Episode 867 To the Magic Kingdom (1)
Thanks to the ransom—no, the price of lives—of the children she had to protect at all costs as their guardian, the Lascabel Orphanage was able to survive the famine.That memory was deeply etched into Myla as an indelible sense of guilt.
yet…….
Only now, after about 21 years had passed, did Myla greet a new morning.A refreshing breeze moistened her skin.
I do not know how Verden and Lobelin reached such an unimaginable peak. I do not know why Verden’s hair and eye color changed either.I did not ask.Honestly, even though I was curious, it did not matter what the matter was.
Because the cute, innocent, yet mature children who still linger in a corner of Myla’s heart have truly grown up wonderfully.
To my apologies, the two of them hadn’t forgotten Myla. Far from taking proper care of her as the director, they had actually received nothing but from her.
“…….”
Let’s take care of children who have nowhere to go.Let’s wish for their happiness.
Myla added another mission to her ordinary life.More clearly.
Let’s ‘pray’ that Verden and Lobelin can achieve what they intend.
“Director, are you crying again?”“No.”
Myla stroked the heads of the children clinging to her legs.
I won’t cry anymore.
Myla smiled brighter than usual. There were a few tears welling up in her eyes, but the children decided to pretend not to notice and secretly nodded to one another.
Someday, when the children grow up and, like some of the young men in Lascavelle, face an unavoidable crisis, they might corner and blame Myla, who raised them… but there is no need to worry.
Because no one knows what the future holds.
“Shall we go give Grandpa Wallick breakfast?”“Yes!”
What was always important to Myla was not an uncertain future, but a sincere reality.
* * *
Arrain, currently considered the capital of the ownerless land, was very peaceful.
No direct damage caused by the epidemic.Public order reinforced by Golem units.
Although it was full of life wherever you looked, there weren’t many jobs available exclusively for adventurers or mercenaries like in other cities.
Naturally.
The reasons why those currently active in the field come to Arrain can generally be narrowed down to three:to see what the capital of the ownerless land ruled by Eon is like, to get a good rest, and finally, for personal business.
Layla was in that third case.
“…….”
Layla, the candidate for the Ark and Blood Sword, rubbed her eyes and got out of bed.
Click.
After washing up at a high-end inn with a rather unfamiliar structure, I put on [Iadeun’s Black Blood], which I received as compensation for the Bone Dragon incident last time.
Pitch-black full body armor and a black cloak.
He was fully armed, wearing a pitch-black helmet that covered his entire face.As you can see, although there were no eyeholes or breathing holes, magical functions were added, so there were absolutely no problems with breathing or vision.
Layla took in the Arrain Fortress visible through the window.
I wonder if I can meet you if I go now?
She had just arrived yesterday evening after being earnestly asked by a nearby adventurer’s guild to carry out a subjugation mission while heading to an ownerless land in an international carriage hired from the Free State of Formene.
I heard that the World Conference was over, but… I heard from the Ark that the various factions have become busy due to the agenda items passed at the conference.I hesitated a little, wondering if I was getting in Verden’s way for no reason.
We’re going to see each other at Ark sooner or later anyway.
Layla decided to get used to the city’s atmosphere for now and left the room. In fact, she was quite interested in the artificial golems guarding the streets.However, when she took the magic elevator down to the first floor, she saw unfamiliar wizards.
Their robes were engraved with a unique symbol consisting of several circles and triangles, and a unique magical formula filling the blanks.
They were the wizards of Eon.
“I ask you. You are an active Mithril-grade adventurer, Lady Layla, the Blood Sword.”“What is the matter?”“His Majesty has invited you.”
There is only one person in Arrain who deserves to be called His Majesty. The surprised people around her whispered amongst themselves as they looked at Layla.
They have already located my position.
Although Layla’s appearance of always covering her face is peculiar, she had merely entered Arrein at night to sleep.In particular, I didn’t feel like I was being watched at all.
What on earth is going on with the public order?
Layla nodded, imagining how much Verden, whom she would soon face again, might have changed since the battle to subdue the Bone Dragon.
Please guide me.
* * *
Verden sat in the seat of honor.
“I heard your reputation is widespread not only in the Adventurer’s Guild but in many regions. I heard you recorded a number of kills that completely exceeded your personal quota under the Emergency Extermination Order.”“Compared to you, that’s nothing.”
Layla took a sip of hot coffee and glanced sideways.
“You have changed a lot compared to before. The vibe, the attire, the way you speak… and above all, the strength.”“Is that so?”
It has already been well over a year since Verden awakened as a transcendent being.The people around him have already become accustomed to his appearance, but to Layla, who has never actually met him during that time, he must inevitably seem somewhat unfamiliar.
Verden and Reira had spoken to each other respectfully until they parted ways after crossing over to the Central Continent via the Republic of Beldirn.
“You should be comfortable in private.”“It’s just that I’m more comfortable using honorifics, except when the other person is too young. Of course, I’m not saying you’re uncomfortable, so please don’t misunderstand. If I felt that way even a little bit, I wouldn’t have taken off my helmet like this.”
Leila is now revealing her golden eyes and face. The demonic curse residing in that beautiful face rejects others.Even the Archbishop of the Luas religion cannot escape this negative aversion. At the very least, everyone she has met so far has been affected by the curse.
Except for just one person.
Just as he had in the Republic of Beldirn, Verden’s expression as he looked at Leila showed no change whatsoever, far from being distorted.
“And now that I think about it, a somewhat arrogant tone suits you better. Hmm. If that’s something you’re born with, perhaps you were destined to be a great ruler like a king from the very beginning.”“So you’re against fatalism.”“I am too.”
One could affirm fate if it were a life filled with happiness and pleasure without pain, and if it were a life that did not acknowledge one’s own faults and misfortunes.Historically, fatalism has been used as a means of validation or evasion of responsibility.
Fate was also regarded as an object of hatred.
What if life and death were shaped by a superhuman force like fate? What if a terrible and horrific past was created by a different will?
Some will resign themselves to the fact that it was not their fault and feel relieved, while others will be angry, believing they have found the cause of all the misfortune.
Ray was clearly the latter type of person.
Verden said.
“I made good use of the Septahorn claws you gave me in advance last time. As I already conveyed in my letter, I am gathering information regarding demons. However, while there has been progress, it is not yet very significant. If you still want to hear that, I can tell you.”“If it progresses further, how much can I find out?”“I am not at the stage of certainty, but… perhaps…”
Verden spoke in a low voice.
“I expect that we might be able to reach the very source of the devil’s existence.”
Every demon encountered so far harbored no hostility toward Verden. Moreover, strangely enough, they shed tears emotionally.Even above all else, Noxias, the Dark Archdemon and one of the Three Great Demons, showed favor toward Verden through his subordinates.
Is what is connected to the demon the Rebellion of Heaven, the Demonic Path, or the Magic Tower’s power source?
In Rivereas, Noxias spoke through the mouth of the demon, Geruas.
───[It will take time to find out about him and a way to lift the curse. We do not know how long it will take, but… … when ‘that time’ comes, we will come to find you first. Please wait for us.]
It is highly likely that Noxias avoided answering due to a taboo.The blocking of information.To uncover the world’s various secrets, crossing the wall of taboo is the top priority. That is why Verden has no choice but to remain silent in the present.
Layla looked down at the gently rippling surface of the coffee.
“It seems it’s not just the devil that’s involved.”“The world is organic, after all.”“Then let’s postpone hearing the information until later. I can give you as much time as you want. You are the only one right now who can grasp such a clear clue.”
… … In fact, Verden is not the only one approaching Layla’s curse. The Ark seemed to have grasped a clue from a different perspective than Verden.
───Layla’s background is peculiar.───In what way?───It is the Watcher’s duty to determine the qualifications of a candidate for the Ark. Layla was human, and her inner self also met the criteria. She was under a demonic curse, but I thought that was something I could resolve. So I have been investigating for years… …but it seems her background is far from ordinary.
The Keeper, Acetro Oldin, the Regulator of Balance, kept a close watch on Layla’s past.
I cannot confirm anything yet. The matter is serious, so I haven’t even told the captains and am looking into it on my own. You should just keep that to yourself for now. I feel bad keeping quiet after saying all this, but it can’t be helped.
I wonder what it really meant.
I intended to ask if I ever went back up to the Ark before long. As the sixth captain of the Ark, I would surely have that level of access.
Verden pulled his chin slightly.
“Thank you for understanding. Still, there isn’t absolutely no news about the devil. It was even directly addressed at the World Conference recently.”“I’m listening.”
Layla had not yet properly heard what agenda items were discussed at the World Conference. It was the limitation of being an adventurer who primarily operated as an individual.
“It has been confirmed that Ifeakarn, known as the Great Demon of Parasites, is hiding in the Demon Realm.”“……!!”“Furthermore, with the conquest of the Demon Realm passing through the Grand Council, a preliminary exploration of the Demon Realm has been decided. In other words, pioneering activities supported by the world have resumed. Once the exploration plan is established through consensus, it will be officially announced to the entire continent.”
While the Arnach Empire and Eon would take the lead, the forces most likely to make their move in earnest were the Ruas Theocracy and the Adventurers’ Guild.This was to be expected, as those two groups were experts in demon extermination and adventure.
The theme of the devil has already been brought to the surface.
The prostitute’s, great devil.
Layla was lost in thought. She already suspected that one of the Great Demons might be the one who had cast the curse upon her.If that were true, it would make sense that the Luas Church had been unable to find a way to lift the curse.
“A conclusion will eventually be reached, someday. And as to what the outcome will be, it will depend on how much preparation you have done for that moment. That is what choices are all about. So, let’s leave the devil story here.”
Verden changed the subject.
“Did you use the keel?”“……Ah.”
Layla reacted belatedly.
“I entrusted it to the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters. After all, the Adventurer’s Guild is the best at crafting tools and weapons from extraordinary materials. However, I heard it takes quite a while due to the nature of dragon bones. I suppose there are aspects they want to research separately as well.”“I see. If you haven’t found a craftsman yet, I was thinking of introducing you to a blacksmith.”“I will remember your kindness. But… aside from that, I’d like to see what weapons crafted from dragon bones look like. Would that be alright?”
Paat.
Verden readily handed the staff he had summoned from the subspace to Layla. She carefully received [Interis] and could not spare her admiration.
“This is… amazing. To think a creator like this exists. Um, did you make this using the dragon skull you received back then? I never imagined you would melt such a hard material directly into the metal like this…”
Layla seemed to be speaking a little faster, as if she had quite a keen interest in weapons. Then again, she is both an adventurer and a swordsman.
Layla also asked Adrian about the dragon bones that had been distributed. And so, the Bone Dragon slayers of the Eastern Continent continued their conversation. Before they knew it,the coffee, which had been about halfway through the cup, was empty.
Verden asked.
“Do you have any plans for future activities?”“I’ve been focusing on subjugation, so I plan to stay around here for a while to rest. Until the Ark calls for me… So please let me know if you need my help.”
Layla’s power surpasses that of a typical Mithril-grade adventurer.In terms of sheer presence, she is on par with Serlo Broden, a former Obsidian-grade adventurer. This is even without considering the enhancements from the Demon Curse.
Junia, who broke through the hierarchy, and Layla, who unleashed the power of a demon. Who is stronger between the two?
Verden nodded, inwardly comparing the actual strength of the two. He did not refuse the offer of help, leaving room for possibility.
“I will.”
* * *
Generally, materials become harder as their density increases, but simple high-temperature compression alone cannot achieve resistance that exceeds common sense.
Bang───! Bang───!
Please create the hardest material.Please create a material for destruction.
Gharun let out a wry laugh as he swung the giant hammer [Marcuav]. Even upon reflection, this was the first time he had received such an absurd production request.A tool meant to destroy?Wasn’t that a purpose that completely contradicted the very concept of a tool? Yet, Gharun willingly picked up the hammer because there was at least one clear objective.
Whoosh, bang───!
It was a hammering motion that looked crude, but naturally, there was not the slightest margin of error in controlling the force. The structure of the material was shaped according to Gharun’s thoughts and senses.With every hundreds of hammer blows, the highest-grade metal alloy gradually transformed into a sphere.
I wonder how many days had passed.
Gharun let out a sigh like a burning flame and gestured to Linus with his chin.
“Take a shot.”“Yes…… *Groan*!”
Linus’s muscles bulged as he pulled the lever from front to back. Whoosh. Then, a massive stake heated to superheated temperatures plummeted verticallytoward a metal sphere fixed in place to withstand massive impacts.
BANG!
Given the weight, a hot shockwave grazed Gharun’s beard.
“Pull it up again.”“Aaaaaaaah!”
Linus let out a shout and pushed the lever forward again. The chain moved, and the giant stake that had driven the sphere up high.
Hmm.
Gharun increased his eye strength.
The tip of the pile, made of the same material as the metal sphere, was crumpled unsightly.Since the materials were exactly the same, it would have been normal for the sphere to deform at least slightly, but… …
It looks good enough to show to Verden.
The sphere was perfectly intact.Not even a scratch.
This was technology.
Hiss.
Gharun roughly sprinkled water to lower the temperature and picked up the sphere.
Go and contact me. Tell me it’s finished.
* * *
“What? You’re saying the Director is going in person?”“That’s how it turned out.”
Lambert, an investigator from the Magic Bureau, asked as if he couldn’t understand at all. Regardless, the Director of the Investigation Bureau got ready.
“Surely, there isn’t a problem with the protocol, is there? I mean, unless that were the case, there is no way the Director himself would be personally overseeing it.”“There are exceptions.”
The head of the investigation bureau answered briefly.
It is a top secret among top secrets.
Jeren Chadwill.
The Director of the Investigation Bureau of the Akenad Magic Kingdom headed to the ownerless land to escort the state guest.
