Sousetsuka

627 Spur of the Moment Customer

I didn't walk far to find Dongoro Workshop afterward.
Outwardly it looks like your run-of-the-mill house. Except for a lone signboard next to the front door.
It was nothing like I imagined which took me by surprise.

"Was sure it's gonna be a huge workshop but this looks just like a quiet private home. I was bracing for trainees running around all over the place along with constant yells."

All the workshops I saw in this country so far were all old school-er than old school like that.
But I haven't heard anything like it once I arrived at this central area.

I opened the door bracing myself for the unknown.
The inside is 4.5 tatami mat big room with a lone table in the center.
There's a door in the back. Must be staff only beyond that.
There's no chair, ornament or painting in the room. Only white walls and nothing else.

I couldn't come up with a reaction and could only stare in a blank amazement.
Not for long though.
A dwarf came out of the door in the back.

"What? A customer? Whaddya want? I ain't got time to process a new order. Best I could give ya is this form. Make a reservation and write down your contact info here."

"Ah, I heard this is the best workshop in this kingdom. I'd like to have my weapon looked after if possible. Could you take a look."

"Fumu, yeah that should work without an appointment me think. Hold on a bit. I'm gonna check on the schedule."

The dwarf shopkeeper left the room.
I did have to wait. But a room this small with nothing inside is suffocating.
It's white wall everywhere you move your eyes. The silence is deafening.
I have no idea why a place that's supposed to be a workshop is this quiet but I chalk it up to some sort of soundproof magic device.
Which is a relief cause this whole town would be hard to live if it was full of those clanks clinks.

"Kept ya waiting. Follow me. I got no more work today. I'll examine yer' stuff myself."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"You have my thanks."

Thus I got in the door following what seemed to be the shopkeeper.
There's a five meter long straight corridor beyond that small room, with rows of doors lining up left and right.
There's one last door at the end of the passage. The man led me there.

"Go on in. Take a seat anywhere and wait."

What greeted me inside was a furiously burning furnace yet I couldn't feel the heat. Is this another magic device?
Looking around, I saw hammers, anvils, saws, tongs and a table with an unfolded blueprint. Not to mention all sorts of tools an amateur like me can't fathom.
The room is quite spacious.
Swords, armors are hanging on the walls without a gap between them though I'm not sure if they're finished or not.
Thanks to this, the room feels cramped despite its size. The armors are especially intense.

"I've brought ya tea. Let's take it easy. Oops, right forgot my introduction. I'm Dongoro. This workshop's manager."

That surprised me. Having this kingdom's best craftsman accept a request from some random customer who popped up out of nowhere like me is way too sudden.

"Err? Aren't you busy? Besides, don't you have to make a reservation first at this workshop? Can the top man himself really accept a rush order?"

This question is necessary. Normally you don't take a rush order without reservation like this. By this workshop's top guy at that. I might understand if it was some underling.
Like getting his trainees to learn how to deal with customers or something.

"Ain't like yer privy to our internal conditions, are you? Then who cares. Weird chap. Got few customers I took orders from whenever I was free before ya, but none of 'em missed the chance to bite on it right away."

Is this due to my personality? Or my Japanese-ness showing? I'm getting worried about this workshop's internal.
But I am not qualified to criticize nor is there a point. Might as well ride this fortune.
I'm a stranger to this workshop. A customer. What's the issue with getting fast tracked.

"Then, I'll take you up on your offer. You don't mind if I put it on this table right?"

Thus I fetched my katana from my magic bag.

Previous Chapter

Just a Bit More

『GUVABYAA!!』


Black Dragon swung its claws sending mana blades toward Alma's side.
Each blades clearly contains enough power to kill all of us.


"Farslash! Shoot them down, no dodge! Dooodge!!"

"E, uh, can't, dodge--"

"Tch!!"


Reina and Hiyoko tried to absorb the attacks but unlike breaths, those blades have far higher explosive power, it can't be done!
They couldn't react fast enough because my instruction was delayed so I Fast Travel-ed them to safety instead.
Damn, Remote Fast Travel is handy but it uses up way too much mana. Calling them back here doubles that amount.

The ground where they were at exploded and glowed red. Like a volcano eruption.
The nearby ground also started exploding one after another, it was like the picture of hell. Blocking that would instantly evaporate you.

Black Dragon's status may be stupidly high but no Farslashes can output that much power.
It must be the effects of Master Skills. Looks like breaths aren't the only attack we have to be extra careful about.


I called back Alma's group with Fast Travel to resume our battle.
They were dumbfounded from the sudden teleportation and the erupting ground.


"Hiee, the ground is burning and melting...!"

"We'd have been dead if we stayed there."

『Pihie...!』


The three grimaced in terror.
How long must we go on with this super close call of a combat...?


"Kajikawa-san, I don't think we can deal with that by ourselves."

"I know, I know. Just one hit and we're toast, yet none of our attacks make a dent. There's no winning this fight."

"That's why we should call for backups. We might be able to hold it off for now, but at this rate..."


Yep, all it takes is one slip up.
Fast Travel may afford us emergency escape at a moment's notice but it'll be checkmate for us the instant we run out of mana potions.


"But you know, is there even anyone who can hold their ground against this thing?"

"...Mom and dad, or Neora's party."

"Alma's parents can't break away from their battlefield. They're fighting monstrously strong magic beasts over there. I could bring them here by force, but everybody else there would be killed off."

"What about Neora-san?"

"Not an option either. Apparently demons have taken some brainwashed people hostage. Him leaving or Fast Travel-ing those people will force them to take their own lives."

"Uwaa, that's just the worst. Might be an even worse hell than us in a way."

"That said, we can't exactly run away either. In the few minutes it takes to have a toilet break at our inn room, this Black Dragon is gonna shoot out breaths randomly, changing the landscapes in all directions at dozens of kilometer scale."

"Leaving Black Dragon be will spell doom to this continent. It might even set its sight on other continents."

"So we really gotta beat Black Dragon-san on our own... Kinda asking for waaay too much."


Yep, it is.
I thought I'd gotten plenty strong. I really did.
In reality, I can barely defend myself against that stupid lizard.


"Do you have a plan?"

"...It's gonna take a bit more time."

"Are you planning to wear Black Dragon down?"

"No, we shouldn't expect that. Demon King is apparently supplying him with mana and stamina continuously. Probably an ability of Tame Skill or something."

"So you're saying we'll have to wear down both Black Dragon and Demon King's mana and stamina?"

"Yeah, but it's no good. We'll run out of gas first."


At the very least, Black Dragon definitely won't run out of his mana and stamina before us.
...Damn that Demon King, why'd he go and prepare such an annoying pawn.


"But then, how are we even supposed to win?"

"...I know things aren't looking up but just bear with it for now."

"Are you waiting for something?"

"Yeah, it's gonna turn the table on him but it needs more time in the oven... Oh crap, incoming breath!!"

"Geh! Hiyoko-chan, let's do it!"

『Cluuck!』


Reina and Hiyoko absorbed the ambush breath.

However


"Ugwuuu...!!? I, it's more powerful, than ever...!"

『Cluuuuuuu....!?』


Black Dragon finally used Qi Clad to boost his Attributes further.
His breaths naturally became more powerful which made absorbing them harder.


"Haa!"


Alma shot an Offensive Magic spell at the remainder of the breath attack, narrowly stopping it.
Not good, these breaths went from easily being handled just by the two mascots to all three working together to stop one.
How'd we even supposed to take a break now.


"Anybody hungry should eat now! I'll distribute portable ration while you fight!"

"But what if it comes right out."

"Don't, swallow it back."

"I'm gonna get an upset stomach."

"Bear with it. Fust (just) aliffbiffmore (a little bit more)."

"You're seriously gonna eat while fighting!? Heck, I can't decipher your words!"


I focused my attention to the battle while nibbling on a calorie bar.
It's drying my mouth but I can't afford to care about that now.


『GAVAAAAAA!!』

"! Rapid Breath! Dodge!"

"I-it keeps coming one after another!"

"Hiyoko! Absorb and shoot back at those breaths! You too, Reina! Alma, throw off Black Dragon's aim with Gravity Magic!"

"Got it!"


I flew all over the place while stopping the breaths with Remote Mana.
This darned lizard just had to power up now after all this time.


『Va... aa...!』


...? I'm hearing a groan, could he be suffering.
No, his State is still the same as before, his HP has barely budged too... Must've been the wind.




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~~







"The chief of this continent's demons awaits inside."

"...."

"This is as far as I can take you, quite a shame. Ufufu, please enjoy yourself."


We reached the interior depth without encountering any trouble.
...What are they scheming, really.


"Release the hostages, don't you dare forget."

"Yes, of course. Look over there."


As the female demon pointed, the purple flickers in the hostages' eyes grew dimmer before disappearing entirely.


"...Ah?"

"Huh, wh, what? Where, am I?"

"Dad, where are you?"


Checking the confused people's Status, the brainwashing really have come undone.
...Didn't expect that. I was sure she'd go, 'It's just work don't think bad of me. They'll have to die.'


"Well then, that will be the end of my role. You may go on ahead."

"...Aren't you scared I'm gonna kill you once you've released the hostages?"

"Oh I don't mind. My role has always been 'guiding hero to interior depth.' I don't care if me or these hostages are dead or alive as long as I have accomplished that."


This demon....
She sees not only the hostages but herself as nothing more than pawns.


"What is your goal? Shouldn't you try your hardest to keep this continent's chief alive and prevent Demon King castle from manifesting?"

"Yes, yes, you're exactly right. However, there is no sidestepping that end. No demon can stop Hero (you) anymore, nor can you be sealed, brainwashed or bound... How very vexing."


The demon glared hatefully with a hint of sorrow in her tone.
...Has she always known that the chief is going to be defeated regardless? I really can't get a read on this demon.


"Is that everything you wanted to ask?"

"There's a magic circle with a massive enough scale to destroy this continent in this hideout. What are you planning--"


"Ka, ha...!"


"...Eh?"


The female demon coughed up blood while I was asking.
A blade popped out of her chest.

A familiar looking sword stabbed her from behind.


"I already destroyed that crap. Sheesh, y'all so slow."

"You're...!?"

"Alancyan...!?"


The darned brat, Alancyan Brat, scowled as he said that.
Wasn't he supposed to be brainwashed like those people. Heck where'd he been gone off to.

The female demon asked with a mouth full of blood.


"You, couldn't, have been, trying, to destroy, the magic, circle, all this time...?"

"Ha, a parlor trick only possible cause yer' too damn incompetent to count your hostages."

"How did, the brainwashing..."

"I ain't saying."


I'm guessing he must have broken free with 'Mana Control'.
Kajikawa-san mentioned how 'Aizawa-kun has been making his moves in a half-brainwashed state'.
...Guy's pretty handy.


"Oy, okama. Go beat the demon chief inside, get on to it. I'mma take those hostages away."

"I'm no okama! Heck, why'd you even come here for!"

"Quit yer noisy yappin'... I don't hafta to tell ya 'bout that stupidly strong monster's presence outside, do I. Ya need to get outta there and help."

"Ah? You mean Black Dragon under Demon King? That's--"


"Hahaha, cough, a, ahahaha...!"


Just before we got into a debate, the female demon started sneering.
Her crazed laughter sends a chill down my spine.


"The hell yer' laughing for. Ya gone insane from dying or somethin'."

"Haha, hahaha, oh, do pardon me. Who could, have, thought, everything went, exactly as."

"Hah. Who said all that crap about not caring and dying. Look at you now. Pathetic."

"Ahahaha, gaha, hahaha, I can't, believe, haha, I can only, laugh."


She kept laughing eerily all while coughing up blood. But, she's nearing her limit.
She let out a very faint whisper at the very end.


"To think, everything truly went according to plan. Demon King, with your majesty, this world, will..."


Her voice was even quieter than a rat's dying scream yet it echoed vividly in my ears.
...Just what was her deal anyway.


"...That was unsettling. She made it sound like me breaking the magic circle was the plan all along?"

"Or it might be just her being a sore loser."

"That true?"

"...Beats me."


What was that female demon thinking when she said that.
Or to what extent is Demon King's plan. There's no end to speculating that stuff.
It's creepy... I'm worried we're gonna end up in a situation with no turning back if we keep this up.

Yet, I can't help with the battle outside if I don't beat the chief quickly.
I must do what I can do right now.


"The heck yer' spacing out for. Go beat the crap outta that chief already."

"Yeah yea. 『Valorous Fusion』."


I'm gonna go in already fused.
Levia and Olivier glowed before they fused with me.
What came out of the light was the usual bombastic bodied beautiful girl (me).
Ah geez, I can never get used to becoming a woman. It's gone breezy again.


"Now then, let's get this show on the road... Hm?"

"...."


That Aizawa brat is staring hard at me with a dropped jaw.
What's even that face. Flehmen response?
Ah, right, he's never seen me in this state.


"What are you looking at. Just so you know, I never asked for this appearance."

"........You, really are a girl?"

"No I ain't! I get to be like this if I use the Hero's Secret Move!"

"...Ah, err, sorry for calling you okama, my bad."

"Shaddup!"


I've got loads of things to tell him, but I'm fed up already. I'm just gonna go defeat that chief and be done with it.
...Oy, the heck you're blushing for, gross. Heck, what about Alma, you.

Previous Chapter

626 Just as Imagined? No, Not Exactly

"Hi there, so what business do you have in this country?"

That's the gatekeeper's question for me. The checkpoint inspection isn't particularly strict.
Thus I give an honest answer.

"I'm here for sightseeing. Also, I wanna do maintenance on uh, this weapon I have."

"Have you decided on which workshop?"

"Ah yes, I'd like to drop by Dongoro Workshop if I could."

"Oy oy, that workshop is this country's best you know? I get you're going for their prestige, but even if you manage to get a reservation, you're gonna have to wait a year. You sure?"

"Ah, is that how it is. Well, I've got nothing to lose trying. I could always look for another place."

"I see, then just one thing. Mind showing me that weapon? Just to be safe."

I wonder if this gatekeeper asks that to test if I'm lying or not.
Not like he can immediately tell that here and now anyway, but I guess it's something that needs to be done.
I offered no resistance and fetched my katana from magic bag.

"Oh a magic bag, are you a merchant? I suppose that doesn't matter. May I take it? ...This is, incredible. Alright, good. Let me see your ID."

I showed Second Class Pass and got in trouble free.
The gatekeeper was shocked at the pass like usual but he immediately focused his attention to the next person in line.
I can tell the guy has been trained well.

I took a good look of the dwarf kingdom.
It's got a semicircle rampart wall with a huge mountain in the back. For a kingdom, I don't see a castle anywhere.
Lively voices of what I assume to be merchants could be heard, shouting at their disciples, here and there.
There's plenty of food carts in the streets with many dwarfs eating and drinking booze.
But the moment I entered a workshop area, sounds of clanking hammers filled the space.
A busy bustling city of craftsmen. That's how I would paint this kingdom.
But, it's just that.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(Why is it steam punk-ish? Moreover, it's...)

Coulomb castle. Steam punk nine dragon castle.
Where am I?

"Where have I wandered into? Isn't this a world of sword and magic? ...There won't be mechs and guns popping up soon will there? Please no."

I feel like I'd get lost right away if I keep wandering randomly. Yet the streets are nicely ordered and there's plenty of guideposts around.
Only the buildings look like they're randomly positioned, the streets themselves are well regulated.

I referred to a guidepost and decided on a direction.
Onward to Dongoro Workshop. I bought three pieces of BBQ Spits along the way lured by the fragrant aroma.
They had a thick flavor which parched my throat but I couldn't find any place that sells water. All of them offered booze instead.

(Oyyy, why's everything booze and more booze!? I mean sure that fits the bill and all!)

Left with no choice, I entered an alley and grabbed my own water barrel from magic bag.
Knowing it looks out of place, I quickly tidied it up once I was done.

(Asked a food cart uncle for water, only to get 'Why'd ya drink flavorless stuff like that. Ya want booze! Drink booze!'...)

That uncle's face was tinged red, he must have been drinking. In fact, every single dwarfs in vicinity looks like that.
Dwarf Kingdom really doesn't miss the beat huh. Booze for life or something.
It's a difficult place to be for a normal tourist. I mean asking for water only to get served booze is just whack.
Hope the inn is normal. I wished as I made my way deeper.
Since I come from the rampart wall, the direction I'm going takes me closer to the center of the kingdom.
Apparently Dongoro Workshop is there. As I kept looking around and taking in the sight, the mountain that could be seen from so far away gradually seemed even bigger up close.
As it turns out, the closer you get to the center, the more ordered the buildings become.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Hard Close Fight No Mercy

『GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!』

"Incoming breath your way! Reina, Hiyoko!"

"On it!"

『Cluuuuuuuuuuu!!』


Half of a breath attack aimed at Alma was absorbed by Reina's repeated slashing while Hiyoko absorbed the remaining half.
They then shot out the captured energy away from Black Dragon to avoid it getting reabsorbed.


"Alma! Make him heavier!"

"Got it!"


I have her add weights to Black Dragon with Gravity Magic, restraining him.
The effect is diminished by Black Dragon's Master Skill but it's still significant enough.

As he desperately flapped his wings to avoid crashing down, I readied a High Powered Pile Bunker strike.
I'm using an adamantite ingot as its head not a mass of mana though.
He might be able to absorb magic-based attacks, but a physical object should work.


I shot the super heavy ingot at Black Dragon, producing a canon-like sound in the process.
It packs enough firepower to gouge out an average magic beast with the slightest touch.


『Goau!!』

"...Dammit, he blocked it."


But the ingot got stopped by 'Dragon Scale' Skill before it hit the main body.
I'm not sure if it's gonna deal enough damage even if it reaches though.
Guess I really should give up going on the offensive and focus on defending instead.


『GAVAAAAAAAAAAA!! AAAAA!! HYAVAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』


Black Dragon shot out a barrage of black scales like a slugshot.
He can do that!?


"Incoming scales! No dodging this! Shoot them down!!"

"【Grand Blade】!"

"【Death Blade Barrier】!"


Alma blocked the scales with a giantified blade, while Reina put up a spider web-like barrier made of thin mana thread.
Each and every scale has an incredible penetrative power. Blocking them is no simple feat.


『GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』

"Breath! Hiyoko, turn big and absorb it! Don't forget Energy Buff!"

『Cluuck!!』


My hands are full just from barking orders.
The slightest delay could be disastrous. I can't look away even for a moment.


"Alma, recast Support Magic! Speed Up!"

"Un!"

"Hiyoko! Stop Black Dragon's ramming attack! Put all your energy into your Strength and kick him with everything you got!"

『Cluuuuuck!!』

"Reina! Put up a smokescreen as a distraction!"

"Yessire!"

"Hikaru! I need mana refill!"

"You got it!"

『Cluuck!』

"Say what, you're hungry from using up too much energy!? Ah geez, step away for a bit and eat your lunch box!"

"Kajikawa-san, I gotta go to the restroom for a bit!"

"Ah, same here but my hands are tied now, you go and do my share too!"

"How does that make sense!?"


It's so chaotic I don't even know what I'm saying.
Anybody but me can take a short break, but there's no way they can take on Black Dragon if I'm not here.
Meaning, I gotta stay here until the very end. What is this sweatshop hahaha.

...I do still take toilet breaks though.
Eh, why don't I just dump it straight into Item Screen? ...I feel like I'd lose something important if I did that, so no.


『VYAGAAAAAAAAVAAAGIAAAAAAAAAA!!』

"Shut up will you! Eat this!!"


I drove High Powered Pile Bunker on 'orichalcum splinters', sending them flying at Black Dragon like a shotgun shot.
They pierced through Dragon Scales but did virtually no damage on the main body. It's like getting hit by tiny gravel if we likened him to a human.

Damn, I knew it. There's no way to get out of this situation without a real finisher.
Is it not done yet, is it? Please finish it asap!




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~







"Curses! We cannot hold them back...!"

"How could three mere little girls possess such power...!"

"Who you calling a girl dammitall!
'Saint Laser'!"

"Ugiaaaaaa!!"


We made our way deeper into the hideout where the chief-class demons should be lurking while mowing down more and more demons.
...I'm used to it with people, but I can't believe even demons would misgender me...

No wait, this is no time to feel down.
Gotta beat that demon chief and destroy the continental destroying magic circle!


"Hero, sama."


Just as I was about to dash off, some unfamiliar voice called out to me.
No, I think I've heard this voice before, but where...?


"...Eh?"


I turned around and saw a long purple haired beauty with a sword in hand, pointed at me.
Isn't she the captain of Continent 4 Anti Demon Army...!?


"Hero-sama."

"Hero-sama."

"Heero-sama."

"Hero-dono."

"Hero."

"Hero."

"Hero."


W, what the hell...?
An armed group of people with hollow eyes are creeping toward us.
These people, are they, humans?

Familiar purple-colored flickers could be seen in their hollow eyes.
That's, the same thing I saw on the brainwashed Kajikawa-san...!?


"N-Neora-san, they are...!?"

"They don't seem like demons mimicking humans, but they're acting weirdly. Actually, are those small kids mixed in there...!?"

"Don't hurt them, you two! They've been brainwashed with a Skill!"


Levia and Olivie were thrown into confusion as they tried to stop the brainwashed people.
Dammit, upon a closer inspection, there's non combatants and even children among them. They don't discriminate huh.
This group likely consist of this continent populace as well as anti demon army folks and adventurers.


As I was contemplating how to deal with them, the brainwashed people opened up a path.
Someone walked in this direction in that path... A blue skinned woman? A demon huh.


"Hi, nice to meet you Hero-sama. How do you do?"

"...The hell, are you."

"Oh tut tut, don't make that face now. Smiles fit a girl best, smile for me~."

"I'm a man, dangit!"

"...Eh?"

"Don't you 'eh?' me! I'm tellin' you, I'm a man darn it!"

"O, okay. I'm sorry?"


Stop that, don't look genuinely apologetic there! You're only making me sad!
How could this demon take it wrong too!
Really puts a damper to this serious situation...


"Ahem... Let's have a retake. My mighty and cute hero-sama, you will go with me to the interior depth if you wish to save these people."

"...What's your game?"

"You think I will answer?"


...An invitation from these demons? What are they scheming.
There's around 50 brainwashed people in total. I can just Mark them and Fast Travel--


"Ah, right. Try and take these people away with that Fast Travel of yours and they will take their own lives altogether."

"Wha...!?"

"I have given them the instruction to cut their own neck the moment they are teleported. You don't want to act rashly, now."


Dammit! They foresaw everything!
...What do, the plan always involves going into that interior depth, but there's no telling what's waiting for us there under these demons' guidance.
Fleeing is out of question, these demons are gonna kill the hostages, yet we can't just follow them...


"Neora, let's do what she says for now."

"We are left with no other option. We cannot abandon these people."

"...Right."

"Ufufu, you have my gratitude for making the right choice. Over here if you would."


I sighed as I followed the female demon.
...She's grinning and acting flippant.


"Get us there, onee-san."

"Ufufu, oh I shall give my utmost."

"Ah, also, let me just say this."

"Hmm? What is the...!?"


I concentrated my energy into my eyes and glared at the female demon as I spoke.


"You will free all hostages once we're there. Walk back on it and I'll beat you up until you plea, 'Please just kill me.'"


"Fu, fufufu... Oh yes, I shall take it to heart... It's no wonder you're the antithesis of Demon King-sama."


She dropped her facade and sweated for a moment before immediately putting back her flippantly attitude.
That served nothing but my ego, but at least I've got one off her.
Well, I won't show any mercy if she broke her promise.


"...You really are similar to that old man."

"Eh?"

"L-Levia-san, that's a bit rude. He's not as scary as Kajikawa-san."


...Looks like these two equate that man to monster.
Can't believe they think I'm imitating Kajikawa-san when all I did was giving a rather stern warning. Guy's really a symbol of fear...

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

625 Carelessness, Thoughtless, Foisting

I've gotten used to air trips by now. Griffon seems happy it could be of use to me, no sign of it hating.
The mountain is already right in front of us even though it's supposed to be quite far from the coliseum city.
The road that should have taken several days traveled is over in a jiffy thanks to Griffon ride.

"Oh, think that's it? Seems like it! Let me down over there, Griffon."

I looked for an open spot near the road leading to the Dwarf Kingdom and instructed Griffon to go down there.

"Thank you, Griffon. Oh, good boy. I could have legged here on my own, but I had enough of running the other day."

There's also the potential of meeting other people which could lead to another mess.
But Griffon takes me by air. There's nobody along the way, and the beautiful scenery helps destress me.

"What's your plan now, Griffon? Wanna come along with me for a little bit more? Dunno if there's gonna be a checkpoint, but maybe we can walk together until it's in view?"

I suggested that to Griffon as it rubbed on me.
Griffon is such a spoiled kid, it wouldn't miss any chance to rub its body on me. Maybe it's still a juvenile despite being so big.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
Griffon strides happily, 'Kue kue kue kue~' with me on its back.
It created a ruckus among travelers taking the road to Dwarf Kingdom.
I just blurted that suggestion willy-nilly. Rather thoughtless of me.

(Griffon looked so cute I couldn't help myself~. I should have known better.)

This much attention is gonna invite trouble for sure. Maybe I might as well speed it up and go faster?

As I was about to give up, the end of the road came into view. There's a checkpoint. Dragon statues made of gold.
Two of them are placed in front of the gate to look like guardians. They look so alive I almost believed they would breath fire anytime. Their presence is so overwhelming even Griffon is cowering.
I got down Griffon's back and thanked it.

"Thanks a lot. This is far enough. I'll show up again whenever I need something later. See you."

I brushed Griffon's neck as I said that. 'Kue!', Griffon cried once before jumping up and flying back to its turf.
Travelers, merchants and other who witnessed our exchange opened up a path for me out of fear.

(Oh? Looks like Griffon made for a good deterrent, nobody's coming closer. Things are looking up?)

I forgot that this usually means, the trouble would pop up somewhere else.

I've gotten used to curious looks from people and would take that over them messing with me in a heartbeat.

Thus I waited for my turn while taking in the sight of the dragon statues.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Bring It On

『GURUOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』


The roar was intensely loud. Ear splitting. Physically speaking.
How do I say it, it's like I could feel a hint of awareness in his roars back then, but it's completely off the rockers now.

The stupidly loud roar was brought by a stupidly big black dragon clad in thick fog.
There are ominous-looking patterns all over the dragon's black body alongside random thorns popping here and there.
His eyes are red the color of blood, and his fangs look toxic purple it's the perfect picture of an evil dragon.


Menu, display his Status.


Dragon: ★Dark Divine Dragon

Lv91

State: 【Arcane Dragonized】 - Tamed (Demon King <<Souma Ryuta>>)

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：１８６９７/１８６９７
ＭＰ：９７８０/９７８０
ＳＰ：７００６/７０４１

ＳＴＲ：２０３９９
ＡＴＫ：２０３９９
ＤＥＦ：２０００１
ＡＧＩ：１０７８４
ＩＮＴ：４１２３
ＤＥＸ：２７１５
ＰＥＲ：７０９８
ＲＥＳ：９９９３
ＬＵＫ：３１

【Skills】
Dragon Lv10
Martial Arts Lv10
Ultimate Martial Arts Lv10
Fang Arts Lv10
Piercing Fang Arts Lv10
Claw Arts Lv10
Sharp Claw Arts Lv10

【Master Skills】
Dragonic Emperor
Aura Mitigation
Aura Heal
Vital Tusk
Diamond Fang
Far Flame Claw
Disaster Claw

【Unique Skill】
Mana Devourer





All his Attributes have majorly shot up. Kinda curious about that low Luck though.

<<A Status-possessing living being will have their Luck Attribute lowered if they slaughter other living beings of the same race.>>

Slaughter... Don't tell me this dragon had been massacring other dragons to raise his level?
He must have gone on a leveling spree on that dragon-ruled continent. I should have gone there too. Uh, not like I got the time though.

He also got a ★ displayed next to his name. Just like Hiyoko, he must have evolved into a Unique Magic Beast, no, a Unique Dragon.
That new Unique Skill is proof.

<<Unique Skill [Mana Devourer], a Skill that nullifies and absorbs all mana-based attacks such as Offensive Spells, or Skill Abilities of Swordsmanship Skill and turn it into user's life force. Kajikawa Hikaru's 'Mana Blade Rev' and 'Mana Pile Bunker' are likely not exempted.>>


...This is the worst...!
That's one hell of an ability this darned oversized lizard got now of all time!


"Bad news, that darned lizard is now impervious to mana-based attacks...!"

"Eh... So like, magic and farslashes won't work?"

"Not only that, even abilities like Mana Blade don't work. Heck, it'll only get absorbed and heal that lizard instead... Crap, we got way fewer options now."

"Wh, what should we do?"

"...Reina, Hiyoko, you can absorb breath attacks but don't shoot it back at Black Dragon. He's only gonna reabsorb it and make things worse for us. Alma, you support me with Gravity Magic just as planned."

"Gravity Magic isn't absorbed?"

"Apparently he can't do it as well when it's formless. It may not heal him, but the effects will be diminished."


Presently, the only way to deal damage to this darned lizard is physical attacks boosted by Energy Control and that Meat Cleaving Kitchen Knife.
That knife's attack power randomly and constantly changes though, I shouldn't count on it. Heck, I dunno if that small knife is even gonna work on something that huge.


『VAGYAVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』

"...Here it comes!"


No choice, gotta make some big changes to our plan.


"I'll engage him in aerial combat! The plan is to keep him occupied for a whole day, we're gonna buy as much time as we can!"

"Eh, a whole day!? There's no way we can!"

"Ah, we'll be taking breaks someplace else with Fast Travel, feel free to tell me whenever you need a toilet break."

"U, un..."

"Kajikawa-san, you're too relaxed, I'm losing tension..."

『Cluuck...』


Now then, we should focus on defending and forget about attacking for now.
I'm counting on your support Menu-san, get ready to Fast Travel us away when things get too dicey to dodge.

<<Affirmative. Commencing support prioritizing Kajikawa Hikaru and his party safety.>>


『GYAVAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』

"Bring it on you darned lizaaaaard!!!"


Roars and screams filled the vicinity.

Despite this hot blooded exchange, what's gonna entail is a snail paced battle. Yep.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~





Hi, hello, it's Hero here.
...Other than lacking sleep a tad due to all the threats to my chastity during the last few nights, I'm as peppy as ever.

I think Levia and Olivie are charming girls in their own rights yet nobody dared to creep into their bedrooms, mysteriously enough.
I'mma dump anyone who even dared in a danger zone full of S-ranked magic beasts.

So yeah, despite their existence, I've been getting at least two, three men trying to get in my bed every single night.
I been telling 'em I'm a man (etc.)
No wait, did they think they'd get off light precisely because I'm a man? No no it's heavy. A felony. I'm the hero you know. Death penalty.
...I'm so done with all this talk.


Gonna pull myself together and sort out what we have on hands.
It's the fifth day since the war began. We recaptured towns and areas controlled by demons at super high pace.
Thanks to Kajikawa-san's utterly merciless strategies, those demons were all annihilated.

...There are several towns that got rained on by toxic blood and became uninhabitable. What are we gonna do about that later.

<<Oh you can neutralize that much toxin with a wide area purification magic cast by priest types just fine... Will take three days done by a dozen of priests though.>>

That's a lot of work.
Don't destroy the environments if you could help it please... Guess it's too late.


We're heading for the demon's hideout while other capable combatants are handling high S-ranked magic beasts that popped up all over the continent.
According to Radia, the entrance to this hideout is hidden in a rocky area under an illusion.

Looking at the Map Information Kajikawa-san sent me, that intel is apparently right on the money.
Heck, there's no telling where the exact entrance is with just that map info, would have taken up our time. Nice one, Radia.
...I'm told his older brother left behind this intel in his dying breath. Heavy, it's way heavy, Radia. I'm gonna treat him to a meal later.


An hour after we started searching, we found the entrance and slipped in successfully.
The illusion was apparently made with a technique that could fool even Menu.

<<The intel Kajikawa-san's Menu (Defau) only showed a range of area where the entrance is for some reason. This illusion was made with an alien technology... Could it be some sort of otherwordly magic.>>

Otherworld, what?
So it's 'something' brought back from that famous 'Floor 21'?

<<That's the likeliest explanation. Demon King's past self, Souma Ryuta was someone who returned from Floor 21. He likely brought back other items besides the alien object he used to reincarnate himself which should be under the current Demon King's possession now.>>

Isn't that real bad.
His Status is already hopelessly beyond strong, throw in that kind of wild cards and there's no way we can plan ahead.
Kajikawa-san told me 'It's probably gonna be okay', isn't he kinda optimistic for no reason...

<<I mean we could always use our own alien objects. We received that 'a medicine vial that endlessly supplies sex-change pills', wanna use one?>>

No ain't wanna! What the hell is even the point!
...Why do I have that kind of thing in my Item Screen even. Did I just take whatever back then...?


"Haah, sheesh... Ow."

"Whoa there, don't daydream and walk. Careful now."

"Ah, sorry."

"...Hm?"


I bumped into someone as I took a turn while sighing.
Someone, who?


"Ah."

"Eh?"


A demon of course.
Yup, it's a demon's hideout after all. Of course there's gonna be plenty.


Oh crap.


"I-intruders!! All hands, to battle statiooooon!!"

"What!? Do not let them escape! Kill them aaall!!"


Darnitall!! Busted cuz I got lost in thought about stupid things!
Ain't got no choice, bring it on y'all!


"...Another forceful takedown by Neora."

"I don't think there is any way to avoid it in this situation..."


Stop it, don't look at me with those cold eyes, you two.
I'm gonna be careful next time, promise. Everything's gonna be okay if we just exterminate them all.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

624 Taken a Liking

It's still early in the day so I was deciding between wandering in the city or going to see griffon in his forest.
It took no time at all. I have no more business in this city.
I retraced a familiar path toward the exit.
I got lost for a bit before arriving at the same gate I took to enter this city.
I got past it without any issue and entered Acceleration, dashing off right after.

I ran for a while until a forest came into my view.
I undid Acceleration and went in. It's been smooth sailing so far. I plan to ask Griffon for a ride to Dwarf Kingdom.

(I did promise I'd pop up again. Oh right, I promised my mother I'd send her a letter. What do...)

Is there even a mail service in this world and where? I think there's one, but then I've got another problem.

"I don't know my village's name."

Or rather, I never made an attempt to find out. I'm never coming back there after all.
Nevertheless I'd like to send my parents a letter at least. However.

"Well, I can always do that later. Not like I'm in a hurry or anything."

'I'm gonna find somewhere to settle down first', I thought as I shoved away that idea in the corner of my mind.
I made my way to Griffon's turf inside the forest.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I came across a familiar face long missing along the way. Chimera.
It seems to be having a blast inside the forest. It's dirty all over but it doesn't seem hurt anywhere.
Chimera snuggled on my leg like usual as it 'meow'ed.

"Ooh, I was wondering why you never showed up in the coliseum city, you took a liking to this forest huh. I'm glad for you. Are you gonna settle down here?"

'Meow', Chimera replied. It really seems to have taken to this forest.

"Guess this is goodbye then. That's so nice. You found yourself a nice spot. I'm envious. Here here, have a rubdown. And here I am, still with a shaky future."

I kept brushing Chimera all over. I carried the purring Chimera in my arms as I resumed walking to where Griffon is.

Eventually I arrived at an open spot in the middle of the forest. But I didn't see Griffon anywhere.
I sat down on a tree stump and waited. All while playing with Chimera in my arms.
After some time, Griffon came down from the sky. With a tag on its neck of course.

"Yo, here I am... Hm? Have you gotten bigger?"

I walked up to Griffon and rubbed its chin. Which made it clear to me that it did get bigger since the last time I saw it.

"You grew up? Or did you regain your actual build? Either way, I'm just glad you're doing well."

'Kuee', Griffon cried and rubbed its head on me. From someone else perspective, it must look like it was trying to crush me. But in reality, Griffon is just acting spoiled.

"Griffon, do you mind letting me ride on your back again? I want to go to that mountain over there. Can I count on you?"

'Kuekku!', Griffon gave a firm reply. It's weird how I could tell that translated to, "OK!"

Thus I departed on an air trip riding on Griffon with Dwarf Kingdom as my destination.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Preptime for Decisive Battle

It's been five days since the war began.
After using up every tricks we got up our sleeves like instant reinforcements via Fast Travel, ambushes by Special Job holders, and snatching up the magic beasts the demons were raising, we managed to drive those demons into the corner.

I resorted to a lot of nasty methods in order to end the war asap.
Like say, raining down Jormungand toxic blood over magic beasts under demons' control while being careful not to hit allies.

The area affected by those rains won't be habitable for some time. But there was a great need to kill every demons in all those places.
I don't think I made the wrong decision looking at our situation now. Eh, what happened you ask?


Oh you know, just the remaining demons going on and sacrificing their magic beasts through 'Melt Fusion' to produce all sort of powerful magic beasts.


Aren't these demons way eager about using Forbidden Magic. Do they even know the meaning of 'Forbidden'? Eh, they do and use it anyway? Die.
Dunno how many beasts there are exactly but I'm guessing there's around ten.
Every single one has the capability to end the world, the so called 'Apocalyptic Calamity' class beasts.

Hero-kun and I would have beaten them up if only they were bunched up in one spot. Sadly they're scattered all over the continent, we can't just do that.
Some of them are also in areas our Fast Travel can't reach yet, meanwhile this continent will be destroyed if we don't do something quick.

Alma's parents, Sword King old man and Juurou-san will deal with one each while the training members, aka Hyula-san, Ganan-san, Radia-kun, Rasfin-kun and Baredo while take care of the rest.
Of course that's nowhere near enough manpower, so we're having other Special Job holders to get in action too.
'Egoless Archer' Aina-san, the eldest of the trio sister's Fifraila, axe wielder-line of Special Job, 'Decapitator Axe' Kyaranonno-san, and the Anti Demon Army commander in chief, 'Penetrating Spear' Morittsugeit.
Each and every one of them is humanity's strongest, yet all of them together are barely a match against those beasts.

Eh, isn't there an unfamiliar name in there? I dunno her either.
Kyaranonno-san is a red haired axe wielder around my age.

That trait might make her sound similar to Hyula-san but her looks and personality are the exact opposite.
Like, if Hyula-san is a berserker that throws herself in the midst of combat, this person is the calculating commander type that works best leading a group.
...Heck, she's scary. She speaks with formal and polite speech yet it's unsettling. I don't wanna get near her if I could help it.

That's about the gist of it.
We're lacking personnel despite all these humanity's strongest but I can't really complain.


Everything could have been settled if I and Hero-kun were there, but it just can't be done.
First of all, Hero-kun has to deal with demon army executive class as soon as possible.

One thing was made clear from the Map Screen expanded by the brainwashed Aizawa-kun.
A magic circle. Drawn by humans with Magic Tool Creation brainwashed by demons. A spell formula of a massive proportion.


According to Menu Analysis, there's a high chance it's a formula for a 'Super wide continental scale destruction magic'.


I always thought these demons are all about making humans go extinct with no interest in destroying the world itself, but it seems I'm mistaken.
According to Menu, if this formula were to be finished, the entirety of Continent 3 would turn into a scorched earth which could potentially affect other continents as well.

There's not much time left till the formula's completion.
We've got to destroy it as quickly as humanly possible.


The reason we only managed to find that out now was thanks to Aizawa-kun undoing half of his brainwashing and giving me the intel.
He managed to coat half of his head with mana when the brainwashing was weakened over time and regained a degree of freedom over his body while letting his Status to still show Brainwashed.

What are you even doing getting yourself brainwashed now of all time. Get ahold of yourself Aizawa-kun.
A me that thought of that existed in the past. I'm a fool, guy's a real champ.


The plan is to have Hero-kun and his party Fast Travel to the hideout where Aizawa-kun is held and destroy the formula alongside the executive class demons there.
You might ask why didn't we do that sooner, but the demon who did the brainwashing had been leading those humans through their smaller bases of operations for days. They only arrived at the main hideout today.
...This demon trekked quite a long road. Sure got it hard.

I'll leave that side to Hero-kun. It's on you, Hero-kun.
I also gave him a hint or two about what to do after he dealt with the executive demons. The plan might go awry if I told him everything so it had to be vague.


As for our role, it's the most dangerous of all.

Black Dragon is heading for this continent yet again.
A powered up version at that.

I was planning to end things up before it could transform, but it's got Arcane Dragonize already activated.
Tch, blast that Demon King and his prudent nature.


Only one piece of equipment didn't make it in time.

The accessory made with Gravity Crystal I gave to the material shop granny was delivered to me.
This stuff is worth ten million en, I super hope it's worth that much, granny.

I used 'Weapon-evolving Candy' I got in the dungeon on Alma and Reina's weapons.
I was initially planning to wait until Alma's weapon evolved first, but we don't have that kind of luxury against the incoming evolved Black Dragon.


The hammer was nearing its completion, I only had to wait a little bit more but there's just no time.
...I can't blame Julian. He was working on it to the point he was skipping sleep and dinner, but it was just too hard to process.
Ain't got no choice, I'mma beat him up weaponless.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

Let's have a look at our Stats before the decisive battle.
Gotta confirm what we can and cannot do.


First thing first, Alma.



Almatina

Lv65

Age: 16

Race: Human

Job: Master Paladin

State: Normal

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：１８１１/１８１１
ＭＰ：１４０１/１４０１
ＳＰ：９８７/９８７

ＳＴＲ：１１３０
ＡＴＫ：１１３０（+１７００）
ＤＥＦ：１０００（+２３４０）（+３７０）
ＡＧＩ：１０２２（+４００）
ＩＮＴ：１１１９（+８００）
ＤＥＸ：９６０
ＰＥＲ：１１３７
ＲＥＳ：８７６
ＬＵＫ：１３４１


【Skills】
Swordsmanship Lv10
Celestial Swordsmanship Lv4
Dagger Arts Lv3
Martial Arts Lv10
Ultimate Martial Arts Lv7
Throwing Lv6
Magic Swords Lv8
Offensive Magic Lv10
Intermediate Offensive Magic Lv9
Spirit Magic Lv5
Support Magic Lv7
Space Magic Lv3
Kenpo Lv7

【Master Skills】
Aura Mitigation
Double-Tongued
Needle-point Thrust

【Gift Skill】
Cooking Lv1

Equipment
Lv3 Deity Eating White Blade
ＡＴＫ+１７００　ＩＮＴ+８００

Kyuubi Leather Body Armor
ＤＥＦ+２３４０

Typhoon Boots
ＤＥＦ+３７０　ＡＧＩ+４００

Magipile Earring
MP Auto Restoration (Strong)

Safety Earring
Grant Status Abnormal Resistant

Gravity Crystal Ring
Grant Unique Skill 'Gravity Magic'

【Titles】
Superior Slayer
Fearless
Reckless
Living on the Edge
Magic Beast Killer
Magic Beast Genocider
Demon Slayer
Skill Master
First Paladin
Spirit User
Executioner
Embodiment of Fear
1000 Wall Breaker
Beyond 2000
To the World of 3000
Crossing the Sea of 4000
At the Sky of 5000
Counting 6000 Stars



There's no big change to her Status itself.
Her Attack power is conspicuously higher thanks to the random stat up from eating a whole bunch of 'Whimsical Seeds'.
I thought they would taste bitter considering their green peanut-like looks but Alma said they were 'sweet and tasty'.

I gave it a bite. Turned out it tasted kinda like green tea chocolate.
I gave most of these seeds to the girls, better than nothing at least.
I'd love to farm more in the dungeon but we've got no time.

Her 'Dragon Eating Black Sword' evolved and saw a huge upgrade.
It got this much stronger over one stage, if only it got two stages... That thought crossed my mind, but this is plentiful already.
Its Self-Repair ability has been upgraded too. Any chips will get immediately restored while it only takes a few minutes to restore itself from getting snapped in two.
It can also drain the HP of enemies it cuts, healing its wielder's wounds in the process.

The Kyuubi Body Armor is made from leather of that Kyuubi BBA.
Gen-san's so skilled he made an armor out of otherwordly material.


The main attraction is the 'Gravity Crystal Ring'.
It's probably gonna be our main force in the aerial battle against Black Dragon.
Supports and perhaps distractions from Gravity Magic should help a great deal.

Letting the girls fight in the frontline carries too much risk against an opponent so far above their strength.
Hence, they're gonna mainly act as supports from a safe distance.


Next up, Reina.


Reinamiure

Lv61

Age: 15

Race: Human

Job: Kunoichi Full Moon

State: Normal

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：１４１０/１４１０
ＭＰ：９３７/９３７
ＳＰ：７３６/７３６

ＳＴＲ：７９１
ＡＴＫ：７９１（+２０２１）
ＤＥＦ：７７９（+１９２０）（+１５０）
ＡＧＩ：１３１３（+２００）（+２１４）
ＩＮＴ：６８３
ＤＥＸ：１０２９
ＰＥＲ：１１７３
ＲＥＳ：８６８
ＬＵＫ：１６７８


【Skills】
Dagger Arts Lv10
Bosom Dagger Arts Lv4
Martial Arts Lv10
Ultimate Martial Arts Lv6
Stealth Lv10
Assassination Lv3
Ninjutsu Lv7
Throwing Lv10
Kenpo Lv5
Trap Lv4

【Master Skills】
Death Blade Barrier
One Second of Your Life Left
Hundred in Thousand
Aura Mitigation

【Gift Skill】
Sewing Lv1

Equipment
LvMAX Lightning Emperor Dagger [Heavens]
ＡＴＫ+２０２１

Kyuubi Leather Black Clothes
ＤＥＦ+１９２０　ＡＧＩ+２００

Darkness Tabi
ＤＥＦ+１５０　ＡＧＩ+２１４

Safety Earring
Grant Status Abnormal Resistance

【Titles】
Superior Slayer
Fearless
Reckless
Foolhardy
Living on the Edge
Magic Beast Killer
Magic Beast Genocider
Demon Slayer
Skill Master
Kunoichi
Eloquent
Executioner
Assassin
1000 Wall Breaker
Beyond 2000
To the World of 3000
Crossing the Sea of 4000
At the Sky of 5000



There's no big change with her either.
Her AGI is conspicuously higher due to randomness of Whimsical Seed (etc.)

Her dagger reached its final evolution, now with a stupid amount of ATK power.
On top of that, its ranged attack draining period now lasts as long as one minute from 10 seconds previously.
She can then unleash the absorbed energy to call upon a thundercloud that rains down lightnings.
...Fighting someone who can summons unavoidable lightning strikes from the sky is a scary thought...

Reina is gonna be a support as well.
She's to absorb Black Dragon's breath with her dagger, protecting Alma while simultaneous attacking with her lightning and Master Skills.
Well her most important role is emergency escape with Shadow Dive if it comes down to that though.


Hiyoko saw nearly no change to the last time, so I'm skipping her.
She's protecting Alma alongside Reina using a mix of 'Balloon Body' and 'Eat Beak'.
I might even ask her to throw down against Black Dragon.
...She's really grown into such a reliable kid.


Lastly, me.



Kajikawa Hikaru

Lv88

Age: 25

Race: Human

Job: ERROR (Unidentifiable)

State: Normal

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：５５１０/５５１０
ＭＰ：３４３５/３４３５
ＳＰ：２３１７/２３１７

ＳＴＲ：３９５９
ＡＴＫ：３９５９（＋？？？？）
ＤＥＦ：３９４２（＋２３４０）（＋２００）（＋？？？？）
ＡＧＩ：３９４４
ＩＮＴ：３９６２
ＤＥＸ：３９５０
ＰＥＲ：３９９１
ＲＥＳ：３９１５
ＬＵＫ：３９１５


【Skill】
※Unobtainable※

【Titles】
Superior Slayer
Fearless
Magic Beast Killer
Magic Beast Genocider
Demon Slayer
Demon Destroyer
True Demon Slayer
Miracle Healer
Embodiment of Fear
Great King of Terror
One Who Defies Reason
One Who Overcomes Death
Executioner
Otherworldly Crosser
■■■■
TTTョFLYE
1000 Wall Breaker
Beyond 2000
To the World of 3000
Crossing the Sea of 4000
At the Sky of 5000
Counting Stars of 6000
Up the Stairs of 7000
Tying to 8000
Over the 9000
Undying 10000
Eloquent
Glutton
Disciple of Fierce God
Brave Preemptive Stopper of Final Catastrophe
Brave Stopper of Final Catastrophe
Susanoo
Heracles
Thor


Equipment
Kyuubi Leather Body Armor
ＤＥＦ＋２３４０

Platinum Cock Gloves
ＤＥＦ＋２００

Magic Boots (Added Curse - Elemental Combustible Engine)
ＡＴＫ＋？？？？　ＤＥＦ＋？？？？

Safety Earring
Grant Status Abnormal Resistance

【Resource】
???????



There's no big change asides from my brand new body armor and some weird new titles.
I mean, I got like ten level higher which boosted my Attributes but that's nothing new.

Susanoo, Heracles and Thor apparently give me Attack boost if I have a particular weapon type equipped.
Susanoo is for anything bladed. I don't use 'em tho'.
Heracles is for bows. I don't use 'em tho'.
Thor gives an attack boost for Hammer-related weapons. My great hammer is still in the making so I don't use it though.

...The hell's up with this row of half-baked Titles.
Thor does look usable, if only I got my great hammer on me.


That's about the gist of it.
All we need to do now is wait till Black Dragon is here.



『GWUOOOOOOOGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』



...Speak of the dragon. Pipe down with the roaring, will you.
Now then, he may have gotten a lot stronger, but he's still not quite Demon King's level.
Let's beat him up and grab all the meat.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

623 One Swing Knife

Beautifully ornamental armors, swords and shields. There are also practical ones with no extra flairs.
The inside of this store would tickle a boy's mind. Seeing all kinds of weapons and armors is a feast to the eyes.

I looked for a man and found him resting his chin on one hand with a disgruntled look at the counter.
Dunno if it's because he couldn't land a deal with the knife earlier or something else.

"Good afternoon. I'd like to ask something, may I have your time?"

The man quickly swiftly turned his demeanor around and put on a merchant smile.

"Oh yes, how may I help you? Are you looking for something? Allow me to help you find it. We also accept custom order if you wish."

"Are you selling knives made in Dwarf Kingdom?"

"Oho, you're aware about that? We have just sold the best one among our new stock. But we have plenty of other knives made in Dwarf kingdom. Like these ones here. They're all fine knives, don't you think?"

I could tell he's not going to let this chance go by how swift he put three, four knives on the counter.
But this merchant has a good eye. I think these finely adorned knives are the real deal. Even amateurs like me can tell they're expensive stuff.

"Won't all this fine engraving on the blade affect the durability?"

I asked while pointing at a knife you could mistake for being ornamental.

"They're all made by the best and most famous dwarfen workshop in the kingdom, we guarantee not only their durability but their unmatched sharpness as well!"

"Hee, what's the workshop called?"

"It's Dongoro Workshop. They're best at everything be it ornamental, industrial or smithing! There's only one item forged by its best craftsman, Dongoro every year! Such masterpieces are usually snatched up by the royalties or the rich however, so we don't stock them here. But I assure you these knives are the genuine articles!"

Apparently this man is the store manager. He struck a deal with that workshop personally and managed to stock up items made by the apprentices working there.
They're not fake for sure.
Even the ones made by apprentices are clearly first rate stuff. They can't be fake.

"All the struggle I took to get this far... Uuh, my legs are giving out just recalling that time..."

Apparently he had to keep going back and forth between this city and the Dwarf Kingdom until he landed a contract which took him years.
There's only two stores that managed to have a partnership with that workshop. One of which is this store. I'm sure that's quite an accomplishment.
However, they made him promise not to spread the news.

"I can only talk about it to those who seek out items made by this workshop. I'm prohibited from taking the initiative to inform my customers as well."

That's one weird term for a contract.

"But not like anybody would know nor is there gonna be an evidence even if you break that term, right?"

"...Please don't look down on me, dear customer! I may be a merchant but I still have my pride! I will never! Break the terms of my contracts!"

As it seems, he can claim he stocked the items from Dwarf Kingdom but not name the workshop.

"But you look real displeased before I called out to you?"

"Ah, you saw that. What an embarrassment. So you see, the customer who bought our best knife said, 'Hmph, who cares about all that stuff.' so of course I'm not pleased, oh not at all sir! Knives made at Dongoro Workshop, even by the apprentices, fetch a pretty penny! The prices we put on that straddle a fine line between affordability and the workshop's prestige! Yet that customer tried to drive a hard bargain! Argh!"

Looks like this manager is eager to spread the name of Dongoro Workshop. To the point he's barely making a profit from their knives.
The customer must have said something that hit a nerve.
They clicked their tongue when they couldn't haggle and the manager had to bear it in resulting in pent up frustration.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"How do I go to the Dwarf Kingdom? Which direction?"

I made myself sound like I'm interested. I'm here for information. For direction.

"Ah, that's easy. You see that mountain range over in the direction of the magic coliseum? That's the place."

Looks like Dwarf Kingdom is equal mountains. The classical take.

"Thank you for telling me. Ah, I'm buying this knife."

As thanks, I decided to buy the simplest most practical unadorned knife.

"Sure thing. This is also Dongoro Workshop-made so it's pricier than ordinary knives, can you afford it? It's one gold coin, see?"

Average knives usually go for three silver coins, six tops.
Wonder how much the swords I sold off at the Trade Center would go for as second goods. No, forget about that.
Then again new swords must go even higher.

I fetched one gold coin and handed it over. The manager said, 'Thanks for your patronage!' and gave me the knife.

"This knife doesn't actually come with a sheath. But you can have one as a bonus."

The manager gave me a leather sheath for free.
I didn't actually mind laying it bare but I gratefully accepted his goodwill gesture and left the store.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Practice and Negotiation

Sheesh, I've finally gotten a grasp of the entire picture by night time.
All the crucial members besides Aizawa-kun and that female captain are accounted for, I guess we can give it a passing mark.

The loss on our side is by no means small but it's not at a level where things are irreversible.
I mean, I don't want to lose a single life no matter how weak or strong they are. I just mean that the people that have crucial roles are all safe, you see?


I forcefully brought Hyula-san and Ganan-san here with Fast Travel.
They complained about it since they were in the middle of tailing demons when I did, but I told them that I have those two Marked so I'm always informed about their movements.
Meaning, tailing them is a waste of time. I need these two to go to another battlefield and get back to work.

They still seemed worried about Aizawa-kun so I told them that I could always retrieve him with Fast Travel if things went south.
Actually, it's weird how that guy fell for the Brainwashing just like that.
Could he have taken what I told him, 'I know where you are no matter where you run', seriously and purposely got himself brainwashed to act as a spy? ...He's being too rash if so. Heck, we've got that female captain in demons' midst already, there's no need for him to get his hands dirty.


I had Rasfin and Baredo march with Souma to take down demons in their path as well as liberate towns.
I told them to call for help when needed. I bet they won't though.

After all, they've got a herd of magic beasts under their commands, including several S-rank tier ones.
Our opponents may possess an equal amount of forces, but they should be no match to Souma and his high level Tame Skill leadership.

Rasfin and Baredo have also learned the basics of Energy and Mana Control on top of Julian-made weapons. No average demons can match them.
It would ease things up in endgame if these two could gain some more levels. Let's see.


I thought I could finally get some rest at night, but nah.
What else is there to do, you ask? Of course.


A practice match with Oni-sensei, problem?


I'd love to have a break during the war but I already played truant for half a month recently, he'd kill me for real if I broke my promise so soon...





『Guruu!!』

"Oraa!!"


Our fists hit each other. The shockwave produced blasted throughout the Monster Mountain Range.
The sound might travel far to the Industrial Town... Sorry for all this racket so late at night.

My base Status is now equal or even higher than Oni-sensei's.
Yet Oni-sensei is unhurt while my HP keeps decreasing every time our fists clashed.

I thought Oni-sensei was using some sort of Master Skill but no, he doesn't have a single Skill that inflicts additional damage or nullifies physical damage.
According to Menu, Oni-sensei is simply chaining the godly moves of minimizing the damage he receives while maximizing the damage he inflicts.
He's parrying the same instant he receives damage like it's reflex. What's up with this guy (Oni).


He's strong, too strong.
If only I could enlist his help in the fight against Demon King.

But I can kinda tell that even though Oni-sensei loves fights, he dislikes having people pit him.
I can just imagine him destroying a horde of powerful magic beasts alongside the person who brought it to him. Way scary.


"Ooooooooooraaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

『Guruaaaaaaa!!!』


I concentrated all my energy into a straight punch.
Not even Oni-sensei can escape this unharmed.
Oni-sensei also unleashed a punch to match my over mach speed punch and--


No wait, he didn't.

He opened the palm of his fist and threw me like some sort of Aikido master you see in manga.


"Whaaa!?"

『Gwogaa!!』

"Uwaraba!!"


He immediately elbowed my torso, ending our match.
I got knocked out while making the same death scream like a certain self proclaimed genius.
Agagagaga, that drained all my HP, it hurts so bad...!!

Honestly, I can't see myself ever winning against this Oni <<person>>.
I had been using Mana and Energy Control every chance I got while Oni-sensei almost never used a single Skill.
I have the upper hands on Status, conditions and all sorts of things yet I just can't win.
...Getting shown so much gap in power is kinda deflating...


W, well, now that's over, let's have a little talk or rather negotiation before I head back. Ow ouch, my belly...
...I might end up eating another fist, but I gotta do everything I can. No choice.

<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

~~~~~~~~~~~At Resistance Hideout~~~~~~~~


"Ah, Kajikawa-san, welcome back... W, what happened to you!? There's a palm shaped bruise on your face!"

"Did you get punched...!? Unforgivable, I'll... Hold on, there's someone out there that can hit and deal damage to you, Hikaru?"

"...Please don't worry about it..."

『Pii...?』


~~~~~~~~~~The Following Morning~~~~~~~~~



Hi, hi, good morning.
I got Hero-kun treat me with his Healing Magic and recovered my bruises with Life Force Control. I'm right as day now.

That Hero-kun just went through hell though.
Hell that is a brawny old man slipping in his bed at night.
Apparently he sent the guy to another continent with Fast Travel to get out of that crisis. He sure got it rough. Even though he's a guy.


"Almost lost my chastity last night, damn it..."

"...My condolences."

"I was out of Fusion state already yet there were three other guys besides that baldie trying to get in my bed. Men, all of them. What in the hell."


My condolences, Hero-kun. No really.


"By the way, what if they were cute girls instead?"

"...No comment."


You shoulda thrown a joke there like, 'We'll get straight to it till morning', or maybe 'I have Levia and Olivie already'. I don't know how to respond to a half-baked answer.


Well then, now that there's an area unaffected by the jamming magic, helps from other continents have finally arrived and we can stage our counterattack for the earnest.

Sending folk like Alma's parents, that old Sword King, or Juurou-san to the right areas per the Resistance's intel should easily end this war. Tremble in your sleep fuhahahaha.
...The problem is we have to finish this war in less than a week time or else the plan will go awfully awry. Gotta get to it quick.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

622 Severing Relationship

I was led to a guest room and waited for quite some time. Selram showed up with her usual China dress. Apparently that's her daily attire, not worn especially to cajole me.

"Thank you. I'm in your debt, Saito. A really huge one at that. I read the brief version of the report. I can't believe you took down such a powerful magic beast with so little wound. You're even terrifying than I imagined, Saito."

Is that supposed to be a compliment? Guess I'll just ignore it.

"I'd like a different reward. Is that okay with you? Think of it as a way to return your debt."

I decided to get straight to the point. I don't need pleasantries.

"Oh what would it be? Perhaps you would like a larger sum? That's perfectly fine by me."

Selram thought I was going to demand more money and prematurely agreed.
But that's not it. What I ask is the opposite. Of course she wouldn't know my circumstance.

"I don't need money. Instead, I want to go separate ways. This is one and last time. Do not approach me ever again. Fate might have played a role to get us acquainted, but I don't want to keep doing your bidding for profit."

A silence ran. Berume who's present in the room is keeping quiet too.
Selram had a long sigh before she spoke.

"...I understand. Once you've left this store, you're no longer our acquaintance. Good enough for you?"

I only nodded at her question.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Then allow us to service you while you're here. We have high-class snacks and tea ready. Do take it easy."

"No, I'm leaving now. I'm thankful for your hospitality but I don't want to keep dilly dallying. Not when it's my demand. I can't exactly stay here and act like everything is fine now, can I?"

I stood up and walked up to the door. Selram made another attempt to detain me.

"My? I don't mind, you know. I bet you're tired, no? Please use this chance to sit back and relax."

"You don't, I do. I can't stay calm."

"Fufufu, I suppose that's that. Berume, see him off."

"No you don't have to do that. I'm just gonna make my way outta the door."

"You're so cold to the very end."

I left the disappointed Selram and her store behind.

(There won't be any more requests from Selram. Well now, how do I go about killing the rest of my time here.)

I decided to go to the weapon store that stocked up a knife from Dwarf Kingdom I saw earlier.
To find out more about the country naturally.

"Next up. To Dwarf Kingdom!"

I walked on while imagining what kind of country is it. I arrived at my destination in no time.

"Welcome, come on in! What are you looking for? We only sell weapons and utensils from first rate workshops! Everything here is worth more than their price tags! Guaranteed, dear customer!"

Worth more huh. The barker's promotion line hooked me so I decided to go in the store to see the goods inside.
I could have asked the barker about Dwarf Kingdom stuff, but he's not the person who talked about the dwarf-made knife earlier.
I surveyed the store looking for that person in question.

Previous Chapter

It Me

This chapter starts from Radia's POV

"Radia-san, have you had a meal yet?"

"! ...Reina."


I was taking a breather after having my gruel when someone called me from behind.
Reina spoke to me with her usual curious-sounding speech.


"I'll take this side, okay."

"...Ou."


She sat down right next to me even though there's plenty of space left.
She's got her usual gentle smile but I could see a hint of worry for me on her face.


"...I'm sorry to hear about your onii-san (Lavijia)."

"Well. Things wouldn't have come to this if only he was a bit more patient. He's a huge moron through and through."


He had many chances to start over.
Yet he kept running, dumping and shoving them away until he met that end.
...There was, no other way. Aniki's path was completely blocked off.


"Well, he got his just deserts. It's a pity yeah but I got to put an end to him with my own hands. There was a part of me that felt good about that even though he's my flesh and blood brother, haha."

"Radia-san."

"What?"

"You look like you're about to cry."

"Eh...?"


'You look just as sad though, Reina', but I couldn't voice that out.
The corner of my eyes are getting hot. Accumulating hot water that would burst out if I tried to utter a single word.


"Huh, why."

"Radia-san is never the kind of person who'd happily cut down his own brother. Of course you want to cry."

"I, I always thought of him as the worst brother ever, he always took my and our little brother's snacks for himself."

"...So he was."

"But I just don't know why I'm now recalling the times we're playing together, that time mom scolded us together... or when we cried together, now after all this time..."


Hot water is dripping down my cheeks.
No, I can't show her, this face...


"Sorry, look away, from, me..."

"...It's okay, you can cry. Nobody is here to peep at you, and of course I won't say a word. Let it all out today so you can stand tomorrow."

"U, gu... Uuuu....!"


I could tell the dam broke down with Reina's words.


"Uwaaaaaaaa...!!"

I bawled out without caring about how I look.

Reina quietly kept patting my childish head without saying anything.




<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~~Peeping Tom Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~







Hm, Menu-san is reporting live about Radia-san's wailing in the backroom.
...That guy might have been a bastard but I suppose he was still his elder brother. Must have been a huge shock.

Who knows what he's gonna do under that kind of mental burden. Radia-kun needs a mental care urgently.
Dunno if Reina knew about it, she had already gone to console Radia-kun.
He's probably non-functional today. He'll get back on his feet tomorrow. I think.

No I mean, it's not like I'm into peeping but I can't help getting curious like (etc.)
Radia-kun is a crucial member for the final battle, and most importantly, I can't stand watching him like that.
...But I really should stop here.


Now then, I've still got plenty of things left to do.
First of all, I'll have to take the townspeople to safety on another continent with Fast Travel.

I can't put Markings on this many people so they all have to huddle up which needs time to prepare.
I had already made an arrangement with Kanakmatt-san to set up refugee camps and temporary dwellings for these people.
I discussed about this possibility with Kanatt-san before we set off and he should get help from the kingdom too. Things should go smoothly with him on the case.


Next up, I gotta join up with the Resistance and heal their leader.
Actually, pretty much all of their members are suffering from injuries from their daily battles with demons.
I'm seeing people with prostheses, and people with lost organs here and there.

...I'd rather not stand out, but leaving this tragic scene be is not an option.
I'm gonna go ahead and heal them all back up, no one left behind.


"Eyes, I can see with my eyes! It's clear as daaaaay!!"

"No way, my arm really grew back...!"

"Uwoooooaaaaaaaaaa!! I'm alive! It's so wonderful to be aliveeeeeee!!"

"T-that charred guy who's been whispering 'kill me' is already jumping around everywhere...!?"

"Are you a High Priest, no, a Saint....?"


No I ain't. Who's that again.
Heck, what's even a Saint.

<<'Saint' is a Job attainable by Sacred-type Job Holders who have acquired specific Titles and reached Lv70. The Job is capable of healing loss limbs as well as all types of illnesses, toxins and abnormalities. It is also possible to resurrect the dead as long as the act is done immediately after death and with met conditions. It is called 'Saintess' for women.>>

So like the highest upgrade of 'Priest' lineage huh.
Would have loved to have someone like that as a member of Hero party. Then again, Olivier can already handle both Offensive and Healing roles as a Sage.
Well, I don't plan on adding more people to Hero's party to begin with though.


Once I was done with the treatment, I had the resistance leader share intel about the progress of battles at each their bases.
My Map has gotten larger thanks to all the people I've Marked but this continent is just too vast.

The Resistance leader turned over some documents with the left arm I regrew as he collected all reports that could be of use to me.


"Big fights always broke out all over the place even before you all came here but those demons got even more active ever since. Be careful out there."

"Understood. You have my gratitude for sharing your intel."

"We gotta be thanking ya instead. No really, I was all prepped up to live with one arm and one leg the rest of my life before you came along and got these all fixed up. I feel better than ever in fact."


That's cause you got lots of issues all over your body. I went ahead and healed them up as well, must be that.


"Oh yeah, we've been getting reports about a being suspected to be Demon King showing up on this continent. You seen the guy yet?"

"!!?"


W, what...!?
Hold it. Demon King shouldn't have got his Menu Function back online yet.
No, he could use Teleportation and forced his way through I guess?
But why would he go all the way here on his own!?


"Apparently, the guy's got black hair and an inhuman level of intimidating pressure."

"Where, and when did you see him...!? What was he doing!?"

"Calm down now. I'll start from the top, keep it together."


I'm breaking out cold sweat.
My teeth are clattering.
This is bad, I'm not done preparing everything yet, if Demon King finds out I'm still alive, he'll kill me dead for sure...!!


"First of all, that guy was flying around at tremendous speed, leaving everything in his wake to dust."


No uh, that me.


"He got into a fight with Firie Kingdom's Black Dragon which turned the vicinity to a hellscape no grass can grow."


That me too.


"Also, he led a herd of magic beasts with the face of an ogre. Marching on like an army from hell."


Me.


"Furthermore, he beat, cut up and tore off some super massive high S-ranked snake beasts. Also got some witness reports about him chasing down a Jormungand before mercilessly slicing it off."


Told ya, it me! Give it a rest already!


"What's curious is the fact that he seemingly only caused damage to demons with virtually zero reports to our side. Yet the only being capable of all that is the Demon King himself, our intelligent network is in chaos trying to find the truth... I gotta apologize for this vague intel."

"Oh not at all. It's-been-very-helpful-hahaha."


【Good News】 Demon King emergence was a fake news.

【Bad News】 I got branded a Demon King.


...I really can't decide if I should feel happy or sad.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

621 Where to Next?

"You're back early. What happened? Did you retreat due to unforeseen circumstances?"

A man asked.

"Oh it's you of all people, found some rare spare time? You're usually knee deep in your job."

Berume stood up and walked into the room they prepared us. They seem to know each other.

"They were looking for someone to handle you. That was when I walked in here after finishing my share of work. Those guys really don't know how not to overwork someone. This was supposed to be my rare free time."

"My condolences, but no worries, it'll be done in a jiffy. You just gotta carry the thing I'm handing over."

The room they prepared us was neither too small or too big.
Two sofas facing each other with a table interposing them. There's not much furniture.
Berume and me sitting on one side and the man on the other.

"I got nothing much to report. Well then, the magic beast is dead, the wound is clean. No casualty on our side. You'll be delivering this. To the usual place."

"...Oy? Say that again. Didn't you just set off the other day. How's it done already? Quit joking around... Are you?"

"Even if I'm joking, they won't blame you for it. Your job is to deliver this. You're in no position to nitpick. Go there and go home, that's all you need to do, what's the problem?"

"...Do you mind if I check it here?"

"Absolutely not. You wanna lose our trust?"

Berume put a magic bag on the table. The man took and stared at it.

"I've done my part. I'm heading off to see Selram now. See ya."

I stood up and followed Berume.

"Oy, hold it! Did he really do it? How?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man looked at me as he asked. He's trying to dig intel on me.

"Are you seriously asking that? Or is that supposed to be a bad joke?"

Berume glared at the man before exiting the room. I lightly bowed at him before leaving as well.

I have nothing to say to all this. My share of work is eliminating the magic beast. With that over, the only thing left to do is see Selram.
I'll take my reward and leave this city. Back to wandering aimlessly.

(Right, Holy State... Hm. The name alone screams it's not gonna mesh well with me.)

I'm now thinking about my next destination. Staying here will only get me involved in more mess for sure.
Might as well look for a new place. I didn't find a good spot to live a secluded life around these parts.
Therefore I'm merely resuming the journey to find one.
Berume quietly walked to Selram's place. I followed along obediently. There's no conversation.
Naturally I ended up overhearing street chatters.

"Look at this, knife. Look at this fine specimen if you will. I've finally got new stock from Dwarf Kingdom the other day."
"Hee, is this really good. It must pricey."
"I mean, go ahead and gaze at this design! Naturally it comes with a price. Fret not however, we're having a sale just for today!"
"Why would you? Something's not right."
"It took me a lot of effort to stock this up! We're celebrating the sponsorship."
"Hmph, so how much?"
"This work of art is worth five gold coins! But, you can have it for three! So cheap! Don't you think?"
"Yep, something's amiss. I can tell it's a good knife, but I wonder if it's really worth that much?"

Such and such.
Someone is trying to sell their ware to people gathering in front of their store it seems.

Dwarf Kingdom huh. Quite a timely topic to overhear since I've been wanting to have my katana maintained.

(Guess that's where I'm going next?)

I'm gonna take my reward and leave without saying anything to anyone.
Or else, I might get dragged in another event I can't run away from.

(We got back here early. I'll depart by noon today, or tomorrow at the latest...)

My thought is occupied with this yet unseen Dwarf Kingdom.
In the meantime, Berume led me to a store.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

 Whole Roast Steak Hamburger

"Are the 『Sacrificial Pawns』 ready?"

"Yeah, they should be usable in a few days."

"What of Black Dragon?"

"It's raising its level on the Arcane Dragon Continent per Demon King-sama's order. It should undergo an evolution in less than a week time."

"...That thing is already monstrously strong as is. It will now grow even stronger. I cannot help but feel it is slightly excessive."

"Are you doubting Demon King-sama?"

"Nay. Unlike all previous Demon Kings, our great lord bears a clear will and ideal over the extinction of humanity. Everything his majesty asks must be necessary."

"Then all is well. Let us proceed with the plan."



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



~~~~~~~~Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~~~






We're finally left with a breathing room.

White Dragon, abbreviated 'White', passed out when I squeezed it a tad with a mana-made hand so their fight ended prematurely.
I felt bad at Juurou-san but the person in question didn't seem to mind. Oh good.
In exchange, he made me promise to have a match with him after the war... Well, still better than fighting Oni-sensei.


I'll decide how to punish White later.
I was gonna turn him into an ingredient had he killed even a single soul but apparently he only barked orders around and never actually killed one personally.

But it still doesn't change the fact that he's indirectly responsible for the slaughter so while I won't kill him, I'm gonna work him to death.
This accident reinforced my belief about dragons and their crap attitude. Ah, that Lava Dragon I beat in the dungeon is the sole exception.


We've feed all the townspeople and all. Time for us to have a meal as well.
We can't exactly have a feast in front of all these poor people though so our menu is the same as them, rice gruel.
Hiyoko protested. Bear it in for now, I'll feed you whale meat for dinner.


After mealtime, I'm sorting out all the info we have.
Itemizing everything that's happened so far.


- The demons jammed our teleportation, leaving us isolated and stranded.

I really didn't expect the scale would be this massive.
Menu never gave a warning either cause I had never been to Continent 3 before.
This scheme alone had caused a lot of casualty on our side. Those below Intermediate Job likely don't survive.
We might have saved some of the people used as 'Fuel', but there's probably more of this case in other towns, we can't expect reinforcements from other continents for the time being...


- The existence of facilities used by demons to raise a huge amount of powerful magic beasts.

Continent 3 was originally destroyed by hordes of magic beasts under demons' control so this was always expected.
They may be difficult to handle for most combatants besides Special Job holders and me, yet we could also use this to turn the tables on them if we had people with Tame Skill. Like Souma.
Gonna need to Fast Travel Magic Beast Tamers from other continents here. Guess I'll run an urgent recruitment drive later.
Speaking of, wonder if Souma is still fighting on the frontline with the magic beasts. Keep at it~.


- Confirmed sighting of a demon leading a group of brainwashed people to their hideout in order to brainwash them harder.

That Long Purple female captain also got brainwashed.
I'm guessing they're gonna pit those people against us, but I can use this to pinpoint their hideout instead.
The problem is Aizawa-kun was found among them. What're you doing, man.
Hyula-san and Ganan-san are tailing them. No uh, you two please don't chase them too far and get back to the frontlines.


- The situation with Black Dragon.

...Frankly speaking, he's the biggest threat here.
I've had him Marked so I know he's been healed fully, albeit a bit anemic, and is currently moving all over the place.
He's gaining more experience points day by day. At current pace, he should gain 2, 3 levels each day.
If he managed to evolve from this, his strength would be in the realm of the unknown. There's even a chance of him outpacing me.
It all hinges on whether the things I ordered Julian and Granny would be finished in time. I'm pining my hope on you two, please get them done before he (Black Dragon) shows up again.


- Marking progress of skilled people.

I'm still Marking every single Special Job and high level Advanced Job holders I see.
I need those at Advanced Job or higher at least to deal with the worst possible outcome that might happen after the war, not during.
Heck, anyone below Special Job likely would only drag us down. I can't believe how high leveled the current generation demons are. They're Chief-class.


Phew, I think that's about it. Really, hahaha.

Ain't things real dicey?


We suffered a huge loss due to the first three issues, but it's still within an acceptable level. We should manage somehow.

But Black Dragon has gotten too strong for anyone but Hero or me to handle. And it's on the process of evolving now.
Heck, I'm not even sure if the two of us fighting together could win.


What's even more headache-inducing is the 'Current Generation Demons'.

Demons are created by Demon King and their strength are proportional to their creator's.
Average Demon Kings can only create Lv20-50 demons, while Chief-class are at Lv80 or higher.
That's how all the demons we fought so far were like. They were survivors from previous generation Demon King's era.
Current generation Chief-class are previous generation demons chosen for their high level or something along that line.


But current generation Demon King is capable of easily creating demons over Lv80s.

What if an army of these demons stage an invasion on human world for real?
What if powerful Combat Job holders are incapacitated when that happens?
...The result is obvious. It'll take no time for humanity to go extinct. Poof.

They haven't made a big move yet. They're either still amassing their number or standing by right now, but humans will die out if they do when we're busy fighting Demon King if we don't come up with a counterplan.
That's my reason for getting in touch with all those powerful people.


"Kajikawa-san, you've got this real difficult look on your face. What's up?"

"Something, on your mind?"


Reina and Alma asked me worryingly.
Oh shoot, all those conundrums must have shown on my face. Can't make these girls worry.


"Err, I'm just wondering what to do about that Black Dragon."

"Ah, un. He's gotten really strong now."

"Your fight against Black Dragon made me go all tingly even though it happened so far away... Can't you beat him, Kajikawa-san?"

"Naw, I was wondering how to cook him up. Steak maybe, or that Hamburger thing I made the other day, oh but frying sounds good too. Uumu, can't decide."

"Isn't there like something else than cooking you gotta think about!?"

"...Give me back my worry. That's so like you though, Hikaru."

"How do you like him cooked, Hiyoko?"

『Pipii!』

"...Uh, I dunno about roasting that thing whole."


I get that I'm putting up a bravado, but I gotta do this to ease their worries.
Gotta stay firm even if it's an act.
...Well, I do admit I'm curious about the evolved Black Dragon's taste. 20% anxiety, 80% anticipation.


"Serious talk, I'm not sure if I can handle him by myself. I know it's dangerous but I'm gonna need your help if we want to ginger pork fry that thing."

"Un. You have all of me at your disposal. Please don't carry that burden alone, Hikaru."

"I-I'll do my best too... To be honest I'm scared of fighting against an opponent not even Kajikawa-san could handle."

『Pii!』

"Thank you. I do have a plan but whether it's gonna make it in time or not is still up in the air. Regardless, I want you all to be prepared for a fight to the death if we want to turn him into an egg meatloaf."

"But please don't go overboard. Whenever you're off to a big battle, you always find a way to get yourself in a precarious situation."

"But of course. I won't let anyone die, me included. I'll make doubly sure to treat you all to his kebab."

"Uh, I get that you can't wait to cook him any longer, but can't you quit rotating all those dish names..."


Now that's settled and I've got my postmeal break, time to clear my to-do list.
Like healing the resistance leader's left arm and leg Radia's aniki cut off and to give a mental care to Radia-kun himself.
I'll leave him to Reina. Actually, she'd already gone off to see him without me saying anything.
...Is this how it feels to be the father of a daughter who got a boyfriend. Pretty sure this isn't the first time too, I can't describe this feeling.

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