Chapter 14: Raid
Shu, who had become a spiritual body, floated around the monster village. Apart from Iris' days off, he spent most of his time in the forest, so he often found himself idling like this. It wasn't bad to spend time doing nothing, and it was interesting to watch the monsters below gradually develop the village.
After five years, the village had become quite a cultured place.
(They've become more stable in their hunting.)
Clever monsters like Goblin and Mini-Orc, who were skilled at making tools, enabled the higher-ranking species to achieve results in hunting. As a result, the monsters increased steadily, and the village grew larger.
Through this observation, Shu noticed that there were different ways in which monsters increased.
One was the usual method of reproduction, and the other was an increase that occurred naturally when magical power accumulated. Of course, this village had increased through the former method. The occasional appearance of Hagure monsters in the Eldera Forest was due to natural generation.
This was also something he had noticed over the course of five years.
(At first, I took on the role of a boss out of inertia, but I've grown quite fond of it.)
Six years had passed since he awakened as a monster in this world. Gradually, he had become more composed on the inside. Initially, he only thought about becoming stronger and evolving, but now he had a bit of emotional leeway.
His interaction with Iris was also influencing him. Little by little, not just his knowledge, but his sensitivity was becoming more human-like.
(...Hm? Are those guys who went hunting coming back?)
He sensed strong magical power with his magical power detection. It was the middle-rank Middle and high-rank Greater monsters returning. However, their numbers were small. Shu considered the possibility that they had been killed during the hunt.
(Well, it's fine. They'll probably come to report.)
As monsters, they needed to obtain food to survive. It was certain that they killed animals for that purpose. Since they received life in return, they were prepared to be killed in return.
So, Shu accepted the deaths of the monsters as unavoidable.
After a while, the Goblin King, the organizer among the demon tribe, came to report.
"Shu-sama, I have a report."
"Is it about the ones who went hunting?"
"Yes, they encountered humans, and over half of them were killed."
"Humans?"
That was unexpected.
He instructed them to hunt in the deeper parts of the forest, away from humans. Shu questioned the Goblin King.
"Did they go as far as the shallow parts of the forest?"
"No, the humans came all the way to the depths of the forest."
"Not just the middle layers, but all the way to the depths...? I underestimated them."
I don't know the specific circumstances of how humans came deep into the Eldera Forest, but there is a possibility that the existence of the demon village has been discovered. Perhaps they may come for subjugation. Although there is no profit in subjugating to the extent of coming to the depths of this forest, given the existence of the Demon God Sect as a religion, there was a possibility.
Since demon subjugation is one of their doctrines, if it is deemed dangerous, they may dispatch holy knights.
(For now, let's observe the situation.)
Feeling anxious, Shu gave instructions to be cautious of the demons.
***
The Cathedral of Ildana serves as the base for the holy knights. Behind the publicly accessible cathedral, there is a barracks designated for the use of the holy knights, where strategy meetings are held.
And today, all the holy knights of Ildana were summoned for a meeting.
The bishop, who oversees the Cathedral of Ildana, presided over the meeting.
"Have the documents been distributed? There should be a total of three."
As there were no particular objections, the bishop proceeded with the meeting.
"Recently, we received a prophecy notification from the headquarters in Magia, the capital of the Holy Grinia. The prophecy seems to suggest the birth of a powerful demon. As a result of our investigation, we discovered signs of that phenomenon in the depths of the Eldera Forest. That is the first document."
Unfortunately, the Eldera Forest is unexplored territory. Therefore, there are no maps, and the information about the depths of the forest is quite rough.
However, that is not the issue.
The problem was that a large number of mid-ranking and high-ranking demons were found deep within the forest.
Although the dispatched holy knights immediately subjugated some of them, nearly half of them managed to escape.
"There might be a demon village. And if there is a village, it means there is a boss who governs it. This is believed to be the powerful demon indicated in the prophecy. The second document contains the expected types of demons."
When the holy knights looked at the second document, it contained data on the demons possessed by the Demon God Sect.
During the investigation, they found demon species of the oni and orc types. It would be reasonable to assume that the superior species are the ones leading the village.
The Disaster-class Ogre King and the Orc King are the most likely candidates. Other demon data is also included, but the holy knights were particularly focused on this data.
Realizing this, the bishop provided additional explanations.
"The Disaster-class calamities are powerful monsters capable of destroying major cities. It is said that they can be defeated by multiple A-rank individuals or a single S-rank individual. Depending on the situation, we may consider calling an S-rank Holy Knight from another country, but at this stage, I believe that an A-rank Holy Knight is sufficient. However, this is my judgment. I also want to hear the opinions of all of you who will actually be fighting on the front lines."
Among the Holy Knights affiliated with the Irdana, there are quite a few A-rank Magic Knights. Moreover, the Holy Knights themselves are already top-level experts. It is not a mistaken judgment to say that they are fully capable of subduing a Disaster-class calamity.
The Holy Knights who were listening to the conversation seemed to agree, as there was no particular opposition.
They were the chosen elite among the Holy Knights. Only those with exceptional power and potential can attain the coveted position of a Holy Knight, even among the Magic Knights. Even among the Magic Knights, who are said to possess talent that is one in a hundred, there are dozens of A-rank Magic Knights affiliated.
Even if it were a Disaster-class calamity, there were no elements that could lead to defeat.
"Failure is absolutely not acceptable. The prophecy of the Divine Princess indicates that if we make the wrong choice, a scene akin to hell will appear before us. We must nip the calamity in the bud here. Understood?"
"Yes!"
All the Holy Knights responded in unison.
With the consensus on the strategy reached, they moved on to the next topic.
"Now, please take a look at the third document. It contains details about the investigation plan."
Everyone looked over the final document, absorbing its contents.
The investigation plan for the Eldera Forest, such as the route of progress, duration of the investigation, and budget, was roughly outlined, to the extent that it could be called a plan with no plan. However, especially in the deeper layers of the Eldera Forest, there were many things yet to be discovered.
It couldn't be helped that the plan was rough.
However, this also showed the trust in the strength of the Holy Knights.
They believed that the Holy Knights would be able to handle any unforeseen circumstances, which is why the plan was full of holes.
"You must have noticed already. The purpose is not stated in this plan."
As the Bishop spoke, all the Holy Knights nodded in agreement.
"This time, it is an investigation in response to the prophecy, and if possible, the subjugation of the impending threat. We must accomplish this without fail to prevent the emergence of a new 'King' of monsters. However, since we are uncertain about what will happen, the purpose is not specifically stated in this document."
Demon God Religion... For the sacred city of Grinia, which is the central headquarters of the religion, the "King" of demons holds great significance. The "King," possessing overwhelming power, has the potential to annihilate the human race.
Even the holy knights, who are members of the church, understood this well.
They must never allow the birth of a "King."
If one were to be born, they must be prepared for the destruction of one or two nations.
These are beings that exist in the realm known as Catastrophe Disaster Class, Ruin Class, and Despair Dispiria Class.
The Great Demon King Ogre King and the Boar Demon King Orc King are both Catastrophe Disaster Class, but they are distinct from the demons referred to as the "King." In a sense, the "King" is a special awakened individual among demons.
"Now, I will announce the holy knights chosen for this operation. The remaining holy knights will be responsible for guarding Ildana, so please be aware of that.
First, Lord Zamus Shurif, and next—"
The bishop called out names in order, and the chosen holy knights stood up on the spot. There were a total of twenty selected holy knights, and it was thought that with just this number, they could slay even Catastrophe Disaster Class demons.
And then, the twentieth holy knight was announced.
"Finally, Lady Iris Silverbullet."
Thanks to Shu, who had mastered magic, Iris was now known as an expert in both Wind Magic and Solar Magic. It was only natural for her to be chosen. In particular, Solar Magic's healing abilities were highly valuable. Due to the nature of her immortal magic armor, she served as an invincible recovery role.
She was useful in any operation.
(Alright. I'll do my best!)
Continuing her journey as a holy knight for five years.
As an immortal magic armor user officially recognized, Iris had finally become an A-Rank Magic Armor Knight, and her participation in the operation was decided.
***
Shu was unusually focused.
He went alone to a place slightly away from the demon village, deployed a magic circle, and had a serious expression on his face. The magic circle was not circular but spherical, different from the existing ones.
And in the center of the spherical magic circle, a small jet-black sphere floated, emitting black lightning-like flashes.
However, before the magic could be activated, Shu dispersed it.
(.... I guess I don't have enough mana after all.)
The magic I'm envisioning is my masterpiece since the "Slash Void Divider Line." The construction of the spell is almost complete, but I lack the necessary amount of mana to control it.
Even if I have a high-level Greater-class elemental spirit, the amount of mana is still insufficient. I have no idea what to do. Additionally, my mana has decreased considerably in this experiment. I'll have to hunt down Hagure monsters to accumulate more.
(Should I evolve after all?)
By hunting down Hagure monsters that appear in the Aldera Forest and defeating Holy Knight Yumir Ballard five years ago, my mana has been accumulating. However, it is still not enough to achieve further evolution.
Shu somewhat understands the limit of mana accumulation as an elemental spirit, so he believes that reaching that limit will allow him to evolve. His mana control ability has improved, and he can now have a more detailed grasp of his own mana.
(No, it's fine. The magic is too powerful and difficult to handle, and there's no immediate need to use it. The "Slash Void Divider Line" alone is enough.)
Shu concluded so.
To be honest, if it's just about defeating enemies, the "Slash Void Divider Line" is sufficient. There's no need for massive attacks like huge explosions to kill humans or monsters. Just running a slash through their neck is enough to easily kill enemies.
Expanding the range of the "Slash Void Divider Line" and being able to handle it freely is much stronger.
The ability to break bonds through disassembly magic cannot be blocked even by armor.
Even if a Magic Knight uses armor-type magical equipment, there is no shortage of attack power.
(Should I go back?)
When Shu decided to give up today's magic training and return to the settlement, he heard an explosion in the distance.
Instinctively looking in that direction, he saw smoke rising from a place that seemed somewhat familiar.
(Damn... Someone attacked the settlement while I wasn't paying attention.)
That settlement is a place Shu has been watching over for five years.
It's infuriating to see it being destroyed.
Moreover, he heard a report that the monsters he went hunting with a while ago were killed by humans. He worries that the same humans might have attacked now.
Immediately deploying an acceleration magic formation, Shu materialized and stepped forcefully into the ground. Combined with the acceleration magic, he gained tremendous speed.
Shu headed straight back to the settlement.