The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

◇◆◇◆

The universe with Planet Sela existed because of Sky Emperor Phyffindo's sustaining of the Halmodella Dimension. A small, transparent moon flooded Sela with its pale light as it traveled across its firmament.

On such a peaceful planet the Great War of Wild Gods broke out without any warning. Yet, it was no more than just one battlefield of so many.

Ancient gods, demigods, old gods, cursed gods, and wild gods amassed like swarms of locusts and fought each other.

The war of the gods, later to be known as the Great War of Wild Gods, had followed a course of constant intensification. Originally, this war would have never happened. After all, it was the duty of Right Emperor Aramo and Left Emperor Hoh'oh, who were supporting Sky Emperor Phyffindo Abrahnam Halmodella, to suppress the strife between the wild gods.

But, Right Emperor Aramo was betrayed by his confidant Azra. Wild God Azra doubled his power by absorbing the soul of the Right Emperor and launched a war against Left Emperor Hoh'Oh's camp. This was the beginning of the Great War of Wild Gods.

At the early stage of the war, Wild God Magitora – a multi-headed, huge, white fox – performed outstandingly on Hoh'Oh's side and slew many gods. Most likely none of the gods on Hoh'Oh's side, who saw one of Magitora's heads bite the neck of Azra, would ever forget that sight.

Wild God Cazdolo, accompanied by High Ancient Dragon Ronbalua, also slew many wild and cursed gods of Azra's side for Hoh'Oh's camp.

The battle between the various deities was terrifying. No sooner than unleashing pretty, windflower-like magic, they screamed vigorously and savagely at each other, before letting their spells and weapons speak. The fighting gods, be it the gods themselves or their kin, devoured the flesh of their enemies, sucked their mana, and even snatched their foes’ souls.

The atmosphere trembled and a part of the Mahaheim Mountains melted away, resulting in a new ravine.

Moreover, the kin who harbored the divine wills of gods hailing from other dimensions, also participated in the ongoing battles. The same applied to two demigods possessing butterfly-like wings. Those two demigods were squaring off against Gemut, kin of the Destruction God. Using their butterfly wings to their advantage, the two trifled with Gemut.

Both unleashed attacks from the front and rear at Gemut while repeatedly switching with their dance-like movements. Gemut was a mortal, so it was impossible for him to deal with the attacks of two demigods at the same time.

One of those demigods, as beautiful as a goddess, laughed happily while sharpening her mouth. The other demigod, a handsome man, also transformed his mouth in the same way as her – into what was called Cunnariel's blade.

Pincering Gemut from front and back after he had become unable to move due to a web of tentacles, the two demigods charged with their mouths formed like swords. The sharp tips of both Bone Fang Cunnariels stabbed into Gemut's torso and head respectively.

"Kieeeee!" Gemut screeched with his peculiar, flute-like voice.

Without paying any heed to his agony, the two demigods absorbed Gemut's mana and life-force alongside his bodily fluids through Cunnariel's blade. Gemut dried up in an instant. Using the newly obtained mana, the two demigods healed up their bodies.

"What scarce amount of mana. In the end he was but a mortal, huh?"

"Considering him having been a mortal, I think it was a considerably big amount of mana, though?"

"Well, I suppose you have a point."

"…But, the main battlefield over there seems to be harsh on Hoh'Oh and Azra… The sky is crowded with combatants, but the same can be said about the surface as well…"

The name of the beautiful goddess was Golgonshura. Yet, she spoke while twisting her pretty face into something heinous.

The male demigod answered, "A part has already collapsed, I guess."

"The number of wild gods and cursed gods is…abnormal. Ancient Cursed God De Ga is also wrecking havoc."

"Seven Legs, huh? The divine domain also had a light spirit who manipulated a monster with so many legs…"

The two talked while looking down at the Sea of Trees sprawling beneath them.

"Are we going to head into that Sea of Trees? Although Kyulha's influence is strong over there, it's easier for us to fight in the Twelve Seas of Trees."

"Sea of Trees…I am just fine over here. The evil entities overflowing from the deeper areas makes the Sea of Trees annoying. Especially Elderly God Segeleleu is a pain. On top of that, the armed force of the elves are stationed on the surface, too."

"The descendants of the Blue Flame God and the God of the Underground Pigpeople, eh?"

"In addition, Ancient God Go Rad's huge army roams that place as well. The Sea of Trees is dangerous, regardless of whether thou belong to Hoh'Oh's or Azra's side."

"Demigoddess Golgonshura, I don't think it's necessary for you to be so scared as my beloved wife?"

"…I have given my warning while thinking of thou, Kizeleg."

"I know, I know. Don't glare at me like that."

The male demigod, Kizeleg, revealed a smile, but…he answered while shifting sideways and averting his eyes. This stemmed from his fear towards his beloved wife who had activated her Demonic Eyes.

"The surface being what it is, Kyulha's roots are connected all over the place. Our presence will immediately become known to Kyulha's kin."

"…Not like it really matters. Having evolved into demigods, we are equivalent to being the rulers of the Sea of Trees. Let's plant our scales in the vicinity."

"…The Sea of Trees is vast."

"That's why. On top of being vast, there exist twelve of them. Don't you think that we ought to get at least one of them?"

Golgonshura smiled at Kizeleg's question, and replied, "Hihi, thou sure look like thou are having fun here, Kizeleg. Should we create a plethora of kin to found a paradise of butterflies over there while hunting the mortals inhabiting the forest and killing other gods?"

The instant Golgonshura finished speaking, a flock of huge dragons appeared from the Mahaheim mountains as if to flatten Mt. Baldok. The ancient dragons swooped down on Kenback, a wild god belonging to Hoh'Oh's side.

"…Let's do just that. It looks like the high ancient dragons have also joined this Great War of Wild Gods…"

"How audacious of those big lizards."

"Now, even Cursed God Geiger has shown up. Let's run since it's getting too troublesome."

"I'll blow away an insignificant being like him!"

"Even if he might be insignificant, he's still dangerous as a cursed god because he has countless relatives. And if it's now that even the kin of Lightning God La Doola and Ancient God Tesol have started to fight, it'll be a breeze to infiltrate the Sea of Trees' interior. Golgonshura, let's hurry――

"Ah, wait for me――"

Golgonshura and Kizeleg had become exhausted from their participation in the huge war, but their butterfly wings worked just as normal. They headed towards the Sea of Trees at tremendous speed.

But, even inside the forest, the fierce battle between the various gods continued to rage.

In the middle of all those battles taking place in the forest…Sky Emperor Phyffindo, who ruled over several dimensions, supported the Halmodella dimension…just like the Evil God Azabeauth who existed in the innermost cosmos of the Black Rings.

He fought countless, powerful wild gods, who desired to rule the world, at the same time and lost. Of course, Azra's side possessed mighty forces, and they caused the celestial being, which used to be the Sky Emperor, to shatter into myriads of pieces.

As a result of the Sky Emperor's power, who had until then maintained the society of wild gods, vanishing, a shock ran through the space-time axis of Halmodella. The aftermath was devastating.

Shockwaves ran through the many, existing dimensions which were connected like beads on a string. The swinging string warped, and the dimensional worlds at their ends overlapped as if fusing.

Sebdola, Seuros, Godolon, Azel…countless worlds overlapped with other worlds, and even the veils stacked atop each other. The surface of one world flickered on the surface of another like a mirage. They clashed as seething hot mana dissolved. The terrestrial heat rose sharply, and the magma of different worlds combined and scorched the lands. It was a scenery depicting the overlapping of skies, suns and moons, planets, and cosmic mists and emptinesses.

This was an exceedingly rare occurrence. And that moment of overlapping worlds lasted but a "faint instant in time" which would be a few seconds in mortal terms. In hindsight, the event was categorized as "Dusk of Gods," Twilight of Raivan, and "Ragnarok" in different worlds.

The myriads of gods inhabiting the multitude of dimensions used this "faint instant in time." As the veil was gone as a barrier separating the dimensions, they judged this to be the perfect opportunity to obtain greater powers. Although losing their powers at the same time also played a role, the gods invaded the worlds overlapping with theirs.

The gods stole mana and souls as if performing their own Great Wars of Wild gods. The losing gods lost huge amounts of mana and souls while the victorious ones gained those souls and the mana.

Even on Sela, where the Great War of Wild Gods was still raging, a great amount of battles with a huge impact took place.

The Southern Mahaheim region was first and foremost. Twin Moon Goddess Uraniri, Twin Moon God Uryou, and God Wolf Hurley on the side of the Divine Domain Seuros fought against Vampire God Lugnad, Tree King of Wisdom and Memory Kyulha, and Queen of Twilight Lebra on the Spirit World Sebdola's side. Of course, they weren't the only ones fighting either.

Other gods also spread their influence on Sela.

War God Vice unleashed <Light Sword of the Big Flash> with the objective of piercing through underground gods. The huge swords, shining like suns, created several big holes on the surface of Sela. War God Vice, however, didn't realize that his swords had produced demonic holes and simultaneously created tears in the veil.

The evil beings overflowing from the demonic army night parade of the Black Rings located deep underground were hit by those light swords and perished. At the same time, a part of the named underground gods vanished without being able to increase their power.

Golgonshura and Kizeleg, who had fled the big war ravaging the surface of Sela, also joined the battles within this "faint instant in time."

In the middle of those battles, Wild God Pgul, Violent God Lohgun, Cursed God De'Ale, and Underground God Torodd interfered with the veil, and appealed to cooperate in order to keep the chaos triggered by that "faint instant in time" to last for as long as possible.

As if approving of their appeal, Evil God Desalobia, who had been emitting thought waves of evil instead of words, charged and flew into the sky while pulverizing Divine Warrior Kareyon Buu.

Golgonshura opposed him. The demigoddess, who cherished the time she had spent with her husband, didn't give a damn about the battles of gods. But, for the mortal humans inhabiting Sela…the existence of Golgonshura, who ate people as she freely went on a rampage even when they offered her their souls, was an absolute evil and an incarnation of absolute terror. Yet, the people's plight bore no meaning to demigods.

Golgonshura drove her <Wedge of Glory> into Desalobia. Having been hit by that flowery chock with its fruits, Desalobia became confused. He fired a light beam from his huge eyeball at the gods who tried to interfere with the veil.

Hit by the beam, those gods melted away, and their essence created kin and brought forth new oceans and rivers. It polluted an ancient metropolis, and caused crooked trees to instantly shoot into the sky.

Next Golgonshura fired <Wild God Soul Eater> at the gods who were still alive.

This made it seem like she had prevented them from interfering with the veil, but countless other gods interfering with space-time were up and about. Other underground gods and Evil God apostles cooperated, continuing the interference on the veil.

The time of that "faint instant in time" kept extending.

Moreover, the divine domain's side also became cautious of Golgonshura who had acted so boldly and flashily. A team effort of war goddesses pinned Golgonshura down under a multi-layered barrier. Kizeleg tried to rescue his wife, but he got wounded in his battle against Wild God Gujut. Yet, Kizeleg somehow managed to cut off one of Gutjut's heads and two of his arms with his nimble swordsmanship based on his butterfly wings, cutting his way through.

Kizeleg headed towards Golgonshura in an attempt to save her. But, in that moment, Kizeleg was struck by multi-layered sealing spells by the gods of Spirit World and Divine Domain. 卍-shaped crests were edged into the butterfly wings growing on his back.

At the same time, the evil aliens, who had appeared through the demonic army night parade, unleashed destruction rays at the gods as if reveling in indiscriminate slaughter.

Those destruction rays also headed for Kizeleg, who had become immobile. Hit by the rays, Kizeleg transformed into a silver coffin with <Silver Steel of Imprisonment>, a technique allowing a demigod to seal themselves. It couldn't be released by anyone other than Golgonshura, his wife.

The coffin was showered by destruction rays, and although the coffin itself remained unharmed, the impacts overlapped with the effect of the multi-layered sealing spells. Moreover, the interference of dimensional worlds, and the seals released by countless gods colliding with each other might have had an influence as well. Anyway, the silver coffin with Kizeleg was blown outside the dimension and disappeared, completely vanishing from Sela and Sela's dimension.

"No way―― Kizeleeeeeeg!" The scream of Golgonshura, her movements dulled by many gods, didn't reach Kizeleg.

And then Underground God Torodd, who was in contact with a certain divine man, hurled a chain of roses at Golgonshura. But, King of Destruction Rashinz Lebioda destroyed that chain with his Destruction Fist.

By coincidence it also saved Golgonshura, but it didn't soothe her rage either way. The war goddesses' multi-layered barrier binding her body hadn't been undone, but Golgonshura aimed for the moment when all gods were fighting to release her greater magic of <Dimensional Tear>.

Seeing her chance, Golgonshura swung her beloved Great Magic Wand Gaissol upwards, and the instant a vast amount of mana had amassed at the tip of her wand, the tip parted to the left and right before emitting a flash of light. Thusly invoking <Dimensional Tear>――

It seemed as if the dimension might be torn apart then and there. But it would have been unthinkable for the myriads of gods of the countless, overlapping divine domains to silently watch how the dimension was ripped apart.

While slaughtering wild gods, War God Vice summoned Battle King Quedal and Sage Labius. Alongside a roar full of anger, Vice struck Golgonshura with his Mallet of Supremacy and cast his net of chaos on her.

Golgonshura endured the attacks while vomiting blood. And the <Dimension Tear> unleashed by her continued to exhibit its effect. Wild gods, cursed gods, and ancient gods were swallowed by its dimensional vortex of darkness. At the same time, powerful earthquakes hit the surface.

As a result of the <Dimensional Tear> half-assedly overlapping across dimensions while causing cracks in the demonic holes of the veil, the surface earthquakes were passed on into the air as severe vibrations. Furious gusts of winds as if nuclear explosions had occurred ravaged heaven and earth, and a terrifying flash of light came into existence right in front of Golgonshura.

Indeed, this was the very moment when the 【Light Cross Hill】 was created on the ground of the Sea of Trees.

Golgonshura lost her eyesight, and even the other gods, who looked directly at that light, lost the power in their eyes, be it normal or Demonic, as their eyeballs evaporated. The magic effects caused by Golgonshura's Demonic Eyes also lost their power, and the color of her wings changed.

Immediately thereafter, a divine light lit up in the air. And the one manifesting within that light was Crosseyvis, the God of Space-Time who rarely showed himself even in the divine domain.

Crosseyvis activated his <Dimension Building>, and Space-Time Spirit Larsoon corrected the deviated dimension.

Meanwhile, Golgonshura had been blown away by the shockwave. While clashing against many cursed gods, she sensed how her own power kept vanishing.

"I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I failed, I faaaaailed…" Golgonshura screamed in despair.

She had used up greater chunks of her <Father Time>. But, she still stood up on the ground of the Sea of Trees. And there she retrieved the special magic gems of Almandine and Argolgn from her bosom. In order to use those magic gems, she poured her remaining power of <Father Time> and her mana into them. And then she gave birth to her own kin in the Sea of Trees.

As a result, she created the Death Butterfly Women Ciel and Jody. Next, she took Fumkry's Divine Scales and two differently colored scythes out of her <Hidden Magic Tool>, and after giving those items to her two new kin, she created a domain for them, using <Fruit's Embrace>.

Her struggle to lure her opponents by using a domain in the Sea of Trees worked to her advantage because her kin were present as well. But, not having fully recovered her powers, Golgonshura was consecutively hit by multi-layered sealing spells by the gods who had strengthened their vigilance as a result of the battle proceeding in Golgonshura's favor.

Each time one of those spells struck her, Golgonshura's movements became more sluggish. Apparently sensing the danger to herself, she left her kin a parting statement before she got sealed inside the <Sealing Prison of Evil Sealing> made out of adamantine wood in the next moment.

A modified, crooked prison now towered in the center of her domain.

The Death Butterfly women frantically continued to fight even after having lost their mistress. But, having to oppose the apostles of Kyulha and warriors of the Divine Domain, they also faced a hopeless situation. Even if they were close to immortal, their opponents were what they were. The outcome was inevitable.

Like that, the "faint instant in time" was about to end, and although some gods had tried to delay it, the gods couldn't keep up their interference of the veil, and fled into their respective worlds before the veil recovered its usual function.

…Yet, the sealed Golgonshura had no way of knowing any of that.

◇◆◇◆

I still didn't take out the trembling, egg-shaped jewel. Beyond the sealing door of sealing Evil lay…

I see. Now I understand why Tsuan and Rebecca pulled such faces.

Countless scratches of fingernails with the flesh and blood still sticking to them stained the walls.

This is quite nasty. Demigoddess Golgonshura…

How long has she been sealed in here? Several thousand years? Well, now that I've defeated her, I have now way of finding out.

If I pass my mana through the egg-shaped jewel…something is going to happen, I think, but it's way too dangerous.

Leaving the freezing prison space, I shifted my gaze to Ciel.

Noticing that, Rebecca said awkwardly, "…This girl is already…"

Rebecca's eyes were bloodshot. Though it wasn't as if she was thirsting for blood. Has she been crying? She looks like she wants to tell me something.

I placed my hand on her shoulder, and nodded.

Maybe Rebecca believes that she might have drawn that outcome to her through her own luck, or something like that. Usually, Rebecca is always full of life and confidence, but…I know that she's always cheering herself up so as to hide her delicate parts.

"Don't worry about it. This is the outcome of a battle."

"I know."

"Nn, Rebecca, sweets."

"Oh, hehe, thanks."

Eva had passed Rebecca some sweets. The two stared at each other, understanding their respective feelings.

It's a great relationship, they share. My two <Head Servant Leaders> look like true sisters.

Eva started some casual chat with Rebecca.

I'll leave Rebecca to her.

The second I thought that, Rebecca spoke up, "…A female knight who seems to be a prisoner? And in addition, I also see black-haired, noble ladies."

"Nn, Spirit-sama caught the female knight. Sana and Hina don't understand our language. Ah, Rollo-chan," Eva explained to Rebecca, but then noticed Rollo at her feet.

She had left the Wave Gourd, which she had retrieved with her tentacles while being a divine beast, on the ground.

"Nyaa, nyao～" Rollo meowed while bumping her head against Eva's leg.

While acting all spoiled towards Eva, Rollo also extended a tentacle towards Rebecca's cheek for a greeting.

Catiza, who had changed from Tsuan, raised a hand, "Rollo-sama, me toooo～", obviously appealing to have a tentacle sent her way as well.

"Yay, you have finally taken a liking to me, Rollo-chan!" Rebecca frolicked.

But, Rollo immediately withdrew her tentacle and ran away. With Rebecca hot on her heels. Catiza also ran after them, apparently wanting to play with Rollo.

The female Spirit World Knight watched all that while dumbfounded. But, seemingly believing this to be her chance, she sharpened her gaze.

Kisara watched the female knight with a calm expression, cautious of the knight's chest which was visible through her witch spear's hole.

Once she tried to caution the knight to give up on doing anything pointless, Rotalz descended.

"Do you understand your own position?" Rotalz growled while blowing a violent breath at the knight.

For an instant, it reminded me of his farts.

"…Ugh, rotten…" The female knight spat out despite being scared of Rotalz's huge frame.

And then she put on a smile as if to exhibit that she had no interest in fighting.

She's quite the beauty, I must say. Also strong, and I somehow feel a connection between us…

The moment I thought that, my sixth sense triggered.

Yep, it was Kisara-san's sharp gaze. It was her look as a slightly scary Four Heavenly Witch Kisara-san.

"…Shuuya-sama? I will keep an eye on this woman together with everyone."

"…I leave it to you," I replied without reacting to Kisara-san's changed tone of voice.

Then I walked over to Ciel. Small reddish purple butterflies were fluttering around her. I checked her expression.

I can't feel any liveliness, or rather, any life from it…

"Ciel, you're conscious, aren't you…?"

"Jody…" Ciel muttered and slumped her shoulders.

Her eyes carried no power. They were hollow.

"Golgo――" Like the translation? Read it at infinitenoveltranslations.net to support the TL

"Uuaaaaaaaa――"

All of a sudden, Ciel started to scream. I planned to tell her that I had defeated Golgonshura and obtained her egg, but…Ciel covered her ears, apparently not wanting to hear anything about Golgonshura, while violently rocking her body back and forth.

Thereupon, countless cracks developed on Ciel's body. Purplish red butterflies spilled out of there while flapping their wings as if blood was gushing out.

"It looks like she has lost her power," commented Kisara.

『Yes, the flow of her mana has stagnated』

『Will it be possible to somehow fix it if I use the Golgonshura jewel?』

『I don't know, but maybe Your Excellency's White Flame Sage Hands might be able to do something about this』

As I talked telepathically with Helme, Eva and Rebecca ran over.

"…She's been like this all the time. She's cherishingly embracing the white gem at her chest, continuing to laugh and talk to it…it's pitiful…"

Rebecca's eyes became slightly red as she explained. I doubt it stems from her being a Lucival, though. It looks like she's crying.

"When Catiza sang, you could also hear her voice faintly as if she was imitating Catiza. It made this even more heartrending…"

Catiza was currently in a somewhat separate place, next to Rollodeen. I think she sang a song just like back when we were heading to the apple orchard.

When Catiza saw Rollo swiftly and continuously transforming back and forth between her panther and horse form, she formed a question mark with her silver hair, before getting all excited, yelling, "Wooow! I'll also transform into Purin!" and some such.

"…I see," I muttered quietly.

In response, as if linked to my murmur, Ciel placed both knees on the ground, before her waist flopped down just like that. Her head, which lost its shape, shook left and right…as the blood-like purplish red butterflies kept flying out of it.

She had turned her head in my direction, but I knew that she didn't see me. Several blood veins popped up in her remaining eye like worms. Particle-shaped butterflies spilled out of that eye like tears.

"Aaauuuaa…"

She groaned, but most likely, Ciel's heart…

It was very saddening to watch….I shared a relationship of having crossed swords with her. But, she had discarded her pride and even yielded her arms to me while lowering her head, all for the sake of obtaining the key to save her goddess.

She had even allowed a covenant to be carved into her own heart so as to show that she had no intention to oppose me.

But, then Jody and Ciel were treated like trash by their parent Golgonshura. Of course, I think Golgonshura might have had her reasons as a demigoddess…but looking at it from Jody and Ciel's perspective, it had to be too terrible and cruel.

Leaving aside the characters of the two Death Butterfly women, it's still a fact that they've maintained and protected this domain here over a long time for the sake of Golgonshura. And right after they managed to obtain hope in the shape of me, who was able to open the sealed door, they were plunged into hell…

I'm totally able to sympathize with their feelings of devastation and grief….

Naturally, tears started to trickle out of my eyes.

I wonder, is her heart going to heal if I allow Jody to revive? I don't know.

As if to bashfully hide my tears, I looked up to the weird, knife-shaped prison, and then shifted my eyes to Ciel.

Showing her the egg-shaped fossil of Golgonshura now in her current state of mind…would be too heartless, I think. I guess I'll do it after we get back to Quiche's village. It'd be best to talk it over with everyone…while watching her state back at my house.

Fortunately, we also got Eva who can understand minds and feelings like a therapist.

"Nn, Shuuya. Understand." Evan said after catching my gaze.

"Aye."

Currently Eva was sitting on the Wave Gourd which Divine Beast Rollodeen had affixed to her forehead with tentacles.

Rebecca, Kisara, Catiza and the others were eating sweets while sitting on the ground with their knees grasped. Though I didn't ask why they were using that particular sitting posture. The sweets were donut-shaped. Since I'd seen that shape beforehand, I thought of a certain possibility, but didn't point it out.

Eva focused on the female Spirit World Knight who had recovered her consciousness by now, and tried to kindly offer her one of those donut sweets, but the knight didn't feel like eating.

Blue flame shackles were cast around the knight's wrists. Rebecca had apparently created loops out of her flames.

"Kuuh…," the knight groaned, but it didn't seem to stem from pain due to the fire.

She had been gazing at the flames while obviously perplexed. Rebecca's skill in handling her blue flames has risen.

Meanwhile, Rollo's tentacles were superbly supporting the girls as they were sitting. I wonder whether the natural pad cushions feel comfortable? Or rather, it looks like Rollo is checking out Kisara's thicc butt and thighs. In Rebecca's case, it won't make much sense since she's got a fairly smooth body line, I suppose.

As I was indulging in such perverted thoughts, Helme addressed me while at the left side of my visual field, 『Rollo-sama, I'll help out as well』

『No, your strings are no good. They smell nice, but it's a dangerous aroma』

『Dangerous aroma?』

『I'm talking about the scent of your fingertip bulbs and the strings. Back when you tied the Spirit World Knight with your strings, she got paralyzed, right?』

『It will be alright. I have control over my <Lapis Lazuli Flower>. It is true that my strings also emit a fragrance at the same time, but I can adjust its strength, and when the target is tied up by them, the fragrance stimulates a pacification』

『Oh, really? I thought <Lapis Lazuli Flower> paralyzes its target automatically』

I closed the distance to Ciel with Magic Combat Step while having my telepathic conversation with Helme, and picked her up. While carrying her like a princess, I moved over to Rollodeen.

"Rollo, we're leaving."

"Nn, nyaa."

◇◇◇◇

Noon had already passed when we returned to Cydale. Rollodeen lowered the silver coffin after we landed, and I put the Wave Gourd back into my item box.

Taking Ciel, who acted obedient while sporting a blank expression, and the knight with us, we headed over to Quiche's office.

Rollodeen shrank down to her black panther form, before running up to the village's monument. I saw Alray and Hueremy coming over to greet her.

Once we entered the office, we immediately reported the recent events to Quiche and the others who had been in the middle of a meeting just then. I explained all the things that happened, following after our casual visit of the apple orchard: The battle against Golgonshura, the transferees minus the aircrafts which got transferred over as well, the chaotic battle royale and my battle against the Spirit World Knights, the fact of Goddess of Nightmares Valmina targeting me, the existence of Skeletal Mage Hazes who appears to be a retainer of Queen of Twilight Lebra, the sudden disappearance of the Time Baku without me being able to chat with him, and the fierce battle that unfolded between the forces of the Valmask family's <Head Servant> Hoffmann and the divine domain's forces. Lastly, I also told her about the illusion of what seemed to be a gigantic eyeball above the sky battleground, and the death of many transferees through a sneak attack by Queen Sardyne. ｂ𝚎ｄｎ𝚘ｖ𝚎𝚕．𝚘𝚛𝚐

I admitted that I felt a bit mortified, despite having saved Sana and Hina. Then I decided that I should also talk with her about the apple orchard.

"You can use the apples for trade with Hekatrail and the surrounding villages, in addition to selling them to Eva's restaurant."

"Ah, that's a matter for the future. Right now we've got too many other things on our plate. Although the members of Red Tiger Storm have joined our ranks, we still need a lot more combat forces. We must also consider building a road leading all the way to the village of Hino…"

Securing a transportation route is urgent, I suppose.

Then I introduced Sana and Hina.

"I'll guarantee them the necessities of life just like with the other villagers. But, I'd like them to work for us in exchange. It's okay for them to learn Common slowly, bit-by-bit, from now on. I'll help out as well, when I find some free time."

"Roger. It might be a good idea to build another house and have these two live there together with the orcs. The orcs also need to learn Common since their language skills are fairly basic. If they can also assist with the road building…well, there's also the matter with the ancient wolfmen."

Quiche nodded, "That's a great idea. I greeted them back when I helped out with Muu's training. At that time, they only bowed their heads, but they gave me the vibe of first-class adventurers and their manners were flawless too. I'd like to request them to patrol the village, once they learn our language a bit more."

I continued a friendly chat with everyone, including Quiche, while sitting on a sofa in a relaxed manner. Moga and Nemus acted just as always. Moga complained, "We're party members, right!? I wanted to fight with you as well, but since there's also the issue of protecting the village over here, I guess it couldn't be helped."

After talking to Moga for a bit, I also had a conversation with Sarah and the others of Red Tiger Storm. The party had completely new equipment.

"When we checked out the orcs' gear, we found it to be a treasure trove."

"Leader was groaning all the time, but in the end she also found a bracelet that seems to raise physical speed," Bellize explained.

She was currently wearing new shoulder protectors that were tinged with mana. Since they had some crests embedded in them, they might possess the powers of some orc god. Luciel was wearing a new front cloth and belt buckle, both teeming with mana, while Bucchi had a new mana-laden cloth coiled around the handle of his ax.

"Shuuya, let me repeat myself once more, but you did well to survive."

"Well, that's a matter of course, no?" I revealed a triumphant expression while twitching one eyebrow.

If Rollo had been sitting on my shoulder, she might have unleashed her cat punches against my shoulder.

"Hehe. So, about the 【Savage Skill Exploration Church】 that appeared in your recount: I've seen some other members of their group in Hekatrail's adventurer's guild."

"I see. Sounds like they're quite a big organization."

"Yep. Since they're a group desiring skills, they're known for adopting rather brute methods to get their hands on them."

"Indeed. I also heard about some of them being able to steal skills," Luciel supplemented.

"Okay, I see."

After continuing my private talk with Red Tiger Storm for a while like that, I was about to leave the office together with Rebecca and the others. Catiza remained behind in Quiche's office together with Red Tiger Storm, Higlia, and the other wolfmen.

Catiza was apparently needed by Quiche. I think Tsuan and Purin play a big role in that as well, though.

"Shuuya…"

"Crossing fists, right? I didn't forget. I'll show my gratitude for your assistance in protecting Cydale," I waved a hand with a smile after parting with Higlia.

Once we stepped out of the office, we were met with a barrage of questions by Professor Domidon and his assistant Mie-san. I gave them a brief explanation about Ciel, Golgonshura, and the silver coffin. I also talked about the battle against the demonic queen of trees and destruction, as well as the female Spirit World Knight.

I thought they might keep me occupied for a while, but Rollodeen came to my rescue. She was leading the Rollo Squad which had been playing with the children around the monument.

She coiled a tentacle around me when I came back, hoisting me up and down like on a trampoline. As might be expected, even the professor couldn't hear me when I was being whirled through the air.

As I was about to become a skyrocket…Rebecca launched her blue flames in the sky, and Kisara radially expanded the filaments from her witch spear.

Lured in by that, Rollo breathed her fire, just for Eva to pierce through the flame breath with her steel orbs.

At the end, Sergilon's Orbs, which had combined with Rebecca's blue flames, caused thunderous popping sounds.

It truly ended up becoming a skyrocket rally. The fireworks flew back and forth close to me, who was still in his trampoline state, and as I didn't want to be hit by those, I forced my way out of Rollo's tentacle.

I landed on the roof of Gramps Paru and Riedel's house. From there I looked in the direction of the hill where the golden soul path was leading into. I couldn't see my house from here, but the Iglued Tree on the training ground was visible.

Suddenly, Alray and Hueremy jumped up to the roof after separating from the children. Rollo was with them as black cat, too.

"Nn, nya～"

"Okay, let's go back home. It's gonna be a race."

I coiled a <Chain> around the coffin with Kizeleg, and while making the box float in the air, I started to run together with the Rollo Squad.

"Nya～

"Nyao～"

◇◇◇◇

The orcs were training in front of the Iglued Tree. Once Quema and Solobo spotted us outside the training ground, they drew close together with Muu. Quema genuflected while heralding her spear. Solobo sheathed his silver tachi on his back, and greeted me in the same pose as Quema. Trying to imitate their display of respect, Muu made her artificial leg rotate after shooting threads out of it, and then crouched down nimbly.

"Welcome back, Milord."

"Milord! I learned a few new words!"

"…gh."

"Yo, it's great if you can slowly learn the language. Thanks for looking after Muu."

"It also counts as training for us."

"Indeed, I think Muu is quite talented."

"Hoh."

"It is little-by-little, but she has been trying to incorporate Quema-sama's holding techniques."

Muu revealed a face beaming with pride.

I knelt down on one knee so as to match my line of sight with hers, "Muu, it sounds like you're doing your best."

"…" Muu nodded. While curiously staring at the silver coffin floating above my head.

After casting a smile at her, I checked her artificial limbs. But, there was nothing unusual about them. I stroked Muu's head and then got back up.

Separating from her, I went back to Eva, Rebecca, Sana, Hina, and the female knight who had been waiting outside the training ground. From there I guided everyone into my house while leaving the coffin outside, next to the house.

"Please come in. Feel yourself at home here," I told them and led everyone to the living room on the first floor.

"Puyu?"

Puyu was performing some ceremony while on top of a chair.

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Translation Notes: