The day after defeating monsters including Hanuman at the foot of the Treasure Tree, we visited Mister to report.
Regarding the Laofen Labyrinth, Lucas and Lyra, who returned to Alka last night, informed us that the Black Army still inside has not yet returned.
Nevertheless, yesterday, about 50 mid-rank monsters overflowed, and they apparently carried out their subjugation.
Most of the overflowing monsters were B-rank, and the highest was G-rank, so it didn’t take much time to defeat them, and the hunters who were on standby were bored.
Since there are Ancient Classes, it seems advisable to add Gleaming Silk to the rewards.
Neige and Head Beastar’s Master Nelke were also brought from Ovest. When we reported at the 10th Appraisal Room of the Hunter’s Guild, they were indeed surprised.
It’s natural, of course, that not only the successful subjugation of Hanuman but also the number of Anomalous and Catastrophe Species, my reaching level 100, evolution into Element Human, and the unprecedented situation at Helios Orb that was resolved.
The total number of monsters subjugated in this campaign was over 700, which is too much for even Ovest, let alone Mister.
Therefore, we decided to prioritize the monsters Valto did not own, and the remaining ones would be shared among the participants.
Although the Beastars declined, they were undoubtedly involved in unreasonable battles, and some people defeated Anomalous Species, so we are letting them take the defeated monsters.
On the hunter’s side, Holly, the sub-leader of Falcon’s Beak, evolved into Ancient Foxy, and Clark and Flora both evolved into Ancient Human.
No one evolved into an Ancient Class at Holy Grave, but since Burks, Salina, and Clarice are level 61, evolution should be near.
For this reason, it seems they decided to renew their equipment using materials from M-rank and A-rank monsters for both raids.
Hanuman was divided equally among Amister, Valto, and Wing Crest, and the magic stones were to be presented by Neige to Emperor Reinhardt.
Although I believe Valto should possess it since it was within his territory, he insisted on pushing it onto Amister, citing that it’s too valuable for a duchy to hold and can easily attract those with ulterior motives.
Well, it’s true that even if not now, in a few years, there will be those who plot foolish things, so Amagi Castle would be safer in that regard.
The Alliance’s customary presentation is held separately in Mister and Ovest.
Both were met with surprise and cheers, but due to the Laofen Labyrinth, this time it was a simple parade, and the rest was left entirely to the Beastar Guild.
Then, three days after the presentation and report, the Black Army successfully returned after conquering the Laofen Labyrinth.
Whether a week is fast or slow for labyrinth conquest is unknown, but given that the Laofen Labyrinth is estimated to have over 20 floors, and this time they aimed for the fastest conquest to prevent a Labyrinth Flood, it’s likely fast.
“Caesar, it seems you’ve successfully conquered it.”
“Ah. The journey was quite troublesome, but the guardian was Diamond Feather, so it was relatively easy to defeat.”
The guardian of the Laofen Labyrinth was Diamond Feather, a Catastrophe Species of Ice Rock, specifically an M-C rank monster.
This means the deepest layer will likely be a snowy plain or something similar.
“How many floors were there in total?”
“There were 24 floors in total. However, the Laofen Labyrinth is structured with two consecutive floors having the same environment, yet the monsters that appear change drastically, making it troublesome to deal with.”
The same structure for two consecutive floors, yet different monsters?
That certainly sounds troublesome.
It seems that labyrinths with the same environment for several consecutive floors are common in labyrinths with many floors, but it is apparently rare for the monsters to change so drastically.
Nevertheless, it didn’t pose a major problem for the Black Army led by Ancient Ogre Caesar, and most members were able to evolve into High Class, with sub-leaders Robin the Harpy and Crow the male Dwarf evolving into Ancient Class.
Including Falcon’s Beak, that’s an increase of five people into Ancient Class, and since there are still people who appear to be able to evolve, it’s likely to increase further.
“Eh? Yamato, you evolved again?”
“Ah. I evolved into something called an Element Human.”
They’re talking about me, but when did the conversation progress so far?
I’ve already explained it to everyone else, but since the Black Army just returned, I’ll have to explain it from the beginning again.
Also, Caesar, saying “again” makes it sound like I evolve frequently.
“You do evolve frequently. In the past year, you’ve evolved not only into High Class and Ancient Class, but even into an unprecedented class called Element Class.”
Sley pointed it out, but it’s true that upon transferring to Helios Orb, I evolved into High Class, then within less than a month into Ancient Class, and this time into Element Class. So, in a little over a year, I’ve evolved three stages…
“Element Human, huh? Does that mean evolving into Element Class occurs at level 101?”
“While the evolution to High Class and Ancient Class varies individually, Element Class feels different. So, it’s probably like that.”
Caesar continued, ignoring my inner turmoil.
Evolution to High Class occurs between levels 41-50, and to Ancient Class between levels 61-70, with the timing varying individually.
However, I evolved into Element Class at level 101 or 102.
Perhaps it’s between levels 101-110, but since only I am currently in the Element Class, I don’t know the exact timing.
“A characteristic of the Element Class is becoming an acquired Winged Tribe. Yamato, you’re still not used to it, but you’ve been doing various things these past few days.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Indeed, I’ve been doing various things, and while the usability of Wing Burst and Flying has improved, I’m still leaving my wings out all the time in daily life.
Since I’m not used to it, my wings get caught, or I unconsciously move them and knock things off tables, which is quite troublesome.
“Also, despite being an acquired Winged Tribe, you haven’t learned Feather Mantle Magic.”
Unfortunately, I haven’t been granted Feather Mantle Magic, a divine magic bestowed only upon the Winged Tribe.
I’ve wanted to use it after seeing Prim, but there’s nothing I can do about it, so I’ve given up.
Perhaps, Winged Tribe and Element Class are similar but not identical existences.
Speaking of which, I’m also trying to grasp the characteristics of Wing Bit Liberator.
I already knew about the infinite generation of Wing Bits, their transformation into blades, and the projection of consciousness onto up to 12 bits immediately after generation, but the racks where the Wing Bits are mounted are also movable, and they can be launched from the shoulders like missile launchers.
Also, Wing Bits are basically disposable but can be returned to the rack. Unlike Multi Edge, there were no restrictions on the engraving techniques, so their usability has significantly improved.
Perhaps it’s because their appearance resembles a certain robot’s backpack, but there seems to be a flight assist. However, in Helios Orb, I have Flying and Scaffolding, and recently I’ve been using those more, so sadly, with the Wing Bits, it’s a dead ability.
No, let me check if I can use it with Flying.
There might be other things, but that will be for later.
“Feather Mantle Magic is also a divine magic, so it’s only natural.”
“We thought so too. Well, it seems you’ve been granted a new divine magic, which I envy.”
“However, it’s unlikely we can evolve into Element Class. Even evolving into Ancient Class was beyond our expectations.”
Caesar, Frau, and Plum gave me envious looks, but the divine magic is more important than evolving into Element Class.
The lifespan of each Ancient Class is about 250 years, so I feel like I might be able to achieve it if I try hard.
“It will be what it will be.”
“Indeed. More importantly, the conquest was a forced march, so I want to rest now.”
Ah, conquering the 24 floors of the Laofen Labyrinth in less than a week must have required a forced march.
Although it was apparently narrower than a normal Instant Labyrinth, some floors were twice as wide, and they even had to camp outside the safe area for one day. It must have been tough, especially for those in Normal Class.
Normally, reports for labyrinth conquest are made at the nearest Hunter’s Guild in a city. However, the Laofen Labyrinth is located within the former Solemn Republic, and the Hunter’s Guild currently only has a branch office in Deseo. Therefore, reports are made via Float, and the Alliance, including the Black Army, must return.
The Gagun Great Forest Survey Alliance has already finished their report, so we don’t need to go, but we’ll accompany them because we have something to request after the report.
Yuri apparently wants to conduct a large-scale mountain hunt in Mylight.
The Mylight Mountains are vast and the forests are deep. Last year, a breeding pair of End Species, an Orc Emperor and an Orc Empress, were born, so there is an abnormal number of Anomalous and Catastrophe Species inhabiting the area.
Furthermore, it’s predicted that their numbers have increased after winter. We’ve also hunted them several times, so if we don’t have a large-scale subjugation battle soon, I’m worried that Feel or Prada might be attacked.
Therefore, we want to make a formal request from both of us, Yuri’s allied forces, myself and Mana, as “Fraydlancia Heavenly Marquis” and “Lapislazurite Heavenly Marquis” respectively.
Yuri intended to make the request himself as it pertains to his own territory, but it would involve moving a large number of Ancient Classes, resulting in an exorbitant reward. They wouldn’t be able to settle for the stipulated amount, and it might even interfere with their territory management.
Therefore, Mana and I, who do not own territories, will cover the monetary rewards, and in addition, we will provide high-rank monster materials, especially fabrics, for the Ancient Classes.
Well, I haven’t mentioned this part yet, and they definitely need proper rest, so it will be at least a week before we actually start.
Those who evolved into Ancient Class also need to get their equipment together.
“Huh? Speaking of which, where’s Rex?”
“Rex went to Schreien with some Orders.”
“To Schreien? Ah, to apprehend the Lord.”
“Correct.”
Grand Order’s Master Rex, along with about 20 Orders, is heading to Schreien, the capital of the territory, to apprehend the lord who governs the area, including Laofen.
Originally, apprehending the lord was scheduled for after the Black Army’s return, but the Laofen Labyrinth overflowed with nearly 100 monsters the day before yesterday.
Although most of them were B-rank and were instantly annihilated by us, Holy Grave, and Falcon’s Beak, for some reason, the lord’s direct soldiers came to collect materials, and as a result, they decided to apprehend them and have Emperor Reinhardt decide, advancing the schedule.
Therefore, Rex had to entrust this place to us hunters and head to Schreien.
“Is the lord of Schreien unintelligent?”
When I explained, not only Caesar but the entire Black Army looked confused.
I understand why they’d ask that, but in our opinion, he’s an idiot, so that conclusion is correct.
“It’s not just ordinary stupidity.”
“Indeed. However, such an idiot cannot manage a territory with a labyrinth, nor should they be allowed to. The Emperor also made a swift decision.”
“That’s only natural.”
Labyrinths are also treasure troves of resources, so if possible, one would want to conquer and manage them.
This is a natural thought for any ruler, and Emperor Reinhardt is no exception.
The lord of Schreien is of the same mind, but while Emperor Reinhardt wants to manage it for the Federation Heavenly Empire, the lord of Schreien only thinks of enriching himself, creating a significant gap.
Therefore, they cannot allow him to manage a conquered labyrinth. Due to his evil deeds, such as causing Labyrinth Floods and illicitly obtaining materials, the decision was made to apprehend the lord, make it an Imperial Direct Territory, and dispatch a representative.
The lord will resist, but it is the Emperor’s decision, and it is a fact that he neglected the labyrinth until it flooded and he was involved in illicit material acquisition, so there is no way he can deny it.
“I don’t care about those foolish people. More importantly, Yamato, since the Black Army has successfully conquered it, there’s no need for vigilance anymore, right?”
Plum asked, seemingly uninterested, and brought the topic back.
“Yes. We’ve been told to return to Amagi Castle as a group once the conquest is successful.”
I’m not particularly interested either, and there’s no point in staying here any longer, so I’ll go along with the conversation.
“Understood.”
Since many people can use Traveling, movement has become much easier.
Some people have just evolved into Ancient Class, so let’s offer Multi Edge assistance as a reward for them.
Even though I’m a hunter, I’ve somehow become the one who gives rewards and I’m even thinking about what kind of rewards would be good.
Well, eventually I will be granted a territory, so I’ll grudgingly accept this as practice.
Thinking this, I used Traveling and moved to Float.
