver coins amount to around 10,000,000 mani in total, which translates to around 100 million yen. An amount that shook a lower class person like me. I have completely no idea about the jewels' worth. Quantitatively speaking, there are enough to fill up a common small container.
As for the magic tools, Discerning-sensei managed to identify them as such.

Ring of Water Soul
Quality: Excellent - Enclosed Mana: 10/15
Ring that enables user to create up to Lv2 Mana Water by putting in mana. However, it's hard to control for those who aren't used to it. Not a disposable item, it can be reused many times over so long it's supplied with mana.


Earring of Solace
Quality: Good - Enclosed Mana: 5/10
Ornamental magic tool infused with Heal spell. Cast heal if user equips the earring and wishes for it. However, be warned that the Heal only affects the user.


Water Spider
Quality: Good - Enclosed Mana: 9/9
Magic tool originated from the east equipped on top of shoes. Enable user to walk on water. Effective on marshes and mud too.


Lovely Fake Hair
Qualit: Good - Enclosed Mana: 8/8
Magic tool equipped on head. When put on, it can be activated by wishing for its appearance. From afro to mohawk, it can deal with any needs. A gem for those on the brink of baldness.


Bracelet of Scapegoat x 4
Quality: High - Enclosed Mana: 1/1
Bracelet that can take over damage that would have resulted on death of the user once. Once activated, it will lose its effect and disintegrate.


Besides these, there's a number of soul stones inside the magic rucksacks. I haven't tried it myself, but apparently you need soul stones to create magic tools. As the origins of these things would have cast doubt on me, I've put them away along with the jewels. Actually, I've stealthily created a stone hut using magic deep beneath Sefi-san's house. Since it's quite deep down, it should be impossible to dig out without magic. Even with magic, as the thickly made stone hut has been reinforced with my mana, it shouldn't be that easy to break.
I'll gradually take a few of these items over time and make it like I found them in dungeons.


Come to think of it, I should ask Sefi-san about the things Jamito mentioned that bothered me.

"Sefi-san, do you know about slave collars?"

"Yes, I do. Eh!? Nobu-chan, did you want to put one on me? Iya~n, I wouldn't mind if Nobu-chan wants to~"

You're wrong. Please stop your delusions.
Apparently, slave collars are prohibited goods now. Since with one, even a commoner will be able to make more slaves. Amongst slave merchant network, slave crest is used instead.
What I wanted to ask is whether there is a way to counteract the collar. According to Sefi-san, there are.
First, you have to have a resistance against curses. Like Kagura-san and Onifolk in general. But this method depends completely on the individuals, so let's forget about this for now.
Next, put up magic barrier, then deal with the collar somehow while you're resisting. For example, you could apparently break the contract down if there is a vast gap of mana between you and the person trying to activate the collar. But the amount of mana needed is not definite.
Lastly, the slave collar's contract can be annuled by binding yourself to a contract of a higher order. Of course, this also depends on the amount of mana the main contractor has.
Lastly, the slave collar's contract can be annuled by binding the victim to a contract of a higher order. Of course, this also depends on the amount of mana the main contractor has.
Just imagining what could happen if Sefi-san were caught as a slave back then horrifies me. Since there's no guarantee that we won't face similar situations in the future, I should mainly focus on acquiring more mana from now on. Not sure how much I need, and it's not like there's a disadvantage in having much. Which means there are more reasons to increase my level now.



The plan to create new products with the help of Tama-chan's new skill 【Medical Element Mixture】 is still currently on-going.

Tama Soup (Temp)
Quality: High - Enclosed Mana: 30/30
Undiluted solution created from pickling of a Moss Ball carrying the effect of robust nourishment. Since it is too thick, be careful not to take a large quantity of this nourishment.

I might have gone a bit too far, but I do think it's usable if I just dilute it and add flavoring. The ratio and flavoring are the next challenge to tackle for me. By the way, here's how it's made.

Nobusada's Three Hour Alchemy~♪
1: Prepare a big container (about 1 meter in diameter) and thick mana water, have Tama-chan get ready
2: Pour mana into the container till I'm beat
3: Let Tama-chan dive into the mana water
4: Have her take it easy inside for about three hours
5: Scoop out Tama-chan and it's done

Yep, it's got zilch to do with alchemy. Tama-chan is quite multifunctional. For now I'll keep this solution in several bottles and iterate further. I'll have Master and the guys at the guard station serve as my guinea pigs, I mean, assistants in this experiment.


While I was thinking that, the door was suddenly beat down loud.

I looked at Sefi-san, inquiring if we were expecting guests, but she tilted her head in  confusion. The beating sounds are getting more intense, looks like the guest is in a hurry, so I run to the front door.

Opening the door, Mitama who has wounds all over her body is there, looking like she'll collapse any minute. The moment she saw me, she fell forward and clung on me.

"...Nobu, please. Save Nee-san. I don't have anyone else to rely on anymore..."

After saying that, she lost consciousness.
Just what's going on? I laid down Mitama in a guest room and treated her injury with potions and magic while pondering what to do next.










Previous Chapter

Shikkaku Mon no Saikyou Kenja Chapter 193


Chapter 193 Strongest Sage, Refines

 

『Rankine Magic Ore?』

『Yeah. It's a peculiar ore that can be made into 『Rankine Magic Crystal』, a material to create powerful mana bombs... The stuff about it being a building material is, of course, a lie.』

It's clear now why demons went out of their way to employ humans.
Since Rankine Magic Ore would be polluted and turn useless if anything other than humans try to refine it.
Demons can get close to Rankine Magic Crystals produced from the refining of the ore, but the refining process itself absolutely needs humans' involvement.

This property isn't naturally inherent to Rankine Magic Ore, it's a result of the past me casting a large-scale spell that inserted such a property into the ore in the whole world.
If I didn't do that, demons would have completed mana bombs and the world would have been destroyed by now.

『Mana bomb... Is that dangerous?』

『Around one ton of 100% pure Rankine Magic Crystal would be enough to destroy an entire country.』

I looked around the refinery as I said that.
The purity seems to be nearly 100%, but at the rate this refinery is going, it probably produces only around 200 gram a day even when it's operating for 24 hours.

Since there are five refineries of this scale in this town according the the map, in around 1000 days they should acquire a ton worth of Rankine Magic Crystal--the amount needed to destroy a country.

『One ton, one country!?』

『...Since this ore is difficult to refine, it's not easy to pile collect a ton of it. It would take about 15 years to create one ton with this refinery alone... Even so, this facility is quite a high level one.』

Afterward, I look at the machines in this factory.
In order to refine nearly 100% pure Rankine Magic Crystal, one needs very high level facilities.

『Y-you're right, the magic device over there looks really complex... I don't get how it works at all... Don't think I could make it...』

『I can guess its structure somewhat, but it's not something you'd want to make anyway. Tenfold enchanted magic swords are easier to make than that thing.』

Even if Ruli tried to make one with my design and under my supervision, she wouldn't be able to make this level of refinery machine at her current level.
And of course, it's also not something the sub-species demons here could have created.

Either they got a demon with higher level of technology understanding backing them, or they found a refinery machines created by the previous civilization somewhere.
Magic reactors that destroyed the previous civilization also used Rankine Magic Crystal as fuel, thus perhaps there's some refinery machines made for the reactors lying around somewhere.

Judging from the apparatus, it seems the demons have remodeled facilities left from the previous civilization to refine high purity Rankine Magic Crystal.
That kind remodeling is several degrees easier than creating one from scratch.

"You must be new faces. Let me explain how you're going to do refinery here."

A man approached us when he saw us standing at the entrance.
His name tag has 『Factory Manager』 written on it.
The title is factory manager even though this place is a refinery huh.

...This guy is not a demon, he's a human.
I could detect faint traces of demon-like mana from his body, it's probably from a mind manipulation type of spell.
The underling adventurers are only under the effect of 『Thought Dampen』, but apparently, the one guiding those adventurers are completely under mind control.

"Is refining difficult?"
<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.>
"It's heavy labor, but the process itself is simple. However, there's no change to the fact that it's dangerous. Listen well if you don't want to die."

Afterward, the factory manager walks to a nearby machine.
The machine is enclosed within a 5-meter wide barrier, looking heavily guarded.

"First, put ore into the tank on top of the machine and close the lid. Then push the button here and wait about five minutes for the crystal to come out, and then put it into the casket, that's it."

The manager points at the button. There's already an ore inside the machine.
The thing is quite polished as expected of a machine from the previous civilization.
There were probably other machine thats automatically inserted the ore during that civilization.

"What's so dangerous about this?"

"Well... This machine sometimes explodes when you push this button here. About once every 40 pushes. You've got about 10 seconds to get out of the barrier before the explosion,  so you'll be fine if you manage to do that... But there's lots of guys who got used to it and were slow to get out in time. There's already four casualties this month alone. Still safer than the mining group though."

I see, explosions huh.
There's probably a problem in the remodeling of the magic device.
Since the machine itself is sturdy, it should be fine even after eating some small-scale explosions, but the people who get swallowed up in the explosion are helpless.

But still, that's a lot of casualties.
I can see why the town feels gloomy with that many death.
And the refinery group is apparently still safer than the mining group.

Yet the fact that there are still people around in the town must be because of a scheme of the demons. 『Thought Dampen』 is most likely included in it.

We could stave it off with defensive magic, but the demons would definitely find us out then.
Since the effect is supposed to stop you from running away due to 『Thought Dampen』, no need to worry about getting influenced by it so long we don't let our guard down.

"That's it. You can go home once you're done refining all the ore piled up there. Should take around six hours."

The manager pointed at a heap of ore as he said that.
That's quite an amount... But it should be done in three hours if we take full advantage of this refinery machine.

However, they'll suspect us if we finish too fast.
For now, we should take it as long as the manager said.






Previous Chapter

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku 16-51

16-51. Guardian Dragon

 

Satou here. In many of earth mythologies, dragons are said to be equal to gods, an existence that slays gods. That it's been demoted to be a mere [good farming] monster must be because the popularization of home RPGs, no?





"Cross over the mountain range and it's tropic."

This is normal in a world where climate is controlled by City Cores, but I just can't brush off the fantastical feels.
After leaving Tokiswolk Kingdom that had been partially destroyed by vampires, we got out of the long and narrow monster dominion facing north and arrived at Dragg Kingdom.

It's a curiously hot country with subtropical-like vegetation.

"This looks like a good country with lots of meat around."
"Woulda been fun if they were a wee bit stronger."
"I'd love the deck to be a bit wider too."

Liza, Rusus and Fifi who had been dealing with flying monsters that were coming to attack the airship gave their own subjective impressions each.

"Satou-sama, a Ride Beast is coming from one o'clock direction."

A voice came through the speaking tube from the cockpit.
The Ride Beast is most likely coming for us, but I don't think it'll suddenly attack without warning.

I look at one o'clock direction.

--A richly-colored parrot?

According to AR readings, it seems to be a phantasmal beast called Elder Parrot.
Seeing someone riding the parrot, I realize that it's this country's Parrot Rider.

"Looks like they're from Dragg Kingdom to meet us."

I waved at the Parrot Rider while saying that to the speaking tube.

The knight appears to be human at a glance, but he has a lizard tail like that of Liza.
Judging from the scale's color, it's probably a bluescale-kin young man.

Checking the Map, I see that half of this country's population is that of scale-kin. Lots of humans too as usual, but even then they're only 30% of the total.

Following after the Parrot Rider, we arrived at a vacant lot that had been re-purposed into a temporary airport.

"Huh? There's two ships?"
"Did someone other than Meiko come by here?"

There are two airships with Saga Empire's emblem on them moored in the airport.
A medium sized cruiser and a slightly smaller destroyer.

Looking at the raised flags, the cruiser seems to be Meiko's ship.





"--Are you here to laugh?"

Hero Meiko derided herself while pouting.
She looks pitiful with bandages all over her body as she lays on bed.

According to her attendants, it appears that she went and picked a fight with the Guardian Dragon of Dragg Kingdom, the green dragon, and had the tables turned on her instead.
Apparently, she was thrown into the air by earth magic before she could get close to the dragon, then she was shot by the dragon's diffused breath midair, resulting in her current state.

From what I can tell, her condition has gotten quite better compared to when she left Shiga Kingdom back then.
The damage on her Soul Vessel seems to have been restored too, god Parion must have mended it.

"We're not gonna laugh at you."

Rusus and Fifi shook their heads.

"Having the gal to challenge a dragon alone is amazing."
"I don't like you, but I don't hate that battle obsessed part of you."

They pet Meiko's head while smiling frankly, while the recipient herself looks unwilling.

"Good grief, and I didn't oppose you to meet the guardian dragon since you said you wouldn't fight it..."

A droopy eyed civil official moaned.
She seems to be hero Meiko's attendant.

There's other civil official-type attendants around too, but all of them are unfamiliar faces.
Since the previous members were apparently annihilated during the divine punishment, it must have been reshuffled.

A scalekin dragon priestess is also present in this room, but she appears to be a personnel of this country, not an attendant of Hero Meiko.
Her face is well-featured, but rather than beautiful, the word dignified fits her more.

"I wanna have a match too."
"Yeah, you just can't get enough of battles to the limit."

I got a slight headache to hear Rusus and Fifi's battle junkie-like remarks.

"I shall guide you if you wish to fight the guardian dragon."

The dragon priestess easily gave her permission.

"Then, I will too."
"You can't. And the person over there too, please refrain from it."

Liza was eager to take part in it, but the dragon priestess shook her head as she looked at me.

"Why can't Satou and Liza?"
"My intuition."

The dragon priestess replied Rusus's question.

"Were these two fight, dragon-sama would likely forget to hold back."

Even without considering a huge part of the dragon continent turned into barren land because the ancient dragon was too engrossed in its fight against a demon lord, I could really understand what she was saying.
The black dragon Heiron and the lesser dragons at the eastern Siruga Kingdom also go nuts when they fight after all.

"By the way, shouldn't you treat her with magic and potions?"
"Having her raked over the coals like this once a while will be a good experience for her."

I got that reply when I whispered to one of the attendants who also happened to be a Parion temple priest.
Trivially, it seems the idiom of raking someone over the coals has been passed on to Saga Empire from one of the heroes among generations.





"Ain't that a true dragon!"

Rusus's scream echoed in the green dragon's nest the dragon priestess led us to.
Its nest is located at the peak of a sacred mountain soaring high to the north of Dragg Kingdom's royal capital.

Although I had no plan to fight it, I wanted to see the dragon thus Liza and I went with them.

"Will you secede from fighting then?"
"We ain't suicidal enough to fight a true dragon yep."
"It's a 『fight to the death』 instead of a 『fight to the limit』 when yer' up against a true dragon."

Rusus and Fifi shook their head vigorously at the dragon priestess's question.

AR readings indicate that the green dragon is a level 69 true dragon.
Perhaps, it's the parent of the infant dragon that's staying with me.

Liza stepped forward before Rusus and Fifi who flinched back.

"Then, allow me to."
"Like I said, you're not allowed to."

The dragon priestess immediately rejected Liza's proposal.
It's unusual to see Liza dejected.

...Were you really that eager to fight, Liza.

Suddenly, wind blows.

One of the green dragon's eyelids opened languorously.

That eye turned at me and stopped.

『You the human over there. And the lizardkin girl. I could smell black dragon on you.』

The green dragon muttered in dragon language.

Since the dragon priestess here also has [Dragon Language] skill, I can't speak carelessly here.

『Yes, we have just met him at his residence in the black dragon mountain.』
『I see. Is that guy still--』

Green dragon looks straight at me.

『--obsessed with battles?』
『He does love to fight. He was fighting gleefully in the desert the other day.』
『I see. That guy is still the same as always, eh.』

Green dragon squinted its eyes while smiling wryly at my reply.

The green dragon raises its head and begins to sing in an unbelievably clear voice in spite of its looks.

While listening to the wonderful song, I could hear the sounds of rubbing grass.
Flowers around the green dragon are growing rapidly, a variety of rare herbs and pretty flowers are blooming about.
A spring was born in the center of it all, dragon spring sake with sweet fragrance gushed forth.

"--Dragon Festive Song."

The dragon priestess muttered in delirium.

Once the green dragon's done singing, it grew its tongue out and drank the dragon spring sake.

『Have a drink. It's my thanks for bringing news about an old friend.』
『Then allow me to keep you company.』

I took out an especially big mug from my Storage through the Garage Bag, drew the sake, made an air toast and put it in my mouth.

--This is good stuff.

It's sweeter than black dragon Heiron's spring sake, dense fragrance oozes out of my nose from inside my mouth.
The others were also eager to have a drink, so I handed them their own glasses after getting the permission from the green dragon.

The dragon priestess who looked the most eager said, "This will be the temple's treasure!", and held it close in her bosom without having even a sip.

I asked the green dragon if it wanted snack to go along with the sake as my thanks--

『Marine products would be nice. Either fresh kraken or Shell Tuna is fine.』
『I have some kraken with me. But not Shell Tuna, would you be alright with whales?』
『Whales? Do you mean the Northern Gluttonous Fish? Those things eat even my breath, and are quick to dive deep, I'm impressed you could catch them. I've always wanted to taste one. Gimme some.』

I took some huge slices of kraken and whales out of my Garage Bag, roasted them and gave them to the green dragon.
Everyone besides Liza was exaggerating when they were surprised at the spilling plates, but when you talk about dragon spring sake, steak on iron plates naturally has to be there.

We enjoyed the feast with green dragon and went down the mountain came dusk.
After hearing the dragon priestess talking about, "A huge monster that challenged the green dragon and was driven away" while we were going down the mountain, Rusus and Fifi went off to fight with it.
They're true to their desires, or rather, those girls' people sure love to fight.

<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.>



"There's so many unusual looking ingredients here."
"Master, found lots of weird fruits, so I report."

Lulu and Nana said so while looking around the stalls and booths.

Since Rusus and Fifi were gone, I'm currently having a tour around the town with the girls, it's been awhile since the last one.
Since they haven't been in subtropical places like this much, they look to be having fun.

"Unyunyunyunyu~?"
"Hmm, I still don't get what's so good about green bananas."
"Pineapples are very tasty nodesuyo?"

Bananas and pineapples are apparently local specialty here, but unripe bananas are not well received among the girls.
I'll make them ripe enough using the original spell I created in the southern island back then.

I forgot that I had created such magic until Arisa pointed it out.
Many of those magic were made impromptu on the site, and lots were never used again.

"Even if it's local specialty, putting fruits in stir-fry is a bit much..."

Looks like Princess Sistina can't stand pineapples in her sweet-and-sour pork.

"Good food bear no sin."
"Delishlish~"
"Delishas nanodesu."

Lady Karina and the girls who aren't picky about their food savor theirs without any prejudice.
Sera and Zena-san who saw that also went to have a taste.

"Would you like some fruit juice?"
"Thank you. Satou-san."
"I'm sorry, I should have gone to purchase it instead."

Sera accepted her cup normally, Zena-san did so while apologizing.
I'd love for her to be more unreserved in this kind of stuff, but it seems difficult for the serious Zena-san to stop caring about the gap in our positions.

"Satou."

Mia is looking up at me while holding a native dress in front of her body.

"That looks good on you, Mia."

Might as well purchase clothing and accessories native to Dragg Kingdom for the girls.
While we were at it, I rented a room at a random hotel and had the girls put on local fashion.

Of course I've put on tropical clothes myself too.

"Ah, it's chocolate!"

After changing, we went around the town, then Arisa ran out when she saw chocolate drink.

"Ugee, it's bitter."

Arisa frowned after having a sip.

The stall owner asked Arisa if she wanted honey with it while laughing to see that.
Seems like sugar is expensive in this country.

This is my first time drinking chocolate drink with honey, it's a novel idea.
The taste itself is good.

"Master, it's the market over there! They're selling lots of dried fruits there!"

Lulu is in high spirits.

Dried fruits that are relatively expensive in Shiga Kingdom are very cheap here in this country.
Lulu appeared to have a soft spot on [Affordable], she went around one stall after another with Arisa.

I bought a huge amount of dried fruits that Lulu took a fancy on, and shared them with the brownies at the solitary island palace, and Echigoya Firm's folks.
Of course, I shared some to Core Two, demon lord Shizuka, and the former demon lord fox girl too.





"--No suspicious activity huh."

I went to Saga Empire after enjoying our first normal sightseeing tour after a long while.
After all, the person who was acting suspiciously during the vampire incident at Tokiswolk Kingdom was from Saga Empire.

Tactician Touya and the plain-faced reincarnated person who have markers on them are happily managing an alchemy shop together at a town near their hideout.
Looking at their expressions, tactician Touya had this sour look like that of a just-married couple, but the wife, the plain-faced reincarnated person, was all smiles like she was truly happy.
Please, do live on in peace without holding some unnecessary ambitions from now on.

The mastermind behind him hasn't shown themselves like usual.
They're probably lying in wait somewhere while keeping a lookout on me.
Just in case, I'm sending a sesame seed-sized surveillance golem to tactician Touya and the plain-faced reincarnated person's alchemy store.

The new emperor seems to be pretty busy putting up a new system in the empire after his enthronement, doesn't seem like he can afford to meddle with other countries.

After we've finished checking on the administration, we walked down the imperial capital's streets.

I was thinking of gathering info about the rather mysterious Hero Fuu while we were here at the capital.
Since he's not in my Map, he's probably somewhere I don't know about after leaving the imperial capital.

"Satou."

Mia who had come here with me went and hugged me.

"Master, we went asking around, and although lots of people knew about the four heroes, no one had any idea about Hero Fuu."
"Mwu."

Arisa who came back after Mia brushed Mia aside and pushed her own face on my stomach.
I peeled away Arisa as she was sniffing on me, and asked Mia.

"Ask, spirits?"
"Dryad huh..."

I don't mind having a large amount of my mana sucked, but the way she does it is problematic.

"Guess I have no choice."

I reluctantly summoned Dryad, however--

"Don't ask me. I mean, I can't distinguish between humans."

--Thus, she replied.

Even though she could tell if it was me in particular, she doesn't seem to know which one is Hero Fuu.

I had residential officials and civil officials of Shiga Kingdom who stayed at Saga Empire introduce me to scholars experts about Vampires, and acquired their knowledge.
As far as they're concerned, turning someone into a vampire by way of water or insects is just impossible.

Well, the true ancestor Ban and Corpse who live in Selbira Labyrint's lower layer also said the same when I asked them while I was sending Tokiswolk Kingdom's vampires to them for protection, so asking scholars around is just a complement to it.

However, there was a curious exception.

There were records about [Vampire Demon Lord] who could produce more vampires through curses.
Though since the method required an [Artifact] that originated from the demon god along with the demon lord's Unique Skill, we probably don't have to take that into considerations in this matter.
According to them, the hero who defeated the [Vampire Demon Lord] also destroyed the artifact.

"Being told that it's impossible makes you all the more curious instead."
"Hnn, agreed."

Arisa said so on our way back from the scholar's residence.

"For examples?"
"They were bitten by bugs right? Maybe that was the vector that caused people to turn into vampires?"
"Possibly."

Mia nodded at the haphazard guess that Arisa said with a serious expression on her face.
It might be possible if we were talking about normal diseases, but I don't see any suspicious insects through Miasma Sight, and it's not like the vampires here are like their earthen counterpart as they need to do rituals to create more of them in this world.

"We've been introduced to several more scholars, let's try visiting them all for now."

I told the two and went to one scholar residence after another.

Unfortunately, all the scholars agreed that insects and water can't be the source of contagion.
One of the scholars told me that there was a case where a vampire came out of Saga Empire's [Bloodsucking Labyrinth] and escaped outside the empire's territory.
The scholar postulated that maybe that vampire built numerous settlements in monster domains while stealthily increase their number before attacking Tokiswolk Kingdom.

I think this hypothesis seems more probable than Arisa's for this incident.

Checking monster domains inside and around Saga Empire on my Map, there really are several vampire settlements in them.
For the time being, there isn't a single Vampire Lord around.
I ignore the settlements that are living peacefully and report the ones that do problematic activities like pillaging to the neighboring empire's garrisons.

"Oh right! You mentioned a demon lord that records the world's secrets on slates with his Unique Skill before right. Can't we find the culprit on those slates?"
"Good idea."

Mia's eyes are sparkling at Arisa's idea.

"It probably won't work y'know?"

In the first place, if we knew that much, I would have known about the mastermind's identity and location too by now.

"Huh, why?"
"Just like news on televisions, only events that piqued the record keeper's interests are written on the slates."

Only stuff the troll demon lord found interesting are written on those slates, so the information there is quite inclined to one-side.
After finishing our business in Saga Empire, we tried checking on the slates since we might find some info.

"Yup, it's a miss."
"Nn."

Checking the slates, as I thought, there's no important info.

The part about Vampire Lord' atrocities and Rusus and Fifi's thrilling battles were written on around 300 slates, but important info like [Where the vampires came from] or [What was their goal attacking a country] was completely absent.
There are records about Hero Yuki beating the Land King that hard turned into undead at Sania Kingdom before the Vampire Lord part, but there is nothing written after the Vampire Lord part until Rusus and Fifi's arena battles.
Looks like Rusus and Fifi are the most recent favorites of the troll demon lord.

As it all depends on what the troll demon lord find interesting at the time, these slates are only useful for additional stuff that "we're in luck if it's recorded."

Well, from this investigation I can almost safely conclude that my fear about the vampire incident being "A plot by someone hiding in the darkness of Saga Empire" to be unfounded, so it's time to get back on clearing trials.
As for the investigation about the goal of Saga Empire's royalty found dead at Tokiswolk Kingdom, I've forwarded the written report about it to Shiga Kingdom's king and prime minister through Hikaru, I'll leave all additional investigations to them.

If I don't limit my involvements to [Catastrophes that are out of the local people's hands], I'd be gradually burdened with more things I need to do, eventually turning it into a literal death march.

Now then, next we're heading to the city-state Kariswolk where the main temple of God Karion resides, also known as, the [Sage's Tower].

I'm looking forward to touring the [Sage's Tower] more than the trial itself.



※ Next update is planned for 6/17







Previous Chapter

Shinsetsu Nobu-san Isekai Ki Interlude 4


Intermission 4 Gilui's Northern Bar

 

Clank clank

The door closed while making a pleasing sound.

Finally got my important free time after today's work's done. I felt like enjoying my time in a quiet bar, so I went to one my coworker told me about.
Ah, I'm Kyle. A humble guard of the west gate that may or may not be a key figure there.
Just right when the evening bell rang to signify I could go home for today, total-commander caught me and made me go through a special training overtime.
Geez, I always get overtime the entire week whenever total-commander is around. My body's screaming y'know. If I had to go do that special training, might as well do it with Eleanor-san, I woulda work hard then. And then she'd invite me to a dinner... Mufufufu.
Oops, no no, gotta drink quietly today.

The store interior is dimly lit, but this calm atmosphere is perfect for drinking slowly. As it's still early in the evening, there's a few customers inside and only one at the counter.
Oh, I 'mite as well sit at the counter. Sipping my glass while listening to the barkeeper is how adults have their drink, yep.

"Welcome. What would you like to have?"

The mustached barkeeper with dark green uniform asked me at the perfect timing right as I sat. He looks familiar somehow, but I can't put my finger on it. Ah, well.
Looking at the menu, there's quite a lot of liquors. Some I've never seen before. What the heck is 1UP Oozeki? Why is it drawn with a green mushroom, what a mystery.
I found some with 『Cold』 mark on the menu. When I asked what they were about, apparently, the barkeeper just procured some nice ice blocks from his acquaintance, so he's got some drinks that's been cooled well. That sounds good for my sweaty body, I ask for a cup of cold ale.

Afterward, a stone cup was put on the table, and the barkeeper poured cold ale into it.
Sipping it down, my flushy body is cooling down. I reflexively chugged it all down. Whew, can't believe just having it cooled could make it taste unlike anything I've drunk before. In the first place, just where'd he get all the ice when summer is fast approaching, but I feel like I'll lose if I delve too deep. Either way, I'm a lucky guy to have this chance. I ordered another cup and looked around the store.

It's dim cause there's only a few lighting, but by no means it's unpleasant, in fact, this quiet atmosphere is probs what makes it perfect for slowly drinking booze. Looking around, all other customers are also enjoying their drinks calmly.
The customer sitting next to me is... Huh? Don't I know this guy?

"That you... Nobusada?"

The haggard battered out-looking customer turned out to be the aspiring adventurer I met before, Nobusada. I couldn't tell that it was him at first. How do I say it, he's got this tragic aura around him.

"Oh, Kyle-san... it's been awhile. What's the matter?"

"That's my line, what's up with you? You're like some veteran at the window on the verge of retirement, what happened?"

"Do I really look like that? Haha, well. The training with Master and Eleanor-san have been really tough these past few days..."

Apparently, he recently suffered an embarrassing defeat to adventurers, thus Master who heard about that put him through some intense training regimen. Like how he's been training, heating up together with Eleanor-san for hours on end.

"But, ain't that nice. Eleanor-san is in your constant attendance the whole time rite'? What more could ya ask?"

I regretted saying that right afterward.
Because Nobusada began trembling so hard the counter was saying, I thought it was a quake. Then he's staring blankly into space with a pale face. Did I make him recall something?

"No no, please stop already. Eleanor-san, look my face is bloody all over. Please stop thinly cutting up my skin with your fists. Hiii, stop aiming at my neck. Ouch ouch ouch, itchy, it's too fast I can't see you swinging your fists anymore. Eh, don't look, feel? No way no way, it's impossible. Give you my left cheek since you're done cutting up my right? No no no, help mee~~~~~~~~"

"C-calm down. My bad my bad. I shouldn't have asked that."

Nobusada is quivering while tearing up. My impressions on Eleanor-san have slightly changed. Just what kind of training did she make him go through with?
T-think I should change the topic here?

"I mean, look. You're gonna train with her for a long time right. Which means you're gonna get to taste Eleanor-san's homemade cooking yea? Ain't that something to be glad for as a man??"

Nobusada suddenly stopped trembling like, pita! Then he makes a really hard to describe expression. It's like expressionless that comes after going beyond terror. Like he's reached an enlightenment.



<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.>
◆◆◆



It was a hair-raising experience.
Eleanor-san asked me to teach her how to cook the day before yesterday.
I wonder if there was something that changed her mindset? She's becoming unusually proactive once I started living in Sefi-san's mansion.
But I have to repay the favor for training together with me. I smiled and consented to teach her.
According to Eleanor-san, she's been practicing cooking for a while now but it's never turned out well.
Thus I made her make a simple sandwich first before challenging the harder ones. You simply need to cut up the ingredients and piece them together. That's all, so there's almost no chance for her to mess up.

With my guidance, she sliced the ham, cut the cheese and put them between the bread.
She had no problem making scrambled egg either, or rather, she's proficient at it. How could it turn out bad with this?
While that question crossed my mind, she shredded the prawn and put it in between along with the cut cabbage.

And here's the finished product.

Eleanor's Sandwich Plate
Quality: ??? - Enclosed Mana: ???
Combined sandwich that has been loaded with with Eleanor's devotion.
An excellent article that's been influenced with goddess's protection.

Tettere~♪ Discerning Magic Eye leveled up.

Hm? Having Discerning-sensei leveled up is nice and all...

But there's something on it??? I can't see its quality???

While question marks fly about on my head, Eleanor-san is staring at me with a serious look. She must want me to sample it.
I stuffed the ham cheese sandwich into my mouth while feeling a bit uneasy.

…………

BAAAAAAAAAAAAM!

Such an impact stimulated my taste bud. And then, as if rushing in after that, various things assaulted my tongue. Sweet, bitter, spicy, sour, salty, stinky, ouchy, heavy, painful!!!!!!!

B-but how!? How'd it come to this with those ingredients and process.

Tettere~♪ Resistance: Poison has been liberated.

W-whaaaat!? Just what's happening here?
Eleanor-san is looking at me anxiously. Not good, she'd definitely cry if I don't chow this all down.
I steady myself and put the sandwiches into my mouth one after another. Taste? My taste bud has been completely paralyzed already, I can't feel no nothing.

Tettere~♪ Resistance: Paralyze has been liberated.
Tettere~♪ Resistance: Confusion has been liberated.
Tettere~♪ Resistance: Instant Death has been libe...

Once I finished everything, I smiled at Eleanor-san... and fainted just like that.

Afterward, apparently Master who just got back home found me twitching on the table and carried me to the temple to get a treatment. Looks like Master had gone through a similar experience before, thus he was able to quickly deal with my situation. After I was healed, Master apologized looking deeply apologetic, as I could only wryly smile.

I appraised Eleanor-san who had come to visit me and found one thing that Discerning-sensei couldn't see before.

【Protection of Hadin】
Proof of divine protection given by Goddess Hadin that rules over death and destiny. Greatly increase physical ability. However, any cooking made will be granted abnormal status-giving effect, this is always active. The abnormal status effect will be worse the deeper the affection. One theory states that it might be because Hadin is extremely bad at cooking.

Oh look, another no-goddess.

I explained all this to Eleanor-san who was apologizing in tears. 'That protection on me?', she was surprised and then felt dejected when she heard about its effect.
Huh? But with how bad the abnormal status that afflicted me, am I allowed to consider that she's quite fond of me?

"Please don't worry about, it's not your fault Eleanor-san. Let me be in charge of cooking. I'll make anything Eleanor-san want, okay?"

She was cheered up somehow with that. And then I realized too late how embarrassing that line was.
You there Master, stop grinning you!



While recalling that, Kyle who's stopped moving is looking at me with a worried look. Oops, not good. I spaced out while we were talking.
I break the silence by chugging down my cup in one go.

"Oy oy, sure you could chug it down like that? I ain't gonna carry a dead drunk man out with me, ya hear."

"Ah, this is 100% fruit mixed juice, no problem there."

"You're tellin' me that ain't booze!?"

Thanks for the punchline. But there's no rule that states you must drink alcohol in a bar ya know. Even Milk will do.
But well, I wouldn't drink something like this if the bar owner weren't Boss-san's little brother, Gilui-san. In the first place, I wouldn't have entered a bar as a non-drinker. I came here to deliver ice per Boss-san's request.
Besides, there's times when I just want to relax. That day, I exchanged talks about trivial stuff with Kyle while ordering more mixed juice bit by bit.







Previous Chapter

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