"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 Daviddono 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 shakomantis shrimp that is disguised as takooctopus?"
"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.