Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 250

After we finished defeating the Slume Lord and returned, everyone else had already finished their battles.

It seemed that all of them had been defeated without further incident, but there were still many casualties.

However, when we announced that we had successfully defeated the Slume Lord, a great cheer that shook the glacier and shouts of victory erupted.

There were even some Sabers shedding tears.

Afterward, while everyone else was securing the perimeter and recovering bodies, I, Prim, Mako, Mana, Emperor Hildegard, Faris, Albert, Rex, and Delfina gathered in the VIP room of our beast carriage to confirm the extent of the damage.

At that meeting, it was reported that Mana had evolved into an Ancient Elf and Faris into an Ancient Fairy, and that the two of them had defeated the Avalanche Howl together. We were all surprised, including myself.

Only Prim, who already knew, was an exception.

“Out of 259 people, 158 were seriously injured, including those with severed limbs. The dead are 18 Sabers, 27 Orders, and 12 Hunters, for a total of 57. Considering the result of defeating a Demise Species, this is an extremely small number…”

“That’s true… However, the Slume Lord was defeated by Lord Yamato, Prim, and Mako. This means that the threat that has plagued Torencia for many years has finally passed.”

As could be understood from the conversation between Albert, a G-rank Saber who served as the Alliance Leader, and Emperor Hildegard, as many as 57 people lost their lives in this subjugation battle.

The Trial Hearts, who had been fighting bravely to stop one of the Avalanche Howls, suffered near-total casualties. Only five High Hunters barely survived, while three regular Hunters lost their lives.

Additionally, two Hunters from the Gracious Lynx and seven from the Black Army lost their lives.

“Seriously injured individuals, including those with severed limbs, have been treated by healers, starting with Miss Mako of the Wing Crest, but not all of them are out of the woods yet.”

“Yes. Many, including myself, have had limbs eaten off.”

Although there were 158 seriously injured individuals, thanks to the efforts of the healers, they are recovering for now.

However, since Mako had just finished a fierce battle, she couldn’t get around to performing Blood Healing to restore blood, so those seriously injured individuals had no choice but to rest in the beast carriage.

Furthermore, not only the Trial Hearts, but also Delfina from the 7th Squad, the First Order, had her right wrist eaten off by an Icequake Tiger and could not be treated.

Similarly, there are over 50 people who have had their limbs completely eaten off.

“For those who have lost limbs, we will summon A-rank healers from all over Torencia and request their treatment. We will summon them as soon as possible, but until then, you will have to endure the inconvenience.”

“I appreciate it. However, as someone who participated in the Demise Species subjugation, I believe it is a miracle that we are alive at all. I apologize to those who have fallen.”

“Yes. However, they also participated knowing the risks of death. All we who remain can do is honor their memory and pray for their souls.”

Although what Albert said might be true, the shock of losing comrades is immeasurable.

Even I, who wasn’t all that close to them, felt that way.

“…That’s true. Lord Yamato, without your presence in this subjugation battle, Torencia would have perished. I am truly and sincerely grateful.”

While firmly facing the extent of the damage, Emperor Hildegard bowed her head to me.

“No, if it weren’t for the people here, I don’t think anything would have been possible.”

This is something I truly believe.

I am confident that I could defeat an Icequake Tiger or an Avalanche Howl individually without much trouble, but with such a large horde, and with the Slume Lord as well, it would have been dangerous even for us.

I was especially grateful and reassured that Rex and the First Squad participated, as the Alliances led by Faris and others came to our aid. It was inferred that the Orc Emperor and Orc Empress had just evolved into Demise Species, and this battle truly made me believe that was the case.

Therefore, we must consider other Demise Species to be at least on par with the Slume Lord.

“Since the defeat of the Slume Lord cannot be hidden, we will also announce the defeat of the Orc Emperor and Orc Empress on this occasion. I have received permission from my brother as well, so it will start with Krater, won’t it?”

Is approval already granted for that?

Well, Emperor Reinhardt also knew that we were participating in the Slume Lord subjugation battle, so it’s not strange for him to have considered the possibility of success.

“Huh?”

“Your Highness, what exactly is…?”

However, Albert and Delfina did not know that we had defeated Demise Species, so they seemed to have no idea what she was talking about.

“It’s understandable that you wouldn’t know. Delfina, you know that an Alliance was formed in Feel four months ago, right?”

“Of course. I heard that an Orc King and Orc Queen formed a pair, and that a settlement inhabited by many higher and rare species was annihilated.”

“That’s the official story. Rex and Faris, who are here, also participated. However, the pair in that settlement were the Orc Emperor and Orc Empress, and there were apparently multiple Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses. Isn’t that right, Rex, Faris?”

“As Your Highness says.”

“I have never experienced such despair.”

“Th-then, at that time, they…!”

“Yes. That is precisely why, even with Yuri and I marrying in, it is still not enough reward for our achievements?”

I have been told this time and time again, and that is precisely why I was bestowed with a branch of the Celestial Tree.

Although it is said to be excessive externally, the Chancellor, nobles, Grand Order’s Master, and Associate Order’s Master, who know the truth, said it was insufficient, which apparently led to quite a troublesome situation.

“When I went to Float, I was also able to see the Magic Stones of both Demise Species. They were very malevolent Magic Stones, but that’s why I had to accept that they were Demise Species Magic Stones.”

“S-so… for them, this would be the second case, correct?”

“Since Mako hadn’t transferred yet, it would be her first.”

That’s right.

“Speaking of which, Mako, is that little tiger a child of the Slume Lord?”

“Yes, it was entrusted to me by the Slume Lord. I have already made a Summon Contract, so I will not harm it.”

“That’s fine. Since it was instrumental in defeating the Slume Lord, it has the right to that much.”

And so, the conversation turned to the cub, Shirayuki, who was sleeping soundly in Mako’s arms.

“That’s true. While I do have my thoughts on the fact that it’s the Slume Lord’s cub, there are many who have contracts with Icicle Tigers.”

“After all, Certina herself has a contract with a Friezas Tiger, doesn’t she? As long as a Summon Contract is in place, it shouldn’t be a major problem.”

We think so too, and this cub is innocent.

“What a cute sleeping face. It’s said to be newly born, but it looks like it can walk normally.”

“It can walk, and it looks like it can even fight to some extent. Of course, I have no intention of forcing it, but as the child of a proud Tiger King, I will raise it to be strong enough not to lose to any ordinary monster.”

With that, Mako offered a charming smile.

Shirayuki, who formed a Summon Contract with Mako, has evolved from an Icicle Tiger to a Snow Mirage Tiger.

Whether it’s a higher species or a rare species is unknown, but it’s highly likely that it’s superior to the Friezas Tiger.

In the sense of being entrusted, it’s the same as Jade and Fluorite, so Shirayuki also has the potential for further evolution.

“Understood. We will return to Krater after breakfast tomorrow, after as much treatment as possible. We will hold a presentation upon our return, but the dissection will be carried out by Bestia.”

I suppose that’s how it will be.

I possess three Icequake Tiger Magic Stones, but no country has the Magic Stones of the Slume Lord or even the Avalanche Howl.

Therefore, the Magic Stones of the Slume Lord and Avalanche Howl will be stored in the White Demon Castle and officially recognized as national treasures. However, since there were two Avalanche Howls, one will be presented entirely to Amister.

As for the Icequake Tigers, as a reward, the Hunters will each receive two from the raid, we will have three, Amister will be presented with three, and Torencia will have the remaining two.

Since they are M-I Rank Monsters, they are more than sufficient rewards, whether sold or used by themselves.

“Regarding the injured, Sabers will recuperate in Krater, but Orders and Hunters will recuperate in Bestia. With the successful subjugation of the Slume Lord, the guard level of the Golud Great Glacier can be lowered.”

That’s true.

The combat power of the Krater branch of the Saber’s Guild has significantly decreased, but with the 6th and 8th Squads of the Orders present, maintaining public order and monster subjugation should be manageable.

“However, Your Majesty, the High Classes of the 6th Squad have been temporarily incorporated into our First Squad. If they are also to recuperate in Bestia, I fear there will be a problem with Krater’s defense.”

“That is true, Lord Rex, but I believe it is manageable by putting a strain on the Saber’s Guild.”

Ah, indeed, the High Classes of the 6th Squad have been temporarily incorporated into the First Squad, so in terms of High Classes, the Orders are also reduced.

The squad dispatched to Krater has a larger proportion of High Classes, but since the 7th Squad will also be recuperating in Bestia, it might be a bit difficult.

“No, the successful subjugation of the Slume Lord may alter the ecosystem of the Golud Great Glacier. Therefore, I would like to dispatch the 2nd Squad from Rio.”

Ah, right. I recall hearing that the ecosystem was changing in Mylight as well because the Demise Species were gone.

The number of Orcs remains high, but with the absence of Demise Species, other monsters have become more active, expanding their range, I remember hearing.

“Is that acceptable?”

“Of course. We, the Order’s Guild, are dispatched to protect Torencia. We cannot overlook the threat of monsters, let alone the threat of Solemne.”

Delfina nodded in agreement to Rex’s strong reply.

Indeed, we are also dispatched to protect Torencia, so we cannot ignore the Golud Great Glacier, where the ecosystem is likely to change.

In that case, it means I’ll have to take the Hunters and Orders to Bestia once and then fly to Rio to move the 2nd Squad to Krater.

Since only I can use the Transfer Stone Tablet, it naturally falls to me.

“Thank you, Lord Rex. Lord Yamato, you will also have to move, but could I ask you to do it?”

Please stop looking at me with teary eyes and asking with an upward glance, as if praying.

“It’s alright. We need to hurry.”

Well, I have no intention of refusing.

Even if the guard level of Krater can be lowered, it’s adjacent to the Golud Great Glacier, so being completely unguarded would be suicidal.

However, the Saber’s Guild’s manpower has been significantly reduced, and two out of the three dispatched Orders have suffered major damage, so dispatching Orders from Rio is the quickest way to reinforce our forces.

“Thank you. And Albert, I will need you to explain things as well, so please accompany us to Bestia. This will also serve as your vacation, so you are permitted to bring your family.”

“Thank you.”

I heard Albert is 27 years old, and he has two wives and one child.

Allowing his wife and child to accompany him indeed suggests that they intend for him to relax in Bestia.

“Sister Hilde, will there be a presentation in Bestia as well?”

“Of course. This is the first instance of a Demise Species subjugation team successfully subjugating a Demise Species.”

While Prim and I have defeated Demise Species before, the Alliance at that time was dispatched as a Disaster Species subjugation team, so this is indeed the first time as a Demise Species subjugation team.

It is said that in previous Demise Species subjugation battles, even with many survivors, less than 20% survived. In this case, over 70% survived, and they even succeeded in defeating the Demise Species themselves, making it far beyond a great success.

However, while the presentation is one thing, there are also issues.

“Your Majesty, I doubt the hunters in Bestia have even been informed. Yet, foreign nationals like us participated, which will deeply hurt the pride of Torencia’s hunters, won’t it?”

“No, actually, the top hunters of Torencia based in Bestia, knowing the threat of Solemn’s Steam Battleships, are voluntarily keeping watch in Rio and nearby towns. The hunters who moved to Rio have said they will return if you send reinforcements, but due to those circumstances, there are currently no hunters in Bestia who can be entrusted with the subjugation of the Slume Lord.”

I see. If that’s the case, it won’t be considered that Torencia’s hunters were neglected.

In that regard, it might be considered fortunate for Torencia.

“Your Majesty, does that mean that we will also be attending that presentation?”

Mako, who doesn’t quite understand the meaning of a presentation, spoke up.

Yes, that’s right.

“No. The presentation in Bestia is planned to be held from the terrace of the White Demon Castle, so not everyone can participate. However, we would like everyone present here and the Raid Leaders to attend if possible.”

I thought I could get out of it if not everyone could participate, but everyone present has to attend?

Seriously?

“No, that’s obvious, isn’t it? Especially you three, you are the main driving force behind the Demise Species subjugation. While it might be fine for others, it’s unthinkable if you don’t attend?”

“Are you telling us to put ourselves on display again!?”

Prim raised her voice at Rex’s words, and I felt exactly the same way.

I really don’t want to experience that awkward atmosphere of the presentation in Feel ever again.

“That was only because it was Feel, wasn’t it? The people in Bestia don’t know of your achievements, so they will be genuinely surprised.”

“Or rather, what exactly is this presentation?”

Perhaps because Prim and I are showing clear reluctance, Mako asks with a very worried expression.

Mana and Emperor Hildegard explain it kindly and politely, but after the explanation, Mako wore the same expression as us.

However, no matter how much we dislike it, we three were the ones who defeated the Slume Lord, so if that’s said, we have no comeback and cannot resist.

At least I hope they will greet us with a little surprise.