Black Summoner – Chapter 731

“Whew, is this about it?”

“A satisfactory result.”

“This is truly an impregnable fortress, no, an Ice Wall Fortress.”

Having finished the renovation of Angel’s Refuge, I, Aomudo, and Rozaria were satisfied. A double defense of an invisible Wind Barrier and ice walls with an ice pop flavor. Furthermore, I had deployed a golem army of ice and steel, created by Mudo and me, on sniper platforms to automatically eliminate any intruders. Various other trigger-type traps were also installed. Raphael and the others could also fight to some extent, so this should be sufficient to counter any fallen angel of a certain level.

“My people! Behold this overwhelming fortress! We are witnessing a miracle of God firsthand!”

” ” ” ” “Ooooooh!” ” ” ” ”

” ” ” ” “Lord Mel! Lord Mel! And there, Lord Mel!” ” ” ” ”

“…My Lord, please help me.”

I wonder what happened while we were working, but Mel was sitting on a divine palanquin carried by angels. Surrounded by angels in happi coats and holding special Mel fans. Raphael was waving a special large flag, acting as the cheer squad leader.

“How did this happen?”

Yeah, how did this happen indeed. I knew it would be lively, but Colette’s clones seemed to have multiplied. The palanquin Mel was riding on was adorned with a large offering of fruit (?), but Mel didn’t seem to have the energy to eat it right now. Even Mel, who is basically energetic as long as she’s eating, was surprisingly… Oh, wait, no. She was eating at super-high speed. She was eating, but the surrounding angels kept offering more at such a rapid pace that it looked like the fruit wasn’t decreasing!

“…No, what are you really doing?”

“Crunch, crunch, crunch… This is by no means me being fed, *gulp*!”

“Master, it’s serious! All of those are… high-class fruits! I want permission to eat them too…!”

Mudo’s sweet-tooth-detection eyes understood everything just by looking. Wipe that drool, first.

“Ah, Master. What do we do now? It doesn’t feel like we can depart immediately, does it?”

“That’s the thing. It seems like it will take quite an effort to get Mel, who is literally being carried on a palanquin, out of there. We’ve finished our business here, and I wanted to head to Reigand’s capital quickly, but…”

“Master, why don’t you ask Mel directly? I believe Master Mel’s words would be readily accepted by the angels.”

I see, indeed. But would Mel, who is in fruit heaven, want to leave on her own? Well, it’s worth a try, so I sent Mel a telepathic message.

“Mel, we want to depart soon, so please tell them to stop the festival—”

—Creak.

It appeared right at that moment. Sensing an unusual sound, presence, and a strange twist of magic power, I quickly turned my gaze in the direction from which it was appearing.

“What is that?”

It seems Paul-kun had the same thought as me. Far in the distance, likely near Reigand’s capital, a pure white stake appeared in the sky above. I couldn’t ascertain its exact size due to the distance, but the fact that I could see it from here meant it was quite large. It appeared in the sky as if it had torn through space, and was gradually descending to the ground.

Whether it was an attack using the Ten Authorities, or if driving that stake into the ground would cause some kind of effect, its purpose was unknown. However, I instinctively understood that it was something ominous and bad for us. It felt similar to the Ark that Kuromel was on. Moreover, it was troubling that I could sense more of them not just in Reigand, but far beyond the horizon. Including that stake, there were probably… about three in total? In any case, at the very least, the enemy possesses the ability to transfer and create such massive objects. That much is certain.

“N-no way, is that…!?”

“Raphael, do you know what that is?”

“Yes— Wait, Lord Kelvin!? Your face has become quite unusual!?”

What, really?

“I apologize. That is a kind of chronic condition for Master. However, it causes no harm to anyone besides its appearance, so please do not mind it.”

“I-is that so? Hmm, there are strange illnesses on the surface that are beyond our understanding. How peculiar.”

I really don’t want to hear that from Raphael and the others, whose sensibilities are Colette-level. And Rozaria, wasn’t your explanation a bit harsh? My appearance causes no harm, you know.

“No, never mind my face! So, Raphael, do you know anything about that stake?”

“Yes, there is a description similar to that stake in the ancient myths passed down among us angels. When the world reaches its end, a Stake of Judgment descends from the heavens. The stake carves Divine Punishment into the earth and brings about destruction.”

“It’s a myth from before the War of the Gods. It is said that the extremists—those who are now called the Evil God faction—engaged in such activities when destroying worlds that were deemed unsuitable. That stake is an attack and a declaration of the end. Of course, this is the first time I have witnessed something like it myself.”

“Was that thing that grand…? So, it’s okay to shoot it down then?”

I took out Disaster (Black Staff), imbued it with the Great Wind Demon God Scythe, and aimed. The distance was tough, but a concentrated slash should barely reach. Above all, the target was huge. I’m not going to miss this, O Ten Authorities.

“Your Excellency, if you were to shoot it down, wouldn’t the area directly below become problematic? Given its size, the amount of debris that falls upon destruction would also be considerable.”

“If directly below it is Reigand’s capital, the result would be tragic. If that’s acceptable, shall I also snipe? Or perhaps ram it?”

“Wait, wait! That’s my hometown— No, wait, it’s Master Kelvin! You must have a plan, right!?”

“…”

I see. It appeared directly above a densely populated area in anticipation of a preemptive attack from us. In that case, it wouldn’t be good to unleash a slash with the Great Wind Demon God Scythe that cuts through everything. Damn, how cowardly…! Also, what should I do from here? I’ve already raised the Great Scythe. Having acted cool, it’s a little hard to stop now.

“…Wind God’s Leg x 4.”

After careful consideration, I converted the magic power of the slash I was about to unleash, chanted Wind God’s Leg, and even changed my pose to match. This increased the speed of myself, Mel, Mudo, and Rozaria. Immediately, I stated the next plan.

“If shooting it down from afar is impossible, then we’ll find a way from directly below. Everyone, full speed towards the spot under that stake. So, Raphael, the Mel fan appreciation festival will be postponed to another time.”

“Eh? Ah, yes, travel safely…?”

“Come on, Mel, get off the palanquin quickly. The effect of Wind God’s Leg is limited, you know.”

“Haa, thank you for saving me, but I feel reluctant to leave the fruit…”

A quick-witted move in an unspeakable atmosphere. Yes, this was a quick-witted move. If Mel was successfully brought down from the palanquin and I gained an excuse to depart for Reigand, I guess it could be managed somehow. Yep, probably passable. Now, all that’s left is to move.

“Alright, let’s go! The stake won’t wait for us!”

“W-wait, Master!”

I was called to a halt by Paul-kun, who had a solemn expression, even though we were so close. Damn, was it too much after all!?

“I’m the only one who doesn’t have magic imbued!”

“…We’re in a hurry, so Paul-kun, you’ll be house-sitting.”

It was okay.