「My deepest-, apologies!!」
The duke's apology echoed through the dazzlingly sparkling oasis lake shore.
The expressions of Hajime and others were twitching. Shuu and Sumire and the other parents also could only look anywhere but the duke while not knowing what to say.
It wasn't because the apology was said with a voice that sounded like it was vomiting blood. Of course, it also because they found it difficult to accept the earnest apology.
It was by no means also not because the number of onlookers had ballooned even more and also not because those people had fallen deathly silent.
No, certainly those factors also played a part but, the biggest reason was because a situation that overshadowed everything else was lying down under their feet.
「Uh, uu, my wings are...」
The one-winged angel was holding his stomach while crouching on the ground. He was vomiting while staring at his other wing that had been smashed into very small pieces. He looked very sad.
「Someone, bring me a new wi──」
The pitiful founder of angel religion reached his hand toward the believers. Naturally there was no Red *ull that could grant wing here, so one of the believers hurriedly moved to provide his own wing. But,
「Anyone who want his shoulder blade pulverized step aside.」
Duke Lanzwi looked back across his shoulder with his pupils shrinking into dots, so the believer put his wing on his back again quietly.
「So you want your shoulder blade pulverized?」
「「「「「...」」」」」
The fake angels all took down their wings with perfectly ordered movement. With that it seemed they were able to safely become a muscular group that was only wearing female clot──priest uniform (?) that had long slit at the side.
「How cruel father! This is an unjust oppression──」
「Nuunh」
「AAAAAAAAA!?」
The one-winged fake angel had even that last wing plucked off. Even the sturdy looking belt that was fixing the wing in place got shredded. Perhaps that was why the momentum also left a serious damage to both shoulders of the wearer.
「I'll allow it if Kaori-sama give her permission. But, I should have ordered you to keep it as simply a proposal until then.」
No, Lanzwi-san...your son's shoulders, they are hanging loose you know? His eyes are also rolled back from pain...Hajime and co wanted to make that retort.
Of course, they couldn't say anything while Lanzwi was radiating fury and oppressing aura from his whole body as though he was in Limit Break state.
「Kaori-dono」
「Yhes-」
Kaori had fainted from facing such extremely shocking scene, but it seemed that she had already woke up before anyone knew it. Perhaps she got awakened from the impact sound that was like a cannon going off when the duke's punch slammed into his son's stomach.
That Lanzwi suddenly made an apologetic expression, a gentle expression that could be called as amiable, so Kaori reflexively jumped from feeling startled. The oni face that he was wearing until just a moment ago could still be seen as a hazy afterimage...
「It's just as you can see, my foolish son became crazy...I mean, he became a bit strange from his gratitude and faith to you.」
「You aren't fooling anyone there but I agree.」
Kaori also responded quite harshly. Tomoichi papa and Kaoruko mama looked at her in shock. Isn't it bad to tell the duke right at his face that his son is wrong in the head!? They said with their eyes.
「Perhaps I should say that I find it difficult to comprehend all their actions, but I think they are out of their mind.」
「I agree very much with what you said.」
「Still, it will simply create a new problem if I forcefully suppress them for a matter of faith, so I'm utterly at my wits' end from this matter.」
「I deeply sympathize with your situation.」
「Therefore, I made a decree as the rule of this country that at the very least they should obtain permission from Kaori-sama before carrying out any of their insane scheme but...」
It seemed they ran out of control. Actually, Lanzwi was unable to immediately come to welcome them also because he had to deal with the angel religion.
He didn't tell Bize and his followers about the possibility that Hajime's group might come visiting. He planned to make up some reason to push them into the building that was recognized as angel religion headquarters in respond to their demand.
But, it seemed the information leaked out from somewhere. They sniffed out the visit of Hajime and co and things reached this point after they ran wild in order to have the greatest unveiling of their existence and reunion.
「Please allow me to confirm just in case, Kaori-dono. Will you allow this──」
「I absolutely refuse!」
「Thank you very much!」
Why was Lanzwi-san offering his gratitude while bowing deeply? It showed a glimpse of the depth of his suffering from both his positions as a country leader and a father. The dumbfounded Tomoichi, Shuu, Shuuzou, and Koichi returned to their senses and sent him a gaze of sympathy.
Bize and the believers all looked shocked as though a lightning had struck them down.
「N-no way...please reconsider it! This outfit is so that we can get our existence to be as close as possible to the great angel, and it's so people everywhere will know from a glance that we are a messenger of the angel, it's a wonderful──」
「Rather, please break up the religion.」
「What outrageousness!?」
Kaori was serious. I never saw Kaori like this before! Her parents were that shocked seeing how nonexistent her emotion was. The grim sadness in the expressions of the believers was in inverse proportion to their shock as they became astir.
There someone placed their hand on Kaori's shoulder.
「Everyone, let's calm down a little.」
「A-Ai-chan-sensei...」
It was Aiko. The affectionate expression she was wearing was amazing. How to say it, it was truly filled with love and affection. Seeing that caused not only Kaori, but even Bize and the believers to widen their eyes like saucers.
「Someone idolizing someone else, and then copying that person's good deed, and then they help someone else in turn...That way of life is wonderful in itself.」
「...T-that's true but...」
「Certainly, that attire is crossing the line. It simply stand out in a bad way and it might damage Kaori-san's image too.」
「That's right isn't it! Then as I thought──」
「In the first placeee! What is important isn't the outer appearance but the deed. The feeling of wanting to help others and then carrying it out, aren't those are the most important things?」
「「「「G-goddess...」」」」
「Eh? Ai-chan-sensei?」
Aiko-sensei stepped in front of Kaori, spread out her arms, and turned her gaze at the believers! Seeing this made Hajime and others to widen their eyes too! No, they were being speechless because they could somehow guess her true intention!
「What is truly important for all of you!? Is it worshipping the great angel!? Or is it to help someone else just like her!? What is the significance behind the formation of the angel religion!? Where is the true essence of its creed lie!?」
「O-our true creed...」
「Hey, Ai-chan-sensei. Can you shut up for a bit? Let's put a zip on your mou──」
Kaori was saying something behind her, but Ai-chan-sensei didn't stop. There was no way she could stop! She wouldn't allow them to be broken up just like Kaori wanted! Never!!
Seeee, Bize-kun was wavering. Even the stomach blow that he got from his father felt like a mere triviality. He put his hand on his chest to remember his original feeling. The believers also followed suit.
「You understand now do you, mister founder of angel religion?」
「Goddess...I, I-」
「It's fine. Human is a being that learn from their mistake. This time you should listen to the opinion of the people around you while progressing forward in a way that the great angel can also accept.」
「What deep mercy...as expected from the great goddess that David-dono and the others are worshipping...」
「They too can sometimes make a mistake from thinking of me too much. Please learn from their example and walk together with them. Because, surely everyone is aiming toward the same place!
「Yes, YES!! I have certainly received the words of the goddess! I swear right here that I shall repent and fix my way! Isn't that right, you guysss!!」
「「「「「OOOOOOOOOOO!!」」」」」
Behind Kaori was crying at Hajime 「Hajime-kun-, please stop them! Somehow thing is progressing to the direction of the religion not breaking upp!」, but Hajime looked around, he looked at Kaori, then he averted his gaze quietly.
The situation had progressed to the point where even Hajime found it difficult to stop. A mysterious passion was spreading through the onlookers who were watching the progressing of event quietly.
They could understand the feeling of wanting to idolize Kaori-sama, but as expected these people weren't right in the head...many of the onlookers had such thought, but even they were cheering after listening to the words of the goddess from other faction remonstrating and guiding Bize and his believers so they would operate their religion with the proper way.
「Kaori-sama, my eyes are opened. Please let me apologize from the bottom of my heart for all the worries I have caused you, truly!」
「Yeah, I felt really fatigued mentally for a moment there. That's why, if your eyes are opened now then break up──」
「From now on we will turn our attention to others and ponder deeply what is the true path of salvation! Of course, we shall renew our attire too!」
「No, not just the outfit but the religion itself──」
「Then please excuse us. We have to change from this screwed up outfit as quickly as possible!」
「You're saying that yourself!? Wait, that's not it! Listen to──」
「Let's go you all! This time for sure we're going to practice simple and solid creed without running off to novelty!」
「「「「「OOOOOOOOOOO!!」」」」」
「You guys were just told to listen to others aren't youuuuu!?」
The onlookers were extremely roused up. They were cheering 「Do your best~~」 at the aspiration of the new angel religion.
Kaori covered her face with her hands.
Bize and his religion members also bowed at Hajime and co, then they dashed away.
But, after moving a bit far away Bize gasped and stopped running. He then turned around and hesitated for a bit before hardening his resolve.
「Kaori-samaaaa!!」
「...Yes?」
「Is the Hello New World alright!?」
There ain't no way it's alright. What do you mean by saying hello to new world...The apathetic Kaori was peeking out from inside her heart, but Kaori had lost any energy to stop them and resigned herself.
「...Just do whatever you like.」
She could only say that.
The expressions of Bize and the believers brightened up *Flash!!!* like the sun. The onlookers were cheering at them 「Congratulations!」「Congratulations!」 repeatedly.
Bize and co quickly straightened their posture, spread out their arms to the sides like wings, and then they shouted in unison as though to make the whole world heard them.
「「「「「HELLOOOOO, NEW WORLD!!」」」」」
Like that they left like a storm.
What was left behind was the great angel who was standing stock still while covering her face with both hands, and the great goddess who was showing a kind expression while patting the angel's shoulder...
「Fufufu, let's get along well from now on too as fellow worshipped people. ...It's unforgivable to try to escape from the hell of shame by yourself you know? Yes, sensei absolutely won't allow that!」
「Ai-chan you devilllllll!!」
Aiko laughed with an expression that seemed to say 「Just as planned-」 like a certain note of death user. Truly, she looked like a devil instead of a goddess or even a teacher. Perhaps it could be said that such look really suited her in a sense seeing that she was the demon king's goddess.
Akiko-kaasan was apologizing profusely 「I'm sorry, I'm really sorry for my stupid daughter!」 to the Shirasaki couple but, Tomoichi and Kaoruko smiled wryly 「It's thanks to her that our daughter looks like she's going to be worshipped properly in a sense...」 and showed no anger.
Now, rather than that.
Kirino and Koichi turned a reproachful gaze toward Hajime.
「That pure and innocent teacher, is learning how to become a such devilish agitator.」
「I wonder, who was it who made her be like that?」
「...Cough. Surely it was a pitiful son who received the indoctrination of subculture from his parents, that's what I think.」
「「Isn't it horrible that you're passing the buck like that!?」」
Shuu and Sumire's denial was responded with the gazes that said 「Well, this is Nagumo family we're talking about after all」 even from Yue and others. Their scream echoed through the area in vain.
「Err~, cough. Once more, let me apologize for the outrageous bother of my foolish son after everyone has taken the time to come this far.」
While a complicated atmosphere was filling the area, Lanzwi did his best to create a welcoming atmosphere.
「Welcome to our capital. I am Lanzwi Feuward Zengen. I welcome everyone here as the duke of this country.」
His act must be in consideration of the surrounding people. Lanzwi welcomed them with the face of the country's leader instead as an individual. Even Hajime read the atmosphere and shook the hand that was offered to him even while smiling wryly.
「Thank you for the invitation, Duke Lanzwi. The people behind us are our family. We won't be able to stay here for long but, we stopped by here because everyone want to take a look at the desert oasis. We will be in your care in our little time here.」
「There is no greater honor than this, Hajime-dono.」
The people of the capital cheered once more seeing the affectionate exchange between the godslaying demon king and the duke. There were even praises like 「Demon king-sama banzai!」 and 「Angel-sama banzai!」 mixed in.
In addition, the people of the capital who heard the commotion were also flooding in so they could take a look at the demon king party even if just a glance. Even the number of people in the oasis's opposite shore kept increasing as second passed by.
「I'm sorry. Things completely become like a diplomacy even though this should be a personal trip for everyone.」
Lanzwi secretly changed his expression to that of a friend with a troubled look. Hajime shrugged without showing any sign that he was bothered by it.
「We've given up already. We simply can't get away from commotion no matter which city we go to.」
「Haha, that must be a disaster. As expected from the group of the one who is called the demon king.」
The air between the two was relaxed as though they were friends of separated age. Shuu and Sumire and others who were a bit nervous seeing so many people kept coming to this place returned their attention to the two with a slightly surprised expression.
The aura that was like an oni god around Lanzwi before this was just like an illusion. He sought for a handshake with Shuu and Sumire and the others with a gentle expression that was filled with affection and respect.
Naturally they were nervous facing a ruler of a country, but they didn't get so tense that they used a strange polite language like when they met a royalty for the first time. Shuu and others happily responded to the welcoming aura that was oozing out from the duke.
After everyone finished their greeting, Lanzwi took a look at the surrounding once more. The soldiers of the dukedom had been mobilized and formed a wall so the mass wouldn't rush in, but even from here they could see how the circle of people kept expanding at faraway.
The news of their arrival was spreading through the city even now.
「Now then, I have a suggestion.」
Lanzwi made a pondering look for a bit before he turned back toward Hajime.
「Hajime-dono is in a trip to various places to reminisce of the past correct?」
「Yeah, I think I have shown you before the final battle to let you know of the demon king castle's situation, but we're going around to see the projection of the past. Though as expected we won't do something like that at the middle of the city.」
「Umu, that will cause a commotion. You must also have no intention of coming here at the beginning. But, for better or worse, a commotion is already happening as you can see.」
Lanzwi put on a mischievous smile. Hajime let out 「Aa~」 in acceptance.
Indeed, certainly there would be no problem at all even if the replayed the past at the oasis right here. The people would also be bale to witness a legendary deed with their own eyes.
「What does everyone think? The salvation of this country that was achieved by your son and daughter, I too wish to be able to watch it with my own eyes no matter what.」
Lanzwi's eyes were sparkling. He himself wanted as many people as possible about the salvation that happened in the past. He wanted to be understood just how grateful and moved they were. Such feeling was radiating out very strongly from him.
「If it won't be a bother then we too also really want to watch it...」
「Yes. As expected, it doesn't look like we will be able to sightsee through the city with this much attention anyway. If we can have a chance to watch the past then, I guess?」
Shuu and Sumire hesitantly agreed. Tomoichi and others also nodded.
If they wanted it, then it would be possible to disperse the crowd forcefully. The duke or Hajime could give the order, and if the crowd still wouldn't move because of mob psychology, they could also do something like large scale mind control using Yue's magic.
But, the people here were gathering more because of love and respect rather than curiosity. Even if Hajime and others wouldn't feel bothered to do something like that, the parents would definitely be bothered.
Then, they could just have the crowd have fun together. Lanzwi's suggestion was a good idea in that sense too.
「Then...let's at least notify the crowd beforehand so they won't get startled and panic later.」
Hajime asked Tio to replay the past while handing a voice amplifier artifact to Lanzwi.
The duke announced that there would be a surprise event that was a replay of the past. It caused a commotion that resembled cheering to spread through the crowd, but everyone immediately closed their mouth when Tio displayed the past replay on the oasis.
The culprit that caused suffering to the dukedom capital's populace was floating up. The giant slime monster that was nesting in the oasis made some people here and there to gulp.
Innumerable tentacles came out from that mass that was like a mountain. When that happened, screams rose from here and there even though they knew it was just a projection.
In the projection, Yue and Tio didn't let even a single one of the tentacles came close. At the end Hajime finished it off with a flash of crimson. There was a moment of silence before cheers broke out.
Then the projection was sped up to some time ahead. Hajime and co who had obtained regeneration magic came to visit Ankaji once more.
The oasis was still polluted even after the giant slime had been defeated, but Kaori's regeneration magic enveloped it with violet light. That sight possessed an indescribable beauty.
The cheers were ruled by silence once more. But that wasn't a silence that came from astonishment like before, but from deep emotion that came from witnessing a mystical phenomenon that seemed to be out of this world. It was clear to see from a glance.
Lanzwi's subordinates were checking the water quality inside the past replay.
──It's returning back
──Say it, one more time
The subordinate reported with disbelief. The past Lanzwi asked him once more without hiding the shaking in his voice.
That conversation could be heard by the crowd thanks to the voice amplifier artifact that Lanzwi was still holding.
Naturally, the last report was told clearly, with a definite enthusiasm and emotional tone that made it sounded like the speaker would burst into tears anytime.
──There is no abnormality in the oasis! The oasis is back to normal! It has been completely purified!
There was explosion. Cheers so loud that everyone almost mistaken it was instantly filling the area. The cheers didn't only come from the past replay. It was also the cheers of the people who were currently witnessing a part of the legend at the present.
His majesty the demon king banzai!
Archangel-sama banzai!
Such chorus was spreading out while increasing in zeal and volume with each second. The air shook and the enthusiasm was so great that the oasis's surface was slightly rippling. No, this zeal should be called as wild fanaticism already.
「Kaori-oneechan, you were super pretty nano! Amazing nano!」
「I-is that so? Ehehe」
「It's just as Myuu-chan said, Kaori. I found myself captivated for a moment there.」
「Even Shizuku-chan! Geez, it's embarrassing to hear that.」
「As expected from Otou-san's daughter! You're truly an archangel! I can understand now how there is even a religion made after watching this! Rather, the number of believers is still too few──」
「Otou-san! Don't mention that anymore!」
Kaori was bashful and let out a smile from Myuu's innocent and pure praise and respect to her, while her cheeks blushed from shyness when Shizuku told her words to her, then she glared fiercely at her father. Tomoichi papa felt down.
The cheering made it hard to even talk. Yue put up a sound blocking barrier while also looking reproachfully at Kaori in dissatisfaction.
「...Muu. It feels like voices that said "As expected from the demon king's first wife!" are mixed among the cheering though? Are they referring to Kaori?」
「That seems the case based on the situation! That's how it look like to everyone isn't it! Really sorry, Yue!」
Kaori's expression was a wide and bright smile that didn't look apologetic at the slightest. There was a snapping sound from Yue-sama.
But, she immediately let out a sigh and her gaze turned so gentle that even Kaori jerked in surprise.
「...It's the truth that you continued to support the people who were afflicted by the sickness by yourself for two whole days. In addition, you also properly obtained the age of god magic and produced result like this.」
「Y-Yue? What's wrong with you? Did you eat something bad──」
「...Be quiet, Bakaori. I simply want to say what I didn't say at that time.」
Yue's hand reached out gently. Then it touched Kaori's head.
「...Well, it was quiet, just a little bit...for a Kaori…..good work.」
「...What's with that unwilling "good work" praise? Geez...this is why you are just-!」
Her eyes were hidden by her forelock, but it couldn't hide her blushing cheeks too.
And then, Yue who was taking advantage of the difference in height to peer at Kaori's expression for herself while grinning was also turning red at the tips of her ears. There was also nobody who failed to realize this.
「Papa!」
「What, Myuu?」
「Is this what they mean by 'Daww, so precious' nano!?」
「Fuh, you really get it don't you, Myuu.」
「Hajime-san, Myuu...again with that kind of knowledge...」
Remia-mama smiled bitterly. But putting that side for the moment, while the father-daughter duo was nodding un un in admiration with each other, the others must also have felt the precious atmosphere between the "demon king's true first wife" and the "demon king's archangel-sama" somehow.
The crowd was cheering once more.
The parents' 「Oh my♪」 caused Yue and Kaori to gasp and hurriedly get away from each other before turning their back on each other, but it was already too late in various senses.
「Allow me to express my gratitude once more. Hajime-dono, Kaori-dono, and also Yue-dono and everyone. The family who have raised such wonderful son and daughter too. The people of the desert will never forget this debt forever.」
Lanzwi who was watching Yue and Kaori warmly held out his hand once more for a handshake.
Hajime responded to that even while scratching his cheek a bit awkwardly.
「We mostly did it just as something secondary, so as expected it's ticklish to keep getting thanked for it...especially with this extraordinary welcome in the dukedom. I'm fine with calling us even already with this.」
「Welcome? I think this is only natural to welcome the heroes who saved the country though?」
「No, not that.」
Hajime exchanged a glance with Tio. Tio guessed his intention and used wind magic to amplify her voice. She said to a part of the crowd 「Step aside from there for a bit」.
The soldiers also guided the people away, so an empty space was immediately formed. The past replay was casted there and what played out was the scene of heretic hunting in the past.
The priest and church knights tried to take away Hajime as a heretic. But the one who stood right on their way with a resounding "no" was none other than Lanzwi.
「I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the story.」
Liliana spoke while watching the past Lanzwi whose face was twisted after hearing the priest's declaration and his anxious looking subordinates.
「The church's authority was absolute. Someone protecting a person who had been designated as heretic should be impossible even if heaven and earth are overturned. After all doing such thing was no different than declaring that they are now the enemy of the world.」
And yet, the past Lanzwi whose eyes were closed made the face of determination after a second passed. Then he declared his answer to the priest who was demanding to him to hand over Hajime and others.
I refuse, he said.
I shall never allow any harm to befall my benefactors, he said.
He couldn't make it any more clearer that he considered the heretic designation of the church as a mistake.
Even Hajime and others were startled with that. They reflexively asked him 「Is that alright?」.
「The people of the desert have survived until now in this harsh environment by supporting each other. Perhaps that's why it's well know how the unity here is the greatest in the north continent but...to actually witness it with my own eyes like this...I can really put it into words but, I believe the kingdom need to learn from this too.」
「It's the greatest honor to hear that from Princess Liliana.」
Inside the past replay, not only Lanzwi's subordinates, even the people of the capital were glaring at the church knights to protect Hajime and co.
Even the people from outside the capital who weren't there at that time seemed to be struck dumb seeing that scene. They looked toward the people of the capital right beside them with surprise and admiration in their gaze.
Some of the people here must have also been present at the middle of that controversy. No way, you too? People who were seen with that kind of gaze, became shy looking or perhaps proud looking while nodding could be seen here and there.
「This is...I don't know what to say...kuuh」
「Wait a second dear, why are you crying?」
Shuu pressed his fingers on his eyes. Sumire elbowed her husband for that, but something shiny could also be seen gathering at the corner of her eyes.
「Oi oi, why are you two crying?」
「I-it can't be helped right? Our son is...being defended by this many people...there is no parent who won't feel happy about it!」
「No, why are you snapping at me...」
「It feels like, my emotion is just going like, 'UWAAAAH' inside you know! Get it!?」
It seemed they got it. At the very least Tomoichi, Kaoruko, and the other parents really got it. They nodded enthusiastically. Tomoichi and Karouko were also biting their lip to digest the scene.
There Lanzwi's call to his people reverberated.
It wasn't him making excuse or persuasion.
──Decide with your own heart!
Will you abandon the heroes who saved this country. Or will you protect them.
The duke had decided to protect them. There was no people of the desert who didn't follow after him. Surely that was also the moment when the pride of the people of the desert won over the faith that was forcing injustice to them.
The crowd was seething with rock solid determined anger. Even the priest and the church knights could only retreat in low spirits when faced with such thing.
When the past replay ended with that scene as the last, a loud chorus of cheers that praised Lanzwi and the dukedom rose up this time.
After all they had protected the party of that demon king before he achieved his godslaying feat. This event had already been told to the historians and poets, but the degree of realism was different from actually watching it with their own eyes.
The atmosphere at the surrounding of the oasis became completely festive, as though everyone there had just seen a very moving movie that filled their chest with emotions.
Amidst that, Shuu roughly wiped his eyes with his sleeve while walking toward Lanzwi.
「Thank you very much for standing up for our son.」
「We the people of the desert only did what is right in accordance to our honor. Besides, there was also an ulterior motive in it. Isn't Hajime-dono and his group a force that is even more terrifying than the church? We mustn't turn them into our enemy. And that was why I made the logical decision at that time.」
Lanzwi shrugged, saying that was why it wasn't something to be praised about. However, next even Sumire and Tomoichi and the others were saying their thanks to him. Not only that, they were starting to say that they needed to do something to thank him, so Lanzwi's eyebrows were gradually forming a bridge on his face.
「The oasis is like the life of the people of the desert. Dirtying it is no different than trampling our life underfoot. Only the people of the desert can truly understand that despair. Our gratitude far surpasses anything that you can possibly imagine. That's why──」
The voices that were praising the dukedom at the surrounding were also gradually spreading. Lanzwi only wanted to advertise the deed of Hajime and others but, thing looked like it was heading to an unexpected direction, Lanzwi talked what was in his mind as though to give a justification.
「Haha, then let's just say that we are both thankful to each other and consider both sides as even if you will keep taking care of our children from here on too.」
「Yeah, Shuu-dono. Let's consider it so. Although, my son is different than your son as you can see...」
「A, haha...surely, no, he will be fine.」
「It'll be troubling if he isn't...」
It seemed that a friendship between fathers was forming here.
Lanzwi gave an instruction to his aide and entrusted the management of the crowd to the soldiers while straightening his posture and raised his voice in order to bring things to an end in this place.
「It truly bring joy to my heart that we have a relationship that respect each other! I pray that the friendship between our country and all of you will continue for eternity from now on too!」
Loud cheers were raised over each other once more.
Lanzwi took the lead to guide the group toward the palace. The people naturally opened a path and formed throngs of people at the sides all the way until the palace.
The demon king group passed through that path. Everyone respectfully bowed at them and after they passed, praising voices would break out behind them.
In the end, even Shuu and Sumire and the others who refused something like parade even in the kingdom and the empire ended up experiencing it here without planned.
Their Japanese nature caused the parents to keep walking while also bowing back at the people who were bowing to them. Hajime and co could only smile wryly seeing that.
After that.
The group experienced the hospitality at the palace and departed from the capital before evening came. Currently they were inside a submarine that was heading to Melusine Undersea Ruin.
「Even so, Yue-chan and others were really lovely in dress. It's too bad that we could only see it in past replay.」
「True, it was unfortunate that we have no time. Even though I also wanted our Shizuku to wear one.」
「What are you saying Okaa-san! O-obviously that style is impossible for me! I'm not Shia!」
「Whoops, you're suddenly stabbing at me, Shizuku-san? Why are you specifying me by name desu? Even though Yue-san and others were also wearing one. Could it be that you have a complaint with my fashion sense?」
「Or rather, Kaori! That was no good! You, you were wearing something with many exposure like that while clinging on Hajime-kun! Hajime-kun! You too! You were making a slovenly face!」
「No, even if you tell me something like that...」
「I get it already so shut up already, Otou-san. You have been complaining this whooooooooooole time!」
This was a rare chance, so they came out to the deck of the submarine that was running on the sea surface exhilaratingly. There they enjoyed the superb view of the vast ocean and the sea breeze while exchanging comment about the happening at the palace.
Shuuzou said that he understood Tomoichi's feeling and smiled wryly. Kaoruko and Akiko were also looking conflicted.
「Well, certainly, those dresses that look like dancer costume is a bit troubling for the eyes.」
「It's the traditional dress of Ankaji Dukedom but, it's a bit lascivious isn't it?」
「Even us are given some four ourselves as souvenir but...is this really something to be presented to an auntie like me. No, I understand that they only have good intention but...my husband is going to faint when he learn that I'm bringing home this kind of outfit. That, or he will drag me to hospital.」
They were talking about what happened during their three days of stay after purifying the oasis.
Those were holidays without anything that deserved special mention where the group was dealing with soil pollution and staying for that long only because the duke and his people were strongly asking them to stay, but for some reason Kaori insisted strongly to watch the past replay of it.
During the replay, they saw Yue and others being given dresses that looked like dancer outfit and wearing them but...what Kaori wanted to show was something else.
「It was extremely stupid.」(Tio)
「...Shut up.」
「Yue's attitude to Kaori clearly changed since clearing the undersea ruin. Perhaps that was also the beginning of the mischief?」
「...Tio, be quiet.」
「For two people to stop holding back completely with each other art a good thing but...kuku, the vampire princess who have lived for more than three centuries was...just like a girl in the springtime of her youth, fufufu, furthermore to use the space magic for mere mischief...even when I watched it once more, fuhah」
「...Uu, don't laugh!」
「Yue-oneechan, you are even more childish than Myuu only when it come to Kaori-oneechan nano.」
「Myuu!?」
「Say it more! Myuu-chan and Tio too, say it more! Be more exasperated with the silly person who use something advanced like space isolation barrier just to make me crash on it and enjoy seeing me fall flat on my back!」
By the way, that was just the beginning. After that she would roll around on the floor when seeing Kaori gesturing like a pantomime because of her bewilderment from the invisible walls surrounding her, or opening a spatial window and saying hello while Kaori was in the middle of flower picking, etc.
It was a series of prank that Shia called as 「nasty」.
「No, Kaori. You yourself often do things like making Yue walking a corridor that was put in eternal loop, or sending her to somewhere the moment she stepped through the entrance. Isn't it too late to bring up this kind of thing at this point?」
「It's fine right now because I can counterattack! But at that time I was powerless!」
「...Then what was that demonic tag game where you chased her around with hannya mask on your background? That really sent a chill on my back.」
To put it bluntly, Kaori wanted to show that past because he wanted to show everyone Yue's childishness or perhaps horribleness and made them exasperated with what Tio called "the act that started it all".
Though in the first place, Kaori too did things like snatching the fruits that Yue had prepared for Hajime before giving it to him as though she was the one who prepared it, or intentionally wearing Yue's underwear before pretending that she made a mistake and claimed 「No wonder the size doesn't fit me at all!」 right in the person herself. She herself had done some nasty action herself to Yue, so nobody was in the right here.
On top of that.
「But Kaori, you see, Okaa-san think it's no good for a girl to act like that you know?」
Kaoruko-san pointed out with a sigh. The figure of Kaori when she totally snapped in the last day of their stay, it was a look that even Shizuku had never seen before...
Eyes that were opened wide to the limit with shrinking pupils that looked like dots. Pulsing vein on the forehead. Lips that were pressed on each other so hard they looked like a straight line. Violent aura that made anyone who saw her hallucinated a hannya behind her. And yet she was expressionless and silent.
With such look, even though she was just a healer, she sprinted *SHUTATATATATA* with a beautiful form that even a pro sprinter would praise lavishly to chase after Yue...
The whole Yaegashi family reflexively became on guard 「Is that some kind of vengeful specter!?」, Myuu screamed 「Hiuu!?」 and leaped onto her mama's chest, and Remia mama who was usually unperturbed in basically anything was frozen still from the pressure.
In other words, the damage was heavier to Kaori in the matter of image.
Tomoichi muttered 「S-she looked exactly like the young Kaoruko when a thug harmed me...」 when he saw that image. Akiko-san and Liliana who heard him unconsciously took a step back from Kaoruko-san.
「Well, Yue who forgot to even use magic from feeling too scared and ran around in panic while looking a bit tearful was adorable though.」
「That was the part that I don't want anyone to see the most!」
So it seemed. Kaori laughed fufuhn smugly. No, it was a mutual destruction with her showing everyone that appearance though...everyone wanted to retort like that at this point, but all of them kept their mouth shut because they didn't have the hobby of pouring oil on fire.
「Even so! Airie-san, she was a really lovely lady even though that was my first time meeting her!」
Aiko read the mood and attempted to change the topic. But, her topic choice was apparently a bit problematic. Liliana put on a smile. That was her special smiling mask that she used when hiding her true feeling!
It was unknown whether they noticed it or not, but Shuu and Sumire nodded in amusement.
「Certainly she was a lovely lady. She was also erotic with amazing figure, partly because of that dancer outfit though.」
She had chocolate colored skin, with body that jutted out and sunk in at all the right places which didn't suit someone of her age. Not only that, her body was also smartly trained to be like a leopardess. And with her blond hair and jade eyes, she had the loveliness that was worthy as the princess of the desert.
Lanzwi held a tea party for the group but, Airie also came to give her greeting during that time, and then from there she joined the pleasant chat of everyone.
Also, she was the same age like Princess Liliana.
「Myu! Airie-oneechan is reaaa~~lly kind nano! She said that she want a little sister like Myuu and dotted on Myuu a lot after that nano!」
「She made a slightly dangerous expression though. Well, it can't be helped because it's only the natural providence for anyone to fawn at Myuu's adorableness.」
「What's truly terrifying is Myuu-chan's charm isn't it? Even the maids became head over heels with her in the end. Rather, she was happier with being able to reunite with Myuu rather than Hajime and the others you know?」
「Her expression became filled with despair when she was told that we would depart in several hours...」
It was just as Shizuku and Aiko said. When Hajime and co headed to the great volcano and Kaori was busily running around taking care of patients, the one who took care of Myuu most of the time was Princess Airie and her attendant maids.
Of course it was her who took care of Myuu was partly because Myuu was the hero's daughter but, based from what they saw at the past replay, it was clear that from the middle she was taking care of Myuu because she grew to harbor complete affection to Myuu herself.
In addition,
「Fufu, by the way Hajime, aren't you actually a bit disappointed inside? Even though Lanzwi-san was even suggesting her to marry you although jokingly.」
「Wasn't that the first time since we came here? Of you getting refused by someone clearly for that kind of relationship.」
「...Why are you two smirking like that? No way I'm disappointed or anything.」
That unusual part also left a strong impression.
『Otou-sama! Please don't joke like that!』
Princess Airie quite clearly refused such suggestion. In this world there were countless people who wanted to get closer with the savior of the world, and yet this girl clearly refused and not just because of humility or embarrassment.
Furthermore, it seemed she thought it was rude of her to reflexively speak like that. She immediately turned pale and apologized to Hajime while speaking of her future with straightforward eyes which also served as her justification.
According to her,
『There is no way I can abandon my country and marry out while my brother is in that state. If it prove necessary then I shall lead the people who live in this desert. And if the problem with my brother succeeding the throne is solved, I intend to marry with someone of high status from Fea Bergen or the demon race for the sake of the future where all the races can coexist together.』
She was truly a princess. She had been thinking properly with her own initiative about what she herself could do for the sake of her motherland and the world's future.
In addition the girl looked at Liliana and showed respect, and just a little bit of frustration.
『If it was possible, I also wanted to go to the battlefield. Even I had been educated as a warrior. It was truly vexing how I was only able to pray while a princess who is the same age like me was taking command at the frontline, and my father and this country warriors were rushing to extreme danger...』
That was exactly why she said, that she wanted to become useful for the future of her country and the world after the battle.
Princess Liliana had formed a connection with the demon king family, so she too wanted to become a bridge for the coexistences of all the races by establishing bond with other races that they currently had weak connection with.
She was just like Liliana. She had way of thinking and determination that were unthinkable for 14 years old girl. Even Hajime and Yue and the others unconsciously stopped moving while focusing on her words. That was because they could feel the unwavering zeal and will in her.
That must be why.
They all spontaneously said.
『This princess is the real deal.』
『A true princess nano~!』
Hajime and Myuu said things like that. They were also followed by Shuu and Sumire and the others.
And there was more. Everyone's gaze moved. It happened after that. It wasn't like they wanted to make fun or anything, but they just did it for one reason or another──they all glanced at the kingdom's princess.
Because, recently you know, there was this that. Everyone found out various things...
『Why is everyone looking at me thereee!!』
Needless to say a princess's angry yell reverberated through the palace.
「Why is everyone getting excited about Airie-sama. Is this a snide remark? Or a warning for me to learn from her? It can't be helped isn't it? My figure isn't as great as Airie-sama, and I don't have any sex appeal! Yes, it's true that I'm not like a princess at all, right? Righttt!?」
There was a princess here who had gotten completely cranky.
It seemed that she completely threw away her smiling mask because everyone had gotten too excited with the topic of Princess Airie. She puffed up her cheeks like a squirrel and crossed her arms to make a naked appeal that she was in a bad mood.
「No one here is saying something like that.」
「It shows from everyone's attitude! You must be thinking that Airie-sama is more charming than me anyway! Your heart must be beating fast from that nice body! Even though you aren't like that with mee!」
It looked like thing would get complicated in a troublesome direction if she was left alone like this.
「I'm impressed with that princess's way of life, but Lily is no different than her right? You also don't lose with her in charm, and most of all, everyone here hold you in respect.」
「...Really?」
Liliana who finally sat on the floor while hugging her knee looked around. Nod of agreements were given back at her one after another.
「In the first place, if we're speaking about a princess who isn't like a princess, if there's a championship for it then we have a hardcore M princess who will win the number one by a landslide here.」
「A surprise reward aftrer so long!? Nnnuuh, it hit the spotttt」
「Ah, it's true. I'm still alright...I am, a proper princess!」
「Mine gratitude for the additional hit from the proper princess!」
The dragon race princess (?) was twitching fiercely. But putting her aside.
「Ah, it's around here. We will dive down soon.」
It seemed they had arrived at the coordinate where the undersea ruin was located. Urged by Hajime, Myuu followed by Shuu and the others entered into the ship in excitement.
The cockpit that was combined with the cabin felt cramped with more than ten people inside. It couldn't be compared with Fernir. The people who was coming here for the first time were seated down near the window.
*Gou* There was a faint sound. At the same time the inside of the ship darkened suddenly. The submarine was diving deep into the sea in the blink of eye. The sunlight was getting further away.
Even if there was anyone here who had scuba diving experience, none of the parents ever experienced swimming undersea in submarine as expected. Even Shuuzou was letting out 「Oo」 in delight.
Their admiration reached the peak seeing the submarine rapidly diving to the bottom of the sea while emitting light to all directions before in the end a rock wall with a huge emblem drawn on it was opening with a thunderous sound.
「The place is really filled with romance!」
Just the giant gate underwater already reminded them of pirate or treasure hunting fiction. Shuu's voice sounded excited.
「By the way, we're opening it with Melusine's proof of conquest this time but, originally we used the proof of conquest from Gruen.」
「That was pretty wasn't it? The pendant gathered moonlight, then it showed the path with a streak of light. The maker had good sense.」
「...Nn. Someone like Miledy only had insulting signboard and a revolving door at the entrance. The gap is horrible.」
Yue shook her head. Shuu smiled wryly at her even while letting out a sigh of admiration at the fantastical sight.
The submarine was entering into the dungeon.
The submarine had been modified drastically than the last time they were here, so it didn't get carried away by raging stream or even getting shaken. It was stopping still in the middle of the raging stream.
But, there was one point that was different from before.
「Hih」
「H-Hajime-kun! Are we going to be okay against that!?」
Kaoruko backed away from the window with a small scream. Tomoichi was pointing outside in panic.
He was pointing at a huge shark. Its length must be more than 3 meters. It was sticking on the wall like suckerfish. Furthermore the way it was sticking on the surface was by using ice to fix it in place.
Its dark red eyes showed that it was a monster. For it to possess characteristic magic of ice even though it was a shark...
「Was there something like that here last time?」
「No, I doth not think there was something like this. Shia and I were keeping our gaze to outside the whole time then.」
「Right desu. Ah, look. The school of fish monster that attacked us last time is also still here.」
「Well, we have the proof of conquest, so they won't attack...it's alright, Tomoichi-san.」
Tomoichi wasn't the only one to sigh in relieve. Meanwhile the submarine kept going through the tube shaped giant cavern.
「What is the challenge of this place? The shape is like a flowing pool.」
「I think it's something like finding a path to escape while slipping through this raging stream and the monsters.」
「As expected from Koichi-san and Kirino-san. That's mostly correct.」
Actually, the challenger had to pour the remaining moonlight in the Gruen's proof of conquest to some places in order to open the door.
Hearing that explanation, the expressions of Shizuku, Liliana, and even Aiko were twitching.
「Naturally, the people of this world don't have anything like submarine aren't they?」
「...We have something similar, Shizuku. You need to use barrier magic together with it but, people are using ship that have interior space for fishing or investigating the bottom of the sea. Of course that kind ship doesn't have any weapon, and it also won't be able to resist this kind of raging stream.」
「In other words, you will have to use magic both for intercepting the monsters as well as directing the boat then.」
How many rounds they would have to go through this place until the challenger noticed the meaning and gimmick behind the five places that had emblem drawn there.
Their magic power wouldn't last...that thought made their face twitching. After all, this place was underwater. Furthermore it was inside a cavern filled with raging streams. Their death would be assured the moment they ran out of magic power.
「...Nn~, I think it's a warning in a sense. Like Gruen's tornado, or Orcus's surface hundred levels. They are saying, back off if you can't even clear this part.」
「Its gimmick that make you use magic power exhaustively might also be a hint when I look back now. It's telling us that this great dungeon will use up a lot of magic power.」
Yue and Kaori's conjecture was surely right on the mark. In fact, the large scale illusion world that would be waiting for them after this could only be dealt with magic power after all.
After making two laps to sightsee inside the raging stream tunnel, they opened the gate and advanced through the waterway and got down ahead of there. They didn't fall like before. Right now the submarine also had gravity control device installed, so it slowly landed on the ground.
「...There were several other new monsters than the shark wasn't it?」
「Hajime-kun, it looks like there are also some more in this place.」
Shuu and others were curiously watching the calm water surface above them that wasn't following gravity and fell down. But Hajime and others had their attention taken by something else.
Tio immediately used past replay to display the rain of super compressed water stream attacks from acorn barnacles while giving explanation to the parents. Hajime glanced at that before running his gaze on the wall.
「Is that a camouflaged...crab?」
「...Nn. It looks like it can lengthen and shorten its scissors.」
「Based on what you're saying, or rather, from looking at the past image, they weren't here in the past weren't they?」
Yes, it was just as Shizuku said. It was another new monster that they didn't encounter here last time. The crabs that were the size of human children clinging on the wall.
They were camouflaged, but they immediately showed themselves when Hajime lifted up the proof of conquest. Kaoruko and Akiko immediately let out a small scream. Large crabs were clinging on the whole surface of the wall and they were moving around while clicking their scissors. Anyone would feel fear running through their body even if they didn't have trypophobia.
「M-Myuu-chan and Remia-chan don't seem scared of this aren't they?」
Sumire was taking distance from the wall in disgust. She approached Hajime while asking that question. The two looked confused by that.
「They are just crabs though?」
「They're just crabs nano.」
「...As expected from the seaman race.」
Well of course. Rather, seeing a large swarm of crab like this would make them go 「Hyahhaaa, there's a lot of them yeah!」 in delight. Even though the crabs were monsters, they still wouldn't feel creeped out by their appearance.
「The path ahead from here is submerged in water, so it'll be better if we place barrier on the water surface to walk on won't it?」
「...Nn? What if freeze it?」
「We won't be able to look at the monster underwater like that.」
「Ah, then I'll do it! I'm a barrier master after all! I also have the artifact from Hajime-san, so please let me help if it's not going to take that long!」
It seemed that Liliana felt a bit stressed from just watching. Liliana was hopping up and down *pyon pyon* to appeal that even she could be useful.
Hajime's expression turned worried.
「Is it okay? There are going to be a lot of works waiting for you after the trip today ends right? You'll get tired you know?」
「? What are you saying? My works are mainly just taking care of paperwork you know? There's no way I'll get tired just from sitting and reading, geez~. You are strange Hajime-san♪ But I'm happy that you're that worried for me!」
「...Notice that side of yours, really.」
Before long she might even started saying something like 「My body is made of paperwork」. "Unlimited Work"...a unique barrier that could only be deployed inside an office. What an unpleasant magic that would be.
This princess is hopeless, she's really just a corporate slave...it went without saying that everyone's heart became as one at this moment.
Although, Liliana herself was showing sufficient motivation so it would be too pitiful for her if they refused her here. For the time being they would leave it to her and they progressed through the cave that was filled with sea water until their waist height.
They were using shining barrier as their foothold, so they could clearly see the monsters that looked like snake or starfish that were swimming below. It was like they were in an aquarium.
「...Ah, Tio. Don't use past replay here──」
「Leave it to me Yue. Of course I shall project it.」
「Nn!?」
The past of the short Yue riding on Hajime's shoulders got projected. There Yue was blushing red in embarrassment, while Shia and others were teasing her, saying htat she looked cute like Myuu. And then the scene of Kaori being the only one given a scathing disparagement 「Perish」 played out.
Shuu and Sumire and the other parents, and then Shizuku, Aiko, and Liliana were all watching it with warm expression, so the present Yue was also blushing.
「...Uu, stupid Tio」
「Fufufu, a Yue this cute hath to be shared with everyone──atata, it was mine bad, mine bad. That's why pelting me with small lightning pebbles art, adah!? Wait, the power art rapidly increasing──II, MA, even the speed art like bullet now!? AAAA!?」
The lightning bullets fired wildly. At the start they were making the sound of *bzzt bzzt* before rapidly changing into *ZUDADADADA* at present. Someone tugged on Yue's sleeve while Tio was being rained down with the bullets. It was Myuu.
「Yue-oneechan」
「Myuu?」
「That spot is Myuu's.」
「...Nn!? I'm being warned!?」
「Myuu doesn't mind someone else occupying it, but please ask Myuu first for permission.」
「What's more a permit system!?」
Her face was serious. It seemed she wasn't joking or anything. Apparently papa's shoulder ride was something that Myuu had no intention of yielding.
The odd pressure from Myuu overwhelmed Yue and her gaze wandered around while she replied with 「...R-roger that」. Myuu grinned brightly. An unexpected defeat of the first wife? Everyone questioned while looking at Myuu with a fearful gaze.
There, Shuuzou compared the past replay with the present and spoke with dubious tone.
「The situations are very different. The monster type and number are wildly different...」
「Aa, so you noticed as expected.」
As expected, it was the same here. Monsters that they never encountered before were also present here in droves.
Inside the past replay, Hajime was muttering 「Aren't they too weak?」, but if the present situation was actually how this dungeon originally was, then this number and variety would really offer them an annoyance that was fitting for a great dungeon.
「As I thought, it looks like our guess is right.」
「Guess? Hajime, what do you mean?」
In respond to Shuu's question, Hajime said that thing might become clearer if they went further ahead and walked faster.
And then they arrived at the location where in the past Hajime and others were forced to choose to retreat, the place where there was an existence that gave them a hard fight till the end. An ancient monster that didn't have weakness in the form of magic stone. It was the space where they encountered the clione lookalike──the "Hell Eater".
But, as expected, the Hell Eater wasn't here.
In exchange, a monster that looked like an octopus with length of 3 meters was in position there.
While Hajime and co were starting to fight the Hell Eater inside the past replay, the present Hajime lifted up the proof of conquest in order to stop the giant octopus. Then Hajime spoke of the guess that he mentioned before this.
「As I thought, the Hell Eater originally wasn't a monster of this dungeon.」
「What do you mean Hajime? Didn't you fight it inside the great dungeon?」
Sumire tilted her head in puzzlement even while her gaze was stolen by the past replay where the situation was like in a movie where the whole room itself was the inside of a monster's stomach.
「In the first place it was strange. Not only about a monster that doesn't have magic stone, but most of all it attacked after we finished clearing this dungeon. What's more it kept attacking even after we left the great dungeon.」
Shuuzou and Koichi nodded in understanding.
「That's...certainly strange. It was ignoring its meaning of existence as "guarding of great dungeon".」
「It also ignored the meaning of the dungeon's existence as a place of trial.」
To launch a surprise attack after the trial was over made it seemed like it was simply trying to kill them. They couldn't feel any of the liberator's intention in that. Certainly it didn't feel like a trial that they had prepared.
「This is just my guess but, perhaps that guy entered this great dungeon and turned it into its feeding place?」
「I see. A place where food will repop after some time passed no matter how much you eat...for something that can eat anything, there's no better place than this as a pantry.」
Shizuku added while looking with worry at the past Kaori inside the projection. Remia put her hand on her cheek and looked puzzled. She then made quite a sharp comment.
「But...did the liberators really not consider the possibility of outside monster coming in? Even though that can affect the trial's result.」
「Yeah...I also get the feeling that it's not like them but...perhaps, they had also taken that into consideration?」
「They had, taken it into consideration?」
「Yeah. If there is a monster that can break through their defense and enter inside, that in itself can serve as trial.」
Hajime seemed to suddenly think of something and the corner of his lips rose.
「Or perhaps, Lee-san once said that the Hell Eater was "a monster that had existed since a long time ago". Perhaps even Miledy and the others had also got attacked by it.」
If they knew about its treat and nature, than rather than getting worked up with We will absolutely prevent the intrusion of monster that we cannot control!, they could just leave things to chance and left it alone as a trial...that way of thinking seemed really possible for the liberators who liked to be unreasonable.
There, Aiko suddenly noticed something and raised her voice.
「Eh? Myuu-chan? What's the matter?」
Myuu suddenly said little since the fight against Hell Eater started. She had stepped back until she was at the very back without anyone noticing, and on top of that her gaze started wandering around restlessly when Aiko asked her the question.
「What's wrong Myuu? Is something worrying you? Or perhaps you aren't feeling good?」
「Eh? N-no~, it's nothing nano. Yep.」
「No, there's no way it's nothing. Try telling me.」
Myuu-chan's eyes would look anywhere but at them. Then her gaze started going back and forth between Hajime papa and the Hell Eater inside the past replay.
「U-umm, papa.」
「Ou」
Everyone became concerned. The past replay got paused and everyone focused on Myuu. Then Myuu poked her index fingers on each other while sending an upward gaze at her papa.
「If, this is just an if case」
「Ou?」
「He-cha──cough. What if this Hell Eater-san is, still alive though with a size that is only big as this, just the size of a fingertip...what will you do?」
「........」
Hajime-san had guessed the situation and looked up to the ceiling. Yue and others widened their eyes like saucers. Remia mama was covering her face with both hands. Even Shuu and others were going 「Uwaa」 with an expression that didn't know what to say.
「U-umm! But but, He-cha──I mean Hell Eater-san too won't attack people anymore I think nano! He said──no, Myuu think that surely he is thinking that human is scary nano! After all they burn and explode him even though he just want to eat a little, what savage brutes! Furthermore they are laughing when seeing me burning──is what Myuu think he must be thinking nano!」
「Aa~, yeah, that so...」
He didn't know anymore which part he should retort at. The motivation for that also didn't well up at all.
「Just tell me one thing, Myuu. Does that guy feel dangerous to you?」
「Nope. After all it looked like he tried to help out when Myuu got kidnapped by apostle just because he wanted to thank Myuu for helping him.」
「Seriously?」
They would take a look at that scene later when they arrived at Erisen.
「P-papa?」
「Yeah, well, I'm not going to waste energy to look for him just to kill him, so don't worry.」
「! Yes nano!」
There was nothing else that could be said. After all the Hell Eater itself was apparently traumatized with Hajime, or rather with humankind itself.
This was just a guess but, most likely it survived with only a fragment of itself, and then it accidentally...no, perhaps this should be called as getting drawn in already. It was drawn it to Myuu and got helped. With that it was moved to save Myuu alone, no doubt about it.
It was a conjecture that Hajime made himself and he didn't understand just what he was thinking.
「Cough, err. In other words, the monsters that were originally here got eaten by Hell Eater...」
Shia pushed the talk back on track. Inside the past replay, Hajime opened a hole in the ground with pile bunker and retreated.
「If that's the case, it makes me curious now about that guy's true strength.」
The giant octopus that was silently staying still at the center of the room. Looking at it once more, they could see monster traits on it here and there.
First, it had sixteen legs. Double the number of a normal octopus. Furthermore, half of its legs clearly were made from metal. It wasn't wearing equipment, rather its legs were hardened.
Its metal legs were folded like the scythe of a praying mantis. Its pose looked similar like a classical ghost. Myuu was grinning seeing that, saying 「It looks a bit cute nano」.
「Do you want to try fighting it?」
「Yes desu!」
As expected from Hauria, everyone thought, but all of them had the kindness to not actually say it.
Hajime looked at his watch and decided that they had a bit of time.
Actually at present Hellina had jumped to Erisen using a gate to prepare a party for them, but the promised time was around the time when the sun was setting.
They would have BBQ outdoor. Thinking that they wouldn't mind to do something grand for the last night, the group accepted the people of Erisen and big shots of various countries to attend it too, but the coordination for that part was being taken care by Hellina's one-woman operation.
Hajime and co had also offered to come to Erisen early and helped with preparing the required supplies and food ingredients for the party but,
『Please leave the details to me and have fun sightseeing in the undersea ruin. I will give a grand welcome to the demon king's group which will also serve as the start of the party. I believe that will be a fitting way to start the last night of your majesty's trip.』
She made such suggestion reverently, so Hajime could only leave it to her in the end. Hellina-san was seriously capable. And now she was a demon sword user too.
Back to the topic.
「Let's put on a barrier just in case.」
「...Nn. I'll put up a space isolation barrier.」
Liliana looked like she wanted to work, but as expected it would be dangerous to rely on just her barrier for a battle against a monster of a great dungeon.
The parents were told to back away, Hajime carried Myuu in his arms, and Tio was positioned at the path they came from to stand guard.
And then Shia stepped forward alone in front of the giant octopus. She looked back across her shoulder and showed a wide grin that acted as the signal to start. Hajime stopped pouring his magic power into the proof of conquest.
Right away.
A roaring sound of cannon split their eardrums. In addition,
「Bubee!?」
They also heard such voice. Shia was sliding on the ground on her face.
Time stopped. Everyone was struck dumb.
Because, this was that Shia. That Shia got punched on the face and sent flying. The bugged rabbit that only made *Clang* sound when her neck was targeted by a giant scythe, was now in this state.
「O-oi, Shia? Are you alright?」
「Peh. Nice punch, you have there desu.」
「Ah, she's alright.」
Shia spat out the mud that got into her mouth and her rabbit ears stood on end while flapping around rabbitly. Shia got up and put on a warlike smile, yeah, she looked fine.
Although, it seemed the corner of her lip got cut. She flicked that spot with her thumb and blood flew off from there. It startled everyone.
「....Too careless.」
「Thou underestimated it too much. What art thou doing not reinforcing thyself at all like that?」
「I'm reflecting desuu!」
Magic power burst out from Shia in respond to Yue and Tio's harsh but honest comments that were mixed with exasperation. Right after that, the space was assaulted with countless thunderous sound and shockwave.
It was like a bombardment battle. The giant octopus's eight legs were planted into the ground to anchor itself, while at the same time the remaining eight metal legs were moving in a blur. The fists of Shia who planted both her feet firmly on the ground were also vanishing from view.
It was a punching battle in super high speed. Countless shockwaves bloomed before Shia's eyes. Just the after shocks were causing the wall and the ceiling to break with the fragments scattered around.
「Isn't that...a mantis shrimpshako that is disguised as octopustako?」
「Aiko-san, what is shako?」
「A sea creature that look similar with a small shrimp, Lily-san. It let out a blow with its front leg to get its prey but...」
「I once saw it in a manga that I read together with Kaori...it even have the power to break a fish tank isn't it?」
「In other words, this is something like this? A monster that has the flexibility and multiple limbs of octopus combined with the mantis shrimp's striking power...」
What kind of fiendish monster was that...Hajime and others were watching the fight with twitching expression that seemed to want to say that.
Ahead of their gaze, Shia made her move.
「Level V」
*DON* The ground exploded. Shia slipped through the eight simultaneous punches and her fist sank into the main body. The blow made another impact sound that was unthinkable coming from human body.
A normal living organism would be blown away, or at the very least their internal organs would be overran by the destructive power.
However,
「Mumu-, this sensation──it's absorbing the impact!?」
Not only that, the giant octopus became enveloped with dark red light. Then after that, its eight legs instantly returned back and unleased an explosive shockwave.
「NUUUUU DESUU!」
That Shia was blown away even though she was only using 50% of her strength. Furthermore it was from a blow that she guarded against.
「Holy cow」
「Do you know something Hajime?」
The parent and son was creating the atmosphere of a solid gear from metal while Hajime made his magic eye glinted.
「That octopus, it seems that it can absorb impact and then add it into its own punch.」
「What did you say? In other words, the more it receive Shia-chan's attack, the stronger its fist will become!?」
「Yeah, exactly Tou-san! That guy is the natural enemy of physical specialist type!」
「You two father and son, what are you doing?」
Tomoichi-san couldn't understand what they were playing at.
「...Shiaaa~, it looks like your affinity with it is the worst. How about you stop already?」
「Don't joke around Yue-san! Please look at the other guy!」
「...Eh?」
「Throw away something like weapon and come at me. What's wrong? You get scared? It said! Come on, let's talk with our fists shall we-, it said with its eyes!」
「...No, I don't think so.」
The octopus had rectangle eyes just like any octopus. Not even emotion could be felt from it...
「Hey Shia! With the concept of this dungeon, I think it's an opponent that should be defeated with magic you know!」
「That's just running away desu!」
「Isn't that just normal strategy I think!?」
Even Kaori's words didn't reach her. The switch of the martial god rabbit had been turned on.
「It's fine everyone! I have a plan!」
Shia's right leg stepped further back while her left hand thrust forward to act as targeting assistant. Meanwhile she drew back her right fist like drawing a bow.
A plan she said? Hajime and co questioned while tilting their head. Shia kept their back turned toward them while saying.
「No second strike!! No thinking of the next move! I'll defeat it with the destructive power of a single attack that surpass its impact absorption desuu!!」
「「「「「It's just a musclebrained tactic as expected...」」」」」
It stood to reason.
And then the result was also the same.
The giant octopus was blown away while its upper body burst from inside. The shockwave half destroyed the inside of the cave. Hajime and co almost fell into the underground waterway with no pile bunker to do that this time. It went without saying that their gazes at Shia were intensely reproachful after that.
But, Shia looked extremely satisfied. A geyser burst out from the ground that was smashed by her stomp. It collided on the ceiling and in the middle of the shower of flesh and blood, she roared 「URIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!」 with the widest smile on her face.
That figure looked like the exact model of a barbarian tribe.
After that.
Hajime and co naturally didn't get dragged into the underground waterway. They advanced through the normal route.
Along the way, they were passing monsters that looked like they had high physical resistance and after a while, they ran into a water wall. It was a water wall with size that a submarine could pass through.
Standing in front of it felt like being in front of a giant water tank in aquarium. But, there was no glass or wall there. Their hand would submerge into the water easily if they reached out into it.
The inside was unnaturally dark and they couldn't see what was ahead, but with the proof of conquest in their possession, they thought that there would be no monster attack or trap. The submarine was taken out and everyone boarded it, and then they went into the other side of the water wall.
Like that, they arrived at a giant spherical shaped space underwater. What welcomed Hajime and co there was...
「Oi oi...don't tell me, we have to fight that?」
「This is a joke right!? Are you saying that something like that existed at the era of liberators!?」
Hajime's shaking voice was overlapped with Liliana who sounded more surprised than anybody else.
But, it was only natural for them to be like that.
After all, ahead of them was──
「A submarine...no, is it a small battleship?」
A submarine that was armed with all kinds of artifacts that looked heinous from their appearance.