Sousetsuka

Chapter 62 Futsuno's Rescue Mission - Third Part

 

In the hall, Kagura-san and I are facing off against Dave and Living Armor.
Kagura-san has a spear, Living Armor a long sword and a kite shield while Dave an iron club.

"Flare Bomb!"

Taking the initiative, I fired a high powered Flare Bomb at Living Armor. A fireball around 1 meter wide in diameter fiercely shot out toward Living Armor.

BWOSH

Contrary to its initial sluggish motion, Living Armor cut the Flare Bomb in two in an instant.

Wut!?

The fireball that was instantly cut before it could explode disappeared without having the chance to demonstrate its firepower. Simply being cut would make magic disappear, what kind of mechanism is behind that?
Taking no notice of the confused me, Living Armor didn't stop its charge and brandished its sword toward me. Then it swung its long sword downward.

However, I parried that with Lunar Cat's blade. Then I aim at the joint as I pull the blade back.

CLIIINK

Living Armor seemed to understand my intention as it made a slight motion, and let my blade hit its armored part instead. It managed to minimize the damage to a mere scratch. Looks like the base being a Rank A adventurer is not necessarily a lie. It's taking advantage of the fact that it doesn't have a flesh. It doesn't care about impacts assailing its inside since it doesn't have one. My attempt to destroy its joint must be far more damaging to it than that. Ok, this one's might be a wee bit tough.



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


"Hey hey hey, is that all you got? Weren't you going to punish me?"

"Kuh, to think mother was this powerful."

Dave who's flailing his iron club around is gradually gaining the upper hand on Kagura.
Kagura's styles of attack is highly refined to the point Nobusada made a model out of it, she's capable of precisely breaching through her enemies' defense while taking a minimum amount of movement. On the other hand, Dave is moving around like a storm without a hint of refinement. However, as he wields the terrific strength of onifolks, even that is overpowering. Thrusts from Kagura's spear get repelled back with speed and power beyond hers, numbing her hands. Thus, she cannot carelessly approach him.

"If yer' not gonna come, I'm goin myself then. This body is way too strong, one wrong move and my opponents break just like that. But since you're from the same race, you'll last longer no? Lemme enjoy this to the fullest."

Kagura jumped back to evade an incoming down swung of the iron club, the floor where she was on got gouged out, scattering rock splinters around. As such, she deemed that frontal clashes would be foolish, thus she's shifted to trying to find an opening while parrying the iron club.

Sounds of several clashes between spear and club echoed in the hall.
Kagura has been exhausted to the point of losing breaths. Since getting hit even once would be fatal, she was focusing fully in parrying and evading, unlike her usual style.
On the other hand, it seems Dave cannot hide his irritation since absolutely none of his attacks connects. Having your attacks parried consumes a great deal of stamina. Add to the fact that Dave has been bulldozing down all his opponents so far after getting ahold of Kagura's mother, Suseri's body. Thus, he has no idea how deal with protracted battles like this well.
Judging only from physical abilities and skills alone, Kagura has no snowball's chance in hell of winning however, she's been evading all of his attacks by focusing everything in observing.

BANG

None of his attack hits. The floor has been gouged out all over the place.
Kagura took some distance away while evading, and stared at Dave while regulating her breathing. On the contrary, Dave is looking at Kagura with loathful eyes, without trying to hide his irritation.

"You pesky little fly, this is getting annoying. Are you only good at running, huuh."

Kagura puts up a pensive look while completely ignoring his provocation. Suddenly, she took a test-tube like stone container from a pouch on her waist. She immediately drinks it one go and readies her spear once again.

"Phew, I've seen through most of your attacks now. Mother's body is truly wasted on the likes of you. I shall end it here even if it means destroying that body."

Dense mana overflows out of Kagura afterward.
While still in her human form, Kagura's eyes began to shine bright red, her double teeth transformed into fangs. And the most striking change, her pair of horns that had been hidden through secret art have manifested themselves. The obisidian-like jet black horns harm not Kagura's beauty, putting on solemn and terrifying air.

"Hah, whaddya hope to accomplish changing back to little oni. Enough, this is boring. Just die already!"

Black mist like thing overflow out of Dave's body after he said that.
That's!? She's heard of that from the patriarch. Normally, onifolks cannot make use of mana well. Since their mana is naturally converted into their strength and resistance. However, there are rare cases of onis who surpass that. And some are able to manifest their mana and turn it into strength without having it out of control. In the form of black mist, they call it 『Miasma』. Kagura has no way of knowing whether Dave is controlling that, however her intuition tells her that it's dangerous.

"Your spear no longer works on me. Hihihi, now die."

The brandished iron club has gotten heavier and faster than ever. Kagura managed to evade it somehow, the club hit a wall, drilling a hole on it. A gust from outside whirled up the cloud of dust.
Kagura could barely afford to endure the assault. However, her red eyes is not showing even a hint of resignation.
It's not possible to tear through miasma with brute force alone. However, Kagura can't use magic, she's only got one technique to counter it. And then, she spots the moment to unleash that.

"Hahaha what, what now you little..."

Right at that instant, Kagura made her move. She's been waiting the moment Dave who's confident of his defensive wall to expose himself wide open when he's boasting.

"Weapon Skill 『Light Execution Flame Spear <<Sinensis>>』!!"

With a loud boom, she rushes forward. The ground below Kagura's feet are gouged out by her momentum.
A crimson flame is flickering at the tip of Kagura's thrust spear. The heat haze drew a trail of flash, and then thud, the spear pierced Dave's heart as if it was sucking it in. His miasma that should have protected him was rendered completely useless before the crimson flame.
Kagura is convinced that Dave must have never fought someone stronger than him. It must be so judging from his fondness of watching the weak getting tormented, and tendency to talk unguarded while over relying on his defensive barrier. And that was exactly the chance to unleash this one strike she was waiting for. After all, even in her perfect state, Kagura could only use this technique once. She was able to do it here thanks to the dense mana water she got from Nobusada acting as a doping.

"...Aaa?"

Dave is looking at his own chest still not understanding what just happened. Then he looks at Kagura with an expression as if saying 'how'. And then he fell down listlessly without uttering a word. He's turned into a wordless corpse... no, rather he's turned back into one, Kagura pulled her spear out of her mother's body and laid her down.

"At last, I'm finally able to send my mother body to the afterworld. Mother, I hope you can rest in peace now."

After saying that, I felt strength leaving my body. Oh no,
I've used too much mana, the curse is acting up again. I can feel my body shrinking gradually.

GIIIHIIIIIIIIIIN

A shrill noise suddenly resounded. That was perhaps the sound of swords clashing between milord and that big armor. It appears that milord has just finished his side of things too.






TLN: Next update (planned for) tomorrow

Previous Chapter

Chapter 61 Futsuno's Rescue Mission - Second Part

 

It's the same situation as before. But this time, Nobusada ain't like his past self.

"Stone Wall!! Mitama, Kagura-san, stay behind me."

While the stone wall is blocking the arrows for us, I cast a spell toward the archers and the men at the stairs.
This time, I'm prioritizing speed. From the result of my testing, this spell may look subdued, but it's very well suited for anti-personnel combat.

"Bubble Bombs!"

I cast Bubble Bombs put with a lot of mana. At the same time, the second floor and the stairs are getting filled with numerous softball-sized bubbles. The archers seem to be in panic, they've stopped shooting here.

"What the hell's this? Ya think these bubbles could get you out of this?"

One of the men coming down the stairs made fun of the bubbles. Then the coiling bubbles stick to him and covered his whole body. The man who had enough with bubbles tried to slash them with his one-handed sword.
But the moment his sword hit a bubble, it burst open with a huge popping sound like POP. Along with the sword. Broken splinters blown by the explosion pierced the man's body.

"Ugaaa.... aaaa."

The man who's bleeding all over his body staggered.
Other men who saw that halted their attempt to slash at the bubbles.
But that wasn't the end of it. Like a chain reaction, the bubbles began to pop open one after another.

"GYAAAAAAAA, it hurt ow ow owwwwww"

"Aaa, hand, my haaaaand"

"Oaoooua"

Meat, blood, and even bone scattered about in the passage filled with bubbles.
Some on their face, some on their hands, some on their feet. Trying to fend the bubble with a weapon would render the weapon useless.
The men with shields frantically tried to block it, however bubbles that came flying behind them blew the meat on their back. Moreover, the bubbles continue to increase as soon as one burst open.
Before long, the popping sounds stopped, none among the men could stand nor groan as they have all turned into lumps of meat.

Even I'm a bit taken aback by this. The idiotic brat and Dave are... not here!? Tch, they got away eh? Tama-chan is standing by outside. She should send a signal if they went over there. First of all, I'll do something about Futsuno-san.

"Mitama, Kagura-san. Let's go save Futsuno-san. Let's get closer to that cage."

The two nodded. Their faces looked a bit pale, but I shouldn't mind that.

And of course the cage where Futsuno-san is held is locked. Come to think of it, it's weird how Futsuno-san isn't showing any reaction after that much furor. She should have been quite expressive. That her waist looks a bit slimmer compared to when I saw her before bothered me a bit... No, nevermind that. Discerning-sensei, full throttle again please.


Name: Futsuno - Gender: Female - Age: 19 - Race: Golden Foxkin
Class: Miko Lv18 - State: Subordination
Title: None
【Skill】
Fire Magic Lv3 - Wind Magic Lv4 - Life Magic - Barrier Art Lv3 - Dagger Lv2 - Cane Lv3 - Negotiation Lv4

【Unique Skill】
Golden Fox Seal Art Lv2 - Protection of Ametoris

【Protection of Ametoris】
Mark of having been bestowed with protection by Goddess of Nature and Harvest, Ametoris. Increase vitality and resistance against all kinds of abnormal status effect.


Subordination!? But there's neither slave collar or crest on her!? There's also something else I'd like to retort, but let's save it for later.
For now, we should get her out of the cage and ask Mitama to change her clothes afterward.
I focus on the lock and cast a spell concentrated on a point.

"Flare Bomb! (Pinpoint version)"

Boom, an explosion occurred on the lock. The lock was destroyed by the explosion and heat, and the door opened with a creaking sound.
I stopped Mitama when she tried to get close and signaled to her with a wink, telling I'd go in first. We've arranged beforehand that I'll go on ahead if my appraisal, which I had told them, detects something weird.
Mitama is anxiously looking at Futsuno-san.

Futsuno-san herself is sitting down while leaning on the cage. Her eyes look hollow without focus. She looks like a doll, as if she's not even the same person as her full of smiles self.


I approached her to get her out of the cage, and right then. Futsuno-san stood up sluggishly. She walked toward me unsteadily.
And then, she stabbed my stomach with a small knife in her hand...


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



...or how it looks like.


"Hahahaha, you really went and fell for it. That little magic of yours surprised me a bit, but now that you've been stabbed by that dagger, there's no saving you anymore. That thing has been smeared with a Curse Poison I painstakingly made. The moment you're stabbed by it, you lose any hope of recovery."

The idiotic brat was laughing like he had won near the door. He went down through another passage huh. Dave and an unfamiliar adventurer-looking girl are standing next to him. That's probably Kurei-san.

It must have looked like I was surely stabbed by the knife from over there. But too bad for you. That never happened.

"And?"

I nonchalantly turn around toward the idiotic brat. Holding the knife Futsuno-san had. I'm gripping the blade part though. In order to bear the brunt of Master's touki, both my Mana Clad and overlapping protections have gotten quite solid. Attacks from someone at the level of the current Futsuno-san would just bounce off me like CLANK. It powered up during the numerous times my life was in danger in Master's hard mode training. I don't want to die yet!

I hug the struggling Futsuno while throwing a look of disdain at the idiotic brat.

"I expected nothing less from a rotten former noble-sama, you sure have your ways of doing things. What were you trying to do making such an impotent curse poison anyway. Now then, are you out of tricks already? I guess you're ready to beg for your life then? Ready to tremble in fear in the corner of the room? Well, even an idiot like you should understand that there's no way we're letting you off easily after doing this to Futsuno-san, don't you??"

I threatened the idiotic brat while putting in a little bit of murderous intent.
He shrunk back while shrieking 'hiii', and then talked back while sounding nervous.

"H-hmph. It's 10 years too early for a barbarian like you to talk to me. Besides, look what happens if you try doing any funny business to me. Like this."

The idiotic brat stabbed his finger with a dagger after saying that. What's this, did his hobby include self-harm?

However, the dagger didn't have a blood on it, the idiotic brat's finger is also completely fine. Right when I was puzzled at what he was trying to do, I heard a dripping sound right next to me. Looking there, blood is dripping from Futsuno-san's right hand. What the heck is this? I cast Heal in a hurry to close her wound.

"Hmhm, get it now. All the damage you inflict on me will be hers to bear. By the effect of magic item 『Corset of Domination』. Even I cannot take that thing off. Therefore, it is not possible for you to harm  me. And that woman retains only her consciousness. The deeper her despair the better my domination will be. Isn't this all oh so fun."

The idiotic brat put up a disgusting smile as he said that.
Corset... That's why her waist slimmed down huh. Rather, even the one who put it can't take it off, this thing is absolutely cursed.

And it doesn't look like we can simply get away while taking Futsuno-san with us now.
The idiotic brat chanted something, and then a full armor that was on display near the front door began to move.


Living Armor
HP, MP: Depends on the practitioner's mana
Armor possessed by a soul through Darkness Magic. Its strength and ability are affected by the base soul, the armor's material, and the practitioner's skill. To defeat it, either destroy it completely or break its link with its practitioner.


This kind of feat is possible if you raise Darkness Magic level huh.

"This thing is the best manservant I've ever created. I made it with the soul of a Rank A adventurer I got trapped with debt. Lower ranked guys like you can't possibly win. Thoroughly suffer for all the insult you threw at me, ahahaha."

This guy really is dangerous. What to do now. And is he not going to make Kurei-san move. He looks to be quite a coward, he's probably afraid to go without a bodyguard. We've come here to save her tho'.

"Sheesh, ain't y'all lively. It got me pumped up too. I stayed by this little boy to monitor how far he'd break things, but it's gotten quite interesting after y'all came. Kihihi, don't think y'all can die easily. Now then, let me have a go with the little oni over there. Unlike that time before, this body is pretty good. Kuhihi, let's see how long will you last."

Dave seems to be quite eager too, he's facing off against Kagura-san. Then I guess I'll play with that huge thing and leave Futsuno-san in Mitama's care.

"Mitama, hold Futsuno-san down. I'll do something about this situation."

"...Nn. Please, Nobu, don't lose."

"Yeah, I'll beat 'em real quick and go home with everyone."

I draw Lunar Cat and take the Defensive Form. It's been a week since that time, one week it may be. The time I spent doing special training was very dense it's like I just got out of the hyperbolic t*m* chamber. I won't let it end like this.





TLN: Next update tomorrow. Shikkaku Mon and Okami will resume after the current arc is over.


Previous Chapter

16-55. Sage's Tower (4)

 

Satou here. Unlike in fictional stuff such as detective manga or drama, I would have liked it for incidents to stop happening every time I got to a new place. Peaceful every day life is the best you know.



◇



"What's the big trouble?"
"Karina she's~"
"Come with us nanodesu!"

Pulled by Tama and Pochi, I was taken elsewhere through the shadow.
After coming out of a back alley, we arrived at an open space near Kariswolk City's outer wall.

Something seems amiss, many people in the open space are crouching down looking ill.
There are fireplaces burning here and there in the open space, also traces of people distributing food here.

--Is it food poisoning?

"Hurrya~"
"Master, come here nanodesu!"

Tama and Pochi pulled me by hands to the blue light point that indicated Lady Karina.

"Master, over here."

Liza called me from the direction of the light point.
Lady Karina is sitting down next to a watering hole in the center of the open space.

"Karina-sama, are you okay?"
"...Satou."

Lady Karina looked at me with a pained look when I called her.
Her condition is displayed on the AR reading on top of her.

--State [Curse: Progressing]

I would have never imagined that there would be an abnormal status Raka cannot cure.
Looks like Lady Karina has been cursed by someone.

I don't think anyone would target someone who had just arrived at a foreign country like her, so I checked on the other ill-looking people around.
Sure enough, the people here are cursed as well.

I search for everyone with a [Curse] state and put markers on them.
Since the number is quite high, I group them together and change the color.

"Master~?
"Will Karina be okay nanodesu?"

Tama and Pochi look up at me while looking really worried.

"Ah yeah, she'll be fine."

I smile back at the two to reassure them and pick a Soul Magic [Return Curse]-type from among my magic list.
There's this spell that would return the curse back to its user multi folds, [Karma (Space Return Curse)], but I pass over that as it would likely kill the target.

--Curse Back: Home In (Return Curse Chaser)

I pick a convenient spell that would trace the curse back to its user while also returning it back.
Once I used the spell, black miasma came out of Lady Karina's body, then it turned into a cutout-like crow, and flew to the sky--

"Nyu?"
"It's gone nodesu."

But for some reason, it was repulsed and then disappeared when it was about to fly over the water.
Normally, it should have flown back to the curse's user, but apparently, there was some kind of anti Return Curse mechanism at work, so the tracking was stopped midway.

But for now, since Lady Karina's abnormal state has gone back to [None], all's well.

And for other people with Curse status, rather than using [Return Curse] on them one by one, I'll just use the advanced spell of light magic [Divine Brilliant Purification] and cure them off their Curses.

"Nyu!"

Right when I was about to cast the spell from the magic list, Tama slashed her claw at empty air.
With a view magnified by my skill, I could see a falling mosquito that had been cut in two.

Oh, it's just a mosquito--wait, mosquito in the middle of this winter season?

Why?
Right when I was thinking that, my conversation with Arisa flashed back on my mind.

『They were bitten by bugs right? Maybe the bugs were the vector of the vampiric infection?』

While thinking, no way, I read the info of the falling mosquito.
Its species name is [Vampire Mosquito: Mutant].

...No way.

Searching for [Vampire Mosquito], I found a not insignificant amount of them in the surroundings.
I have no reason to ignore this, thus I operate my Magic List, and suck all the mosquito in using wind magic [Air Control] to a sub-space I created using space magic [Garage].

The new snow in the area also ended up getting sucked in, but it's not like anyone would be troubled if the mosquito died, so I left it alone.

After securing one rat that had fallen into the same condition as Lady Karina earlier, I cast the [Divine Brilliant Purification], and purified the crouching people who had been cursed in the open space all at once.

Quite a flashy light filled the open space, but we're the only one who would pay it any mind here, so no problem there.



◇



"So what actually happened here?"
"There was this little kid who broke a pot nodesu."
"The adult was going to hit that kid with a stick~"
"He was going to hit her with a stick nodesu!"

I sort out the info in my head while Tama and Pochi continue on with their narration.
I had asked Liza to patrol the open space for a bit, I might have made a mistake in the personnel selection here.

There was a man next to the watering hole, and there was a big pot next to that man.
That pot had a warm water inside, steam was coming out of it.
One of the kids who were playing hide and seek bumped into that man, and then the falling man hit the pot in a chain reaction, breaking it.

Afterward, Lady Karina and the girls, who witnessed the enraged man flailing a stick around, put a stop to the barbaric act.

I secretly secured the broken pot's splinters from the ground into my Storage.
According to its detailed information, it was an item created at the old capital of Saga Empire.

...Saga Empire huh.

"Reimbursement."
"He told us to pay to make up for the pot the kid broke nodesu."
"And did you pay?"
"Secret savings~"
"Pochi and Tama did with our pocket money nodesu."

Checking on the their magic bags, all the gold coins I gave them have disappeared.

『And yet the man insisted it still wasn't enough and tried to take the jewelry I and Karina-dono had, but in exchange for a large diamond, that is Tama-dono's secret saving, he ceased his demands.』

The <<Intelligent Item>>, Raka that Lady Karina had added more details.
Additionally, it was apparently Raka who took care of the rest.

The diamond that Tama had was a manmade one I created using magic, I'll be sure to make another one later and give her that.

"So where did that man go?"
"He ran there while dancing~?"

Tama pointed at the east gate.

『Right after that man had left. The kids in the plaza started to keel over.』

They fell one after another, and eventually Lady Karina ended up collapsing herself.

"Medicines didn't work~?"
"Not antidote, not panacea worked nodesu."
"That must have been rough."

I pat the two's heads as they tried to convey what happened at the time with gestures.
Due to the matter of Weasel Empire's temple knight, Liedill, who ended up becoming my familiar, I had restricted the use of Blood Elixir only in cases where the victim is in a serious state of near death.

I'll let the two carry the easy to use ordinary elixirs with them next time.

"...Satou."
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine desuwa."

Lady Karina slowly got up.
Looks like she's recovered already thanks to her Self-Recovery skill.

"Private Pochi, Private Tama! I will now assign you a duty."
"Aye!"
"Yes sir nanodesu!"

To the two who struck the Shupin pose while standing straight, I ask them to care for the sick people here.

"I shall help too desuwa!"
"Yes, if you would. Raka, sorry, but I'm counting on you to support the girls."
『Umu, leave it to me.』

The guards will probably come later, I'll let Raka to deal with them.

I turned my back at them, and dashed out to chase the man together with Liza who had just come back from patrolling.


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



"--Uwaaaaaa"

A man who was riding a ride beast, a Snow Black Rat, was thrown off his ride when the rat suddenly stopped, and then he fell headlong into a piled up snow at the side of the road.
I left the Snow Black Rat to Liza to take care of, would be bad if it went wild.

"You look to be quite in a hurry, did you have an urgent business somewhere?"

I dragged the man out of the snow and talked to him.

"L-lemme go!"

When the man tried to shake off my hand, I shoved him down with his back on the snow and thrust my drawn Fairy Sword before the man.

"What were you doing next to the watering hole? I'll let you off with your life if you talk."

I accosted the man while relying on Deception and Interrogation skill.
The reason why I could pinpoint this man as our culprit is because he was the only one who tried to flee to the urban areas at high speed.

Just in case, I should use the mind magic [Detect Lie] to see through lies.
This magic is not really that accurate, but it's still better than nothing.

"Someone just paid me to do that! 『Watch the pot』 they said."

Result from Detect Lie--Truth.

I put on a callous expression and jerked my chin urging him to continue.

"I don't know who that person was. They were hiding their face in a hood, hell if I know who they were!" <TLN: Gender neutral they, not plural they.>

He doesn't know that person--Lie.

"That's a lie. You must know who they were."

The man had a cramp on his face when I declared so.

"H-how..."
"Talk."

I gripped the sword tighter and coerced the man.
Using Coercion skill here would have knocked the guy out.

"T-they were a scholar-sensei like you."
"Which scholar?"
"I've no idea. They had a 『Ring of Wisdom』 on their arm just like you."

Apparently, that's how he deemed them to be a scholar.

I put markers on all scholars that have 『Ring of Wisdom』 with them inside the country.
None seems to be acting suspiciously.

"Hey, I've told you everythin' yea. So let me go. I'd be killed by that scholar-sensei if I stay here."
"--Killed?"

That's brutal.

"It's coz I broke an important experimental tool. That scholar-sensei who woulda go as far as killing their scholar cohorts wouldn't think twice to kill me."

Well, they're a bunch who's been spreading Vampire Mosquito that put a debilitating curse on people all over the places after all. That much shouldn't be strange.

"I, overheard 'em..."

This man has [Attentive Ears] skill and apparently with that, he overheard the scholar in question instructing men in white to carry out murders in a back alley.

"Who are they trying to kill?"

I can't overlook an attempt for life here.

"Those men mentioned three names."

And the names that came out of the man's mouth sounded familiar to me.

Witch, Witch's apprentice, and Oracle Miko-san.
Miraculously enough, they're all my acquaintances.

"...It's the guards."

Looking at the direction the man muttered at, I saw guards coming here while breaking snow.

Just in time, I drag the man to the guards, and tell them that he's a concerned person of the incident at the open space.
The man was screaming 'This isn't what you promised!" or something, but it's not like I ever said I'd let him go if he talked, so I paid him no mind and proceeded to take the action needed to protect the three whose names came up earlier.

Good grief, just when we've got a fun trial that stimulated my spirit of inquiry, would it kill them to not cause these unnecessary incidents.



※ Next update is planned for 7/15





Previous Chapter

Chapter 60 Futsuno's Rescue Mission - First Part

 

After our meal, I suggested holding a strategy meeting to plan our moves to Mitama and Kagura who were relaxing with fruit juice.
Mitama isn't privy to the layout of the mansion, the only landmark she knows is the hole she used to escape previously. Then, maybe we'd better sneak in using Space Camouflage. And since Tama-chan can use camouflage herself, she could scout ahead for us.

"We should get close to our destination before nightfall today. I'm thinking of sneaking in before the dawn tomorrow, what do you think?"

"I am in agreement, however, as I very much stand out, I am not well suited for stealth."

"Ah, regarding that I have this magic that..."

I reveal my cards to the two and plan out our moves.
Here's how it's gonna be.

・ Deploy Tama-chan to look out for the surrounding area
・ Put Space Camouflage on ourselves and enter the mansion from a window if possible (otherwise, we're going in through the front door)
・ After we're in, we'll quickly search for Futsuno-san
・ After finding her, it's retribution time for the idiotic brat
・ At the same time, capture the onifolk, or perhaps punish her if necessary
・ Also unabashedly punish the adventurers (?) who are helping them
・ Get compensations for all the trouble they caused

The plan is quite haphazard, but that's just how it is since we don't know the composition inside.
According to Mitama, it should be.
・ Idiotic brat + Onifolk + Adventurers (?) x9 + Kurei-san. We'd have to face at least 12 people. Well, since they're definitely criminals this time, I ain't gonna hold back at all.

"Then, let's dash there. Are you two ready?"

""Yes.""

I focus and activate the high speed transport magic, pushing the carriage onward. By the way, the wind gushing forth from 『<<Air Thruster>>』 is about as high as the carriage's height, so it passes right below it when controlled well. It wouldn't have gone this well if the carriage was as low as a remodeled car, hey. But really, after hours of doing this, I'm used to looking stupid now. You can say I've been desensitized. After realizing that, I begin to look and listen around, it has gotten quite painless. Thus, I'm intrigued by the conversation the two girls on the carriage behind me are having.


"...So, how do really you feel about Nobu, Kagura?"

"You're quite persistent on that topic. I think he is desirable. And how about you yourself, Mitama?"

"...I like him, I think. I still don't understand how I feel myself..."

Oh oops, tis' a topic a man should not hear. Why are they talking about it now. Mitama-san, yer' too relaxed. Eargh, focus focus. Once I'm done extracting this retribution... No wait, I shouldn't raise a flag. Let's save it for when everything is over.
Afterward, we reached our destination far faster than planned. To the point that I'm not sure what to do since we're there too early.

We put the carriage in the cave where I found Lunar Cat since getting too close to the mansion with one would be bad. Of course, I've closed in the entrance with Stone Wall.
After this, we plan to cross a forest near the mansion during the night without sleeping. As there's no guarantee they don't have a scout around, I've put on Space Camouflage on us. Apparently, this magic turns into a dome shape when you specify other people in it. Of course, the center of the dome is me. Perhaps, it's easier to think that we're moving while being covered in an invisible bowl.


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

And then at dawn, we're plodding through a hill road in order to infiltrate the mansion. Mitama and Kagura-san have been stooping while muttering something and looking at me with a dubious look, but I pay no mind to them. I've prepared a little something beforehand just in case.

There's two lookouts at the front gate. They look real sleepy, seems like they've pulled an all-nighters. Well, sleep tight then.

"Fall prisoner in thy sleep. Sink toward an endless dream. Nightmare Raid."

The two may be standing upright, but they are in fact sleeping tight. They must be seeing bad dreams right about now. It's a harassment magic modified from Sleep Mist. Do enjoy getting ***** by some massive old men in your sleep.

*Creak*, I open the gate just wide enough for one to slip pass through and enter inside in turn. It feels a bit anti climatic as there's no more lookouts it seems, but I'm not letting my guard down. I've put a complete set of defensive spells on everyone, it should be good as an insurance to a degree if we run into unforeseen accidents. Tama-chan had scouted ahead before we got here, apparently, Futsuno-san was not present in the last room she was in. Guess best course of action here is to catch some handy-looking guy and ask him directly.

And thus, I caught a lone employee nearby and dragged him inside a room. I dunno who's the villain here anymore.

"Err, sorry but we won't get rough on you if you just tell us what we want, would you?"

I tried to have a talk with a slightly plump old servant that looked as meek as possible. He's awfully terrified though...

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I can't, it's impossible. Help."

Did I look that scary, I felt a bit hurt. But then someone pulled my sleeve. It's Mitama.

"...Nobu. This person definitely cannot talk. Look at his neck, there's a Slave Crest. I'm sure he's not allowed to talk about something that brings harm to his master."

Fumu, is that so. Now that I think about, this is the first I've seen Slave Crest. Wonder if I could release it if I leveled up my Slave Trader class? Gotta put on some effort into that. But still, what to do now.

Then, let's get a parchment and write down the questions. If he can't talk, how about finger pointing then, I'll write several things since we don't know what kind is considered harmful to his master.
The result, absolutely nothing about the idiotic brat. However, we got hints on Futsuno-san's whereabouts. 『First Floor』, 『Interior Hall』, 『Saw a foxfolk before』, info from finger pointing. I put the servant, into sleep with Sleep Mist to prevent rackets while thanking him. Sorry about this, I'll release you once this is over.

There's a hall at the end of the passage. Everyone exchanged looks with each other and then we went through the door.
There's Futsuno-san inside a cage at the end of the hall. The problem is her outfit. Why is she wearing a wedding dress.

"...Nee-san!"

Mitama rushed toward Futsuno-san. Hold it right there Mitama-san!
Just when I was about to chase her in a hurry, an arrow went straight for the running Mitama's ankle... and got flicked away by Stone Skin. Whoa there, I couldn't see anything, where'd it come from!?
I ran up to Mitama in a hurry. The first one got blocked nicely, but it might not hold up on the ones after.
I covered Mitama from multiple arrows raining down on her, and then, with a high-pitched sound, my Stone Skin's effect expired.

I got it after getting closer. This room is wholly visible from the second floor. Both sides of the upper floor are overlooking here. I turned around, and saw a lowlife-looking slender man grinning down on us from above. Cops, that's the guy.
Near the idiotic brat, a female onifolk is leading a group of ten men. Four of them have bows with them.
Looks like we were completely found out. Is he linked with his servants' sense or something.

"Fufufu, Dave, it's just as you said. I never imagined it would go this smoothly however."

"Kukuku, told ya. That little oni is a softie. Knew she's gonna rush up here if we dangled this bait."

The two are conversing like it all went according to plan.
But, the female onifolk is talking in such a vulgar way, a huge contrast to her looks. Kagura-san who came after us grinned her teeth when she saw her.

"Mother!? Why are you assisting such an atrocious act like this!"

Looks like my prediction was proven correct. However, I don't get it. Would Kagura-san's mother do something like this? And she's supposedly to have passed away.
Discerning-sensei, full throttle on those two please.

Name: Brave - Gender: Male - Age: 23 - Race: General Human
Class: Shaman Lv28 - State: Healthy
Title: None
【Skill】
Darkness Magic Lv6 - Etiquette Lv2 - Life Magic

Name: Suseri - Gender: Female - Race: Onifolk
Class: Oni Princess - State: Death
Title: 【Oni Princess】
【Skill】
Club Art Lv6 - Body Reinforcement lv4 - Sturdiness Lv3 - Housework Lv3 - Anti-Curse Lv7

What!? Discerning-sensei, please look at every nook and cranny. Hurry hurry!

While my eyes feel like they were burning during the full throttle, I got a reaction. Around her breast, or to be more exact, around her heart, I'm detecting a foreign substance.

Name: Dave - Gender: Male - Age: 47 - Race: <<Specter>>
Class: Unholy Lv33 - State: Parasitic
Title: None
【Skill】
None

【Unique Skill】
Corpse Full Possession

【Specter】
An abhorred sub-species of devil that takes over and controls dead bodies. They're a gaseous life form that parasitically controls the dead. The main body can only use its own Unique Skills, however it can make use of skills the host body possesses. Nullifies attacks other than magic. Especially weak against fire and light elements.

【Unholy】
Class that can only obtained by those whose conducts are outrageously fiendish. Excels at daunting others. Also good at borrowing other people's authorities.


...Truly atrocious! This class is basically no different than monsters at this point. I can't read the effect of his Unique Skill, but it's pretty obvious given the situation.

"Kagura-san, that thing is not your mother. More accurately, that thing is controlling the dead body of your mother."

"Hou, the brat over there. Well done. I thought you were just an extra, interesting. I'll spare your live and use you as a slave."

Dave is looking here with a broad grin. Since this guy can control dead bodies, the slave trader (Dave) was actually alive when it looked like Mother-san killed him. He must have clung to Mother-san's body and disposed of his then useless original body. Truly a troublesome ability that desecrates the dead.

"Huhu, do you know what it means to turn on me, the son of nobility? I'll let you off with your lives if you be obedient and let yourselves captured."

The idiotic brat suggested so triumphantly. Who the heck would agree to that. I know many things about this guy thanks to Jamito's info.
Presently, this guy has been disinherited by his noble parents. After all, he couldn't get away scot-free after burning down an entire village. But, being his parents and all, they couldn't just exile their son and instead let him drift here to Gramada with Jamito's help. Apparently this idiot has been acting like a yakuza in Gramada with Jamito's backing and his parent's money. He's got talents in illegal money lending schemes, illegally capture slaves from the shadow, and other shady stuff, so he's gotten quite well known around here. Well, I will now proceed to crush him flat though.

"Pu, what is this disinherited stupid son saying."

When I provoked him with that, his face that was looking confident up until now turns amusingly red. That's some low boiling point you got there, ex-noble.

"You bastard!! Where did you hear that! You guys, give a beat down to that guy and catch him."

"""""YES SIR"""""

The men went down stairs on both sides at once. At the same time, arrows are flying toward us.






Previous Chapter

Chapter 59 Helper-san, Welcome Aboard~

 

"Boss-san, please get her equipment that fits her. Cost no object!"

Boss-san had a dumbfounded look on his face since that was the first thing I said when we got to his store.

"Hey hey, what's happening' here, Nobusada. Wait, yer' tellin' me you've gotten yourselves in another problem huh?"

As expected of Boss-san. He knows me well. Yes, I sure did jump headlong into one.
I gave him a thumb up with smiles to reply to that.

"Correct! And it's urgent, so please sort it out. Mitama, you can use all the money I gave you. Okay then, I'll be leaving for a bit!"

I left the store after telling that to Mitama. I could hear someone saying, "O-oy! Sheesh, what's with the hurry. It takes time to adjust ready-made stuff ya know", but I paid no mind to that!
I'm heading to my destination at a quick pace. That person will surely lend us a hand. After all, this matter might not be unrelated to her.





"And that's that, so yeah, we need your help."

"I don't know what you meant by 'that's that', however, I do not mind assisting you, milord. But, could you at least explain the situation a bit?"

As you can see, I've gone to fetch Kagura-san. From Mitama's testimony and information from Jamito, this whole matter should be connected to Kagura-san in a way.

"Blah blah yadda yadda, that's the gist of it. This disinherited idiotic son of a nobleman, 『Brave』, has a onifolk that follows him around. From what Mitama told me, she kinda resembles Kagura-san somehow. She's just a bit taller than you. Perhaps, she might be?"

"It's very much a possibility. As expected of milord. Giving me the info I wanted most. Even if that onifolk is not my mother, I must bring judgment to my cohort for supporting such vile acts."

"Then please come to the 『Flaming Mallet』 once you're ready. I've got to go and secure us a transport. Oh and I'll take care of foodstuff too, so just prepare your battle gear."

"Very well. I shall make preparations at once."

That's Kagura-san for you. She's quick to adapt. Now then, gotta go to the Ride Beast Guild myself and score us a ride.





This world has a lot of methods of transportation, Ride Beast Guild is an organization that supervises them all. Including of course horses, there are cho**bo-like bird monsters, dragon-shaped monsters called running dragons, and even centaurs. Their upper half is that of humans, is that okay? The costs wildly vary from top to bottom, and they're even offering rental service. I'd like to hire a coachman as well if I could, but I have to see how the contract is like first. Kumahat-san has told me about a contact person here that can be trusted, let's ask for the guy.


"Hello, I'd like to consult about ride beasts and carriage, could I have an audience with Yoshii-san?"

The moment I came inside Ride Beast Guild, I was assaulted by smells of beasts or rather, of many things. It's similar to the cowshed my friend managed.
I could hear animal cries like, kii kii, and gyau gyau from afar.
The one who came out of the shed was a race I never saw before. It's a lizardman of lizardfolk with scales covering his green body. Apparently, they're regarded as beastfolk in this world though some people treat them as demons.

"Ufiffuu, heyaa. You must be the one who called for me. Nice to meet you. It's my pleasure to be acquainted with you. I'm Yoshii, an animal trainer that belongs to this Ride Beast Guild. Now then, what do you need today?"

Ooh, he's a way more sociable lizardman than I thought he'd be. He feels overwhelming since he's almost two meter tall though.

Name: Yoshii - Gender: Male - Age: 38 - Race: Lizardfolk
Class: Animal Trainer - Level: 38 - State: Healthy
Title: None
【Skill】
One-handed Sword Lv3 - Small Shield Lv3 - Animal Training Lv5 - Rearing Lv4 - Gross Eating Lv4

He's got an unknown skill!? Let me see here....

【Gross Eating】
Skill of those who can eat anything with their stomach of steel. This skill disintegrates things like poison and paralyzing liquid and turn them harmless as long as they're orally ingested.

The skill is amazing in a sense. In short, you can eat any type of poison as long as it's orally ingested huh. The fact that you can't get poisoned by your meals is legit by itself.

"I was referred here by Kumahat-san. Actually, I need a ride beast and a carriage in short order. But we don't have anyone with experience as a coachman, is there a ride beast whom even beginners can handle?"

He looks a bit troubled (since his expression doesn't change much, this is a guess).

"Humm, that's quite a tall order. It's dangerous without at least a degree of experience. We have cases where ride beasts went on a rampage and ran away because they couldn't get used to the handling."

Figured. It can't be that easy. Well, I never expected that to work anyway, so let's get down to business now.

"I figured as much. Then I'd like to consult about another matter..."


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

In the meantime, Mitama and Kagura who have finished their preparations and shopping are waiting for Nobusada in front of the 『Flaming Mallet』.

"...Kagura, thank you."

"Pay no heed, this matter concerns me as well. Besides, I cannot possibly refuse milord's request."

"...Is Kagura in an adult relationship with Nobu?"

"W-w-w-w-w-what are you talking about noja... We're just at a level where he's seen my naked body."

"...Unyan."

Mitama blushed with her ears flopped down. Looks like she ended up imagining things after hearing about naked body stuff. Kagura also blushed while muttering, 'I shouldn't have told her that'.

"But still, I wonder what's going on with milord. He said he went to get us a ride, but I do not see a ride beast anywhere... huh? What in the world is that??"

From the direction of the Ride Beast Guild, a canopy-equipped cart is being pulled by a small black thing at high speed. There's something obviously odd about it compared to other carriages around it.

"Milord. Just what are you doing noja..."

"Thanks for waiting! Now then, get on board."

"...Why is Nobu playing around as a ride beast?"

That's right, the one pulling the carriage is Nobusada. The carriage is a size smaller than normal carriages, however, it's still something that should be too heavy to be pulled by someone yet-to-be-adult by himself. It's a ready made cart that can be bought at the Ride Beast Guild.

"No well, we're gonna do a forced march right. And thus, I bought one, a cart. And now I can carry you two easy with this!"

"...So Nobu is gonna pull it no matter what."

"No, but, at this size, even a man who boasts of his strength won't be able to pull it to a satisfactory speed, won't he? Since when did milord train such powerful leg strength?"

"Let's just depart for now. Get on the carriage."

The girls seemingly yielded to the brimming Nobusada and boarded the carriage reservedly. There's enough space to easily fit five to six people inside. The two stare at Nobusada who's gripping the handle as if saying, what now.

"Let's get going. First of all, activate 『<<Anti-Graviton>>』."

Graviton is a gravity magic that crushes things. With magic modification, the less element you add, the easier it is to control. By reversing graviton's effect, you 'mysteriously' get a magic that decrease the effect of gravity. I can easily carry heavy stuff with this. Once activated, this makes the carriage lighter than even Mitama.

"In addition 『<<Air Hover>>』."

This is a magic modified from Wind Wall, normally it produces a wind wall that blows you upward, but this magic creates winds that blows and supports my feet like air cushions. It makes me look like I'm floating from outside perspective. We can't go forward with just these two magic, so I add another one.

"We're taking off. 『<<Air Thruster>>』"

This one is a modified Wind Storm. It's a magic that simplifies the blowing powers of a storm into a mere thrusting power. With a combination of these three spells, the Highspeed Mobile Transportation Nobusada is complete!! (smugface)
Sorry, I got ahead of myself. I was frantically practicing this you know. Thanks to that, I even got Parallel Casting skill. With this skill, combining multiple magic into one gets easier to control.

However, frankly speaking, this doesn't look cool at all. You're gripping the handle, and you don't look like flying after all. But if you can bear with that, you could be rewarded with speed that won't lose to an average ride beast. It's even possible to speed up to modern car's level if you forgo the control. Since I'm doing it very carefully, currently my limit is only around 50 Km/H, but it should be good enough. The cart's base might pop out if I overdo it.

Everyone who got passed by the cart that was being pulled by the floating me turned around with a 『What was that thing?』 look on their face, but I kept carrying on my way and ran past the South Gate.

I'm gradually raising the speed that was suppressed inside the town. Since the carriage was shaking violently, I bolstered 『<<Anti Graviton>>』 strength a bit, almost raising the carriage's wheels above the ground, or rather it's floating already. Furthermore, I use the two wind magic to suppress air resistance and the shaking. This requires me to finely adjust them, but it feels like it comes together nicely and naturally to me.
By the way, Tama-chan has enshrined herself on top of my head during the flight. Since I'm fully concentrating on controlling the flight, she's in charge of looking out at the surroundings.



We're having a meal while also resting at Pezun Village that is the halfway point to our destination. I completely ignored all the questions regarding our method of transportation. I'll explain it once this is all over.
Our meal this time is stuff I've always had on hands. After my first entry to a dungeon, I've been making food in large quantity whenever I have time and stuff them inside magic rucksacks. It's a habit I developed after coming to this world where many things are simply unpredictable. It's all thanks to magic rucksacks with preservation function though.

I only noticed that Mitama had a complete change of equipment after gazing at her munching down the hamburger I made.

"Those protectors, they're just like mine. Yup, it looks good on you."

Mitama who suddenly got addressed choked while letting out a sound, 'n-ga-kuu', like the wife character in a certain long-running daily anime series. My bad, seriously.
She's bought a set of Iron Ant protectors at the 『Flaming Mallet』 that's just like mine. She's also got herself a short bow and two double-edged daggers.



Trent Composite Bow
Quality: Good - Enclosed Mana: 2/2
A composite bow made of metal, Iron Ant material, and wood drop item of Trent. It is unfit for long range attacks, but due to its small size, it's easy to operate and good for short to medium range. The bowstring is made of Iron Ant's feelers, thus it possesses both strength and flexibility.

Maurio's Dagger x2
Quality: Good - Enclosed Mana: 4/4
Double-edged dagger of Maurio. Made of steel. Contrary to its bulky look, it's lightweight and can be equipped on both hands.

Complete Protector Set of Iron Ant (Breastplate, Gauntlet, Leggings)
Quality: Good - Enclosed Mana: 3/3
Protector set made from Iron Ant's carapace. Due to the improvements in processing technique, it's lighter and sturdier than earlier versions.


Boss-san, he's getting even better.

"They're quite something. Ah right, those are presents from me, please keep them with you from now on."

"...No, but, you're already helping so much, taking these would..."

"S'fine no worries. They're made to order for Mitama, so please keep them."

I pushed them to Mitama who seemed like she still had something to say.
I have a reason talking about this here. It's to make Mitama relax a bit since she's been brooding excessively. You could make an unforeseen error if you're too tense. I've been made aware of that thoroughly the other day. It's better to have at least a bit of latitude in your mind no matter the situation. Nothing good will come out of brooding over too much.








Previous Chapter

Chapter 58 An Older Sister's Obstinacy

 

"It happened around a month ago..."

Apparently, the way she was trapped into slavery was similar to what happened with us. She took on a profitable-looking transport quest, however, the moment she arrived at this mansion, she got falsely charged of replacing the content inside the valuable box, and in the end, she was forced to take all the responsibility. They made it look like she replaced the box when she was staying in a room inside Pezun village's inn. The inn's owner was apparently in cahoot, cutting off any hope of escaping the situation.

What a repugnant modus operandi.

Thinking about it, Kurei might have been captured in order to catch us. Since we are partly responsible for it, blaming it on Kurei is like barking on the wrong tree. Un, everything is all that idiot's fault.

After hearing Kurei's story, I start to ponder what to do next. She can't go against that idiot as long as she's got the slave crest.

I can't move well in this state either. When push comes to shove, I'll do everythin' to make sure Mitama escape at least and ask for help... Oh no, wonder if there's anyone who would make a move on a nobleman's son. Kirishna-aneyan would probably do, but that person has her slaves and employees to care for herself. They could become a victim if ane-yan made a wrong move here.

Maybe adventurers... oh there is one. I dunno why, but I've got a feeling that he will force his way through if it's to save us. But, is it really okay to drag him into this?

Ah, but at least this kid. I want to save Mitama no matter what it takes. I don't care if I get dragged through the mud if it's for the sake of my cute important sister. No way I'd let her be that idiot's bride even if the sky comes crashing down. Forgive me Nobu-kun, for getting you involved in this. You can do whatever you like with my body if I got out of this alive.

It's decided then, let's go. I ask Kurei to send a message to that idiot. 'We'll follow your orders so please don't rough us up'. 'Course it's a lie tho'!

Once Kurei got out of the room, I turned to Mitama. She perceived something from my unusual serious face, and changed to a meek look.

"Mitama. I will now remove your shackle and destroy the wall. You get out through that and dash to Gramada. I'm sure Nobu-kun will lend you his strength."

"...But then, Nee-san will!!"

"I'll be fine. I'll buy some time with my barrier. The most I could do now is let you escape. Maybe then you could hurry up and save me too. Besides, isn't this exactly the job for Mitama who's quicker on her feet than me?"

"...Nee-san. I understand. I'll absolutely come back to save you. So don't ever give up okay."

Mitama cutely undertook my request. Oops, this isn't the time to mess around.

"O' course. I believe in Mitama more than anyone else. Lookie', off you go now."

I concentrate on the base of the shackle chaining Mitama. Kuh, this is hard, shouldn't have skipped my training.

"Burn, dance, o dazzling golden flame of Youko. Comes alight and melt everything! Bewitching Flame of Golden Fox!"

This is a secret art of our clan I learned from Ma. A golden colored flame lit up on my fingertip. I pushed that onto the base of the shackle. Mitama looks anguished to feel the heat transferred over the iron. Bear with me, Mitama.
I traced the iron with my finger and the flame severed it  down. Mitama suffered a slight burn but she was freed of her shackle.

Now I just need to make an exit. I've gotta hurry up since I can't maintain this secret art for long. Won't even be enough to unshackle myself.
I trace the wall with my fingertip like earlier. I could feel the flame drilling a hole through the opposite side. And then I begin to draw a circle big enough to let Mitama slip through. Once the circle is complete, I shove my finger on the hole and crank it open. Then I erase the flame and put my strength into pulling it into the room. Since the wall had turned into a melted lump to my flame, I managed to peel it out somehow.

"Go now, they should be still unaware. Take care on your way 'k?"

"...I'm going. I'll definitely come back to save you Nee-san!"

Afterward, Mitama erased her presence and escaped outside.

Please. At least, please let Mitama survive.

After Mitama had gone out, I dragged my exhausted body while breathing roughly and managed to close the wall back, and then I sit nonchalantly as I try to recover my mana. Just as I thought, this secret art may be powerful, but my current amount of mana isn't enough for it.
Okay then, it's a war of attrition from here on out. Wonder how much mana will I recover and how long can I maintain my barrier. Gotta make one that's sturdy yet small enough.
Fuhn, I put some spirit into it. I ain't gonna givin' up no matter what! Not until I could bear witness to Mitama in her wedding dress! Coz I made a promise to Ma and Pa!


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



"...After that, I started running with all my might when I got to an unpopulated place."

According to what Mitama told me after she was awake, she got into that state because she had been running nonstop almost without a rest and with nothing on her.

But still, that noble brat really gets under my skin. Just like the matter with Sefi-san back then, I could endure it if it was something done to me, but it really gets on my nerves when the harm is directed to something I hold dear. I'll pluck and burst that brat open, physically speaking.
Mitama seems to have gotten anxious due to me keeping silent, she's looking at me with teary eyes. Sorry, my bad, I got lost in thought for a bit there.

"...I know that it's reckless to go up against a son of a noble. But please. Please lend me your strength. You can do whatever you want to me, just please save Nee-san!"

Oy oy, a girl of blooming age shouldn't say that kind of thing y'know. Don't worry, of course I'm gonna help you. It's a secret that it swayed my reasoning hard tho'.

"Oh sorry, I was just coming up with ways to save her. Don't worry, I'm Futsuno-san and Mitama's ally. Sefi-san, sorry about this, but I'll be leaving for a bit to knock the living shit out of some noble brat."

"My my, you're going just like that huh~. Well, that's exactly why you're Nobu-chan~. I knew you wouldn't abandon them~. I really would like to go with you as well, but it'd get too chaotic then~. So take this instead. There's potions inside. And here's a Scapegoat Ring. It will take a certain amount of damage for you."

Sefi-san handed over a magic rucksack and a ring as she said that. Mitama will have the ring. I have overlapping defensive magic like Stone Skin and Mana Clad already.

"Well then, first of all, let's go to Boss-san's place and sort out Mitama's equipment. I'll go fetch another helper while you take your pick, Mitama."

"...Thank you. I... was really afraid... our friend had turned into that guy's pawn... Nee-san was caught... we have no ally."

Mitama spoke quietly and began to weep. It's okay, everything's gonna be all right. I'll do something about it. I've done all the special training and raised my level for this sake. That's why, let's hurry. It's a forced march from here on.

"Mitama, calmed down yet? Here, wipe your tears with this. And let's go. Let's finish preparing as soon as possible and save Futsuno-san. Otherwise, she'd scold us like, 『Yeer' laate, well done' comin' tis' far Nobu-kun』."

She put on a smile and laughed when I fooled around a bit. Yup, Mitama's smile is the cutest after all.

"...Un, let's go. Sefirot-san, thank you for lending me this. Let's have another feast once we get back. Nobu-kun will be in charge of cooking."

"That's right! That party was really fun. Then you have to make sure to come back quick~."

Sefi-san winked at me as she said that. Yes yes, but make sure to do your job too you hear me. I don't want to do an all-nighters potion-making again.

"We're off then."

I pull Mitama's hand and run quickly. Wait for it, you shitty brat. I'll make you regret the day you were born.




TLN: Next update tomorrow



Previous Chapter

Chapter 16-54. Sage's Tower (3)

 

Satou Here. Reading through myths on earth, it's not rare for gods that had been worshiped since time immemorial to degenerate into lower-ranked evil gods by later belief that got popular.
And, perhaps such thing isn't an exception even in another world where gods physically exist?



◇



"A pick up? Ya picking me up? Ooh, yer' makin' me blush! It was worth it turning into a teen after a whole lap ssuyo!"
"Shut up, 116 year--"

The good-looking young man who was with the underling-sounding beauty, whom herself was in high tension and looking bashful, dragged her to the back.

"--I haven't seen you around before, and you don't look like an inquisitor either. I won't stop you from trying if you're really going to woe this age-falsifying hag, however I'd advise against it if you don't want to be shocked in the bedroom."

The good-looking young man who got between me and the beauty had a callous look on his face.

"Yer' so mean Rakero! I'm gonna tell you on Frost Tree-chan ssuyo!"
"Do as you wish. It will be you that mentor will scold anyway. Also, if you'd please refrain from calling my mentor, 『Witch of Frost-covered Forest』, with a weird nickname."
"Then call me 『Witch of Ice Field』 instead of 'you' ssu!"
"You is good enough for you."
"So mean ssu~. Even like this I'm the great witch who rules over the 『Source of Ice Field』 ssuyou, just you know?"

According to the AR readings, the underling-sounding beauty's name and title is [Witch of Ice Field].
If what she says is true, she's a witch who rules over at least one of the Sources.
I'm a bit intrigued by ways to rule over a Source without a City Core.

"Think this skit ever gonna end?"
"Probably not?"

After replying to the tired-looking Arisa, I called out to the one of the waitresses, ordered for their shares of food and drinks, and decided to interrupt these two's skit.

As a side note, other girls besides Arisa and Zena-san are enjoying their meal at their own pace.

"--Excuse me. Rather than standing around like this, how would you like eating together with us?"

I invited the two to a vacant seat while offering the wine cup the waitress brought.

"Ehehe, this sure makes me blush ssune."

For some reason, the underling-sounding beauty--Witch-san is sitting on my lap.

"Mwu."
"Guilty!"
"That place is Tama's~?"

Faster than I could, Mia, Arisa and Tama voiced their objection.

"Lose--"
"The stuff about pick-up is a misunderstanding."

Before the witch could talk and make things get more complicated, I put her on the next seat and cleared the misunderstanding.
If it took too long, Sera and Princess Sistina would join in and the situation would get out of control.

"Really?"

Witch-san looked disappointed somehow.

"Yes, I'd like to know more about your talk earlier, 『Demon God is the forefather of modern magic』."
"Did that pique yer' interest? I'll tell ya anything you want ssuyo! But but, it'd be nice if you could add 『Sama』 suffix with respect on Demon God-sama's name ssu!"

The witch seemed happy when asked about her opinion, she got into high tension once again and pounced on my back.
She looks like a transient beauty outwardly, but her behavior is kinda like that of an old man somehow.

The good-looking young man sitting opposite to the witch sipped his wine cup after saying, "What a curious guy."

"One night won't be enough to talk about everythin' ssu. For now, do you have anything to ask me ssuka?"
"Could you tell me the basis for the belief that 『Demon God is the forefather of modern magic』?"
"Uun, there a whole lotsa to it, but the most famous one was about a sage from long ago finding a slate detailing about how Demon God-sama taught humans magic in the ruins of Lalakie Dynasty located at Tokiswolk Kingdom ssune."
"Hmph. But the Larukeria Slate left in the ruins of ancient civilization after Lalakie civilization in the age of gods, and the Toro Kuro's golden tower definitely negated that."

The good-looking young man denied witch-san's explanation.

"How did those two negate it?"
"On the Larukeria it's written that, through a subordinate under his control the 『Dog-head Demon Lord』, demon god massacred sorcerers in the entire world, and then gave magic skills and magic letters to his followers after the genealogy of ancient sorcerers had gone extinct. While on Toro Kuro, he attempted to do the same to priests, however he incurred gods' wrath and got sealed deep in the underworld."

The young man smoothly narrated his story.
He too seems to be the type that loves to state his knowledge.

"Hold it ssu! I've been telling ya, Toro Kuro looks  fabricated as heck! There are excerpts in Saga Empire's founding emperor's autobiography about his audience with Demon God-sama ssu! Same with Larukeria, it was a huge incident about a massacre of sorcerers in the entire world, and yet there's absolutely nothing about it written on other ruins from the same era ssuyo!"

This time the witch rebutted.
History is difficult.

While listening to the heated debate of the two, I use space magic [Telephone].



◇



『Satou!』
『It has been awhile, Aze-san.』

Telephone magic carried a comforting voice to my ears.

『I heard this talk about [Demon God being the forefather of modern magic] in my journey, do you know anything about it?』
『Modern magic? Hold on a bit, I should find out once I connect to the Memory Vault. Wait for me okay.』
『Thank you. Then, I'll call you back later.』

I reluctantly cut off the call.

Since the debate is still heating up, I try to call another recipient with Telephone.

『--Hero-sama.』
『Heya, Reiane.』

Reiane is a girl belonging to an unusual [Half-Ghost] race I met when I went around [Floating Island of God] Lalakie during the Divine Punishment, she's the last queen of [Lalakie Dynasty] that has been appearing as a topic in the two's discussion.

I get down to business after asking about her recent states.

『Demon God-sama? I'm sorry, I had some experience intermingling with the seven pillar gods during my coming-of-age ceremony, however I had never done so with Demon God-sama and Dragon God-sama.』

She didn't know about the sorcerer massacre incident either when I confirmed her about it.
I also tried asking about the transition from primeval magic to modern magic but did not get a favorable response either.

『One thing I heard about, apparently Demon God-sama often mingled with people in the mortal world.』
『Mingled?』
『Yes, I heard that he was dispatched to increase the number of mortals in order to offer a vast amount of prayers and supplications to gods.』

--Dispatched?

『By whom?』
『I have no idea which, but I think it was by someone amongst the seven pillar gods.』

Looks like demon god was treated like a gofer by the seven pillar gods.
Come to think of it, Aze-san told me something along the line, [He took on the project to build a floating castle in exchange for divinity and authority from gods] while I was investigating the shadow castle at Rumooku Kingdom.
He probably took on this errand boy-like job in a similar fashion.

After thanking Reiane and ended the call, I connected to Aze-san once again.

『Forgive me, Satou.』

She went straight to apologizing.
Judging from her tone, it must be the Demi-god Aze-san.

『Information about the pioneer of modern magic has been put under classified information by the seven pillar gods, so I cannot speak about it to anyone.』
『Please don't apologize, Aze-san.』

Rather, the fact that the gods has put restriction on it means there's really a chance of [Demon God is the forefather of modern magic] being true.
I thanked Aze-san and, although it pained me to do so, cut off the call.


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



"Liffe I saifdh, Demon God-sama's someone brimming with kindness ssuyo!"
"Shh it, you demon god fanatic. He's a god that spread miasma and fear through demons and demon lords, whaft kind of kindness ifh thaft!"

The witch and young man's articulations are getting weirder as their discussion reached an impasse.
Despite their eagerness in opening liquor bottles, neither could hold theirs it seems.

"Hey hey, master. Listening to these two, doesn't it make you think that there are two demon gods?"
"Good point."

I half-heartedly gave an affirmation to Arisa who seemed to seriously consider that possibility.
It's not rare to arrive at a completely different interpretation after analyzing information through filters.
Fortunately, it doesn't seem like the seal of demon god sealed in the moon will get unraveled anytime soon, so there's no need to think so hard about--.

--Wait.

That's right.
The myth in this world states that [Demon God is sealed in the Moon].
I know that's nonsense since I've personally been on the moon, however that is not a common knowledge. To the point that even the Weasel Emperor and those Brains bunch didn't know about it.

And yet they said Demon God was sealed in the underworld.
Perhaps, these guys know the true information regarding Demon God's seal.

"Witch-dono--"

I tried to throw a question, but the witch and the young man are already snoring in sync with red faces.
I could rouse them up right now with magic, but looking at their blissful sleeping faces makes it hard to do that just to answer my doubt.

I ask the waitress, rent two rooms for these two drunkards and shove them in.
Answering my doubt can be postponed after these two are awake.
I'll put Markers on the two just in case.



◇



"Well then, let's split up the job."

After taking care of the drunkards, I announced the candidates for the unsolved problems I'd like to solve and then we decided to split into five groups.

First group is Mia, Princess Sistina and Zena-san as their guard.
The girls are going to challenge the problem, "How do you achieve chantless magic?"

The second group is Arisa and her guard, Liza. I'm thinking of having Hikaru join this team later.
They're going to research about [The transition of primeval magic to modern magic and variations].
Our two acquaintances from earlier could be a big help in this problem.

The third group is Sera, with Nana as her guard.
They're, or rather, Sera is going to investigate about [Denying the irreversibility of the transformation from living being into undead].
If all goes well, we might be able to turn the Tokiswolk vampire children back.

The fourth group is Lady Karina, Pochi and Tama.
The three of them are going to trail-blaze the way to sightseeing spots in Kariswolk city.
It may looks like they're goofing around, but this is the most important job here.
Lady Karina had this mixed look on her face, but private Pochi and private Tama were full of motivations.

"Yep this is, don't you think Liza-san is better off managing Karina-sama and the girls instead?"

Arisa whispered to me.
True, there's a 90% chance of incidents happening with just these three.

That said, having Arisa alone without a guard would weigh down on me.

"Oh Master, you're such a worrywart. If anything happened to me, I could just tell Master with the 『Familiar Powah』. You're gonna rush headlong to help me right?"
"I guess that's true."

With my agreement, Liza moved to Lady Karina's group per Arisa's suggestion.
Just to be safe, I handed over equipment with anti status effect buff to her.

As for me, I'll be investigating the topics 『For what reason do Labyrinths exist?』 and 『How does a Dungeon Master produce magical items and monsters?』.
Both should be relatively easy to solve for a Dungeon Master like me.
Though since I cannot disclose my position as one, I wouldn't be able to announce the answer even if I had one.

I plan to join Arisa and Sera's groups once I'm done investigating these problems.



◇



"『For what reason do Labyrinths exist?』, is it?"

I fetched Core Two at the Solitary Island Palace and went with her to the [Dungeon Master Room] in the lowest layer of Dejima Island's [Phantasmal Labyrinth].
The one giving that question earlier was the blinking Dungeon Core.

"Yes, that's right. Any idea?"
"It's unknown."
"I see--"

It would have been simple were Dungeon Core knew, but apparently this was no easy mode.

"Master, do you know the answer to 『For what reason do Humans exist?』"

I reply to Core Two, "You have a point, I don't."

"Master, the answer to that earlier question was 『unknown』, however, it is possible to surmise contenders to that."
"Really?"
"Yes, the previous master muttered that 『Manufacturing plants equipped with an abundant of mana, miasma and souls』, and 『Cleaners that collect miasma on the surface』 might have been the roles of dungeons."

I agree with the former, but I wasn't even aware about the latter.

"Do dungeons have a function to collect miasma on the surface?"
"No, they do not directly collect the miasma. It comes as a secondary side-effect from dungeons' function of collecting miasma inside them. The previous master hypothesized that the items Weasel Empire used to collect miasma, 『Evil Thought Jar』 and 『Grudge Pot』 might have been created using hints taken from dungeons."

I affirm Dungeon Core's words.
If you can do something about the souls part, it should be possible to turn dungeons into plants by creating a magic to collect miasma.

One of the problems, [How does a Dungeon Master produce magical items and monsters?], can be mostly explained with what Dungeon Core told me earlier, [Manufacturing plants equipped with an abundant of mana, miasma and souls].

"Core, are you able to to explain how a dungeon produces monsters and items by making use of mana, miasma and souls?"
"It is possible."
"Then, do tell me."

That's surprisingly easy.

"By supplying an ample amount of mana, miasma and souls in accordance to the recipes into the Creation Furnace inside Theory Circuit of a Dungeon Core, the virtual factory will produce the desired item. If Master wishes to check on the production process, please refer to the Theory Circuit by operating the Dungeon Core's control panel."

It's not very detailed, but it should be simple once I know the search keywords.
As taught by Dungeon Core, I operate the control panel and read the Theory Circuit.

I try my best to read it.

It's quite complex.

And most importantly, the circuit area is tremendously vast.

I feel the helplessness of a junior high school student who's just finished soldering a radio and tried to read the schematic of the latest CPU.
The scale is such that even with my maxed out INT, reading and understanding everything would take at least several months or even a year.

However, it's worth all that labors, thus I plan to analyses the downloaded schematic whenever I have time.



◇



"Now then, guess I really can't announce the answer..."

I think what Dungeon Core said earlier would be acceptable as an answer, however, there's just one little problem.

If the fact that dungeons need souls to create items is known, I could see greedy people in power sacrificing innocent people and demi-humans to dungeons.
Even if it didn't get that bad, I'm afraid of the possibility people intentionally increasing mortality rate of rookie explorers.

I let out a sigh, went to Solitary Island Palace to fetch Hikaru and went back to the city-state Kariswolk.
Right when I got there, I could hear Tama's and Pochi's flustered voice from below me.

"Big trouble, big trouble~?"
"Master, there's a big trouble nanodesu!"



※ Next update is planned for 7/8





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