The Fire Dragon King’s Lair – Inferno Flame Mouth
Melfina, even as a maiden, seemed to have some thoughts about her stomach growling so frequently. After pondering for a while, she seemed to have a good idea, her expression brightening as she said to me:
“I’ve got it. If it gets hot enough to consume, then it should be cooled down sufficiently. This should stabilize my stomach condition.”
Melfina, who uttered this slightly nonsensical statement, proceeded to commit the act of covering the volcano’s magma channels with ice, just as she said. From the crater, she brought forth an outrageous technique, turning all the magma channels leading down into a world of ice. Well, in a comfortable zone, it wouldn’t protect us from the directly approaching magma. She even generated ice spiral staircases along the walls of the magma channels. In the end, can we consider Mel’s actions to have guided us in a good direction?
It did save us the trouble of constantly protecting ourselves with barriers every time the volcano erupted fiercely, threatening us with magma. However, I don’t know how it fares in terms of preserving the ecosystem. Even if the Fire Dragon doesn’t approach its lair, it’s not like there aren’t other monsters. I’m very worried that powerful monsters that might have fought us could become weakened.
“It seems the heat was indeed the cause. I feel like my condition has improved. Judging by my stomach, it’s slightly below the ‘eight parts full’ mark. You, sir, I think this might work!”
“Eh…”
Was the heat really the reason for Mel’s hunger? I cast a doubtful gaze at the icy magma channels, which were cool, even slightly chilling. At that moment, I happened to spot a trembling red object at the lower part of my vision. It was Mudo, with red hair, wearing the red clothes Melfina made.
“Mudo, you seem quite frozen, are you okay?”
“Ugh, I dislike the cold…”
Light Dragon King, right now he just looks like a chihuahua. Hmm. I figured the volcanic region would be quite hot, so I brought the heat-resistant personality, red Mudo, but in this situation, it was counterproductive. Mudoph, whose colossal dragon body could shrink to a human form, could enter narrow spaces. However, it seems that the personality that emerges determines their attribute affinity, leading to such disadvantages. In dragon form, he can correspond to all attributes except darkness. Is the weakening that comes with taking human form similar to Dahak’s?
“Sister Sera, I’ll switch with the blue me, so put me to sleep.”
“You mean use the fleeting dream technique? Right, should it be light?”
“Yeah. Light sleep is okay.”
“Since we’ve come down this far, it’s a good time for a break.”
Mel created a wide platform of ice and laid Mudo down on the bed taken from Kuro’s storage.
“Here I go!”
Sera channeled black magical power into her fist, and as she placed her hand on Mudo’s head as if to stroke it, the effect seemed to take hold immediately. Mudo quietly closed his eyes, muttering, “Kuu…”. Mudo, with his red hair like Sera’s, looked like sisters when I saw him like this. Unexpectedly, Bell Baal came to mind. I want to clarify my relationship with Sera soon. Though they’re inexplicably in a hostile relationship now, wouldn’t a good old-fashioned sisterly fight resolve it? After all, they’d feel better if they expressed their feelings. And it would be even better if I could join them.
“Ah, Older Kel. Mudo-chan’s hair is turning blue.”
As Rion said, Mudo’s hair color was shifting from a fiery red to a vivid blue. It’s interesting that his clothing changed to blue along with his hair, as the equipment slots are separated by personality. However, not being able to switch personalities without sleeping is a bit inconvenient. During battle, unless he changes to dragon form, he seems inflexible. Well, as someone called an “MP ghost,” I could just re-summon him. Still, the MP cost wouldn’t be insignificant.
“…Good morning, Master. The red one is weak and troublesome.”
“Good morning, Mudo. Considering you were crying to red Mudo about the volcano being dangerous, that’s quite a statement.”
“That’s that, and this is this. Efil-neesan, I want to eat the pancakes the red me ate later as well.”
“Ah, it seems you liked them. Were they that delicious?”
“Supreme and ultimate. I can’t stand just having it in my memory.”
Desserts don’t care about hot or cold, huh… It wasn’t even a nap, but it’s amazing that he’s so insistent about wanting sweets the moment he wakes up. I can only think of *oshiruko* eaten on New Year’s morning. Although my memory is vague since I have no recollection of it.
“Hmm? Hey Kelvin, there might be the scent of treasure a little further down.”
Ange said, peeking down from the ice platform. You can sense the location of treasure, huh? It’s not for nothing that you were the most formidable spy.
“Efil, can you see?”
“…I see a hall where a mountain of treasure has been built upon a frozen magma pool. And also, what seems to be a transfer gate leading to the Underworld that Mel-sama mentioned.”
“Why would treasure be in such a place? It’s fine now that it’s frozen, but wouldn’t it melt if it were in such a spot?”
“It looks like there’s a barrier around the hall.”
“Isn’t that hall the ‘Fire Dragon King’s Lair’? Some dragons hoard treasure in their dens to show off, you know.”
Ah, I see. That barrier is probably to protect the transfer gate from the magma, but the Fire Dragon King found it and made it his lair. If someone were to come from the Underworld to the surface world, they’d be quite surprised. If they timed it wrong, they’d start a battle with the Fire Dragon King the moment they took their first step. No wonder there are so few demons appearing on the surface.
“I’d be buried in vegetables, though…”
…Valuations vary among dragons.
“Treasure collected by the Fire Dragon King, huh. I’ll take it incidentally.”
“Well, if that’s decided, let’s go right away.”
After a short break, we descended the spiral staircase for a while longer. Gradually, what came into my naked eye was a sea of solidified magma, frozen as a giant wave, and an obviously artificial hall floating on it like an island. Even so, it was spacious enough for the Fire Dragon King to lie down. In the center of the hall was a transfer gate seen in various countries, and on the floor of the hall, shining treasures were piled up as if to cover everything. I want to tell the now-deceased former Fire Dragon King that this would keep one awake.
As we approached the hall, Mel extended a new direct staircase. Passing through the hall’s barrier, I noticed the inside had a surprisingly comfortable temperature. It was just right, even though it was cold until just now. Though I wouldn’t think of making it my base like the Fire Dragon King.
“Wow, gold and silver treasures!”
“It’s so bright… But I’ve never seen so many treasures, not even in Trisen’s vault…”
“I wonder how much time was spent on this. Well, let’s leave the calculations for later.”
The transfer gate is already active. No, it’s always active. Passing through this will lead us to the land of dreams and hopes, the Underworld. I don’t know where it connects in the Underground World, but what should I do first?
“Judging from the pendants I gave to my disciples, Silvia and the others haven’t gone there yet.”
“Sylwie and them are going from ‘Amatsukisengen,’ right? I hope they’re okay?”
Rion said worriedly, but I wasn’t particularly concerned. I know her strength well, as she did kill me, albeit in a mutual exchange.
“Silvia, I’m sorry, but I’m going ahead.”
My solitary words, which shouldn’t have reached anyone, vanished into the air. Well, I guess I’ll get the ball rolling!
“Brother! We have to collect the treasure before we go!”
“…”
Silvia, not now. It will take a little longer.
