We live in the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Whispers of Demons
Now, I look at the two people in front of me anew.
Sū-sama, who is still shedding tears.
It’s an unusual name. Perhaps it’s a nickname.
He looks slender, and doesn’t give the impression of a reliable priest who leads many shrine maidens.
Still, seeing how all the shrine maidens who came from the Ancient Capital revere Sū-sama, I can tell he is the central figure.
Sū-sama, whose tears won’t stop, has honey-colored blonde hair that looks soft and fluffy, grown down to his back and tied neatly.
Some priests in the Great Shrine also grow their hair long, so there’s no sense of incongruity.
However, his priest’s attire and accessories are quite different from those of ordinary priests.
Like the other visiting shrine maidens, Sū-sama’s priest’s attire looks archaic.
Why do I feel it looks archaic when I’ve never seen this design before?
Putting that aside.
Even though it’s archaic, the design is quite elaborate.
It has embroidery, and beautiful ornaments.
Just by looking at it, anyone can tell that his rank is different from that of ordinary priests.
The priestly ranks start from novitiate, then general priest, senior priest, priest warrior, and senior priest warrior. The one who commands the priests within the Great Shrine is the Head Priest.
Sū-sama’s priest’s attire is clearly not that of a general priest.
So, is he a senior priest?
No, I don’t think so.
I’ve seen senior priests many times at the Great Shrines of the Armēdo Kingdom and the Yorttenitos Kingdom. Senior priests have also come to this land.
However, Sū-sama’s priest’s attire is far superior to that of a senior priest.
Then, is he the Head Priest?
No, no, that’s impossible.
I’ve never heard of a Head Priest leaving the Great Shrine to wander outside the capital all year round.
Nor does he look like a priest warrior.
Unfortunately, with my limited knowledge, I cannot determine Sū-sama’s status.
I’ll ask Madrine-sama about it later.
Letty-sama is gently comforting the crying Sū-sama like this.
Letty-sama, who is petite. This is probably a nickname as well.
Letty-sama has red hair grown to about her waist, braided into a single braid.
Um, don’t miko, in proportion to their rank, also grow their hair longer?
Of course, there are exceptions, but high-ranking miko generally do not have short hair.
Speaking of which, Ada-san, whom I met in the Forbidden Territory, had black hair like silk that reached down to behind her knees.
So, is Letty-sama not that high-ranking a miko?
No, no, that’s not certain either.
Like Sū-sama, Letty-sama’s miko attire is archaic, yet the design is elaborate.
The sewing is solid, and the fabric is of high quality.
The obi has subtle embroidery, and the hair ornament is simple but skillfully made.
This also seems like attire for a senior miko or higher, but unfortunately, I only know of the Head Miko and the Miko Queen as ranks above senior.
However, I can say with certainty that Letty-sama is neither the Head Miko nor the Miko Queen.
This is because the other miko who were the first to treat the injured are all wearing the same attire as Letty-sama.
There’s no way there are over twenty Head Mikos in the Ancient Capital.
“Ah.”
Then, I remembered something.
“I see. The reason it felt archaic was because it resembles the attire worn by the Dreaming Shrine Maiden? Also, I’ve seen Letty-sama before!”
That’s right. It wasn’t just me, my whole family has seen Letty-sama before.
That was when we were invited into the Dreaming Shrine Maiden’s dream.
In a bedroom where the sea breeze was pleasant, just before the Dreaming Shrine Maiden finished a short awakening and fell into a long sleep, we saw the sleeping Dreaming Shrine Maiden and the miko who entered her bedroom in the space between dream and reality.
I feel like that miko was Letty-sama, who is now comforting Sū-sama.
Then, Letty-sama, turning at my voice, smiled gently.
“Yes. You all came to the Dreaming Shrine Maiden’s bedroom.”
“So, you recognized us back then!?”
This is surprising.
To think that the Letty-sama in the real world also recognized us who were in the Dreaming Shrine Maiden’s dream.
“We often go to various places through the Dreaming Shrine Maiden’s dreams. Besides, it was just before the Dreaming Shrine Maiden went to sleep then, so the influence on the surroundings was strong.”
“I see.”
The Dreaming Shrine Maiden is a special miko, isn’t she? I believe Letty-sama, who is in charge of her care, is also a special miko.
And the other miko in the same attire, too.
“I’m sorry. It will probably take a little longer for Sū-sama to stop crying.”
“Uuuu, I’m sorry. I was just so moved.”
“No, no, don’t worry about it.”
I never expected that seeing everyone gathered at the Wyvern Hunting Ground would move someone to tears like this.
Or rather, you’re crying too much!?
“Don’t mind Sū. He’s always like this.”
Then, Grayarin-sama, a Long-bodied Dragon with beautiful blue scales, spoke to me.
“I’d like to ask you something.”
“Yes, what is it?”
Even though she is an Ancient Dragon Species, her voice carried no intimidation, only gentle emotions like kindness and compassion. Grayarin-sama asked with a slightly puzzled tone.
“Just before coming here, I saw something strange in the distance across the plains.”
“Ah, that’s, that’s!”
I explain the current plan to Asher, Nimia, who arrived late, and the Ancient Dragon Species and miko who were suddenly decided to participate.
“Hoh, for a human, you come up with interesting ideas.”
“I understand. Very well, we will join your plan.”
“So, is Yin-Yang Sleigsta-sama stationed there?”
“It is a strategic and good location.”
Since I explained it using the Dragon Heart, it seems to have been conveyed to the Ancient Dragon Species far above.
What’s more, the Ancient Dragon Species seem to have agreed with my plan.
“Then, we shall also take up positions at what seem to be key locations.”
Declaring this, the Ancient Dragon Species disperse to various parts of the Wyvern Hunting Ground.
I don’t need to ask where.
They will undoubtedly secure the key points of the Dragon Veins.
“Lily, it’s time for you to show the results of your training.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll do my best!”
Seeing the Ancient Dragon Species actively moving, Sleigsta the Old Man called out to Lily.
Lily, who had been having her stomach stroked by the Giant Demon Lord, flapped her wings and flew away.
Then, Asher called out to Revalia.
“So, aren’t you going to work?”
“Hmph, stop bothering me. I just finished a troublesome task and came back.”
Revalia threatened Asher with bared fangs.
However, Asher brushed it off as if he didn’t care and looked at a section of the fortress that was still kicking up dust.
“Asher-san, should we be concerned about that area soon?”
“Leave it be.”
“Yes. Then, I will do so!”
Poor things.
Not a single one of the miko who were skillfully treating the wounded in the infirmary was worried about the dragon that rushed into the fortress.
This must be their daily life in the Ancient Capital.
“By the way, Asher-san. Was it alright to bring so many guardian dragons here?”
I was worried that if we brought the guardian dragons here, it would neglect the defense of the Ancient Capital. That would be counterproductive.
However, Asher dismissed my worries with a scoff.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I would never do anything that would interfere with my guardian duties.”
“Hmm, you seem to be mistaken.”
“Grandpa?”
Sleigsta the Old Man, looking down at me who seemed to be mistaken, also laughed.
“Ku ku ku. Let me clear up the misunderstanding. The Ancient Dragon Species guard the various layers of the fortress walls surrounding the Ancient Capital, you see. It’s not that each layer is guarded by one dragon.”
“What!?”
“Furthermore, the layers guarded by Snow Dragons are inhabited by Snow Dragon species, and the layers guarded by Shadow Dragons are inhabited by many Shadow Dragon species.”
I opened my eyes wide in surprise at Asher’s explanation.
“So, the surroundings of the Ancient Capital are guarded by Ancient Dragon Species according to their respective types!”
This is truly surprising.
Sleigsta the Old Man, Lily, the Shadow Dragon I encountered at Dragon Peak, the Evil Dragon that appeared in the Forbidden Territory, and the Rainbow Dragon that always stayed by Baltnowar’s side, all acted alone.
That’s why I thought Ancient Dragon Species lived solitary lives.
“How foolish. If you live alone, it would be difficult to find a mate.”
“If Asher-san hadn’t met a wonderful male dragon, Nimia wouldn’t have been born either!”
When I said that, for some reason, I was attacked by his tail!
Of course, not only my family who were nearby, but Sū-sama and Letty-sama were also caught in Asher’s tail attack.
“Uuuu. Letty, Asher-chan is merciless to men…”
“Yes, it’s usual.”
Letty-sama, with a gentle smile, dodged the tail attack with Sū-sama using the sorcery “Star Crossing.”
I also activated Spatial Jump, taking everyone with me.
“I-I’m sorry, Sū-sama, Letty-sama.”
“You should apologize to me!”
“Kya!”
This time, a front paw attack came mercilessly!
I was narrowly grazed by the sharp claws.
“Really, Asher-sama. Please don’t be so boisterous, there are injured people nearby!”
Then, a strong complaint came from an unexpected direction!
When I looked, a miko from the Ancient Capital was looking up at Asher with her hands on her hips.
Asher glanced at the brave miko looking up at him and snorted, “Hmph.” But he didn’t provoke me any further.
“Amazing! To be able to speak to Asher so directly!”
Even from this short exchange, I’m convinced.
The miko of the Ancient Capital and the Ancient Dragon Species who guard it are bound by a strong bond and deep trust.
“Now, you all should work hard too.”
“Ahaha. Try not to steal our spotlight, okay?”
“If Sū-sama has to step in, it will be a complete disgrace!”
“Wha-what, that’s terrible.”
Spurred on by the miko, we panicked.
Yes, there’s no time for leisurely chatting.
The dire situation of the rear support unit is gradually improving thanks to the efforts of the miko who came from the Ancient Capital.
However, the front line, where monsters and yoma overflow, has still not improved.
If we don’t act quickly, the rescue efforts will be in vain.
“Damn it… We can’t handle multiple yoma.”
“Even against monsters, our weapons and armor are worn out. Unless we have new equipment, we can’t fight any further.”
The human adventurers and beast race warriors who were receiving treatment from the miko had grim expressions.
Swords and spears will chip and even break if used continuously. Armor also gradually sustains damage, and eventually becomes an obstacle that hinders movement rather than protecting the wearer.
There are blacksmiths among the rear support unit, and they are repairing weapons and armor without rest. However, even sharpening a blade takes time, and re-forging takes days.
Of course, spare weapons and armor are also prepared, but at this rate, there’s a possibility that the stock will eventually be depleted.
If that happens, those without weapons and armor will be unable to return to the front lines, and consequently, their combat strength will decline.
This is a grave situation.
The number of yoma appearing has started to exceed the number being defeated.
Monsters are also spawning endlessly.
And the main threat, the Demon King, is expected to appear soon.
It has been demonstrated more than enough in this short time that not only the Ancient Dragon Species but also Sū-sama, Letty-sama, and the miko possess extraordinary abilities.
However, we cannot rely solely on the reinforcements from the Ancient Capital, can we?
Therefore, I want to find a way for those with clouded expressions to continue to be active.
Hmm, I pondered.
At that moment. A voice descended from the top of the pavilion, stirring the unspoken desires in everyone’s hearts.
“…Do you want power?”
Human adventurers looked up.
“Do you desire power?”
The beast race warriors shouted, “Yes!”
“…Then, I shall give it to you.”
Saying this, the person standing on top of the pavilion raised their right hand towards the ground.
“Ah, you are…!”
I looked up at the person on top of the pavilion and shouted.
“Ahaha. Ahahahahahaha!”
The person on top of the pavilion laughed.
From their fingertips, weapons and armor overflowed endlessly.
“Now, take it. However, if you draw a dud, you will be cursed. Ahahahahahaha!”
Under the pavilion, weapons of the divine race, weapons of the demon race, and cursed weapons were piled up carelessly!
The person creating precious weapons, which blacksmiths pour their life’s work into, while laughing.
It was Astel, the Cat Duke!
“Yes, just a moment! Creating weapons shaped like the old Holy Sword is absolutely prohibited! Someone, stop that Primogenitor!”
Ignoring my shout, or rather, very deliberately, Astel on top of the pavilion continued to create weapons.
Of course, watching my panic, he continued to do so, clutching his stomach and laughing!
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