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.

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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.

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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.

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