A/n A little side note, I advice you guys to read the Author's Thoughts.
Bael Pov.
After dealing with the amoeba, I moved on to the issue of This Monster Infestation.
According to Carlos, this incident occurred just a few days ago, which with Gabriel -san's confirmation coincided with right when I had gotten Transmigrated here.
Is this just a coincidence or some clue, it's not clear. Just when I was about to dismantle the barrier, I noticed the worried look of that Duke from the Noble Faction, Richard I think was his name, hesitating, he looked as if he was struggling with something but didn't know how to say it.
" Hm? Richard-dono, if you have anything to say please don't hesitate to speak it out."
" It's nothing Lord Bael....but..are you sure you can possibly take down all of those monsters at once? Shouldn't you wait for our soldiers to arrive?", a little startled at having suddenly called out, he replied.
" Hahah, Don't underestimate me Sir Richard. I hope i don't have to duel you too to let you know, that my strength is sufficient enough.", Chuckling, I joked.
" No! No not at all", tittering, he replied.
"That's good to know.", I said as I disabled the barrier.
Just when I dismantled the Barrier, the monsters who were inside the mines sensed the magic energy which trapped them in disappear and rushed outside.
When they saw the humans, their instinct to kill took over and charged at the first 'human' standing at the front, who was Bael.
[Mass Hold Species] x 4
With just the spell that in the original Shalltear used against the Quagoas, all the monsters got caught in the magic spell, unable to move.
All they could do was growl at the humans.
'Well that's anticlimactic, I had imagined there would be something more interesting, maybe a strong monster but all of them are just like the Quagoas in the series. Did this situation happened because someone mined deep enough to reach their nest? Most probably'
'Still, just for precaution.' [Dragon Shock]
A low tier version of [Dragon Thunderbolt] was used, killing one-third of the monsters.
[ Summon: Lizard Men]
Invoking this spell summoned a group of lizard men, armed with polearms to assist you. In the game they would be used as cannon fodder, because most were only of lvl30 but here they are kinda useful.
I could have summoned them using Magicules, but I decided to go the Death Knight route, using the dead bodies as medium.
Which was successful,I wonder if angels could be summoned like this too. Quite ironic it would be if it were possible.
" Lizardmen, go inside the mines and search for any monsters, just like them."
"As you command, Oh Supreme One.", the summoned lizardmen chorused as they entered the caves.
Just like that they all went inside and dispersed.
I had some reasons behind Summoning them, one was that Lizardmen could tunnel or go through narrow areas and were suited for closed combats. Which would be useful in situations like this.
Second was that I didn't want to show the humans that I was capable of Summoning anything stronger than this, like Death Knights or Dragons. Even if they assumed i could, It won't matter if they were unsure of it.
Hiding my strength meant, I will get more 'trouble' in the future and more opportunities for me.
These are the two main reasons , there were some more but they leaned on the more experimentation side.
---
3rd Pov.
While Bael was thinking he did a good job hiding his true potential, what he didn't know was that just the feat of summoning Living beings out of nowhere was something noone had ever heard of.
The Onlookers remained agape at the sight they witnessed. Obviously you can summon demons, fairies and elementals and in rare cases even angels but to summon a completely different Lifeform?
Even Carlos was astonished, he had roamed all around the world for so many years and this is a scene he had witnessed for the first time.
This did nothing but to raise their evaluation of Bael in their minds, even if that evaluation was already on its limits.
------
While Bael and the others waited for his summons to gather information.
The Lizardmen went all around the mines, when they reached deeper they found multiple tunnels that were dug out from the Mine's main branch. The tunnels seemed as if dug by a creature, most probably by the monsters.
As the lizardmen traversed these tunnels, after crawling around them for some time, multiple of them got out in a large chamber.
All around the chamber there were many tunnels leading to all of the branches of the mines.
The chamber itself was quite spacious.
Above, on the ceiling a large glowing purple crystal was situated. Radiating intense Magicules. Under that was a small clear pond that too seemed to glow as well.
Inside the ponds, the same crystals as the one in the ceiling but smaller was to be found.
Not only inside the ponds were those crystals growing, but all around the chambers also. The ground was covered in a carpet of Hipokte grass.
On the ground, the lizardmen saw remains of what could be described as broken eggs, but many times the size of a normal one reaching the height of an adolescent teen,scattered all around.
After further search they found more of these chamber in the lower regions.
While searching for more, one of the groups found a rather larger tunnel which upon entering led to a much larger chamber.
Ignoring the crystals and Hipokte grass growing, in the middle there was an alter raised by a platform on which a Bluish Orb floated.
It glowed dimly as if all its power was almost gone.
Seeing this discovery, The Lizardmen decide to inform Bael.
-----
While The Lizardmen were searching for clues. Bael and The King were discussing some topics inside a temporary tent set up near the Mine's entrance.
Inside the tent ,aside from Bael and the King, Adrigal, Richard, Carlos, Gowlard and some important nobles were also present.
Rhombus And Aria were Guarding the tent's entrance and to assist the kingdom's army if some trouble arrives from the mines.
The meeting started with a Question King George asked, which everyone else had also been thinking.
"Bael-dono, what do you intend to do with the Lands from the Gilded House?"
"Before I tell you that, let me first clear some doubts. I am a person who respects hardwork and the wishes of people.
But, I truly despise those who are despicable, arrogant and weak insects. That fool seemed to perfectly fit all this criteria as if he was born to anger me.", Bael said as he could still see the lingering fear in their eyes.
"I-i see.." a little relieved now with Bael's assurance, George replied.
Hearing Bael's attitude and thoughts about people like Gildard, couldn't help but make him and the nobles Sweat drop.
What Bael basically meant was that, if you are honest and respectful, then I have no qualms with you. But once you have antagonised me then there is no going back.
" Furthermore, as for my plans with this lands. I won't demand very much. All I ask is that I gain autonomy of the land I will Control from now on." Bael proposed.
"Bu-"
Before a noble could even finish, Richard held a hand up, gesturing the noble to quiet down.
" I see, then what about the civilians? What about them?", asked Richard.
"I will issue an announcement, that they are free to leave and migrate to another lord's territories or they can stay."
"I see..." As Richard replied, another question was asked by Carlos.
" Then, Lord Bael. Will you keep that sword for yourself?"
The sword, Carlos was speaking about was the Monster's Bane Gildard used in his fight.
That sword was truly a strong weapon of A rank. Although it seems useless to Bael, for the kingdom it will be a great asset if they had.
" ..... I think I will return that sword Sir Carlos, i don't really need such weak weapons."
Just when everyone were going to smile in joy of having a powerful weapon in their possession, it was dimmed by the next words of Bael.
"But I will run a few tests before I hand it over. I am somewhat of a Researcher myself. I wish to experiment with this sword, and test it's Abilities to effect only monsters."
"Then you are free to give it back whenever you want, Bael-Dono.", seeing no issues with it, George agreed.
George knew, that asking for more or even Imposing a tax on Bael like any other nobles who owned the Kingdom's and by extension his Lands was impossible. He feared of Bael's retaliation if they went any further.
"Hm?...it seems my summons have found something interesting."
"Oh?"
------
Bael's Pov.
While my summons were searching the mines, I had a meeting with the King.
In short, i cleared some doubts about where I stand in the moral grounds and more.
About the Civilians, i don't care how they decide to go on with their life. I am not like Ainz, an Undead who is supposedly the Bane of All things living. Compared to him, i am a bit more easy to approach. Not that they can. And considering the fact that I happened to have saved their Country. Most would see me in an Image of a Generous and Kind Ruler of a Nation.
The weapon, Monster's Bane is a sword which is interesting for me. Not that it will do to increase any of my offensive stats or skills but the effects it has is certainly unique.
The ability of Harming Only Monsters selectively and thoughts like if this was replicable or reversible excited my scientific mind. The possibilities were there infact.
I will just give them a copy of it anyways. I don't think they will know if it was real or not.
While talking, The Lizardmen informed me via message that they had found something.
" Mh? It seems my summons have found something interesting."
George asked, "Oh?"
---
When we reached the location where the Lizardmen were. I noticed the humans, that they were having trouble walking any further due to the slow increase in Magicules as we reached the destination.
I then adviced them to stay there and only allowed Carlos to come with me, since he is strong enough to negate such effects.
I could see why this place was interesting, the amount of Magicules in this air was so dense enough that Hipokte Grasses grew freely and the crystals emitted a strong aura which could be used for some rank B- equipments. Although these ranks are low, for me. For them though, this is nothing short of a treasure for them, A Diamond Vein.
" Such density of Mana! And those crystals..this could help our Kingdom's economic and military strength to reach new heights.", widening his eyes Carlos stated.
"You wish to take it all for yourselves, human?", Raising her eyebrows Adrigal asked.
"No I-", Before a flustered Carlos could answer Bael spoke.
"It's fine Adrigal, compared to what we have in the continent, this is just a drop. Not to mention the quality is much worse."
"Sorry for not thinking things through my Lord.", Bowing her head, Adrigal immediately apologized.
"It's fine. Oh Right, Sir Carlos. I have yet to ask for what I want to have from your kingdom in exchange for my help right."
" I-indeed Lord Bael ."
"Then what do you suggest if I were to take a portion of whatever you mine out of this place?"
" It is not impossible Lord Bael, but knowing the Nobles, they might raise some voices over this."
"Then I hope you will come forward to ease their minds."
" Certainly! You can depend on me Lord Bael!"
3rd Pov.
Whatever Conversation was happening between Carlos and Bael was nothing short of an treasonous act to any Noble who were to witness this. To consider the opinions and deciding something for the Kingdom by himself truly made him out to be a traitor.
From the moment Carlos witnessed the might and power of Bael in that meeting in his throne room to the moment he arrived and killed that fool, he thoroughly became Someone who admired and respected Bael.
And that admiration was slowly turning into worship, something he was not aware of yet.
But his actions did confirm Bael's Guess that Carlos was a person who gave Importance to two things most, All things Magic and his Love for his Kingdom.
Till now Carlos has done everything to mitigate any conflict that might arrive between Gemmera and Bael whenever he was present. He also actively sought to not let Bael have an Ire against the nation.
---
Satisfied with the answer of Carlos, Bael decided to return to the task they were doing. Going further in, they reached the largest chamber. If it were to be compared, then all the small chambers they went through could be considered caverns of various sizes.
But this particular One was the largest of them all and with an experienced eye anyone could tell most of the walls were artificial. Meaning someone carved this place out perhaps utilising earth magic to do that.
As reported by the lizardmen, there was an altar in the middle surrounded by free-standing pillars. On that Altar a dimly glowing Bluish Orb was present.
"This ....", Curious, Carlos asked.
"Adrigal, stay here. Carlos-dono, i advice you remain here and let me look into it."
" Yes."
" But my Lord, should you not send me first? What if this was a trap? ", concerned, Adrigal asked.
"Don't worry Adrigal."
As Bael approached the Altar, he felt a strand of malicious aura form the aura but it was so small that he almost ignored it. Reaching the Orb he cast the spell
[All Appraisal Magic Item]
'hm? Interesting....'
[Greater Break Item]
With the sound of glass breaking the orb cracked and quickly disintegrated. As the orb almost disappeared, a small translucent shaped skull like wisp emerged and quickly faded away with a last wail.
Returning back, Carlos inquired about the Demonic Aura he felt. Although Bael felt nothing surprising about it, but the aura had a strong effect on Carlos similar to standing before a Greater Demon and it was not good.
"It was nothing of importance really Carlos-dono. That orb was corrupted thus I had to destroy it, lest someone got infected by it. I assume the Monster Infestation is somehow related to this."
Hearing Bael's words, Carlos became suspicious. He started to think what or who could be plotting against Gemmera.
----
Reaching the surface where the rest were waiting eagerly for the news. Carlos narrated everything that occurred inside to the King along with the conversation between Him and Bael, leaving some parts for his Convenience.
" I see... Then Bael-dono, i accept the deal of sharing the profits of whatever we gain from that Mine. And again i thank you for your help.", George said, after a deep deliberation.
"There's no need for thanks, I think I have gained the equivalent amount of the help I have landed so I am content with it. You may talk with Rhombus about the finer details of the matter. For now, we shall return to our Chambers."
"I shall ask for maids to be sent to help you in anyway you need."
"Hm. "[Greater Teleportation]
As Bael and his Guardians went away, King George let out a heavy sigh he didn't know he had held.
" Meet me at the throne room for a meeting."
Hearing George, The Nobles sighed in relief in their minds. The statement of Bael,him now essentially owning the territory between the mines and the kingdom, the aggreement of sharing the resources and his motives raise some concerns in them. They wanted to discuss this thoroughly with George and him calling for an immediate meeting was the opportunity to voice it out.
------
While everyone were preparing for a meeting, in their chambers Bael and His Guardians were having a meeting of their own.
" Lord Bael, as you Ordered, the shadow demons have searched and secured anyone related to the house of Gilded. Everyone has been gathered at the Dungeon of their Manor." Reported Adrigal.
"Good work Adrigal, what about the family?"
"Only his Mother is alive."
" I see..then, let's go and see how the manor is.."
" Forgive me for saying this Lord Bael, but please don't trouble yourself with such trivial matters."
" I understand your sentiment Adrigal, but I just want to meet the family of the one that produced such a fool like him."
'and also to determine if they are innocent or not'
" As expected of your intelligence my Lord! You wish to meet them and see if such an unique specimen can be replicated and produced!! Truly your wisdom knows no bounds!!"
'Eh?! When did I say that!?!'
"ah it seems you have seen through me Rhombus."
"I only had a glimpse of your brilliance my Lord!"
*chuckles* "Is that so?"
*chuckles in kufufu*" yes my Lord."
*chuckles*
*Chuckles*
'JUST WHY ARE WE LAUGHING NOW!!!?'
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The End....
...of another chapter that is.
See ya in the next one.