“Whoa, what is this, it’s strong!”
I came to the “Underground Forest Area” on the 96th floor underground with Helen-san and the others’ Slave Party, and the mentioned Alraune. Since the brown Princess Sisters weren’t present this time, the Succubi could also be included in the battle, but an unexpected combination has been formed without me realizing it.
“There, gimmick entry!” “Buhihin!”
A Golden Succubus riding a Kelpie with a pink collar. The combined attack of Cupid and the Golden Succubus lands perfectly! Utilizing the Kelpie’s mobility, the Succubus tears enemies apart with swift claw attacks. How cool!
(The other two pairs are also amazing.)
A wind-attribute white Breeze Succubus riding a Cupid with a blue collar. Her speed is incredible. Pappy, who has a bald spot on the back of his head and an orange collar, and the dark-attribute purple Bad Succubus riding on him, wither enemies with their breath.
“Helen-san, you’re amazing.”
“Yes, I’ve gotten used to controlling both Taming Monsters and Summons simultaneously.”
Normally, a Summoner is allowed to summon up to eight monsters, and can only control up to eight Taming Monsters. It’s rare for someone to be able to control both, but even then, the total is limited to eight. However, Helen-san is currently controlling seven Succubi and three Kelpies at the same time.
(Is it because of that whip?)
It was originally a black panther whip made from the materials of a Sexy Panther. It was then forged in three stages by Mariu-san, the Dwarf Princess, into a jet-black whip. Perhaps at that time, the number of creatures she could control was increased. I should have Anju-chan appraise it later.
“They’re weakening the Alraune more and more.”
“I’ll try taming them.”
Even so, it’s not going well. Perhaps because it’s a Slave Party, their Luck stats aren’t increasing.
(Since the purpose is for them to hunt with just slaves, I’m not currently in the combat party.)
Incidentally, I haven’t given them the Fairy Ring either.
“Wing, there’s a Balloon Chura from above!”
“You got it!”
Wing-san shoots an arrow at a spider-like monster that jumped from the trees with a large bow. Rui-san, who gave the order, watches the situation cautiously.
“That was the vanguard. Many more are coming. Hao! Cast poison resistance magic!”
“Understood!”
Hao-san, the Cleric, casts magic on everyone, including Helen-san. Rui-san raises his staff and unleashes area magic on the swarm of spiders that are appearing.
“Area Thunder!”
It’s level 30 magic. Yes, it’s effective.
“If we weaken them, they’re ours!”
The three of the four Succubi not riding Kelpies take down the spiders that didn’t die in one hit. The remaining one, a Light Attribute Holy Succubus, is protecting Helen-san. Her role for now seems to be focused on recovery. I can’t help but lightly clap and praise them.
“You’re all amazing! With this, you could probably defeat even the boss of this area, Mandragon.”
It’s some kind of plant-like dragon. Well, it’s a plant-like monster disguised as a dragon, but it’s apparently quite strong.
“It’s thanks to the three front-line monsters and the three main fighters doing their best, miss.”
“No, no, Helen-san, these combined attacks like Kelpie Rider are only possible because it’s you, Helen-san.”
“My…”
Why is Golden Succubus blushing?
“This is also thanks to Lord Derus that we, ‘Masquerade Ballad,’ have been revived.”
“Ah, is that what Helen-san’s party was called?”
Was that what they applied for at the Adventurer Guild? It’s a sub-organization party of Nina Starlights.
“Buhahaha!”
“Huh? Ah, Pappy!”
The purple Succubus riding on top hands a seed to Helen-san.
“Um, this is a magic power seed. To Rui-san or Hao-san.”
“Eh, really?”
“Of course. Oh, once I leave, I won’t even be able to do a simple appraisal. Gather the seeds from now on and do them all at once later. New seeds might appear.”
Since I’m not giving them the Fairy Ring, I’ll have them get stronger with seeds.
“Lord Derus, thank you for guiding us in the right direction.”
“No, Helen-san, you don’t have to bow so deeply.”
“…We’ll be in your care for a while longer, so please continue to look after us.”
Right, once we defeat the Demon Lord, the spoils from that would be used for the slave liberation of the three people other than Helen-san, as promised. And then the liberated three would buy out Helen-san. And right after that, Helen-san would also be liberated? I don’t know how they’ll arrange the money for the buyout, but it sounds like an eventual farewell.
(Come to think of it, Helen-san wasn’t among the main breeders Clarice-san mentioned.)
But still, if “Masquerade Ballad” continues to exist as a separate unit like this, I want them to remain as companions even after they’re no longer slaves. I’m giving seeds to Rui-san and the others.
(Ah, Nina-san’s interview is probably about that.)
I need to ask Nina-san about the interview results later.
“It looks like another seed appeared.”
“Huh? Ah, this is… a delicious seed! I’ll give it to Anju-chan, so keep it.”
“Understood!”
Hmm, seeing the Succubus riding the Kelpie, the Kelpie Rider’s rampage, I don’t want to let Helen-san go. At worst, Bauer-san is there, so it’s fine, but… perhaps a strategy where I first liberate Helen-san to improve her impression and then ask her to stay…?!
(I don’t want to do something like taking Rui-san and the others hostage.)
As I was spacing out, I suddenly remembered that Nina-san and the others were waiting.
“Well then, I’ll leave the rest to you, okay? You have food for Cupids too, so come back by noon.”
“Understood, Lord Derus.”
“I think you’ll be fine, but don’t overdo it, especially when moving between floors, be careful.”
When they’re strong, they tend to push forward aggressively, but Rui-san and the others are still only around level 30.
(I want them to eat more and more seeds and get stronger.)
Alright, I’ll head back for now, and then the main force will finally move out.
