A week has passed since the Order was dispatched to Torencia.
The Orders are currently split among Bestia, Krater, and Rio as planned, and so far, they seem to be interacting with the Saber’s Guild without any particular issues.
It has also begun to snow heavily in Amister, with some rural areas already experiencing snow depths up to knee-level.
This is also true for Polar, which borders Retisencia; there have been no attacks from the Retisencia side since then.
This is not the only reason, but it has been decided that the Alliance will be dispatched in three days.
Trial Hearts will remain in Polar until the last possible moment, and I have respected Bout’s opinion on this matter.
Polar is recorded in the Gate Crystal, and we will be regrouping in Alka, so it’s not a big problem.
Incidentally, during that time, Holy Grave was summoned to Float once and presented with awards for their achievements in the Alliance in Mylight.
Faris and Cliff were granted knighthoods and became G-rank Orders, and were also bestowed with griffin materials for a jade silver magic gauntlet used for Knight Magic “Shielding.”
I sometimes use Shielding myself, and that magic gauntlet is truly a lifesaver.
“The date for going to Torencia has been decided, and my weapons have been thoroughly maintained. Given the timing, I don’t expect immediate combat upon arrival, but my arms are itching for action.”
“I feel the same. Besides, many of the monsters in Torencia are not seen around here, so it seems like we’ll be able to earn a good amount.”
The Alliance to be dispatched to Torencia will, as usual, be hunting like ordinary Hunters.
Hunters hunt monsters, and unlike Orders, they are responsible for their own accommodation and food expenses, so they need to earn that money.
Since they are participating in a war, their compensation would normally be reduced. However, due to the enormous scale of the problem and the fact that only top-tier raids from Amister are being contacted, the financial compensation will not be reduced, and in some cases, may even be increased based on their achievements, according to the wishes of the Royal Family. This is an exceptionally generous offer.
Incidentally, the participating raids have been trained to a considerably higher level by us, as we made a special request for them to participate in combat training hosted by myself, Prim, and Mako.
Some have even evolved into High Classes, and Faris, the leader of Holy Grave and a High Fairy, has leveled up to 63 and been promoted to P-rank Hunter. If she had had a little more time, she might have even evolved into an Ancient Fairy.
“I really don’t want to be burdened with the role of Alliance Leader for that reason!”
“I understand, but we are in a reconnaissance role. After all, the entire Alliance has been dispatched to Rio.”
This time, the Alliance will not be sent to Krater; instead, they will be based in the city of Rio.
Rio is a large city, and a short trip east will lead you to the Golud Great Glacier, where high-ranking monsters are not uncommon.
However, many of the Hunters who were based in Rio were victims during the invasion of Solemne, and the number of Hunters in Rio has drastically decreased.
Therefore, Torencia’s request is for the Alliance to also undertake monster subjugation in the vicinity of Rio.
“Given the circumstances and the proximity to the Golud Great Glacier, I can understand Torencia’s reasoning. Thanks to you all, we’ve all leveled up considerably, so we should be able to handle anything short of exceptionally powerful monsters.”
“Compared to that training, P-C rank monsters seemed like child’s play.”
Everyone nodded in agreement with Faris and Cliff’s opinions.
Was it really that much?
“We faced three Ancient Classes simultaneously who could easily defeat those P-C rank monsters, and not just one, but three! Like Cliff said, P-C rank monsters might seem cute compared to A-rank ones.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
El, the leader of Falcon’s Beak, and Slain, the leader of Gracious Lynx, called us, Prim, and Mako “inhuman,” and we all looked up at the sky.
“Well, that’s fine. Since we can command A-rank Hunters at our beck and call, I’ll be sure to give them instructions if anything comes up.”
“Is that so? Well, I suppose that’s fine too.”
A leader’s command is absolute.
I don’t expect them to impose unreasonable commands or anything that goes against humanitarian principles.
“By the way, Yamato, have you met Certina?”
“Yes, I have.”
Caesar suddenly changed the subject.
Certina Celsthal is a P-rank Hunter in Torencia, a Level 66 High Lamia.
Surprisingly, she is the great-grandmother of Torencia’s Queen, Emperor Hildegard, and she is a formidable warrior who has been an active Hunter at the age of 108.
When Emperor Reinhardt invited them to Float, she was shown the magic stone of a Demise Species, and Emperor Aiver also bestowed upon her a spear made of jade silver.
Perhaps due to these boons, her level has increased, but she has not yet evolved into an Ancient Lamia.
The same applies to Liberte from Valentia and Hitomi from Alegria; their levels have increased, but neither has evolved yet.
Certina resides in Krater, largely to keep an eye on the Slume Lord.
Although, she apparently intended to observe for a few years and then move to Bestia or Rio. However, due to various circumstances, she ended up settling in Krater.
I met Certina when I went to record the Gate Crystal.
Sayuri accompanied me, and it seems they have been friends for 80 years, indicating a very close relationship. She mentioned that this was her first reunion with the former Queen in 30 years.
“Certina is in Krater. I was hoping to meet her, but I suppose that’s impossible now.”
“Yeah. Unfortunately, it looks like we’ll have to wait until everything is over to meet her.”
I feel sorry about it, but there’s no other way.
“Speaking of which, about the compensation, are you sure that’s alright?”
“No, no, it’s more than enough.”
“It truly is. With that, not only travel but also camping will be much easier.”
Although the Alliance is scheduled to receive full compensation without reduction despite participating in a war, additional compensation is planned from both Amister and Torencia.
However, the compensation requested by all participating Alliances is the finished product of the experimental Beast Carriages that we are using, custom-ordered to their specifications.
While it’s true that it makes travel and camping much easier, Feena estimated that even with my 50x Mirroring enchantment, it wouldn’t reach 3 million El.
Even so, it’s still a considerable sum of money. However, for a reward for participating in one of Amister’s top raids, it feels a bit insufficient, and Emperor Reinhardt has indeed asked us to confirm if this is truly acceptable.
“Even so, there’s nothing I want more than that Beast Carriage. While the amount might seem like that, in terms of actual use, it’s worth twice that.”
“I agree. Plus, with Yamato performing the 50x Mirroring enchantment, it’s genuinely worth that much, no joke.”
When they say that, I find it hard to argue.
Since I am the only Ancient Crafter, only I can perform the 50x Mirroring enchantment.
Therefore, if orders flood in, I will have no choice but to handle them.
While it’s definitely profitable, I find it troublesome to travel to other cities just for that, and more importantly, it prevents me from doing other things, so I sincerely hope to avoid that.
This is not the only reason, but the maximum Mirroring value will be set at 30x, and the enchantment fee will be 1 million El, which is equivalent to one Divine Metal coin, making it quite expensive. This is so that orders can be distributed among the few High Crafters.
This Alliance is happening on short notice, involves traveling to Torencia, and will require them to directly confront unknown weaponry such as Steam Battleships in the Helios Orb. Therefore, Emperor Reinhardt requested that I personally apply a 50x Mirroring enchantment to the Beast Carriages as compensation.
“So that’s how it’s going to be. In that case, it would be best to make the exterior to each person’s liking, in addition to the interior.”
“That would be greatly appreciated. I too like the exterior design and would like it to be something like that if possible.”
“Is that so? In that case, I will draw up some representative images in drawing format.”
I replied this way because Caesar’s face lit up with joy, and then the others eagerly followed suit with their own requests.
The experimental Beast Carriages are designed with the exterior of a small cruiser from Earth. However, the experimental models used by the Order’s Guild are modeled after sailing ships.
That is to say, they do not have sails, and the masts are short, so it is merely a reference.
However, the Hunters present here do not seem to favor that exterior design and prefer the cruiser from my world.
Well, since everything including the exterior is custom-made, I suppose that’s fine.
And so, for the three days leading up to their dispatch to Torencia, the members of the Alliance busied themselves with creating design blueprints for their Beast Carriages, including their exteriors.
Of course, they still went hunting during the day, and thanks to that, our exploration of Mylight has also progressed considerably.
Well, it’s like entertainment, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves, so it’s fine.
Then, three days later, the Alliance set out for Torencia.
First, the Hunters who gathered in Feel were transferred to Alka, and then Trial Hearts, who were in Polar, were also transferred.
“It’s been a while, Bout.”
“Yes. First, I’d like to thank you.”
“Thank me?”
“Yes. We are grateful for your acceptance of our participation.”
Bout, who bowed his head, was followed by Trial Hearts.
“What are you doing? It’s not your fault.”
“That’s right. I certainly didn’t expect him to draw a sword on His Majesty, but he intended to make Manalease his own, so a similar situation would have arisen sooner or later.”
“Besides, people like that appear in small numbers every year. They are duly punished, so there’s nothing for us to say.”
Trial Hearts’ honor had already fallen to the ground when Lux betrayed the country. However, if they had distanced themselves from Lux, it might not have fallen so far.
Bout trusted Lux and intended to see him through to the end, but it backfired, and in the worst possible way.
“That is precisely why. Because I was too lenient, it led to a situation where a sword was drawn against His Majesty. The guilt is heavy. It is so heavy that the penalty of that magnitude and the defense of Polar are utterly insufficient to atone for it.”
“If you feel that way, then all you have to do is try your best to make up for your mistake with this Alliance.”
“You’re right. However, knowing you, Bout, I doubt you believe that will be enough to atone for it.”
“You’ve seen through me, haven’t you? I suppose that’s the advantage of age.”
I’ve heard that they’ve formed Alliances several times, and even from an outsider’s perspective, it’s clear they trust each other.
They trust each other with their lives, sharing meals and sleeping quarters, and by coordinating to defeat high-ranking monsters, they earn trust. This trust allows them to accept Bout and Trial Hearts, and by Bout responding in kind, their bond deepens further.
Perhaps this is the reason why Amister’s Alliances have a high success rate and few casualties.
“If you can talk the talk like that, you’ll be fine. Now then, Yamato, shall we go?”
“Understood.”
As I was briefly spellbound, Faris, who was to serve as the leader, urged me on.
We first flew to Bestia using the Gate Crystal and immediately returned with a stone tablet.
From there, we used a transfer stone tablet to teleport the Alliance to Bestia.
This time, there are over 100 people, but the new experimental Beast Carriage was designed with this in mind, so there is ample space for everyone, and even the sleeping quarters, while not luxurious, can be used individually.
The interior of the guest room has been slightly altered, with the leather of a Giant Rockworm covering over 80% of the floor. However, the fundamental problem of sleeping in a crowded arrangement remains unchanged.
“This is my first time riding in it, but wow, this Beast Carriage is amazing.”
“Doesn’t it? We were surprised too.”
“Thanks to this, we might have saved our lives.”
Trial Hearts, who were anticipating an attack from Retisencia in Polar, are riding in the experimental Beast Carriage for the first time.
They are currently chatting in the living room, and the conversation is all about this Beast Carriage.
Some are out on the rear deck or in the observation seats.
Incidentally, the drivers-Leanne and Orchid-are pulling this Beast Carriage, with Raus, Rebecca, and Carol at the reins.
“From what I’ve heard, it sounds like the journey was quite enjoyable.”
“Just hearing about it, perhaps. In reality, it was tough.”
“It became considerably easier once we rendezvoused with Wing Crest.”
“Especially camping in the desert was unbelievably easier.”
While discussing Instant Labyrinth, Gracious Lynx, Falcon’s Beak, and Black Army recounted their experiences with the Beast Carriage.
I was on night watch during our desert camping in the 6th Level of the desert, as usual.
However, thanks to the external air-blocking enchantment applied to the deck and observation seats, we were free from the biting cold, and it ended with just casual conversation.
The reason for this was that monsters could not enter the Safe Area, but it was still incredibly comfortable.
The observation deck had an awning, but the deck itself did not, so one could see the starry sky if they lay down.
“In the desert of Gallia Labyrinth, it was really no laughing matter.”
“Ah, that time, was it? It was indeed tough…”
Slay and Bout seem to be staring into the distance with a distant look. I wonder if they, or rather, Trial Hearts and Gracious Lynx, have experienced desert camping before?
“Yes. About three years ago, the 10th Level of Gallia Labyrinth is a desert, and we happened to meet Gracious Lynx there. Unfortunately, we also encountered a Giant Sandwurm.”
“That P-I rank one?”
“Yes. I might be able to handle it now, but back then we didn’t have alloy weapons, so we thought we were unlucky when we encountered it.”
The P-I rank monster, the Giant Sandwurm, is, as its name suggests, an anomaly of the Sandwurm species.
Despite its nearly 30-meter-long body, it can move freely and quickly through the sand, to the point where encountering one is said to be fatal.
Trial Hearts and Gracious Lynx, who coincidentally met in the desert of the 10th Level of Gallia Labyrinth, managed to contain the Giant Sandwurm by cooperating with each other and narrowly escaped to a Safe Area. However, due to their prolonged escape, they had strayed significantly from the regular route. Furthermore, that Safe Area did not connect to the 11th Level, nor even the 9th Level, leaving them with no choice but to make camp there.
They both owned Beast Carriages with Mirror Rooms, but since they only had a 3x Mirroring enchantment, the space was only about 30 square meters. They had to endure cramped conditions, sleeping in a crowded arrangement, and also take turns on watch. They apparently stayed awake all night, struggling against the cold while constantly maintaining a fire.
“So that’s what happened. No wonder Gracious Lynx opposed desert camping back then.”
“Even after hearing Yamato talk about external air-blocking, I couldn’t believe it until I experienced it myself.”
“Of course. We were half-skeptical too, so for Gracious Lynx, who had already experienced desert camping, it was certainly something they would want to avoid.”
Indeed, even after I explained that the Beast Carriage had an external air-blocking enchantment, Gracious Lynx initially argued that they should return to the Undead Level.
Fortunately, as the sun began to set shortly after descending to the 6th Level, they were able to experience it firsthand. Otherwise, we might have actually had to return to the Undead Level.
“It was also for precautions against snowfields and deserts. In fact, the 6th Level of Solpreza Labyrinth was a snowfield.”
“Ah, yes, snowfields are indeed tough.”
When we entered Solpreza Labyrinth, we weren’t using the experimental Beast Carriage yet. If we had to camp on a snowfield then, it would have been a real disaster.
Well, since there were no other Hunters besides us, I assume they probably slept warmly in the Beast Carriage’s bedroom without needing to take turns on watch.
“Yamato-san, we have arrived in Bestia. Could you please handle it?”
“Ah, we’ve arrived. Understood, I’ll be right there. Faris.”
“It’s a hassle, but there’s no other way.”
Just as I was about to explain that we had applied external air-blocking enchantments and taken measures for heat, cold, and sunlight for the Beast-Beasts pulling the carriages, using that experience, Carol descended from the driver’s seat and informed me that we had arrived in Bestia.
Torencia has been notified that the Alliance will be accompanying us. However, our transfer destination is outside Bestia, so we need to speak with the Saber who is on guard duty to enter.
I would have preferred to leave it entirely to Mana and Yuri, but since the people I brought with me are Hunters, I and Alliance Leader Faris will have to explain.
It’s a tedious process to inspect the inside of a Beast Carriage, and Torencia has been informed of who will be entering, so as a special exemption, we are exempt from identity checks, which is a relief. It would be troublesome and time-consuming to check the licenses of over 100 people, and the fact that all of them are well-vetted Hunters is also a significant reason.
“Being a leader is tough, isn’t it?”
“If you want to try, I can switch with you anytime?”
“I refuse. Who would want to do something so troublesome?”
“Originally, Yamato should be the leader, but he still lacks experience, and it seems he has other things to do this time.”
“Please give up, Leader.”
Faris looks genuinely displeased, but according to Alliance regulations, the leader is the Hunter with the highest level.
If we go by that rule, it would be me, but I’ve only been registered as a Hunter for about six months, so in terms of experience, I have the least among the current raids, by a considerable margin.
Therefore, for several years, as a period of study, I am exempt from being the leader.
Furthermore, this time, I will be going back and forth between Amister and Torencia using transfer stone tablets, so I am quite busy, in fact.
Therefore, the only person who could be the leader, besides us, is Faris, who is the highest in level and has also been promoted to P-rank Hunter.
Hunters are also free spirits, so many do not want to be leaders.
In fact, everyone here feels that way.
I feel the same, and since there is no one in Helios Orb who surpasses my current Level 82, it is confirmed that I will serve as leader for every Alliance after gaining more experience, and this has been clearly communicated.
Everyone here has welcomed it with open arms, but their faces also clearly show that they are relieved to be free from such troublesome tasks.
If Orders participate, the leader can be delegated to them, so I sincerely wish that Orders would participate in every Alliance I am a part of.
