Sousetsuka

※ It's Zena's Point of View

11-14. Power-leveling

 

"Thank you for taking care of me today."

I greet the daughter of Baron Muno in front of the explorer guild.
She splashed her luxurious golden-colored hair to the back, slanting her body while looking displeased.
Even if I'm referred by Satou-san, it must be unpleasant when an outsider suddenly takes part after all.

"Karina-sama?"
"It's nothing. Just don't become a drag."
"Karina~?"
"Tsuntsun is no good nanodesu."
"Zena-sama is a master of wind magic. She will not be a hindrance."

Karina-sama criticized me with some harsh words, but she begrudgingly accepted my participation with Liza and the others' mediation.
My chest feels slightly fuzzy when I see Karina-sama who's reddened as Satou-san whispers something on her ear.


◇


"Mot~"
"It's a Maze Moth nanodesu!"

The two featherkin infants shoot their light crossbow toward the direction Pochi and Tama, who are acting as the vanguard, point at.
The Maze Moth got hit with the two arrows and fell to the ground.
Their aim is as good as Lilio even though they're so small.
They must have undergone strict training ever since they're aware of oneself, no doubt.

We have only fought weak ones like maze moths and goblins during the journey so far since other explorers worked hard (to cull monsters).
Gina-sama of [Moonlight] has said to me that there are only a few monsters in the main corridors that connect between areas.

"Be careful, we're going to arrive at our objective Area 19 soon."

Everyone including me nods at Satou-san's warning.
We go through the crevice of a row of rocks that block the main corridor.

Tama who's going first says, "Trap", and then she goes to a corner of the corridor with careful steps.

"Procedure~ Canceled~"
"As expected of Tama nanodesu!"

--Fast.
To cancel it just by rustling a bit in the shadow like that.


"Monsters are coming from the front nodesu."
"It's a needle caterpillar (Needle Crawler). They can shoot needles that can paralyze you, so don't let it hit you okay."
"It's awright~"
"It's alright if they don't hit you nanodesu!"

Despite the Needle Crawler's dull-looking appearance, it's coming to us faster than a running man.

"Zena-san, please put up defensive magic."
"Yes!"

Oh no. I should've chanted it before Satou-san urged me.
I began to chant [<<Wind Protection>>] wind magic in panic.
However, the Needle Crawler that's approaching faster than the magic taking shape, stops, then it spreads its body and readies itself to shoot.

--I won't make it.

But, I can't stop the chant.
I'll stop a few of them at least!

"Caterpillar! Shooting needles, acting like you're an archer, how ridiculous so I mock!"

Nana-san who held a great shield came to the front and provoked it.
Countless needles shot by the Needle Crawler rush toward her. I feel chill down my spine as the rapier-sized needles fly one by one.

The dying figure of Nana-san who has been pierced with countless needless along with her great shield.

--such hallucination did not happen fortunately.

Her great shield which is made from material I've never seen before bounces the hitting needles while leaving heavy sounds.
Pochi and Tama skillfully intercept some needles which have missed her great shield.

The [<<Wind Protection>>] magic that has finally been invoked block the second volley of the needles.

"This monster is a bit dangerous huh. Sorry but let's not use this monster for the [Power-leveling]. Take care of it with Nana's magic before it approaches if you find one."
"Yes, master."

One term that I don't understand is mixed among Satou-san's talk.
However, I think this isn't the time to have a chat.

"Pochi, Tama, let's destroy it. Follow me."
"Don't worry be happy sir~?"
"Roger nanodesu!"

Liza and the others rush toward the space where the third round of needles are flying.
They're too reckless no matter how you see it.

"Wait!"

Karina-sama told them to halt, but Liza and the others aren't stopping.

But, I've misunderstood.
Karina-sama joins the battlefield where the needles are flying around.
With her golden-colored hair fluttering from her helmet, her beautiful limbs dance in the air as if she's the incarnation of beauty itself.

Satou-san stopped me who was lured and had made a step forward.

"It's dangerous. Those four should be able to handle it."

Just as he's said, Liza and the two others handily beat the monster.
Not only Liza's spear, Pochi's and Tama's weapons also shined red light, so they must be magic swords.
Karina-sama swings the Heavy Hammer she's shouldering, knocking the entire body of the monster to the ground.

A whip-like tentacle sprouting from the Needle Crawler's head is going toward Karina-sama.
However, a small shield that appears before her blocks the tentacle even though it's cracked because of it.

Is that magic?
Or a magic tool?

Satou-san who has noticed my line of sight calls out to me.

"Karina-sama is fine since he has the protection of the Magic Creature Raka."

It seems the decorations on her neck and limbs are Intelligent Item.
To have a family heirloom that only appears in fairy-tale like that, as expected of a territory-holder lord.
--She's rich on top of being that beautiful, it's really enviable.


◇


"....■■ Air Blast"

My magic intercepts the Armor Moth who was rushing here.
Slightly later, the featherkin infants shoot their light crossbows.

Liza's spear and Nana-san's great sword cut its armor, Pochi and Tama's stone-throwing create holes on its wing.
Karina-sama and her two female soldiers take turn to hit it once, and lastly the three beastkin girls finish the battle.

Even though my magic and the girls' attack were repelled by its armor, Liza, Nana-san and the others easily cut through it.
I think this is the difference between us and Mithril Explorers.

One needs that much strength in order to stand by Satou-san's side....
I feel uneasy about my remaining magic power after doing so many battles, but it should have run out faster if not for the wand I've received from Kuro-san.

Although I feel dizzy after overusing my magic, I won't be able to catch up to Satou-san and the others if I rest.
I will fight with the Magic Short Sword I've received together with this long wand if I run out of magic power.

"Are you tired?"
"I-I'm fine!"

I muster up a bravado as to not worry Satou-san.

"You would collapse if you overexert yourself you know. Go ahead and refresh yourself with this."

I receive the small bottle that he's presented to me worryingly, and drink down the citrus flavored liquid.
I feel that magic power wells up from within my body, subsiding the dizziness.

--Don't tell me it was a magic power recovery potion?

My question was quickly affirmed, but the magic potions that I know are hard to drink with strong grass flavor.
Moreover, even though it should be several silver coins worth even for one, he said, "I have a lot", and gave me more bottles.

"Recovering magic power with meditation will use up the time, so please drink it freely."

Although he said that, I don't think I can drink these expensive magic potions so readily.
Even in territorial army, it's a valuable item that's supplied to me only one bottle for emergency...

--I feel like it'll make my sense of value go haywire.


◇


I wonder how many monsters we've defeated.
I understand why the eyes of the two Karina-sama's guards looked like a dead fish's when they were entering the labyrinth.
They've been repeating this absurd ways of fight day after day.

The two guards expressed their poor physical condition right after the featherkin infants, so we're taking a break in a small room called Safety Zone, guided by Satou-san.

Come to think of it, Satou-san has been guiding our journey so far, but I've never seen him use luminance stones to check the course, nor did he check map even once.
I wonder if he has memorized all of the routes?
Satou-san has never pulled the mithril sword on his waist so far.
He must be in charge of direction and mapping.

"Zena, a~n."
"Thank you."

I receive the honey cake that Pochi presents and put it into my mouth.
It's sweet enough to be too sweet, but right now, this sweet spreads out deliciously.


....Looks like I had gone to sleep before I knew it.
I was laid on a carpet with tender felt that had been put on the ground.

When I look up, I see Pochi and Tama silently playing signal-like game with their hands.

"Have you woken up?"

I receive the tureen and a spoon that Satou-san, who says "You're hungry right?", presents me.
The tureen is warm with appetizing steam rising.

--Steam?

I see a hot pot that's being heated on fire behind Satou-san.
It looks like he's cooking inside the labyrinth. The people of [Moonlight] have taught me that it's an act that must not be conducted since it'll gather monsters.

"It's alright since this is a safety zone."

As if reading my worry, Satou-san informs me with his usual calm tone like he's whispering.
When I'm with him, I feel like I'm hallucinating we are in the middle of the city.

The thick vegetable stew that I have is more delicious than any other dish I've ever had.
That's why, I involuntarily asked for a second helping.

--To be that much delicious is unfair.


◇


My body feels light thanks to the light sleep.
I have a feeling that my magic power has increased somewhat.

We continue the same kind of series of battles after the break, but we are now able to reliably defeat the enemies since everyone has grasped their role.

That appeared from the Gushing Hole as if to prick such carelessness.

--Scissor Centipede

Its very long body looks like a tower when it stands up, sharp claws on the tip of its countless legs are shaped like swords.
And, its crab-like pincers on the sides of its head are emitting fiendish red light.

That pincer swings down toward me who's frozen over the centipede's gigantic body.

We are currently fighting nearly 10 powerful monsters.
There's no one that can prevent that fiendish blade--

Even though I know it's futile, I holds my long wand up to block the swinging-down pincer. Another enemy would skewer me if I were to avoid to the side.

--Just before the pincer bisects the wand in two, a black tornado cuts in.

After kicking away the swinging right-pincer, Satou-san who had appeared out of nowhere brought me to a safe location.

"It's alright now."

Satou-san smiles refreshingly as if to make me feel relieved.
He still looks relaxed even though he's just saved me from danger. Nimbly so, like he always is.


"Insolent fool who tried to put their hands on Zena-sama."

The left pincer which pursued us is warded by a red spear, making it pierce the ground instead.
Liza holds the red spear in one hand, and uses her other hand to push the left pincer into the ground.
That hand seemingly glow red.

"A mere centipede trying to fight Master and Zena-sama, you're a hundred years too early."

The moment after Liza's words, the left pincer is destroyed with a boom sound.
Was that magic just now?

"Liza, I leave the rest to you."
"Understood."

Liza's spear which is clad in red light emits even stronger red light--is that Magic Edge?
I wonder if her secret skill is [Magic Edge]?

She pulls back the spear to the limit, and then thrusts it toward the centipede in one go.
It's not a distance that a spear can reach no matter how long it is.

--Eh?

A lump of red light flies from the tip of the spear like a cannonball, hitting the centipede's head.
When the light disappear, the figure of the centipede with a large hole on its head remains.

Is that perhaps, the shooting [Magic Edge] technique that appears in the hero story I've read in my childhood.
I thought that was just a creation, I've never thought it actually exists.

However, there was no leeway for me to be perturbed from that miscellaneous matter.
The centipede that had lost its head split on its joints, and came attacking like different creatures.

"Magic Edge Cannon nanodesu!"
"Majin Cannon~, How many~?"
"More! Nanodesu!"
"Falcon Phalanx~"

Blasting with carefree voices, Pochi and Tama wreck the BlockPedes with countless red light bullets they shoot from their locations.

--Am I watching a dream I wonder.

I forget to support them with wind magic, as I can only watch the spectacle, dumbfounded.


◇


I was shocked when I checked my growth in the explorer guild.
My level has increased from 17 to 24 in just one day.

It's said that growths are fast in the labyrinth, but this is just too fast no matter how you look at it.
It shouldn't be strange for Liza and the two others who were powerless to turn into superior explorers in just several months.

Probably, Satou-san's guidances and commands are amazing.
Except in that one Gushing Hole case, I never felt that my life was in danger even after we did such continuous battles.
When I was in the labyrinth with everyone from the Selected Corps, I felt that every battle had my life on the line even though we only fought minor enemies.

We need knowledge and experience to cover this difference.
I will ask if I can enter the Training School that Satou-san manages next time.


◇


During the labyrinth exploration, I tried to converse with Karina-sama many times, but she only ever replied with, "Yes", or "You're right" short.

Once, we had a conversation that continued on for a bit with Satou-san as the topic, but her guards poked fun at her, getting it interrupted.
Even though she looks like a gaudy beauty, she seems to be surprisingly pure.

I think that I want to become friend with her for sure.

During that labyrinth exploration, I remember sympathizing with her who earnestly wished nothing but getting stronger, without complaining even once.
She might be my rival in love, but someday I want to have an all-night talk about Satou-san, accompanied with drink, with her.

And then, someday, together the two of us will arrive at the height where Satou-san and the others are!





Previous Chapter

11-13. Date (2)

 

Satou's here. I completely don't remember the field study of my schooldays era, but I remember well the field study at the beer factory, and the semi-conductor factory during the time when I was a working adult.
The depth of fascination really is different for things that interest you.


◇


After we're done eating, per Zena-san's wish, we're going to look around shops specialized for explorers.
I ask the carriage to wait on the entrance to the arm street, and then we march there on feet.

Many craftsmen are making Maces and Bone Hammers made from monster materials on the joint establishment located beside the weapon shop.
Although it's probably for the sake of efficiency, please stop piling up the unprocessed materials on places that can be seen from the street.

"Aren't these corpses of monsters?"
"That's right. However, I think it'd be better to call it materials rather than corpses."

Since I sensed that the air among the craftsmen became unsettling with Zena-san's nonchalant word, I'm correcting her in low voice.

Zena-san who realized that she had a verbal slip apologizes toward the craftsmen while lowering head.
It's very like Zena-san to act like a good young lady like this, but it seems the craftsmen didn't expect her to lower her head to them, after getting taken aback, they accepts the apology, saying [Don't mind it.] brusquely.

There are a lot of arms made from monster materials that are processed without change around this area.
Shops that produce pseudo-magic swords with alchemy are doing their works indoor or in their courtyard to prevent people stealing the technique.
I've guided Zena-san to a shop that deals with such pseudo-magic swords.

"The shops here look grand."
"That's because they're the foremost weapon and magic tools shops-joint in the labyrinth city."

The weapons that are sold here is 10 gold coin much at the lowest, so average explorers don't quite go to the luxury shops here.
However, quality-wise, they're undoubtedly the finest in the labyrinth city, so I'm thinking of making Zena-san known to the shopkeepers.
Although it's probably going to be awhile before she can buy here, but since the Seryuu Selected Corps are excellent, it should be not long before they're coming here to have transactions.

When I enter the shop while escorting Zena-san, several sociable female shopkeepers energetically greet us, "Welcome", together at once.
I urge Zena-san who greets them back after being lured by their vigor, and go on to check on the displayed weapons and armors.

There are around 10 display stands in the excessively spacious shop interior, each of the stands have two shopkeepers without exception.
Those women are former explorers, and it seems they're not only here to be shop assistants, but also as guards for the commodity.
I've seen many times the case where a guest tried to touch the neat and trim female shopkeeper's butt only for her to twist their wrist while smiling brightly.

Putting that aside, I walk on, guiding Zena-san toward one of the display stand.

"This is a dagger made from the crystal horn of the Dread Beast, Crystal Dagger."
"It's beautiful."

Zena-san who saw the crystal dagger shown by the shopkeeper breathed out a sight of admiration.
This is a weapon made from horn of the triceratops-like monster I saw when I was exterminating the lost thieves.
It can produce electricity that paralyze enemies like a stun-gun if you fill it with magic power.
Zena-san is probably charmed by its jewel-like appearance though.

"If that interests honored guest, please try holding them if you would."

Encouraged by the female shopkeeper, Zena-san timidly takes the dagger.
Zena-san holds the dagger while looking a bit excited, but then she looks like she notices something and puts the dagger back to the stand while looking pale.

Hm?

"Was there something wrong?"
"T-the price tag."

Zena-san whispers to my ear in low voice.
While feeling slightly ticklish, I look at the dagger on the stand, it has the price tag of [120 gold coins].
It wasn't like this before though.
Furthermore, that's three times the market price.

When I ask the female shopkeeper, turns out it's not a sudden price hike, but it's priced to be sold to merchants who come from outside the city.
The price is clearly exorbitant, but sometimes there are merchants who still buy it at this price.

"If it isn't Chevalier Pendragon-sama. Welcome to our humble store."

The middle-aged shop manager comes out of the back and greets me while nodding to his other regular customers.
He's been a sociable person ever since he was introduced to me by Baronet Dyukeli, but the reason why he gave such a grand welcome is because I've lend a hand on reproducing the recipe to make this crystal dagger.
Of course, I didn't directly give the recipe, but pretended to give the hint by coincidence.

Leaving that aside, as I've wanted, I make Zena-san's face known, bring her to tour the workshops, and have the craftsmen teach her the way to strip materials from monster in order to sell them high.
While waiting for Zena-san who's writing a memo about the way to strip materials with serious face, I go to see the manager-shi who's standing beside another craftsman making a pseudo-magic sword's blade made from [<<Soldier Mantis>>]'s material.

"It comes out well. Chevalier-sama, would you like to try it?"
"Yes, if you allow me to."

I take the sword manager-shi's presented to me.
The grip hasn't been made yet, but there's no problem in holding it since I'm not going to slash thing with it.

I put magic power into the blade.
Looks like it's not made well, I feel some resistance when I'm putting magic power into the great sword. I feel that it's stuck halfway through.

I concentrate at the place where the magic power is stuck, and then wring my magic power like a needle, operating it to expand on the path.
Normally it'd take a long time for the user to familiarize themselves, but I guess it's fine since it's not something that other people can notice.

I'm being careful since the blade will break and magic edge will be generated if I put too much magic power into it.
After 10 seconds, faint red light appears on the surface of the blade.

"As expected of Chevalier-sama. To infuse magic power into a magic sword that you've held for the first time!"

Manager-shi flatters me, but anyone should be able to do this much right?
All of our vanguards can commonly do it, even Lulu and Mia can do it after taking some time.

Zena-san raises her face when she hears manager-shi's praising voice, and leaks a surprised sound when she she see the magic-coated blade.

"Satou-san. Is that possibly magic edge?!"
"No, this isn't."

Although it seems she's misunderstood, so I correct it.

"It's not magic edge, but you can make red light appear on the blade of a magic sword made from monster materials if you pour it with magic power."
"It looks beautiful."
"Yes, however it's not just the look, when it's like this, it can give damage to substance-less monsters, and it won't be damaged by attacks of monster that use acid and decomposition breath. It's quite useful if you're engaging in series of battle inside the labyrinth."

I explained it with an all-knowing look toward Zena-san, but I heard this trivia from the roach-raid leader from before, Koshin-shi.
Without Item Box skill and a magic bags, bringing multiple weapons to the labyrinth is too inefficient, so people value this ability more than simple offensive power.

I put out the magic power from the blade and give it back to the manager.
For some reason, he praised me, "As expected of a Mithril Plate explorer", but I've heard this trivia from Koshin-shi, a Bronze Plate holder.

Since the craftsman looks like he wants to discuss the blade with manager-shi, I read the mood and leave the shop behind.


◇


We leave the arm shop street, and go to the street where alchemy and magic items are lined up.
There are a lot of small shops that sell consumable goods here, so there are a lot of explorers here compared to the arm shop street earlier.

I make Zena-san's face known to the shopkeepers while teaching her the market price of goods such as magic potions and ointments, and bargain items on each shop.
I know a lot of shopkeepers here introduced by Baronet Dyukeli during the banquet, so my aim is to get them understand that she is my acquaintance, reducing the risk of them selling her some weird item.

"It's cute. I wonder what is this accessory?"
"Well now? I wonder what is it."

Zena-san is holding a ball-sized magic item in a certain fancy goods shop.
Just as the color indicated, it's a lewd tool, so I suitably dodge the question.

The female shopkeeper approached Zena-san who was going to return the tool to the shelf, and then she whispered to her ear the kind of tool that was.
Zena-san who's become red, quickly returns the tool to the shelf like she held hot-iron.
Then she seizes my arm and runs away from the shop as fast as she can.

Still, I didn't know that there were such magic tools.
Looks like people still do what they do even when the world changes.

We're striding the street until Zena-san calms down, she finally does after we stop and drink some tea near the west guild.
This shop has sweet baked cake and blue tea.
I've been recommended this shop by the female staffs of the west guild.

Today it seems they don't hang the cloth for warding sunlight on the open terrace since the sunlight is weak today.
There are no sands in the wind since it's blowing toward the desert, so we're having some tea on the open terrace.

"The fruit water from before was good, but this blue tea is also nice."
"That's because, according to the guilds staff, this seems to be the shop which serves the best blue tea in the labyrinth city."

Some voices interrupted us when we were having such conversations.


◇


"It really was master's smell nodesu!"
"There's Zena too~"

Pochi and Tama who lean their body on the fence of the cafe's open terrace appeal themselves while swinging their tail.
Liza comes from behind them and then lift them both.

"Master, Zena-sama, please forgive us for disturbing you."
"It's alright."

I give the baked sweets left on the small plate to the two who are being carried under Liza's arms.

"Pochi, Tama, a~n."
"A~n?"
"Nanodesu!"

I decide to act like I didn't see Zena-san opening her mouth a bit when I was turning to her.
Feeding the two little girls is one thing, but doing it to Zena-san who looks like a senior high school student in public is too high of a hurdle.

"Are you done with the labyrinth exploring for today?"
"No, we have finished the work at Area 13, so we retreated to have a break."

Looks like they're working hard.
While leveling-up Lady Karina and the others, Liza is also trailblazing the depopulated Area 13.
It'll be complete after they create safety zones and cull out dangerous monsters that can endanger their hunt.
At the moment, [Pendora] guys are opening it, they're probably going to use it for the Training School's guys after the monster number has decreased a bit more.
By opening, it's not because there's a door that prohibit intrusion, they're only going to tell the safe route to Area 13 and distribute map of the safety zones there.

I don't see anyone beside the three beastkin girls, so I confirm it to Liza while rustling Pochi's and Tama's hair.

"Karina-sama and the others are resting in the explorer guild sickbay since their level-up nausea were bad. They should be fine since Nana is with them."
"It's the person who was being carried yesterday right? To have the nausea continues until the next day, maybe it's better if the priest check..."
"Zena-sama, that is not correct. Karina-sama and the others have leveled up again during the exploration today."

I saw Zena-san's surprised face while playing [Look that way] game with Pochi and Tama.
My eyes are chasing the two's fingers since our [Look that way] game adopt the house rule which states that you'd lose if you can't follow the finger.

"W, what kind of drill did you do?"
"We only performed some dozens of battles. We only defeated a bit less than 100 monsters, so it is not enough to be called a drill."
"H-hundred?"
"If Zena-sama is interested, how about training with us once? Is it alright Master?"

Liza suggested so to Zena-san who was at loss.
Thinking about Zena-san's group goal, power-leveling her probably will help guaranteeing her safety.
After confirming whether Zena-san would be a hindrance to them, I approve it since Lady Karina's and her maids' levels are lower than Zena-san's.

Zena-san hesitated for a bit, but it looks like she's decided to go together with Liza and the others to the labyrinth.
I lent the carriage to Zena-san to come back to the lodging estate and take her equipments.

I was going to lend her Lulu's hard newt leather armor since her armor should be destroyed before, but she declined and said that she was going to borrow the leather armor of her magician co-worker.
They're with Nana today, she should be fine even with common armor.

Until she comes back, I continue accompanying Pochi and Tama's [Look that way] game which have accelerated to the speed where an average person won't be able to keep up.





Previous Chapter

11-12. Date (1)

 

Satou's here. Talking about greeneries when I live in the city, I feel that I've only ever seen roadside trees and decorative plants there.
I do take walks in the park sometimes, but it's a shame that doing it at the dawn of the day after an all-nighter will likely get me questioned by the police.


◇


"Now, let's go!"
"Aye~"
"Roger! Nanodesu!!!"

Tama answered Lady Karina's yell in her usual carefree manner, but Pochi raised her voice louder than usual.
I wonder if the slight desperation I've heard is because of the stress from the meat absent.
From now on, let's make it only two days for the meatless punishment.

"I'll prepare full-course meat party tomorrow morning, so do your best okay."
"Guah! I'll do my best nodesu!"

Pochi who has regained brightness on her eyes grips both her hands and psyches herself.

"Full cour~se?"
"That's right. Starting with three kinds of roast beef as the hors d'oeuvre, then shabushabu, karaage, teriyaki chicken, beef stew, and last but not least, thi~ck steaks. Of course there are seven kinds of hamburg steaks including the orthodox Japanese style and Western style. For the entremet, there will be shrimp and crab dishes with sukiyaki."

Pochi's tail is swinging faster whenever I narrate each item.

"Aaa.... I'm looking forward too much, I don't know what to do nanodesu!"
"Wakuwaku~"
<TLN: Excited.>
"It sounds very wonderful. In order to empty my stomach, I will also be participating in the labyrinth exploration today."

It's not only Tama and Pochi who can't express their joy, Liza seems to be excited with the meat festival, her tail is banging on the floor.

They like meat that much huh.

I see the energetic beastkin off, "Do your best."
I felt a slight pity toward Erina and the others who are being dragged by Lady Karina, but since they would also participate in the meat festival, I encouraged them to work hard also.


◇


"Satou-san, it's a good day today isn't it."
"Yes, the cloud unusually come out, it makes the sunlight feels nice."

I've come to the lodging estate where Zena-san's Selected Corps are staying, but Zena-san who's been waiting before the gate of the estate looks awfully tense.

Hmm?
What is she tense about after all this time?

I get off the carriage I've borrowed for the date today and escort Zena-san to it.
She might be embarrassed because Lilio and some others unfamiliar faces from the corps are peeking curiously from the other side of the gate.

The old coachman puts a stool on the ground to support Zena-san who's wearing skirt to get on the carriage.
He's someone dispatched by the cab carriage association, I often employs him when I use cab carriage since he drives the carriage carefully and is unexpectedly attentive despite his taciturn unsociable-like demeanor.

"Zena-san, have you eaten breakfast?"
"Y-yes."

Her reaction is slightly slow when I talk to her.
Maybe her condition isn't good after all?

"If you're still not feeling well, why don't we postpone the outing?"
"No, I'm fine."

She doesn't look that fine, so I'm going to refresh her at a place with good sceneries.
I instructed the old coachman to take us to the park near the Ivy Mansion.


◇


"I didn't know that there's a place with such rich greenery in this city."
"There's a facility made by someone called the Elf Sage nearby that enables water from a water-source to flow on the ground surface. The nature here is rich as the aftereffect."

I narrate back what Leriril has told me to Zena-san who's wide-eyed after seeing the trees and lawn of the park.
In fact, it's not just merely a water source, it also draws up [Mana] from the earth's vein.

Putting that said, since Zena-san's vigor has come back a bit, let's take walk here.
I tell the old coachman to stop the carriage on the grassland near the park entrance.

"Would you like to take a bit of stroll?"
"Yes, I'd be glad to."
"It feels really refreshing to walk around here, I'm sure you'll feel pleasant."

I tell the old coachman to wait here, take Zena-san's hand, and relaxedly walk on the lane under the tree shadows.

"Satou-san...."
"Yes."

I do not urge Zena-san who's faltering after saying my name, I'll just wait for her to collect her words.

It's very cool here, probably due to the vapor from the morning dews.
In addition, the sounds of birds chirping between the trees are really nice on the ears.

"Um, Satou-san, have you, umm, been a noble since you were in Seryuu city?"
"No, I was a normal commoner at that time."

It seems she wanted to hear that, Zena-san's shoulders lose her tense after hearing me saying so.
It's not that important of a thing right?

I briefly talked about how I saved some relatives of a noble from thieves, brought them to Baron Muno which ended up in Liza and the others repelling the monsters that attacked Muno city, as the result, I was granted chevalier title by the Baron.

"....Then, that beautiful person was?"

Someone whom Zena-san expressed with [Beautiful], meaning it's either Lady Karina or Nana?
It's probably Lady Karina since I've introduced her to Zena-san before.
I explain to her, guessing so.

"Is it about the woman with rolled blond hair?"
"Y-yes."
"That person is Karina-sama, she's the daughter of Baron Muno. She's always wanted to go to the labyrinth city since a long time ago, she's currently enjoying herself exploring the labyrinth, guided by Liza and the others."

Zena-san looks puzzled, I guess the daughter of a baron exploring a labyrinth is unexpected.

"She probably wants to become strong since she said she wanted to become the hero's attendant."
"I can understand that!"

You do huh....
Zena-san and Lady Karina might unexpectedly have similar taste.


◇


While taking half a hour stroll, I talked about the event when I met Mia and Nana.
Of course, I can't exactly tell her the thing about the [Maze of Trazayuya] and the [Undead King Zen], so I've revised the content here and there.

I heard a small sound from Zena-san's stomach during that time.
She probably hasn't eaten breakfast after all.

There should be Tama's napping space ahead of these trees.
Let's have a lunch there today.

We can't see it from the lane, but if you just follow the animal trail for a bit, you'll arrive at Tama's napping space.
Small butterflies are flying among the sunlight between the trees, small squirrel-like animals peek their face from the shadow of the branches.
It's a space that's quite pleasing for hearts.

I put a sheet on the meadow for us to sit down, and take out sandwiches and whale karage from the lunchbox I've made this morning.
I've prepared honeyed lemonade as the drink. Though I've said lemonade, I used some handball-sized fruits that tasted like lemon to make the fruit juice.

"Um, does Satou-san has [Item Box] skill?"
"Oh it's just that this bag is a magic item. Just like the [Item Box], it can hold a lot of item."
"Amazing. You're like the magician from picture books."

I pass the magic bag (Holding Bag) to Zena-san who was eagerly admiring it, letting her touch it as she wants.

I hid it in Seryuu city it, but there's no problem showing it now because I've been using it normally with everyone's fairy bag as the camouflage ever since we arrived at the Labyrinth City.
Surprisingly enough, there wasn't anyone who tried to steal this bag as it seemed the Red Iron Plate worked as repellents.

"Now then, why don't have a bite."

I pass Zena-san a handmade paper napkin and teach her the way to eat the sandwich.
We're going to eat the sandwich by wrapping it in paper napkins, but I've brought two forks for the karage.

"Is this a white bread? This is the first time I've seen a bread this thin and soft."
"It's a kind of white bread called loaf bread."

I made this loaf bread for Arisa who requested it strongly.
I got the bread's yeast in the Royal Capital, but it took me half a month before I could made good loaf bread.

Arisa bit the completed loaf bread in her mouth while running in the corridor, saying "I'm late, I'm late", which made her getting scolded by not only Liza and Lulu, but even Ms. Miteruna.
I understand the parody, but just what was she trying to do.

"You could eat this karage as is, but dipping it in this red sauce or this yellow sauce would make it taste even more delicious."

The red one is a slightly sweet tomato sauce, the yellow one is a slightly bitter mustard sauce.

There are two kinds of sandwiches; egg sandwiches, and cheese & ham sandwiches.
I had prepared tuna flakes too, but since that peculiar flake sensation was popular among the mansion maids who tasted it, I passed it off this time.

"Delicious"

Zena-san mutters a single word and becomes speechless after nibbling a light bite of the sandwich.
It's been awhile since I see such reaction.

"It's really delicious. I thought this red one was pepper, but it's sweet isn't it."
"Yes, that's a flavoring made from the royal capital's specialty fruit called tomato."

It seems the sandwich and the karage were to Zena-san's liking, they were gone into her stomach in a blink of an eye.
While Zena-san is having a late breakfast, I tell her about my workshop visits and Sir Tisrad's wedding in the duke castle at the duchy capital humorously.

When Zena-san hears about the fireworks that adorned the wedding at the end, she leaks a sigh like she's envious from the innermost depth of her heart, "It sounds wonderful", while looking entranced.
Since that behavior was so cute, I unconsciously promised Zena-san to show her fireworks next time.
I feel bad if I have to ask Arisa, so let's make some magic tools that can shoot fireworks once again.

With Zena-san who has fully recovered, we leave the park behind.





Previous Chapter

11-11. Vampires (3)

 

Satou's here. In horror movies, there are scenes where a head without body laughs maniacally, or with someone who doesn't die even if there's only their head left while it's cursing in resentment.
I can't help but wonder just how are they making voices without a throat and lungs.


◇


"I've come to beat you! Ban-sama!"
"Semeri, you're energetic today too."

A beautiful woman riding a giant scorpion followed by a Tyranosaurus, and a Roper, which has ivies as its limbs, confront the True Ancestor in the castle's courtyard.
<TLN: Roper >
Her pale body entwined by her wavy black hair is quite captivating.
The woman is one of the True Ancestor Ban's Vampire Princesses, a Vampire Lord. The giant scorpion and the monsters accompanying her have also been turned into vampires like her.

I asked Ban since I found it strange for his subordinate to come attacking him, but he reply in carefree manner, "She's in her rebellious phase nanodearu."
It's probably a part of entertainment for him.

Moreover, Semeri who's come to defeat the True Ancestor has her pale body dyed in violet color.
Contrary to her word, her eyes are those of a girl in love.

"Now then, who are going to be the vanguard today?"
"Ban-sama, me!"
"No, let me do this."
"I want to do~ it."

Not only the blond haired beauty from before, the red-haired and the black-haired women also applied.
Apparently, she's not the only battle maniac around.

"My turn."

The white-haired taciturn little girl Vampire Princess who has been silent since a while ago raises her hand quietly and goes to the courtyard.

The little girl cuts her wrist with the fingernail that's extended from her small finger.
The blood spouting out of the wrist moves like an animal, forming a scythe.

....It's very like vampire, or rather template-like, it's truly a fantasy spectacle.
As for Semeri, she puts a great sword made of monster material on her shoulder.

"Fuhn, wouldn't have thought the white princess to be the vanguard? I thought the fat blond over there would be the one."
"I-I'm not fat! I'm only a tiiny bit plump!"

Semeri called the glamorous blond-san fat, but even though I don't think she's thin, she doesn't look fat at all either.
The little girl who's arrived at the courtyard pushes her scythe toward Semeri as if she doesn't hear the two's bickering.

"My vanguard is Tyranon. Go, Tyranon!"

I felt slight affinity with Semeri's questionable naming sense.

The little girl jumps to the Tyrano which swings its tail with one leg as the pivot.
The six-meter big Tyranosaurus is comparatively agile for its size.

The little girl easily cuts the Tyrano's tail with her scythe.
However, the Tyranosaurus seems to have assumed that the tail would be cut from the beginning.

The blood spouting out of the cut part of the Tyrano's tail suddenly burst into flames for some reason.
Just as the flaming blood that's spraying like flamethrower about to engulf her body, the little girl turns into mist to evade it.
However, it looks like they've grasped vampire's ability well, the spraying blood seems to be have the special characteristic of burning the body of a vampire that has turned into mist.
The other vampire princesses who are watching the game hold their breath, while Semeri is smiling.

"....Naive dearu."

The True Ancestor muttered.

Even according to my AR indication, the little girl is only slightly damaged.
The little girl emerges from the shadow under the Tyrano and quickly cuts both its legs.

Apparently, the mist was a fake, the real body had merged into shadow.
It's not a shadow magic, but a race-specific skill called [Shadow Walk]. Only few people posses it, including the little girl and the True Ancestor.
It seems to be a skill that only vampires who have aged past certain years posses, the 170 years old Semeri doesn't have it.

The Tyrano which has lost its mean to escape is cut into pieces without any resistance.
Apparently, vampires turn into ash when their HP becomes zero.

"Winner, White Princess Ryuna."

The taciturn little girl grips her small fist, secretly looking happy.
The girl gracefully walks toward the True Ancestor, and then presents her cheek toward him. When the True Ancesotr lightly kisses her cheek, she smiles broadly.

It's rather cute.


◇


"The second one is, Roper! White princess can't fight again okay?"

When the little girl who was still smiling was going to walk toward the courtyard, Semeri stopped her in irritated tone.
The little girl turned toward the True Ancestor to be the judge.

"Umu, one-side game isn't fun dearu."

With those brief words, the second round is a fight between Roper vs the blond beauty.
Just like the little girl, the blond beauty cuts her own wrist and create two short swords from her blood before going to the battle.

The beauty evades the randomly-attacking tentacles with speed that surpass humans, while warding off the ones that she can't evade with her short swords.
Unlike with the Tyrano, the sap of this roper doesn't seem to burn.
However, it seems it has strong viscosity as the blond beauty's movement is getting dull.

The nail-like cornified parts at the tip of the roper's tentacles are tearing the beauty's clothes.

"Ahahaha! Good good Roper! Expose that fatty's shameful body under the broad moonlight."
"I, am, not, fat."

The blond beauty's breath seems to have been thrown out of order after arguing with Semeri, she's finally unable to dodge and caught by several tentacles, she's lifted on the air with her limbs tied.

--quite an erotic pose.
For her honor, I shift my glance behind.

I could hear crackles like from electricity from behind.
The blond beauty is affected with paralyzed status, it seems she's taken electric attacks from the tips of the tentacles.

It seems she can't turn into mist in this state, her defeat is decided without even a counterattack.

"Game over, winner Roper."

I turn around since it's ended--Oh my, it's a splatter.... the corpse of the blond beauty which has been split in two are dangling on the Roper's tentacles.
The blond beauty's head which has been thrown by the Roper is picked by the little girl.

"Unsightly."
"....Regrettably."

Geh, as expected of vampires.
She can talk even with only her head.

"Do not worry. She will be immediately revived if she takes some blood dearu."

The True Ancestor followed-up when I was shocked to see the freshly-severed head talking.
Confirming on the AR indication, her health gauge is gradually being restored.


◇


"Roper is going to fight again. It's the leader's turn over there!"

Semeri looks toward the True Ancestor.
The True Ancestor looks at me as if she didn't notice her gaze.

"Routine works cause laziness dearu. Let's change the plan today. Kuro-dono, would you show us the techniques you use to defeat the guardians?"
"Yeah alright."

I don't mind since I can just tie the Roper with [Magic Hand] and defeat it in one blow with fire magic.

"This Roper is a special kind for Ban-sama. Like I'd use it against a human! I'll torment him directly."

....Didn't you just use it against the blond beauty.
And also, I'm afraid to ask just what kind of things is she going to use it for.

"I prefer not to injure her, is there any tip to hold back?"
"You human, hold back you said?! You underestimate this Semeri-sama."
"Don't worry dearu. Vampire Lords won't perish even if they turn into ash."

I consulted True Ancestor in whisper, but it seemed vampire princesses had good ears as Semeri heard it, she was enraged to the point of looking like her blood vessel would rupture.
The True Ancestor gleefully said, "She would be revived immediately if you put a magic core on top of the ash and drip some blood, so I don't mind if you go all out dearu.", as if fanning the situation.
The castle maids would become victims if I do it seriously you know.

They won't die even if you cut their head, I guess I'll end it by doing that.

"Ban-sama! The term won't change even if I beat this guy y'know?"
"Ah, if Semeri won, I would be your captive until next month as promised. However, if you lose, Kuro-dono will be given the right to order you."

No, I don't need such things like an order right.

Semeri's expression becomes warped when our eyes meet.
Please stop covering the deep valley that you're fully displaying from my view.
It's really vexing.

"S, shameless orders are no no!"
"Ara, Semeri, do you feel like losing?"

While still staying as a head only, the blond beauty teases Semeri as if getting her revenge for before.

The scene is too surreal.
These girls are really Undeads huh.

I produce a glass-like transparent sword with [Magick Sword] magic chantlessly, and wield it.

"Hou, you're making a weapon from 『Dancing Blade』 type of magic huh. Really quite unusual way nanodearu."

It makes me feel that I'm really odd when those were said by a vampire who's lived for a long time.

However, I had to disrupt such thought since Semeri was coming to attack me, wielding a great sword with her slender arm.
I thought that she was a brute-force type of person, but it seems she unexpectedly practices proper swordsmanship.

She's probably been swinging swords in her free times during the 170 years of her life.
Her swordsmanship is polished enough to liken her with Pochi's master.

However, her craftiness isn't comparable to the elf master--thus, she's easy to read.

In addition to that, Semeri's expression is too rich.
Just like when I'm training with Pochi, I allow her to do the attack she wants while gradually cornering her.

Semeri who's been cornered cut her wrist and attack with the blood that have turned into needles.
I disperse such a desperate attack with [Short Stun] and destroy Semeri's great sword with the magick sword.

"Kuh, damn."

I block the blood sword that Semeri's created with the magick sword in one hand, slip to the bosom of her body which is pushing in, hitting it with my palm.
The moment my palm touches her body, I drain her magic power in one go with [Mana Drain].

Losing her magic defense, I drive in my palm which is shaped like it's gouging thing.
Looks like even vampires breathe, Semeri stopped moving after losing her breath.

While pulling my palm back, my other hand is swinging the magick sword toward her neck, but it stops right before it hits the neck.
No, I stopped it.

I couldn't cut the neck of a woman who looks like nothing but human save for her pale skin.
Even though I know she won't die, I'd likely still feel repulsed.

"Winner, Kuro-dono!"

However, the True Ancestor seems to have judged my victory.
Semeri coughs violently with both her hands on the ground.

"Kuro-dono, what do you wish of Semeri."

Before answering the True Ancestor, I look at Semeri.
She's gnawing her mouth in vexation, trembling in disgrace.

My sadistic side is incited, but I'm not going to ask perverted things.
None.

"Right then--"

Please forgive me for making Semeri a bit anxious.
She has the natural characteristic of being easy to tease.

"--Could she guide me around the attractions of the labyrinth's lower layer?"

My request seems to be surprising, Semeri tilts her head in puzzlement while saying, "Attractions?"
True Ancestor seems to like it, he claps my shoulders while laughing pleasantly.

"Attractions it is! Leave it to me. I'll let you see astounding attractions that you have never seen before."

Apparently, Semeri interprets it as a new challenge from me, she energetically points her hand at me.

Looks like she's eager to guide me immediately, but it's going to be dawn soon, today I'm going to have a date with Zena-san in the noon, and a party with the guildmaster in the evening.
I have to escort Lady Karina to the tea party and the banquet tomorrow, so I ask for the tour to be held the day after tomorrow.
I could do it tonight, but I'd love to have a proper rest before touring the attractions.

As for the rewards of the fight from the True Ancestor, he's going to introduce me with the reincarnated people who live in the lower layer.
Let's visit them as I'm touring the attractions later.





Previous Chapter

11-10. Vampires (2)

 

Satou's here. I think the saying [Noblesse Oblige] is from France, but I wonder when was it got popularized.
I've only ever seen the words in manga or anime in Japan, but it seems to be a relatively common deed in another world.


◇

"That stand-up collar, black hair and eyes, and that name. And above all, that face! 『Are ye a Japanese?』"
『That's right. Just as you can see, I was born and raised in Japan.』
"It is so dearuka."

Since the latter part was said in Japanese language, I also replied back in one.
The True Ancestor before me is a young man with seaweed-like naturally curly violet hair.

Even though his skin is pale-white and his face looks like a Frenchman, his accents when he was speaking Japanese was in Kansai dialect.
No, I guess his current appearance has nothing to do with his previous one.
Maybe the name Ban (「番」) was from the kanji 「播」?

"You don't seem to be a hero of Saga Empire, are you a <Lost One> who has been spirited away dearuka?"
"I'm not familiar with that <Lost One> term, but I'm probably one of those so-called teleported people."
"Hou? Several hundreds years ago, the holy kingdom Hellon imitated the Saga Empire's hero-summoning ritual, and summoned heroes from Japan, so another kingdom is repeating the same thing again huh..."

He mutters some dangerous things like, "Kidnapper bastards", and, "Should I get rid of the summoner and the kingdom's central figures again" with a grim face.
From his perspective, teleported person=summoned person huh.

The True Ancestor is level 61, but if he leads the level 40-50 Vampire Princesses, they can destroy some small kingdom easily.
Most of all, as far as I know, there is no kingdom called Holy Kingdom Hellon in this continent.

Let's do something about it for Princess Menea's sake.

"There is no need to do that. It seems they were already attacked by a Greater Demon, and the summoners, including the people involved had already been eliminated."
"Even demons do some good thing sometimes dearuna."

I tell the True Ancestor the thing Princess Menea has told me.
Although I don't know whether it's true or not, there was probably no point for the princess to lie at that time, so there's no need for me to excessively doubt it.

"I would like to talk about various Japanese things, but you would be better off finishing your business first dearu."
"Right. My business is--"

After apologizing for destroying the barrier and the castle during my rescue, I asked him to release the women who were with Zena-san.

"Those women are people whom I've legally bought as slaves dearu."
"I can pay the compensation if you want?"
"I am not troubled with money dearu."

--Not possible huh.

"By buying legally, don't tell me you went to the city?"
"Certainly not, dearu. A secret market opens in the upper layer of the labyrinth once every two months. There, I bought the exhibited slaves with the money made from selling magic cores and monster materials dearu."

Moreover, he seems to be a regular customer there, they even brought expensive slaves that only him would buy.

"Are you keeping the slaves as the source of blood supply?"
"Watch your tongue dearu. Those women are important servants of the castle. I will have your retract the 'keep' part."
<TLN: The 'keep' here is like for 'keeping pets'.>
"Excuse me, I withdraw my words earlier."

I purposely tried to provoke him, but he denied it unexpectedly fierce.

"I ask the slaves I've bought to provide several dozens cc of blood every month, but other than that I only have them work as maids in the castle. I do not turn them into vampires against their will, nor I do cruel or sexual violence against them."

I feel that I'm not wrong about them being blood supplies, but it seems the vampires don't take away the women's free will.

It seems his normal sexual desire has gradually disappeared ever since he became a vampire.
All the vampire princesses seem to be his wives, but their relationship only goes as far as hugging and exchanging kisses.

His only desire is to drink a cupful of wine with a droplet of blood three times day, it's a bit different than the image of vampires I have in mind.
How do I say this, he's the kind of vampire that appears in the woman-oriented stories and novels.

"I will free those who wish for it in 5-10 years, but since I provide them education and skills, and also living expenses enough to play around for years during the period of their employment, the slaves choose for themselves whether they want to be freed."

With all those hospitalities, there's probably a lot of people who want to work under him even though he's a vampire.

The vampires give education and skills to the slaves partly for their self-reliance after they've been freed, but it's mainly a way for the vampire princesses to spend their free time.
The purpose seems more vampire-like than charity.

However, they can't get sunlight here, they'll likely become ill if they're here for 10 years.

"That worry is unnecessary dearu. There is a hermitage of a light elemental magician at the end of this big area. I have ordered the maids to sunbathe there once a day."
"A light elemental magician in the domain of vampires?"
"It is of a man and his daughter and her husband who have ran away to the labyrinth after getting victimized by a stupid son of a grand noble who tried to rape his daughter. I provide them with food and necessities in exchange for their works dearu."

I see.

I feel that he's a bit too considerate to the slaves, but he also has his own reason for that.

"A hero will come here if we recklessly abuse and slaughter them. Co-existence and co-prosperity are good in moderation."

The True Ancestor boasted so while smiling pretense of evil.


◇


"However, there's no need to abduct Miss Gelca and the others if you buy your slaves right?"
"Umu, there is no need."
"Then, why?"
"The black market didn't open this month, when I was going to see the the lost thieves who are the market's boss, I caught sight of some dying girls."

According to the True Ancestor, Gelca couldn't move since she was stabbed with a poisonous dagger, and going to be eaten by monsters, while Zena-san was dying after getting hit by a Soldier Mantis's attack, he saved each of them.

The poison and bleeding would stop when they became mist together with a vampire, so he brought them to this castle and healed them with the magic potions stocked here.
I'm interested with just how is the [Became mist] part possible, but let's quench the curiosity later.

"Are you doing charity for your pastime?"
"Fumu, the greatest enemy of living a long life is boredom dearu. I decided to help someone who had a bad luck before me on whim. And when they are beautiful girls, is there any reason not to help them?"
"Indeed."

Though, it seems he only ever came to the black market whenever he went out of the lower layer, so him bringing someone to the castle to save them like with Zena-san happened for the first time after a century.


◇


I thanked the kind True Ancestor for saving Miss Gelca's and Zena-san's life, and asked him if he wanted anything from the surface as the reward.

"Umu, I'd like to drink some 『Blood of Lesseu』 dearu."

I thought that he would say that he didn't need anything, but he unexpectedly replied immediately.
If my memory serves me correctly, it should be the name of a cheap wine brand.

"Quite an unusual wine of choice. I have Item Box and Teleportation, so I can provide fresh foodstuff and cloth you know?"

The True Ancestor looks at the Vampire Princesses who are waiting upon him nearby.

"Fashionable dresses."
"Mithril, or if there isn't any, iron or silver ingot."
"Cute accessories."
"I want paper and ink."

I wrote the items that each of the vampire princesses told in the companion column's memo.
Except for the [Blood of Lesseu], they were all items that I already had in the storage.
I can hand it over immediately, but it's probably better to do it together with the True Ancestor's wine. After confirming the item by reading the memo out loud, I make a promise of the time I visit here again.

The True Ancestor stopped me when I was going to leave.

"Since you've already come here and all, why don't we have a match."


◇


It was a close battle at the beginning, but the match with the True Ancestor is ending with my complete victory.

"Checkmate."
"Wait, don't do that move."
"But, didn't you say that the 『Wait』 earlier was the last?"
"Gunununu. Then I'll give you three Blood Spheres, please wait for it again dearu."
"Okay, this is the last y'know?"
"Umu."

Yes, the match is for Shogi.
The match began with the Shogi board that the True Ancestor had prepared, but his skill is only at the level of someone who's crazy at but not good at it.
Doing the wait is okay since I'm getting rare materials of vampire-san for it, but playing Shogi with him is accumulating me some stress.

I'm relatively strong for a beginner (Shogi player) since I was given some devilish training by Mr. Metabo during the meeting for the making of Shogi app for my work.
Moreover, since the app has several difficulty level, I'm well-informed with the way to skilfully hold back, yet right now it's next to impossible for the True Ancestor to win this match.

Even if I plainly make an opening, he would make a move that can't be said to be anything but suicidal.
No matter how much he relies on [Wait], his chance of victory is thin.

Although, the vampire princesses who are watching the match don't seem to care about the outcome.
Whenever the True Ancestor calls for [Wait] like a child, groaning while looking vexed, the girls look at him adorably with eyes full of affection.

Well, let's not find faults on someone else's hobby.
The Shogi showdown with him continued until near dawn, when a certain person visited.





Previous Chapter

11-9. Vampires (1)

 

Satou's here. Equaling demon lords, there are many stories and games that have vampires as the last boss, however aren't them not good to play the role as a villain with such varying weaknesses?
Sunlight, garlic, can't cross running water, can't enter into a building without being invited first, they have array of weaknesses, as such stories usually depict them being defeated with just wisdom and courage without relying on heroes.


◇


After returning to the lower layer, I've decided to examine the lower layer a bit more before I go to the vampires.

I haven't examined it in details since I was focused in saving Zena-san before, so I'm going to investigate it now.

There are around 30 beings that are level 50 and above in the lower layer.

The highest-leveled one is the Elder Root at level 99 that exist in the second largest area. It seems to be a plant-type monster that extends to the entirety of the large area.
Its level is about the same as the Great Monstrous Fish (Tovkezeera), but it doesn't seem to be the Floormaster.
I tried to search for Floormaster just in case, but it didn't seem to exist.

The second highest one is an Evil LesserDragon at level 80.
It's a lesser dragon even though its level is higher than the Black Dragon Heiron.
I wonder what is the basis for differentiating whether a dragon is lesser or not?

Let's ask Heiron about it next time.
He probably would answer, "Dunno", but since there's no one else I could ask, it can't be helped.

The third highest one is [King Mummy] at level 72. On top of having unique-skill sounding skills like [Metal Creation], and [Fantasy Factory], this King Mummy's name is [Tetsuo].
He must be a reincarnated person like the True Ancestor.
I'll try seeing him after meeting the True Ancestor.

And then there's also the somewhat lower-leveled one at level 53 called [Iron Stalker].
He also has some ominous and unique-skill sounding skill called, [Spirit Possession]. Since his name is [Takeru], the possibility is high for him to be a reincarnated person.
His race is Living Armor, he probably uses [Spirit Possession] to make a metal armor become his body.
If Arisa hears about this, she would likely try to coax him to "Say 『Nii-san』."
<TLN: I hope you know where this reference comes from. ;)>

These two reincarnated people (assumption) are each positioned on two neighboring large Areas.
They're probably close friends.


◇


Some guardians have been placed in front of the gate before the path that connects to the area where the vampires are.

『Show me your power if ye wish to cross this gate』
『Show me your wisdom if ye wish to cross this gate』
『Swords and Magic, retrace your steps if ye do not posses both』

Three mouths engraved on the gate are speaking words like living things.

As for the guardians, there are two large golems that are bigger than 9 meters, and a semi-transparent Wraith.
The golems are a skeleton-like Bone Golem and a robot-like steel-made Iron Golem.

The Iron Golem has a cannon and an axe-like weapons, while the Bone Golem has two short swords, a mace and a round shield on its four arms. Although I said short swords, that's only relative to the nine-meter big golem, from my perspective it's pretty much a thick great sword.

I guess annihilating them would be bad if I'm going to have a talk with the vampires.

Without caring for me who had been lost in thought, the Iron Golem began its attack.
The Iron Golem shoots out a flaming ball from its cannon.

Using the [Break Magic] is troublesome, so I flick the flaming ball with my hands, changing its course.
The out-of-course flaming ball made a big explosion on the passage wall behind me.

With that as the signal, the Wraith has begun chanting [Ice Paralyze], and the Bone Golem started to dance with two weapons on its arms.
With small motions, I take some light steps to dodge the furious assaults from both sides, and then I lightly touch it with my palms by matching the timing of its attacks.
Right at that moment, I drain its magic power with [Mana Drain] in one go to make it unable to act anymore.

The Bone Golem which has lost its magic power breaks down to the ground as if it's been attacked with Turn Undead.

I capture the scattered bones of the Bone Golem with the magic-sealing ropes and wires I've made from Thorn Foot in the mansion in order to prevent it from returning to battle.
Of course I didn't do it manually, I used [Magic Hand] magic.

Ignoring the Wraith's chant, I go toward the golem which is setting up its cannon to neutralize it.
Even if I'm paralyzed, I could release it by using [Break Magic] chantlessly, so that one is for the last.

It seems there's a time lag before the Iron Golem can use the cannon again, it's attacking me with the axe part, but since its movement is slow, I lightly dodge it without even using the Ground Shrink, and then I neutralize it with [Mana Drain] like with the Bone Golem.
I tie its right leg and its left arm behind its back with magic-sealing rope, restraining it.

I direct a jumping kick toward the Wraith while seeing the log informing successful resist against the paralyze at the edge of my view.

It seems the Wraith has a special characteristic of invalidating physical attacks, it's waiting my kick while looking calm.
Wraiths have an atrocious skill called [Life Drain], so from its point of view, I probably look like [A moth flying into the flame].

The moment I touch the Wraith, I generate magic edge on the spikes on the sole of my shoe, kicking it away.
Of course, I didn't forget to hold back so it wouldn't be defeated in one blow.

It seems to be quite painful as the Wraith that has been kicked away runs away toward the graveyard beyond the gate while screaming like it's startled.

Wraiths that are weak to pain, how rare.
Do they even feel pain in the first place?

No one answers such a question of mine as the gate simply opens silently.

>[Life Drain (Drain) Resistance] Skill Acquired


◇


Since they don't come to meet me, I decide to enter at my own discretion.

My appearance today is the custom version of Kuro set with a different disguise mask.

I could go as the normal Kuro, but since I'm going to meet a reincarnated person who call itself as a famous vampire hunter, Ban Helsing--although the true name should be Van Helsing--, it's probably better if the face is of a Japanese person instead of a foreigner, so I've made a new disguise mask.
<TLN: TL Error, the vampire's name is 'Ban Helsing', thus why Satou retorted 'why isn't it Van?', back in ch. 11-7. Revised.>
I'm borrowing the face of the outsourced debug staff, Tanaka-shi. The face of Mr. Metabolic doesn't match my body build, so I've chosen the face that's hard to left an impression with.

Two female Vampire Lords are waiting for me near the bridge that connects the castle on the lake.
They're lords even though they're women huh. I'd like to ask the person who gives the name, why isn't it 'Lady'.
There's no helping it even if I complain since it's their race name, but since it's too retort-prone, I'm going to call them Vampire Princess at my own discretion.

The two Vampire Princess are a short childish girl, and a tall adult beauty.
The childish-san is a 300 years old level 49 girl with white hair and blue eyes, and the glamorous beauty with blond hair and pale blue eyes is a 100 years old level 41 woman. The discrepancy between their age and their outer appearance is just like the vampires in fictions.

During the occasion, I activate the [Life Drain Resistance] I've got just now to the maximum.

"Welcome, strong one."
"Are you seeking a fight? Or the treasure sphere of knowledge and moonlight grass?"
"My wish is to meet the True Ancestor-dono."

I answered plainly to the two vampire princess who was asking my purpose.
I'm not role-playing Kuro's way of speaking this time.

"Is that so.... You don't want to fight do you...."

The beauty is disappointed for some reason.
Did she want to fight?

The childish Vampire Princess tells me [Wait a bit], changes one of its hand into a bat, and then sends it to the castle.
How convenient (fantasy).

I had a chat with the two since we were free during the wait.
The little girl didn't reply while looking disappointed, but the beauty normally talked with me as she seemed to be amiable.

That said, since we didn't have a common topic, I asked questions about the odd spectacles around us like 'how do the grapes bear fruit with only moonlight'.

Apparently, that seems to be a plant-type monster called Dusk Grape. Just as the name implies, it can only grow in darkness, and will wither if it's basked in sunlight.
Only Skeletons and Living Dolls can handle them since they're carnivorous.
I see, they can eat their farmers huh.... To think that the crops are underworld-style too....

It seems the Vampire Princesses don't need to eat meal, they're only growing it as indulgent food.

I was glad the she taught me various things, but it was troubling how she asked for a fight at random, "I'll give it to you if you can win against me", whenever I got interested with some of the odd things.
I'm not going to deem that vampires are all Battle Junkies by only looking at her, but please stop those sparkling eyes wanting to fight.

When we were having such chats, the bat came back and returned into the little girl's hand.

"It seems Master will meet you. Follow me."

The little girl bluntly said so, turned her body toward the castle without even waiting for my reply, and then began to walk.






Previous Chapter

11-8. The Whereabouts of Zena (2)

 

Satou's here. In movies, when you've feel relieved after the panic, the next panic always waits for you. It still surprises you even though you knew about it beforehand isn't it.


◇


After teleporting to the first area of the labyrinth's upper layer, I put down Zena-san and Miss Gelca on my shoulders to the ground.
However, the states of the two look strange--they're stiff hard, unable to move.

I'm sorry to Miss Gelca but I make her wait in the air with [Magic Hand] magic and check the detail of Zena-san's condition.

According to AR, she seems to be in [Restraint(Hold)] state.
Checking on the log, the True Ancestor attacked them, and me, with [Hold Geiss] status attack right before we teleported away.

Quite incredible considering the time I made the hole and teleporting were in only several seconds.
No, I guess I jumped right to the place where Zena-san and Gelca were going to get hit with the attack huh.
I shivered thinking what'd have happened if I didn't have the resistance against it.

Since I didn't get any resistance skill, one of the skills I already had probably worked.
For now, I'll try to see if [Break Magic] could release the abnormal status.

I should talk before that though.

"Calm down. I am here to save you."

Zena-san and Miss Gelca calmed down for a bit.
It seems they haven't talked since awhile ago not because they were being cautious, but because of the [Hold] condition.
[Hold] magic should only make it difficult for you to talk, not disallowing you to talk at all, looks like the effect is a bit different with the vampire's unique skill.

"We've escaped from the vampire's castle. I will release you two from the abnormal status. Relax and wait."

I tell the two so and use [Break Magic].
I felt slight resistance, but I could cancel it without any problem.

"I have to ask just in case, are you the one called Gelca?"
"Yes, it's me."
"I see, I've come to save you by the request of a girl called Sosona. There is no problem of me saving the girl over there as well right?"

I make it to look like I saved Zena-san incidentally together with Miss Gelca.
I'm sorry for Sosona, but I'll use her as an excuse in place of the reward for saving her friend.

I urged the two to hurry with the escape after coolly replied their thanks.
I'd feel bad for Lilio and the others who are worrying her if we're too slow.

Right, I'll give Zena-san and her companion the weapons for self-defense.
There are only demi-goblins on the way to the exit from here, but I'll use this good chance to give Zena-san a magic weapon and a high performance wand.

"This is the first area of the labyrinth's upper layer. I'll escort you two until the big hall before the exit. Use these to protect yourself."
"It's a simple but beautiful dagger.... Is this possibly made of mithril?"
"It is not of pure mithril. It's just mithril alloy, so do not mind it."

Miss Gelca who seemed to have noticed the dagger's material was at a loss of word as she asked me.
While answering her suitably, I pass a short sword to Zena-san.
This one is also a mass produced casted magic sword being sold by Echigoya.

"It's amazingly sharp.... I can feel stronger power than the magic sword Captain Derio had."
"Use this sword belt. You cannot put your sword with that clothes."

I take out a stylish sword belt that was made to be sold to nobles and push it toward Zena-san who's looking at the 10cm-long blade she's pulled out of the sheath.
The girls cannot wear the sword without a sword belt since they're wearing thin dress and delicate pumps.

"Um~, could you please give us a wand too if possible? We are magicians. We'd be happier to have a wand rather than a sword for self-protection."
"Very well, use these."

Since I had planned to give them one in the first place, I take out long wands out with [Item Box] and give it to them.
I've made these wands from the old evergreen oak of Boruenan Forest, it's capable of limiting magic loss during magic converging and invoking.
It's fit to be used for continuous battles in the labyrinth and bombardment.

I originally planned to give the wand to Arisa, but since I got ahold of a lot of world tree's branches, the plan was shelved.

Miss Gelca immediately use reinforcement magic on herself and ascertain the long wand.

"Oh, this is some amazing stuff! My magic is streaming smoothly to the point of being scary."
"....It's true. Moreover, the magic power's consumption has been greatly diminished."

Zena-san used [<<Wind Protection>>] on everyone including me, and muttered her impression.

I'm glad that they like it.
It's better than letting the wands become fertilizers for my storage.
The creator's name is blank (nanashi/nameless) anyway, they shouldn't suspect the maker.

We advance the passages toward the exit.
We meet some girls and boys who were fighting some demi-goblins, so I ask them to escort Zena-san and Miss Gelca to the exit.

"Please guide these girls to the entrance. I will give you rewards of course."
"Kuh, at least until our fight is over--please wait."

A boy wearing blue mantle politely replied while he was fighting against the goblin.
They seem to be graduates of [Pendora] but I'm not familiar with their face.
Still, having a hard fight against some demi-goblin, how shameful.

They came to us after they've defeated the demi-goblins in a few minutes without injury.

"Tsk, the dagger of this thing is only dirtied with blood."
"What, it wasn't a poison huh."

The boys are having such conversations while illuminating the shaved bone dagger which the demi-goblin held.

"Recently, there are some demi-goblins that use poisonous dagger around."

I see, so they have to fight while being careful from getting hit huh.
The leader-like boy told me so even though I didn't ask.

"Sorry but guide these girls to the entrance. This is your reward."

I tell them unilaterally, and pass a small bag with several gold coins inside to the leader.

"Understood. We can just escort them until the great staircase right?"
"Ah, I'm counting on you."

He received the small bag while it's letting out clang sounds, and agreed to escort them after confirming the inside.
The exit is just 30 minutes away, so he probably thinks that it's good for some extra money.

"Farewell then. Give my best regards to Sosona-dono."
"Umm, please tell me your name."
"I am not one to give my name."

....What am I even saying.
Well I could give Kuro name, but I returned to the mansion with [Return] magic after hiding myself in the passage's darkness.


◇


"Ah! Boy! Here!"

I found Lilio and the members of [Moonlight] gathering in front of the guild when I came there with Arisa and the others.
They are also with other members of the Seryuu Selected Corps who have been healed of course.
As expected they didn't have enough time repair their equipments, so the damages on their armors remain.

Zena-san and Miss Gelca have started advancing through the [Passage of Death] before the labyrinth's gate when I was greeting the selected labyrinth corps' captain, Sir Henz.
When they have come near the west gate, I suitably close our conversations and walk toward the west gate to meet Zena-san.

"Ze, Zena-cchiii!"
"Lilio! I'm back."

Lilio jumps to Zena-san who comes out of the west gate when she saw her.
Slightly after her, Miss Iona and Miss Ruu also congratulate her safety.

"Zena-san, I'm glad that you're safe."
"Satou-san!"

Even while being hugged by the three girls, Zena-san extends her hand between the gap, and I grip her white hand to congratulate her safe return.
Arisa and Mia lightly kick me from behind though, please stop getting jealous during reunion.


◇


It seems Zena-san and Miss Gelca couldn't talk about the vampires due to the [Contract] skill, so they reported to the guild that they were kidnapped, confined and then, saved by a mysterious person.
The mysterious person was immediately judged as Kuro once they described the appearance. Due to that, it's decided that the one who had kidnapped Zena-san were to be the Lost Thieves.

I guess I can just talk about the vampires to the guildmaster as Kuro later.

Zena-san and the others are not going to enter the labyrinth for the next few days to repair their equipments and they're going to have as much rest as possible today after we have promised to eat some meal together tomorrow.

By the way, the reason why the Selected Corps were devastated was not because of the vampires but because some Soldier Mantis came out of the gushing hole and linked when they were fighting some Beetles so it became a fierce battle.
At that time, Zena-san was immediately kidnapped by the thick fog once she sustained a serious injury.
I heard later that Miss Gelca was also kidnapped by the thick fog when she was dying after getting attacked by an Assassin Shadow Goblin.

I wanted to ask for more details, but since Lady Karina appeared from the west gate while looking like a corpse behind Nana, I was forced to suspend it.
Apparently, she was being put on the [<<Floating Board>>] made with Nana's force arte.
Not only Lady Karina, Erina and the others, and Kuro and Shiro are also being carried while looking dead tired.
They probably fall down from the sudden level up.

"Master, reporting our return."
"I'm bacck~?"
"I'm back nanodesu!"
"Welcome back. Are Karina-sama and the others having level up sickness?"
"Yes, so I affirm."

Looking at the AR indicators, Lady Karina has leveled up by 3, while Shiro and Kuro have gone from level 1 to level 7.

What kind of wild training did they do.

I have to tell them to hold back a bit during the labyrinth training tomorrow since she has to come to the tea party and the banquet with me the day after tomorrow.


◇


And then, the night of that day, I went back to the labyrinth after comforting Pochi who was feeling down from the meatless kid's lunch.

Yes, in order to meet the aforementioned True Ancestor who might be a reincarnated person.





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