We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
The Great Hero Alliance
“Listea-kuun! Let’s play!”
Although I said that cheerfully, I could tell that the capital city wasn’t in a celebratory mood.
“Ah, Elnea. Thank you for coming.”
Once again, Listea herself appeared at the entrance.
“The preparations for departure are complete, but it seems things have changed.”
“As I suspected, it’s about the incident in the East, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s right. In any case, it’s not a place for small talk. Everyone, please come into the mansion.”
Prompted by Listea, my family and I were invited inside.
To challenge the trial of reviving the Holy Sword, all of us heroes and our companions must work together. With that resolve, we came, but…
“So, what’s the situation in the East?”
Before coming to Listea’s mansion, we had stopped by our family home. There, we heard about a major incident that occurred in the eastern mountainous region, which connects the Armēdo Kingdom to the Northern Land.
“It seems that the national army and adventurers have already suffered over two hundred casualties.”
“Two hundred people!?”
The unexpected number surprised not only me but also Mistral and the others.
“I heard that some of the casualties include Earth Dragons. Apparently, there’s a giant serpent that can swallow them whole.”
“A serpent monster?”
“No, it seems to be different. According to Folganne, who was with them and is of the Lion Species, even her intuition couldn’t identify the serpent’s species. However, she definitively stated that it was not a magical beast.”
Along with the appearance of the mysterious serpent, a large number of other monsters have also appeared.
As Listea gave us a brief explanation, we were led to a room with a large table. Cerise-chan and the others were already waiting there and were delighted to see us again.
However, everyone’s expressions were unusually somber.
“So, is there any other information about that serpent?”
“The incident happened about ten days ago. The most casualties occurred on that day.”
Since the report of the incident reached the capital, information exchange between the local area and the capital has become active. But, it’s far away, you see. The information Listea is sharing is already a few days old.
It’s possible that the number of casualties has increased by today.
“It seems to be a monster that even Folganne’s attacks couldn’t scratch. Therefore, under the orders of General Teizenal, who is commanding on-site, we are retreating without engaging and are gathering information.”
“Um, Folganne’s attacks didn’t work…”
The Lion Species are among the most combat-capable of the Beast race. At the apex of them is the warrior Folganne.
“Honestly, just when my suspension is lifted, this happens? Who is it that always attracts trouble?”
Slaton grumbled.
However, everyone’s eyes remained fixed on Slaton without moving.
“H-hey. Wait a minute! Are you saying it’s me!?”
Yes, yes, we all nodded in agreement.
“Don’t mess with me! Thinking about it, it’s got to be that guy over there! The one who goes on grander adventures than the hero and gets involved in all sorts of problems. He’s the cause of all evil!”
Hahaha. Well now, I wonder who Slaton could be referring to?
I have a feeling Slaton’s fingertip is pointing towards me. But that’s just my imagination. Yes, it’s just my imagination.
I deliberately looked back, as if wondering if someone was behind me.
Perhaps amused by the exchange between Slaton and me, everyone laughed.
Finally, it felt like the atmosphere had lightened slightly.
“Well, I wasn’t there, so it’s certainly not my fault, right? So, what are you guys going to do, Listea?”
“That’s the problem.”
I wonder if the large table was originally meant for everyone to eat at?
There are enough chairs for everyone gathered. Drinks and snacks are served. The conversation is grim, but it’s a calming room.
“Of course, we’ve also received orders. Head east and defeat the unidentified serpent.”
“But think about it. A hero without the Holy Sword? We don’t know how useful she’ll be.”
“No, no, is it okay for you, my partner Slaton, to say that?”
“It’s precisely because you’re a trustworthy partner that I can say it frankly.”
“Trustworthy?”
“Hey, stop it! Listea, why are you looking at me with questioning eyes right there!”
We can speak our minds, both good and bad. Indeed, it’s only possible between Slaton and Listea.
However, I also believe Slaton’s words are correct.
As expected, Listea is innately a hero who truly shines when she possesses the Holy Sword.
Therefore, if she heads to the front line with the Holy Sword broken, she might not be able to be of much help.
“But still, for a hero to not act in a time of national crisis…”
“Yes, that’s the problem.”
Normally, the King would have issued an imperial decree as soon as the report arrived, and Listea and her companions would have rushed to the scene without hesitation.
Even if they had a promise to meet us.
However, Listea and her group remained in the capital, waiting for our arrival.
This isn’t because their preparations were delayed. They were undecided on how to act.
And the King, understanding Listea’s position, did not issue an imperial decree even after receiving the information.
“The journey to revive the Holy Sword will likely be in the West, right? First, we need to gather information about the Eastern Magician.”
I nodded.
“However, the monster disturbance is on the eastern side.”
Yes, everyone nodded.
“It’s not something we can just quickly defeat on the way, is it?”
“But won’t it take us too much time to go and come back?”
That’s right, with Revalia and Nimia, we can go anywhere freely.
By the way, for some reason, I haven’t been able to contact Lily recently.
Originally, the hero’s party was planned to ride on Lily.
“Nyan. Are we going East before crossing Dragon Peak, nyan?”
When I say my entire family, it naturally includes Priscilla-chan and Nimia. So, of course, Priscilla-chan and Nimia are here too.
Priscilla-chan is busily munching on sweets, while Ares-chan, who appeared, is also enjoying them next to her. Nimia, who was eating sweets on Priscilla-chan’s head, reacted as if I had called her.
Oh, and Oz is here too.
Oz is also eating sweets below the young girl group’s feet.
Do you have no dignity as a magical beast?
Putting that aside.
“I am ashamed of my inadequacy and have caused trouble.”
“No, it’s alright. We are on Listea’s side.”
Having vowed to cooperate fully, we will also do our best to eliminate any obstacles that would hinder the revival of the Holy Sword.
However, it was the words of Cerise-chan that sent a chill down our spines.
“We are grateful for your cooperation, Elnea-kun. If it’s Mist-san or Nimia-chan of the Dragon Race, they might be able to identify the serpent. I hope it becomes a clue to solving this incident. But, a completely jet-black serpent, what could it be?”
“…Eh?”
My hand, which was about to take a sip of tea, stopped.
The hero’s party looked at us, frozen, tilting their heads in puzzlement.
“A jet-black serpent? A ground dragon was swallowed whole? That…?”
I looked at Mistral.
“An Evil Race…?”
Mistral nodded, “It’s certain.”
“W-why is an Evil Race here!?”
Seeing our pale faces, Listea and the others realized something was seriously wrong.
“Could it be that it’s a very dangerous one!?”
“It doesn’t seem like a monster you can defeat casually, does it?”
To think that an Evil Race would appear here and now…
“I only heard about it, but is this ‘Evil Race’ so dangerous?”
Before we departed, Sefina had safely reached the Forbidden Territory.
It seems she had quite an adventure in Dragon Peak, but we’ll hear about that later.
More importantly, I need to tell Listea and the others about the danger of the Evil Race.
I recounted the incident in the Forbidden Territory. Hearing this, Listea and the others, realizing the danger of the Evil Race, their faces contorted.
“I never thought that not only Elnea would be useless, but Mistral’s attacks too…”
“Um, where did Micheila-chan go?”
As Slaton asked, Micheila and the Four Guardian Saints, including Nazaria, are not present.
“Um. Micheila-chan and the others have already departed to the West. So, they won’t be here even if you return to the mansion…”
Yes. Micheila-chan and her group stopped by the Forbidden Territory on their journey, but after resting their wings, they departed again.
And we have no means of contacting them.
“Honestly. You’re too careless. You were told to call for reinforcements if you encountered an Evil Race, but how can you do that without a means of contact?”
“It can’t be helped. We can’t use telepathy, you know.”
Even letters won’t reach someone with an unknown address.
“This is troublesome, then…”
We struggled even against a rat-type Evil Race.
But now, the opponent is a snake that preys on rats, meaning it possesses even greater power than the previous Evil Race.
“Ultimately, we can only focus on either reviving the Holy Sword or dealing with the Evil Race.”
Despite the brief moment of levity created by Slaton’s and my silly exchange, the atmosphere in the room became heavy again.
“Hey, hey, Mistral. Can you ask Grandpa for help?”
“It would be difficult. I think he would intervene if the Dragon Forest were directly threatened.”
“We have to solve our own problems.”
We might receive advice. Perhaps they know a way to contact Micheila-chan.
However, the possibility of Old Sleigsta himself appearing is extremely low.
Furthermore, even if Old Sleigsta did appear.
Even the Thousand-Handed Spider’s attack was withstood by Teruru-chan against the rat-type Evil Race. If that’s the case, the serpent-type Evil Race might even withstand Old Sleigsta’s attacks.
If he tried to force an attack, the mountains around the serpent might be blown away.
Hmm, all I can foresee is an expansion of damage.
“Speaking of which. Can’t you defeat it with the magic sword you have?”
Then, Slaton asked a surprisingly relevant question.
I looked at Ares-chan, who was eating sweets deliciously with Priscilla-chan.
“Demon King Crusher?”
“…Y-yes.”
The Spirit Tree Wooden Sword cannot be used against an Evil Race.
I do not have the White Sword on hand.
However, I do possess the magic sword “Soul Spirit Seat.”
But Ares-chan seems concerned that carelessly overusing the Soul Spirit Seat would lead me closer to becoming a Demon King?
Hmm, I pondered, struggling to decide.
At that moment, Mistral offered a suggestion.
“Elnea, please don’t use the magic sword too much. With that said, you should head west with the hero and embark on the journey to revive the Holy Sword. And then, search for Lady Micheila. We will hold off the serpent during that time.”
“Mistral?”
“Is that alright, Elnea? You and Evil Race have a poor compatibility. I can’t send you to the front lines in such a state. But you have a role that only you can fulfill, don’t you?”
In the end, I couldn’t ask Micheila why, but I was warned that the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword I wear on my right hip should not be pointed at an Evil Race.
For some reason, the Spirit Tree also seemed afraid of the Evil Race.
And the magic sword, “Soul Spirit Seat,” might be a trump card, but with Ares-chan’s warning and my own feelings, I don’t particularly want to use it right now.
I believe sacrificing myself to save something is the most abhorrent thing.
It would also cause trouble for my family.
Therefore, without the White Sword, I wouldn’t be of any use if I headed east.
Similarly, the hero, without the Holy Sword, cannot fulfill her role when confronting an Evil Race.
In that case, it might be important to act according to each person’s strengths.
While Mistral and the others hold off the Evil Race, Listea will revive the Holy Sword.
I will search for Micheila-chan, who has departed west, and contact her. Furthermore, this is an opportunity to reclaim the White Sword that was stolen by the Giant Demon Lord.
“That’s a good idea. We’re in on that plan. Listea, and you too, Slaton. You will go west with Elnea-kun. Leave the East to us women.”
“Cerise?”
“Don’t worry, Listea. We are your companions, you know? Besides, if I can fight alongside Mist-san and the others, we can at least hold off an Evil Race.”
“Cerise, well said. I’ll put you to good use.”
“Cerise, well said. I’ll work you hard.”
“Cerise, you’ll be in charge of handling your older sisters?”
“Ah! I don’t want to work with Yufi-sama and Nina-sama alone. Sefina-sama, help me!”
Seeing Cerise-chan flustered and pale, more so than when she learned of the terrifying existence of Evil Races, made us laugh.
Ah, I can already clearly see the hardship Cerise-chan will face.
Do your best!
“Alright, the women are showing their determination. We men must also show our spirit!”
“I never thought it would turn out this way.”
“But, it’s interesting, isn’t it!”
Thus, our mixed unit with the hero’s party was divided into male and female groups to confront the trial.
Clicking the heart allows you to easily convey your support. (Login required)
Support
Login if you have an account
Learn more about the reading experience available on Kakuyomu
