We returned to the Adventurer Guild to think about our future plans, but there were too many people, and nowhere to settle down. The Hero Reception also had about ten groups lined up. The well-known brothers, Junos and his older brother Citrus, also seemed busy.
“This is bad. At this rate, we won’t even be able to catch the Sub Guild Master,” Juni said.
“Hmm, shall we return to the inn and have the meeting there?” Helen asked.
“No, I intend to defeat the Quasi Demon Lords. I need detailed information about them,” I replied.
“That’s troubling. Ah! In that case, let’s go there,” Juni suggested.
“There? Where is it? Lead the way,” I said.
We went to the information broker in the underground, but it was closed. When we returned in the evening, there was a notice.
“He’s away?” Juni sighed.
“Hmm, what shall we do? The only other place that might be available is the East A Adventurer Guild,” I said.
“What I need is information. Derus, could you and Helen go and investigate, please?” I asked.
“Understood. I’ll gather as much information as possible, and then we can have the meeting at the inn,” Derus replied.
“Then I’ll head to D Area first. I’m counting on you,” I said.
And so, Helen and I headed towards the East District A Area in the afternoon.
“That’s right, Helen,” I said.
“Yes, Master?” Helen replied.
“Why do we have to capture the Female Hero again?” I asked.
Putting aside Nina’s sense of justice.
“…It was to have her assist with my revenge,” Helen replied.
“Ah, I see! You wanted to get back at her for what happened, right?” I said.
“However, the price was my slave contract, and, well, being embraced by Master Derus,” Helen added.
Is that how it was? …Right, right. And we still haven’t replied.
“But you fell into slavery due to your own actions, didn’t you?” I asked.
“Nevertheless, she will help with our revenge as a companion,” Helen replied.
“Hmm, it’s true that you can’t deny it was the Female Hero Korome’s fault for attacking you, Helen,”I said.
We boarded the Magic Lift from the Underground Gate. It was a bit crowded. There really are a lot of adventurers.
“Master Derus, I’ve decided,” Helen said.
“Decided what?” I asked.
“…I will be embraced by you,” Helen replied.
Not here, in such a crowded place!
“Therefore, please save Rui! Please save Rui!” Helen pleaded.
“…You like him that much, don’t you?” I asked.
“Yes, even if he betrayed me once, he is my everything,” Helen replied.
We arrived at A Area. Perhaps in anticipation of the Auction, even this high-class area was in a festive mood. A petite, beautiful woman tried to approach me, but she backed down when she saw I was accompanied by a woman. Then she approached again. She’s busy. It seems she realized Helen was a slave.
“Welcome to A District. Your business is…?” the woman began.
“Um, we don’t have any business at the brothel,” I said.
“Oh dear, I apologize. You knew about us?” she replied.
I stopped her as she was about to leave.
“Um, you also work as adventurers, right?” I asked.
“Yes, though the deposit is high, we have a few Assassins,” she said.
“Oh, really! Do you hunt Quasi Demon Lords too?” I asked.
“We can accompany you on requests, depending on the nature of the job,” she replied.
“…How about we just talk first?” I suggested.
And so, we ended up at the East A Adventurer Guild.
“Ho ho ho, what brings you here today?” Mohit asked.
“Mohit-san! What about that person?” I asked.
“I think I saw them for a moment in the town, but they haven’t come here,” Mohit replied.
Ah, so they really do live here?!
“Is it crowded today?” I asked.
“Somewhat, but I’m free right now,” Mohit replied.
“That’s a relief. Can we talk in a private room… Ah, miss, what’s your name?” I asked.
“I’m Juni,” she replied.
“I’m going to ask for some information, so please speak up if anything comes to mind,” I said.
When the four of us boarded the Magic Lift, Mohit inexplicably pressed the button for the third floor. We arrived in a large conference room. They’re taking us to such a place?
“It’s a bit cramped for four people there,” Mohit said.
“Indeed,” I replied.
“So, here you go,” Mohit said, showing me his palm. Ah, he wants me to give him something. I understood, so I handed him one Komomo, and then one to Juni.
“Thank you. It’s a rare fruit, isn’t it?” Juni said.
“Yes, please listen while you eat. So, Mohit-san,” I said.
“Gulp, mhm, gulp,” Mohit began eating.
He’s already eating. Let’s wait for him to swallow everything.
“…Phew, wait a moment, water,” Mohit said.
“I’ll bring it,” Helen replied.
As expected of Helen, she’s so considerate. First, she gave water to Mohit and Juni, then to me and Helen. Finally, we settled down and got to the main topic.
“Mohit-san, please tell me about the Quasi Demon Lords,” I said.
“The ones here? You intend to defeat them?” Mohit asked.
“Yes, the Auction is nearing, so I was thinking of defeating a Quasi Demon Lord and putting its Item up for sale,” I replied.
Perhaps I could get some good items besides Elixir ingredients?
“It’s true that the key to the Demon Lord’s Room, obtained by defeating a Quasi Demon Lord, is an Auction item,” Mohit said.
“Ah, I remember hearing about that. But won’t everyone be aiming for it?” I asked.
“Even entering the Quasi Demon Lord’s Room generally means either victory or death. It’s difficult,” Mohit replied.
Ah, so it’s like that without an Illusionist.
“Juni-san, if you were asked to accompany someone to the Quasi Demon Lord’s Room?” I asked.
“I would refuse. Unless there was a guarantee of returning alive,” Juni replied.
Yes, there is, probably.
“There are four Quasi Demon Lords, weren’t there?” I asked.
“Yes. First, there’s the Lockheed Dragon. It’s an Earth Attribute, called the Rock Dragon, with extreme toughness,” Mohit said.
“Ah, so like defeating it with magic?” I asked.
“Magic doesn’t work. Its attack and defense are high, it has Absolute Defense, and its stamina is bottomless,” Mohit replied.
“That’s impossible!” I exclaimed.
I wonder if Nina’s Berserk Sword could overpower it?
“Next is the Magma Phoenix, a Fire Attribute, a giant bird that flies while burning,” Mohit explained.
“Then with water magic?” I asked.
“It will all evaporate,” Mohit replied.
“Then with a sword?” I asked.
“It will all melt,” Mohit replied.
Is there no way to win?!
“The next one that looks like you should go for is the third, the Mystery Magical Upa. It’s a giant ape-man, Wind Attribute, and incredibly fast. There’s information that a companion’s neck was snapped the moment they opened the door and entered,” Mohit said.
“That’s fast! Juni-san, are you fast as an Assassin?” I asked.
“Well, as much as an Assassin can be. However, I specialize in technique,” Juni replied.
I’m curious about what kind of technique, but let’s move on with the story.
“The last one is the Victoria Succubus, Dark Attribute. With Absolute Charm, men are apparently done for the moment they see her. Therefore, fighting her would be limited to an all-female Party. You might be able to go if you act as a Porter blindfolded or with your back turned,” Mohit said.
So defenseless! But it’s true that everyone else is female, so this might be my chance?
“I forgot to mention, all four of them bring multiple monster companions with them,” Mohit added.
“Whaaat? You mean they’re not single opponents?” I asked.
“And they are all said to be strong. You’ll need to prepare for them too,” Mohit said.
Hmm, I want information about the companions too.
“Juni-san, if you had to choose, which one would you pick?” I asked.
“I would say the Mystery Magical Upa for a speed match, but if that’s not possible, by elimination, the Succubus,” Juni replied.
“Since you’re a woman, Mohit-san, what about information on each of their companions?” I asked.
And so, while taking notes of the information I received, I was also told the routes to each Quasi Demon Lord’s Room.
“Thank you very much!” I said.
“If you wish to thank me, then how about another one?” Mohit said.
“Yes, please,” I replied.
Two Komomo for this much information is cheap.
“Helen, is there anything that caught your attention from the information so far?” I asked.
“…I want to raise my Level,” Helen replied.
“You said that before too,” I said.
Yes, I might want to get her to around Level 55.
“Understood. And Juni-san,” I said.
“Yes?” Juni replied.
“After hearing all this, do you think you can participate?” I asked.
“…If there’s a strong possibility of victory or a route to escape,” Juni replied.
“There is a route to escape, probably,” I said.
The reason I can’t be completely certain is that in a truly desperate situation, when we decide to run, I or Nina would have to draw the enemy’s attention while she escapes. However, if it became that dire, it might be a situation where Anju would have to escape us first, leaving her behind.
“If we receive a formal request from the brothel, I will consider it,” Juni said.
“Yes, please do then,” I replied.
“So, kid, how was the embrace with this woman?” Mohit asked.
“No, no, I didn’t embrace her!” I protested.
“She was a former A-class Assassin, you know,” Mohit said.
Eh, she’s famous?!
“Juni-san, then why are you at a brothel?” I asked.
“I just love driving men wild,” Juni said with a smile.
“Ah, I see,” I replied.
“So, how about you?” Juni asked, looking at me.
“Sorry, I’m in serious mode right now. Maybe during play mode,” I replied.
Did we even have that?
“Are you going upstairs today?” Mohit asked.
“Ah, I was thinking of at least saying hello,” I replied.
“I’ll give you Komomo if it’s just that?” Mohit offered.
“No, it’s fine,” I said.
He’d definitely eat them…
“So, thank you very much, Juni-san,” I said.
“No, well, I’ll be waiting for your contact. Either way, or both,” Juni replied.
“Both?” I asked.
“Thank you for the Komomo. I’ll eat them when I get back,” Juni said.
“Yes, yes. Well then, we’ll be leaving,” I said.
Juni and Mohit went downstairs from the third floor. Helen and I waited for the Magic Lift to the fifth floor. Just then, a Female Hero with star earrings descended from above. It was Korome! She was leading a female slave. Another victim?
“Well, I’ll be staying on the first floor,” Mohit said.
“Yes, well,” I replied.
Helen was about to lunge, but I put a hand on her back to stop her. Yes, I understood how she felt, but causing a violent scene here would gain nothing. After Mohit and the others rode the Magic Lift down, I looked at Helen and saw her make a terrible face. However, even if she felt better after punching him, the one who would suffer the consequences would be me, her slave owner.
“There’s a chance,” I said.
“But, but…” Helen began.
“Alright, I’ll talk to Nina about releasing you from slavery,” I said.
She looked so pathetic, I had to.
At the fifth floor, I tried to discreetly ask Marina for information while giving her Komomo, but she couldn’t hear conversations from the A Area Reception from the S Area Reception. It was only natural, I thought, as I descended to the first floor and bowed to Mohit before leaving.
“Don’t attack me if we meet on the way back, okay?” I said.
“…If you command it,” Helen replied.
I led the irritated Helen on our way back. In the restaurant district, I felt like they might be hiding somewhere if I looked closely, so I quickly left. I wondered if I would be able to stop them if I encountered them on the Magic Lift, but it seemed safe as only residents were on board.
(He’s kind-hearted, but maybe releasing Helen after defeating the Demon Lord would be good.)
And so, we returned to our inn in D Area. We informed Nina and Clarice of the information, including our encounter with Korome.
“So, Nina, which Quasi Demon Lord shall we defeat?” I asked.
“Hmm, that’s obvious. All of them,” Nina replied.
