Eleonore and her group, who were completely cleaned off sweat and dirt, praised the hot water in the large bath.
“The bath was wonderful. I wonder how many days it’s been since I’ve had such a bath… When I first saw you guys, I was surprised at how clean you were even though you travelled in the desert. I never would have imagined that the reason for that was because you were taking a bath on a flying ship.”
Looks like they were able to soak in it for a long time.
“The meal is also ready.”
“Even a meal!?”
The magical airship also contained an automatic cooking machine that I had made in my previous life. All you have to do is throw in the ingredients and specify what you want to eat.
“It’s buffet style. Just pick whatever you want to eat and put it in your plate.”
“Salads, appetizers, soups, meat dishes, fish dishes, pasta, bread, desserts……!? It must have been a lot of work to prepare so many dishes! Or rather, how did you make it in such a short time? Is there perhaps a chef on board this ship……?”
“There’s a chef-like guy here. Not a human though.”
“A chef who is not a human!?”
“Yeah. Anyways, forget about the details, eat quickly. Getting good nutrition is also an important task for Oneechan and the others now.”
“I see…… then we’ll take up on your offer.”
Eleonore nodded a little hesitantly.
She must have been hungry as she puts a mountain of food on her plate from the first round. Her companions followed suit as well.
“““Y-yummmmy!?”””
“It taste much better than the ones in the guild’s cafeteria!?”
“In fact, it’s better than the food in the royal palace…… -uh!”
They seemed to be satisfied with the taste.
Eleonore and the others ate their food without hesitation. I thought I have prepared a considerable amount, but in no time at all, the platter on which the food was placed was wiped clean.
“There’s still more to come, so you can keep eating.”
“““Ooooh!”””
Loud cheers echoed out.
Oh~, it looks like they are going to eat a lot more. Eventually, they were full, so I suggested that they take a short nap.
“You can use the bed in a private room as you like.”
After taking a bath and filling their stomachs, they must have been quite drowsy due to fatigue. Without hesitation anymore, they disappeared into their private rooms.
★★★
“Thanks to you, my body has healed completely. I’m really thankful for everything.”
“Don’t worry about it. By the way, I’m starting to see something that looks like an oasis.”
“What!? We already arrived!? Normally, it would have taken a few days to get there….…”
The flying ship arrived at a small oasis.
“There should be soldiers over there…… Provided that they made it there safely.”
Eleonore, who knew that she would eventually need a force to regain her country, escaped from the royal palace and ordered the soldiers of the kingdom’s army to flee as well.
If they were safe, they would gather at this designated oasis.
“Looking at it, I can see a figure like that.”
The moment I said that, an alarm sounded.
【A dangerous storm has been identified to the right. It’s approaching towards us. 】
Such an announcement is played on the airship.
“Storm? You mean that!?”
It was a tornado of ferocious sand. It is approaching this airship at a breakneck speed.
“If this continues, we will crash into it…… Uwa!”
“It’s okay, Eleonore-oneechan. This airship isn’t vulnerable enough to be hit by a tornado of that magnitude. I think it’s going to shake a little bit though.”
“No! You’re mistaken! It’s not just a tornado!”
“Huh?”
Eleonore, who has turned pale, explained with trembling voice,
“The cause of that tornado was a vicious monster hiding in the sand! It’s the monster that stands at the top of this desert’s ecosystem and is the one most feared by travelers… the Sand Whale!”
Immediately afterwards, the sand at the base of the tornado swelled greatly, and a huge body comparable in size to this airship jumped out of it.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
There are more than 100 thugs who have come out of the church. If it was simply the number, they surely outnumbered us.
Well, that is if it’s only by the number.
“Don’t break the formation. Move in pairs.”
“Guhaa!”
The Holy Knights worked in pairs to take down the thugs, steadily reducing their numbers. The Holy Knights were shouting with rage but their formation was still in order.
“Damn, it’s you guys!”
“Too bad for you. We won’t lose to you in a fight either.”
“Gubou!”
The thugs had escaped the attacks of the Holy Knights and were heading towards us, but the one who attacked the chairman ended up receiving a heavy body blow in return.
The thug who received the body blow from the chairman fainted, with stomach acid coming out of his mouth.
“In this case, aim for the women then!”
“Oryaaa!”
“Gueh!”
And the rogue who attacked the wife of the executive committee chairman was knocked down in one hit by her lariat. Other members of the executive committee are also knocking down the thugs one after another.
I mean, everyone has a weapon, but they’re beating up the thugs with their bare hands.
“Uhm, I didn’t think the people in the shopping district were so strong.”
“The people in the shopping district are all fierce people. They even fight off robbers without an escort you see.”
“Eh!? Is that so?”
“Yes. Well, I guess they don’t need a weapon for these kind of guys.”
While I was preparing for treatment, the Margrave told me such surprising fact.
The people in the shopping district were certainly muscular, but I never thought they were that strong.
“I won’t let you through here.”
“Sleep for a while.”
“Gyah!”
The adventurers also defeated the remaining thugs one after another.
Shiro and Ao also helped in taking down the thugs.
As for the soldiers, it seems that it is very difficult for them to catch the thugs by themselves. The Holy Knight didn’t really deal a fatal blow on the thugs, so the soldiers ended up being the ones capturing them one by one.
“Aim well and cast your magic.”
“““Eiiiii!”””
Zudooooong! Zudoooooong!
Under Sue’s guidance, in addition to Fran and Horn, the daughter of the executive committee chairman also cast magic at the thugs.
Fran, Horn and the daughter of the executive committee chairman were enthusiastically blowing the thugs with magic. The thugs rolled on the ground without having time to scream.
Rolling on the ground covered in mud, the thugs had their eyes rolled back and were twitching.
Uh-….I wonder if they are still alive?
This is the kind of impression that comes to my mind when I saw how quickly the thugs were exterminated.
Mm, these thugs are completely all talk.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
Apparently, the sand bandits, who have turned into one huge group, have invaded Embara.
The Embara side fought back with all their might, but they were overwhelmed by the bandits’ strength, and eventually, even the royal palace was overrun by them.
At the last minute, the queen escaped from the royal palace. However, despite the escape, they were continuously chased by the pursuers, and it was only earlier that they were finally cornered.
“Of course, I have no intention of continuing to run away like this! I will definitely defeat them and take back my country! I can only imagine how cruel they can be to my people… Kuu!”
Eleonore gritted her teeth in frustration.
Considering what the lustful men were trying to do to them earlier, it’s not hard to imagine what her people would have to go through.
“What more, Embara is an all-female country…… All my people…… they will fall prey to them.”
Eh? W-what did she say just now?
I thought I might have misheard it, so I asked back.
“You mean, it’s a country full of women?”
“Yes, that’s right. Our country, Embara, adheres to the policy of its founder and only woman can become its citizens. The whole city center is a no-man zone.”
“Alright, let me help you!”
I shouted vigorously.
“If those barbaric men ruled over your country, how many women would be subjected to such cruel treatment then? I can’t just ignore that! I’m sure Fana-oneechan, Anje-neechan and Lill will help out too!”
『Master, do you really think like that?』
(I want to have lots of fun experiences in a country full of women~~~!!)
『……』
Lindwurm looked at me like he’s looking at filth.
“Mm, of course.”
“Yes! I’m all excited to beat them up.”
“Of course, if it is Master’s wish.”
The three of them are also full of enthusiasm.
『They have different sense of justice than you Master.』
(But you know, it’s better to act hypocritically than to do nothing, right?)
“I appreciate the sentiment, but our enemies are strong. It would certainly be reassuring if strong people like you guys would cooperate with us, but… you’ve already saved us from a crisis a while ago. I don’t think we should trouble you guys any further than this.…”
Eleonore looked tangled by our offer.
“There’s no need to hold back. In fact, we are in the midst of training. I think this will be a good training opportunity for us. Besides, we’re the ones who are willing to fight, so there’s no need to worry if we get beaten up.”
“Mm, Master is right.”
Eleonore became teary eyed as she was impressed,
“……Thank you. To be honest, I didn’t think it would be easy for us alone. With your help, perhaps we…. Oh! By the way, there’s something that’s been bothering me for a while now…”
“Just how can you, a baby, taaaalk!!!?”
★★★
“Y-you really were flying in the sky!? To think that such a vehicle like this existed…..!”
I led Eleonore and her party to the magic airship. No matter how I think about it, this is the faster way to get around the desert. Right now, every second counts.
“And what a comfortable room temperature this is.”
“There’s also a bath, so feel free to come in. You guys are sweating, aren’t you?”
“Even something like that!?”
When I showed them around the public bath, they were overjoyed. Well, they were covered in desert sand and sweat after all.
“But at this very moment, my people could be suffering. To soak in the bathtub and relax at a time like this is not the right thing to do…..”
“No. I think you’re wrong with that. In fact, I think it’s better to rest and regain your strength right now. You can’t do something about it while we’re travelling anyway.”
“Is that so? Hmm….. I guess you’re right. Well then, I’ll take your word for it and go in then.”
Eleonore seemed convinced with my appeal.
“Un. Un. I think that’s a good idea! Then I’ll show you exactly how to use it! First of all, take off your clothes in this dressing room…… Eh?”
“Leave the rest to me!”
When I tried to guide them in the bath, for some reason I was caught by Anje and was thrown out of the public bath.
“That’s mean! I’m a 0-year-old baby you know! I should be allowed to take a mixed bath!”
『An old man, who is over 100 years old inside, is saying something. 』
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
As we ran toward the church, I asked the shopping district executive committee chairman who was running alongside me a question.
“Chairman, are you feeling all right?”
“Yes, there’s no problem at all. I’ve had a good meal, and I’ve rested so I recovered my strength.”
“I see. That’s good then.”
“Besides, when we’re done with this, we’ll have a good drink. Right guys!?”
“““Yeah!”””
Apparently, the people in the shopping street are motivated to drink sake after this. The others responded enthusiastically to the executive committee chairman’s question.
By the way, we are running as fast as we can, but Fran and Horn are keeping up with the group because they can already use their physical enhancements very well.
“W-wai~t. W-wait a minute. Haa. Haa. You guys are going so fast.”
“You’re really bad at running. I really wonder who you take after!”
The only person who is behind the group is the daughter of the executive committee chairman. Seeing such a daughter, the wife of the executive committee chairman looked at her with astounded eyes.
And we arrived safely at the church. The church is surrounded by many soldiers. Among them, one soldier came towards us.
“Reporting. After several people rushed into the church, there was a strong magical reaction coming from within the church.”
“They’re definitely doing something. I sense something sinister over there.”
“Time is of the essence, we need to act fast! Go with a few people to open the door of the church and check inside. If the door is locked, go force it open.”
“The rest of the soldiers go to the church with the Holy Knights.”
“““Yes!”””
After hearing the soldiers’ reports, the Margrave and the leader of the Holy Knight immediately gave instructions.
As for us, we are prepared to move at any time.
Then, when a soldier approached the church and tried to open the door, the door of the church suddenly opened. And a lot of thugs came out of the church.
“Hey, hey. This place is off limits. If you don’t leave, we’ll kill you.”
“Hehe, with this many people, they’re no match for us.”
The soldiers who approached the church also quickly distanced themselves from the group of thugs and raised their swords at them.
Then, looking at the grinning thugs, the Margrave and the leader of the knights gave instructions.
“It’s pretty clear now. Holy Knights, start an all-out attack!”
“““Yes!”””
“The soldiers must fortify the area around the church so that not a single one escapes.”
“““Yes!”””
Then the Holy Knights began to run towards the thugs. The soldiers also took up formations to make sure the thugs don’t get away.
Thus, the raid on the church finally began.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
We were driven back from the dungeon by a carriage. It was already well past noon, and the sun was setting. It had taken up most of the day, but considering we had entered two dungeons, I thought that was still pretty quick.
When the Raven Warriors mourned for the warriors in the Southern Dungeon, they gathered their bones and armor together to create a tomb for them. Thus, it took some time.
I think it’s a success as an exploration. My level went from Level 18 to Level 19, and I defeated two bosses. The skill 『Divine Protection of the Medicine God』 also gained a new ability called 【Spear of Sigris】.
“We’re almost there.”
I muttered upon seeing the white wall outside the carriage’s window.
The base of the Raven Warriors was located outside the royal capital. But it is surrounded by a magnificent wall, and three tall towers protrude from the inside.
The carriage stopped in front of the moat, and then we crossed the bridge that was lowered down. The carriage proceeds slowly through the gate. Under the tower, which I could see from the outside, a girl dressed in white is waving at us.
“Oniichan!”
Lu……
Next to her is Mother. Both of them are dressed in white robes. I am used to seeing mother in her hospital uniform, but as for Lu, I didn’t recognize her at first.
“Let’s get off.”
Before Felix-san said those words, I was already jumping out of the carriage.
“Welcome back.”
“I’m back.”
After exchanging a short greeting with my mother, I looked at my sister’s clothes.
“I’m back, Lu. You look good on this outfit.”
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to buy new clothes for her, so her being able to wear different clothes feels fresh.
“Did you get it here?”
“Y-yes…… Oh and, I’m practicing using magical power.”
“But are you really fine staying up like this?”
“I’m fine. Geez!”
Lu smiles wryly. Her sky-blue eyes blinked, and her hand pointed to the entrance to the tower.
“More than that, there’s something she wants to tell Oniichan.”
Pauline-san, who was holding her staff, bows to us. Her white attire was similar to Lu’s, but her high hat stood out.
“Oh…… I see.”
My throat moved.
I am about to hear about what had happened yesterday. About my father. Gideon. And those slave traders.
There were so many things that I want to know.
“Rion-san, please come this way.”
Led by Pauline-san, I entered the building.
I said goodbye to most of the Raven Warriors who entered the dungeon with me, and Felix-san was the only one left to accompany me. We were led to a room with only one circular table. There were many chairs around it.
When I saw the next person who came in, I greeted her.
“Mia-san.”
“Oh~”
Mia-san replied with wide eyes. Her red hair, tied like a cat’s ears, swayed slightly.
Mia-san looked at Pauline-san with her mouth tilted.
“……I see. So, this is what it’s all about when you suddenly called me out.”
“Yes. I would like you to listen to my side of story. If we can come to an agreement, that is.”
Agreement……?
I wonder if Mia-san was also negotiating something with her.
Pauline-san cleared her throat.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting. As a member of the Temple of Odis, I apologize for the delay in my explanation.”
Pauline-san excused herself and gestures towards the exit of the room. Then the door closed. Maybe soundproofing magic was used or something. This room is really a closed space now.
“First of all, I would like to thank you.”
Pauline-san looked at me and narrowed her eyes.
“Especially Rion-san. Without you, the royal capital would have been destroyed much more severely. And—”
Her mouth trembled.
“We apologize, but it can be said that we are responsible for the appearance of the monsters from the Eastern Dungeon and the torment of the nobles that Rion-san suffered.”
I tucked my chin in. An important talk is about to begin. There was a weight to it. Both Mother and Lu are also nervous, and their expressions are tense.
“Let’s talk in order. Let’s start with your father. Rutger-san, the adventurer who was helping us.”
I had expected it, but I was still surprised. My mother’s eyes widened as well.
“Y-you mean he was a member of the Raven Warriors?”
I asked, but Pauline-san shook her head slowly.
“No, I mean as collaborators. Our group members are limited, and it’s better for our investigations if people don’t know we’re involved. That’s why we sometimes ask skilled adventurers to help us.”
Father was an adventurer who took a job from the Raven Warriors then.
“Of course, we did not put the name of our warrior group in the request. We pretend that it is a request from an ordinary merchant, noble, or researcher. We’ll give them a reward and have them investigate the dungeon on our behalf.”
Certainly, if the bad guys suspect that someone is investigating them, they will surely erase the evidence. In that sense, there may be ordinary adventurers who are accepting requests from the Raven Warriors without even realizing it.
“Speaking of which……”
The receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild also said that she had hardly seen the warrior corps. Perhaps they rarely work under the name of the Raven Warriors.
“Father was more accomplished than an average adventurer. A level 50 adventurer is hard to replace. Many warriors have been helped by father. Probably.…”
Pauline-san smiled wryly.
“Rutger-san may have been dimly aware that his client was a member of the Raven Warriors. We continued to ask for his help because he was a brilliant person, and the members of the group respected your father.”
Pauline-san turned her gaze to us. We all looked at each other.
“He…… didn’t say anything.”
“I didn’t know that either.”
“I see. So he kept it a secret until the very end……”
Pauline-san looked down. When she looked up, I felt that the will in her green eyes was strengthening.
“The Raven Warriors are chasing a certain group since the previous generations.”
Her voice seemed to be a little lower.
“They’re slave traders.”
It reminds me of Gideon. His purpose was to enslave me.
“They gather slaves with different skills. Slavery itself is prohibited in the Kingdom of Asgard, and I heard that they treat them particularly badly. Some are found when they’ve become invalids. You may wonder what happens to the slaves they abducted right? Sigh. Due to the nature of the situation, even the Raven Warriors can’t keep track of them all.”
Even in the fight with Skoll, there was a woman who seemed to be aiming at me. She also talked about Lu.
So…. they were the enemy.
“This one is particularly threatening.”
Pauline-san placed a pouch on her desk. It looks a lot like the one I picked up from Gideon.
The contents are like charcoal. It was black, but sometimes it glowed red, as if it’s still hot. It looks dangerous and eerie, yet it is also beautiful enough to draw you in.
“We confiscated it from Gideon’s Warburg House. It’s said to be ashes.”
Mother retracted her hand.
“……Ashes?”
“It is an ancient relic from the mythical era, and if you sprinkle it in the dungeon, the seal of the monsters inside will be greatly weakened.”
Mother and Lu exchanged confused glances at each other.
Mia-san’s expression didn’t change but she leaned her elbows on the table as she stared at the pouch. It may be that her judgment is still not final.
I noticed Pauline-san’s gaze at me, so I spoke up.
“I heard from Gods that it was the ashes of a titan.”
“……I see. Titans……”
Pauline-san’s tall hat tilted as she looked down. I suddenly wondered.
Does she know the real myth?
That the Gods almost lost, and there were titans involved, not just monsters.
“Hey, can I ask something.”
Mia-san tapped on the table. The corners of her eyes are already drooping……
“There’s so much to ask and it’s a bit confusing. So, you mean they are not just slave traders?”
The princess mumbled as if she had been knocked out of her wits. Then she cleared her throat loudly.
“T-there’s no doubt about that. Perhaps their purpose is to ‘redo’ the apocalypse.”
At that moment, I could feel the gold coin vibrating.
『Rion』
It was Solana’s voice.
『It’s about time for us to show up. Is that okay?』
I nodded.
I then placed the gold coin on the round table. The palm-sized gold coin reflects the light from the window. The carved goddess was smiling gently.
“Oniichan, is that……?”
Lu asked anxiously. I smiled at my sister and then called out to the Gods.
“It’s okay…… Wake up.”
Now, it’s a face-to-face meeting between the Raven Warriors and the gods.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
Leaving the rest area, I immediately used my ability, 【Wild Heart】. My senses permeated the entire floor. In order not to repeat the same mistake, I accurately tracked the enemy by their footsteps.
Is it big or small?
Are they getting closer or going farther away?
Once I pay attention to the difference in sound, I can search more efficiently than before. But at key points, I use magical powers and switched to light detection.
“I saw five red lights in the next room. They were all the same size and they weren’t hiding.”
This is how I inform them before the battle.
【Wild Heart】detects monsters as red light. The search range gradually expands from the vicinity. So, if I want to look for enemies hiding around us, I only need to put my magical power into it for a moment.
This way I won’t use up too much magical power.
Felix smiles.
“Got it. Looks like you’re used to your search ability already.”
Felix wielded his staff and gave instructions to the warriors with his fingers. The four adventurers nodded silently.
I think it’s a secret sign, but I can’t understand it.
“Um, just now…… what are you—”
“It meant to push our way through. Rion-san, I have a good idea of your abilities, so we’ll increase the speed of our attack from here on.”
We continued to advance through the lower levels while keeping encounters with enemies to a minimum. And as expected, 【Wild Heart】is very useful.
『…… He’s making good use of my blessing huh. 』
『Yes. It’s certainly important to conserve it. 』
Uru and Thor are having a conversation from the gold coin. I can also hear the voice of the goddess.
『Rion, be careful. 』
( Yes! )
I’m only level 18 now. A little lower than the level 20 which is the recommended level for this dungeon. But if we keep going like this, I may be able to upgrade my level again soon.
“Hey!”
I kick the ground and slash at a monster called a Wraith. It’s a floating monster that does not make footsteps. But I detected them before their surprise attack came.
“Ooo…… Oo……!”
Like a fog blowing away, the Wraith fades and disappears. A small magic stone crystallized and fell to the ground with a clank. We fought battle like this for countless times.
This dungeon is cold, but I still wipe the sweat from my brow.
I look in the direction we are going. The staircase leading down was wider than anything I had ever descended, and there were collapsed pedestals on the left and right.
I wonder if it was decorated with stone statues long time ago.
The moment I thought so, the gold coin vibrated, and Sigris’ voice echoed in my head.
『…… It’s about time. 』
Beyond this is the deepest part of the dungeon.
The 8th floor –the boss floor.
“Mm, let’s go.”
On the stairs, a candlestick is burning with a pale blue flame, as if inviting us in. After descending, we found ourselves in a circular hall and there are many straight roads diverging out from it. There must be a boss room at the end of it.
Most dungeons had multiple rooms where you could fight a boss, allowing several parties to challenge them at the same time.
……Come to think of it, this kind of ingenuity for adventurers may also be God’s arrangement.
“There are 13 paths to choose huh……”
Hmm, where should we go?
Sigris’s voice answered my question,
『From what I remember, you should be able to reach the same area from any of the rooms.』
Alright, let’s make a decision at once then.
I faced Felix-san.
“I think we can reach the unexplored area from any of the boss rooms.”
“Oh? Let’s go straight then.”
After he told so, the group of raven warriors tacitly moved in front. One of them opened the door and I entered the boss room as the last guard.
―――――――――――― Draugr Lord has appeared. ――――――――――――
God’s voice echoes in my head.
There is a chair in the boss room. The darkness of the space converged, and a monster appeared in its place.
It was dressed in luxurious gold and silver attire. Its eye sockets were hollow, and it looked as if it had been reduced to just bones and had traded its treasures for a new body. It carried a large staff, with a hook at the end that looked like a monster’s claw.
Sigris told me.
『In the age of myths, there were users of evil magic who descended upon the giants and mastered the art of controlling corpses. They even turned themselves into undead and attacked this dungeon…』
Red-black flames are burning at the location of its eyes.
And perhaps its growling voice was an ancient chant. Magical lights were emerging all over the large room as it open and close its jaw. Skeletons and draugr appeared, as if crawling out of the swamp.
“……It doesn’t seem to have been particularly strengthened like in the Eastern Dungeon.”
Felix-san calmly gives instructions to his members.
“Rion-san, are you ready?”
I gave a small nod as I continued to watch the undead crawling out.
Maybe this is what happened in the Southern Dungeon a long time ago. The Draugr Lord, the master of the mound, came and summoned his allies. He then created new kindred from the fallen warriors. He was the one who turned this place into the Cathedral of Darkness.
“Oo, ooo……!”
The Draugr Lord seems to be laughing. Maybe he thought we were scared because we weren’t moving.
“Solana, is it okay?”
It’s a sad myth, but it’s certainly not over yet.
I think it would be so much better if Lu is completely healthy and we could all live together in a world where we could proudly say, “God protected us!”
『Of course. 』
I checked my short sword and then I commanded,
“Wake up.”
I released Solana from the gold coin. She rose into the air, scattering sunlight. Seeing that, the Draugr Lord froze. It must have been the first time he had seen sunlight in hundreds, maybe thousands of years.
“Rion, I will respond to your wishes!”
The gold coin sticks to the short sword and become one with it. A golden light emanates from the tip, just like when Skoll was defeated.
Skill, 『Sun’s Divine Protection』was used. 【Sword of the Daughter of the Sun】 ……Imbues the daughter of the Sun in a weapon.
A special attack on the undead by the sun. The summoned skeletons turned back into black ash before they could even crawl out.
The Draugr Lord stepped back in fear. His mandibles agape, as if to say, “This is different from what I know!”
Just in case, I also activated 【Golden Flame】, accelerated and jumped at it. When I raised my short sword, the great sword of light reached the ceiling.
May the morning sun wake you up from this bad dream……!
“Ooooo……!?”
The Draugr Lord was swallowed up by the light and disappeared. Several fist-sized magic stones rolled to the stone floor with a heavy clank.
“……J-just one hit……”
Perhaps because of the brightness, Felix-san is rubbing his eyes.
“Felix-dono, do we need to—?”
“No. But, at this rate, we may be the ones being protected by him…”
After retrieving the boss’s magic stones, the next step was to investigate the unexplored area.
There was a hint that the seal could be removed from behind the chair where the Draugr Lord was sitting.
“It’s this wall huh…… Wake up.”
Skill『Alarm』was used. Executing 【Unseal】.
The unexplored area of the Southern Dungeon was the most cathedral-like space in this dungeon.
The high ceiling glows faintly, illuminating a space that could fit hundreds of people. The floor and walls were white, and if it were brighter, the word “majestic” would be more appropriate.
However, weapons and bones were scattered at the ground right now. Monsters were frozen in the surrounding walls as well, and several Draugr Lords, the boss-like masters of the tomb, were also trapped there.
『……Such high-ranking monsters like these invaded the place. One after another, undead were created from fallen warriors.』
Sigris’ words made my heart ache.
I guess the scattered bones were those who escaped becoming skeletons even though they were defeated by the monsters.
“Let’s offer a prayer”
Felix-san put down his staff.
“The temple’s prayers also have the effect of preventing people from turning into undead. It’s too late now though, and I don’t know how effective it will be in the dungeon…”
The Raven Warriors check the inside of the cathedral.
Eventually, they gathered in the center, and each of them knelt down and offered their condolences.
“As warriors of Odis, this is dedicated to the heroic spirits who fought alongside the gods. May they now put down their swords and rest their shields, and rest in glory and remembrance.”
The dimly lit unexplored area was filled with words of prayer.
『Rion, can you let me out?』
(Eh? But….…)
『Just for a little while.』
With that wish, I unsealed her.
Scattering blue light, Sigris appeared. Her one eye was hidden by her hair.
Seeing a god for the first time, the warriors are also amazed. She showed up not in the size of a doll with reduced power. Sigris is in her original form, slender and tall.
“Thank you all.”
The goddess bowed and walked to the back of the unexplored area. There is a small shrine with a spear sticking out from it.
“This is where I was imprisoned, and there were other gods called Valkyria—but now it seems that I am the only one left.”
Sigris folds her hands together and closes her eyes. She may have prayed for her companions.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to clear everyone’s grievances but…… I, Sigris, we’ll start fighting again.”
The goddess returned with a spear in her hand.
“That’s ….…”
“This is a sacred item from back then. This is where the Valkyries fought to prevent monsters, but this is all that remains.”
Just before returning to the gold coin, Sigris’ body glowed blue and she smiled at me.
“Let’s go. And thank you, Rion, for listening to our wishes.”
『Spear of Sigris』 can now be used.
The Southern Dungeon was the last one we planned to explore today. My level had increased, and I felt like I understood a little more about Gods and the Raven Warriors.
We decided to go back to the temple.
I guess by now, Pauline-san is done with her business too. She should be able to tell me about Father and the enemy.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
The meal is over, and the children are ready to go to bed.
“““Goodnight.”””
“That was a bit tiring. Sleep well you guys.”
The children came to bid goodbye to us, and Sue patted them on the head as we saw them off.
“Fran and Horn, are you going to bed too?”
“Not yet.”
“I’m okay.”
In response to my question, Fran and Horn answered that they were completely fine while playing with Shiro and Sue. Shiro was also full of energy after eating and it looks like none of them are ready to go to bed yet.
I was thinking of what to do after this when a knight ran into the party room.
“Sir, there’s some movement in the church.”
“Got it. They’re finally on the move huh.”
The knight who had been watching the church reported, and as the Margrave nodded, we all rose to our feet.
The adventurers and people in the shopping district all armed themselves. Fran and Horn also intended to follow us.
“Everyone, let’s get changed and leave right away.”
“““Yes sir!”””
The Holy Knights immediately moved and walked out of the party room.
And the Margrave also called out to us.
“Let’s gather at the entrance to the mansion. I’ll explain the next move.”
“Yes.”
We nodded to the Margrave’s words and headed to the entrance of the mansion.
“It’s finally time to fight them. We need to give them a proper thank you for all the trouble they’ve caused us.”
“That’s right. I never thought they’d show up at the cherry blossom viewing festival.”
“There are also the children who have been captured. We need to punish them properly.”
“It can’t even be called a church anymore, it’s just a nuisance to the town.”
The daughter of the executive committee chairman is talking to the female adventurers.
Well, it is safe to say that the church is already dysfunctional just by gathering rogues. However, the problem was that the country and the church were separate organizations so they could not be easily raided.
This time, however, the Holy Knights, the Knights of the Church, are on our side. That means we can move as much as we want.
While I was thinking about this, the Margrave and the Holy Knights came to the door.
It is said that the former Margrave and his wife will be waiting at the mansion with the wife of the Margrave in case of emergency.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. We’re heading to the church after this, but we’ll only be assisting the Holy Knights. Please note that the Holy Knights will have the command.”
“““Understood!”””
It was as I thought. The Margrave notified everyone. Of course, everyone answered in agreement to the Margrave.
“Alright, then let’s head to church.”
“““Yes!”””
Thus, using the shout of the Margrave as a signal, we all head for the church at once.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
For some reason, a baby suddenly appeared right next to the bandit.
Naturally, it’s a strange baby. In the first place, there was no way a baby could be found in a desert like this, and on closer inspection, he saw that the baby was even floating in the air.
In the harsh environment of the desert, hallucination can sometimes occur.
The sand bandit was very confused, and began to wonder if the whole situation was a hallucination and if he was dying.
“What’s wrong? Just hurry up and take off her clothes. I’m pretty sure that this Oneechan has at least a G cup. Ooh, so exciting.”
The baby talked!
The bandit who was convinced that he was seeing hallucination when,
“T-there’s a weird baby heeeeeeeerrre!?”
Eleonore’s screams rang out.
“Y-you can see him too?”
“Of course I can! He’s floating in the air, and he’s even talking!”
“You mean it’s not a hallucination……?”
As they were all confused, the baby spoke again.
“Oh, don’t worry about me. Continue, continue. I’m just watching from the side.”
★★★
The group of lizard monsters caught up with the group of females and a fight ensued. Although the women’s group did well, the difference in numbers and due to fatigue, they finally ran out of steam.
After that, it’s the common operation. The lustful men tries to rape the women.
“It can’t go on like this! I need to get a closer look. No, I mean, I need to help them!”
I quickly jumped out of the airship after saying that. I instantly identified the woman with the largest breasts and swooped down next to her.
“Oh, don’t worry about me. Continue, continue. I’m just watching from the side.”
『Didn’t you come down to help, Perveted Master?』
“I-I’ll help of course! I will really help! I just made a slight mistake, so don’t try to use your breath!』
I frantically appealed to Lindwurm, who was about to unleash dragon breath at me.
I used magic to knock down the stunned bandit. Right after I did so, Fana and the others descended into the sand.
“W-who the hell are these guys?”
“Hyahaha~~! There are more women now!?”
“Y-you bastard! Are you looking for death?”
“Mm, looks like so.”
“Hmph! I’m going to knock them down all together!”
“I’ll help you.”
Then it took less than a minute for the bandits to be annihilated.
“Thanks to you guys, we were saved. I’m Eleonore. On behalf of everyone, I want to thank you.”
The leader of the women was a busty Oneechan who is named Eleonore. Not only her, but all of them have firm and healthy brown skin.
(I wonder if her boobs were brown too? I really wanted to check. Of course, I am just a curious little baby. I have no sexual feelings, you know? Oii! Really!?)
『I’m sorry I disturbed you, but I still don’t regret it.』
Lindwurm just hit me!
After hearing more details, it appears that they are from a country called Embara, which was built on this desert oasis.
“Eh? There is a country in this desert?”
“Yes. It seems that in the past it was unthinkable for people to live in this harsh desert, but about 500 years ago, a certain heroine pioneered it and she built a town here. Gradually the population increased, and it eventually became a country.”
In addition, Eleonore mentions a surprising fact.
“And to be honest with you guys, I am the direct descendant of that heroine, the first queen. And….. I am also the current queen of Embara.”
“Oh~, Oneechan is a queen huh.”
The other women were also the knights who protects the queen.
No wonder they are strong.
But why would the queen of a country be in a place like this though?
“……I’m ashamed to say that I’ve fled my country.”
In the past, if you wanted to traverse this desert you had to prepare for a harsh and demanding journey. Of course, the environment is still harsh, but the birth of a country in the desert has created a base for rest and resupply.
In addition, the Kingdom of Embara established a number of camps in the desert and focused on raising camels suitable for desert travel. As a result, the journey through the desert has become incomparably easier than in the past, and exchanges between East and West have become more active.
Embara flourished as a trading hub for both regions. However, as trade became more active, bandit groups like the aforementioned men increased in the desert. They are called sand bandits, and in many cases, they turn into large groups.
“However, up until now, the bandits have been fighting among themselves and have not been a real threat to Embara. But suddenly, a man has appeared who can unite them.”
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
“We also caught a glimpse of the cherry blossom viewing festival, and it was very exciting.”
As everyone was having fun, the Margrave and the group of Holy Knights arrived. A group of about thirty Holy Knights had also taken off their armor and were dressed in knightly uniforms.
The Holy Knights couldn’t help but smile when they saw the children having fun.
“Speaking of which, do some of you know the Holy Knights? The last time they patrolled was before the current priest was assigned, right?”
“That’s right. It’s true that there haven’t been any Holy Knight patrols since the current priest took over.”
The chairman of the executive committee is talking to the former Margrave.
Apparently, the Holy Knight regularly patrols each territory.
Hmm…. in that case, the Holy Knights may not have been aware of the current situation of the church.
Then, another person appeared in the party room.
“Oh, everyone’s here. Things are starting to move over here too huh.”
“I see. You started working on that too I guess.”
Appearing in the party room were the Guild Master and the Deputy Guild Master. They are talking to the Margrave about something.
But what it is though?
“Shun, you guessed that maybe there is someone in the guild who is connected to the church, right?”
“Yes. Ah! Did that person start making his move?”
“That’s right. The cherry blossom festival just ended today, and I told the guild staff members that we were going to the Lord’s mansion. To my headache, several people started to move.”
The guild master said so with a wry smile.
But now he was able to identify the suspicious person in the adventurer’s guild.
Then the Margrave began to speak to us.
“At present, the knights of our territory are guarding the church, and we have also closed the gates leading from this town to other places.”
“Are we going to do it tonight?”
“That’s right. So, I’m sorry, I can’t serve alcohol this time.”
“What are you saying? Don’t worry, we can celebrate again after we’ve cleaned them up.”
““““That’s right!””””
It seems that they are planning to raid the church all at once when the time comes.
The executive committee chairman and the others also had their weapons from their bags drawn and answered with enthusiasm.
Ahem, and even the wife and the daughter of the executive committee chairman have a mace.
Anyway, enough of that topic and let’s get to the meal.
“At one point, the cherry blossom viewing festival was in danger of being cancelled, but thanks to everyone, we were able to finish it off with a bang. We still can’t let our guard down, but for now, please enjoy your meal to the fullest.”
““Ou!””
“Now let’s have a toast.”
“““Cheers!”””
With the Margrave’s toast, the meal officially began.
Everyone toasted with juice and started eating.
“Shun-oniichan, this meat is delicious.”
“Mmmm. It’s curry-flavored meat.”
“I can eat a lot of this.”
“Well, that’s good. But let’s eat slowly without rushing, okay?”
The chef at the mansion have devised a dish in which curry was rubbed into the meat and grilled afterwards. Not only Shiro, Fran and Horn, but also the other children were eating curry-flavored meat deliciously.
“Oneechan, can we eat with you?”
“Sure. Come over.”
At the table of the female adventurers and the daughter of the executive committee chairman, children came to the table while bringing food.
Looking more closely, I saw that in addition to the shopping district committee members and the Margrave’s family, the other children were also heading to the Holy Knight’s table.
Naturally, everyone was smiling as they dine with the children.
It seems that the children did their best to serve customers during the cherry blossom viewing festival, so they lost a little shyness.
“Everyone has such a good smile on their faces. I hope they continue to grow up steadily.”
“Yes.”
Hearing the words of his wife, who looked at the children with a smile, the former Margrave nodded deeply.
Thus, the meal ended amicably.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
“Just be obedient and let yourself be caught! If you do that, we’ll be a little gentler. Hahahaha!”
A harsh shout echoed from behind. Desperately running on the sand, trying to get away from them, was a group of about a dozen women.
“Haa haa…… Kuu…… We can’t get caught in a place like this!”
The leader of the group, Eleonore, was breathing heavily as she continues to run for her life. Unfortunately, the distance between them and the bandits are steadily shrinking.
They are being pursued by a group of more than 20 bandits.
A group of bandits who haunt the desert are called sand bandits. They tame the Sand Lizard, a lizard monster that lives in the desert, and use it as a means of transportation.
Even though Eleonore and her companions wore special shoes suitable for traveling in the desert on foot, there was no way they could escape from the bandits who straddled this monster.
“Haa-, I-, I’m already at my limit….…”
“Anne……!”
“No, Eleonore-sama! D-don’t worry about me, just run away…… uwah!”
One of her companions reaches the limit of her strength and collapses on the sand. She remained lying down as she can no longer get up.
“That won’t do! You’ve fought alongside me up until now. I can’t just abandon you!”
Eleonore stops in her tracks and runs back to Anne.
In the end, the group of bandits catches up to them.
“There she is! No mistaking it, it’s that woman! Hahaha! This is a big success for us!”
“Hey, we can kill everyone expect for that woman, right? What should we do to the others then?”
“Come on, isn’t that obvious? We’ve got a lot of young, lively women here, let’s do it before we kill them!”
“““Hyahaha~~~~!”””
Revealing their obscene desires, the sand bandits jump off the Sand Lizard one after another.
“(In fact, this is to my advantage…! They even took the trouble to get off that lizard!)”
Eleonore was inwardly grateful for her good fortune.
She knows that she can’t win against the sand bandits mounted on a lizard. But once they get down on the sand, she still has a chance.
Not only are they outnumbered, but Eleonore and her companions are exhausted from traveling long distances across the desert.
—However, they are all skilled warriors after all.
“Gaa!? W-what the hell!? These women are insanely strong!?”
“We are Queen Embara’s protectors. We will not fall in the hands of bandits!”
Surprisingly, it’s the sand bandits who are having a hard time now. They can’t seem to break down the group that’s made up entirely of women.
While the sand bandits were charging forward chaotically, the other women responded with coordinated movements. Moreover, their fighting spirit was overwhelmingly high, which greatly compensated for the loss caused by fatigue.
While commanding the group, Eleonore was wielding her sword with a ferociousness that was hard to believe that it’s coming from a woman.
“You underestimated women and lost your cool because of your lust. That’s the cause of your defeat. Alright, just turn into desert dust! Haaa!!”
“Guaah……”
One by one, the bandits are slashed and their numbers are reduced.
However, the number of bandits was more than twice as many as Eleonore’s group. Even though the bandits were losing their comrades, their morale was boosted because it meant that they didn’t have to fight over a woman, so they never backed down.
Eventually, Eleonore and the others succumb to their force.
“……This is the end huh…… Kuu! I hate it……”
“Hyahaha! You really gave us so much trouble there. Now then, let’s have some fun, shall we?”
The women were tied up with ropes and they rolled on the sand. The surviving sand bandits, with lewd smiles on their faces, rush to jump on top of them.
“And of course, I’ll take care of you well.”
A man approaches Eleonore.
Eleonore glared at him with eyes that looked like she is going to kill, but the man twisted the corners of his mouth in delight.
“Hihihi, that defiant look on your face is actually quite arousing you know.”
“Damn you bastard!”
Then just as the man’s hand tried to rip her clothes off, “Ji~~”
“Hn? What was that?”
Perhaps sensing the presence of something, the man involuntarily stopped his movement and turned his gaze.
“……Huh?”
The man was stunned.
Wondering what the hell he saw, Eleonore also turned to the side belatedly.
“T-there’s a weird baby heeeeeeeerrre!?”
She involuntarily exclaimed.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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