Sousetsuka

16-30. Garleon Union (6)

 

Satou here. It feels like there's only a few chances for intelligences and subversive actions to carry much weight in historical simulation games. I guess it's really because flowers in the battlefield have to be the clashes of troops, after all?


◇


"Lots more people got injured than I expected."

The second warship that suffered an attack from the pirate ship had 4 dead and 17 wounded.
The entire fleet likely would have faced a total destruction had they received the full brunt of the accompanying tamed monsters' attacks we dealt with.

"So, this guy's Zamud..."

The pirate captain and skeleton knight Zamud bound in rope were dragged before the admiral.
The majority of the dead and the wounded were by the hands of Zamud, hence most of hateful glances from the sailors were concentrated on him.

"Die."
"--Wha"

I blocked the admiral's sword, who suddenly tried to cut down Zamud, with the fairy sword still in its sheath.
I don't mind if the guy's going to get executed, but please don't suddenly hold a violent show right in front of me.

"What are you planning?"
"My subordinates were the ones who captured them. Please continue with the execution after we brought them back to Garleok City and received the bounty."
"Gununu--"

Thanks to the slight aid of Coercion skill that I used to stop the violent show, I succeeded shutting down the admiral's protest.

"Besides, shouldn't you start treating the wounded and stay on guard of the enemy main force rather than dealing with something like execution."
"Treatment is already underway--wait, enemy main force?"
"Yes, they only had one ship attacking us was likely to deal serious damage to our fleet with the tamed monsters' surprise attack. Therefore, normally you'd think that the main force will follow after to assault Garleok City, wouldn't you?"
"O-of course! You don't need to tell me such an obvious thing!"

After saying that, the admiral ordered the sailors and wind magicians to search around.
Looks like they're going to use Mana Furnace this time.


◇


"Then, I'll be going to prepare to tow the pirates."

I've gathered all the captured pirates including pirate captain and the skeleton knight on the captured pirate ship to be towed back to Garleok City with our airship.
Of course, I'll be splitting the bounty to the admiral and the pirate subjugation fleet.

I plan to have them sleep along the way with Mia's spirit magic to prevent them from revolting.
That magic cannot be undone without the user's approval or without using force magic's Magic Break, quite convenient for transporting criminals.

"Hmph, going out of your way for mere pirates..."

The admiral seems dissatisfied, but he's already agreed to it, thus I thoroughly ignore him.

--Hm?

"Admiral, it seems they're still treating the wounded on the second ship?"
"That's good enough. Go fix 'em yourself if yer' so curious."

The admiral who had an irritated look on his face waved his hand like he's shooing away a dog.
Well, since I've gotten the permission, I'll put on the Flight Shoes and get to the next ship.

"Noble-sama, do you have any business on this ship?"

The second warship's captain saw me and threw a question.

"I happened to saw that you were done with the treatment for the wounded, I came here to ascertain the situation."
"Yeah--we've stopped the bleeding. The folks that bled too much aren't usable in battle, but they should be able to move by the time we're back on port, so long they eat."

No, not that.

The captain had a pained look when he saw my line of sight.

"Ship magicians and doctors cannot heal limb loss. Although, even if we bring them back to Garleok City right away, these guys don't have the money to get treatment from high ranking Garleon Temple Priests."

...I see.

You need expensive high magic potion or elixirs to heal limb loss.
Restoring lost limbs and internal organs with advanced holy magic or spirit magic is possible, but common advanced magic can only restore endpoint parts like fingers and such.

Though it's possible to heal it with even mid level magic or potion as long as it hasn't been long since the limb has been cut and the cut limb remains.

"Then, do you mind if I take care of it?"
"We'd be very glad to... But, will your excellency himself do it?"
"No, one of my companions is an expert of water magic, you see."

I looked up at the flying airship in the sky as I said that.

"We can't offer much as a reward, but if you could, would you please heal them?"
"Of course, that is if you permit those girls to board this ship."

The captain hesitated only for an instant, and immediately gave his permission to allow women on board.
I contacted Mia with space magic and called the airship to float besides the second warship.

"Wound."
"Everybody, please wash the stump and attach the cut limb on it."

I translate Mia-sensei's word and indirectly help with the treatment.

"...■■■■ Life Water (Recovery Life)"

Mia-sensei's magic restores the sailors' limbs.
For two sailors whose stumps had turned to shreds, I stretched out [Magic Hand] and applied high potion on the wounds.

"Ooo, I can move my fingers!"
"My leg can move too!"
"My arm too!"
"My knee doesn't hurt anymore!"
"Thank ye thank ye, magician-dono."
"Thank you, magician-sama!"

Once the magic showed its effect, the sailors cheered out loud and grandly thanked Mia.

"Satou."

Mia who was frightened by the men's vigor hid behind me.

"Gahahaha, ya fools went and scared her with yer' faces."

The sailors heartily laughed when they saw that.
Mia seemed miffed, but she showed her me usual smile when I poked on her puffed out cheeks.

Now that we're done with the treatment on this ship, let's ask Mia and the others to pretend transporting the pirate ship with our airship.
We wouldn't make it in time for the clash with the enemy main force if we were to bring them back to Garleok City, so I'm just going to let the pirate ship float on a sea of a sub-dimension I create.


◇
<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.>

"Admiral! We caught wind of what appeared to be ship silhouettes, at two o'clock, distance 9000. Their number is around 8 to 10."

Three wind magicians who worked together to search the area gave their findings.

From what I gathered on the map, there should be three groups with 20 ships each--but looking again, two of the 20 ship fleets are moving to encircle us from afar, and in the fleet that the wind magicians found, every two ships are connected by rope. It's probably to disguise them as one ship.

"9000 at two o'clock, that's around Seaweed Archipelago huh... That's troublesome."

The admiral muttered loathfully as he looked at the sea chart.
According to my Map info, Seaweed Archipelago is a perilous place where lots of reef and seaweed type monsters lurk around.
Add to the fact that there's a lot of small islands that can act as the pirate hiding spots.

In fact, pirate-looking men along with small ships are lurking on several of those islands.

"Wait a bit and use the search magic once again. Find out their direction and speed. Comm officer, tell every ship to let half of the ship take a rest and have a light meal."

After giving orders, the admiral gathered each captains of the warships.
He's probably going to brief them his plan.

"Alright, let's split the fleet into three groups."

The admiral said that after glaring at the sea chart.

"Admiral, if I may--"
"I ain't gonna hear you suggesting us to go with full fleet."

The admiral who perceived my advice candidly refused it and went to speak out his plan.

"It'd be bad if the pirates went into hiding in the Seaweed Archipelago once they sensed their disadvantage. We'll split our escort ships into two fleets. One of the escort fleet will go north from the southern strait of the Seaweed Archipelago. The second escort fleet will go south from the north. We're gonna make a beeline for the pirates and attack them."

The flagship fleet will have 13 ships, and each of the two support fleets will have 6. The flagship fleet may have twice the number of ships, but it's in the most danger because it's the one fighting on the front line.
Maybe that's why none of the escort ship captains tried to refute him.

Were the enemy number exactly like what the wind magicians found, the admiral's plan wouldn't be half-bad.
However--.

"Admiral, that plan is too dangerous if they have monsters like the Kraken earlier with them. Besides, there is no guarantee that the enemy fleet really only has 10 ships."
"Hmph, I know that much."
"Then--"
"I ain't changing the plan. We'll just adapt to the situations on the spot if the enemy fleet has Kraken with them."

Adapt to the situations... Without a concrete plan, isn't that practically just throwing mud at the wall, hoping some stick?

"That might suffice if their forces consist of only pirates, but if the two support fleets were to encounter a Kraken--"
"There is only one Kraken; the one earlier."

The admiral declared so to interrupt me.

"Do you have a ground for your assertion?"
"Of course."

In fact, there are two Krakens next to the fake Skeleton Archduke's ship, with 50 Torpedo Squids not too far.

"If those guys have the mean to control multiple Krakens, they would have attacked Garleok City and Garleon Union's southern port a long time ago."

No duh, this is exactly that time.
Right when I was going to say that, one of the sailors carrying a ladle climbed the stairs and shouted.

"Admiral! Bad news!"
"What's happening!"

The admirals shouted at the sailor.

"Our barrels of food have rotted! In addition, all of the barrels filled with drinking water have holes on them!"

This must be the work of spies the pirates sent.
I had noticed them making their moves in the fight earlier, but I purposely overlooked them in order to gain a little credit.

"It appears to have been Rot Poison."

I've gone to look at the barrels with the admiral.
Wine barrels are fortunately safe, but we can't exactly get wasted before a fight, even if it can provide a minimum amount of calorie.
It's possible to create drinking water from sea water, so the fleet won't die out as long as we have water magicians around, however if it comes to that, the water magicians' mana will be used to preserve our lifeline instead for battle.

"Get the other ships to share their portion--wait, what about the other ships?"

Looks like the admiral finally realized the possibility.

"W-we'll check on them at once!"

One of the officers ran to the deck.
And the result is--

"Food and water on 19 of the 25 ships was completely razed. The remaining six only have around 20% huh... Damn those pirates."

The admiral crushed his hat in his hands and threw it on the deck.
Since we apparently had three weeks worth of food and water, by simple calculations, the remaining share is only enough to provide the entire fleet for a day.
We're three days away from Garleok City here, so we're sure to starve even if we go back now.

"If only we knew, we'd have taken those monsters' meat..."

The ship chef muttered as he wistfully looked at the sea.
We only took the magic cores from the Kraken and the Torpedo Squids, he must be regretting that.
Of course, I secretly stretched out my [Magic Hand] and retrieved them into my Storage.

"Admiral, maybe we should go back to Garleok City for--"
"Fools! Victory is right before our eyes!"

The admiral interrupted the officer.
Looks like he's hellbent on subjugating the pirates no matter what.

"It seems like you're in trouble."
"What are you trying to say?"

Since I'm not into watching the admiral looking troubled, I offer to provide their food.

"Food, you say? We're talking 'bout shares for 25 ships here ya know? No matter how bottomless your magic bag is, there is no way it could hold food for 1200 people."
"Not really, no."

I mean, I've got enough food to feed a city with one million people for several years in my Storage.

"For now, I'll provide drinking water and food, and also dehydrated vegetables for soup and dried fruits for dessert."

I pick out a storage sack with huge opening from the Storage via the storage bag, and then I take out huge barrels filled with water and food from it one after another.

"OOOOOO"
"Incredible..."
"You're kiddin' me."

The sailors were surprised to see it.
It's quite the amount after all.

"The guy went and lifted those huge barrels filled with water."
"And he doesn't look tired at all."

Looks like they were surprised at me handling heavy barrels indiscreetly.

"As expected of Demon Lord Slayer..."
"Knew it, that rumor was true."
"I thought his stupidly strong subordinates yesterday did it fer' him."
"Can't be helped, I mean the guy looks like a meek noble by appearance."

Attentive Ears skill picked up the sailors gossiping on the deck.

"This much should be enough for this ship. Well then, I'll be distributing food to other ships too."
"Y-you have my thanks, Earl Pendragon."

As I heard the admiral mixed-feeling-sounding voice on my back, I went around the other ships with Flight Shoes.
It's way too much trouble to go around them with the ferryboat.

"Well, I'm doing this not just out of kindness though--"

I secretly hid micro golems for suppressing revolt in each ship as I visited them.
I can easily deal with a revolt even without them, but with these golems, suppressing the revolt can be done with one command, make things easier for me.


◇


"Captain! Report from wind magician! The pirates are sailing slowly along the islands. In my humble opinion, they're most likely gathering."

An officer reported in place of the exhausted looking wind magicians.

"They must be on their way back from attacking a merchant ship. Now's our chance, the split fleets should have enough time to encircle them."

It seems like he's really not going to change the encirclement plan.

"Have the escort fleet go on the planned sea routes."

The admiral declared thus, and then the escort fleet split into two groups and departed toward the north and south of the Seaweed Archipelago.
From what I see on my Map, they don't seem like they're going to encounter the pirate fleets that are going to encircle this flagship fleet, so I simply watch over them departing without saying anything.

"Have the flagship fleet stay on this route for a while."

Then the admiral gives another order for us to have a meal break.
Looks like we're going to have a proper meal instead of just biting on preserved biscuits.

"--Earl-sama, I'm sorry to trouble you like this."
"Don't worry about it."

I helped carrying two barrels from the ship's hold and cooked vegetable soup in the kitchen.
They'd get suspicious if the food was too fresh, so only the flagship fleet got meat other than jerky.

"Smells so nice--"
"I can't wait."

The finished dishes were brought to the admiral's table one by one since those voices could be heard.
Apparently, hierarchy is important in a warship, and food has to be brought to admiral, officers and then sailors in order.

The meal wouldn't start if I wasn't present with the admiral, so I left the rest to the head chef and went out of the kitchen.

"WOOOOOOOOO"

The admiral who started his meal shouted out loud.
The officers around us stopped their hands thinking that it was poison, but when they saw the admiral furiously continuing his meal, they carried their spoon into their mouth.

"S-so good!"
"T-this stuff's incredible."

The officers present here praised the food.
I'm glad that they found it palatable at least.

I also quickly take my meal.
I'd feel sorry for the sailors who are stuck to watch the surroundings if I took it easy.


◇


"Enemy ships in sight."
"What is this? There's twice the reported number of them!"

The admiral glared at the wind magicians.

"P-perhaps, the enemy got a reinforcement while they were gathering..."

The wind magician said so.

"Enough with your excuse. Just quickly search again! Water magicians, search underwater too! Even without Kraken, Torpedo Squids could mean trouble!"

The enemy fleet started their march here at the same time the magicians began their chanting.
The one in the center is a jet black pirate ship where the fake Skeleton Archduke is.

"There's huge creatures underwater!"
"Is it Kraken?"
"If that's the case, there's at least two of it, there's also presences of countless big monsters in the sea."

The admiral has a cramp to hear the water magician's report.
Looks like Sonar-type water magic can't find the precise number and types.

"N-no way."

The admiral shouted out loud while looking like he was going to scream.

"Change course! We're gonna escape this sea at full speed! Wind magicians! Stop with the search and use wind magic to increase the ship's speed!"

A wind magician gives his report as the admiral shouted.

"We've discovered more enemy fleets! There's at least two more fleets as large as the fleet in front of us! They're encircling us!"
"N-no way! No way, no way, no way!"

No one is attempting to stop the admiral who repeated his speech like a broken record.
Everyone who's on board the ship must be feeling the same.

"--Is it about time for my turn?"

I muttered in voice so low no one could hear as I stared at the admiral who looked like he'd be frothing from his mouth anytime now.

Looks like the real meat of the trial has finally begun.






※ Next update is planned for 1/14

The anime broadcast will be aired on 1/11!
I had been given the chance to watch the first episode myself, and it exceeded my expectations, by all means please have a look if you could.






Previous Chapter

Chapter 36 An Adventure with Kagura-san - Metal Arc

 

Once we're ready, we advance inside the cave side by side.

Kagura-san is holding a lantern while pointing inward, looks quite deep. We're heading underground in a straight path that's also a bit spiral. But just what is this cave anyway. From what Kagura-san told me, apparently she found the way deeper by chance when she came here for a goblin subjugation quest.
The reason why she didn't want to get near the village is because the only son of an inn in that village fell in love at first sight with Kagura-san and proposed to her when she was staying there for the quest. That 'only son' is a 40 year old old man though!

There seems to be some kind of small room at the end of the path. And there's two magic circles that are just big enough to hold one person each inside.

"Listen here, Nobusada. The path ahead of this magic circle will have monsters just like in a dungeon. It's a straight path, but you can't avoid a skirmish as a result."

"Leave it to me. I'll show 'em the result of War Fist's training."

"Fufu, you've become quite reliable ever since the day we met at that training ground. Well then, I'll see you later."

"Yes."

Once the two of us got on the magic circles, light flowed out of them. My vision was dyed white for an instant, and then I suddenly found myself in a small room that emitted dim light. Looking around, there's only one path just like Kagura-san said.
Now then, let's do this!



◆◆◆



"Phew, it's been awhile but no problem with the teleportation. I shouldn't let my guard down from here on."

Kagura walks forward while readying her two-handed spear.
The spear Kagura is carrying is unlike the common one found in Tycoon Dukedom, as it is an item made in the eastern countries. The spear has a black shaft and a cross-shaped blade on its tip. Since the passage is plenty wide enough she can use it without problems with some cautions. Kagura got her nickname from people who witnessed her slaughtering her enemy one after another with her two-handed spear and bare hands while bathed in the victim's blood.
Kagura herself is extremely bothered by the nickname, but it also serves to make people avoid her, thus she finds it convenient. Kagura who carries a certain circumstance with her is fine with it, and only want people she can trust by her side.

Suddenly, the surroundings shook. Since this country rarely experiences earthquake, unlike Japan, Kagura ended up shouting, "Kyaa" like a woman would.

Once the quake receded, Kagura advances forward while watching her surroundings once again, then she talks to Tama-chan in her chest.

"You have it nice, don't you. You have someone to walk together with. If only I didn't have this body... No, there's no point in grumbling. I should be thankful to have Nobusada agreed to go with me like this. I must not drag him into my circumstances."

After smiling to Tama-chan who was shaking like she wanted to say, 『Kagura-han, pretty sure Master woulda been fine with it』, Kagura proceeded forward once again.



◇◇◇



On the other hand, Nobusada also felt the quake.

However, Nobusada keeps walking ahead like it's nothing. After experiencing real earthquake disaster, a mere slight magnitude 3-4 quake won't make him flinch.

The enemy he met along the way were all just low leveled Giant Bats and Lostshrooms, so he's been advancing smoothly.
<TLN: Back to first person narration. This author loves mixing third and first person narration and abruptly alternates between them.>

"I'm happy that this gets me to level Illusionist up, but treading a straight path with unchanging scenery like this really throws off your sense of time."

After progressing quite a bit and getting tired of the unchanging scenery, I finally found myself in an open space. There's another magic circle in the back similar to the one that teleported me here.
After rechecking my equipment like medicines and stuff, and buffing myself with Protection and Stone Skin for battle, I stepped inside the room, and then a small sphere fell down the ceiling as if protecting the magic circle. Its lead colored body is gleaming from the dim light in the small room.


Metal Moss Ball
HP: 46/46 - MP: 12/12
One of the possibility born from Moss Ball. Its whole body has transformed into unknown metal, it's a Moss Ball that has ceased to be a 'moss'. A shrewd one in the society of Moss Balls with heart and body of steel, as its heart is made of steel, this dude's in M team that doesn't know when to give up with the suicide attacks.


Uwoo, a metal-type enemy from a certain famous adventure tale huh. Geez, metal enemy is supposed to be the type that's quick to run away, y'know.
Fortunately, it doesn't seem like it's going to move yet.
Then, those who strike first win. I choose one modified magic partly for confirming stuff.

"Romantic Armament, Spiral Shot <<Drill Pressure Shot>>!"

Five wind gravels rotating at high speed flew toward Metal Moss Ball. My present limit is controlling five of them.

ZING ZING

The gravels that looked like it hit only managed to scratch its surface, giving nil damage.
And just when I was preparing to do direct damage on it, Metal Moss Ball made its move.

Kyuuuuuuun

A sound of cutting wind scratched my cheek. It's bouncing and flying around all over the room without stopping.
Uwaa, this thing's nasty.
Think about it. It's like a hammer throw athlete throwing a hammer with all his might toward you. Since it's slower than Master's fist, I'm managing to evade it, but my mind rejects the idea of fighting it directly.
I tried to cut it from the side as I evaded but the attack only managed to slightly slow its trajectory, didn't work too well.

CLINK CLINK

Sounds of clashing metal resounded in the room.

CLAAANK

Timing's perfect, was it a critical hit!? But when I look again, it's my sword that's been chipped. Tch, my sword won't last for long if I keep clashing with it huh.
Then how about, I put the sword back into its sheath tight and take a stance.

GYUOOOOOOON

The Metal Moss Ball flies toward me at a speed not inferior to a fast ball thrown by a major league manga protagonist.

I raise my left leg high and unleash a side slash like I'm making a home run.

STRIIIIIIIKE! This is what you'd call Nobusada home run!

GAGAGIGIIGAGOGIIN

Wait, this is no time to think about idiotic stuff. Since we're inside a small room, it didn't fly outside the stadium and instead bounced around the ceiling, ground and walls. As it got even faster than ever, I hurriedly tried to dodge it.

BWOOSH

But I couldn't manage to as the Metal Moss Ball body collided with my butt. It broke through Protection and Stone Skin, the impact was so painful it made me jump out.
Ouch ow ow ow oww. Wonder if I broke my bone. I recover myself with High Heal while enduring the swelling pain on my butt.

This is not good. Half-assed blows would only endanger me instead.
Let's discard the preconception I have. We're not in a certain famous adventure story, the fact that magic doesn't work on metal type monsters is not guaranteed.

"Fire Arrow!"

Five fire arrows I created hit the Metal Moss Ball. Hahaha, damn, this thing ain't gonna let them hit it.
Then electricity for metal.

"Thunder!"

Nu, the Metal Moss Ball is jumping up and down to dodge it. However, the lightning is homing toward the metal-bodied Metal Moss Ball. I think this one's giving damage even a bit? The spell Thunder is originally a type that discharge electricity in a wide area so the firepower isn't that high. I had experimented trying to converge it to raise its firepower, but I still can't adjust it well enough. If possible, I'd like to converge and compress it, finishing it up into a powerful magic.
But, I've obtained the way to get out of this rut. Let's throw away all the fine details.

"Thunder Thunder Thunder Thunder!"

After many shots, the Metal Moss Ball feels like it's gotten slower. Sensing that it's now the time to attack, I put the iron sword back on my waist, and unfasten the clasp on my gauntlet. I lightly swung my arm, and then the fist cover connected to the gauntlet was unveiled and stopped just right to cover my fists.
This is the Iron Ant Gauntlet Kai, I jointly developed with Boss-san when I consulted him about the lack of time to change equipment during battle. The finer parts had to be made by hands, it was tough for Boss-san.

<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.>


First, let's make it stop!

"Red Wall Squall, Great Blaze <<Burst Storm>>!"

I kneaded my mana and produced a composite magic of fire and wind that can swallows simple substance. Even the thick and heavy Metal Moss Ball couldn't endure it as it got thrown off into the ceiling. I tightly grasp the fist cover, aim it right under the Metal Moss Ball and undo the magic. The heated reddened Metal Moss Ball falls down. I confirm the spot where I have to hit by Discerning Magic Eyes, converge Thunder on my fist and unleash a vertical strike.

"Fiery Wiiiind War Fist Striiiike!!"

The lightning clad on my fist roared as it went into the Metal Moss Ball. If I don't shoot the spell radially, it's possible to converge it by using myself the origin. Moreover, the lightning produced by my magic won't damage me, it's good stuff.
The Metal Moss Ball's body intensely clashed with the Iron Ant Gauntlet, scattering sparks around. The converged lightning went along the fist cover and shocked the Metal Moss Ball all the while.

Bishiiiiin

Eventually, cracks expanded from the point where my fist hit the Metal Moss Ball's body. It then got split in two with cracking sounds, and then it fell down on the floor with a metallic sound.

War Fist Strike is Master's original technique, it precisely hits the enemy's core or vital point, passing on the impact in its entirety. I managed to faintly grasp the timing to strike with the help of Discerning Magic Eye's analysis. However, Master can precisely strike the right spot completely by instinct. Apparently, Eleanor-san is the only one who has managed to perfectly learn this technique that's both delicate and bold. Wonder it's something to do with being parent and child.
By the way, Master taught me that you can raise its firepower by yelling the technique's name out loud. I thought he was joking, but it really did work, so what can you do about it.

The split Metal Moss Ball disappeared into particles of light, before long.
Isn't this place connected to a dungeon? The magic circle might have teleported us to a dungeon or something.


Tereretettette~♪ Alchemist, Illusionist leveled up.
Tettere~♪ Enchant Magic Liberated
Tettere~♪ Gravity Magic Acquired



Ah, forgot to change my Classes. How careless of me.
Uhoo, both of them leveled up straight to 12. Maybe metal type monsters do give high exp.
I-it all turned ok in the end. Let's be positive. By no means I'm averting my eyes from the truth, ladies and gentlemen.
But really, I still don't get the difference between Acquired and Liberated. What's up with that?


【Enchant Magic】
Magic to grant a variety of enchantments to created goods. However prerequisite spells and their effect are necessary. As it is an acquired ability, not natural, be aware that there are limits in the number of enchantment you can grant to an item.

Lv1
Lightening - Reduce item weight
Hardening - Raise item hardness


【Gravity Magic】
Magic to control gravity and bring about various phenomenon.

Lv1 - Graviton - Crush a target using gravity


Both look useful. Who would have thought that Illusionist was the trigger that got me to learn Gravity Magic. What a lucky break.






A Soul Stone and something small were left behind where Metal Moss Ball was.


Relatively Mini Medal
Quality: Unknown - Enclosed Magic: Unknown
There might a dilettante who collects this medal, dunno where and who they are though. Made of unknown metal. Not much information is known about it since the probability of obtaining one is extremely low in itself.


...I've got no comment. I cram the small yellow Soul Stone and the medal with bad vibe into my rucksack and take a breather.
Sure used up quite a bit of my mana there.











Previous Chapter

Chapter 35 An Adventure with Kagura-san - Valley Arc

 

Our journey to Pezun Village was relatively smooth despite some monster assaults along the way.

We easily dealt with the attacks of several goblins and Giant Bats. I mean, Kagura-san killed two goblins for every goblin I and Tama-chan beat. Fast, way too fast.
I haven't used magic yet though. I'm currently in one-handed sword rehabilitation, y'see.

Only a few hours before we reach the village, and I've been talking with her along the way. It's mostly me asking questions though.
Apparently katana really does exist in the eastern countries. Heck, there's even Samurai and Ninja classes. Food culture is also like Japan with miso and soy sauce existing. It's apparently because an eastern country, the founding figure of 『Hinoto Empire』 was a Japanese person that stumbled their way here from alternate world. They must have been a Japanese person from the modern culture. Kagura-san seems to have lived in an isolated village at the edge of the country. She had been active as a mercenary since the age of 10 and arrived at Gramada after wandering across many countries. She started her life as an adventurer when she got to Gramada. She told me stories about her adventures up until now with their ups and downs in humorous manners.

I got enthusiastic making our supper as thanks. Faux pizza made without stone oven and vegetable-ladden pot-au-feu.
I put on the heat with my magic from below an iron plate. The topping is simple handmade smoked beef, cheese and tomato sauce. I've always had the dough inside my rucksack, so I can make one in most situations. I filled the pot-au-feu with trial sausage, potato, cabbage and carrot. By the way, I've been replenishing the broth ever since things settled down at Gramada, so its flavor has been increasingly getting thicker.

Kagura-san stared at the dishes in amazement when I put it before her. As mentioned by Mitama, average adventurers don't get to eat this kind of food while traveling. But, Japanese people are peculiar about food. Who wouldn't love to eat tasty stuff in any occasion. With magic rucksack by my side, I will pursue good food.




"Tama-chan, house!"

Poin-poin, Tama-chan leaped and went back to her home base; my shoulder. She suffered nary a scratch after annihilating the monster that showed up all of a sudden.


"It's really weird no matter how many times I witness it. How come a Moss Ball got that strong?"

It was a Goblin Archer whom Tama-chan completely overwhelmed. It's probably a scout or something, wonder if there's a goblin settlement nearby.
Not sure how many times Kagura-san's eyes turned dot-shaped since she saw Tama-chan. It seems she found Tama-chan's prowess demonstrated before her eyes incredulous. Tama-chan isn't your average Moss Ball, I mean she has Super in her name. I'm a bit worried that she might become a Moss Ball that transforms into a raccoon or a hammer some of these days.

"It's cause she's been fighting alongside me. I think her battle experience cannot be compared to an average Moss Ball. On that note, I'd love to surprise the world at some tournament or something."

"Indeed, that would be quite sensational, kukuku."

Maybe I could release her goods if she became famous. Like Moss Ball yogurt or something.


"Putting that aside for now, let's set up a camp in the cave today. I'd prefer not to stay at Pezun Village's inn due to a circumstance. We'll spend the night and enter the cave first thing in the morning."

"Got it. We should hurry and get some rest then."



Our destination is a rocky cave near the village. The inside is quite chilly. However, we completely ignored the village. Did she have a bad memory of the place?
We'll be camping near the entrance of the cave. The area around the part is relatively safe with no particularly dangerous beasts around. But as a precaution for goblins that might have settled down here, I've set up some handmade clappers in the vicinity.

I tried to touch the subject while we were enjoying consommé soup and sake for dinner.

"Kagura-san."

"Nu?"

"In the end, what are we here for anyway? You haven't told me about it at all."

"Oh right, now that you mention it, there's a place that produces a certain water inside this cave, you see. My goal is to obtain that water. As for what I'm going to use it for, I'd prefer not to divulge since it's personal. The reason why I need a company is because we have to get on teleportation magic circles along the way. But here's the tricky part. The magic circle will not work unless two people get on two magic circles at the end of a split path."

"That sounds quite troublesome."

"Well, there's no trap inside, so it's still the better kind. Now then, we should rest our body. The entrance is blocked with wood and stuff, so we can react from sounds were anything come by."

"Gotcha."

As sleeping bags don't exist, we're just putting blanket on bare ground. Kagura-san is already fast asleep huh.
Just like Mitama and Futsuno-san, Kagura-san also doesn't mind at all to sleep next to a man. Is she not conscious of me as a man, or does she have a complete trust in me... I'd like to believe that it's the latter.

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

There's no end to it if I keep worrying about it. I've been keeping awake just in case, but I should change shift with Tama-chan and get some sleep myself.


It was still dawn when I woke up. Kagura-san is... still asleep huh. Tama-chan is standing by near the entrance... She's not sleeping, is she? Ah, you're awake, sorry sorry. Well then, let's go out and do practice swings. I ended up waking up at the usual time. Usually, I'd make breakfast after the practice swing and go to Master's house. Guess I'll go prepare our breakfast once I'm done. Bacon egg, bread and salad should be good for the menu.
I put the usual water in the container for Tama-chan too. Good work, here's a cup for you.

Sizzle

I fry the bacon and egg on a portable frying-pan especially made by Boss-san. It's a gem whose non-stickiness puts even the stuff you see in midnight TV shopping channel to shame. I have no soy sauce with me so I use salt and pepper to season the sunny-side fried egg. There were apparently times when pepper was as valued as gold and silver but since they can be gotten in dungeons like sugar in this world, you can get them cheap.

It seems like dungeon stuff is indispensable if I really aim to be a town mayor. Either build a town near a dungeon, or conquer a dungeon and build a town at the safe managed dungeon. The former has a chance of suffering horrendous loss due to dungeon rampage. The latter requires me to be capable of conquering a dungeon.
Aim high at the latter. I'll form a party and challenge it someday. Tama-chan is still the only fixed member I have though!


"Nn, ah sorry. It appears that I overslept. My condition isn't too well at this time of the year."

Kagura-san's complexion looks pale. I thought she just had low blood pressure or something when she was like this yesterday, but apparently it's not that.

"Are you okay? I've prepared our breakfast, would you like to have it?"

"My apologies. Please wait a bit. I'll be with you right away."

"Got it, I'll get it ready for you then."

I put the fried bacon and salad on a plate. The bread is honey toast furnished with Applevel Jam. The soup is the leftover consommé soup from yesterday. Ah right, the jam's apples won't be harvest-able for the entire year, I've got to think up a new product.

Kagura-san came when I was done preparing everything. Her complexion has gotten quite a bit better.

"Thanks for waiting, it finally calmed down."

"Then, let's go and have our fill. Please go ahead while it's still warm."

"Hafu hafufu. Being in the same party as Nobusada really is blissful. I mean, you'll be able to eat food like this every time."

"Haahaahaa, then how about forming a party with me, Kagura-san? I only have Tama-chan and no other party members here."

"I would be honored to. ...But I have my own circumstance. I cannot readily join a party."

She looks down while looking sorrowful. I've got things I can't tell other people myself, I'm sure Kagura-san must have some too.

"Well, I'm flying solo myself as you can see, so feel free to call me anytime. I'll rush up to you with Tama-chan."

Poyon, poyon.

Tama-chan is bouncing around, giving her affirmation. Looks like she's also quite fond of Kagura-san.

"Thank you, Nobusada."


I'm being lectured of the cave's interior after we're done eating.

"Nobusada, there are two stage of the teleportation magic circles. There are no monsters until the first magic circle, but I've come across some many times after the teleportation. Make sure to be on your guard."

"Leave it to me. Tama-chan will go with Kagura-san just in case. When push comes to shove, we could roughly communicate telephatically, I think she will be a big help."

"Tamed Monsters can do that huh. There's still so many things unknown to me out there."

Poyon, poyon, Tama-chan bounces and climbs onto Kagura-san's shoulder. But she seems to find it uncomfortable, she's quivering around somewhat. And then, with a poyon, she stopped in Kagura-san's cleavage.
Nu, nununu, how enviable, truly enviable Tama-chan. But you're a girl yourself. So even Moss Ball fall captive to Kagura-san's melons... How terrifying!!

"Mwu, hey Tama-chan, that place is no good."

Fururun, Tama-chan shook. The melons also shook along with the vibration. Such weightiness.
The ball of life in the cleavage, blooming alongside the two... It's in man's nature to reactively stare at them.

"No-Nobusada. Stop looking so wistfully. Now then, let's finish our preparation and head inside."

"I'm sorry, I'll get myself ready."

Not good, I lost to my instinct for a second there. Is this what they call youth. Something is welling up from inside, this is bad in many ways. I should go to that kind of store some times. I haven't gone to one yet because I was worried about disease and stuff. It should be fine now that Discerning Magic Eyes can discern disease though.










Previous Chapter

16-29. Garleon Union (5)

 

Satou here. I like playing naval battle simulation games and submarine games where it's mainly about searching your enemy. Racking your brain trying to root out the enemy before they could find you is fun, don't you think so.


◇


『Satou, we're done peer reviewing the magic you gave earlier.』
『Nn, worked hard.』
『Thank you. Did you find any problem?』
『Perfect.』
『Since the mana control code has been completely left out, even an expert magician would have a hard time controlling the magic, but I don't think there is any problem in the execution itself.』

Oh good.
I had given it a try in the middle of the night myself, but a cross check is important as an insurance before a flaw could manifest itself.

『But really, when did you find the time to develop that kind of magic?』
『Well, I had nothing else to do during the cruise.』

And so I tried making <<Create Frigate Golem>> magic to kill times. It was relatively simple since I took the basic code from the existing ones.

This magic creates steel golem ships complete with a set of living statues as their dummy sailors.
The hardest part was making these living statues looking like humans.
Additionally, each golem ship only has 10 mana cannons on it, so it's weak for a golem at level 50.
Of course it also can't fly in the sky like an airship.

Each cast will create 12 ships, so this magic should prove useful in this pirate subjugation if I cast it a lot.
I could have increased their firepower if I equipped them with high-powered mana cannons, but that would result in quick depletion of the mana supply, so I didn't put them this time.
I'll modify it the next chance I get.

◇

"--Admiral! The support fleet is lagging behind."

I heard a crew reporting to the admiral.

"Tch, damn those money grabbers, they must be skimping on the magic cores."

The admiral clicked his tongue to hear the report.
Seems he overlooks the fact that he abused wind magicians to do the work without magic cores himself.

This fleet has 9 garleok army ships, 12 escort ships, and 4 reinforcement ships sent from other cities of Garleon Union that were on the port, 25 ships in total.

In addition, 7 of the guard ships have pirates on board, and there are even pirates slipped in half of the union reinforcement ships.
They will probably start a revolt once the melee begins, I should watch and stop them at the right time.

『Satou.』

Mia's voice reached me through space magic [Tactical Talk].

『Pirates, sunset direction.』
『Thank you, Mia.』

Looks like the airship patrolling in the sky has caught a sight of the pirates.
Almost at the same time, a flashlight installed under the airship for communication also flashed, informing me the same thing.

It's a secret that the data from the light signals is more abundant than Mia's words.

『Intercept?』
『No, let's observe them, I'd like to know the capability of this subjugation force.』

From what the Map shows me, there's no ship getting attacked by pirates, so it should be fine.

"Admiral! Warship sighted at two o'clock! They don't have a national flag on them."

About half a hour later, a birdkin soldier who was patrolling the area gave such report.

"Alright! Look for an ambush, wind magicians."

The wind magicians who were giving speed to the ship stopped their magic and began to chant search magic.

"Engine unit! Raise the magic furnace output."
"Aye aye sir."

Vibrations and mana wave coming from below got stronger.

"Admiral, should we get the mana cannons ready?"
"Umu... Scouts! How many ships there are!"
"I see one ship!"
"Then let's sink that one and raise our fleet morale. Prepare the mana cannon."
"Aye aye sir."

The gunport is opened, and the waterproof cloth covering the mana cannons downstairs are removed.

"Admiral! One warship at two o'clock, distance 2200."

The wind magicians give their report after the mana cannons had finished preparing.

Looks like Garleon Union's unit of length is similar to yard.
The distance is about 2 kilometers.

"Alright, no ambush it is."

The admiral grinned.

『Summon?』
『--No, there's no need for the artificial spirits.』

Mia asked if she should support us with artificial spirits, but that would be a total overkill.

『Mwu』
『Don't worry, you'll have your chance later, hold on a bit okay.』
『I would like to take part too.』
『Yes, of course. Sistina-sama too, please have patient until your turn. Until then, could you please help patrolling the area with the gargoyle unit?』
『Yes, leave it to me.』

The girls get their turn for real when the pirates have amassed their main force.

However, Lady Karina and Princess Sistina might have their turn early.
Big red spots shown on the Map tell me just that.

I check out several red spots cruising under the pirate fleet.
Their identity are that of Torpedo Squids and a Squid Kraken.
There are 20 of the former averaging at level 12, and the latter consists of only one at level 45.
No wait, there's around 30 Sea Orcs whose levels are at single digit following them too.

Every one of the monsters have this unusual state of [Subordination].
It's probably a type of Tame.

These monsters are advancing under water, so wind magic search cannot find them.
At a glance, the captain who didn't search underwater with water magic might seem incompetent, but I can understand why he's hesitant to largely deplete the fleet mana to do that.
Even though there are pirates accompanied by seaborne demi-human, their war force cannot be compared to one pirate warship.

In addition, about 10-20 kilometer behind that pirate ship, the pirate main force is gradually amassing, it seems like the wind magic earlier couldn't pick them up.
They also have several Squid Krakens coming with them, so Mia and Princess Sistina will have plenty of chance.


◇
<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.>

"Warship in sight!"

The pirate ship came into sight on the horizon before long.

"Black pirate ship?"
"Oy! Look at that pirate's flag!"
"Skull coiled by sea snakes--It's the Skeleton Archduke's ship!"

According to the Map, Skeleton Archduke isn't on that ship.
They probably let their subordinates hoist the flag to cause confusion and to act as a warning.

"That flag, weird~?"
"Tama think so nodesu?"

Tama and Pochi who came out of the shadow on my feet bent their body forward on the handrail.
It's already time for lunch break, I guess?

Fortunately, the people around us are busy preparing for the battle, they haven't noticed the two.

"You two, women aren't allowed to be on this ship, so go to the ship where Karina-sama and the others are and watch from there, okay."

The two who were looking up at me looked dejected.

"Nyu~?"
"Too bad nodesu."

Nevertheless, the two obediently went into the shadow and got on board the airship in the sky.

『Send the dummy signal.』
『Yes siir』

I asked the brownie on the airship to send out a dummy light signal.
This ship's navigator who noticed that signal looks at me in askance.

"Admiral, there's a high chance the enemy is being accompanied by monsters."
"Accompanied? We knew about the tamed Sea Orcs already."
"No, not that--"
"Sir Pendragon! I'm busy with the battle. Act like an observer would and observe our fight quietly!"

I wanted to warn him that the monsters were Torpedo Squids and a Squid Kraken, but he turned a deaf ear.
The fleet will suffer serious damage if this keeps up, I should drop down Karina Bomb the moment Squid Kraken shows itself to prevent that.
As for the Torpedo Squids, well, considering we have 25 warships, they should manage somehow.

『Karina-sama, it's about time for you to show up--』

I talked to Lady Karina in the sky above to ease her boredom.


◇


"Those bunch are heading straight to us. Are they getting desperate?"
"Hmph, this is all those worthless pirates amount to. Fire the mana cannons all at once when they get within range."

The fleet begins to encircle the pirate ship and turns their flanks toward it.

"The pirates aren't attacking, are they?"

I tried asking the navigator.

"They're on the downwind, so they're still outside the arrow range."

Is that really true?
We're only about 100 meter apart from each other though.

"Mana cannons, get ready to fire--fireeeeeeeee!"

The mana cannons spewed flame with the admiral's command, the consort ships next to the flagship shot out their mana cannons one after another.

"Oh?"

A wall of water appeared in front of the pirate ship's black hull, warding off the mana cannon flame balls one after another.
That's probably the magic of the Squid Kraken under the sea.

"I-impossible! Fire the next volley!"

Seeing that, the admiral issued an order in flurry.

"We haven't finished reloading the mana cannons yet."

The pirates will charge in if this keeps up.

There's an extra large horn-shaped battering ram on the pirate ship's hull.
Looks like they were planning to charge using the horn and get on board this ship from the start.

I took out a magic bow and several steel arrows from my magic bag.

"Admiral! The enemy ship is on a collision route."
"Eey, to the starboard!"

The flagship tried to take a sudden turn to evade the collision, but our speed had fallen because of the forced maneuver.
And that's when the Torpedo Squids are coming.

"Admiral! Monsters underwater!"
"Just ignore those Sea Orcs!"
"It's not them, it's Torpedo Squids!"
"W-what'd you say--"

Looks like the flagship crew finally noticed the Torpedo Squids.
These monsters are only level 20, but their length is about half the flagship.

"I'll lend you a hand."

I announced that, and aimed my arrows at the Torpedo Squids swimming underwater.

"Mere arrows can't possibly work underwater--"

I shot out three arrows while judging the timing and killed seven Torpedo Squids.
I'd feel bad if I killed them all and take all the credits, so I left three of them half-dead.

"--They hit and even killed them?"

The admiral who was going to sneer at me was surprised with his eyes wide open.
No no, do your admiral job than doing that reaction.

His subordinates were taking actions all the while he was getting surprised, water magicians were shooting the Torpedo Squids with water lances, and the wind magicians were chanting evasion magic.
The ship crew were earnestly controlling of the sail using the rope to re-accelerate the ship.

"It's coming out."

I point at the rising water surface in front of us.

The sea was split and ten tentacles surfaced at first.
The tip of those tentacles are adorned with harpoon-like thorned claws, each of the suction pads is larger than a person.

"I-it's Kraken!"
"R-run away! This ship's gonna sink!"

The crew fell into panic when they saw it.
Of course that applies not only to the flagship but the entire consort ships.

The Squid Kraken hasn't even shown its main body, yet it's already turned into a pandemonium here.
And it seems like the admiral and the ship captains that should have been the ones who calm them down are also barely able to keep their composure.

『Karina-sama, go on and do it.』
『I've been waiting for this!』

Lady Karina sounded so happy in her voice transmitted with space magic.

『Strong wind is blowing to the west so--』
『Kungfuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick, desuwaaaaaaaaaaaaa!』

Lady Karina fell down while shouting the technique name out loud before I could warn her to be careful of the wind.
No no, you shouldn't shout out that technique name here.

I don't think there's anyone calm enough to hear it though.

Lady Karina who was making a fall as fast as a meteorite, while kicking the air to correct her course, pierced through the Squid Kraken.

『Vorpal Piercing, nanodesu!』
『Vanquish Tornado~?』

Following after Lady Karina, Pochi and Tama fell down with new techniques.
The Squid Kraken's HP was already zero by then, I'll keep my mouth shut regarding that.

"All hands! Capture the pirate ship!"

I put strength on my stomach and shouted out toward the people who were panicking at the sudden falling meteorites.

The mana cannons that had finished reloading shot down the mast of the pirate ship that had lost the Squid Kraken protection, and opened a huge hole on the pirate ship's hull.

The pirates got on board the second warship that barely evaded the battering ram.
We're boarding the pirate ship ourselves from the opposite side.

"There's a strong one."
"Must be one of the Skeleton Archduke's confidants, Skeleton Knight Zamud."

Although he's called Skeleton Knight, the guy is not a demon or a monster, but a former knight of Parion Holy State wearing a skeleton-like mask.
He's level 38, and apparently specializes in close quarter combat.

Lots of sailors would die if we left him alone, I should give them a help a bit.

"Heave-ho, there."

I sent Zamud's sword flying with my magic bow, and shot his dominant arm.
And while I'm a it, for the pirate's ship captain--

"Punch, desuwa!"

--Lady Karina who had seaweeds decorating her head landed her fist.

The pirate captain got sent rebounding on the deck with arched back.

"Here comes Pochi, nanodesu!"
"Tama comes too~?"

Pochi and Tama who boarded the deck took the shupin pose.

"Pochi, Tama, it's all thanks to you that I was able to take out the villain!"

Looks like the two threw Lady Karina on the deck earlier.

"Don't worry be happy~?"
"It's too early to let your guard down nodesuyo!"

Pochi kicked and sent a pirate, who was going to attack Lady Karina from behind, flying.
The pirates who charged in all at once got a beat down by Tama and Lady Karina.

You might be deceived by their cute looks, but these three are more brutal than the gigantic kraken earlier.

『Caught them.』

Mia's water spirits seem to have captured pirates who were trying to flee.

『Satou, the patrolling gargoyles reported that more than 20 pirate ships have gathered.』
『Thank you very much, Sistina-sama.』

Now then, there is still some time before the enemy main force finished gathering, but there's something I need to do before that.

"Sir Pendragon, I give you my thanks for your assistance, but yer' overstepping your bounds!"

The admiral pressed me on while scattering his saliva around.
This one is more depressing to deal with than the pirates.

62 enemy ships remaining.
They've split into three groups of around 20 ships, each lurking on reefs and islands dominated with complex tides, waiting for our fleet in ambush.
Once this fleet fell for the most conspicuous decoy, they would undoubtedly encircle us.

I have a feeling that that will definitely happen if we leave the command to this admiral.
I'd rather be on the side doing the encirclement than be on the receiving end, thank you.








※ Next update is planned for 1/7

※This is the last update of the year (2017)
Hope everyone has a good year ahead of them~








Previous Chapter

Chaptert 34 An Adventure with Kagura-san - Encounter Arc

 

Today I'm also standing in front of the adventurer guild's quest board after training. Hello! Here's Nobusada.

Once you've turned into Rank D, there's more quests that involve subjugation and transporting things outside the city, a huge difference to when you're still a rookie. Umm, I can't choose, wonder if there's any quest that tickles my fancy.


And there's this quest among others.

《Urgent Recruit: Seeking Companion》
Seeking an adventurer that can at least protect themselves as a traveling companion. Quest details will be explained at the destination, Pezun Village two days away to the south of Gramada.

Client: Kagura
Reward: 1500 Mani + materials and Soul Stones obtained from monsters during the quest
Contact Address: 『Dog of Flame』


What an obscure quest this is, Kagura-san. Is there even anyone who's going to take it?

...There is one, me.

I got Two-handed Spear skill from her in a way, have to repay her somehow and I also want to talk to her along the way. I have a feeling that she must know many things about eastern countries judging from her outfits. I might even get info about katana and stuff. I'd like to wield a katana as a Japanese man. This sword isn't too bad itself, but I just can't give up on the dream.
Besides, traveling with a beautiful oni girl, I couldn't ask for more. I mean, I originally was a beansprout type in Japan.

Thus, I took the quest tag and lined up at the counter. Of course, at Eleanor-san's. Since the quest will take me afar, I've got to tell her that I'm going to take some days off on training.


Looks like the client, Kagura-san is staying at Dog of Flame inn. That's the same inn as Mitama and Futsuno-san. Still, Eleanor-san seemed a bit displeased somehow when she handled the quest, was she jealous I wonder? That would mean that she's conscious of me, that makes me happy. But well, for now gotta focus on the quest.


"Long time no see, Storm-san."

"Oh, is that you Nobusada. Been awhile huh. Looks like you've gotten quite used to being an adventurer. Your atmosphere feels different than before."

"Do I really? That'd be nice if true. I'm here for a quest today, is Kagura-san in?"

I explained to Storm-san while showing him the quest tag.

"Aa? Yeah, she should be in her room, didn't say anything 'bout going out or anything. It's room 206. And I've got to go with you, sorry bout that, that's the rule here."

"No no, don't worry about it. Oh right, I haven't tried your cooking yet. Maybe I should rent a room here and hold a party with Kagura-san, Mitama and Futsuno-san once I'm done with this quest."

"Oh you will huh. Then, you'd better earn big out there, hahaha."

We arrived in front of Kagura-san's room as we chatted. Looks like each room in Dog of Flame is spacious, unlike Solomon's Pavilion. That inn's room is like a capsule hotel's big after all.

I knock on the door and call Kagura-san inside.

"Kagura-san, are you inside? I'm here for your quest."

After a bit while, a sound like something falling could be heard from the room. Did she trip over something in a hurry?

"I'm sorry to make you wait. I give you my thanks for accepting my ques... Oh? Aren't you... Nobusada, was it?"

"Yes, I am. It's been a while."

"Mumu? I should have asked for rank D in the quest description, was there a mistake somewhere?"

"There is none. I've been promoted to rank D."

Kagura-san is dumbfounded with her mouth wide open. Storm-san has this 'you must be kidding' face. Muu, is it really that unbelievable, then eat this!
I take the guild card hanging on my neck and show it to the two. If this were a mistake, that'd be like blaming the guild. Now, check it out all you want.

"Y-Your rank is really D indeed. You, did you deceive me when you told me that you were a beginner a month ago?"

"No, I was really rank F at that time. This is the result of working hard on my training and quests."

Yup, I worked really hard especially in these last two weeks. I did two to three quests every single day after all. Particularly when I got rushed or nominated quests, I had to stay in the dungeon until late at night with Tama-chan. Well, even though there was nothing dramatic, I really worked myself to the bone.

"Fumu, I do not think the staff members there can do anything illegal. It's a bit hard to believe since it took me half a year to reach rank D. My apologies for doubting you."

"Please don't worry about it. I mean, I would likely do the same if I were you. I think it's only natural for those who are prudent."

"Well then, let us talk about the quest inside."

"I'm gonna take my leave here. Don't forget about the party once yer' done with the quest, Nobusada. Imma show you my skills."

"Hou, that's something to look forward to."

"Yes, thank you very much, Storm-san."
<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka .com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>

I went into the room as urged by Kagura-san. There was no particular decorations inside, it was plain. But stuff like spear and breastplate are shoved aside in the corner of the room, probably from earlier.
Not good. I ended up looking around in bad manners. I'm not used to girl's room.

"As for the quest, there's a village called Pezun two days to the south of here. Our destination is a cave near that village. There's a certain mechanism inside that won't let you proceed deeper if you're alone, you see. Usually, I would have asked help from one of the few friends I have, but they're unfortunately not present due to a long term quest they took. Hence, I placed this quest in haste."

"I see."

"I myself am ready to go this instance, how about your side?"

"I can go right away after procuring foodstuff just in case."

"Then, could you meet me at the southern gate in one hour?"

"Got it. By the way, does Kagura-san have preferences in regard to food?"

"Hm? Me? I'm fine with anything that goes well with sake. I don't like beans, I guess."

"Aye aye sir. I'll be sure to take note when I'm buying the ingredients."

"Mumu, it sounds like you're going to prepare my shares too from where this is going...."

"But I do? We're in a party, even a temporary one. Might as well make something good for us two, right."

"You really are an odd one. Maybe even too kind for your own good."

"People often told me that. Then, see you at the south gate."

"Umu."

I carefully selected the ingredients at Yao Eight after parting with Kagura-san. Buying vegetables, fish, cheese and flavoring. Sure would love to get my hand on a magic rucksack exclusively for foodstuff. I should ask Sefi-san the way to make one next time.



Kagura-san was already waiting when I arrived at the south gate.
She's carrying a two-handed spear on her back and a rucksack in one hand. That's probably a magic rucksack as she has nothing else on her. She's armed with a forehead protector, breastplate, and gauntlets with leggings under under her hakama-like trousers. Similar to me, she's wearing minimum equipment as to not obstruct her movement. I think she's the type that slaughter her enemy with the two-handed spear while not letting them get close.

This is her current status I peeked.

Name: Kagura Kagami - Gender: Female - Age: 20 - Race: Onifolk (Disguised as General Human)
Class: War Oni Lv21 (Disguised as Fighter Lv17)
Title: 【Bloody War Maiden】
【Skill】
Two-Handed Staff Lv4 - Two-Handed Spear Lv4 - Martial Art Lv3 - Evasion Lv1 - Physical Strength Lv2 - Concealment Lv2 - Disguise Lv2

She's grown a bit compared to before.
If this is the growth rate of an average person, then mine is indeed extraordinary, partly because of the noGoddess's blessing.
Let's offer her something once I get back.


By the way, my equipment has also changed a bit. I'm wearing a belt that holds stuff which look like test tubes. This test tube-like things are made from stone, filled with many kind of potions. Corks are sold normally here, thus I use that to distinguish the content by colors. I made this after trials-and-errors so I could quickly get potions I need, learning from my mistakes in my fight with D Lostshroom. All of the four potion types are peach flavored, consisting of normal Potion, Cure Potion (antidote), Magic Potion (mana recovery), and Para Potion (anti paralyze). I made them all myself.

I'll be using a one-handed sword for this journey. I've been fighting a lot with bare hands lately, my skills could get rusty if I don't use other weapons.

"Thank you for waiting. Well then, let's go."

"Oh, you're here. Then let us depart."

It's Nobusada's first going outside the city quest. Now then, just what kind of incident-filled journey would we have.












Previous Chapter

Chapter 169 Strongest Sage, Returns to the Royal Capital

 

"...Ok then, let's obtain the king's cooperation."

"The king?"

"Yea. Going to another country after acquiring info and cooperation from the country will definitely make things go smoother than going without any information whatsoever."

However, asking for an audience with the king would take too much time.
He'd come for sure, but dealing with procedures and stuff is annoying.
Therefore...

"But we'll be using a back door."

"Back door?"

"Yea, the principal. If we bring the horn of the demon we beat earlier to him, things should proceed the quickest."

The principal knows the king personally after all.
I mean he went and brought me to the king quite easily back then, we should be able to get the king's help while bypassing annoying procedures.

We're not in that much of a hurry since the magic stone mana won't stabilize for a while... But going abroad feels like it's going to get troublesome. I'd like to have some free time with us if possible.

"I see, the principal huh.... Principal Edward is quite a mystery himself..."

"You're right, apparently he's friends with the king... I feel like my common sense is paralyzed with Mathi-kun around."

Well, whether we're meeting the principal or the king, we've got to go to the royal capital anyway.

"Let's return to the royal capital for now."

"I got it!　...Should I fly?"
<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.>
"No, let's just run. Looking for a place to land that won't cause uproar around the royal capital is too much work. Just running is safe and fast."

Besides, Iris's body seems to still have damages left on it, transforming back to her dragon form would put a large burden on her.
Her wings and magic circuit are recovering little by little, but it should take time until they go back to normal.

Even if she had no choice but to transform back, surely there will be a better time for it than just for returning to the capital.

"True, we'll be back in no time by running if it's just to the royal capital!"

"Now that you mention it, it does feel close by!"

"...Nearly 100 kilometer away shouldn't have been called 'close'... But it does feel like it's not that far."

The girls seem eager to run too.
Of course, that means we'll be passing through Cikirisbia forest, but no one is objecting unlike the time we departed.
Thus, we quickly got ready and began to run toward the capital.

"Cikirisbia forest has this scary image to it, but it's just a normal forest when you take a better look."

"It is, it might be a bit dark... But you can cover your vision with 『Passive Detection』."

"I don't recommend relying only on Passive Detection since monsters may sometimes be attracted to it. ...You can use this time to practice investigating which monsters get attracted to Passive Detection and those that can't be detected by it."

"Gotcha!"

Passive Detection isn't almighty.
In order to avoid an ambush from opponents where Passive Detection doesn't work on, you need to secure your vision and perceive their presence.

...Well, there's no particularly strong monsters in this route, there's no need to worry about that now.

We smoothly advance toward the royal capital while practicing as such.
And, in the evening.

"Arrived!"

"Feels like it went by far quicker than when we left!"

We arrived at the capital.
And immediately went to the site where the second academy was located.
But what await us there was...

"...Huh? This was where the Second Academy was, right?"

"No mistake about it, it should be here. I can sense the barrier's core."

"It looks like they're constructing something...."

It's a construction site where a huge building is seemingly being built.
Just what the heck happened in the short while we were not in the capital.















Previous Chapter

16-28. Garleon Union

 

Satou here. I wonder when did wars begin to mainly turn into information wars?
I guess it's only natural, there's no point in amassing weapons without a battlefield, and using a weapon that has a good compatibility against your enemy is the practically same as having forces many times over.


◇


『--Do you mean for me to betray Garleon Union?』
『Hahaha, not at all. The thought of tempting your majesty to violate the union charter never even crossed our mind.』

Some quite a timely conversation reached my ear.

On my way back from the mermaid village, I discovered one place that was holding this scene while I was using space magic [Clairvoyance] and [Clairhears] to investigate if there was any discord in Garleon Union.
Though maybe it's only obvious since I chose a place with the most suspicious individuals around.

A highly nervous gentleman overflowing with small fry aura and an avaricious-looking nobleman continued their talk in the spectacle shown by my [Clairvoyance].
The nobleman is the second rank of Garleon Union, Gaboz king who's supposed to be wanting to take the leader position.

『King of Gaboz, it has always been on our mind, a kingdom ought to be ruled by a king.』
『In other words, you want to return Garleok City that was once turned into a democracy by the hero? Pusan Garleok?』

I see, the nervous gentleman, Pusan-shi is a descendant of the former Garleok royalty huh.
Looks like he's also an underling of the [Skeleton Archduke].

Map information is hell of a cheat as always.

『It's nothing like that at all... We only want to return to our rightful position. And then with the guidance of the strong king of the union, your majesty Gaboz, the country will go toward an unprecedented future.』

How do I say it, it truly is a depraved noble-like persuasion, all talk with no substance.

『I get what you proposed.』
『Then! You'd be our supporter, wouldn't you!』

In contrast to the all-smiles Pusan-shi, Gaboz king had a cold expression on his face.

『I have no idea what you're talking about. Heiz, he's a traitor of the union. Arrest and deliver him to Garleok City congress.』
『Should we send only his head?』
『No need to waste our salt. Let the guys over there deal with his head.』
『P-please wait, Gaboz king! With you as our leader--』

The guards took away Pusan-shi who was still trying to convince the king.

『Fool who wasn't even worth a clown wasting my time--give me the report.』
『Yes. The spy that we sent to Skeleton Archduke has fallen on their hands.』

The king snorted displeasedly to hear the head page's report.

『However, the [Pigeon of Blessing] the spy carried has brought back news.』
『Hou, just what you would expect from a [Sage Tower]-made magic tool.』

--Oh, those terms sure tickle one's heart.

If I'm not mistaken, Sage Tower is another name for the city where the great temple of God Karion resides.
I'm looking forward to visiting it already.

『And, what does it say?』
『Yes, the Skeleton Archduke is just a puppet of demons, and the demons intend to attack Garleok City as well as Garleon Main Temple to obtain the [Golden Wheel].』
『Hmmph, the demons' goal is the [God's Ship] huh...』

The [Golden Wheel] that showed up in their conversation is in my Storage, there's no chance of it getting stolen.

『You mentioned puppet of demons. So are they the Wing of Liberty bunch?』
『No, they don't seem to be demon lord believers.』
『Fumu, then we can safely assume that those guys won't play a part in this, can't we?』

The head page slowly shook his head before continuing on.

『We still do not know for sure, but there is a high chance that they have slipped in among the mercenaries hired as escort fleets.』
『Then, the escort fleets might raise a revolt right when the pirates come attacking huh...』
『It pains me to admit.』

That might be a bit bad.
Since two third of Garleok Union marine forces consist of the mercenary escort fleet.

--Well, I can think up a way to deal with them now that I know though.

『Our country will take a wait-and-see stance.』
『Understood. What should we do about the escort fleets?』
『We cannot possibly turn all of them into union forces. Guard merchant fleets of high importance with our own national escort vessels.』

The head page who has received the king's decree runs out to deliver the messages to other pages.

And then, the king looks up at me.

『That's the gist of it. We'll leave the rest to you, break a leg.』

Looks like he noticed that I was peeking through space magic.
Well, he's still a king who rules over a City Core regardless of how petty.

He apparently thought that a magician of Garleok city was the one doing the peeking, not me though.

"What's the matter?"
"It seems like Gaboz King isn't plotting to raise a rebellion."

I replied to the asking princess Sistina.

It might have just been an act because he noticed me looking though.
Afterward, I tried investigating other cities too, but all of them were just being gray, none plotted to betray the union by making use of pirates.
I personally thought that there would be at least one traitor among them, it was a bit unexpected.


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

『Your excellency archduke~ your acting earlier was splendid nano.』

A female pirate with heavy make-up talked to a lanky nobleman-looking pirate.
The latter is the Skeleton Archduke, a male human with a skeleton-like face--no, with a skeleton mask worn on his face.

『Now the pirate union has been successfully formed, and Garleok City will be destroyed just like your excellency's wish nano.』
『U-un. But, was that really okay?』

The voluptuous female pirate clings on the timid young man.
Since it doesn't only apply to her chest, but her entire body, I'm not really envious.

『It's perfect nano.』
『O-oh good... Hey, how long should I keep doing this?』
『Until the real Skeleton Archduke comes back nano.』

I see, this young man is a fake huh.
I thought he's the real thing since he has Skeleton Archduke title.

However, there's no other Skeleton Archduke within the known Map.

『It's okay nano. You can definitely do it nano.』
『B-but, crashing an island of ice into Garleok City and then sinking it with swarms of monster during the confusion, is that really possible?』

I see, that mid-demon-laced iceberg I retrieved back then was brought here for that purpose huh.

『No worries nano. The real Skeleton Archduke can control even demons nano. Merely puncturing a hole on the bottom of a warship is--』

In the middle of her words, the female pirate looked up and glared at me then she threw a dagger here.

『--Seems there's a peeping tom here nano.』

Looks like the female pirate noticed me.
I canceled the space magic and returned my consciousness here.

"It appears that the pirates are going to band together and attack Garleok City."
"That's terrible desuwa!"
"Nn, danger."

Lady Karina and Mia were enraged.

"So it will really turn into naval battle?"
"About that--"

I told them about the information I got from space magic.
The pirates, or rather, the demons manipulating the pirates are probably going to control monsters to do destructive acts.

"Don't tell me, the woman manipulating the fake Skeleton Archduke is?"
"Yes, she's possessed by a demon."

I found no trace of demons when I was checking things back then, but they were suddenly there before I knew it, just like the stuff with iceberg.
Good grief, you really can't let your guard down.

"For now, I'll bring along the temple knight commander to go meet the mayor."
"Should we wait here?"
"No, some pirates that are on their way to congregate at Garleok city are using the opportunity to attack small merchant fleets, I'd like you girls to rescue them."

I told that to princess Sistina.

"Not extermination?"
"Yup, try to only drive away the pirates if you can."

I gave an affirmative to Mia's question.
If we cull out too many pirates, the fight would be over before I could show off [Group Valor] after all.


◇


"The pirates have formed a union and they're going to attack Garleok City?"

I'm meeting face to face with the mayor using the temple's connection.
I could have done so as an earl of Shiga Kingdom if I wanted to, but it apparently would go faster through the temple, so I asked for an intermediation.

"Yes, I caught sight of multiple fleets of pirates cruising together when I was sending a lost mermaid back home."
"And you know they're heading to Garleok City just from that?"
"I have no positive proof. But every one of those fleets was heading toward Garleok City. I think it would be best to be vigilant about it, no?"

The mayor frowns after hearing what I said.
The cost of preparing for war must be high, it's not like I don't understand why he doesn't want to do it indiscreetly.

"--Mayor."

The temple knight commander who had been keeping silent up until now opened his mouth.

"Multiple pirates coming here is the truth. Temple Knights will abide by the master of the 『Golden Wheel』 and deploy our ships."
"『Golden Wheel』 you say? Was he recognized as its master?"
"God Garleon himself has granted his permission to have it lent."
"--It can't be, the 『God's Trial』."

The temple knight commander solemnly nodded.

After looking shocked for a while, the mayor folded his arm and went lost in thought.
After a while, the mayor looks at me and opens his mouth.

"I'll have you know however, we cannot allow you to take over the right to command Garleok City fleet."

Even though it's the home turf of God Garleon, the union isn't exactly a religious nation, so I also think it's only natural.
And not like I wanted to take over the command anyway.

"However, you are allowed to board the flagship as an observer."
"Mayor--"
"Of course, temple knight fleet can go with our fleet too."
"--Our gratitude."

It was settled before I could say anything somehow.
Well, it all worked out just like I wanted so I'm gonna ride on it.


◇


"Hold it right there, noble youngling!"

The day after, I was stopped by a bearded admiral when I was going to board the flagship.

"Like hell I'm gonna let a noble command my fleet! Seems you've cajoled the mayor, but I'M the admiral of this fleet!"

The admiral rattled on while scattering his saliva around.

"Yes of course. I've been allowed to get on board in order to closely watch the commanding prowess of the best admiral in Garleon Union."
"Hmph, seems you're good with words huuh? But, just so ya know! I ain't the best admiral in the union, but on the entire continent!"

He's got some pride it seems.

"Also, ain't no place for women on board! Let 'em ride on the temple knight ship."

Lady Karina and Mia who are together with me look displeased, but I reply to him with a smile before they could snap back.

"Very well. They will be riding on my personal ship."
"Mwu."
"Mia and Lady Karina, I'm entrusting you two to patrol the sky on the airship."
"Nn."

I told the guy that Mia and Lady Karina would follow along on an airship, and then I follow after the captain who went on the ramp with perked-up shoulders and boarded the iron flagship.

"Ya whippersnappers! Pull the anchor!"
"Pull the anchoor."

He roared at the crew like a pirate, rather than an admiral.
In modern times, apparently there's many cases where an admiral differs from a captain, but it seems admiral and captain hold the same position at Garleon Union.

"Raise the sail!"
"Raise the sailll"

An officer transmit the captain's order to the crew.

"Magicians, winds."
"But we have the magic furnace--"
"Quit yer' yappin'! Magic core fuel ain't gonna pay itself! Save the magic furnace till the battlefield."

Wind and water magicians had a sour look on their faces when they heard the captain, but they obeyed him regardless and used their magic.
From what I gathered with Attentive Ears skill, these magicians are using a magic to gather wind and another to reduce friction on the hull.

The fleet depart at a speed that surpasses an ordinary ship.

That said, it's still way slower compared to an airship.
I should go do something to kill time until we meet the pirate group at their rally point....

I'm feeling the sea breeze on my body while thinking about that.








※Next update is planned for 12/31
Or it might be delayed to 1/7. I'll do my best where possible~.










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