Lily told me, "You may be the successor to the God of War."
Hearing that, Leticia said, "That's a phrase that stimulates my creativity…!"
Well, I kind of understand how she feels.
The phrase "successor to the God of War" is so cool and chuunibyou-esque, isn't it?
Whether it is true or not, I have one thing to do.
I raise the Sacred Gjallarhorn.
It's the first time in my life that I've played a horn, but the [Dexterity] supported me.
I put my mouth close to the mouthpiece part and exhaled slowly, making my lips tremble.
Then, the horn emitted a high note, resonating with the vibration.
Hooooooooonnnnnnnn──.
The sound was so loud that it seemed to reach the end of the sky and was filled with grandeur and solemnity that seemed to herald the beginning of something.
Before long, a change occurred.
The emblem of the God of War, a combination of a sword, a spear, and a bow, appeared on the ground.
It was quite large, more than 20 meters in diameter.
The emblem glowed red. Around it, crimson particles swirled and rose.
Lily, who was standing nearby, gulped.
"Such tremendous divine power…!"
At the same time, [Full Assist] spoke in an inorganic voice.
We have confirmed the activation of"Spirit Warrior Summon EX".
Please specify the number of warriors to summon.
Since Kou Kousaka is level 109, the maximum number is 1090 warriors.
Of course, I will not spare any warriors. I will summon all 1090 warriors, the whole group.
As if responding to my will, the emblem shone with a strong radiance.
I involuntarily close my eyelids. The dazzle was too much.
After the light subsided, I slowly opened my eyes to see the silvery glow of the knights in armor.
The knights in armor kneeled toward me in silence.
This was what [Full Assist] told me, but it seemed that the souls summoned by the Sacred Gjallarhorn were subject to the restrictions of the God of War and could not exchange words with living humans.
However, I naturally understood the unwavering loyalty of the knights in armor toward me.
"Kou is always out of the norm, but this time he's especially amazing…"
Iris sighed in admiration.
"Arere?"
Surara suddenly shouted.
"I know those knights in armor."
"You do?"
"Yeah! I've seen them in ancient civilizations! Let me go check it out!"
Surara said, bouncing on the ground as he headed toward the knights in shining armor.
The souls summoned by the Sacred Gjallarhorn are the souls of brave warriors… who, in short, have died once.
If that were the case, it is quite possible to find people from 4,000 years ago, when an ancient civilization was flourishing.
They were talking happily about something.
I thought that armored knights were not supposed to be able to exchange words with people in this world.
As I tilted my head, [Full Assist] activated and supplemented my knowledge.
Apparently, Surara was a magical creature, so it's considered okay.
"…It sounds like a loophole."
I chuckle to myself.
Anyway, I guess it was a good decision to bring Surara from the underground city.
I'm tempted to pat myself on the back for that one.
Soon after, Surara returned and told me.
"I knew it! Those knights in armor were from an ancient civilization!"
"What did you talk about?"
"Um, a lot."
──According to Surara's story, the knights were elite men who were gathered to defeat the calamity, and at that time, they belonged to a group of knights named the "Knights of the Dawn." They were based in the vicinity of what we would now call Aunen, and when the Black Dragon appeared, they immediately set out to defeat it.
"The knights fought hard, but in the end, they were all wiped out. Therefore, they respect you and are very grateful to Master-san for defeating the Black Dragon. They said, 'Thank you very much for avenging our deaths. We will definitely repay you for this favor. Please use our power to the fullest.'"
"I see…"
As I nodded, Leticia muttered in agreement right beside me.
"The reason why the knights follow Kou-sama is not simply because you're the master who summoned them… but because you're the hero who accomplished the feat of defeating the Black Dragon, which they couldn't do themselves."
"…Well, I suppose that's what it's about."
I replied in a slightly blunt tone.
I was a little embarrassed to be called a "hero" directly.
"Fufu."
Perhaps sensing my feelings, Leticia gave me a small smile.
* * *
If I were to strike the main group of pirates, it would be best to let the "Knights of the Dawn" deal with the separate group.
Each of the knights summoned by the Sacred Gjallarhorn is a very powerful person, and there are more than 1000 of them.
However, the knights have the restriction that they cannot exchange words with living people, so I decided to have Surara accompany them as an interpreter.
If possible, I would like one more person to accompany the knights.
When I discussed this with [Full Assist] earlier, I concluded that I would think about it after summoning the knights, but now, what should I do?
As I was pondering this, Lily raised her small hand.
"Kou-san. May I accompany Surara-san, too? …Actually, I've seen a scene similar to this one before in the [Foresight].
"Is that so?"
"In the dream, I was holding Surara-san with both hands and advancing through the plain together with many knights. …That was probably a premonition of what was going to happen today. Everything that happened after that was also in the [Foresight]. I will catch every single person in the separate group, so why don't you leave it to me?"
Lily's eyes were filled with a strong light of determination.
It is very unusual for Lily, who is always modest, to assert her will like this.
"I also want to be useful to you, Kou-san. Please let me do it."
"…I understand."
After thinking for a while, I nodded.
"Lily is a trustworthy companion for me. I'll leave it to you to take care of the detachment. But don't be too hard on yourself."
I pat Lily on the head.
"…It's ticklish."
Even as she said this, Lily's expression was somewhat happy.
Compared to when we first met, I feel like we're getting to know each other a lot better.
Considering that Lily's [Foresight] seemed to be utilized in addition to the presence of the great knights, I could say that everything was in place regarding the detachment.
The next step was to prepare to attack the main group.
I took Iris and Leticia and headed back into town.
"By the way, Kou-sama, do you have any idea where we can get a ship?"
"No problem. I'm going to make one right now."
"Right now?"
Leticia rolled her eyes in surprise.
"…I see."
Iris nodded in understanding.
"I wonder if it's [Creation]?"
"That's right."
I nodded.
Not long after, we arrived at a dock on the town's coastline.
The pirates' bombardment had reduced the surrounding area to a pile of rubble, and the wreckage of a ship floated in the sea.
When we were guided by the guard to this place earlier, there were no people around.
But now, for some reason, many sailors are gathered here.
"So you're the rumored "Dragon Slayer," huh? …Aren't you quite a nice-looking fellow?"
"Yeah. You also have the face of a man who can be relied upon."
"Branch Manager Jess told us that you are going to crush the pirates with just three of you. …Amazing. That's really cool. Do your best."
It seems that the sailors went out of their way to be here to cheer us on as we headed off to defeat the pirates.
"Dragon Slater-san, this is a parting gift. Please take it with you."
A sailor came toward me and offered me a red, ripe apple.
It was a beautifully colored apple and looked delicious.
"Are you sure?"
"Unfortunately, we can't beat the pirates. So, If we go with you, we'll only be a burden to you. I'd like to give you an apple or two to make up for it. It's from the Blue Forest in the baron's territory to the northwest and is surprisingly sweet."
"Okay. I'll have one on the way."
I answered and accepted the apple.
The other sailors also gathered around.
"Dragon Slayer-san, how about some of the dried fruit that is a specialty of Fort Port? It'll take away your fatigue."
"This is a nautical amulet from my hometown. You can have it if you like."
"My wife makes home-made sauerkraut in a bottle. It's the one thing that comes to mind when you think of sailing."
This is a very unexpected turn of events.
Sailors came up to me one after another, handing me food and other things.
I guess they were thanking me for taking on the task of subjugating the pirates.
After storing each item in my [Item Box], I said to the sailors.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to defeat the pirates, so leave the rest to me."
"Oh, please!"
"I have a grudge against those pirates for destroying my ship. I want you to beat them to a pulp!"
"How are you going to the pirates, Dragon Slayer-san? There's not a single ship left."
Don't worry; it won't be a problem.
I replied inwardly, kneeling down on the ground and touching the nearby debris with my right hand.
Then a recipe popped into my mind.
The number and variety of materials this time are quite large.
The "rubble piles" in the surrounding area, the "ship wreckage" floating in the sea, the "Devil Treant trunk" and "Devil Treant root" from my possessions, and the "Orichalcum Sword" and "Orichalcum Shield" I obtained when I defeated the skeleton soldiers' army.
With these, a new ship and a harbor can be created with [Creation].
I was surprised that I could create not only a ship but also a harbor.
I took a deep breath and activated my skill.
"──[Creation]!"
The next instant, as if a dazzling flash of light burst forth, the pile of rubble and the ship's wreckage were gone.
Silver particles spread out all around with a whoosh, and amidst the swirling brilliance, the dockyard was restored… or renewed.
The sailors were astonished.
"W-what in the world is going on…!"
"Wow! The harbor is being restored to its original state!"
"No, it's even more magnificent than before…!"
Fort Port Harbor EX: A new harbor created by Kou Kousaka with [Creation]. It is made of Devil Treant trunk and roots and requires no maintenance. Comes with a 30,000-year durability guarantee.
Granted effects:"Durability S+""Self-Regeneration A+""Ramp Formation EX"
It seems that once again, I have created something that performs beyond expectations.
The synergistic effect of"Durability S+"and"Self-Regeneration A+"has given it exceptionally long durability, even after 30,000 years.
Speaking of 30,000 years, I saw on TV once that the ancestors of the Japanese people arrived in the Japanese archipelago about that long ago. When I think about it, it is quite a grand story.
There is another effect that can be given to the harbor:"Ramp Formation EX".
A ramp is a ladder for getting on and off a ship.
When a ship comes alongside this harbor, the roots of the Devil Treant used as a material will grow and automatically form a ramp.
It looks very fantastical and interesting.
Looking at the sailors, everyone had a look of surprise in their eyes.
Well, that's understandable.
Not only was the pile of debris cleared away, but a new harbor had just popped up.
"Are you the reincarnation of God, Dragon Slayer bro…?"
"I was told it would take three months to restore the harbor, but it was rebuilt in an instant…"
"All we need now is a boat, and we can go fishing! Thank you, thank you…!"
The sailors were stunned by the shock for a while but eventually came to their senses and came to me one by one to express their gratitude. Some were so moved that they hugged me.
It was a little bit awkward, but I guess that's how happy they were.
Well, I don't feel bad.
By the way, this [Creation] is only a byproduct of the restoration of the harbor.
The real purpose was to create a new ship, which was stored in my [Item Box].
Exceed Cruiser: A high-speed magic boat created by Kou Kousaka with [Creation]. It is equipped with top-class mobility and stability and can freely travel on the sea.
Granted effects:"Mobility Enhancement S+""Stability Enhancement S""Self-Regeneration A+""Physical Defense Enhancement S+""Magic Defense Enhancement S+""Golem Combination E X"
Even just reading the description, the ship has an amazing atmosphere.
I wondered what exactly a magic boat was.
As I tilted my head, [Full Assist] immediately added more information.
It seems to be a type of ship that existed in ancient civilizations and is powered by magic.
Therefore, like the Orichalcum Golem and Destroyer Golem, it seems to be equipped with a magic core inside the ship.
The reason why"Self-Regeneration A+"exists as a granted effect is probably because the roots and trunks of Devil Treant are used as materials for [Creation].
The"Physical Defense Enhancement S+"and"Magic Defense Enhancement S+"are probably derived from orichalcum.
And most notable is"Golem Combination E X".
A similar effect was granted to Grand Cabin, but it seems that Exceed Cruiser also shows its true performance by merging with Destroyer Golem.
Do you want to combine Destroyer Golem and Exceed Cruiser?
The inorganic voice of [Full Assist] echoed in my mind.
The answer was, of course, "Yes."
I nodded a little and reminded myself to take it out from the [Item Box].
Then, a magic circle appeared on the sea nearby, and a large ship slowly rose from it.
"Kou-sama, that's…?"
Leticia asked, blinking her large eyes.
"It's a new ship. I built it with my skills."
"A ship? But it doesn't have sails, does it?"
The Exceed Cruiser, a ship floating on the sea, is more than 15 meters long and resembles a modern pleasure boat or cruising boat in shape.
The reason it has no sails is that it is powered by a built-in magic core.
When I explained this to Leticia, she responded, "Just like the harbor earlier, and this boat, everything that Kou-sama makes is out of the norm…"
"Ara?"
On the other hand, Iris shouted as if she had noticed something.
"That one stuck in the middle of the ship is Dest, isn't it?"
"Yeah. This ship is basically the same as the Grand Cabin. Dest will be in charge of the controls of the ship."
I nodded to Iris' words.
The Exceed Cruiser was powered by magic power, but there was no bridge.
Instead, Dest, who has become one with the Exceed Cruiser through"Golem Combination E X", takes its place.
From the center of the hull, the upper half of Dest's body protruded out.
"Master! How do you like my new look? Does it suit me?"
Dest posed with his arms outstretched.
"You look great."
"Thank you! I'm so happy!"
"This sure is lovely."
Leticia nodded.
Her deep blue eyes sparkled with admiration.
Well, combined robots are a kind of romance, aren't they?
I understand exactly how Leticia feels.
* * *
We had a new ship… the Exceed Cruiser, and we were off to leave the harbor and go on a pirate subjugation mission.
Iris, Leticia, and I boarded the ship and stood on the forward deck of the hull.
"Well then, we are departing!"
With Dest's voice, the magic core of the Exceed Cruiser was activated, and the encouraging mecha sound was heard.
Looking back toward the harbor, the sailors were waving to us.
"Do your best, Dragon Slayer-san."
"Please avenge our boat!"
"When you return, I'll make you drink my treasured wine! Don't get hurt!"
With warm cheers at our backs, we left the harbor.
"The breeze feels so nice."
Iris said, holding her long red hair with her right hand.
The Exceed Cruiser is a "high-speed magic boat" and boasts considerable speed. I have a feeling that it may be traveling at a speed of about 100 kilometers per hour.
Moving at such high speeds, the hull should sway considerably, but thanks to the"Stability Enhancement S", it was very comfortable.
Leticia, for example, was elegantly enjoying a cup of tea with a tea set she had retrieved from somewhere.
Where in the world did she store the chair, table, pot, and cups…?
"Ara, Kou-sama, may I help you?"
Leticia noticed my gaze and called out to me.
"Where did you get that tea set?"
"From outside the world."
What on earth does that mean?
While I was trying to figure out what she meant, Leticia finished her tea and got up from her chair.
"It might be easier to understand if I demonstrate it to you. ──Eii!"
With a rather cute call, a small magic circle appeared near Leticia's right hand. The outline of the magic circle was blurred, and it was unclear what kind of pattern it was.
The magic circle emitted a golden glow.
Then the tea set was absorbed by the magic circle and disappeared into it.
"Is that an [Item Box]?"
"No, it wasn't."
Leticia shook her head with a slightly smug look on her face.
"I'm recreating something similar to an unlimited capacity [Item Box] by creating my own warehouse 'outside' the world."
"Is that also a unique ability of the Arrogant Dragon?"
"I'd like to say yes… but actually it's not. This is just borrowing a part of the power of one of the calamities, the Gleaming Greedy Dragon."
There, a new name popped up.
The Gleaming Greedy Dragon.
What kind of being is it?
When I asked her about it, Leticia looked a little troubled.
"I am actually missing some of my old memories. Before I was born as Leticia di Meteor… tens of thousands of years ago, when I was called into this world as a Bright and Arrogant Dragon, the memories of that time are not completely clear to me."
But Leticia continued.
"I remember that the "Gleaming Greedy Dragon" is the younger brother of the… Arrogant Dragon. Perhaps it is because we are siblings, but I sometimes feel his presence. I am sure he is reborn as a human being and is somewhere in this world."
"I hope that one day you can meet him again."
"Fufu, I hope so."
Leticia smiled and looked straight at me.
"I am traveling to find that little brother of mine. I am sure that he is similar to me, so he has abandoned his mission as a calamity and is free to live his life as he pleases. I'm sure he's been looking around the world, eating his way through the streets of some city… and being a good-natured person, so he may be helping people wherever he goes."
Leticia's expression was always calm and gentle as she said this. I am sure that the sister and brother had a very good relationship.
The Greedy Dragon's personality is somewhat similar to mine, and I feel like we'll get along.
The name Gleaming Greedy Dragon and Kou Kousaka is also quite similar. [T/n: the Japanese of gleaming is Koukou, so pretty sure he meant that.]
…No, that's too aggressive.
As I shrugged to myself, I suddenly felt my Fenrir Coat quivering.
No, it's not.
The communication device in the pocket of the Fenrir Coat was vibrating.
It was the one I had just taken from the pirate messenger… Zeed.
The shape resembles a foldable cell phone.
Thanks to the [Dexterity], I could understand how to use it without having to read the manual.
I took it out of my pocket and opened the folded part by popping it open with my thumb.
I pressed the call button and put it to my ear.
"It's me. Dox. How's it going over there? Are you getting what we want?"
It seemed that I was dealing with the leader of the pirates ─ Dox.
I remember him fondly as the next guy I fought after Armored Bear.
In fact, until today, I had forgotten he existed.
"Hey, Zeed. Say something. I'm bored."
As I remained silent, Dox continued to speak as if annoyed. He didn't seem to notice that it was me on the other end of the communicator.
"Well, whether or not the town accepts our demands, we're still going to get the money, the food, and the women, too, and then we're going to have a big party. Hehe, being a pirate is an easy business, isn't it? It makes me feel like a fool for being a serious mercenary."
No, wait a minute.
Dox once abandoned his job as Chrome-san's bodyguard to spare his own life. He didn't even take his mercenary work seriously in the first place, did he…?
Although Dox was saying something more, as expected, I couldn't bear to hear it, so I decided to open my mouth.
"…It's been a while, Dox. Do you recognize me?"