Sousetsuka

621 Where to Next?

"You're back early. What happened? Did you retreat due to unforeseen circumstances?"

A man asked.

"Oh it's you of all people, found some rare spare time? You're usually knee deep in your job."

Berume stood up and walked into the room they prepared us. They seem to know each other.

"They were looking for someone to handle you. That was when I walked in here after finishing my share of work. Those guys really don't know how not to overwork someone. This was supposed to be my rare free time."

"My condolences, but no worries, it'll be done in a jiffy. You just gotta carry the thing I'm handing over."

The room they prepared us was neither too small or too big.
Two sofas facing each other with a table interposing them. There's not much furniture.
Berume and me sitting on one side and the man on the other.

"I got nothing much to report. Well then, the magic beast is dead, the wound is clean. No casualty on our side. You'll be delivering this. To the usual place."

"...Oy? Say that again. Didn't you just set off the other day. How's it done already? Quit joking around... Are you?"

"Even if I'm joking, they won't blame you for it. Your job is to deliver this. You're in no position to nitpick. Go there and go home, that's all you need to do, what's the problem?"

"...Do you mind if I check it here?"

"Absolutely not. You wanna lose our trust?"

Berume put a magic bag on the table. The man took and stared at it.

"I've done my part. I'm heading off to see Selram now. See ya."

I stood up and followed Berume.

"Oy, hold it! Did he really do it? How?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man looked at me as he asked. He's trying to dig intel on me.

"Are you seriously asking that? Or is that supposed to be a bad joke?"

Berume glared at the man before exiting the room. I lightly bowed at him before leaving as well.

I have nothing to say to all this. My share of work is eliminating the magic beast. With that over, the only thing left to do is see Selram.
I'll take my reward and leave this city. Back to wandering aimlessly.

(Right, Holy State... Hm. The name alone screams it's not gonna mesh well with me.)

I'm now thinking about my next destination. Staying here will only get me involved in more mess for sure.
Might as well look for a new place. I didn't find a good spot to live a secluded life around these parts.
Therefore I'm merely resuming the journey to find one.
Berume quietly walked to Selram's place. I followed along obediently. There's no conversation.
Naturally I ended up overhearing street chatters.

"Look at this, knife. Look at this fine specimen if you will. I've finally got new stock from Dwarf Kingdom the other day."
"Hee, is this really good. It must pricey."
"I mean, go ahead and gaze at this design! Naturally it comes with a price. Fret not however, we're having a sale just for today!"
"Why would you? Something's not right."
"It took me a lot of effort to stock this up! We're celebrating the sponsorship."
"Hmph, so how much?"
"This work of art is worth five gold coins! But, you can have it for three! So cheap! Don't you think?"
"Yep, something's amiss. I can tell it's a good knife, but I wonder if it's really worth that much?"

Such and such.
Someone is trying to sell their ware to people gathering in front of their store it seems.

Dwarf Kingdom huh. Quite a timely topic to overhear since I've been wanting to have my katana maintained.

(Guess that's where I'm going next?)

I'm gonna take my reward and leave without saying anything to anyone.
Or else, I might get dragged in another event I can't run away from.

(We got back here early. I'll depart by noon today, or tomorrow at the latest...)

My thought is occupied with this yet unseen Dwarf Kingdom.
In the meantime, Berume led me to a store.

Previous Chapter

 Whole Roast Steak Hamburger

"Are the 『Sacrificial Pawns』 ready?"

"Yeah, they should be usable in a few days."

"What of Black Dragon?"

"It's raising its level on the Arcane Dragon Continent per Demon King-sama's order. It should undergo an evolution in less than a week time."

"...That thing is already monstrously strong as is. It will now grow even stronger. I cannot help but feel it is slightly excessive."

"Are you doubting Demon King-sama?"

"Nay. Unlike all previous Demon Kings, our great lord bears a clear will and ideal over the extinction of humanity. Everything his majesty asks must be necessary."

"Then all is well. Let us proceed with the plan."



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



~~~~~~~~Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~~~






We're finally left with a breathing room.

White Dragon, abbreviated 'White', passed out when I squeezed it a tad with a mana-made hand so their fight ended prematurely.
I felt bad at Juurou-san but the person in question didn't seem to mind. Oh good.
In exchange, he made me promise to have a match with him after the war... Well, still better than fighting Oni-sensei.


I'll decide how to punish White later.
I was gonna turn him into an ingredient had he killed even a single soul but apparently he only barked orders around and never actually killed one personally.

But it still doesn't change the fact that he's indirectly responsible for the slaughter so while I won't kill him, I'm gonna work him to death.
This accident reinforced my belief about dragons and their crap attitude. Ah, that Lava Dragon I beat in the dungeon is the sole exception.


We've feed all the townspeople and all. Time for us to have a meal as well.
We can't exactly have a feast in front of all these poor people though so our menu is the same as them, rice gruel.
Hiyoko protested. Bear it in for now, I'll feed you whale meat for dinner.


After mealtime, I'm sorting out all the info we have.
Itemizing everything that's happened so far.


- The demons jammed our teleportation, leaving us isolated and stranded.

I really didn't expect the scale would be this massive.
Menu never gave a warning either cause I had never been to Continent 3 before.
This scheme alone had caused a lot of casualty on our side. Those below Intermediate Job likely don't survive.
We might have saved some of the people used as 'Fuel', but there's probably more of this case in other towns, we can't expect reinforcements from other continents for the time being...


- The existence of facilities used by demons to raise a huge amount of powerful magic beasts.

Continent 3 was originally destroyed by hordes of magic beasts under demons' control so this was always expected.
They may be difficult to handle for most combatants besides Special Job holders and me, yet we could also use this to turn the tables on them if we had people with Tame Skill. Like Souma.
Gonna need to Fast Travel Magic Beast Tamers from other continents here. Guess I'll run an urgent recruitment drive later.
Speaking of, wonder if Souma is still fighting on the frontline with the magic beasts. Keep at it~.


- Confirmed sighting of a demon leading a group of brainwashed people to their hideout in order to brainwash them harder.

That Long Purple female captain also got brainwashed.
I'm guessing they're gonna pit those people against us, but I can use this to pinpoint their hideout instead.
The problem is Aizawa-kun was found among them. What're you doing, man.
Hyula-san and Ganan-san are tailing them. No uh, you two please don't chase them too far and get back to the frontlines.


- The situation with Black Dragon.

...Frankly speaking, he's the biggest threat here.
I've had him Marked so I know he's been healed fully, albeit a bit anemic, and is currently moving all over the place.
He's gaining more experience points day by day. At current pace, he should gain 2, 3 levels each day.
If he managed to evolve from this, his strength would be in the realm of the unknown. There's even a chance of him outpacing me.
It all hinges on whether the things I ordered Julian and Granny would be finished in time. I'm pining my hope on you two, please get them done before he (Black Dragon) shows up again.


- Marking progress of skilled people.

I'm still Marking every single Special Job and high level Advanced Job holders I see.
I need those at Advanced Job or higher at least to deal with the worst possible outcome that might happen after the war, not during.
Heck, anyone below Special Job likely would only drag us down. I can't believe how high leveled the current generation demons are. They're Chief-class.


Phew, I think that's about it. Really, hahaha.

Ain't things real dicey?


We suffered a huge loss due to the first three issues, but it's still within an acceptable level. We should manage somehow.

But Black Dragon has gotten too strong for anyone but Hero or me to handle. And it's on the process of evolving now.
Heck, I'm not even sure if the two of us fighting together could win.


What's even more headache-inducing is the 'Current Generation Demons'.

Demons are created by Demon King and their strength are proportional to their creator's.
Average Demon Kings can only create Lv20-50 demons, while Chief-class are at Lv80 or higher.
That's how all the demons we fought so far were like. They were survivors from previous generation Demon King's era.
Current generation Chief-class are previous generation demons chosen for their high level or something along that line.


But current generation Demon King is capable of easily creating demons over Lv80s.

What if an army of these demons stage an invasion on human world for real?
What if powerful Combat Job holders are incapacitated when that happens?
...The result is obvious. It'll take no time for humanity to go extinct. Poof.

They haven't made a big move yet. They're either still amassing their number or standing by right now, but humans will die out if they do when we're busy fighting Demon King if we don't come up with a counterplan.
That's my reason for getting in touch with all those powerful people.


"Kajikawa-san, you've got this real difficult look on your face. What's up?"

"Something, on your mind?"


Reina and Alma asked me worryingly.
Oh shoot, all those conundrums must have shown on my face. Can't make these girls worry.


"Err, I'm just wondering what to do about that Black Dragon."

"Ah, un. He's gotten really strong now."

"Your fight against Black Dragon made me go all tingly even though it happened so far away... Can't you beat him, Kajikawa-san?"

"Naw, I was wondering how to cook him up. Steak maybe, or that Hamburger thing I made the other day, oh but frying sounds good too. Uumu, can't decide."

"Isn't there like something else than cooking you gotta think about!?"

"...Give me back my worry. That's so like you though, Hikaru."

"How do you like him cooked, Hiyoko?"

『Pipii!』

"...Uh, I dunno about roasting that thing whole."


I get that I'm putting up a bravado, but I gotta do this to ease their worries.
Gotta stay firm even if it's an act.
...Well, I do admit I'm curious about the evolved Black Dragon's taste. 20% anxiety, 80% anticipation.


"Serious talk, I'm not sure if I can handle him by myself. I know it's dangerous but I'm gonna need your help if we want to ginger pork fry that thing."

"Un. You have all of me at your disposal. Please don't carry that burden alone, Hikaru."

"I-I'll do my best too... To be honest I'm scared of fighting against an opponent not even Kajikawa-san could handle."

『Pii!』

"Thank you. I do have a plan but whether it's gonna make it in time or not is still up in the air. Regardless, I want you all to be prepared for a fight to the death if we want to turn him into an egg meatloaf."

"But please don't go overboard. Whenever you're off to a big battle, you always find a way to get yourself in a precarious situation."

"But of course. I won't let anyone die, me included. I'll make doubly sure to treat you all to his kebab."

"Uh, I get that you can't wait to cook him any longer, but can't you quit rotating all those dish names..."


Now that's settled and I've got my postmeal break, time to clear my to-do list.
Like healing the resistance leader's left arm and leg Radia's aniki cut off and to give a mental care to Radia-kun himself.
I'll leave him to Reina. Actually, she'd already gone off to see him without me saying anything.
...Is this how it feels to be the father of a daughter who got a boyfriend. Pretty sure this isn't the first time too, I can't describe this feeling.

Previous Chapter

620 Normal Way Back

A man is holding the reins of two Grudoses in front of the village.
A different person from yesterday's guide. But Berume seemed to know him and greeted.

"You're going back to the city right? Good work. Got the short end of the stick eh?"

"Nah, I got no complaint I finished early. But you know... Knowing I gotta stay with this guy all the way back..."

So she said as she glanced at me.
I don't ride the Grudos. I'm running on foot, normally you wouldn't think that's gonna be faster than a Grudos.
'What are you talking about?' Thus the man's line of sight seemingly asked Berume. That's a normal reaction since he doesn't know me.
What Berume was trying to say didn't get across.

"Ah, never mind. We're off."

Berume rode a Grudos. The other Grudos followed them.
Followed by me running behind them. The man had a dumbfounded look on his face and blurted out 'Ha?' after a silence.

We ran together for a little while before it hit me that it's not like we have to go back together. I know the road already.
I could have gone back ahead on my own.
So I asked Berume, but she pleaded to let her stay with me since monitoring me is part of her job.

(Monitor huh. I won't ask for what. Most likely it's to decide whether I'm someone they can trust or not.)

Selram tried to get me join her company. But she backed off following her intuition.
Yet she managed to have me undertake her request.

She must be trying to see if her intuition made a mistake.
A monitor is likely part of her effort toward drawing a conclusion.
Berume is definitely going to report everything I did to Selram later.
Selram would base her decision off that. Whether to stay involved with me, or not.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(But sure she could just blurt that out? Shouldn't stuff like this be kept secret?)

Of course, I don't mind either way but I'm not sure if she could do that.
As it appears, Berume trusts me.
Which made her feel comfortable to divulge that information.

(I dunno how to feel about this... Should I be happy.)

The glances Berume sent my way as I light jogged to keep up with the Grudoses are that of someone looking at a total oddball. But why.
And thus regardless of anything, it took us three days to arrive at the city just as scheduled.

By the way, we came across exactly zero hitches along the way which made me all the warier instead.

(Will there be a huge scale event breaking out at the city the moment I step inside...)

We passed by the city's gate checkpoint smoothly and Berume led me straight to a perfectly ordinary looking cafe.
I could only follow along.
Berume didn't seem to care all the questions I had in mind as she took a seat and made an order to the clerk.

"We're having the 'special'. For two. Oh and there will be more guests coming later, can we borrow the back room?"

I got it after she said that.

(Ah, this must be the base of operation for reporting mission completions and stuff like that.)

I also realized that our seating area is a blind spot from the entrance and took a sip of this cafe's 'special' as I waited.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Feeding Kindling

Alright, it's cooking time. Haven't had one in a while.
It's a whole town-wide feeding project. With Alma and Hero-kun as my supports.

I chopped carrots, onions and pork, and then boiled them together in a pot.
They get softened up right away with 'Spacetime Acceleration' Feature, so handy. Woulda taken tens time longer if not for it.

After all, I had to use some real gigantic pots if I wanna feed the town's entire population.
I'm not talking five or six of them too. Nope, dozens.
By the by, I got Hero-kun help me out with his own Spacetime Acceleration.


"Isn't there way too many of these people. You sure just us three can do all the cooking?"

"Moving them to another continent with Fast Travel is not an option when so many can't even move on their own yet. Quite a few of them are nearing their Stamina limit too, we've got to feed them something fast."

"Well, I guess we can get it ready as fast as cup noodles with our Menu, but do you even have enough ingredients?"

"No worries. I bought a stupid amount of food from this world and Japan."

"Oh okay... So why can't I go to Japan anyways? I won't run away before Demon King is dead, you know."

"Ah, it's not because you can't, it's more 'Hero disappearing from this world' is a big no no."

"?"


Taking Hero-kun to Japan could potentially risk it all with no way to undo what's done.
Why you ask? It's simple.


If a Hero were to disappear from this world before they defeated the Demon King, they would lose the Grace of Revival.


According to Menu, the formula for Hero's Grace of Revival is engraved on the world itself by the goddess and the Hero has to permanently stay connected to it.
It's an unimaginably massive yet delicate formula, if the connection is severed for even an instant, there is no reconnecting them again.

In other word, if Hero were to lose his revival and died during this war, everything would all come to waste. Nobody can defeat Demon King anymore.
That's the reason I can't bring him back to Japan until that point. Sorry.


...Well, regardless, we can't pin our hope on the Grace of Revival though.
If everything goes according to Menu's plan, the battle with Demon King will be decided in one fell swoop.

Unlike all the previous heroes, dying in the middle of our combat against Demon King this time will mark the end.
Not only is the Demon King this time super strong with New Game+ Cheat, we also have no continue left... What the hell is this impossible game.


Whoops, gotta focus on the cooking.

Once the heat is passed enough, I put in solid consomme, salt and then washed Aro Rice once everything melted down.
Washing the rice beforehand helps un-clump them and gets you better texture, but there's probably no point to that anyway with this amount...

I shoved in beaten eggs as a final touch, put the lid on and stopped the heat to let it steam itself.
Half-cooked eggs should make for better nourishment. Rice gruel, order up.

Umu, it's done way faster thanks to Spacetime Acceleration.
One pot is enough to feed around a hundred people, we only need to do this like a few dozens more to feed them all.


"Put this in bowls and distribute them to those who need them. Prioritize children and the elderly."

"Ha, haee, it ain't even take five minutes to cook one pot for 'em..."

"They should be able to cook enough in two, three hours. Get them to the tables, pronto!"

"Those who've gotten their shares, take your time eating! You're gonna die if you wolf 'em down with zero stamina!"

"Uu... Thank you, it's so good..."


Adventurers and Anti-demon Army folks helped distributing the piping hot rice gruel to the town's populace.
It's not that luxurious but they need the nutrition more than the taste. Please wait a little bit more for actually good food.


"Uu, I haven't had a decent meal in a lifetime... Yummm...!"

"Those demons took away all the good food... They did give us scrapes to keep us alive as sacrifices, but it was flavorless and so little, they were definitely planning to starve us death one day..."


The people took relish eating such non luxurious food.
I guess any food tastes good when you're famished. What a sorry sight.


"...Hikaru, you're so fast at cutting."

"Well I've been cooking everyday. I'm sure you'll get even faster than me once your Cooking Skill levels up more, Alma."

"Nn, I'll do my best."


I got Alma to help finely chop vegetables.
I may be fast but there's only so much I can do alone. Thank goodness Alma chose Cooking as her Gift Skill.

We kept at it for a while and eventually managed to feed all the townspeople.
The place kept experiencing tremors while we were cooking. Apparently someone's fighting up there.


"An uncle with red lion-like hair is fighting the white dragon, y'see. I got saved by him myself."

"Hmm, should I go lend him a hand?"

"Nope. That uncle happily said, 'Don't butt in, that thing's my prey'. Think you'd better not."


Another battle junkie. Hyulan-san #2.
All the tremors are spilling out the gruel though. Wish they'd keep it down.


"Seeing as he's holding his own against a dragon. Is that man a Special Job holder?"

"Yea. He's called 'Juurou', a real Lv95 monster of an old man."

"...I'll be off for a bit."

"Oy, weren't you listening? You really don't wanna get in there."

"I'm just gonna see his face real quick. Be back in a bit."


I've got to meet him if he's a skilled Special Job holder at that.
Gotta mark as many powerful people as I could.

Otherwise, there will be no way to deal with what's coming after this war.


...Damn you Demon King, sure came up with a real nasty plan.
I'm gonna turn it aaall over your head kekeke. Serves you right.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >




~~~~~~~Juurou's POV~~~~~~~~~~






"Ooraaa!!"

『Gwoaaaa!!』


Sparks fly every time my arms fashioned like blades and White Dragon claws clash, letting out shrill metallic sounds all around us.
Ow ouch, dang thing's a tough nut to crack. The title world's strongest dragon ain't just for show huh.

But that's good. It's the best.
Ain't nothing better than having a full blown fist fight!

I blew its claw away and went in during the slight opening. Punching the dragon hard on its side face!


"Take this!!"

『Ogoa...!? Y, you, blasted vermiiiiiiin!!』


The dragon's jaws went for my head. It's tryina chomp my head whole eh.
Niice, I like that merciless instinctual bloodlust. Ain't no humans can emanate that.


『Aaagwuuaaaa!!』

"Aaaaaggu!!"

『Gyaaaa!!?』


I twisted my head and dodged by a hair's breadth before taking a bite of the dragon's face, skin and meat whole.
Guy's got some real thick skin. But the taste's pretty good even raw, that's a high ranking dragon for ya.


"Yer' surprisingly tasty. Gimme more!"

『Utter drivel! I shall eat you alive myself!!』


The white dragon's bloodlust shot right up.
It's finally getting serious at killing me.

That's good.
No hold barrel pure bloodlust. Can never get enough of this tingling sensation.
This sensation that could only be transmitted through exchanging fists, I've gone through it countless times. No matter who they are, be it allies or enemies, be they intelligent enough to speak or not.
Fighting is the ultimate way to communicate with each other!



"Ah, excuse me for interrupting when you're so busy."


............


!?


In the flash I took to blink, a man suddenly stood between me and the dragon.
I almost lost my ability to think for a moment there.
At the same time, I got the heebie jeebies the moment I laid my eyes on him.

He looks nothing more than a rather unreliable looking mild-mannered black haired man.
But who gives a hoot about exteriors. My brain, the cells in my whole body are screaming me.

When did, he show up there.
And what the hell's up with this bizarre presence...!?


"Nice to meet you. Err, am I right to assume you're 'Juurou'-san?"

"O, ou?"

"My name is Kajikawa Hikaru. I'm here to extend my gratitude to you for saving my party member, Reina, from those dragons' jaws a few hours ago."


Besides the way he refers to himself, his speech is the epitome of politeness and his bow is the perfect form.
Eh, what the heck, he got between my fight just for this? Read the room dangit.


"Ah, sorry for getting in your fight. That's all I wanted to say. Please go ahead and continue."

"...You shoulda not come if you knew. But eh, I got ya loud and clear."


The mood went south cuz of some real unexpected intruder, but meh.
Gonna get back in the gear and fight.

....?


『Gwooooooo!!』


White Dragon soared up high in the sky.
Oy oy, it ain't gonna run away on me, ain't it.


『Guhahahaha! Fool, you left an opening! I shall blow you into smithereens!』


It started prepping up for a breath attack after stopping quite high up.
Tch, petty trick. I woulda taken it head-on without all that crap.
No, wait. Ain't shooting this way from there gonna drag everybody underground in the blast...?

Crap, that just don't sit right with me.
Maybe I should swat the breath away? No, not 'should', I will!

Come, at me---


"Oy."


A quiet yet firm cold voice entered my ears.

The voice came from the gentle looking black haired man who made a grabbing motion. That alone stopped the white dragon from moving.
It's struggling hard as if something is grabbing it by the neck.


『Gah...!? Ka, ka...!!』

"Yer' free to fight all you wanna even if I don't agree with it, but who died and gave you permission to shoot breath here. Don't drag those people below into your mess."

『Gaaa...!! W, what, did, you, do to me...!?』

"Who said you can speak. Shut up."

『Hii...!?』


He's looking up at the white dragon with cold eyes like it's trash.
It's such a drastic change I question if he's even the same mild mannered man from earlier.

...This guy is that, the same type as that world's strongest couple and the guild's grandmaster.
They act amiable normally, but their mood swing is so intense, the damage to their surroundings is unfathomable. The fact that the reason for that is usually reasonable makes it even worse.
...Fighting this guy's probably gonna be the fight of a lifetime, quite literally for me. But I guess I'm gonna stop myself from kindling that during this war.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

619 Accept It

We arrived at our inn. It's fashioned like, a loghouse, I think? One silver coin and six copper coins for a night stay and two meals.

(Can't tell if that's cheap or pricey... but I guess this is reasonable for somewhere out in the bony like this? Or maybe a tad high?)

It's past noon now. The inn will offer meals for tonight and tomorrow morning. I haven't had lunch yet.

"Innlady-san, can we order a meal now?"

"Sure thing! You wanna the bellyfull or bellyless portions? Three copper coins for the full one, half that for the less."

Both Berume and I were famished so we took the full ones.
It was a set of steak, soup and salad. It's a seaweed soup for some reason.
Dunno what's the meat from. But it looks like poultry.
The salad got tomato-like thing with overall red color. As well as some sort of vegetables and dressing.

I've come to accept unknown food these days.
It's normal in this world. No need to fuss over it.
The salad was crunchy while the dressing tasted like mayonnaise.
The steak had a tender texture to it, spreading out meat juice with every bite.
The soup had a thin salty flavor.

"These are all so good... No, seriously."

"What? You? Yer' moved from something like this? I mean, I do admit it's good stuff yeah."

"My oh my? Taken fancy of our food, have you? That's so nice of you. Here, on the house."

The innlady got into a good mood seeing me eating in delight and gave me a cup of tea for free.

"Thank you. Ah, this must use good tea leaves. It's got this strong scent and tastes so fresh."

"You can tell? Couldn't help myself giving extra seeing how much you relished our food."

Apparently her husband is in charge of the food. The fresh tea filled my belly with comfort.

'Thank you for the food', after finishing my tea, I turned to Berume and threw a question.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"So what's the plan. Should we depart tomorrow morning after a night rest?"

"Hm~? Well, yeah. Actually still got some work to do, but there ain't no point anymore. Nothing left to stress over now. I mean we took care of everything real early and all. Guess taking a nap in my room sounds good."

Berume's supposed work probably had to do with the preparations for the beast hunt.
I thought it'd be a waste having a siesta now so I decided to walk around the village. I informed Berume before leaving the inn.
Who knows I might find a 'good spot' near this village. The spot where I could live in seclusion.
I have given up. Partly. But that's no reason to not search.
My stroll around the village bore no fruit. I went back to our inn and had a nap.

The following day, I had a good night sleep despite my siesta and woke up before sunrise.
I groomed myself like usual. Would get cavities if I slacked off on brushing. Only to me and me alone in this world.
This divine blessing thing works on the weirdest thing.

(No wait, it actually does more but I still can't accept it...)

That doesn't really bother me so I gargled out my doubt and pulled myself together.

"We're departing. You done prepping?"

Berume knocked on the door just as I was about done.
I got out my room to greet her.

"I got our breakfast boxed up. We're leaving right away. Ah, put these in your bag."

Thus we left the village after saying our thanks to the innlady.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

Balloon

You've got it wrong. It's a misunderstanding.
I had to wash away all the dangerous toxin sticking to my body, is all.

I was having a bath and taking a little breather after beating down all those big snakes when Menu suddenly warned me about Alma's imminent danger (Etc.)
I didn't think twice and went straight to pile bunking the whale charging at Alma only to realize I was buck naked. How'd it come to this.
Radia looked like he couldn't believe me, while Alma let out a silent scream while covering her face with her hands.


"Why would anyone take a bath in the middle of war...?"

"No well, you see here. My whole body got covered in toxic substance due to some circumstance so I had to wash it off. I got here in a hurry when I found out Alma was in a pinch. But that happened while I was taking a shower as you might've figured out."

"Just put some clothes on."


Yes, you're right... Gotta tidy up.
I wiped my body with a towel, dried myself with Mana Control converted hot air, and got Menu put clothes on me.


"Thanks for waiting."

"That was quick..."

"Alma, it's all good now, you can lift your face now... Alma?"

"...Sorry, give me, some time..."


Alma kept her hands on her face and wouldn't budge. I can tell her face is beet red under those fingers.
Well, guess that's gonna happen when you bear witness to an old man's body outta nowhere. I'd personally shrink back even harder.
...Oh boy, I must look like a pervert after that, oh maaan.


"Looks like it's gonna take a while. Let's give her some space for now."

"...I'm sorr..."

"But geez, here I thought you two were tight as a knot yet she got like this just from seeing yer naked. You two haven't actually gone far huh? ...Actually that was the shocking part to me."


What do you mean by that, Radia-kun. Heck, why'd she be alright seeing naked.
...Ah, aa, you mean that way huh... Would be nice if we could make a progress...



『CLUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!』


Uwah, what the heck!
What was that super loud voice. Kinda sounded like a chicken's cluck, is there a giant chicken beast or something... here...!?

I turned around and saw mountain-sized whales, but that wasn't the surprising part.


No it's the scene where a super gigantic chicken trampling down on a whale while letting out a cry.


What is that.


...Err, the mana I sense from that chicken feels really familiar somehow.
Menu-san, let me check up its Stat for a bit.



Hiyoko

Magic Beast: ★Balloon Bird

Lv63

State: Uplifted - Agitated - Enlarged Body (Great) - Tame (Kajikawa Hikaru)

【Attributes】

ＨＰ：９４７３/９４７３
ＭＰ：８９７/１３５４
ＳＰ：３４５/１１５１

ＳＴＲ：５３１２
ＡＴＫ：５３１２
ＤＥＦ：４２８９
ＡＧＩ：５４２
ＩＮＴ：７５８
ＤＥＸ：３１４
ＰＥＲ：２７８４
ＲＥＳ：３９８７
ＬＵＫ：９７８


【Skills】
Magic Beast Lv 7 - Claw Arts Lv 10 - Sharp Claw Arts Lv 6 - Fang Arts Lv 10 - Piercing Fang Arts Lv3 - Martial Arts Lv 10 - Ultimate Martial Arts Lv7 - Kempo Lv 7 - Throwing Lv 4

【Master Skills】
Drain Claw
Eat Beak
Aura Trans

【Unique Skill】
Balloon Body

Equipment
Safety Necklace
Abnormal Status Resistant Enchanted

【Titles】
Superior Slayer
Fearless
Reckless
Foolhardy
Brave Preemptive Stopper of Final Catastrophe
Living on the Edge
Magic Beast Killer
Magic Beast Genocider
Demon Slayer
Skill Master
Inheritor
Ally of Humanity
Gourmand Magic Beast
Body of Balloon
1000 Wall Breaker
Beyond 2000
To the World of 3000
Crossing the Sea of 4000
At the Sky of 5000
Counting 6000 Stars
Going Up 7000 Stairs
Fastening 8000
Going Beyond 9000


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

Ah, it really is Hiyoko.
Oh boy, she sure has gotten real big the short time I missed her hahaha.

Hold up! This ain't right!
I can see that she evolved to a Unique Magic Beast after meeting some sort of conditions. That's good and all.

But, what's up with those crazy Attributes! Her STR shot up 4-5x, the heck!
And what's the deal with that size! That's way too big! She can never stay in the same inn with us now!

<<Hiyoko's current transformed volume as well as Attributes are due to the effects of a Unique Skill, 'Balloon Body'.>>

Eh, what that.


<<'Balloon Body' is a Skill that allows its user to freely enlarge and shrink their own mass and volume. Enlarging gives a large boost to ATK, DEF, RES, and PER while inversely decreasing AGI, INT, DEX. Shrinking works vice versa including the affected Attributes. The size limit increases by Level.>>


Err, so in short, Hiyoko can freely change her body size?
The bigger she becomes the stronger, and tougher she gets at the expense of slower and rougher mobility. Meanwhile smaller size penalizes her strength and defense while raising her maneuverability and speed.
...Umu, she's pretty much a one chicken army now.


『CLUUUUUUUUUUCK!!』

『Vagyaaaaaaaaaa!!?』


I mean, she just beat a mountain sized whale with mere punches and kicks.
She'll prove to be an incredible asset seeing how well she can go up against opponents that size.
Add Energy Control to the equation and she can get multiple times stronger... Huh wait, can't she beat Black Dragon too if she gives it a go?


『Vaaaaaaaaa!! .....Gaba....!!』

『CLUCLUCUCLUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!』


Ah, that's the last whale down. She's way too loud though.
In the end, Hiyoko took care of all the whales besides the one I took down. Well done.


『CLUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!』

"Oy oy, that chicken's still raring to go!?"

"Hiyoko! It's all taken care of. Calm down!"

『CLUUCK! CLUUUUUUUCK!!』


I tried to soothe the still rampaging Hiyoko as she stomped the ground, to no avail.
Cool your jet chicken! Actually quit clucking so loud! My ears hurt!


"Save it against the demons if you still don't have enough! No point going wild here!"

『CLUUUUUUUCK!!』

"Kajikawa-san, it's not listening at all! Actually, it's charging this way!"

『CLUUUUUUUUUEAAAACK!!』


"...Cool off your head right this instant or become part of tonight's crab miso soup. Choose."


『Clu...!? ...Pssssss... Pi...』


The threatening word I quietly muttered was effective at turning Hiyoko back to chick size.
I knew she could heard us. I get you're in high tension from evolving but you gotta know when to lower your wings.


"Alright, good job. You did great, Hiyoko."

『Pipii.』

"...This man just stopped that rampaging chicken with nothing but word..."

"We've got so much whale meat to go around for everybody. All thanks to you, you can have any whale dishes you want later."

『Pi!』


Hiyoko chirped happily with a palm-sized body.
Just don't turn into a giant while you're on my shoulder okay. You're gonna crush me dead.


"Welp, now that Alma and Hiyoko are with me, guess it's time to join up with Reina."

"...Alma-neechan hasn't recovered yet."

"...Err, we'll be Fast Traveling to Reina's place, Alma. You good?"

"...Un."


Alma replied whisper quiet.
Was my bare body such a trauma to her. Kinda shocking.

...? Is it just me or is there blood coming out of her nose under those fingers? Eh, did the blood rush to her head? Is she alright?



Fast Traveling to Reina's place, we were greeted with people running all over the place like in an emergency room.
Apparently the people Reina saved with her Shadow Dive are taking care of the weakened town populace.


"Anyone here with Healing Potions?! This man really needs it!"

"Uu... My stomach... stomach..."

"Oy, get it together! What's wrong with your stomach!?"

"It's... Empty..."

"That's way too cliched!"


...The populace looks like they would make it out alright.
But there's some elderly and children in seriously bad conditions.

Ah, I see Anti-Demon Army's captain and vice captain here too.
The captain is holding one of the populace's hand while talking with them.


"Y, y, you're..."

"Hey, pops. It's me."

"J, Jan... What was it again...?"

"Uh, kinda wish you got that right..."

"Captain, please wipe your tears. Although I understand this reunion must be moving to you."

"No, I'm just down in the dump cause he forgot my name..."


...The situation is rather critical yet all the random skit-like interactions here and there kinda soften it.
Guess I'll go help those in need with Life Force Control and cook some nutritious meals for them.

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618 That Time I Got Told Stuff I Didn't Need to Know

After tying our assailants up and before we started making our way back to the village we're staying at tonight, Berume grabbed one of the men by their collar and started interrogating.

"You guys want to live? Then speak. You were all sent here by the Holy State, ain't ya?"

I have absolutely no clue what she's on about. What even is this Holy State thing she spouted out of nowhere.

(I'm not a fan of these sudden flag raising events...)

I'd rather not know but there's nothing I can do now that I heard it.
That State is for sure gonna be my destination later. That's just how it goes with flags.
For what purpose? Or maybe it's just a whim? I'm heading there?
Dunno if that's still far or near in the future, but the fact that that country's name fell on my ears can't end up any other way.

"Guh! You... How much do you know?"

The pale faced man was in pain and grimaced further at this question.

"I'll let y'all off hook at least if you answer me. I've dug up some dirt 'bout y'all. You folk messed with one of our merchants once. Sniffed out some Holy State's secret service mixed in among Coliseum Committee."

"Bastard... How did you find out!? We made sure to erase our background..."

"Who cares about that now. I'm just gonna say that it's nothing impossible with some due diligence. And I just got my answer from your reaction. Your job was to gradually plant your people among the chief positions of the coliseum city, yeah?"

"...You don't need to hear from me if you've done your research! That's right! There's no end to interest toward that city! Every country is doing exactly the same, they've got people maneuvering on the undersides. Slowly and surely that is. In fact, I'd like to throw a question instead. How are they so united as one?!"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The man seems to have given up. He won't stop talking. He even started grumbling.
United as one. What does that even mean. I could tell that was the reason these guys couldn't finish their job at least.
I shouldn't bother, it's got nothing to do with me. In fact, of course it doesn't.
I only arrived at the city the other day. I don't know anything about the city's inner working.

"Got it. I'm gonna be hands off with y'all now. Be thankful you got off with your lives. Consider you've forfeited your life the moment I set my sight on you the next time you wanna have a go. Do your worst to stay far away from me. Go home and report back this matter."

She started the event on her own and ended it on her own. I'm not gonna comment on it.
Gonna keep my mouth shut. It's the secret to success in life. It's not without a fault though. Yep. You can't stop the other party from blabbering on their own.

"Ah, you're clueless 'bout it huh. I work in the dark side of things. Been through countless hell already. Was an orphan, y'see. Got picked up, trained and here I am. Shocking huh?"

It sure is but I'd prefer not to have that on my mind.
The fact that Selram is a merchant that has a strong influence on the dark side.
I couldn't see her as someone who'd dabble in illegal things just to go up in world.
My thought seemed to have shown on my face, Berume tried to correct me.

"We ain't done anything against the laws. Our business is purdy clean. Or what, did you think otherwise? Well then, ya gotta brush up your eyes. There are all sorts of dynamics on the underside of things. We don't do crime. Honest."

She explained with a serious yet humorous-sounding tone. It's just that she doesn't seem to care if I don't believe it either.
It must not be important to her.

We left for the village while ignoring the men's groans.
I decide not to bring them to the authority. Berume made the promise after all.
They'd protest, 'This isn't what we agreed on!' if I did.

(It was Berume who said that, so they'd have no right to protest whatever I did.)

It's just that doing all that takes a lot of work and time.
Knowing how much of a pain in the arse all that is, I got on board with Berume's idea.

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